Business Model Canvas:
➢ The Business Model Canvas is a one-page strategic tool that helps visualize and assess
a business idea.
➢ It simplifies traditional business plans by breaking down nine key elements.
➢ The nine essential components of the BMC: Customer Segments, Value Propositions,
Channels, Customer Relationships, Revenue Streams, Key Resources, Key Activities,
Key Partners, and Cost Structure.
• Key Partners
• Key partners are the companies or people your business works with to create a
strategic relationship. A few examples of key partners are suppliers or distribution
partners in the supply chain.
• Here are a few things to consider about key partners:
• What key resources does your company receive from these partners?
• What key activities are performed by these partners?
• What is your company’s motivation for working with these key partners? Is there
something specific that only they can provide? Do they help lower costs?
• Key Activities
• Key activities are specific activities or tasks that are fundamental to the operation of
your business. An example of a key activity would be the procurement of fresh
produce in bulk for a restaurant.
• Here are a few things to consider about key activities:
• What key activities are necessary to deliver your value proposition?
• What activities set your company apart from others?
• How do your revenue streams, distribution channels, and customer
relationships differ from competitors? How do your key activities affect these?
• Key Resources
• Key resources are the assets necessary to operate and deliver your value proposition.
For example, a diamond mining company cannot operate without mining equipment.
Alternatively, an automotive company cannot operate without the human capital and
expertise that goes into designing cars.
• Here are a few things to consider about key resources:
• What specific assets are necessary to operate your business and deliver your value
proposition?
• What resources do your distribution channels and revenue streams need to function?
• What resources are needed to maintain customer relationships and customer
satisfaction?
• Value Propositions
• Value propositions are arguably the most important element of the business model
canvas template. The value proposition determines the fundamental offering the
company is trying to give its customers. It is the primary driver of business
operations. For example, Spotify’s value proposition, “Music for everyone.”,
eloquently states its mission and offering. Spotify wants to be a music streaming
platform that has music selections for everyone.
• Here are a few things to consider about value propositions:
• What exactly is your company trying to give to customers?
• What problem is your company trying to solve and what needs are your company
satisfying?
• Customer Relationships
• Customer relationships are the different types of interactions a company has with its
customers. For example, a designer suit company will provide significant help for the
customer, tailoring to their needs and working directly with them to create the suit
they want. Conversely, telecommunications companies often have poor reputations
and customer relationships as many practice aggressive and predatory sales practices
through their call centers.
• Here are a few things to consider about customer relationships:
• What type of relationship does your company have with its customers? For example,
do you provide dedicated assistance or are they expected to self-serve their needs
through provided support channels?
• How does the business interact with customers and how does this differ
between customer segments?
• Channels
• Channels are the different structures and methods that are used to deliver your
company’s product and value proposition to its customers. Channels encompass all of
a company’s supply, distribution, and marketing channels. For example, a company
like Amazon needs to consider how its fulfillment centers and shipping services are
integrated to send out timely shipments.
• Here are a few things to consider about channels:
• How do you deliver your value proposition?
• How do you reach your customer segments? What channels are used?
• Customer Segments
• Customer Segments are the different types of customers that a company manages. A
company that produces different products will need to interact with different types of
customers.
• An example of this would be airline companies. Airlines offer tickets for economy,
business, and first-class customers. First-class passengers have access to exclusive
benefits and luxury travel arrangements. Conversely, economy passengers are
provided much less support, thus costing less, but also coming in significantly larger
amounts.
• Here are a few things to consider about customer segments:
• Who is the main focus of your value proposition? Who are you creating value for?
• Who are your most important customers? What are they like? What do they need?
What do they enjoy?
• What is the customer market like? Is your company targeting a small niche
community or a mass market?
• Cost Structure
• The cost structure refers to how a company spends money on operations. It consists of
the company’s key costs and the company’s level of focus on costs.
• An example of this would be a comparison between fashion retailers, Forever 21 and
Gucci. Forever 21 is a fast-fashion company focused on delivering the newest styles
at low costs – a cost-driven company. Alternatively, Gucci is a luxury brand focused
on delivering high-quality clothes and accessories designed with the latest trends in
the fashion industry – a value-driven company.
• Here are a few things to consider about cost structure:
• What are the key costs in your company’s business model
• What are the major drivers of cost?
• Revenue Streams
• Revenue streams are a company’s source of cash flows. They are the final element of
the business model canvas template. Revenue streams are the different ways your
company’s value proposition generates money. A company might have multiple
revenue streams. For example, Apple has multiple revenue streams between its
variety of products and its services, such as Apple Music.
• Here are a few things to consider about revenue streams:
• Does your company have multiple methods of generating revenue?
• What is the pricing strategy for the products offered by your company?
• Through what channels do your customers pay?
Marketing Plan:
• The marketing planning process takes that idea one step further, providing a
thoughtful, step-by-step approach to address how to create a marketing plan.
• When executed properly, this process is the foundation of success for your marketing
plan development.
• Benefits of marketing plan as follows:
• Increased accountability. Each team member has a clear understanding of who is
responsible for what.
