The planning process is a key step in developing a solid business plan. To make this process more manageable, it would be useful to divide it into two key phases: strategic thinking and planning, and formal business planning.
Strategic thinking and planning
A thorough, inclusive planning process lays the groundwork for a credible and actionable business plan. Taking the time to think strategically and involve others is just as important as drafting the business plan itself. The planning process should be a joint team effort. This requires input from staff, trustees, volunteers and most importantly the community you serve. This is the time to gather information about need and aims. You should think about who your partners are and look at your financial position. You could in the planning process use tools such as SWOT and PESTLE analysis (explained more in depth below) and include your team and community coproduction sessions to cement your aims.
Business planning
Taking the information that you gathered in the thinking stage, start to make sense of it and write it down in a clear and accessible way.