Online Class: How to Write a Business Plan

-
8Lessons
-
18Exams &
Assignments -
5Hours
average time -
0.5CEUs
Course Description
Crafting the Blueprint: Mastering the Art of Business Planning
In the bustling world of entrepreneurship, where dreams are vast and the market ever-evolving, having a structured, articulate, and forward-thinking plan is not just advisable, it's indispensable. Many seasoned CPAs assert that the absence of a well-crafted business plan is the prime pitfall for nascent businesses. A business without a plan is like a ship without a compass; it might sail smoothly initially but can easily get lost or capsized amidst unforeseen challenges.
The adage "failing to plan is planning to fail" holds especially true in business. Entrepreneurs often grapple with seemingly minor hurdles, which, with foresight and planning, might have been mere stepping stones. Without a documented strategy, there's no roadmap to visualize, no north star to guide during tumultuous times.
Creating an impactful business plan is an intricate dance of meticulous research, keen understanding, and effective presentation. It's not just a document, but a reflection of your vision, mission, and the very ethos of what your venture stands for. This course aims to meticulously guide you through every nuance of crafting this vital instrument. You'll gain insights into what investors prioritize in a plan, how to make compelling presentations, and which aspects of your business strategy can significantly sway financial outcomes.
Moreover, this course isn’t just about creating a document; it’s about understanding and internalizing the strategic essence of business. We’ll share invaluable writing techniques that provide your plan the sheen of professionalism without the hefty cost of hiring a specialist.
By the culmination of this course, you'll be armed with a reservoir of knowledge, and more importantly, the confidence to create a business plan that not only informs but also impresses and persuades. Let’s set the stage for your business's success!
Course Modules:
-
Lesson 1: Plan Your Plan
Foundations are paramount. Understand the importance of planning before plunging into the writing process. This lesson sets the tone for the entire course, ensuring clarity of vision and purpose. -
Lesson 2: Structure and Sequence
Learn the anatomy of a robust business plan. Dive into the optimal sequence that resonates with stakeholders, ensuring each section flows seamlessly into the next. -
Lesson 3: Important Details
Delve deep into the nitty-gritty. Highlighting vital components, this lesson emphasizes elements that can make or break your business strategy. -
Lesson 4: The Executive Summary
The front window to your business plan, this section often gets the most eyeballs. Understand the art of creating a concise yet comprehensive executive summary that captivates from the get-go. -
Lesson 5: Financials
Numbers tell a tale. Unravel the intricacies of showcasing your financial projections, understanding investor metrics, and painting a realistic yet promising financial future. -
Lesson 6: Market Research
The bedrock of any business strategy. Understand your market landscape, identify trends, and learn to present data that validates your business proposition. -
Lesson 7: Competition
No business exists in a vacuum. This lesson helps you adeptly analyze your competition, identifying gaps in the market and positioning your business as a front runner. -
Lesson 8: Support Documents and Working Your Plan
It's not just about creating the plan but living it. Learn the importance of auxiliary documents and the iterative process of refining your strategy as your business evolves.
Your business idea deserves a blueprint that mirrors its potential. Dive into this course and sculpt a business plan that stands as a testament to your vision, dedication, and entrepreneurial spirit. Here's to planning for prosperity!
Course Lessons
Lesson 1. The Blueprint to Thrive: Creating an Impactful Business Plan
Lesson 1 Video
Review 2 Practice Worksheets
Lesson discussions: Reasons for Taking this Course
Complete Assignment: Course Introduction and Goals
Assessment: Lesson 1 Exam
Assessment: Lesson 1 Review Exam
Lesson 2. The Art of Persuasive Business Planning
Lesson 2 Video
Review 2 Practice Worksheets
Assessment: Lesson 2 Exam
Assessment: Lesson 2 Review Exam
Lesson 3. Strategic Planning: Business Plan Foundations and Future
Lesson 3 Video
Review 2 Practice Worksheets
Assessment: Lesson 3 Exam
Assessment: Lesson 3 Review Exam
Lesson 4. Captivate and Inspire: The Role of Executive Summaries in Business Success
Lesson 4 Video
Review 2 Practice Worksheets
Lesson discussions: The Importance of Executive Summary
Assessment: Lesson 4 Exam
Assessment: Lesson 4 Review Exam
Lesson 5. Unlocking Business Potential Through Financial Literacy
Lesson 5 Video
Review 2 Practice Worksheets
Complete: Lesson 5 Activity
Assessment: Lesson 5 Exam
Assessment: Lesson 5 Review Exam
Lesson 6. The Power of Market Research and Consumer Understanding
Lesson 6 Video
Review 2 Practice Worksheets
Assessment: Lesson 6 Exam
Lesson 7. Understanding Your Market Rivals: A Comprehensive Guide
Lesson 7 Video
Review 2 Practice Worksheets
Complete: Lesson 7 Activity
Assessment: Lesson 7 Exam
Assessment: Lesson 7 Review Exam
Lesson 8. The Business Blueprint
Lesson 8 Video
Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-8-WordSearch-8472.pdf
Lesson discussions: Final Presentation of Business Plan; Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course); Course Comments
Assessment: Lesson 8 Exam
Assessment: The Final Exam
Learning Outcomes
- Identify and analyze target market needs and competitive strengths to design effective marketing strategies and operational plans for a business.
- Define the key components of a successful business plan including the Executive Summary, Company Profile, Marketing Plan, and Competition Analysis.
- Demonstrate an understanding of target market analysis by conducting a SWOT analysis to identify a business's market position and competitive advantages.
- Define the key components of a business plan, including the Executive Summary, to effectively communicate a business's objectives and strategies to potential investors.
- Articulate key competitive advantages within a detailed marketing strategy that effectively targets market segments and enhances brand awareness.
- Demonstrate the ability to craft an executive summary that captures the essence of a complete business plan and showcases business vision and mission clearly.
- Define the key elements of an effective Executive Summary in a business plan, ensuring the summary is both engaging and informative.
- Demonstrate the ability to write a concise and compelling Executive Summary, integrating essential information about company objectives, market analysis, and financial projections.
- Define the role of financial statements in reflecting a company's journey, vision, and potential for growth to investors and stakeholders.
- Demonstrate the ability to prepare and present financial projections that provide insights into a company’s anticipated growth, efficiency, and return-on-investment to potential investors.
- Identify and describe methods to segment the target market based on demographic, psychographic, and behavioral criteria
- Recognize the difference between primary and secondary market research and outline specific techniques for each approach
- Demonstrate the ability to conduct a comprehensive competitive analysis by identifying and assessing key competitors' strengths and weaknesses.
- Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
Additional Course Information

- Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
- Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
- Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
- View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
- Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media

Student Testimonials
- "It was great, very detailed, straight to the point , and easy to understand." -- Trinesha L.
- "This course was truly helpful and needful in giving the information in the respected areas." -- Mr fred K.
- "What was most helpful was the structure and Content sections. They were very complete." -- Steven C.
Related Courses
-
6 hours 0.6 CEUs HIPAA Compliance 101 + More Info
-
11 hours 1.1 CEUs ESL Basic Writing Skills + More Info
-
14 hours 1.4 CEUs Medical Terminology for Medical Coders + More Info
-
11 hours 1.1 CEUs Wellness Coaching + More Info
-
6 hours 0.6 CEUs General Receptionist + More Info
-
15 hours 1.5 CEUs Traditional Scrapbooking + More Info
-
5 hours 0.5 CEUs Creating and Managing a Non-Profit Organization + More Info
-
2 hours 0.2 CEUs Purchasing and Vendor Management 101 + More Info
-
5 hours 0.5 CEUs Children's Birthday Parties 101 + More Info
-
8 hours 0.8 CEUs Interior Decorating Made Easy + More Info
-
8 hours 0.8 CEUs Buddhism 101: The Principles of Awakened Living + More Info
-
29 hours 2.9 CEUs Writing Basics 101: Spelling, Grammar, Punctuation, Writing Structures + More Info
-
5 hours 0.5 CEUs Lawful Employee Termination + More Info