franchise business plan rubric

How to Write a Franchise Business Plan + Template

Elon Glucklich

8 min. read

Updated February 7, 2024

Free Download:  Sample Franchise Sandwich Shop Business Plan Template

Owning a franchise is an excellent way for business owners to gain instant brand recognition. 

By paying a franchise fee, you can own a fast-food restaurant like McDonald’s, Subway, or Kentucky Fried Chicken, a 7-Eleven convenience store, a gym chain, or even a hotel like a Marriott or Hilton. 

For franchises with fees between $25,000 and $100,000, recent research indicates that the 5-year business failure rate is about 5 percent , just one-tenth of the overall business failure rate. Put simply, you have a much higher chance of success opening a franchise than a traditional business.

But getting a proven brand name doesn’t guarantee success. You’ll need to ensure you understand the franchise’s business model and expectations. 

Plus, you need to determine if there’s a big enough market for your business to be successful, what potential customers expect from businesses like yours, and how many competitors you’ll face.

Fortunately, answering these questions are all part of writing a comprehensive business plan . Here are the steps to writing a franchise business plan that shows your business’s unique value—while answering critical financial and operational questions your franchisor or lender will want to know.

Ready to write your plan? Check out our selection of franchise business plan examples to inspire your own.

• Why you need a business plan for your franchise business

Writing a detailed business plan is crucial for two reasons. 

First , it demonstrates to the franchisor that you understand how their business operates. 

Since the company sets your prices , controls your product inventory, and will likely tell you what marketing tactics you can use—the business plan puts in writing that you understand how their rules and guidelines affect your business.

Second , the plan also organizes all of your expectations, assumptions, and research about your business into one document that serves as a roadmap for success:

• Business objectives
• Franchisor requirements
• Funding needs
• Financial goals
• Growth strategies

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How to write a business plan for your franchise 

1. understand your franchise business model.

Since the franchisor has already established the company’s business model, your business plan should focus on how you can adapt it to be successful in your chosen location .

Imagine you’re planning to open a fast food restaurant, chain hotel, or convenience store. How do these kinds of businesses operate successfully? Consider the business models of each:

Fast food restaurant: Standard menu, streamlined kitchen operations, marketing strategy leaning heavily on national advertising campaigns.

Hotel: Efficient room turnovers, maintaining cleanliness and amenities that the brand promises.

Convenience store: High foot traffic, quick inventory turnover, and flexible operating hours.

Each case presents different business dynamics – and considerations for your business plan. You should be able to show in your plan that you understand the revenue streams and direct costs of running this type of business, and what your customer acquisition costs might be.

2. Conduct a market and location analysis

Buying into a franchise gives you some marketing advantages. You have a widely recognized brand to attract customers, access to promotional materials, and maybe even some information about customer buying patterns from your franchisor.

But operating a franchise doesn’t take away the heavy lifting of market research . Each franchise has to consider local factors that could affect its profitability.

A good starting point is to conduct a SWOT analysis , documenting the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats facing your business. Here are some other key elements to consider:

Demographic study

• Employment status

Understanding the demographics of the people most likely to visit your business could help you set operating hours or decide who to target with promotions.

Competitor analysis

• Identify your competitors
• Compare your product or service offerings with theirs
• Compare price points
• Compare marketing strategies
• Define the competitive advantage of your business

Don’t just look at direct competitors that are similar to your franchise. If you’re opening a 24-hour 7-Eleven, you should also look at supermarkets, drugstores, or food delivery services in your area.

Geographic analysis

• Neighborhood characteristics
• Population trends

A chain restaurant in a busy downtown probably has different customers and peak times than the same restaurant in a shopping center near a residential area. So it’s essential to understand the characteristics of the neighborhood you’re operating in.

Consumer behavior patterns

• Technology use

Understand what drives consumers interested in your business to make the choices they do. This is where you will want to do online research and, ideally, go out and talk to potential customers.

Franchise-specific research

You should also answer questions about the competitive positioning of the franchise – and franchises as a whole – in your area.

• How do similar franchises perform in your area?
• What is the brand perception of the franchise you intend to start?
• Is there a large enough market in the area for your franchise?
• What non-franchise options are available? What are the advantages or disadvantages for customers who shop there instead?

Be sure to examine what potential customers discuss on social media platforms and online message boards like Reddit to understand what they expect from businesses like yours.

3. Highlight your unique value proposition within the franchise

Even though you’re buying into a proven business model , you’ll still face competition. Your business plan gives you a chance to put on paper what gives you a competitive advantage. 

In the case of a franchise business , your franchisor may be the most important stakeholder to read your business plan. So the plan is to show them you can run a successful business under their name.

Maybe the 7-Eleven convenience store you want to open is in a location with a lot of foot traffic and no larger grocery stores nearby. Or maybe your restaurant offers late-night delivery in an area with few alternatives. 

By outlining your unique value proposition in your business plan—you can align your individual strengths and market opportunities with your franchisor’s proven business model.

Backing up your unique value proposition with any data or information about customers will be especially important if you’re operating in a crowded market with lots of competition.

4. Do your own financial projections and scenarios

The franchisor may provide some guidance, but this is your business.

That means your business plan should include the same financial details and projections as if you were starting a business from scratch. Your financial plan should include:

Start-up costs : The initial investment required to get your franchise off the ground. This should include the franchise fee, the cost of equipment, initial inventory, license fees, and any expenses related to your location.

Ongoing fees and operational costs: These are costs that recur monthly or annually. They include fixed costs like franchise royalties, lease payments, and staff salaries, and variable costs like utilities, inventory, maintenance costs, and marketing expenses.

Revenue projections : Detail how much revenue you expect to bring in monthly. Forecast revenues out into the future, and don’t be afraid to make projections several years out. 

Remember, good financial forecasts are meant to be adjusted as real numbers come in, and comparing your projections with actuals over time can help you make better business decisions.

Break-even analysis : This is where you calculate how long it will take for your franchise unit to cover its initial investment and start making a profit. Knowing your break-even point is essential not just for you but also for lenders.

5. Create an operational plan

Even though the franchise provides the business model, you must ensure it runs smoothly daily. Your business plan should provide a clear operational plan that outlines :

Staffing needs 

You should be specific about the staffing level your business needs . You’ll need cashiers, cooks, and delivery drivers if you’re running a fast-food franchise. List the skills and experience needed for each role, and outline your plans for training new hires.

Inventory management

While a franchise agreement might take some of the pressure off of sourcing your inventory, it’s still your responsibility to develop processes for managing it. 

You’ll need to understand if there are seasonal trends in your business, how often various products are returned, how long an item can sit on your shelves, and a variety of other factors that affect how much of a product you should order and when you should order it.

Quality control

Since you’re operating under a franchise agreement, you must comply with the standards the franchisor sets out for operating their business. Detail the quality control procedures you’ll put in place to meet those standards. 

Also, take some time in the business plan to address how you’ll stay compliant with local, state, and federal laws and the franchise’s policies.

6. Review and adjust your business plan

The business plan for your franchise should not be a static document . Market conditions evolve, consumer demands change, and new competitors emerge. Additionally, Franchisors often update their business models, add new products, or change their marketing strategies.

You may also be expected to periodically share financial reports or general updates about your business with the franchisor. (LivePlan lets you create and share visually engaging, professional reports using information from your business plan.)

