Currently, a lot of people are venturing into franchise opportunities. One of the many benefits of setting up a franchise location is that you will be riding on an idea that has already proven successful. However, just like any other business, setting up a new franchise location can also come with the same challenges facing any other business startup.
For instance, you’ll need a solid business plan. Building a good business plan for a new franchise location is essential. It helps you think through the obstacles you might face, strategies for overcoming them, and your intended investment’s overall sustainability. A good business plan is also essential if you need financing for your business. Most lenders and investors will demand to see your business plan before considering financing your business.
Building a Business Plan for Your Franchise Location
While some franchisors will help build your business plan or simply provide you with one, that is not always the case. Don’t worry, though. Below is an outline of a franchisee business plan example outlining the various sections included in a business plan for a new franchise location.
1. The Executive Summary
This portion of your franchise business plan should give a clear description of your business’ goals and its purpose in the short and long term. This section includes basic information such as your business’ name, details of the founder, and location. It also consists of the mission statement, a list of products and services, and the target market. Please ensure you also state your credentials and experience in the field and an overview of your business success factors.
2. Business Overview
In this section of your business plan for a new franchise location, you must provide an overview of your business’ main aspects. For example, you might need to explain why your new startup is better and unique from the existing establishments.
It should be as forthright as possible so that anyone reading it will get a clear understanding of the scope of your business. This section highlights your business’ legal structure, the franchisor’s company history and success rate, and a complete list of all the products and services, inclusive of their prices.
3. Industry Review
Understanding the industry you want to venture into as a franchise is critical to your success. This section of the business plan can be divided into two parts: the industry’s general overview and the position your franchise intends to hold or fill in the overall industry. Consider current trends, the industry’s growth rate, major players, and national revenue.
4. Management Summary
The management summary section of the business plan should include a list of members responsible for running the business. These are the employees that will be mainly responsible for the day-to-day operations of your franchise location. Be sure to put as much of the members’ background information as possible. You can include past experiences, professional qualifications, past successes in the field, and any other information pertinent to their position.
5. Consumer Analysis
The consumer analysis section of the business plan focuses on the target audience. In this segment, you must start by identifying who your potential customers are, express a clear understanding of the customers’ needs, and show how your products or services will meet those needs.
You need to be very specific when writing this section and exhibit a clear understanding of who your intended customers will be. For example, it would be too vague to say that your company is targeting middle-income earners. Be as in-depth and precise as possible. You might need to specify the exact range of income, age, and location of the customer, among other traits.
6. The Premises
Every business needs to operate from somewhere. You must agree with the franchisor on your business’ most appropriate location before writing this section. Some of the factors determining your choice of premises may include the location, expansion projections, cost, and planning consent from the property owner.
7. Sales and Marketing
In a franchise, strategies for sales and marketing are typically laid out by the franchisor. When writing this section, you will need to research their sales and marketing strategies, advertising, and any other kind of support they may offer you. You can also confirm with your franchisor if it’s alright for you to play a role in local advertising and marketing.
The following are areas you might want to consider when writing your business’ sales and marketing plan: marketing channels used by your franchisor, strategies for different business seasons, an overview of the sales process, and customer retention strategies.
8. Financial Projections
The financial projection plan is one of the most crucial business components; it is more of your business’ financial forecast and acts as a roadmap. Potential investors and lenders will look at this section more to determine their interest in having a stake in your investment. Most financial projection write-ups are appealing on paper. However, it can be of no value if actual returns do not justify it once the business starts running.
Avoid writing this section with the sole intention of impressing investors and lenders. Make sure you do thorough research to establish the real potential of the business you are venturing into to avoid losing money.
9. Financing
It is essential to prepare this section even if your venture is funded from your savings. This section describes the financial needs for starting up the business and how you expect to fund it. It is one of the last items on the list in your business plan. This segment is where you make your case to investors and potential lenders if you are trying to get funding from them.
Have a Hiring Plan
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