Dorset Community Action

This template will guide you though the process of creating a business plan. A business plan is the process of telling the story of your organisation, past present and future. It is a very useful process to go through if your organisation is growing fast or you are intending to apply for major funding. It helps align your resources with your ambitions. 

Done well,  the business planning process  engages with a range of stakeholders, internally and externally, so that everyone feels that their ideas have been included.

The template is divided into five sections and shows you the work you need to do to complete each. These are:

• About what we do: The need you see and what you are doing about it
• Plans and planning: Your long-term vision and shorter-term plans
• Structure and strengths: Your people, governance and the skills, connections and expertise you bring to your strategy
• Marketing, partnerships & stakeholders : Who you work with, or don't, and how you promote what you do
  
• Financial sustainability: Your plans for generating income and managing it well

Alongside the Business Plan itself are some guidance notes which will guide you to specific resources which will help you to work on each area covered in the Business Plan.