Either way, your plan should outline how you’ll account for market shifts or franchise changes in your operations. Just as important, you should make it a habit to review your business plan periodically – many business owners review their plans quarterly or even monthly, especially when starting out. 

That way, they can adapt the plan as their business evolves.

• Download your free sample business plan for a franchise business

If you need help getting your franchise business started, check out one of our free sample franchise business plans . You can download this document in Word form and customize it to get you started on your own business plan. 

It’s just one of 550+ sample business plans we’ve made available to download.

You can also review our step-by-step guide on how to write a business plan for a detailed look at how to write specific sections of a traditional business plan.

Elon is a marketing specialist at Palo Alto Software, working with consultants, accountants, business instructors and others who use LivePlan at scale. He has a bachelor's degree in journalism and an MBA from the University of Oregon.

Table of Contents

• How to write a business plan for your franchise 

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Franchise Business Plan Template

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Franchise Business Plan Outline

• Franchise Business Plan Home
• 1. Executive Summary
• 2. Company Overview
• 3. Industry Analysis
• 4. Customer Analysis
• 5. Competitive Analysis
• 6. Marketing Plan
• 7. Operations Plan
• 8. Management Team
• 9. Financial Plan

Start Your Franchise Plan Here

Franchise Business Plan

You’ve come to the right place to create your business plan.

We have helped over 10,000 entrepreneurs and business owners with how to create a franchise business plan to start or grow their franchises.

How To Write a Franchise Business Plan & Sample

Below is are links to each section of a franchise business plan example to help you start your own franchise business:

• Executive Summary – This section provides a high-level overview of your business plan. It should include your company’s mission statement, as well as information on the products or services you offer, your target market, and your business goals and objectives.
• Company Overview – This section provides an in-depth look at your company, including information on your franchise’s history, franchise business model, ownership structure, and management team. You will also include a copy of your franchise agreement.
• Industry Analysis – In this section, you will provide an overview of the industry in which your franchise will operate.
• Customer Analysis – In this section, you will describe your target market and explain how you intend to reach them. You will also provide information on your customers’ needs and buying habits.
• Competitive Analysis – This section will provide an overview of your competition, including their strengths and weaknesses. It will also discuss your competitive advantage and how you intend to differentiate your franchise from the competition.
• Marketing Plan – In this section, you will detail your marketing strategy, including your marketing initiatives and promotion plans. You will also discuss your pricing strategy and how you intend to position your own business in the market.
• Operations Plan – This section will provide an overview of your store’s operations, including your store layout, staff, and inventory management.
• Management Team – In this section, you will provide information on your management team, their experience, and their roles in the company.
• Financial Plan – This section includes your company’s financial statements (income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement). It also includes information on how much funding you require and the use of these funds.

Next Section: Executive Summary >

Franchise Business Plan FAQs

What is a franchise business plan.

A business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your franchise. Among other things, it outlines your business concept, identifies your target customers, presents your marketing plan and details your financial projections.

You can  easily complete your business plan using our Franchise Business Plan Template here .

What Are the Main Types of a Franchise?

About any type of business can be franchised. Franchises are categorized according to different factors like investment level, franchisor’s strategy, business operations, and marketing and relationship models. The most common types of franchises are job franchise, product or distribution franchise, business format franchise, investment franchise, and conversion franchise.

What Are the Main Sources of Revenues and Expenses for a Franchise?

The main source of revenue for a business franchise are franchise fees and royalty fees. Some also earn from other fees like distribution fees, site assistance fees, training fees, technologies, and rebates.

The key expenses for franchises are inventory, payroll, marketing and advertising, rent and loans.

How Do You Get Funding for Your Franchise?

Among the most common sources of funding for a franchising business are commercial bank loans, Small Business Administration (SBA) loans, personal savings and friends and family loans/gifts. There are also lenders that can supplement other loans with equipment financing and business lines of credit for franchise businesses.

This is true for a business plan for a franchise restaurant, a business plan for franchise store, or any other franchise business plans.

Where Can I Get a Franchise Business Plan PDF?

You can download our free franchise business plan template PDF here . This is a sample franchise business plan template you can use in PDF format.

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How to Write a Business Plan for Your Franchise This vital step can make the difference between success or failure in the franchise world.

By Clarissa Buch Zilberman Edited by Carl Stoffers May 8, 2023

You're set on becoming a franchisee . You may think it's time to call a franchisor, tell them you're interested, and get funding from your local bank , right? Wrong.

If you're considering buying a franchise, you'll need to write a thorough business plan before moving forward.

A business plan is a detailed document that describes how your business will achieve its goals. Consider it an essential tool for any business owner — including franchisees!

Sound daunting? It can be. But it's a crucial and necessary step in starting your own business. Plus, becoming a franchisee means that the franchisor will provide some of the strategies, plans and overall business information , with some minor tweaks for your specific market.

Here's how to get started.

Related: Considering franchise ownership? Get started now and take this quiz to find your personalized list of franchises that match your lifestyle, interests and budget.

Start with comprehensive research

Before you can begin writing your franchise business plan, you need to gather information about your franchise business . Research the industry, market trends and competitors in the area. You should utilize a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis of the business, as well.

Next, research the franchisor's history, vision, mission and values . This will help you understand the franchisor's expectations and see if your goals align with the brand. You may have already done a lot of this research when narrowing down your franchise choices .

Related: The 4 Biggest Myths About Franchising

Define your business concept and target market

Your business concept should include details about your product or service , pricing strategy, location, unique selling proposition and market advantages.

Much of this information will be supplied by your franchisor. However, make sure to tweak it correctly for your specific location and audience .

Develop a financial plan

A financial outline is a critical component of your franchise business plan. It should include details about your startup costs, ongoing expenses , revenue projections and profitability.

You should also share cash flow, balance sheets and income statements here. With these documents, you can readily identify any gaps in your business and develop strategies to address them.

Related: 10 Tips to Go From Employee to Boss, From Franchisees Who Did It

Outline your marketing and sales strategy

You may get a headstart from your franchisor on the marketing and sales strategy . This is where you'll want to include more information about your target audience, marketing channels and tactics to promote your business.

From a sales strategy perspective , include your pricing strategy, sales team structure and sales targets that are tailored to your area.

Develop an operations plan

Your operations plan should include details about your day-to-day work, staffing requirements and supplier relationships. You should also outline any technology and equipment needs, inventory management and quality control procedures , some of which your franchisor may dictate.

Create a management team and personnel plan

Your management team and personnel plan should detail the leadership structure of your business, each team member's role and responsibility and the qualifications and experience needed for each position.

You should also outline a staffing plan , which will include your recruitment strategy, employee benefits and training and development programs.

Create an executive summary

An executive summary is literally a summary of your business plan that will provide all the necessary information to someone who only has a few moments to review your business plan. It should summarize the key points of your franchise business plan and research.

Get started by outlining your business plan

A franchise business plan, at the minimum, should include the following sections :

• Executive Summary: This section provides a brief overview of your business, your mission statement, goals and target market.
• Company Description: This section includes more information about your business, such as what you do or sell, your company history and your management team.
• Market Analysis: This section analyzes the market for your products or services, including your target market, competition and competitive advantage.
• Operations Plan: This section describes how your business will operate, including your location, your marketing and sales strategies and management and staffing plan.
• Financial Plan: This section projects your business's financial performance, meaning your revenue, expenses and profit.
• Appendix: This section includes supporting documents, such as financial statements, marketing materials and legal documents.

