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Business Plan ... ugh! Soul Steeling...

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questccg
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Joined: 04/16/2011

I am in an interesting period which several ventures on the go. In November I will be launching an IndieGoGo to attract more attention to "TradeWorlds" and hopefully get more people to Nominate and Vote (2nd part) which was a bomb last year.

We did not too bad in the Nominations, but then asking everyone to Vote a SECOND time ... just didn't sit well.

Now we have over 900 backers and over 100 fans of the game. So Nominations and Voting should go much smoother this year.

I do have a second project with is IT related. And it can be subsidized by a Government Subsidy for writing a "Business Plan" (8 to 12 weeks of paid time to write-up the plan). Now while this sounds okay - it feels like it's going to suck my soul by having to sit down and write something during 8 to 12 weeks (even if it's paid)!

But IF I do it properly, my project can be approved for a grant and I would get paid up to 1 year of time to bring the project to life.

This all sounds awesome, I'm the NEW "Bombardier" ... Look out USA! LOL

No but *seriously*, I'm looking over a Sample Business Plan from the BDC ("Business Development Bank of Canada") - and I feel like writing something like that will "suck the life out of me..."!

Has anyone had to write a business plan?

Specifically in the sector of IT (would be more relatable)... If anyone knew of templates or sample plans (the BDC only features ONE -- Like that's a lot of help...) I also have a Word template (as part of the BDC's toolkit) which is IDENTICAL to the "sample" without the words...

Horrible thing to base myself upon... I could really go for the 8 - 12 weeks of funding and possibly even the 1 year grant (if my project passes the scrutiny of a review committee). I really could use some BETTER examples ... If I am going to go down this road.

Firstly I need to see IF I want to travel this road... And I need to make the decision "FAST". Otherwise my option is to go it alone without any financial support... And that too is possible - but a bit precarious. Having up to 1 year of financial backing to realize the project puts me in two (2) "spots":

A> I don't need to worry about finances to pay rent and eat food.

B> The successful REALIZATION of the project will be critical IF financed.

So it's really a HARD decision for me as an Entrepreneur. I could go it alone... Or I could seek out help - but puts additional pressures IF the project is not completed successfully.

Even if you have no knowledge of the subject matter - your opinions are valuable to me.

Please share with me your insights/thoughts/concerns ... I'd much rather know what people think rather than just go about it alone.

Cheers and many thanks for your input.

questccg
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Had an interesting talk

Just as a follow up ... spoke with someone and he told me this: "If they pay you to write a Business Plan, you'd better believe that what they want to see from this paper is more than just 'some guy working in his basement'..."

They're going to want something more realistic than me saying well I could finance myself based on the wages earned. This is a "Business" plan. What that means is something more *serious* in terms of a business.

And that has definitely given me some PERSPECTIVE on the matter.

However as usual, if there is anyone else out here... With similar experience or has knowledge in such matters - some of your own personal insight might also be beneficial...

Adam Leamey
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Joined: 02/23/2017
I would suggest going to

I would suggest going to Brandon game dev he has self funded warco and is working on a new game he has given a lot of info on his site on subjects you will find relevant

Adam Leamey
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Joined: 02/23/2017
I would suggest going to

I would suggest going to Brandon game dev he has self funded warco and is working on a new game he has given a lot of info on his site on subjects you will find relevant

let-off studios
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Sustainability & Outcomes

Interesting times for you indeed, eh?!?! Wow. Best of success on this proposal of yours.

My day job is with a long-standing non-profit organization here in the 'States. I share an office with our grants manager: the person who writes all our letters where we ask people, foundations, agencies, and businesses to give our organization money so we can keep serving the public. Two things are always pouring out of his mouth: sustainability and outcomes.

I don't know much at all about the details regarding your project, but it may be useful for you to consider the two following concepts and build them into your proposal/plan.

SUSTAINABILITY: A proposal seems much more attractive if you can convince the reader that the project will continue after their seed money is gone. Are you building in an infrastructure that supports the project? Failing that, are you developing relationships that - through collaboration - can keep your plan moving forward?

OUTCOMES: There are certain deliverables that funders want. This could be detailed by the RFP they've sent you, either general or quite specific. The bottom line is: what can you produce with the funding you receive? What will be the end result of all your efforts, energies, and time in the basement?

To keep you motivated when writing, outcomes are also extremely useful. Instead of thinking about yourself - oh, I can't stand writing these things, I just feel like slamming my head into the keyboard, etc. - think of the positive outcomes that will be at the end of the tunnel. By focusing on the result instead of the process you're currently enduring, you may have more success - and endurance.

If this is a one-off business plan (unlikely, as it sounds like there's government money involved, unless you're a defense contractor), then you would likely emphasize outcomes over sustainability. Otherwise I think both concepts should be considered key when developing your business plan.

Make it easy for them to say yes. You are asking them to pay you before you have much - if anything - to show for it. Answer every question they have realistically and positively. If accepted, you will be held to every claim and promise you put in that proposal.

There's also the old chestnut of "under-promise, and over-deliver." That rarely hurts, particularly in the case of writing future/additional business plans. It's much easier to gain funding if you have a track record and of delivering on point, and a reputation for being easy to work with.

Wishing you success...! :)

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