Instructions:

A. Evaluate a Business Plan (40 marks)

1. Please download the "Michael's Business Centre" business plan accessible through this link:

http://www.rbcroyalbank.com/business/startingabusiness/planning-your-business.html

2. Critically evaluate this business plan; specifically, examine:

a. The structure - how does it compare to what you think the structure should be, based

on this course and your own insights, research and judgement; what is strong about the

current structure? What do you think can be improved?

b. The content - how does the content compare to what you feel may be appropriate?

What is strong? What could be enhanced? Is the content supported by sufficient

research, documentation and references?

B. Outline your Business Plan (60 marks)

Your final project asks you to develop a business plan from scratch. Please develop an outline for

your business plan.

The situation: You have decided to explore the idea of opening your own pet food and supplies

retail store. You have 10 years of retail management experience, a college diploma in business and

a strong love for animals. You currently live in the Toronto area - but are willing to move. You are

leaning towards serving the higher end of the market - but are not sure. You want to provide a

good range of products, maybe focused more heavily on higher quality goods that cater to other pet

lovers like you. At the same time, however, you know the value of a dollar and that everything

seems very expensive. So you are a bit unclear on the specific direction you should take. You know

that a great deal of research and analysis is needed to better understand the opportunity, formalize

your mission/goals and shape your business. Your research will also help inform how your business

may grow. You also know that at the end of the day, you may need to make very important