A business plan will help you succeed

Writing a franchise business plan is a critical step in becoming a successful franchisee . It requires comprehensive research, a well-defined business concept, a solid financial plan, a strong marketing and sales strategy, a detailed operations plan and a competent management team.

Remember: It's a living document, so be sure to update it regularly as your business grows and changes. This will ensure that your plan always reflects the current state of your business.

Tackle a business plan logically and seek help from an expert or your franchisor, as necessary. Then you're off to get your loan, finish your applications and open your doors !

Related: Is Franchising Right For You? Ask Yourself These 9 Questions to Find Out.

Entrepreneur Staff

Freelance Writer, Editor & Content Marketing Consultant

Clarissa Buch Zilberman is a writer and editor based in Miami. Specializing in lifestyle, business, and travel, her work has appeared in Food & Wine, Realtor.com, Travel + Leisure, and Bon Appétit, among other print and digital titles. Through her content marketing consultancy, By Clarissa , she leverages her extensive editorial background and unique industry insights to support enterprise organizations and global creative agencies with their B2B, B2C, and B2E content initiatives. 

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Franchise Business Plan

You’ve finally decided to own a franchise business. Excellent. Entering a marketplace full of competitors and big industry names might seem overwhelming. However, a well-crafted business plan can provide a roadmap to success.

Are you looking to start writing a business plan for your franchise business? Creating a business plan is essential to starting, growing, and securing funding for your business. So we have prepared a franchise business plan template to help you start writing yours.

Free Business Plan Template

Download our free business plan template now and pave the way to success. Let’s turn your vision into an actionable strategy!

• Fill in the blanks – Outline
• Financial Tables

How to Write a Franchise Business plan?

Writing a franchise business plan is a crucial step toward the success of your business. Here are the key steps to consider when writing a business plan:

1. Executive Summary

An executive summary is the first section of the business plan intended to provide an overview of the whole business plan. Generally, it is written after the entire business plan is ready. Here are some components to add to your summary:

Start with a brief introduction:

Market opportunity:, mention your product or services:, management team:, financial highlights:, call to action:.

Ensure you keep your executive summary concise and clear, use simple language, and avoid jargon.

Say goodbye to boring templates

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2. Business Overview

Depending on your business’s details, you’ll need different elements in your business overview. Still, there are some foundational elements like business name, legal structure, location, history, and mission statement that every business overview should include:

About the business:

Provide all the basic information about your business in this section like:

Product distribution franchise

Management franchise, business format franchise.

• Company structure of your business , whether it is a sole proprietorship, partnership or something else.
• Location of your business and why you selected that place.

Mission statement:

Business history:, future goals:.

This section should provide an in-depth understanding of your business. Also, the business overview section should be engaging and precise.

3. Market Analysis

Market analysis provides a clear understanding of the market your business will run along with the target market, competitors, and growth opportunities. Your market analysis should contain the following essential components:

Target market:

Market size and growth potential:, competitive analysis:, market trends:, regulatory environment:.

Some additional tips for writing the market analysis section of your business plan:

• Use various sources to gather data, including industry reports, market research studies, and surveys.
• Be specific and provide detailed information wherever possible.
• Include charts and graphs to help illustrate your key points.
• Keep your target audience in mind while writing the business plan.

4. Products And Services

The product and services section of a franchise business plan should describe the specific services and products that will be offered to customers. To write this section should include the following:

List the services:

• Create a list of the products or services your franchisee will offer. For example, if you own a fast-food franchise, you may include a menu description, pricing strategy, and specific services like takeaway, home delivery, drive-through facility, etc.
• Describe each service: Provide a detailed description of what it entails, the time required, and the qualifications of the professionals who will provide it. For example, a Visual Merchandiser is responsible for creating attractive and effective displays in a clothing franchisee.

Emphasize safety and quality:

Overall, a business plan’s product and services section should be detailed, informative, and customer-focused. By providing a clear and compelling description of your offerings, you can help readers understand the value of your business.

5. Sales And Marketing Strategies

Writing the sales and marketing strategies section means a list of strategies you will use to attract and retain your clients. Here are some key elements to include in your sales & marketing plan:

Develop your unique selling proposition (USP):

Marketing strategies:, sales strategies:, customer retention:.

Overall, your business plan’s sales and marketing strategies section should outline your plans to attract and retain customers and generate revenue. Be specific, realistic, and data-driven in your approach, and be prepared to adjust your strategies based on feedback and results.

6. Operations Plan

When writing the operations plan section, it’s important to consider the various aspects of your business processes and procedures involved in operating a business. Here are the components to include in an operations plan:

Hiring plan:

Operational process:.

• For example, McDonald’s has strict SOPs covering everything, including strict procedures for cooking, assembling, and packaging food, handling customers, and maintaining a clean environment.

Equipment & Technology:

By including these key elements in your operations plan section, you can create a comprehensive plan that outlines how you will run your business.

7. Management Team

The management team section provides an overview of the individuals responsible for running the operations. This section should provide a detailed description of the experience and qualifications of each manager, as well as their responsibilities and roles.

Key managers:

Organizational structure:, compensation plan:, board of advisors:.

Describe your franchisee’s key personnel and highlight why your business has the fittest team.

8. Financial Plan

When writing the financial plan section of a business plan, it’s important to provide a comprehensive overview of your financial projections for the first few years of your business.

Profit & loss statement:

Cash flow statement:, balance sheet:, break-even point:, financing needs:.

Remember to be realistic with your financial projections and provide supporting evidence for your estimates.

9. Appendix

When writing the appendix section, you should include any additional information that supports the main content of your plan. This may include financial statements, market research data, legal documents, and other relevant information.

• Include a table of contents for the appendix section to make it easy for readers to find specific information.
• Include financial statements such as income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements. These should be up-to-date and show your financial projections for at least the first three years of your business.
• Provide market research data, such as statistics on the size of the industry, consumer demographics, and trends in the industry.
• Include any legal documents such as permits, licenses, and contracts.
• Provide any additional documentation related to your business plans, such as marketing materials, product brochures, and operational procedures.
• Use clear headings and labels for each section of the appendix so that readers can easily find the information they need.

Remember, the appendix section of your franchise business should only include relevant and essential information supporting your plan’s main content.

The Quickest Way to turn a Business Idea into a Business Plan

Fill-in-the-blanks and automatic financials make it easy.

This franchise business plan sample will provide an idea for writing a successful franchise plan, including all the essential components of your business.

After this, if you still need clarification about writing an investment-ready franchise business plan to impress your audience, download our franchise business plan pdf .

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Frequently asked questions, why do you need a franchise business plan.

A business plan is an essential tool for anyone looking to start or run a successful franchise company. It helps to get clarity in your business, secures funding, and identifies potential challenges while starting and growing your franchise business.

Overall, a well-written plan can help you make informed decisions, which can contribute to the long-term success of your franchise business.

How to get funding for your franchise business?

There are several ways to get funding for your franchise business, but one of the most efficient and speedy funding options is self-funding. Other options for funding are:

• Bank loan – You may apply for a loan in government or private banks.
• Small Business Administration (SBA) loan – SBA loans and schemes are available at affordable interest rates, so check the eligibility criteria before applying for it.
• Angel investors – Getting funds from angel investors is one of the most sought options for startups.
• Small business grants – there are small business grants available, check for the same in your location and you can apply for it.

Where to find business plan writers for your franchise business?

There are many business plan writers available, but no one knows your business and idea better than you, so we recommend you write your franchise business plan and outline your vision as you have in your mind.

