Importance of Business Plan When Starting a Bakery
Creating a bakery business plan is a very, if not most, important stepping stone in the early life of your business. Since you intend to make a career out of the business you’re establishing, the business itself is very precious and significant. Creating a business plan helps you look at your business from every possible angle. It will define your business, set goals, create plans to generate adequate revenue, list expenditures, describe your customer base and examine the competition you’re up against. So, here are some things that should be kept in mind while writing a business plan. Bakery Business.
- Decide on Type of Bakery
The first thing to consider when writing a business plan is what type of bakery you want to open. It may be an online bakery, counter service bakery, special service bakery or sit down bakeries. Only from there can you then start your journey.
- Shopping For Space
When you have decided on what type of bakery you’d be opening then start shopping for space accordingly. Your space will be within the comfort of your home if you go with an online bakery, otherwise, you’ll need commercial space. Survey around and find something that fits your needs perfectly.
- Focus on a Target Audience
In every business, customers are always the key to success. Before starting anything, determine your target audience who you’ll be converting into customers. Take in account the likes and dislikes of that community. Happy customers mean happy business! Make every experience with your customers so memorable and special that you convert them into a regular customer, for life! Some experts suggest asking for feedback and product suggestions from your customers. Satisfied customers mean more money in the register. For more loyal customers, consider giving tokens of appreciations like small discounts or free giveaways from time to time. Spare little finances for these while devising your business plan.
- Determine Your Niche or Market
While writing your business plan, consider all the factors that will affect your business; positive and negative. When deciding where to open your bakery, determine your market and niche. Focus on all the competition in the market and offer something accordingly – something new and different. Decide the market and other factors when writing the business plan. Pay attention to marketing as well.
- List the Supplies You Will Need
When planning a business plan, keep in mind all the supplies that you’ll need after opening your bakery. Do not only calculate start up costs, plan ahead. Reserve at least a year’s worth of capital and supply costs. The basics that you will have to pay attention to after opening a bakery will be; shelving, baking equipment, utensils, oven(s), Pans, Refrigerator(s), fryers, display cases etc.
- Plan for Retirement
Include plans for retirement when writing a business plan. A business plan is an ideal course you’re setting for yourself that you will aim to follow. It should always be kept realistic. But don’t think planning for retirement is a little far-fetched, it is not.
If you are considering starting a bakery try this business plan template to help you get organized and increase your chances of getting funded: Bakery Business Plan Template.