Difference between Business Plan and Feasibility Study

Feasibility Study is written to determine if the business is feasible because it serves as analytical tool that includes scenarios for the decision-makers.  If they decided not to proceed with the business then there is no need to write a business plan. Business feasibility study determines if the business is profitable or not.

The business feasibility study is conducted during the deliberation phase of the project development cycle while business plan is the design for project implementation phase which presents the guideline for the project plan.

The feasibility study provides calculations, analysis and estimated financial projections as well as the description of the business and statements concerning competition and cash flow projection while the business plan contains plans and strategies to be implemented to grow the business. Just like feasibility study, business plan also provides detailed budgets, monthly and seasonal forecast, management details such as resumes of staff, background and competition. Also, business plan shows revenues expected, overheads and expenses as well as staffing levels with salaries along with employment cost, sales levels, setup costs, building and office costs, utility, telephone, legal, insurance, accounting, supplies cost and legal requirement cost. It also features sales and sales methodology and objectives.

To summary, business feasibility study determines if the business or project is viable because writing a feasibility study is an inexpensive way to safeguard against wastage of investment while business plan will help to maximize potential and minimize overheads.

How to Write a Good Business Plan

It is essential to all business to write a business plan whether you’re starting a new business venture or applying for a business loans but also business plan is also important for running a business for reaching business goals.  A successful business man will keep their business plan handy during the course of their business and review it monthly to monitor business growths.  Business is just like human life, if you don’t have plans and goals, you will end up nothing.  Business plan is your road map for your business success because you will able to examine business development.

Here are some points in writing a good business plan.

  • Executive Summary. Outline business goals and objectives.  You will include your business strategy.
  • Company History.  Explain clearly the history or how the business starts.
  • Company Goals. Define short and long term business goals.  Also, state your primary customers.
  • Company Organization. Give details for management team such as names and backgrounds of members as well as their respective responsibilities.
  • Company service or product to be offered. Discuss your product or services to be offered and how it differs from others on the market.
  • Market Potential of services or product to be offered. Convince lenders, employees and others that your market is large and growing.
  • Marketing Strategy. Include your marketing strategy such as how to advertise your business whether online marketing or TV ads or Web ads.
  • Business Financial Projection. A three or five year financial projection is essential to include. Discuss the summary of your financial forecasts such as the spreadsheets showing formula used to reach your projections.  Also, you will need balance sheets, income statements, break-even analysis, cash flow projections, assumptions and business ratios.