Why discuss writing grant applications and business plans at the same time? The answer is rather basic: Because many of the same elements will appear in a 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 current and
projected operations. While any proposal for support will have its
own specifications, be prepared to provide the following in graphic
detail, including supporting data:
~ Market
research, including details about your marketplace or service area,
as well as the demographics of your target clientele.
~ A clear
description of your organization including how you are, or will be,
different from competitors.
~ Financial
projections, with details of daily operations, including investments
in facilities and equipment.
~ A
timeline specifying short- and long-term goals, including any
proposals for expansion.
~ A
comprehensive marketing and/or sales plan, showing the nature, dates
and projected costs for advertising and public relations campaigns,
including special events and community service projects with
potential for free media coverage.
~ While
preparing to present yourself with precision, remember to research
the individuals and institutions you wish to approach for
support--plus a few of their previous awards of support.
VIBRANT ILLUSTRATION OF KEY INFORMATION
Concrete images really are often
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) to break up the monotony of mere verbiage and to refresh a
viewer's eyes. Throughout the process of laying out your business
and grant proposals, keep asking yourself and others, "How can this
material be highlighted? Should it blend seamlessly with other
sections, or pop out in contrast. Do our various techniques
throughout the project work in harmony with and strengthen our
overall presentation?"
As with any business communication, you often have just a few
seconds or minutes in which to engage your reader's attention.
Organization of your material must be clear, the information 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 both whatever point
you are making, plus 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, with bold clarity in substantive meaning as
well material layout.
HIGHLIGHT OF 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?
Designing and continually refining a
business plan is
more than a writing exercise! It will generate:
~
Elements for planning promotional
projects
~ Data for completing
applications for grants and business loans
~ Proof of why someone might
want to invest in or buy your business