What are your qualifications?
Caroline and Mike Kenny, our two principal consultants are a husband and wife team who are both MBA/CMA's, with over 25 years experience as Finance and Operations executives advsing small business. They are experts in business planning and financing, strategic planning, financial management, E-business strategies, organization development and structure, negotiation strategy and business restructuring. They provide a broad, global perspective, based on extensive experience gained in the U.S., U.K., Europe, the Middle East and South East Asia.
Do you outsource to third party consultants?
No, in fact this is a recognized differentiator versus our competition. Many of our competitors outsource their work to third party consultants and pay them 30 to 40% of the fee you are actually paying. The result is a relatively low fee for the consultant actually writing your plan who can't afford to spend 50 hours plus researching and developing the concept. We do all of our work in house and because we don't share the fee with anyone else we are able to devote the necessary time required to document a business plan that is well researched and compelling. All of our business plans are SBA, bank and investor compatible and are designed to serve as an excellent operating tool as our clients develop and grow their businesses.
Where can I find samples of your work?
We cannot share proprietary information contained in the business plans or other services provided to our clients. However, we can provide samples of our work, which provide a good visual representation of the form and format of our typical business plans. References from a broad range of clients are available on request.
Are your prices negotiable?
Our standard flat fees for producing high impact, professional business plans are a fraction of the price normally charged by high-end specialty firms and will vary depending on the scope and complexity of the project. Because we do not subcontract to third party consultants you can be sure you are receiving full value for your money as opposed to working with a subcontractor who is being paid a fraction of the fee you are actually paying.
How does payment work?
Payments for standard business plans or website development services are in two installments: 50%, upon contract signing; 50%, upon receipt of the initial draft. Payments for our consulting services are handled on an hourly, weekly, monthly or quarterly basis.
What if I just want limited consultation?
We provide tailored business solutions, including general consultation. Our minimum consultation is three hours.
How long does it take to produce a business plan?
Duration varies depending on the requirements of the client and the complexity of the concept. We can draft and produce a high impact business plan within 5-7 business days of receiving the required information about your venture if you require a plan developed quickly. However, our plans generally take 2-4 weeks to complete in order for us develop a plan that is well researched and presented in compelling form. The following is a general guideline:
Week 1: You complete our proprietary questionnaire, we have a 1 to 2 hour meeting to review the information provided in the questionnaire and the concept in general. We conduct our research and contact you as necessary for clarifications etc.
Week 2: We produce the draft financial plan and meet with you for 1 to 2 hours to review. Modifications are made based on input from you and follow on meetings are held until you accept the financial plan.
Week 3 to 4: The first draft of the documented business plan is presented to you, a 1-2 hour review meeting is held, modifications based your input are made. Follow on meetings are held until you accept the business plan as complete.
Week 5 to 6: Applicable to clients who may want to contract us for additional services such as loan application preparation, PowerPoint presentations etc.
What is your process for gathering my information?
The first step in the process is completion of our proprietary questionnaire by the client. This allows us gauge the level of research done by the client and the areas where we need to focus. We purchase access to market research databases which we use to conduct our research. All market research activities are included in our fees except in the rare case where we may have to purchase specialized research because of the unique nature of the concept. In those cases we always obtain the clients approval in writing before proceeding.
What if I don't like the draft business plan?
Because of the interactive nature of our approach we find most clients make only minor modifications to the draft business plan. However in a situation where the client does not like the draft we will make whatever modifications are necessary to complete a product that is both acceptable to the client and presented in compelling form.
What if I change my mind, after drafting begins?
Minor changes will be handled, at no additional cost. Major departures from the approved financial projections or the approved documented business plan will require a revision fee.
Do you guarantee your work?
During all stages of the engagement, we will apply our best efforts to assure your ongoing and ultimate satisfaction. Our goal is to provide you with a professional business plan that is compelling, well researched and lays a foundation for your future success. However, we make no warranty, express or implied, that the business plan we ultimately produce will, in fact, achieve any specific financing, marketing or management objective.
What are the next steps?
Contact us, so that we can answer your questions and make an initial assessment of the scope and timing of the concept. After terms and conditions have been agreed, we will send you a Letter Proposal for your signature acceptance. Upon receipt of your signed acceptance and the required initial payment, we will immediately commence work.
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