Prior to implementing a business idea, prospective entrepreneurs need to create a business plan. This includes a structured documentation on all key points that are to be considered with regard to realising the business idea.
How to create a business plan?
In addition to an outline of the idea itself, the business plan comprises information on the business model, the strategy, a market analysis as well as financial planning. The goal of the document is to answer the main questions on how the company is to successfully exist and flourish in the market.
At the same time, the business plan serves as a type of analysis, since the breakdown and description of the individual aspects allows practical conclusions to be drawn on the planned venture. Furthermore, the business plan can be used for deriving key factors that have to be considered for the business to succeed, as well as opportunities to be taken and risks to be avoided.
Planning phase
Overview and guide for a business plan
Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy
Guiding questions
Overview of a range of helpful questions for putting a business idea into action
Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy
Business plan
A detailed elaboration of the different aspects of a business plan
Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy
Software & Templates
SmartBusinessPlan
Software that supports the creation of a detailed business plan. (A full free version is provided for 30 days)
SmartBusinessPlan (To access the free version one has to use the German link, after signing up the language can be switched to English)
Consulting & Coaching
Initial consultation
General information and consultation on setting up a business in Hamburg (no appointment necessary)
Hamburg Chamber of Commerce
Business startup consultation before business plan preparation
General orientation meeting: Appointment can be made by telephone or in person (with appointment)
hei. Hamburg Business Startup Initiative
Last accessed: Nov 2022