Business Planning Resources
Questions to Ask Yourself:
Market & Customers
• What problem am I solving, and is there still strong demand for it today?
• Who is my ideal customer, and how have their buying habits changed in the last few years?
• What makes my business different from competitors?
• How will I attract customers online as well as through traditional channels?
• What customer trends could impact my business over the next three to five years?
Financial Readiness
• Do I have enough working capital to manage unexpected expenses or slower sales?
• How sensitive is my business to rising interest rates, inflation, or supply costs?
• What are my monthly break-even sales requirements?
• Have I prepared realistic cash flow projections under both optimistic and conservative scenarios?
• Could my business remain viable if revenue dropped by 20% for several months?
Technology & Operations
- Am I using technology effectively to improve efficiency and customer service?
• What processes could be automated to save time and reduce costs?
• How will I protect customer data and business information?
• Do I have backup systems in place for technology failures or cyber incidents?
Workforce & Skills
• Can I recruit and retain the employees or contractors I need?
• What key skills will my business require in the next five years?
• If I were unable to work temporarily, could the business continue operating?
• Do I have a plan to train and develop my team?
Risk & Resilience
• What are the biggest risks facing my business today?
• How dependent am I on a small number of customers, suppliers, or partners?
• Do I have contingency plans for supply chain disruptions or economic downturns?
• What would I do if a key customer represented 25% of my revenue and suddenly left?
Growth & Sustainability
• Is my business model scalable?
• What opportunities exist to diversify revenue streams?
• How can I improve environmental and social sustainability while remaining profitable?
• What partnerships could help accelerate growth?
• Where do I want the business to be in three, five, and ten years?
Funding & Investment
• What funding options are available to support my goals?
• How much debt can my business reasonably support?
• What return on investment do I expect from major purchases or expansion plans?
• Am I prepared to explain my business and financial projections to a lender or investor?
SEDC-Focused Closing Question
If I were presenting my business plan to a lender, investor, or economic development organization today, would I be confident in my ability to demonstrate market demand, financial viability, and long-term sustainability?
Business Advisory Services
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Assistance in Business Plan Preparation and Review
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General Business Information & Demographics
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Government Programs & Training re: Business Management
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Export Readiness Information
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Assistance in negotiating loan packages with other lending institutions