Tag Archive | "Small Business"

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Business Financing: The Business Plan


What is the business plan and what value it possess for the potential investor?

The Business plan is a document, the program of actions of management, the scheme and analytical calculation of realization of business activities and actions of firm which contains data on firm, the goods, their production, marketing, market outlets and the organization of effective operations.

The enterprise Business plan is the basic management tool of firm which determines efficiency of activity of the enterprise in concrete area and a concrete segment of the market. Development of the business plan of the enterprise it is also effective planning of business that allows to manage the enterprise competently and effectively.

What for to write the business plan, the purposes of drawing up of the business plan:

To survive in the conditions of a rigid market competition, the enterprise should be as much as possible skillful and react to all changes which occur both in the market and in the enterprise quickly. It is possible only when such conditions are satisfied:

the investor and enterprise administration are capable to estimate correctly and adequately the present financial position of the enterprise, an actual place of firm in the market and are also capable to trace and analyze tendencies of changes of market situations and the real reasons of these changes;
firm management accurately realizes strategic and tactical targets and also tasks to which achievement the enterprise should move;

the management and firm management correctly use business planning for strategy development of enterprise, skillfully determine the strategic and current purposes of firm, strictly supervise accomplishment by all structural divisions of each step of the business plan for achievement of the priority purposes;

the investor, the management and enterprise management understand an essence of processes which occur in the market, in firm and in an external environment.

The enterprise Business plan is constituted both for external and for the internal purposes. More often, it is known to do like this in the world of business, firms begin business plan drawing up in two cases: for the investment attraction and when it is necessary to obtain the credit in bank.

The enterprise or investment project Business plan is constituted not only for the external purposes. The Business plan for the external purposes is a justification of requirement of firm in attraction of borrowed funds or investments, it is demonstration to all interested persons who have resources and possibilities, business potential, it is presentation of the project and attention directing from investors and bank to the investment project, their belief in sufficient efficiency of such project and also in an appropriate skill level of management of the enterprise.

Each investor wants to estimate advantage of the investment project and to estimate a ratio of investment risks and the received profit on the project. The most simple and acceptable method to estimate the investment project is to study and analyze the investment project business plan.

It is very reasonable that government, despite this recession is not leaving to help small businesses. And small business grants can be a real helper right now.

But, surely, you should understand that today the fight for small business grants as well as for other types of grants has become more fierce. This is logical – more businesses need them. So before you start your fight for the small business grants, please make sure to check out this blog for more helpful tips about grant industry.

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What Value Has The Business Plan For The Potential Investor?


The investment project Business plan is a card of the enterprise. The enterprise business plan gives to the investor irrefragable answers on the most important investor’s questions: whether there is a sense to put the means in the investment project, under what conditions this project will exist and if it will be as much as possible effective taking into account admissible level of risks which are specified by the developer of the investment project.

Now, to obtain the credit in bank from the enterprise is required competently constituted business plan of the enterprise or the investment project. This requirement is the mandatory condition for bank loan reception. In case the borrower can’t fulfill such requirement of bank, it already speaks about management low level at the enterprise and complete misunderstanding of situation.

Banks don’t like to risk, therefore the credit expert of bank will estimate the request for the credit from such borrower, as operation with very high level of risk. So, the bank will increase at once percent on the credit and such credit for the borrower becomes expensive and unprofitable. Among other things, considering risk of a non-return of the credit by such borrower, the bank necessarily request more powerful guarantees – will increase requirements on pledge from such borrower. In that case it means serious and liquid pledge which not always is available is required to the borrower.

For the enterprise the internal purposes of business planning which are more accurately visible after drawing up of the business plan of the enterprise and the periodic current analysis of the business plan are very important and its accomplishment becomes standard practice in firm.

The Business plan for the internal purposes is a planning of business of firm, carrying out of personnel training of the enterprise necessary for understanding managers of a situation in which there is an enterprise, level of a market competition and real position of firm in the market. For achievement of the put strategic targets of the enterprise the great value has understanding of the market, knowledge of goods and services of competitors, their strong and weak sides, methods and approaches of work of competitors, strategy of development of the main competitors, all the strong and weaknesses of the investment project, its efficiency in various situations.

