MARKETING / BRANDING / FINANCIALS

Business Plan

A business plan is an essential part of starting a business, it creates a future plan for your company that outlines your goals and how you are going to achieve them, as well as looking see opportunities and challenges, as well as mitigate risk, and helps to increase your chances of success.

A business plan consists of:

• A Company Profile: Who are you and what is your company about
• Market Research: Knowing and understanding your customer
• Sales & Marketing: How are you going to target and reach your customers
• Operations: What does it take to start your business and how will you keep your customers
• Financials: Is this venture profitable and sustainable

  There are many great business plan templates. Futurpreneur has a great one here.

   

  Financing

  There are many options when it comes to financing your new startup, from friends and family, to loans, as well as grants. Here are a few options:

  Futurpreneur

  Old College works closely with Futurpreneur to help aspiring entrepreneurs with mentorship and financing. If you are between 18 and 39, Futurpreneur ca help you receive up to $45,000 in collateral-free financing. Find out more here.

  Alberta Innovates

  The Micro-Voucher, Voucher and Product Demonstration Programs (PDP) support early to late stage technology and knowledge-driven SMEs operating in Alberta towards advancing technology readiness. Depending on their needs, eligible companies can apply for funding ranging from $0 up to $300,000 to help cover the costs in hiring third-party services and/or equipment for the purpose of business and technology development.

  Up to $10,000 Alberta Innovation Micro-Voucher

  Up to 100,000 Alberta Innovation Voucher

  Range of $100,001 to $300,000 Product Demonstration Program