chapter 4
chapter 4
Start-up stage
The period during which entrepreneurs plan the venture and do the
preliminary work of obtaining resources and getting organized prior to
start-up.
Business concept defined ;
Product-market study ;
Pre-start-up implementation ;
Getting ready to start: The entrepreneur must find resources, purchase
beginning inventory, hire those needed at start-up, and obtain necessary
licenses, permits, leases, facilities, and equipment.
Pre-start-up implementation
For Example : ( Olympic sprinter preparing for race)
the sprinter, like the entrepreneur , plans ,trains, develop strategies, and
get physically and mentally prepared for run. Like the sprinter , an
entrepreneur must commit to action and do certain things before the
event.
Start-up stage
The initial period of business when the entrepreneur must position the
venture in a market and make necessary adjustments to assure survival
Start-up Operating Objectives
Sales;
• To attain monthly sales volume as projected at prices projected in
feasibility plan.
Revenue;
• To achieve cash flow within budget based on sale volume and price
projections.
Growth;
• To realize incremental growth within seasonal pattern of forecasts.
Position;
• To solidity a long-term position in appropriate markets as a result of
adaptation during start-up.
Early growth stage
A period of often rapid development and growth when the venture may undergo major
changes in markets. finances, and resource utilizations.
Early Growth Stage Continuum
Very slow;
Sales increase slowly because of the nature of the product or the limited market
Perceived comfort zone;
Incremental growth is within a comfort zone of the venture's resources and owner's
profit objectives
Very rapid;
Sales increase rapidly as new products gain wide acceptance in new markets
Later growth stage
The evolution of a venture into a large company with active competitors in
an established industry when professional management may be more
important than entrepreneurial verve.
Example
A few ventures become large without losing control or going public .
One of the most interesting companies is Mrs. fields cookies , a company
started in 1978 by Debbi Fields at the age of 22 , and now jointly operated
by Debbi and randy fields . Their business has more than 500 stores
spanning five countries and grosses $100 million annually . The business is
not franchised ; all stores are owned by the company , which is managed
by the staff of about 120 people .
Fundamentals of a feasibility plan
1. Executive Summary
The opening section, called the executive summary, is a synopsis of the
proposed enterprise. It is the "tickler that either captures an investor's
interest or kills all incentive to read further. Usually no longer than three
pages, it addresses five subjects noted in
Six Key Elements in the Executive Summary
Venture defined
Describe the purpose and nature of the business
Product or service
Describe the product or service to be sold
Market characteristics
Describe market size and location, and customers
Entrepreneurial team
Describe the founders, key people, and their roles
Financial summary
Describe estimates of revenue and expenses, founder's egory, debt, and capital
needed.
2. Business Description
Following the executive summary, the plan details each major topic, starting
with a comprehensive business description. This section expands on the
executive summary, offering deeper insights into the company’s origins, such as
its evolution from prior ventures or an individual’s long-term development of an
innovative product. For example, it goes beyond stating the business’s name and
founding purpose to outline key milestones that led to its establishment.
3. Products and Services
This section clarifies the product or service concept. While some plans
prioritize market analysis, the product/service must be clearly defined
first, particularly for complex offerings. Simpler concepts (e.g., a specialty
clothing store) may warrant a brief overview early in the plan. Regardless
of structure, ensure the description is thorough in both the executive
summary and business sections before addressing marketing strategies.
4. Market Research and Analysis
The objective of market research and analysis is to establish that a
market exists for the proposed venture. This may be the most difficult
part of the plan, but it also may be the most important. Entrepreneurs
must provide a credible summary of potential customers, markets,
competitors, and assumptions about pricing, promotion, and distribution.
Market Research and Analysis Activities
• Identify potential customers
Demographic profile of customers
Characteristics of customers, age, sex, income, etc.
Buying habits and relevant information for new venture
• Evaluate markets
Future markets and trends or changes
Window of business opportunity
Niche position information
• Analyze competitors
Existing competitors with similar products or services
Future competitors and ease of entry
Industry structure
• Describe assumptions
Market niche for positioning firm
Pricing approach used in plan
Distribution or method of making a market
5. The Market Plan
The market plan describes an entrepreneur's intended strategy. It builds on
market research and distinct characteristics of the business to explain how
the venture will succeed. Some issues addressed in the research section may
be reserved for the market plan, such as describing a market niche. This
section usually focuses on specific marketing activities. It describes pricing
policies, quality image, warranty policies, promotional programs,
distribution channels, and other issues such as service-after-sale and
marketing responsibility.
Elements of the Marketing Plan
Product or service
Quality and reliability, and how the product or service will be positioned in
growth markets.
Pricing system
Pricing methods discounts quantities and bulkprices, methods to set prices.
Promotional mix
Strategy of combining appropriate uses of public relations, advertising,
displays, events, demonstrations, personal sales.
Distribution Channels
Use of martial channels including retail, wholesale ,telemarketing,
personal sales representatives, or other approaches.
Services and warranties
description of service after sale policies, repair services, guarantees and
product warranties
Marketing leadership
define leadership roles , persons responsible for marketing and sales .
6. Manufacturing or Operations Plan
Depending on the nature of the business or operations plan may not be
required. Many small businesses that offer personal services will have little
to say about operations and nothing to say about manufacturing. For
vestures that manufacture, design, or sell products.
Elements
Facilities
Inventory
Human resources
Operations
Other issues
7. Leadership – The Entrepreneurial Team
8. Financial Documentation
Financial projections (pro formats) must align with earlier operational and
market assumptions. Inaccurate data complicates this process. Essential
documents include:
Income statement: Revenue, costs, and net income.
Entrepreneurs hold ultimate responsibility for business planning, as they possess the
deepest knowledge and vision for their venture. While external support—such as
consulting firms (e.g., Ernst & Young), university entrepreneurship centers, or agencies
like the Small Business Administration—can aid in planning, outsiders cannot replicate
the founder’s motivation or strategic clarity.
Despite its value, many entrepreneurs avoid drafting a plan. Yet a well-crafted plan is
critical: it attracts investors, serves as a roadmap for success, and acts as a powerful
marketing tool to announce the venture’s launch. It also provides a structured
framework for decisions, goals, and key actions.
While entrepreneurs must lead the planning process, collaboration strengthens the final
product. Plans should remain adaptable, evolving as a practical, logical blueprint rather
than a rigid document. Flexibility ensures relevance as the venture grows and
circumstances shift.