The Business plan, as the short resume:

The mandatory requirement for qualitative preparation of the competent director, the manager of any link, the head or the owner of firm is the ability to constitute the enterprise business plan. If you can develop the enterprise some good business plan, adjust current business planning in firm, you can make the business more managed, profitable and effective and also can easily predict a situation and quickly make competent decisions.

The days when governments have been showering people with all types of grants have passed. At least for a while. But that does not mean that one should get rid of the idea of getting small business grants.

Everything is possible with wise approach; small business grants including.

Visit this blog for more helpful tips about grants, how to apply for grants, grant samples, traps and ticks of the grants. This info will help you to get small business grants or any other grants in a more convenient way.

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Small Business Financing: Risks Assessment At Business Plan Drawing Up


At development of the business plan it is necessary to give special attention to a risks assessment, connected with project implementation. It will be additional plus at dialogue with creditors or investors. Besides, it will help you to be more prepared in a crisis situation.

The thought over technique of struggle against consequences of brave situations will help to facilitate project implementation considerably.

The first stage at a risks assessment is determination of critical factors that is the factors capable theoretically to make negative impact on the project. They can be external and internal.

External factors concern: idle time because of suppliers of raw and materials, climatic cataclysms, demand pattern change in connection with any reasons, actions of competitors etc.

Internal factors concern: contractual delinquency from subcontractors, illness of key participants, hidden defect of technology etc.

At the risk assessment possible statistical way – carrying out the analysis of last indicators of other market makers in the given industry and it has similar parameters. The similar approach is simple enough; however, absolutely identical enterprises can’t happen.

More exact method is an expert evaluation. At the estimation not less than three experts is desirable. As those specialists in the given sphere of production, lawyers, specialists on credit questions, analysts can be involved. The choice of experts is necessary for proving in such a manner that it would be clear to the potential investor.

Experts determine probability of approach of each critical factor chosen by you, using five degrees of probability: 0, 25, 50, 75, 100. Accordingly, “0” is that the event won’t come, “100” is that event necessarily happens.

Further, by results of estimation all experts determine average risk probability. Each group of factors has a certain share of weight in summary project risk. Multiplying average probability on a weight indicator of the factor – we get a risk point. The sum of balls gives summary project risk.

The financial plan:

The basis of the business plan of firm is constituted by financial indicators together with the marketing plan. The financial plan allows judging how much given project or business is realizable.

Financial and economic positions of firm determine:

1) enterprise Assets;

2) the Basic production assets and capacities;

3) Quantity and cost of produced goods;

4) Number and geographical placing of production and sales departments and branches;

5) Degree of development of an infrastructure of the enterprise.

6) Security own raw-material base and energy sources, etc.

It is important to consider and analyze both demand, and the similar goods and services of this or that goods of the expected competitors.

Usual, starting production, the firm already has data on the future buyers with which are concluded the preliminary arrangement on sales and also on suppliers of completing items if it is necessary. Therefore the realization forecast constitute for three years forward, and it is desirable to conduct for the first year breakdown on months or quarters.

The times when governments have been flooding people with all sorts of grants have passed. At least for a while. But that does not mean that you must get rid of the idea of getting small business grants.

Everything is possible with nicely balanced attitude; small business grants including.

Read this blog for more practical tips about grants, how to apply for grants, grant examples, ups and downs of the grants. This info will help you to get small business grants or any other grants in a more convenient way.

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Small Business Financing: The Business Plan


Let us tall few words about the bines-plan

What for the business plan is necessary and what it represents as a whole? In the given article you learn answers to these questions.

Any serious economic or the contract design isn’t considered, doesn’t affirm and isn’t performed without economic case and the program of events for its realization. The Business plan can be considered as validity in economic and in exact carrying out of operation. As the business plan helps to implement ideas on the chosen lines of business. It is necessary to understand that in the business plan the formality, how many the intrinsic isn’t so important. Nobody can force to constitute the businessman and to confirm the business plan.

