A good business plan becomes the road map for the cooperatively owned enterprise. The business plan is a “living” document that will change and evolve as the business develops. Although a consultant or adviser can provide valuable assistance in creating a business plan, the potential users of the cooperative enterprise need to be heavily involved in the creation of the business plan.


Usually, the key issues of a business plan can be addressed in two to five pages.

Business Information:business plan

  • Business organization and ownership
  • Nature of the product or service provided

Market Information:

  • Demand. What is the demand (past, present, future) for the business' product/service?
    Who will buy the product/service?
  • Supply. What is the supply (past, present, future) of the business' product/service?
    Who are the business' competitors?
  • Market niche. Given the trends in demand and supply, how will the business be able to sell enough of its product/service to be profitable?

Production Information:

  • What is availability of materials, labor, and machinery needed for the product/service?
  • Is the technology to be used by the business reliable? State-of-the-art? Proven?

Industry and Market Area Information:

  • Discuss any economic and demographic trends affecting the business (past, present, and future)

Management:

  • Resumes of management, focusing on relevant business experience

Video Examples of real Nebraska Businesses

Farmstead First, LLC owners, Krista Dittman & Charuth Loth, discuss the aspects of starting their own business. The owner of ABC Chickens talks about starting her own business, keeping it going and what she plans for the future.