Grants and Business Plans
Common Denominators for Success

Why should we discuss grant proposals and business plans at the same time?  
Because many of the same elements appear in the successful execution of either project.

THOROUGH RESEARCH & DOCUMENTATION

Regardless of whether you are a retailer seeking a loan, or a non-profit seeking donors and grants, you must be able to present a clear overview of your current and projected operations when asked. So regardless of the requirements of the application or proposal you may be facing, be prepared to provide the following in graphic detail:

~  Market research, with statistics about your marketplace or service area and the demographics of your target clientele.

~  A clear description of your organization including how you are, or will be, different from your competitors.

~  Financial projections, with specifics of daily operations and any plans you have for making investments in facilities and equipment.

~  A timeline specifying short- and long-term goals and any proposals for expansion.

~ Comprehensive marketing and/or sales plans, showing the nature, dates and projected costs for advertising and public relations campaigns, special events and community service projects that offer potential for free media coverage.

While preparing to present yourself with precision, remember to research the individuals and institutions you wish to approach. This should include learning about previous awards they have made, especially in your area of endeavor.

VIBRANT ILLUSTRATION OF KEY INFORMATION

Often, concrete images are more valuable than words.  As a writer, I constantly seek creative means for varying the layout of the words I present.  In this website, I employ color, shape, proportion, paragraphing, indentation and ornamentation (bullets and framing, as well as pictures).  This refreshes the eyes of the reader and breaks up the monotony of extensive verbiage.

Throughout the process of laying out your business and grant proposals, keep asking yourself and others, "How can this information be highlighted? Should it blend seamlessly with other sections, or pop out in contrast. Are the various materials and techniques we are employing in harmony with one another and do they strengthen our overall presentation?"

As with any form of business communication, you may have only a few seconds or minutes in which to engage your reader's attention.  Organization of your material must be clear, concise and easily referenced for quick review and discussion.

~  Illustrations, drawings and photographs should be bright, with good focus and contrast.  Each must be pertinent to whatever point you are making, and serve as a memorable example of why your petition deserves positive attention and support.  Check with your legal advisor about whether you need to obtain releases from individuals whose faces or other notable features may be visible.

~  Charts, tables, diagrams, and other statistical presentations must be well structured and labeled to ensure clarity in the meanings and relationships of their individual and collective parts.

HIGHLIGHT YOUR CORPORATE BRAND

Admittedly, there is no shorthand method for ensuring a business plan or grant proposal will yield the support you are seeking. Each topic I have explored here demonstrates one clear theme:  The need to present an harmonious layering of complex details in an eye-catching format that is easy to understand. Perhaps it is not surprising that this same quality separates a casual doodle from a elegant pen and ink drawing in fine art; the professional artist has painstakingly built layers into his or her masterpiece, so that a depth of perspective is achieved that sweeps viewers into the heart of each scene.

Have you started assembling your long-range business plan?
Refining a business plan is more than a writing exercise!  If successful, it will generate:

~  Data for completing applications for grants and business loans

~  Proof of why someone will invest themselves in your endeavors

~  Elements you will utilize in planning promotional projects