Become an entrepreneur. Take a practical approach to business and plan your way forward.
A practical approach to starting a business is to plan your way forward. Developing ‘a map’ in the form of a business plan can be a good place to start. A business plan ensures that you think seriously about your entrepreneurial idea and outline each step of the process.It encourages you to set business goals and objectives and helps you anticipate the many challenges and opportunities involved in becoming a successful entrepreneur.
What is a business plan?
A business plan is a written document that literally outlines your plan for your business. It is the formal statement of your basic business concept. It outlines the goals of your business and the ways in which your business will achieve those goals. It defines your business focus and objectives.
Why do I need to write a business plan?
Writing a business plan is a useful tool as it encourages you to think about what your business needs. It ensures that your business is built on a solid foundation by helping you gain a better understanding of how your business will operate; the necessary requirements needed to make it succeed and the problem areas that need to be addressed. A business plan encourages you to look at the important issues involved in running a business and to evaluate your progress.
How will a business plan help my business succeed?
A business plan can help your business succeed because you can show your business idea and structures to a financial organization. This makes it a useful marketing tool because it will help investors evaluate at a glance, the financial viability of your business. A business plan can also be shown as a business summary to friends and colleagues who can offer you advice. A business plan gets everyone on the same page.
How do I write a business plan?
For a simple business idea, a business plan does not need to be very long; 3- 5 pages is sufficient. It is best to keep it simple, relevant and clear.
A business plan requires:
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A cover page
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A contents page
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An executive summary
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A company profile
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A business overview
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A market and financial assessment
If I already have a company do I need a business plan?
Whether or not you have already started a business, a business plan is a constructive means to define and focus your objectives for the future. A business plan is not set in stone. It is a working document which changes to suit the business as it develops.
Lucky
March 26, 2010
this is helping me
Youkam Rosine
March 27, 2010
Hi! I have a problem. Presently, my father has a farm of palm trees and we are producing oil at least 280litres to 300 litres at times. I have a first degree in Economics at the University of Buea and now i am at the Master level in Douala University Cameroon. I want to make this family business international, what do i need as a beginner in the field?
Thanks for your concern in advance
Africa Report
March 27, 2010
Dear Youkam,
We recommend that you contact Institutions such as GroFin, PUM, EVD, PSI, Bid Network and the US Aid programs, as featured on our Africa Report TV series, as these are good places to start investigating your business options. PUM and the US Aid programs may be of particular use to you, in terms of assisting you with additional funding and agricultural business advice. When contacting PUM be sure to include as much detail as possible in the areas you require assistance as this aids PUM in determining what you require. Please be sure to use ‘Africa Report TV Series’ as a reference with these institutions for prompt response. These are the links to their websites.
https://www.pum.nl/
http://www.grofin.com/home.asp?pid=115
http://www.evd.nl/psi
http://www.psi.org/
http://www.bidnetwork.org/
http://www.usaid.gov/
Best of luck with your business ventures.
tony
March 27, 2010
please how do a write a business plan and what should be contained in
* A cover page
* A contents page
* An executive summary
* A company profile
* A business overview
* A market and financial assessment
how do i go about filling all this page?
thank you and God bless you as i wait to hear from you.
Africa Report
March 29, 2010
Dear Tony,
Please see our latest article ‘Write a Business Plan’ under the ‘How To’ section/tab. This should include a summary of all you require for writing a business plan. For more information and tips on business basics please be sure to keep checking the ‘Business Basics’ and ‘How to’ sections/tabs on the main menu. We will be regularly updating articles in the future.
Good luck with your business ventures.
Stay tuned to Africa Report.
Ndzi Roland M.
April 1, 2010
My advice to business planners. It is very important to have a business plan for this act as a route map for you. And it is much more important if your plan is being implemented. Planning will be of no use if it remains on papers. thanks
patrick banda
April 15, 2010
am a Zambian citizen who is looking forward to do any course in entrepreneurship skills. And getting some business ideas from you. Thanks in advance to consider my mail.
