Business Plan for a Startup Business

The business plan consists of a narrative and several financial worksheets. The narrative template is the body of the business plan. It contains more than 150 questions divided into several sections. Work through the sections in any order that you like, except for

the Executive Summary, which should be done last. Skip any questions that do not apply

to your type of business. When you are finished writing your first draft, you’ll have a collection of small essays on the various topics of the business plan. Then you’ll want to edit them into a smooth?flowing narrative.

The real value of creating a business plan is not in having the finished product in hand; rather, the value lies in the process of researching and thinking about your business in a systematic way. The act of planning helps you to think things through thoroughly,

study and research if you are not sure of the facts, and look at your ideas critically. It takes time now, but avoids costly, perhaps disastrous, mistakes later.

This business plan is a generic model suitable for all types of businesses. However, you should modify it to suit your particular circumstances. Before you begin, review the section titled Refining the Plan, found at the end. It suggests emphasizing certain areas depending upon your type of business (manufacturing, retail, service, etc.). It also has tips for fine?tuning your plan to make an effective presentation to investors or bankers. If this is why you’re creating your plan, pay particular attention to your writing style. You will be judged by the quality and appearance of your work as well as by your ideas.

Realized revenues

As expected, the realized revenues for the APIO division fell by 39% YoY and 14% quarter-over-quarter (or QoQ) to $33.70 per ton. This is due to the general fall in the seaborne benchmark index.

Cliffs’ management mentioned during the call that they’ll continue to operate APIO with a view of cash optimization. While the pressure is expected to continue to remain on the prices, we’ll see how the company is doing on the cost front to offset the price decline to the greatest extent possible.