Custom Business Plans
Crafted so you can launch a business built for profitability and growth — and get funded.
My Approach Works.
Terri Graham
Cuvée Lounge
Big ideas are flowing, you’re bursting with excitement, and you’re ready to jump in and start taking action.
I see it all the time… founders spending their precious time and startup capital on things the other people are telling them they should be doing. Things like…
- Building your website
- Hiring a branding expert
- Getting your social media up and running
…all before you even have a strategy.
I get it. It’s easy (and a lot more fun) to get caught up in the “cool stuff.” The problem is, most first-time founders wind up neglecting or avoiding the one thing that will have the biggest impact on whether their doors will still be open a few years from now:
Creating a detailed, well-thought-out plan.
You wouldn’t even think of building a house without a blueprint. Yet, the vast majority of founders don’t take the time to map out their own business blueprint, even though it’s the key to getting funded and the cornerstone of any startup’s success.
Dan Szor, Founder of Cotswolds Distillery
If you build it plan it, they will come.
Before I share my process for crafting custom business plans, let’s talk about whether you really do need one.
A business plan will benefit you if…
You’re looking to raise funds from investors, banks, or friends and family.
You can’t afford to wait 5-10 years to replace your income and start making a profit.
You know you have a great idea, but you haven’t quite nailed down the details (like monthly cash flow or your core customer).
If any of these apply to you… you’re in the right place.
Robert Luiten
Zenergy Biofuels
George Mallett
ResourceHunt
The Startup Distillery Process
Distilling is the essence of what I do with my clients.
As an admirer of fine whisky, I’ve noticed that writing business plans and distilling whisky work in much the same way:
A distiller cooks the ingredients until the best parts rise to the top. The better the ingredients, the better the finished product.
My process has three distinct phases that address the big picture and the details of your business, all while showing you the ropes of how to think and act like a smart, strategic CEO.
Rusty Sproat, Founder of Figo Pet Insurance
1
The Words
During this phase, we’ll craft a strong narrative that explains your vision and spells out the whats, hows and whys behind it — not only the market opportunity, but why customers will buy what you’re selling.
I’ll walk you through this process step by step. You’ll learn how to talk about your business in a way that makes investors ask, “Where do I sign up?”
2
The Numbers
If the words are the story explaining your vision, the numbers are there to support your story. We’ll dive deep into the nuts-and-bolts of your financial projections in simple, easy-to-understand language (I promise!).
Together, we’ll prepare realistic projections that will serve as your budgeting and benchmarking tools… and clearly show that your concept can grow into a profitable, thriving business.
3
The Plan
By the time we’re finished, you’ll have a compelling, persuasive business plan that will serve as your North Star — your foundation for growth — when it comes to what helps your bottom line and what doesn’t.
And when things change (as they naturally do), you’ll be ready to adapt quickly and take advantage of opportunities.
99%
99% of my clients who have sought funding have secured it.
Ready for an investor-attracting business plan?
“Diane made the business plan process easy and fun without losing any attention to detail.
She helped us think outside the box, and worked to help us build not just a business plan, but a company that we are proud of.
Not coming from a business background, it was really helpful having her guidance and perspective.”
Alexa Bancel
B. Wise Rehabilitation
Result: Profitable in less than 1 year; by 18 months had a months-long waitlist.
“Diane knows her stuff! We wanted an unbiased guide through the business planning process, and she helped us think through the details in every aspect of our business.
Our meetings always ended with clearly defined homework to keep the process moving.”
Rachel Wise
B. Wise Rehabilitation
Result: Profitable in less than 1 year; by 18 months had a months-long waitlist.
So, what’s the investment?
Private 1:1 calls with me.
When you work with me you get more than a business plan; you get one-on-one strategic advice that becomes your personal startup bootcamp. As part of my process I take on several roles: trusted advisor, business coach, devil’s advocate and cheerleader. That’s why every custom business plan package includes unlimited calls, so you always have support and a sounding board when you need it.
A custom-crafted business plan.
Your custom business plan will include your Compelling Narrative, Financial Projections and Executive Summary. You’ll be ready to hit the ground running as you build your business and begin pitching investors. (If you need help crafting your pitch deck and script, we can talk about that when you’re ready.)
Unlimited acess to me.
We’ll work together closely so I can really get to know you and your business — and I’ll be there with you every step of the way. Clients know they can come to me any time, with any question, in any circumstance. You will have my decades of experience at your complete disposal.
Your investment:
Working directly with me to develop your custom-crafted business plan is a 5-figure investment that starts at $17,000 and includes unlimited access to my expert consulting brain. To get an exact quote on a custom plan for your business, let’s talk so I can learn more about your vision.
three ways to get in touch
Get started by requesting a totally free “let’s see if we’re a good fit” call below.
(773) 871-0110
it’s free!
diane@startupdistillery.com
Need a business plan on a budget?
If you’ve got a tight budget, you need Distilling Your Dreams, my step-by-step Business Kit (with templates!) Affordably priced, instantly downloadable, and designed for any industry.