What is the easiest way to write your franchise business plan?

A lot of research is necessary for writing a business plan, but you can write your plan most efficiently with the help of any franchise business plan example and edit it as per your need. You can also quickly finish your plan in just a few hours or less with the help of our business plan software.

About the Author

Upmetrics Team

Upmetrics is the #1 business planning software that helps entrepreneurs and business owners create investment-ready business plans using AI. We regularly share business planning insights on our blog. Check out the Upmetrics blog for such interesting reads. Read more

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Developing a Franchise Business Plan: Key Elements to Include

Aug 15, 2023 | Blog

When embarking on the franchising journey, a well-crafted business plan is essential to guide your expansion and attract potential franchisees. A comprehensive franchise business plan outlines your vision, market analysis, financial projections, and operational considerations. In this article, we will explore the key elements to include in your franchise business plan and provide tips for creating a compelling document that captures the attention of potential franchisees.

Executive Summary:

Begin your franchise business plan with a compelling executive summary that provides an overview of your franchise concept, target market, and growth potential. Highlight the unique selling points of your franchise and emphasize the benefits for franchisees. This section should grab the reader’s attention and set the stage for the rest of the plan.

Franchise Concept and Market Analysis:

Detail your franchise concept, including your brand’s unique value proposition, target market, and competitive landscape. Conduct a thorough market analysis to identify your ideal customer profile, market trends, and potential demand for your franchise. This section should demonstrate your understanding of the market and why your franchise stands out among competitors.

Franchisee Support and Training:

Outline the support and training programs you will provide to franchisees. Describe the initial training process, ongoing support, and any resources or tools available to help franchisees succeed. Highlight your experience in franchising and how you will assist franchisees in achieving their goals.

Financial Projections:

Include detailed financial projections that outline your franchise’s potential revenue, expenses, and profitability. Provide a breakdown of the initial investment required, including franchise fees, equipment costs, and working capital. Project future sales and expenses based on market analysis, industry benchmarks, and historical data. This section should demonstrate the financial viability of your franchise opportunity.

Marketing and Advertising Strategy:

Detail your marketing and advertising strategy to attract potential franchisees and support franchisees’ growth. Identify the target audience, channels, and tactics you will use to generate brand awareness and drive sales . Discuss how you will support franchisees in local marketing efforts and provide marketing materials, campaigns, and digital strategies to help them succeed.

Operations and Systems:

Describe the operational aspects of your franchise, including your business model, supply chain management, quality control processes, and technology systems. Explain how you will ensure consistency across franchise locations and maintain high operational standards. Highlight any proprietary systems, software, or processes that set your franchise apart.

Legal and Compliance:

Address the legal and compliance requirements of franchising, including franchise disclosure documents , franchise agreements, and regulatory obligations. Ensure your franchise business plan reflects your commitment to all legal and industry regulations. Consider consulting with legal professionals experienced in franchising to ensure compliance and mitigate any potential risks.

Tips for Creating a Compelling Business Plan:

• Clearly articulate your unique value proposition and competitive advantage.
• Use data and market research to support your claims and projections.
• Include visual elements such as charts, graphs, and images to enhance readability.
• Keep the document concise, focused, and well-organized.
• Use a professional tone and language to convey credibility and expertise.
• Tailor the plan to address the needs and interests of potential franchisees.

Developing a comprehensive franchise business plan is a critical step in attracting potential franchisees and guiding the growth of your franchise. By including key elements such as market analysis, financial projections, operational considerations, and a compelling executive summary, you can present a clear and enticing vision to potential franchise partners.

Remember to continuously update and refine your business plan as your franchise evolves and new opportunities arise. With a well-crafted business plan, you are better positioned to attract and engage franchisees who share your passion and vision for success.

If you need assistance developing a franchise business plan or want expert guidance in the franchising process, contact Accurate Franchising, Inc today . Our team of experienced consultants is ready to help you achieve your franchising goals.

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How to create a franchise business plan

If you’re considering the purchase of a franchise, you’re probably exploring financing options. And an essential part of that process is the preparation of a franchise business plan. It’s likely the first thing a lender will ask you for. Take note that even if you’re not seeking outside funding, developing a plan is worthwhile. Here’s a look at what’s involved.

Readily available information and data

Preparing a franchise business plan is a lot easier than preparing a plan for an independent startup business. This is because you have easy access to much of the necessary information. During the sales process, the franchisor typically provides a great deal of verbiage you can use for the narrative sections of the plan. And you can find much of the required financial information in the earnings section of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) .

In addition to the typical sections in any business plan, a franchise business plan will include a section outlining the track record of and support available from the franchise company. You may include items like the franchise company’s sales brochure or FDD as attachments to your plan. This additional information can give lenders a higher degree of confidence in your likelihood of success.

5 sections of the business plan

The format of a typical business plan, whether it’s for an independent business or franchise, usually includes the following 5 sections:

Introduction

This describes the business, including the products or services the business offers, the size and competitive aspect of the market, the operational approach that will be used, and the challenges and risks associated with start-up.

Management section

This section identifies and provides background information about the people in management roles. It might include their resumes or descriptions of relevant prior experience.  A franchise business plan also provides information about the franchisor’s direct support staff.

Marketing section

Here you define your target customers and how you plan to attract them to your business. This section explains the business’s competitive advantages and details marketing and advertising plans.

Pro forma financial projections

This section includes income statements, cash flow statements, and balance sheets that project the anticipated financial performance of the business. The statements should specify all material assumptions used to prepare the projections. Prepare these projections on a very conservative basis in case unexpected delays or challenges arise.

Financing needs

Even if you are self-funding the business, always prepare a section related to financing needs. This should include an analysis of all startup costs, including working capital to cover initial marketing plans and operating losses until you reach the projected break-even point. Even if you’re not borrowing from an outside source, the process of developing this section will prepare you for what’s to come in starting up the business.

You should be able to find much of the information you’ll need for the Introduction and Marketing sections on the franchisor’s website. The FDD will help you complete the Financing Needs portion of the report and, if the franchisor publishes a representation of earnings in Item 19 of the FDD , you may be well on your way to completing the Financial Projections section as well.

A helpful and worthwhile process

Some franchise companies require prospective franchisees to start and/or complete their franchise business plan prior to being approved. In any event, it’s a good idea to start thinking about your business plan early on. The process of preparing the plan is helpful in many ways. It forces you to consider options and formalize your projected course of action in the new business. You’ll typically identify questions during this process that may not have otherwise occurred to you. Contact the franchise company to get answers and make sure you have a clear understanding of the franchise prior to making a final decision to proceed.

Remember to update and finalize your business plan after completing the franchisor’s initial training. After training, you’ll have a far greater understanding of aspects like operational and marketing plans for the business. Most franchisors will also provide financial data that you can use to double-check, or even replace, the Financial Projections section of your business plan. Review your entire business plan based on your new knowledge, and you’ll be as prepared as possible to get your new franchise business up and running.

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Writing a business plan for your franchise: ten key elements to consider.

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Writing a franchise business plan

"Without a plan, even the most brilliant business can get lost. You need to have goals, create milestones and have a strategy in place to set yourself up for success" ( Yogi Berra, American professional baseball catcher and entrepreneur)

A business plan is an essential document for any business. It sets out what the business's objectives and offerings are, how the business will operate from day to day, covers sales and marketing strategies, management and key personnel, and financial forecasts and goals. Having a clear plan helps to keep the business on track and moving forward, aids strategic decision making as the business grows, is a measure of success and is also a vital tool if the business is looking to secure funding.