Another matter is that in the presence of the business plan he will find partners more likely and will convince them to take part in the transaction, will obtain the credit. Certainly, those people from whom the businessman expects support, assistance, and the credit mainly thing have the right to take an interest in your operations, how much it is counted and thought over. They can ask and even to insist, that to them have shown the card, the passport of the conceived business. And also the business plan can inquire and official, state structures, without the permission which consent the businessman can’t perform operation project.

It follows from this that the business plan is necessary for the businessman and its colleagues, as it specifies that its beginning business is reliable, deeply thought over and systematically organized. Calculated and deliberate plan is created by the businessman with good background, both for himself, and for all people and the organizations with whom he should work.

As the business plan is the document and the firm property suppose extraneous persons do not need to read it and it is necessary to limit a circle of people and at acquaintance with the plan.

There is no necessity to constitute business plan on certain template adhering to the set form of the document, in particular it concerns carrying out of operations of small scale. And for the large-scale project more detailed business plan is possible.

And still it is necessary at business plan drawing up, to adhere to following sections:

1. The firm description.

2. The product description, the goods, the service, being a subject in this operation.

3. The analysis of a planned market outlet of the goods and services.

4. Events in the field of promotion of the goods and services.

5. The organization and production management, reception of the necessary goods.

6. Business activity financial provision.

7. The further plans and final conclusions.

And also it is possible to include additional criteria for yourself: data on competitors and risk and insurance.

It is very important that government, despite this recession is not leaving to help small businesses. And small business grants can be a true helper today.

But, surely, you should remember that today the fight for small business grants as well as for other types of grants has become harsher. This is logical – more businesses need them. So before you start your fight for the small business grants, please check out this blog for more helpful tips about grant industry.

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What You Need To Know About Reducing Gas And Electricity Costs In Your Business


Saving money on electric and gas contracts in your business may involve many of the same practices you would use in your home and may come naturally. You can take additional measures to make your savings even more dramatic over time.

If you are just starting your business, you will have the ability to shop around for an energy efficient building to use. Look for things like solar power, good insulation, plenty of natural lighting, and newer efficient heating and cooling systems. Even if you already have an established location, you can still take measures to lower monthly utility bills.

Begin with the same practices you might use at home. Invest in a water heater jacket and insulate pipes from temperature extremes. These two easy steps can add up to big savings over time. Make sure to replace furnace filters frequently, and if you have an older furnace, think about installing a newer, energy star rated furnace for monthly savings. An older water heater can also cost much more to run than a newer one. Replacing outdated appliances with newer ones will usually pay for itself many times over.

Install compact fluorescent light bulbs that use up to 75% less energy than standard bulbs, and use natural lighting as much as you can. When a room is not in use, turn off the lights. It is also a good practice to turn off or unplug machines that are not used much; even standby mode wastes energy. Turn off computers at the end of the day.

If you can, use your computer to receive faxes so that every page of fax your business receives is not automatically printed. Most business get numerous faxes throughout the day that are “junk,” and you will save money when they don’t print.

Finally, get a utility audit or use software that analyzes utility usage. This information can be used to discover where most of your energy is being used, and may even suggest ways to make changes to save your business money. Many programs can show you what kind of effect your energy saving efforts are making and how to be even more efficient with your changes. Utility Tracking software programs may be purchased and some are offered as freeware online.

With a combined effort and implementation of energy saving practices, you will see a noticeable difference in your electricity and gas usage.

Now Try – Commercial Gas

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Business Financing: The Analysis Of Monetary Flows And Financial Indicators Of The Business Plan For The Potential Investor. (part 2)


What is “a pure monetary flow”?

The pure monetary flow is one of the basic indicators applied to an estimation of financial condition. It characterizes a difference between positive and negative monetary flows (receipt and an expenditure of money funds) and allows specifying in many respects financial balance and rates of increase of market value of the enterprise.

The pure monetary flow settles payments for a certain interval of time (accounting period).

Enterprise financial services are recommended to count a pure monetary flow not only at drawing up of business plans or in other obligatory cases, but also after each accounting period. It will allow supervising constantly situation and in due timing in appropriate way to react to those or other changes.