• Team collaboration. Break down traditional silos and work together on common
goals.
• Resource allocation. Ensure you know exactly how much time, money, and energy
needed to achieve those goals.
• Performance management. Effectively measure marketing’s performance and
understand its value to your organization
Production Plan:
• The production plan presents or describes activities related to the production of goods.
• The production plan is the result of the industry analysis, particularly the study of
supply and demand and consumer behavior.
• The production plan usually includes the following:
1. Production schedule
2. Production process
3. Processing plant and equipment
4. Sources of materials
5. Production cost
• Production Schedule: The production schedule presents the total number of goods to
be produced and the expected time to produce them.
• Production Process: The different processes or stages involved in the production of
goods must be clearly spelled out in this section, as well as the description of the
following:
1. Exact processing procedure.
2. Materials, parts, or ingredients required.
3. Expected time to process the product.
• Processing Plant and Equipment: This section of the production plan describes the
manufacturing plant, the machinery and equipment, and the various tools to be used in
the production of goods, including their respective estimated cost.
• It also talks about the location of the processing plant and the reason for the selection
of the site.
• In most instances, the layout of the processing plant and the factory building is
illustrated. The general perspective presents the general view of the manufacturing
plant.
• Sources of Materials: The possible sources of raw material and manufacturing
supplies must be described in terms of the following:
• 1. Proximity of the source to the processing plant
• 2. Payment terms and conditions
• 3. Discounts and damages
• 4. Terms of shipment
Organizational Plan:
• An organizational plan in entrepreneurship defines the legal structure, management
team, and operational framework of a new business.
• Key components of an organizational plan include:
• Legal Structure: Choosing between sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation,
which impacts taxation, liability, and ownership.
• Management Team: Profiles of key personnel, detailing their qualifications,
experience, and roles within the company.
• Organizational Structure: An outline of the hierarchy, including reporting
relationships, departments, and, often, an organizational chart.
• Roles and Responsibilities: Definition of specific duties for each team member to
ensure accountability.
• Board of Advisors/Directors: Identification of external experts providing guidance to
enhance business growth.
• Operational Procedures: A description of how the business will function daily,
including, where applicable, production, manufacturing, or service delivery methods.
Financial Plan:
• Financial planning in entrepreneurship involves forecasting, budgeting, and managing
resources to achieve business goals, ensure liquidity, and minimize risk.
• Key components include setting SMART goals, separating personal/business
accounts, meticulous cash flow monitoring, and strategic funding, which are critical
for long-term sustainability.
• Financial planning is the process of assessing the current financial situation of a
business to identify future financial goals and how to achieve them.
• Key Aspects of Financial Planning for Entrepreneurs
• Goal Setting: Establishing SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant,
Time-bound) goals for revenue and growth, such as increasing revenue by 20% in six
months.
• Cash Flow Management: Ensuring sufficient liquidity to cover daily operations and
unexpected expenses.
• Budgeting and Forecasting: Projecting future revenues and expenses to make
informed, data-driven decisions.
• Separating Finances: Maintaining separate bank accounts for personal and business
finances to ensure legal compliance, tax accuracy, and clear financial oversight.
• Risk Assessment & Mitigation: Identifying potential financial, operational, or market
risks and preparing for them.
• Funding Strategy: Determining the necessary capital and choosing appropriate
sources like equity, debt, or bootstrapping.
• Tax Planning: Managing tax liabilities legally and efficiently to optimize financial
performance
• A model project report for a new venture is a comprehensive, written blueprint
detailing the feasibility, operational plan, and financial projections of a business idea,
essential for securing funding.
• It must include an executive summary, promoter profile, market analysis, technical
feasibility, financial projections (cost of project, profitability), and a SWOT analysis
to convince stakeholders of viability.
Project Report:
• Key Components of a Project Report
1. Executive Summary: A 2-3 page overview of the business, product, goals, and financial
highlights.
2. Promoter Profile: Detailed information on the entrepreneur's background, qualifications,
and experience.
3. Project Description:
Objective: What the venture aims to achieve.
Product/Service: Details, applications, and unique selling propositions (USPs).
Location: Site selection, including justification for site advantages.
4. Market Analysis:
Target market, consumer profile, demand/supply gap analysis, and sales strategy.
Competitor analysis and marketing mix (price, place, promotion).
Technical & Operational Plan:
Production Process: Detailed manufacturing process or service delivery method.
Machinery & Equipment: Capacity, suppliers, and estimated costs.
Utilities: Power, water, and raw material requirements.
6. Organizational Structure: Management team, skilled/unskilled manpower requirements,
and training needs.
7. Financial Assessment (The Calculative Part):
Project Cost: Land, building, machinery, and pre-operative expenses.
Means of Finance: Promoter’s contribution, bank loans, and term loans.
Projected Financials: Cash flow, balance sheet, and income statement for 3–5 years.
• 8. SWOT Analysis: Identifying Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats.
• 9. Implementation Schedule: Timeline for project completion, such as ordering
machinery, construction, and launch date.