1 Table of Contents 1. The Route from Concept to Company ...............................................................................2 1.1. Success factors ............................................................................................................2 1.2. Stages of development ..............................................................................................3 2. The Business Idea..................................................................................................................6 2.1. Developing a business idea ......................................................................................6 2.2. Elements of a promising business idea...................................................................7 2.3. Protecting your business idea ................................................................................10 2.4. Presenting your idea to investors..........................................................................11 3. The Business Plan................................................................................................................13 3.1. Advantages of a business plan...............................................................................13 3.2. Characteristics of a successful business plan.......................................................13 3.3. The investor’s point of view...................................................................................15 3.4. Tips on preparing a professional business plan..................................................17 4. Structure and Key Elements of a Business Plan..............................................................19 4.1. Executive summary.................................................................................................19 4.2. Product or service .....................................................................
