Writing a Business Plan for Funding Applications

Venue:
Online interactive workshop delivered via Zoom
 
Date:
03/03/2021
 
Note:
Weds 3rd March
 
Time:
9:15am - 1:30pm
 
Category:
Business Training
 

This online interactive workshop will provide participants with the tools and insight required to draft an effective business plan for use for funding and loan applications. For Kildare based businesses only.

This event is no longer available
 

 Writing a Business Plan for Funding Applications

The workshop aims to demystify the process and understand better the benefits of a) business planning and its importance to the business and b) preparing a business plan to support an application for raising finance for your business. Specifically looking at application for Microfinance Ireland funding.

 


Workshop outcomes:

  1. At the end of the workshop, participants will know the importance of business planning for business success

  2. Know the requirements for a good business plan and understand better what the financial institutions are looking for

  3. Appreciate the practical requirements of good business planning

  4. Know the sources of financing for SMEs

  5. Know the importance of being able to clearly present the core elements of their business to finance providers

Purpose of the workshop

The cornerstone of any finance loan application is the business plan, and the first half of the workshop is devoted to the business plan.  How to write a business plan for an investment proposal/grant/loan application - the critical elements that must be included and how to structure the document. 

Specific focus will be on the types of loan finance available to smes from lenders such as the sbci (the strategic banking corporation of ireland), and as previously mentioned mfi (microfinance ireland) and the mainstream banks and credit unions. In addition to this, other types of financing will be discussed, such as leasing, invoice discounting, crowd funding etc. Specific information is given on how loans are assessed today, including the type of ratios and ‘what if’ analysis that are generally applied. 

The trainers will give plenty of tangible examples of common reasons why loans are refused, and there will be reference made to the mechanism for appealing refused applications (including the credit review office).


Format

  • Part one  - deals with business planning (09.15 to 11.15)
  • Part two  - deals with financing options, bank requirements & MFI (11.30 to 13.30)

 

Topics covered

Part one - business planning

  • Business environment today
  • Covid and brexit
  • Setting up a business today (reflective questionnaire)
  • Research your business idea (what to look for?)
  • What is a business plan and why are business plans so important?
  • What should be included in a business plan? (key components)
  • Structure: how to write a business plan
  • Business plan contents – part 1 & 2
  • Executive summary, sales & marketing plans and financials
  • Business plan financing and cash flow
  • Other documentation that financial institutions require
  • Business plan information sources & sample (food sector)
  • Business plan (10 mistakes to avoid)
  • Financing sources & an overview of mfi
  • Information about kildare leo support
  • Take away actions

 

Part two – Financing and Banks

  • Changes in lending approach (risk based assessments)
  • Products / service / maximise cross selling
  • Bad & legacy debts
  • Discussions with the banks: cost of funds / margin / lending rate
  • Types of loans (sme / overdraft/ long term financing)
  • Security & personal guarantees
  • What are the banks looking for in an loan application?
  • Extent of risk assessed
    • Individuals / credit history / personal equity
    • Company management and performance
    • Sector performance
    • Economy review / recovery
  • Financing options
  • Invoice discounting
  • Strategic banking corp
  • Crowd funding
  • Mfi (looked at in some detail, including the appeals process)
  • Credit review office
  • Angel investors
  • Family / friends (arrangements should be formal)
  • Seed capital funding
  • Venture capital funding

Delivered by

Niall Glynn & Associates