If you are looking for a business plan consultant, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will review the background and qualifications for a business plan consultant and extrapolate the components of business that should be included in the background of the consultant you hire. We’ll also discuss

If your need is for secure seed funding or growth-mode funding, you’ll want the best business plan consultant in the industry. Let’s discuss how you’ll make the selection and, as a result, create your own success.

How does someone become a business planning consultant?

Good question. The short answer to this question is somewhat vague: one becomes a consultant because one has been a leader in a company or industry. A business plan consultant will have both a vast wealth of general business knowledge and a specific set of skills tied to the organizations served. In fact, many consultants have varied and vibrant backgrounds with multiple global enterprise connections, and several consultants have been leaders in their own industries.

If you are seeking the best business plan consultant who has knowledge in a specific type of industry sector, the search will not take long. There are highly-qualified individuals waiting to assist. Before going there, first consider the specific story your business plan should communicate and also consider how you’d like that story to be told. There are multiple outcomes available; ensure you receive the best communicator of your story for your purposes.

What are the background and qualifications to look for in a business plan consultant?

If you are seeking a consultant with a strong background as a CFO within multiple industries, you’ll want to find a consultant with such qualifications as:

• CFO role for public and private companies
• Experience with venture capital accounting
• Investor and consultant in private equity deals
• Currently advising over 20 businesses in business plans
• Experienced in raising equity in industries; healthcare, consumer, and media
• Experienced in raising funds for early stage and mature small-cap firms

Looking for a generalist who can assist with your business plan and, in addition, provide business consulting in a wide variety of areas? Consider someone with this type of background and experience:

• Held leadership roles in many companies
• Overall business experience in consulting
• Areas of expertise: analytics, banking, and products
• Experienced in assisting private shareholders

Is your business in startup mode? Consider a consultant like this:

• Experienced in pitching and planning with small companies
• Wide variety of company and industry collaborations
• Produced seed round funding at 5M

With these examples in mind, consider the type of business plan that will suit your business. The typical model contains some or all of the following components:

• Executive Summary
• Business Overview
• Achievements & Success Factors
• Financial Highlights
• Company Structure
• Company Explanation = mission/goals
• History of the Company
• Products or Services provided by the Company
• Industry Analysis (optional)
• Industry Trends
• Customer Analysis
• Demographic Imaging
• Competitive Assessment
• Scope of Business
• Competitive Factors
• Marketing Strategies
• Differentiation or unique value offer
• Brands, logos, copyrights, patents
• Promotions Strategy
• Pricing Strategy
• Operations Plan
• Functions
• Objectives and Milestones
• Management Team
• Hiring Plans
• Financial Plans & Forecasts
• Revenue and Cost Drivers
• Revenue and Cost Drivers
• KPIs and Forecasts

Although the construction of the completed business plan depends on the competency and talents of the business plan consultant, you’ll also want to address the personal part of this project. For example, if you want to address the adventure found in discovering the concept for the business, or the innovation surrounding the development of the concept, this is where your efforts can and should be included in the process.

In tandem with the presentation of the business plan, the verbal pitch to leaders or board of directors will need to come from you. This may seem odd, given that the business plan consultant is an experienced professional who compiled the entire document; unfortunately, state and federal laws prohibit the person who acted as the consultant from being the same person to present the business plan and pitch. The consultant must take a sideline position. As the owner or major shareholder of the business, however, you have the ability to pick up the baton and run toward the finish line.

If you are considering making the pitch on behalf of your startup, you’ll want to recognize that potential investors view pitches and presentations often; they won’t be “wowed” by a simple explanation or a one-paper presentation. What will bring their attention is your story and your objectives to carry that story forward; you’re the one person who can move an investor or lender forward.

Conclusion

As a final note, remember that investors and lenders will need a return. An investors will often fund without a request for repayment, but will want a percentage of your company, sometimes as much as 15%. A lender, on the other hand, will expect repayment with interest and repaid on a set schedule. Consider either type of offer carefully, as they both have consequences.

After considering the different types of business plan consultants and evaluating the type of business plan that may fit your business, you’ve also briefly reviewed the pitch and your part within it. The decision to hire a business plan consultant is a wise one; hre’s hoping you find the best one for your business and secure funding toward long-term growth and success.