Entrepreneurs are most often doers rather than proposal writers. They would frequently rather be on the battlefield-the cutting edge of their business-than behind the lines planning their assault. In addition, many of these people have difficulty articulating the business concept that has often become second nature to them. Consequently, one of the difficult chores they face is the preparation and actual writing of a business plan. Whatever difficulty the preparation of a business plan may present, a plan is an absolute necessity for any health care organization to survive. The business plan serves three functions. •        It is a plan which can be used to develop ideas about how the business of the organization should be conducted. •        A business plan is a retrospective tool, against which those making decisions can assess the organization’s actual performance over time. •        A business plan is necessary to raise capital, in any form of financial structure. HCBA provides business plan development specifically for startup organizations. An emphasis is placed on strategic planning along with current business auditing practices. Areas covered are •        Preparing for the strategic diagnosis •        Diagnosing the internal capabilities of the organization •        Diagnosing the external environment of the organization •        Establishing the strategic vision •        Developing the strategic plan •        Implementing the strategic plan •        Adjusting the strategic plan •        Avoiding the pitfalls of “typical” business (organizational)   plan development

Business Plan Development and Writing for New and Expanding Ventures