For a prospective franchisee looking to invest in a tried and tested business model with systems and processes already in place, writing a business plan might seem a waste of time and energy. But in fact it’s just the opposite. Preparing a detailed franchise business plan is an incredibly valuable exercise. Doing so will help you to determine if the franchise is the right business investment for you, both financially and as a great fit in other ways too.

The process of drawing up a franchise business plan as a potential franchisee will differ from drawing up a business plan for an independent start-up however. There will be certain facts and figures that are already known and established. The franchisor will provide a lot of the information around product and services, processes, systems and financials. These will then need to be assessed by the franchisee and adapted or tailored where appropriate to the local market and proposed territory.

Preparing a franchise business plan doesn't need to be a complicated exercise, but it is important that the plan covers the following key considerations:

The history of the franchise and its core business activities

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What is the structure of the franchise, its corporate background, mission statement and what products and services does it offer? Who is the franchise's target market?

Assessment of the brand's key strengths and weaknesses

What is the brand's USP (unique selling proposition) and what attracts consumers to buy its products or services? How are market trends and consumer buying habits evolving and how could this impact either positively or negatively on the franchise and what it offers?

Your background, experience and skillset

What is it about this particular franchise opportunity that attracted you and what skills and experience will you bring to the business to make it a success? Apart from the franchisor's own training program, are there any additional qualifications or requirements that you need to possess to be able to operate the business successfully?

An analysis of the local market

Where geographically do you plan to operate the franchise? What is the extent of the territory? What are the demographics of the local area, specifically in relation to the franchise's target audience. In a nutshell, what makes the planned territory an ideal location for the franchise?

An analysis of the local, regional and national competition

Who are your competitors in the marketplace? How does what your franchise business does stand apart from the competition and what competitive advantage will you have?

Your plan for your franchise - how do you want it to grow and what goals do you want to achieve

Any business plan should always be subject to regular review. It is important to recognise that a plan of this nature is not set in stone. It is a roadmap to take the business forward but a change in circumstances, market, financial climate or a whole host of other scenarios may require a change of direction or strategy. However your franchise business plan should clearly state what your short and long term objectives for the business are, ensuring that they are both specific and quantifiable.

Management and personnel plan

Franchise opportunities of course vary wildly in scale, from owner-operator models to franchises requiring a team significant in size. Identify who will be involved in both the management and day-to-day running of the franchise business, the skillsets and qualifications required of the people involved and how you will carry out any recruitment activities to get the right people on board.

Sales and marketing strategy

The franchisor will of course carry out national marketing initiatives. But in addition to those, how are you going to reach out to your target market in your local area and attract them to your business? What training, support and resources will the franchisor provide to assist you in this? What sales and marketing goals will you set as part of your strategy?

What are the costs involved in buying and then setting up the franchise to become operational? How will you be financing the investment - will a funding application be required? The franchisor will provide the bulk of this information, however be sure to analyse it closely and keep an eye out for "hidden costs". Speaking to established franchisees can help with this.

Financial projections

This can often be the most daunting part of any business plan - looking ahead to how the business may perform financially, in line with your short and long term goals for the franchise. It should include an analysis of the business's forecasted revenue, costs and profit during year one, year two, year three and beyond. Looking at how other franchisees within the network are performing should assist in compiling these figures. It's important to be realistic and err on the conservative side in putting together these projections, and to consider seasonal variations.

Spending time researching and writing your franchise business plan should be the first step in your franchise business journey. But once done, don't just lock it away in a desk drawer and forget about it. Your franchise business plan is just as important as your business grows and develops - treat it as a living document to measure if and when you are meeting your business milestones, to help you with decision making along the way, and to keep you on track for success.

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Creating a Comprehensive Business Plan Rubric

A well-structured business plan is a foundational document for any entrepreneurial venture, serving as a roadmap to guide your business to success. It provides clarity on your business goals, strategies, and financial projections, making it an essential tool for attracting investors and stakeholders. However, evaluating the quality and completeness of a business plan can be challenging, especially when dealing with multiple plans. This is where a business plan rubric comes into play. It’s a systematic and objective way to assess business plans consistently.

How to Create a Comprehensive Business Plan Rubric

1. define your objectives.

Start by identifying the objectives of your business plan rubric. What do you want to assess and measure in the business plans? Your objectives may include evaluating market research, financial projections, marketing strategies, or overall clarity and coherence. Make sure your objectives align with the key components of a well-rounded business plan.

2. Establish Criteria

For each objective, establish specific criteria or factors that you will evaluate. For instance, if you’re assessing market research, your criteria might include the depth of market analysis, competitor research, and target audience insights. Clearly define the criteria for each objective.

3. Assign Weightings

Not all criteria are equally important. Assign weightings to each criterion based on its significance. Weightings reflect the relative importance of different elements in the business plan. For example, financial projections may carry more weight than a company’s historical background.

4. Develop a Scoring System

Create a scoring system for each criterion. You can use a numerical scale (e.g., 1-5, 1-10) or a descriptive scale (e.g., poor, fair, good, excellent). This system allows you to provide a quantitative assessment for each criterion.

5. Provide Clear Descriptions

For each criterion and level on the scoring system, provide clear descriptions of what each level represents. This ensures consistent and objective evaluation. Avoid vague descriptions to prevent subjectivity.

6. Consider the Overall Structure

Include an assessment of the business plan’s overall structure and presentation. Elements to consider might include readability, use of headings, and formatting. A well-organized and visually appealing plan often indicates a more professional and thoughtful approach.

7. Test Your Rubric

Before applying your rubric to assess real business plans, test it with a few sample plans to ensure that it’s clear, fair, and effective. Make any necessary adjustments based on your testing.

8. Evaluate Business Plans

Once your rubric is ready, you can begin evaluating business plans. Review each plan against the criteria, assign scores, and calculate the final scores based on the weightings.

9. Provide Feedback

After assessing the plans, offer constructive feedback to the entrepreneurs or teams behind them. Highlight strengths and weaknesses, and offer recommendations for improvement. This feedback can be invaluable for the plan’s creators.

10. Maintain Consistency

Consistency is key in using a business plan rubric. Ensure that different assessors apply the rubric consistently, and if possible, discuss and calibrate your rubric assessments with other evaluators to maintain fairness and objectivity.

11. Use the Results

The results from your business plan rubric can help you make informed decisions about which plans align best with your investment or support criteria. Plans with higher scores are likely more well-prepared and have thoroughly considered various aspects of their business.