Project performance indicators:

One of the basic performance indicators of any project is the pure discounted income (Net Present Value, in abbreviated form NPV); this indicator sometimes is also called as net present value or the pure resulted income. It represents the saved up discounted effect in an accounting period. For calculation of the given indicator different techniques can be used.

One more important performance indicator of the project is the internal return rate (internal rate of return, in abbreviated form — IRR). This indicator can be called also as internal rate of discount or internal rate of profitability. It is such rate of discounting at which the pure discounted income is equal to 0.

At a project performance evaluation of such indicator, as a time of recovery of outlay of investments (payback period, in abbreviated form — PBP) is used also. This indicator represents the minimum period outside of which the sum of the saved up discounted incomes exceeds the size of initial investments. In this case the pure discounted income accepts positive value and further remains positive.

Speaking about project performance indicators, it is necessary to mention such indicator, as debt coverage ratio (debt service coverage, in abbreviated form — DSC).

It settles payments for each period of planning under the following formula:

The listed indicators are reasonable for analyzing not only at original conditions, but also to predict their dynamics at those or other deviations from rate, in particular — to estimate with their help possible risks.

Important rules of business planning

1. Create the review of tasks. Before to start attachment of tasks by concrete time try to see all picture entirely: tasks, terms and interrelations between separate tasks — further it will allow to plan more correctly them on time and under the relation to each other.

2. Place priorities. Having constituted the list of all tasks place them in decreasing order of the importance from the point of view of an object in view and include them in the plan taking into account this position — then even if you won’t have time to make everything then the most important execute.

3. Be guided by principles of flexible planning, remembering that the plan is not dogma and it can be changed depending on circumstances. Therefore it is important to hold such plan before eyes always to have possibility to carry out that task for which the opportunity was presented.

The days when governments have been flooding people with all sorts of grants have passed. At least for a while. But that does not mean that one must get rid of the idea of getting small business grants.

Everything is possible with wise approach; small business grants including.

Go to this blog for more helpful tips about grants, how to apply for grants, grant examples, ups and downs of the grants. This information will help you to get small business grants or any other grants in a more convenient way.

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Business Financing: The Analysis Of Monetary Flows And Financial Indicators Of The Business Plan For The Potential Investor. (part 1)


Business financing: The analysis of monetary flows and financial indicators of the business plan for the potential investor. (part 1)

At the analysis of investment projects it is necessary to imagine well, what monetary flows go at the enterprise, their structure and what exactly they show. Those monetary flows of the enterprise represent also what financial indicators they are characterized, it is in detail and clearly told in the given article.

Kinds of cash flows:

All monetary flows of the modern enterprises are considered in a cut of three types of activity: enterprise main activity (it can be called also as operational or productive activity), investment activity and financial activity.

Cash flows of the enterprise for main activity represent receipts and uses of money funds providing accomplishment of functions of the enterprise according to a primary activity (production, trade, services, etc.). As enterprise main activity is the main source of profit, that, by itself, it should be also the key source of receipt of money funds. The main receipt of money funds on the enterprise is monetary sales proceeds commodity-material assets (works, services). If receipt of money funds as sales proceeds isn’t prevailing in a monetary flow, that, probably, it is necessary to consider what type of activity is at the core of the enterprise.

Among other monetary inflows it is possible allocate the following: debt receivable repayment in the monetary form, a receipt commodity-material assets, received on the barter, received from buyers and customers advances, etc.

The mainstream of an expenditure of money funds of any enterprise for a primary activity is a payment to suppliers and contractors for acquired at them commodity-material assets (works, services). It is no wonder: after all without raw and materials, and sometimes without purchased semi finished products realization of process of production basically impossible. The same concerns trade: that something to sell it is necessary to purchase it first.

The enterprises performing works and rendering services, acquire at suppliers equipment, expendable materials, the tool, etc. Among other account monetary flows on a primary activity it is possible to allocate the following: a payroll payment to workers of the enterprise, payments in the budget and off-budget funds, deductions on social sphere, payment of percent for using proceeds of credit, etc.