Rui Silva
April 20, 2010
Dear all,
I’m Rui da Silva from Mozambique, and i’m looking foward for any kind of help , suggestions and information about how to start my own agriculture busines as a maize flour producer which I believe it will contribute for the development of Mozambique.
i also need to know who will be the best partner in this kind of project which will be interested to joint me to develop this business
Thanking you all in advance,
Kind regards,
Rui Silva
00258 823179740
ruidasilva@ovi.com
Maputo
Mozambique
Africa Report Team
April 20, 2010
Hi Rui
List your finance or advice on the Marketplace, our online space which connects entrepreneurs with investors. To list on the marketplace Signup here and fill in your information.
Francisco
April 20, 2010
Dear All
I am young and highly motivated and I would like to start my own business in my home town of Maputo,Mozambique. I have done all the necessary research and have drawn up a very good Business Plan. I am certain that my business would contribute to the development of Mozambique as it will educate,empower and uplift my community starting with training the students of my community so that they to can one day start their own companies. My only problem is that I do not have the necessary capital requirements to start my business. I would really appreciate all the help i can get. God bless.
Thank You In Advance
Francisco
00258822816898
isco14@hotmail.com
Maputo
Mozambique
Africa Report Team
April 20, 2010
Hi Francisco
To help you get started with your business in Mozambique list your finance request on the Marketplace, our online space which connects entrepreneurs with investors. To list on the marketplace Signup here and fill in your information.
Mr Olusegun. O. Kehinde
April 29, 2010
I am a Nigerian who has been working as a Senior Baording House Master and as a School Administrator since 2003. However, I AM NOW PLANNING TO start an Evening College for Junior Secondary School 1 to 3 students in my neighbourhood.
Although, I have no savinga for this project, I am determined to start and make a sucess of it. I NEED HELP.
Thank you.
mbutamatima
May 4, 2010
Thank you very much for helping our entrepreneurs to set up businessess.
Kolawole stephen
May 4, 2010
l really appreciate this information on biz plan.l discoverd this at the right time when l’m presently writing one so, l can raise finacial support from friends and family.Pls,keep up the good work.l don’t know if you can get me information on bakery and bread making. Thanks.
Adejola Yusuf
May 5, 2010
I am a graduate of animal nutrition from one of the best Universities in Nigeria.i want to establish a poultry farm and i haven’t got enough experiences.Also,i want u to explain to me some business plans strategies.tanx
Africa Report Team
May 5, 2010
Dear Adejola
With regards to your interest in poultry farming, it may be advisable to get in contact with any agricultural organisations or institutions in Nigeria. The Nigerian government agricultural websites may also be helpful. Alternately, doing your own research is always useful. We suggest you speak to as many people as you can in the industry to get an indication of how it works. Research on the internet is also always useful.
For more information on business strategies, please be sure to keep checking our website. We are currently in the process of updating our website and there are sure to be more business articles soon.
Olumart Ventures
May 18, 2010
I’m into sales of communication (recharge cards) in bulk/wholesale but suddenly I discovered that gradually stock purchased has reduced drastically to none and I can’t fathom what went wrong. What can i do?
takangbessem capil eyong
May 26, 2010
am currently my problem is the finance to start.
victoria ironbar
May 27, 2010
thanks to all the business men and women in africa trying to make a difference in their worlds. keep it up!
P Maseko
May 31, 2010
I need to recapitalise my agro based or food related company that has a potetial of getting into the Zimbabwe stock market within three years of operation if I get the required capital injections. Do you know of any reputable organisation that sponsors smes in southern Africa? Please help me with the contact details so that I can apply for a loan.
reginald muchunga
June 4, 2010
hi it’s quite a good program u are having. keep up the good work.im also interested in starting my own small scale mining project but the main constrain is capital can i get any assistance from u.im in zimbabwe.looking forward to your personal help.
Francis K Aubynn
June 5, 2010
Please i am a beginner and i need money to start the business ( Production). I have done the market research, business plan and other necessary information’s gather . Am finding it difficult to get funding. Can your outfit assist me.
Thank you.
kiiza
June 7, 2010
Iam looking for someone who can sponsor my project plan i have,its arleady designed ready for submition,but some of other important stages that are supposed to be incluided are not there,because it has not started.
So if, is there any generous organisation that can support my Busines idea is higly welcome.
Contact:kiiza_uganda@yahoo.com.
Its now at Zero Stage in its operation.However market research have been taken so far,pilot study has been completed especialy inareas of busines.
