Write a business plan
Write down your ideas.
A business plan explains your business's goals and outlines how they will be achieved.
If you're applying for a grant or finance, you must have a business plan as part of the application.
When to do a plan
You should write a business plan before you start operating.
It can be tricky to do if you're still in the planning stages. But you can amend your plan as your business grows and changes.
Review your plan regularly and update it as needed.
Even existing businesses may benefit from putting a business plan together.
What to include
In general, a plan would usually include:
- an executive summary
- description of your business
- information about your business structure
- market research
- marketing and sales strategy
- financial plan - such as your start-up costs and funding, expected cash flow and sales plan
- staffing requirements, including how you will attract, select and recruit workers.
Get a business plan template from the Australian Government's Business website.
Get help
For assistance putting together your plan, talk to:
- small business champions
- a business coach or consultant (fees may apply)
- government funded services like the Business Enterprise Centre NT.
Existing businesses may be eligible for the Business Growth Program. This program provides funding for existing businesses to work with business consultants.
Contact a Territory Business Centre to find out what help you might be eligible for.