Online Class: How to Write a Business Plan

This course will walk you through the process of writing your business plan. You will learn why certain details are vitally important, which parts of your business plan can make or break your finance query with investors, and how to sharpen your public presentation of your company and its business.

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$120.00 (with CEU Certificate)
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  • 8
    Lessons
  • 10
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 4,109
    Students
    have taken this course
  • 5
    Hours
    average time
  • 0.5
    CEUs
 
 
 

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!

  • Completely Online
  • Self-Paced
  • Printable Lessons
  • Full HD Video  
  • 6 Months to Complete
  • 24/7 Availability
  • Start Anytime
  • PC & Mac Compatible
  • Android & iOS Friendly
  • Accredited CEUs
Universal Class is an IACET Accredited Provider
 
 

Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:
4.52 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(1,125 votes)

Lesson 1. Plan Your Plan

15 Points
Your business plan is something that must be planned to be a successful document that will support and enhance the presentation of your company's short and long term objectives, position, market, appeal, and profitability.
  • Lesson 1 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Reasons for Taking this Course
  • Complete Assignment: Course Introduction and Goals
  • Assessment: Lesson 1 Exam

Lesson 2. Structure and Sequence

12 Points
People who read your business plan should be reading the most attractive summary of you and your business available anywhere.
  • Lesson 2 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 2 Exam

Lesson 3. Important Details

14 Points
If you cover each of these details in each of the business plan's segments, then your final plan will be comprehensive and answer any banker's or investor's questions.
  • Lesson 3 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 3 Exam

Lesson 4. The Executive Summary

14 Points
The Executive Summary is perhaps the most detailed "sales oriented" business presentation you will make in everyday business interactions.
  • Lesson 4 Video
  • Lesson discussions: The Importance of Executive Summary
  • Assessment: Lesson 4 Exam

Lesson 5. Financials

15 Points
It is especially important to upstart companies and non-profit organizations to have your financial plans and financial statements professionally prepared by your CPA or accountant.
  • Lesson 5 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 5 Exam

Lesson 6. Market Research

15 Points
Market research relates to the information that you gather on your clients and prospective clients, about their likes and dislikes, what they want and need, demographics, market prices, your competitor, and related points of interest.
  • Lesson 6 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 6 Exam

Lesson 7. Competition

15 Points
A Competitive Analysis is where you exhibit your knowledge of your company's competitors and what they are up to in their business.
  • Lesson 7 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 7 Exam

Lesson 8. Support Documents and Working Your Plan

50 Points
You will want to be prepared for other supporting documents that a banker or investor may require you to produce. These other documents are supporting pieces that will not be listed anywhere in your business plan.
  • Lesson 8 Video
  • 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
150
Total Course Points
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Plan your business writing plan.
  • Define structure and sequence in the scope of a business plan.
  • Describe the important details of a business writing plan.
  • Describe the executive summary.
  • Summarize the financials.
  • Identify and describe market research
  • Analyze the competition.
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
 

Additional Course Information

Online CEU Certificate
  • 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
Document Your CEUs on Your Resume
 
Course Title: How to Write a Business Plan
Course Number: 7550132
Lessons Rating: 4.52 / 5 Stars (1,125 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: Enroll in this course from any U.S. state, including California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. The course is also accessible to learners in English-speaking countries such as the UK, Canada, Ireland, Australia, and South Africa.
Last Updated: June 2024
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Class
CEU Value: 0.5 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
CE Accreditation: Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.
Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams
Instructor: Linda Zavadil
Syllabus: View Syllabus
Course Fee: $120.00 U.S. dollars

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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.

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