In your final plan, you have the opportunity to elaborate on those ideas in your outline that you feel are most integral to your business. In composing your business plan, you can follow your outline as loosely or closely as you choose. For instance, in the sample plan, the Executive Summary, which is the last section of the Business Planning Wizard, is presented first in order to emphasize the most impressive features of the business. Your goal in composing a finished business plan is to construct the most comprehensive, thorough document possible, in order to attract investors and to confirm that you have taken the time to explore as many potential issues for your business as may arise.
Mr. Richard Carey
Canton Street Seattle, Washington 22222
Dear Mr. Carey:
My attorney, Mr. William Hollands, suggested I write to you regarding my business, Northwind Traders. I am currently seeking funding, and I believe that my company would coincide with your interest in businesses relating to the travel industry makes my company a great investment for you. Northwind Traders is positioned to take advantage of the significant market opportunities available in the customized travel-planning field. Through a professional approach to marketing, experienced management, and an emphasis on outstanding customer support and service, Northwind Traders can become the Greater Seattle area’s premier provider of planning services for European adventure travel through a strong marketing campaign, experienced management, and an emphasis on outstanding customer support and service. From that base, the company will expand to become a regional force. We are seeking $83,500 in funding, and anticipate this to be the extent of the funds required. The funds will be used to refurbish the shop, to expand the staff, and to developincrease marketing activities, primarily our Web site and databasee development.
I appreciate your consideration of the business plan for Northwind Traders. I will contact you next week in approximately ten days to see if you have any questions andor to discuss how we may proceed. Thank you.
The Description of the Company
Northwind Traders, Inc. provides travel-planning services for European adventure vacations to residents ofindividuals in the Ggreater SeattleRedmond area. The service industry, including travel agencies, is one of the fastest growing business sectorsareas of the economy, and Northwind Traders intends to capitalize on the success of this industry by taking advantage of travel planning opportunities in the Pacific Northwest region. President Heather Mitchell and Vice President of Sales and Marketing Jim Kim currently hold the company’s stock. Prior to starting the Northwind Traders travel agency, Ms. Mitchell cofounded, co-owned, and operated the Northwind Traders clothing store. She has selected a small team with extensive travel, sales, and computer skills, all of whom will be invaluable to the new venture. Her coworkers bring a combined total of 35 years of travel industry experience to the agency.
President Heather Mitchell and Vice President of Sales and Marketing Jim Kim currently hold the company’s stock. The Company’s Mission Statement
The mission of Northwind Traders is to become the premier provider of adventure vacations for 25- to 35- year-old professionals. Northwind Traders is dedicated to building long-term relationships with customers through quality training and customer support, and wants to be recognized as the leading adventure vacation company in the Ggreater SeattleRedmond area. The company’s goal is to grow steadilyy expansion, becoming profitable by the secondthird year of operations.
Products and Services
Northwind Traders recently became the appointed agents for Margie’s Travel, one of the largest and most respected tour operators in the market. With virtually no marketing effort, Northwind Traders has sold some 200 adventure vacations in the past six months, netting $66,800 in commissions. Sales of insurance policies and other services have added to this total, and could potentially add much more. Northwind Traders offers a comprehensive range of services to support the adventurous traveler, including pre - and postvacation briefings, travel insurance, and a directory of services specific to each destination and activity. Marketing and Sales Techniques
Northwind Traders believes that by concentrating on one market segment and one geographic destination, it will be able to deliver a service that is superior to anything currently on the market. Published research shows that tourism is a fast-growing business sector and that Europe is the favored location for most travelers. Adventure vacations, while a relatively new and small market, looks set for explosive growth.
In addition to targeting adventure travelers and working as the appointed agents for established travel tour firms, Northwind Traders plans to leverage its relationship with its sister business, Northwind Traders outdoor clothing shop, by offering discount services to shop customers.
The Competition
From desk and field market research carried out on 300 clients, it is clear that there is considerable potential in the adventure travel business. Research indicates that Northwind Traders’ target market finds it difficult to obtain reliable and authoritative advice on destinations and activities. Research also suggests that the customers in this market are unlikely to purchase their vacations again from the firm who provided their last vacation due to a lack of informative sales personnel. Northwind Traders will cater to these needs and develop a strong return-customer base.
Because they are currently the only travel agency focused on European adventure vacations that is located in the SeattleRedmond area, Northwind Traders has a substantial opportunity to dominate the region. In order to maintain and improve their current position in the region, they will need to invest in a Web site, as well as database software and systems, and in refurbishing the shop premises. Northwind Traders maintains the following advantages over existing competition: ongoing support to clients; extensive knowledge of the European adventure vacation field; superior customer service; specialized training programs for staff; informative Web site; competitive rates.
informative Web site
competitive rates
Target Market
Operations
The Northwind Traders travel agency business will operate from a self-contained facility within the existing clothing shop, with its own shop window and entrance from the main street. The business will benefit both from its accessible location in the heart of SeattleRedmond’s downtown shopping district, as well as from the clientele it will gain through its proximity to the already established Northwind Traders clothing store.
Management
Prior to starting the Northwind Traders travel agency, Ms. Mitchell cofounded, co-owned, and operated the Northwind Traders clothing store. She has selected a small team with extensive travel, sales, and computer skills, all of whom will be invaluable to the new venture. Her coworkers bring a combined total of 35 years of travel industry experience to the agency.
Financial Forecasts
Northwind Traders started as a clothing store and has expanded into the travel agency business, with its focus on adventure travel in Europe. Last year, Northwind Traders clothing store made $200,400 profit on sales of $1,419,500 and employed seven people.
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The following document is a sample of a finished business plan
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