Business Rubric Example

Here are a few examples of criteria that could be included in a business plan rubric along with a corresponding scoring system:

• Identification of target market (5 points)
• Thoroughness of competitor analysis (5 points)
• Assessment of market trends and growth potential (5 points)
• Realistic revenue forecasts (5 points)
• Comprehensive cost analysis (5 points)
• Clear understanding of profit margins (5 points)
• Coherent and effective marketing plan (5 points)
• Utilization of digital marketing tools (5 points)
• Identification of key marketing channels (5 points)
• Description of unique value proposition (5 points)
• Clarity in product development roadmap (5 points)
• Assessment of potential market demand (5 points)
• Demonstrated expertise and experience (5 points)
• Coherence and complementary skills of the team (5 points)
• Clarity in roles and responsibilities (5 points)
• Identification of potential risks (5 points)
• Comprehensive risk mitigation strategies (5 points)
• Contingency plans for identified risks (5 points)
• Clarity and coherence of the business plan structure (5 points)
• Use of appropriate visuals and graphics (5 points)
• Professionalism and readability of the document (5 points)

For each of the criteria listed above, a scoring system can be implemented using a scale such as:

• 1-5 scale (1 being Poor, 5 being Excellent)
• 1-10 scale (1 being Low, 10 being High)
• Descriptive scale (Poor, Fair, Good, Excellent)

In summary, a well-structured business plan rubric is a valuable tool for evaluating and comparing multiple business plans. It provides objectivity, consistency, and fairness in assessing the quality and completeness of these plans, helping you make informed decisions when considering investments or partnerships. This business plan rubric can help assessors evaluate various business plans consistently and objectively, providing a comprehensive overview of the strengths and weaknesses of each plan and aiding in making informed decisions regarding potential investments or collaborations.

Competitive Events

Find Your Event

Competition Success

Online Practice Exams

Vocabulary Flipcards

Performance Indicator Flipcards

Video Library

Chapter Name

Franchise Business Plan

The purpose of the Franchise Business Plan Event is designed for participants to present a comprehensive business plan proposal to buy into an existing franchise. The participant seeks to become a franchisee.

Career Opportunities

Wawa, Inc. is a private family-owned business that originated in New Jersey as an iron foundry and textile manufacturer. Wawa offers a wide variety of products and services: fresh, built-to-order foods, beverages, award-winning coffee, fuel services, and surcharge-free ATMs. Today, Wawa strives to be the epitome of convenience, quality, and hospitality, as demonstrated through their extensive menu, cleanliness, and friendliness of employees.

Sample Exams

Exam blueprint.

The chart below shows the number of items per instructional area for the 2023-2024 exams used at the district level, chartered association level and the International Career Development Conference.

EXAM STRATEGIES

The exam blueprint is your best friend.

Use the exam blueprint to focus your preparation efforts. You may prioritize studying instructional areas with the higher number of questions listed the blueprint.

Keep Expanding Your Knowledge

As you advance in competition, exam items become more specialized to the Career Cluster. Therefore, you should start with an understanding of general business concepts in the Business Administration Core and build on the knowledge within the Career Cluster of your competitive event.

Review Your Work

Don’t just take the exam! After you take the exam, compare your answers to the exam’s key. If you incorrectly answer a question, re-read the question, note the correct answer, and then read the descriptive key. The descriptive key explains the correct answer and why the other answers are incorrect. This will also help you understand the performance indicator addressed in the exam question.

Focus Your Efforts Where They Need To Be

Each exam question is linked to an instructional area. For each incorrect answer, tally the instructional area it matches. If you are noticing a pattern of incorrectly answering questions within particular instructional areas, spend more time learning the knowledge and skills within those instructional areas. Spend more time reviewing the performance indicators under those instructional areas.

Form Study Groups

Because there are only seven DECA exams, chances are high that some of your fellow chapters are taking the same exam as you, even if they are in a different competitive event. Use this opportunity to form study groups. You could consider taking the exam together and discussing the questions and answers. You could even divide and conquer to prepare study materials to help understand performance indicators.

Get In The Mode

Recreate the testing scene. Find out from your chapter advisor the setting for your exam during competition. Will you be taking the exam online through an electronic device prior to the competition, or  using pencil and paper on-site during the competition? Find out how long you will have to take the test. Then try to replicate the setting using a practice test and using the same time frame you are given in competition.

Develop a Study Schedule

Make sure to study and prepare on a regular basis. Plan a study schedule and calendar leading up to your competition. Do not study right before you take the test. Instead, concentrate on being calm and confident in yourself when taking the exam.

Test Taking Techniques

When taking the exam, use these general test taking techniques:

• Familiarize yourself with the format.
• Read the question. Think about the answer.
• Read all choices before choosing your answer.
• Eliminate choices you know aren't correct.
• If you get stuck, circle and come back.
• Always take an educated guess.
• If time allows, review your work. ‍

Remain Positive!

Be confident. Refrain from engaging in negative discussions with other members prior to the exam, such as “I’m so nervous – I don’t know if I studied enough.”

Sample Role-Plays

Instructional areas.

Each role-play focuses on a primary instructional area. For each role-play, a majority of its performance indicators will focus on that primary instructional area. The following instructional areas may be used in this event's role-plays.

ROLE-PLAY STRATEGIES

Key elements.

The following key elements are always a part of each role-play scenario. Understanding the format and style of the role-play will help you become familiar, feel comfortable and easily identify the key elements so you can maximize your time developing your solution.

• Participant Role
• Company and Brief Description
• Deliverable
• Instructional Area

Performance Indicators

• Meeting Location

The performance indicators are your guide to a focused presentation! Apply them to the situation because they are always based on a real-life situation. Use industry knowledge that you have researched before competition to supplement what you know about your performance indicators. This helps demonstrate your proficiency.

What's the Ask?

At the end of any role-play situation, you are presented with what the judge is looking for from you. Make sure you address what the judge is asking while incorporating the performance indicators. You will want to wow your judge with your solution while explaining it by incorporating the performance indicators.

Communication is Key

Speak clearly so that the judge can understand what you are sharing with him/her. You have time to talk about your performance indicators within the situation—don’t rush and take the chance a judge didn’t hear you talking about something. Be natural and comfortable in your role in the situation. Nonverbal communication can be just as important as verbal communication. Smile and be confident to help demonstrate your professionalism.

Be Creative and Stand Out

Be calm, be professional and be enthusiastic. Don’t be scared of your competition. There are many creative ways to approach a role-play, and no one way is necessarily right, so focus on adding your own creative twist to what you do. Don’t just have a “Plan A”; exceed expectations by having options for your judge to select from if the situation calls for it. Setting yourself apart through innovation, creativity and quality ideas is the key way to stay in a judge’s mind long after all the competitors have finished presenting. What can you bring to the presentation that no other competitor will show your judge?

Connect with the Judge

Take time to make sure your judge is following your thoughts. You can ask your judge questions to make sure he or she has understood what you have shared. Near the end of the role-play, the judge will likely ask you questions. When you are preparing your presentation for the role-play, you may anticipate what questions the judge may ask. However, if you need a minute to consider the questions before answering, say so in a professional manner. This reflects your respect of his or her position and your desire to share an informed answer.

Speak the Language

When speaking with the judge, be as professional as possible, while still being personable and accessible. This means using accurate industry terminology when the situation calls for it. Do not be afraid to use sophisticated or rich vocabulary—with­out sounding like you’re just trying too hard to impress, because, of course, you still want to be relatable, friendly, and down-to-earth.

Make a Good Impression

Be friendly, make eye contact and give a firm handshake when you first meet your judge. Do not wait for them to introduce themselves; rather, take the initiative. While you might be nervous and feel awkward, taking initiative shows that you truly are mature, confident and comfort­able. Also, adhere to the dress code, because you come across as much more professional if you really do look like a business executive. You may also consider the career area in which you are competing. For example, as a competitor in Apparel and Accessories Marketing, you may want to wear something that will reflect an interest in fashion or a more creative point-of-view, without being outrageous. You want to leave a good impression with the judge, and of course, be rememberable.

