How to Score a Business Plan

A Business plan is a document that you can score between 0 and 37.

1. Overall Impression of the Executive Summary (0-5)

• Does the summary adequately describe the idea — does the idea make sense?
• Has the team adequately described the pain in the marketplace?
• Do you believe the team has presented a feasible solution?
• Is the summary well written and succinct?
• Does the summary create excitement?

2. Market opportunity (0-5)

• Have they adequately described the market and economic opportunity?
• Have they clearly stated their value proposition? Is it a viable model?

3. Competitive Strategy (0-5)

• Has the team completely analyzed its competitive space?
• Does the summary clearly identify the company’s initial competitive advantage or differentiator?
• Does the team have an adequate strategy for defending their market position?

4. Go-to-market Strategy (0-5)

• Is it clear how the company will reach its initial customer?
• Does the summary clearly identify a sales strategy?
• Is the distribution plan clearly defined and reasonable?

5. Management team (0-5)

• Does this management team have the skills required to execute the plan?
• Does this team have the experience to lead a new venture?
• If this management team is weak in skills or experience, do they list the advisors or mentors who can help them?

6. Traction (0-5)

• Has the team made progress toward any milestones (licenses, patents, etc…)
• Has the company signed customers and/or channel partners?
• Has the company booked any revenue?

7. Financials (0-5)

• Are the financials consistent with the overall plan?
• Are the assumptions realistic?
• Are contingencies and exit strategies addressed?
• Does the plan describe the funding/resources required to execute on the plan?

8. Social Responsibility (0-2)

• Does the entry have the potential to make a significant positive impact on society? Will it improve the quality of life for people and our planet and help contribute to a better, safer and more prosperous world?
• Does the team discuss measurable efforts to minimize consumption, use, and byproduct waste, while bolstering profitability/cost containment?

Exam (1 minutes)

Question 1: What is the highest score a business plan cat get?

Answer: 37. There are 37 yes no questions. Each 'yes' count as 1 score.

Question 2: A business plan is missing Social Responsibility. What is the highest score this business plan can get?

Answer: 35. If Social Responsibility missing, the Business Plan loses 2 scores. This is the case because 37 is the top scored business plan.

If you answered correctly and you understand it, congratulations! You are a Certified Business Plan Judge.

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