<p>Whether you are applying to an Aboriginal Financial Institution, a bank, a grant program or an investor, your business plan is how they decide whether to back you. Funders read a lot of plans. The ones that get funded answer the same core questions clearly.</p><h2 id="398c0e19-1125-4a33-bb8c-fe7eff56a425" data-toc-id="398c0e19-1125-4a33-bb8c-fe7eff56a425" style="text-align: left; font-size: 24px; line-height: 1.2;">Is there a real need?</h2><p>Show who your customers are, what problem you solve for them, and how you know they will pay. Local evidence counts: letters of interest, early sales, quotes from buyers, or a simple survey of your community.</p><h2 id="bb7146fa-cedc-424e-ad9f-649067026b61" data-toc-id="bb7146fa-cedc-424e-ad9f-649067026b61" style="text-align: left; font-size: 24px; line-height: 1.2;">Can you deliver?</h2><p>Describe your experience, your team and any partners. Funders back people as much as ideas. If you have gaps, say how you will fill them through training, hiring or advisors.</p><h2 id="57cee0af-d13b-4dd7-b24f-8e393777bf4a" data-toc-id="57cee0af-d13b-4dd7-b24f-8e393777bf4a" style="text-align: left; font-size: 24px; line-height: 1.2;">Do the numbers add up?</h2><p>Include start-up costs, a 12-month cash flow, and realistic sales projections with the assumptions written out. Conservative, well-explained numbers build more trust than optimistic ones.</p><h2 id="c4eb720c-cc76-408e-8c21-0c52e0589466" data-toc-id="c4eb720c-cc76-408e-8c21-0c52e0589466" style="text-align: left; font-size: 24px; line-height: 1.2;">Where is the money going?</h2><p>List exactly what you are asking for and what it will pay for. Show what you are contributing yourself, whether cash, equipment or time. A clear use-of-funds table makes a reviewer's job easy.</p><h2 id="4ab6798f-53fd-459e-b421-0ce7a63335f5" data-toc-id="4ab6798f-53fd-459e-b421-0ce7a63335f5" style="text-align: left; font-size: 24px; line-height: 1.2;">What happens next?</h2><p>Set out your milestones for the first year and how you will measure progress. Funders want to see that you have thought past the launch.</p><h2 id="7e18a915-6a71-4762-9338-049d07355416" data-toc-id="7e18a915-6a71-4762-9338-049d07355416" style="text-align: left; font-size: 24px; line-height: 1.2;">Keep it clear and honest</h2><p>A strong plan is specific, readable and consistent from start to finish. Have someone outside your business read it before you submit.</p><h2 id="a0254067-ad2a-4b53-939d-88a30aa1d575" data-toc-id="a0254067-ad2a-4b53-939d-88a30aa1d575" style="text-align: left; font-size: 24px; line-height: 1.2;">How JDionne &amp; Associates can help</h2><p>We help Indigenous entrepreneurs build business plans, financial projections and funding applications. <a target="_blank" href="/business-services">Explore our Business Services</a> or <a target="_blank" href="/contact">book a free discovery call</a>.</p>

The five questions every funder asks when reading a business plan, and how Indigenous entrepreneurs can answer them.

What Funders Look for in a Business Plan

Articles from JDionne & Associates on Indigenous recovery, mental health and the 60s Scoop, plus business planning, funding and contract-readiness guidance.

What Funders Look for in a Business Plan

What Funders Look for in a Business Plan

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