As to monetary flows on investment activity of the enterprise they represent receipt and an expenditure of the money funds connected with acquisition or sale of long-term assets of the enterprise and also with incomes from made before investments. It is necessary to notice that, as at a successful current of business the enterprise aspires to expansion and modernization of capacities, conducting investment activity that can result (and, as a rule, results) in time cash outflow of the enterprise.

It is very important that government, despite this recession is not leaving to assist small businesses. And small business grants can be a real helper today.

But, of course, you should understand that today the fight for small business grants as well as for other types of grants is more fierce. This is logical – more businesses need them. So before you start your fight for the small business grants, please make sure to visit this blog for more info about grant industry.

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How To Make A Successful Business Plan For The Investor?


The Business plan is a bible of the growing company. It would serve to show the companies value of workers, advisers, partners, clients and investors. Business plans are means with the help of which the company can be knocked on doors of investors.

The Business plan includes detailed crucial elements demanded for the majority investors:

1. The resume

2. The company analysis

3. Market research

4. The analysis of clients

5. The analysis of competitors

6. A marketing plan

7. The operational plan

8. Management

9. The financial plan

10. Appendices

Such business plan distinguishes the company from thousand other companies and shows to investors that the company soberly sees the matter and is ready to the further development. So let consider some points of the business plan.

The resume

The majority of investors simply loaded by business plans also do no more than the fluent review. Therefore it is the extremely important, that the first page – the Resume stimulated and motivated the investor to read the entire business plan.

The first page of the Resume should include the following:

* the Short description of business

* the Size of the market and market requirement for business

* In what uniqueness of the company and uniqueness of its service for the given segment of the market

The short description of business

Whether trust or not, after perusal of the first page of the majority of business plans, investors frequently don’t understand business in which the Company works! It is especially actual when the company participates in difficult, technological business. Much for you seems obvious, but not for the investor. It is important to remember that investors won’t invest in that they don’t understand. In the resume you should simplify determinations and give simple and clear understanding of business. Other business plan should contain a business complete description.

The size of the market and market requirement for business

It is very important to show to investors that the company is in the big and growing market and that there are accurate and convincing requirements for a product or service. It is important to give the data about the market and market requirement from authentic (including for the investor) sources.

In what uniqueness of the company and uniqueness of its service for the given segment of the market

When the investor understands business and agrees that there is a necessity for the market in the company and in its products and services, last step says that the company has “competitive advantage” in the market. Examples of advantages it is possible to include the management team, the patented technology, the unique software (developed for the company), long-term contracts with big clients, and also other successes at present.

Investors have various opinions concerning optimum length of the Resume. Some prefer the resume in volume in one page, and others consider that three – four pages of the resume are more reasonable.

Inclusion of these major elements satisfies requirements of almost all investors. After perusal of these pages, investors can finish reading of the resume or continue business plan reading.

It is very crucial that government, despite this crisis is not leaving to assist small businesses. And small business grants can be a true helper today.

But, surely, you should understand that today the fight for small business grants as well as for other kinds of grants has become harsher. This is logical – more businesses need them. So before you start your battle for the small business grants, please make sure to check out this blog for more info about grant industry.

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The Financial Plan Of The Business For The Potential Investors!


The financial plan of the business for the potential investors!

The financial plan explains how the concept is financially favorable to the investor. It is that section for which investors frequently spend most of all studying time.

Detailed plan of receipts:

The financial plan should present model of incomes of the company, including each site in which the company receives incomes. These flows of incomes can include, among the other:

* Sale of the goods / services

* Incomes of advertizing

* Sale of licenses / a royalty / sales charges

It is necessary to note relative importance and timeliness of each income; it will help investors to estimate the company better. For example, the investor can not trust that the company immediately will receive considerable incomes of sale of any assets, and it will be a problem. However, if the given sales constitute 2 % from total amount of the income the investor can also not give it value.

Financial statements:

The financial plan should show in detail history (if it is applicable) and predicted. Into the financial plan enters: the report on profit, the balance sheet, the cash flow statement. It is very important that the figures used in these reports followed from the analysis of each section of the business plan.

