BUS3085 - Write a Smart Business Plan

Course Description

Start fresh...having a business plan is essential to any organization. It serves as a guide to help you through each stage of the process from starting a business to managing, maintaining, growing, and successfully sustaining it. Creating a plan takes time and effort, but a smart business plan helps to get the financing you need, it keeps you focused on your strategies and tactics while trying to achieve your business objectives.

The following courses are highly recommended to enhance your writing and presentation skills:

• Effective Business Writing (BUS3068)
• Write a Winning Proposal (BUS3086)
• Collaborative Solutions (BUS3211)
• Critical Thinking Skills (BUS3074)
• Tips for Creative Presentations (BUS3080)
• Introduction to MS Word (COM3039)
• Introduction to PowerPoint (COM3038)

Course Outline

The following is the outline for this 2-hour course:

1. Preparation
   1. Identify your audience
   2. Identify the purpose for the plan
   3. Research and collect information for key areas of the plan
2. Key components for business plans
   1. Executive summary
   2. Organization description
   3. Market analysis
   4. Organizational structure and management
   5. Product or service offering(s)
   6. Growth and sustainability strategy
   7. Financial plan and projection
3. Writing out the plan for your audience
4. Proofreading and editing your document
5. Finishing touches to make a positive impression

Learner Outcomes

By the end of the course, participants will be able to use the knowledge gained to:

• Identify the audience for the plan.
• Identify the purpose for the plan.
• Begin the planning process by gathering all the necessary information.
• Write a plan that includes the key business plan components.
• Edit and proof the plan.
• Submit a professional business plan that creates a positive first impression for your audience.

Notes

Learners will need the following recommended equipment:

• Access to a more recent model desktop or laptop, either Windows or Mac or Android or Apple mobile device
• Supported Operating Systems for desktop and laptop: Mac OS X with Mac OS 10.7 or later, Windows 10 or Windows 8 or 8.1 or Supported Operating Systems for mobile devices: iOS 7.0 or later, iPad OS 13 or later, Android 4.0x or later, Kindle fire HD
• Reliable high-speed (cable or DSL) internet connection
• Internet browser such as Firefox, Chrome, Edge or Safari
• Recommended: Webcam, headset with microphone, if your device does not already have a webcam and microphone

If you are a student with a documented disability and have not voluntarily disclosed the nature of your disability so that we may coordinate the accommodations you need, you are invited to contact the Disability Support Services Office (DSSO) in ‘Ilima 107, ph.734-9552, or email kapdss@hawaii.edu for assistance. For students whose primary disability is Deaf or hard of hearing, contact the KCC Deaf Center at ph. 734-9210 (V), 447-1379 (videophone), or email kapdeaf1@hawaii.edu.

Please note: you will need to contact Kapi’olani CC’s DSSO or Deaf Center to request accommodations in a Kapi’olani CC course even if you’ve already registered or are receiving services at another UH campus’s disability support program.

Kapi‘olani Community College Refund/Drop Policy:

100% refund: Notification to Non-Credit Registration made 10 business days or more prior to start date of course.

50% refund: Notification to Non-Credit Registration made 5-9 business days prior to the start date of course.

0% refund: Notification to Non-Credit Registration made less than 5 business days prior to the start date of course.

Recommendations

• Effective verbal, non-verbal, and written communication skills with respect to similarities and differences within cultures and languages.
• Knowledge and application of global business etiquette and protocol.
• Awareness of educational practices.
• Awareness of gender and generational roles.
• Awareness of social and business trends.