Introduction

In a world characterized by increasing competitiveness, where opportunities and challenges abound, the importance of preparing a business plan emerges as a fundamental tool for achieving success and sustainability. A business plan serves as a roadmap for any project or organization, helping to define objectives and direct efforts towards their achievement. Preparing a business plan is not just a writing process; it is an art that requires precise analysis, strategic thinking, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.

In this context, it becomes essential for professionals and entrepreneurs to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to prepare effective business plans. This is where the Certificate in Business Plan Preparation comes into play, offering a comprehensive framework to qualify individuals in this field.

This certification is a gateway to a bright future, equipping participants with a deep understanding of the principles of plan preparation and assisting them in developing innovative strategies to achieve their goals. Through well-designed curricula and practical training, participants have the opportunity to learn how to analyze the market, assess opportunities, and formulate effective strategies.

By obtaining this certification, you will not only gain comprehensive knowledge but also become part of a community of professionals striving for excellence in the field of business plan preparation. This certification will be your guide to achieving professional excellence and making a positive impact in the business world, allowing you to seize opportunities and build a bright career ahead.

Objectives

• To understand the concept of a business plan and its importance in the success of projects
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• To learn how to set strategic objectives and clearly outline them in the business plan
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• To acquire the necessary skills for market analysis and identifying opportunities and challenges
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• To recognize how to develop effective marketing strategies to attract customers
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• To develop accurate financial projections including budget, costs, and expected revenues.
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• To gain the ability to conduct comprehensive feasibility analysis for the project.
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• To understand how to evaluate potential risks and develop strategies to mitigate them
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• To learn how to write a comprehensive and clear business plan that meets the requirements of investors and financiers.
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• To acquire effective communication skills to present the business plan convincingly.
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• To be able to modify and update the business plan based on market changes or internal conditions.

Topics

Unit 1: Market Analysis and Marketing Plan for Small and Medium Enterprises in Saudi Arabia

• Market and marketing for small and medium-sized businesses.
• Market analysis and forecasts.
• Identifying and analyzing your customers.
• Identifying competitors and competitive factors.
• Setting and defining business objectives.
• Analytical tools: SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats).
• PEST (Political, Economic, Social, Technological) analysis.
• Developing the marketing plan – the Four Ps.
• Differences between marketing plans for service and commercial sectors.

Unit 2: Operations Plan Analysis and Evaluation for Small and Medium Enterprises in Saudi Arabia

• Fundamentals of the operations plan in the business plan for small and medium enterprises.
• Components of the operations plan.
• Stages of preparing the operations plan.
• Equipment and inventory.
• Investments and costs.
• Fixed vs. variable costs.
• Human resource plan and its financial implications.
• Operations plan for the service sector and commercial sector.

Unit 3: Financial Plan Analysis and Evaluation for Small and Medium Enterprises in Saudi Arabia

• Basics of preparing the financial plan in the business plan for small and medium enterprises.
• Components of the financial plan.
• Financial assumptions.
• Financing structure: sources and uses of funds.
• Cost of capital, cost of obtaining cash, etc.
• What is a balance sheet? What is an income statement?
• Cash flow obstacles, net present value, internal rate of return, etc.
• Solvency and profitability.
• Sensitivity and scenario analysis.

Unit 4: Business Plan Writing Analysis and Evaluation and What Commercial Banks Look For

• Business plan writing course.
• Who is the plan written for? What is included? What should be highlighted?
• The different components of a written business plan.
• How to write the "executive summary."

Target Audience

• Entrepreneurs and owners of small and medium enterprises.
• Managers and personnel in planning and follow-up departments.
• Managers, experts, and financial and administrative consultants in enterprises.
• Investment managers in financial and investment institutions and various project financing companies.
• Credit and facilities managers in banks and financial institutions.
• Financial analysts.
• Anyone involved in preparing project plans.