WRITE IT LIKE  YOU MEAN IT

Participants in the Independent Business Plan will prepare a comprehensive business plan proposal to buy into an existing franchise. The body of the written entry must be limited to 20 numbered pages, including the appendix (if an appendix is attached), but excluding the title page and the table of contents.

WRITTEN ENTRY GUIDELINES

The written entry must follow the specifications provided in the Written Entry Guidelines section of the DECA Guide for the competitive event. In addition to the Written Entry Guidelines, participants must observe all of the standards on the Penalty Point Checklist. These standards are designed to make competition as fair as possible. Additionally, the Written Event Statement of Assurances and Academic Integrity Form must be signed and submitted with the entry.

Sample Written ENTRY

Written entry strategies, content is king.

The written entry is the foundation of your competitive event. It's your outline for your project or plan, and represents your process to achieving your outcome. Choosing the right written event and the right company, event, idea, product or topic is so important, because you want to be passionate about the work you will endeavor in this process. Be thoughtful when making your decisions using some of these key considerations:

• Is there enough data accessible?
• Can I get information I need from the company or about the product, event or idea?
• Are there real people I can engage with or enlist the help and expertise of?
• Is this cutting edge or has the potential to be?

First, But Last

The executive summary is one of the most important parts of your written entry. Not only is it likely to be one of the first parts of your entry the judge reviews, it also provides an overall summary of your entry. It should be dynamic, concise and effectively highlight the main points of your written entry all while including a call to action. Often, it is best to write the executive summary last so that you can identify the most relevant components to include. Some tips for an effective executive summary include:

• Start with a bang.
• Identify the problem solution and opportunity.
• Focus on what makes you stand out.
• Sell don't just tell.
• Include data and finances.
• Use graphics and formatting as appropriate.
• Imagine this is the only thing someone would read.

Review, Edit, Proofread

Once you have completed your written entry, review it against the written entry guidelines and written entry evaluation form to ensure you have addressed each item. If you believe items are missing or need improvement, revisit your written entry and improve those areas. You may also wish to ask consultants to read your written entry against the criteria and provide feedback. Often, that is the best way to determine if your written entry is clearly understood by someone other than you as the project creator(s). In addition, you should edit and revise your written work so that it is well-organized, professional, logical and error free.

Avoid Penalty Points

Penalty points can cause you to lose your chance for advancement quickly! Many times, they can easily be avoided. Some of the most common reasons for penalty points include:

• Not using the current year’s event guidelines.
• All participants or advisor not signing the Statement of Assurances.
• Leaving out sections in the body of the written entry.
• Having too many pages. Double check the number of pages allowed in your written entry.

Give your entry to a trusted advisor or peer to review against the Penalty Point Checklist.

PRESENT WITH PIZZAZZ

The participants will present the project to the judge in a 15-minute presentation. The judge is role-playing a potential source of capital for the business. The presentation begins immediately after the introduction of the participants to the judge by the adult assistant. Each participant must take part in the presentation.

PRESENTATION GUIDELINES

Each participant may bring a copy of the written entry or note cards pertaining to the written entry to use as reference during the presentation. Only visual aids that can be easily hand carried to the presentation by the actual participant(s)will be permitted. The participants themselves must set up the visuals. Wheeled carts, moving straps or similar items may not be used to bring visuals into the area. Set up time is included in the total presentation time. Participants must furnish their own materials and equipment. No electrical power or internet connection will be supplied. Alternate power sources such as small generators are not allowed. Sound may be used, as long as the volume is kept at a conversational level. Materials appropriate to the situation may be handed to or left with judges in all competitive events. Items of monetary value may be handed to but may not be left with judges. Items such as flyers, brochures, pamphlets and business cards may be handed to or left with the judge. No food or drinks allowed. If any of these rules are violated, the adult assistant must be notified by the judge.  

Presentation Strategies

First things first.

Consider your presentation your time to highlight the most important parts of your competitive event. In every case, you're trying to sell the judge that your idea, concept or plan is the best. Start with that in mind, and develop an outline for your presentation. Your ultimate goal is for the judge to choose your presentation. Consult the presentation evaluation rubric in the DECA Guide to ensure that your presentation includes information for all of the scoring criteria. You may also consider visual aids and if you'll use technology — but make sure they are relevant and meaningful to your presentation.

Brand Yourself A Winner

When creating your project and delivering your presentation, you are essentially developing a brand for yourself and your ideas. Make your presentation’s brand attractive and easy for your judge to remember by wrapping it in a strong visual package. Tie together all the elements of your project, from the charts and graphs of your written document, to your slide backgrounds, to the shirt you wear with a signature element, such as a particular color palette or pattern.

Stop, Look, Listen

A great portion of your presentation’s success isn’t dependent on what you say, but how you say it. Like any good speech, the judge may not recall every statistic, market segment or promotional idea that you deliver, but they will remember how you made them feel. That’s where confidence in your delivery comes in. Being excited, nervous and anxious about your presentation can cause your rate of speech to increase rapidly, making your words fly by in a blur. Always remember the power of pause. When practicing your presentation, incorporate pauses into your phrases. This will create a dramatic, ear-catching effect to keep your judge attentive to your presentation, plus it will emphasize important points and information. 

Eye contact is another way to connect with your judge. Locking eyes shows confidence in the points you’re delivering and is another way to keep your judge engaged in your delivery.

A memorable part of your delivery that will greatly affect how your judge feels is your tone of voice. Your tone should vary depending on the subjects you’re covering in your presentation. For example, presenting a charity that your Community Giving Project supports may be most effective with a serious, earnest tone, yet in sharing your creative marketing  ideas for an Integrated Marketing Campaign event, an excitable, vibrant tone would be great for expressing your creativity. No matter what tone you use, make sure you vary your expression. Nothing will lose a judge’s attention more than a flat, boring delivery that gives them no feeling about your topic. 

While relying on your innate ability to “wing it” is never recommended for competition, writing down paragraphs of perfect phrases, word-for-word, doesn’t guarantee that your presentation will turn out trophies either. Note cards are a handy tool to remember specific numerical data and exact quotes, but using them as a crutch for your memory could reduce your confident delivery, especially in form of eye contact with your judges. Instead, commit your presentation to memory as best as possible. If you thought it, developed it and wrote about it, you should be able, with a bit of practice, to present it well. Use your visual aid to help guide your talking points, with illustrations, diagrams or other images to help cue your words. 

Just because you reach your last slide doesn’t mean it’s time to thank your judge, shake hands and flee the room. The time after your formal presentation is crucial for further interaction with your judge. Take this opportunity to clarify parts of your presentation, show more of your personality and impress your judge with an ability to provide thorough answers to any questions they may have. The best way to flawlessly answer these questions is to prepare for them in advance. Use your advisors and peers as practice judges for your presentation, and request that they each ask you at least three follow-up questions to your presentation. You begin to become more confident delivering answers off-the-cuff and will begin to learn the most commonly asked questions of your presentation. Should your judge not immediately ask any questions, ask for them! 

To leave even more of an impact on your judge, provide them with a handout before you walk out the door, such as a brochure or outline. Use this strategy to highlight important takeaway points from your presentation, further brand yourself and your ideas, and keep a presence in front of your judge, even long after your final handshake. Make sure to have a final statement or call to action to show your judge that you’re interested in following through.

INSIGHTS INTO THE INDUSTRY

Industry trends are patterns or current happenings that occur within a specific industry. Keeping up with the industry helps give you a pulse on issues and trends that are affecting the industry. This knowledge can help you develop creative, relevant and timely solutions for your competitive event.

