Business Plan Help

Business Plan Competition for Female Entrepreneurs

Handbag.com in association with Barclays Business Banking are running their third annual Business Plan Awards. There’s a range of award categories including: Best Overall Start-Up Business Plan, Most Innovative New Business Idea and Under-25 Start-Up Business Plan. So, if you’re female and think your business plan could be an award-winner, enter the Business Plan Awards 2005 today. Closing date for entries is 29 July 2005.

Planning a Tourism Business in Scotland?

If you’re writing a business plan for a venture related to tourism in Scotland a visit to the Scot Exchange website is certainly worthwhile. The Business Planning area of the site is a rich source of tips and advice on writing a business plan, developing a marketing plan and raising funding for your business.

£40,000 Prize Money in Oxford University Business Plan Competition

The Oxford University Business Plan Competition is the largest technology-focused competition in the UK. The business plan submitted must be original or a significant improvement on an existing business and must make significant use of science, technology or design. If you think your business plan is an award-winner visit their website for the low-down on the rules.

Tips on Writing a Website Business Plan

If you’re writing a business plan for a ‘website business’ you should pay a visit to web-design-UK. You’ll find a range of tips that will help to make sure your website business plan is realistic. Specific tips include guidance on researching your keywords, estimating traffic, working out what your costs and income will be, search engine and directory submissions and marketing and promoting your site.

Two-Piece Article on Writing a Business Plan for a Catering Business

If the business plan you are producing is for a catering business check out the Caterer magazine website. There’s a detailed two-piece article on how to write a business plan for a business in this field. The first part deals with what you need to do for the written section of the business plan and the second part tackles the financials. You can also subscribe to Hotel & Caterer magazine on the site and save 25%.

Writing a Business Plan for a Social Enterprise

If you're producing a business plan for a Social Enterprise (social enterprises are generally defined as businesses that trade for a social purpose) visit socialfirms.co.uk where you'll find a range of information on the subject. You can download their guide – How to draw up a business plan for your Social Firm – for free on the site.

Business Planning for Manufacturers

If your business plan is for a manufacturing business the DTI's manufacturing advisory service website gives you some assistance on what to include in your business plan. You can also download a complete business plan guide (pdf) from the website.

Business Plan Tips for Creatives

The ArtsAdvice website offers business plan advice for anybody thinking of pursuing a career in the Creative Industries. There are some interesting case studies of various types of creatives and their careers and an ‘Ask an advisor’ service where you can obtain tailored advice by emailing in or calling ArtsAdvice on 0800 093 0444.

Are You Planning to Trade with South-East Asia?

Cambridge Consultancy Ltd – a company that sets out to manage international business between South-East Asian countries and the UK – has a 2-page downloadable pdf on its site. Preparing Your Business Plan gives practical advice on what you need to consider in your feasibility study and business plan when developing an international business.

Business Planning Advice for Science and Technology Ventures

If you’re planning a business with high-growth potential in science, technology or general commerce visit the Innovateur website which is a resource for innovators and entrepreneurs. Their guidance on writing a business plan is particularly pertinent if you’re operating in these sectors.

Farm Diversification Business Plan Assistance

The Marches Farm Enterprise Partnership site provides help with business plans for farmers who want to diversify their farm business and set up a new non-farm but’on-farm’ enterprise. You can access advice, assistance and support on business planning and download a suitable business plan along with a marketing, financial, environmental and implementation plan from their website.