Iwill be grateful….
Thanking you in advance.
Regards
Kiiza.
Demetrius
July 3, 2010
Hi am writting bisiness plan for Secondary school of vulnarable girls in Tanzanaia so that the school can be selfsefficient in 5 years to come. the school is planning to establesh some business. What step should i take or where can i get some technical assistant.
Africa Report Team
July 3, 2010
To all interested in starting businesses,
We recommend contacting institutions such as GroFin, PUM, EVD, PSI, Bid Network and the US Aid programs, as featured on our Africa Report TV series, as these are good places to start investigating business options. These are the links to their websites.
PUM: https://www.pum.nl/
GroFin: http://www.grofin.com/home.asp?pid=115
EVD: http://www.evd.nl/psi
PSI: http://www.psi.org/
Bid Network: http://www.bidnetwork.org/
US Aid : http://www.usaid.gov/
Best of luck with your business ventures.
Ndzi Roland Mengong (Kumbo, Cameroon)
July 19, 2010
It will be important if these points are included in your business plan:
- Plan should include the goal, objectives of the business so that there will be no conflicting of objectives.
- Aids and barriers: That is those things (opportunities) tnat will help the organisation achieve it objectives. and barriers, those things (threats) that will hinder the progress or properity of the business. in short, determining those things that will help and or disturb progress have the business.
- Action Plan: that is comming out with activities that will act as opportunities such as advert, sales promotion, after sales services etc and equally comming up comberting strategies to break the barriers that lies on the way hinder the prosperity of your business.
MUZI MKHONTA
July 27, 2010
thank you for the website. i work in a bank in swaziland, however i have just started a project on the production of vegetable seedlings to sell to farmers.
Please help me with funds to invest in marketing as the farmers don’t trust the quality of the produce because the business is new. How can i make them trust my seedlings. Please help before the produce gets old in the nursery.
Thank you in advance for your response
ROBERT
September 13, 2010
Iam a motivated person from Uganda, trying to enter and build a strong transport fleet, to haul merchandise to neighbouring countries. This business is moving but it needs patience as we consider indications from our friends that are already in it. I joined hands with my friend and we started a logistics company that needs funding. We have a good business plan and we would like to know whether we can secure funding from GROFIN UGANDA. We need your advice before we pursue the matter.
Waiting for your response,
Robert
Africa Report
September 14, 2010
Hi Robert
For your loan query, it is best to contact Uganda GroFin directly;
GroFin Uganda
1st Floor, Global house
Plot 38B Winsor Crescent
Klololo
Kampala
Uganda
Tel: +256 41 423 7482/3/4
Fax: + 256 41 423 7481
Best of luck with your business venture.
NGWE RELINDIS
September 29, 2010
Hi, I am a Cameroonian. I am living in Maroua, here we do not have good fish because the way they transport it, is bad. So I am having a plan to open a good cold store there so that many people can eat good fish, but I do not have the money to put this in action please, if you can help me. Thank you in advance.
forfor velielie
December 17, 2010
dear editor, i need financial assistance to expand this tiny retail undertaking of mine which involves the sales of european annd african clothes,shoes,jewelry and bags. also, i envisage to go international especially europe with the african part of this buusiness.but i do not know what to do n who can offer aid.
Africa Report Team
March 4, 2011
Hi Kelvin,
You can look for resources in our Directory and by placing a Marketplace advert on our website. You need to contact any resources directly, with a business plan and find out what their requirements are.
Here are instructions on How to make a Marketplace listing.
Africa Report Team
Africa Report Team
March 8, 2011
Hi Antony,
Africa Report is an NGO and does not give out financial assistance. In order to find assistance from anyone you will need to go about it very professionally, preparing a business plan and approaching micro-financiers and banks, along with private investors. This involves a lot of preparation and research, which I suggest you start doing. Research the following:
How to prepare for a business loan
How to apply for a business loan
Once you have prepared and done sufficient research, then you can research financiers. If you manage to follow through on all the preparations then you can think of approaching financiers with your idea.
No-one is going to invest in an idea only, you need to meet people, build up relationships and have everything formalised and in writing. It is a difficult process, but running a business is even more difficult therefore this is the foundation that you will be setting.
Good luck!
Africa Report Team