STAGE 2: STARTING YOUR BUSINESS
The CYBF Interactive Business Planner
Many budding entrepreneurs have great business ideas but aren’t sure how to get started writing their plans.
Well, CYBF can help – we have created the CYBF Interactive Business Planner, a tool designed to guide both new and experienced entrepreneurs through the process of writing a comprehensive business plan.
To help you along the way, you can work with your local Community Partner. You will read more about the CYBF Community Partners in the next section. Don’t forget, the CYBF Entrepreneur-In-Residence is also available to help you.
The CYBF Business Planner is an important part of your application process, as it has been created and customized to meet the criteria required by CYBF and can be done at your own pace.
Critical Ingredients
The CYBF Interactive Business Planner will introduce you to the critical sections relevant to any type or style of business plan:
- Executive Summary
- Company Outline
- Marketing Plan
- Operating Plan
- Risk Assessment and Contingency Plan
- Start-Up and Implementation Plan
- Financial Projections
Our Business Planner is unique because it can assist you whether you are an experienced business plan writer or a beginner. For those who would like more help, the Business Planner provides you with explanations as to why each question is essential to your plan, suggestions on how to gather research, as well as giving you relevant examples. Additionally, an interactive glossary of terms is included throughout the planning process to help you get familiar with typical business terminology.
Benefits
Your business plan is the single most important tool that will help you to map out the potential of your business and its future success. Specifically, it will:
- Solidify business ideas and focus the plan of action
- Demonstrate to lenders/investors that the business can provide a good return
- Provide a roadmap for the business as it grows and develops
Remember: Your business plan is a living document that should continuously change with your business. It is recommended that you revisit your plan at least once a year.
Getting Started on Your Business Plan
Option 1: I want to use the CYBF Interactive Business Planner and plan to apply for a CYBF Loan:
- Contact your local Community Partner (CP) to get your CYBF access code.Find a Local Community Partner near you
- Register as an Entrepreneur and create your username and password. This creates your Entrepreneur Profile with your menu of services.Registration Link: https://www.cybf.ca/cybfapp/
- Start your business plan with the CYBF Interactive Business Planner by logging into your Entrepreneur Profile and clicking on “Click here to create or edit your Business Planner”
Don’t forget CYBF can also help you with your business plan through our Pre-Launch Coaching by our Entrepreneur-In-Residence.
Option 2: I want to use the CYBF Interactive Business Planner and do not plan to apply for a CYBF Loan:
- Click “https://www.cybf.ca/cybfapp/?publicProfile=true&locale=en” to start now.
NOTE: If you plan on applying for a CYBF Loan, you need to follow the instructions in Option 1.