The resume of financial forecasts should be presented in a text part of the plan while complete forecasts (tables, calculations) should be in the Appendix. For the existing companies, in the financial plan it is necessary to note any essential deviations (for example, margin increase) between last and predicted result.

Check of the assumption and forecasts:

The financial plan should describe in detail the basic assumptions such, as change of the rates, acting privileges, taxes etc.

All Companies are unique; everyone has similarity to other companies. Reports and financial forecasts on the basis of these similar companies can confirm realism and a financial forecast maturity substantially.

Sources and funds:

The financial plan should describe in detail sources and uses of means. In financing sources first of all to include external investments and an operating income. Use of funds can include expenses with sale, personnel, developments of technologies, office accommodations etc.

Exit strategy:

All investors wish to see an accurate picture of an exit from the company, terms and methods thanks to which they can receive “cash” of investments and profit. The fine method is the description of the comparable companies which were successfully sold, or through acquisition, by merge etc.

Appendices:

The appendix is used for confirmation of the basic part of the business plan. Each business plan should have a complete kit of financial forecasts in the Appendix, with short conclusions of this reporting in the Resume and the Financial plan.

The days when governments have been showering people with all types of grants have passed. At least for a while. But that does not mean that one must get rid of the idea of getting small business grants.

Everything is doable with nicely balanced attitude; small business grants including.

Go to this blog for more practical tips about grants, how to apply for grants, grant samples, ups and downs of the grants. This information will help you to get small business grants or any other grants in a more convenient way.

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The Definition And Phases Of The Investment Project


Let’s consider the approximate contents of phases of life cycle of the investment project.

The first phase is before investment, previous the basic volume of investments cannot be advanced precisely enough. In this phase the project possibilities are developed, studied, preliminary technological researches are carried out, negotiations with potential investors and other participants of the project are carried on, suppliers of raw materials and the equipment get out. If the capital investment project provides attraction of credit in the given phase the agreement on its reception is entered into; legal registration of a capital investment project is carried out: preparation of documents, registration of contracts and enterprise registration.

The expenses connected with realization of the first stage, in case of positive result and transition to project realization capitalize and also it is a part of preindustrial expenses and then through the amortisation mechanism concern on product cost.

The second phase is investment when there is an investment or project realization. In the given phase the concrete actions requiring much bigger expenses and having irreversible character are undertaken, namely: the documentation is developed design-estimates; the equipment is ordered; industrial platforms are prepared; the equipment is delivered and its installation and balancing and commissioning is carried out; personnel training is conducted; publicity is led.

On this phase constant assets of the enterprise are formed. Some expenses, them still name accompanying (for example, costs for personnel training, realization of advertising campaigns, start-up and adjusting) can be partially carried on self-cost production (as costs of the future periods) and are partially capitalized (as preindustrial expenses).

The third phase is operational (or industrial). It begins with the moment of commissioning of the capital equipment (in case of industrial investments) or property acquisition or other kinds of assets. In this phase start-up in enterprise action is carried out, production or rendering of services begins, the bank credit in case of its use comes back. This phase is characterized by corresponding receipts and current costs.

Duration of an operational phase exercises a significant influence on a project general characteristic. The further time is its top border and is carried the more cumulative size of the income.

Essential to advance that moment on reaching which receipts already directly cannot be connected with initial investments (a so-called investment limit). At installation, for example, the new equipment term complete moral and physical depreciation will be such limit.

The general criterion of life expectancy of the project or the period of use of investments calls importance, from the point of view of the investor the money incomes received as a result of these investments. So, at realization of a bank expert examination about credit injection term of a life of the project will coincide with an indebtedness maturity and the further destiny of investments bank does not interest. Established terms approximately correspond to the payback periods which have developed in a given sector of economic activity or a reflexivity of long-term investments. However in the conditions of the increased investment risk average duration of projects accepted to realization will be more low than in stable economy.

It is very crucial that government, despite this recession is not leaving to help small businesses. And small business grants can be a true helper today.

But, surely, you should remember that today the fight for small business grants as well as for other types of grants is more fierce. This is logical – more businesses need them. So before you start your fight for the small business grants, please visit this blog for more
details about grant industry.

Posted in Small BusinessComments (0)

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