5 Things You Really Need to do when Starting Your Own Business

How to spot the next 500-unit franchise, build a bank relationship before you need a loan, quizno owner could purchase bankrupt group, how founders can manage investor relations during a recession, the major benefits of social media for small business owners, how small businesses are competing for hires, mom and pop stores making a comeback, conquer the competition.

Not only do these interactive competition preparation tools help you expand your industry terminology, understand performance indicators and check your comprehension through exam items, they also help you prepare for DECA competition!

Expand your vocabulary

Broaden your knowledge

Check your comprehension

DECA Direct Online is your source for competition tips and career insights. Check out these articles and more on DECA Direct Online as you prepare for competition.

3 Written Event Competition Tips To Consider

The ultimate written event guide, 4 things you must remember while public speaking, deca goes lean in entrepreneurship.

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15 Free Rubric Templates

By Kate Eby | August 30, 2018

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Often found in the education sector, a rubric is a tool for scoring performance based on specific criteria. However, businesses also use a rubric to measure things like employee performance and to evaluate the success of a project or product. Below you’ll find a range of free, customizable rubric templates for business and academic use. Save time and create an efficient grading process with easy-to-use, printable rubric templates.

Project Management Rubric

Evaluate project managers’ performance with this Excel rubric template. Enter the stages of a project or important objectives and milestones. Then use the rating scale to judge and provide a basic description of the management of those stages. This template can also be a useful self-evaluation tool for project managers to learn from and inform decision making on future projects.

Download Project Management Rubric

Excel | Word | PDF | Smartsheet

Business Plan Rubric

Break down your business plan into sections and use this rubric to evaluate the strength of each part. Is your mission statement merely sufficient, highly advanced, or somewhere inbetween? Is your market analysis thorough, or does it need to be fleshed out? Use this template to identify weak points and areas for improvement in your business plan.

Download Business Plan Rubric

Job Interview Rubric Template

Use this rubric template to evaluate job interview candidates. Add your own criteria based on the applicant’s resume, references, skills, experience, and other important factors. The template includes a scoring scale with four levels as well as an additional column for criteria that the job candidate is missing or that are not applicable.

Download Job Interview Rubric Template

Excel | Word | PDF

Employee Performance Rubric

Create a rubric for ranking employee performance in selected areas, such as customer service, teamwork, leadership, time management, attendance, and other criteria. This template provides a simple way to create a comprehensive evaluation tool that you can use for multiple employees. This system of measurement helps support a fair evaluation process and provides an overview of an employee’s performance in an organized format.

Download Employee Performance Rubric

Excel | Word | PDF  | Smartsheet

Product Rubric Template

Before investing in a new product, use this rubric template to determine how it aligns with your business objectives. You can rank and compare several products to get an idea of which one may offer the best return on investment. This rubric template is available as a Word or fillable PDF file, making it easy to print and use in a team meeting or brainstorming session .

Download Product Rubric Template

Marketing Plan Rubric

Evaluate all the elements of your marketing plan, from research and analysis to strategy and action items. Make sure your marketing plan can stand up to scrutiny and deliver results. Use this rubric template to add up points for each category and calculate a total score. The scoring system will indicate the overall strength of the marketing plan as well as which sections you need to refine or develop further.

Download Marketing Plan Rubric

Excel | Word  | PDF

Group Project Rubric Template

This teamwork rubric allows teachers to assess how a group handled a shared project. Evaluate both process and content by including criteria such as supporting materials used, evidence of subject knowledge, organization, and collaboration. The template offers a simple layout, but you can add grading components and detailed criteria for meeting project objectives.

Download Group Project Rubric Template

Art Grading Rubric Template

Create a rubric for grading art projects that illustrates whether students were able to meet or exceed the expectations of an assignment. You can edit this template and use it with any grade level, student ability, or type of art project. Choose your grading criteria based on what you want to evaluate, such as technique, use and care of classroom tools, or creative vision.

Download Art Grading Rubric Template

Science Experiment Rubric

Evaluate science experiments or lab reports with this scoring rubric template. Criteria may be based on the scientific process, how procedures were followed, how data and analysis were handled, and presentation skills (if relevant). Easily modify this rubric template to include additional rows or columns for a detailed look at a student’s performance.

Download Science Experiment Rubric

Poster Rubric Template

This Google Docs rubric template is designed for scoring an elementary school poster assignment. Include whatever elements you want to evaluate — such as graphics used, grammar, time management, or creativity — and add up the total score for each student’s work. Teachers can share the rubric with students to inform them of what to aim for with their poster projects.

Download Poster Rubric Template

Excel | Word | PDF | Google Docs

Research Project Rubric

Use this template to create a research project, written report, or other writing assignment rubric. Assess a student’s analytical and organizational skills, use of references, style and tone, and overall success of completing the assignment. The template includes room for additional comments about the student’s work.

‌ Download Research Project Rubric — Excel

Oral Presentation Rubric Template

List all of the expectations for an effective oral presentation along with a point scale to create a detailed rubric. Areas to assess may include the thoroughness of the project, speaking and presentation skills, use of visual aids, and accuracy. Use this information to support the grading process and to show students areas they need to strengthen.

Download Oral Presentation Rubric Template

Grading Rubric Template

This grading rubric template provides a general outline that you can use to evaluate any type of assignment, project, or work performance. You can also use the template for self-assessment or career planning to help identify skills or training to develop. Quickly save this Google Docs template to your Google Drive account and share it with others.

Download Grading Rubric Template

Blank Rubric Template

Add your own information to this blank, editable template to create an evaluation tool that suits your particular needs. You can download the rubric as a Word or PDF file and start using it immediately. Use color or formatting changes to customize the template for use in a classroom, workplace, or other setting.

Download Blank Rubric Template

Holistic Rubric Template

A holistic rubric provides a more generalized evaluation system by grouping together assignment requirements or performance expectations into a few levels for scoring. This method is different from analytic rubrics, which break down performance criteria into more detailed levels (which allows for more fine-tuned scoring and specific feedback for the student or employee). This holistic rubric template offers a basic outline for defining the characteristics that constitute each scoring level.

Download Holistic Rubric Template

What Is a Rubric Template?

A rubric is a tool for evaluating and scoring performance based on a set of criteria, and it provides an organized and consistent method for evaluation. Teachers commonly use rubrics to evaluate student performance at all levels of education, from elementary and high school to college. They can also be used in business settings to evaluate a project, employee, product, or strategic plan.

How to Make a Rubric Template

A variety of options exist for creating rubrics, including software, online tools, and downloadable templates. Templates provide a simple, reusable, and cost-effective solution for making a basic rubric. After downloading a rubric outline template, you can add your own criteria, text, and increase the number of rows or columns as needed.

All rubrics typically contain some version of the following elements:

• A description of the task to be evaluated
• A rating scale with at least three levels
• The criteria used to judge the task
• Descriptive language to illustrate how well the task (or performance, item, etc.) meets expectations

The rating scale on a rubric is often a combination of numbers and words (language often ranging from low to high, or poor to excellent quality). Using descriptive language allows for a thorough understanding of different elements of a task or performance, while a numeric scale allows you to quantitatively define an overall score. For example, level one may be worth one point and could be described as “beginner,” “low quality,” or “needs improvement;” level two could be worth two points and described as “fair” or “satisfactory.” The scale would continue up from there, ending with the highest level of exemplary performance.

Each of the criteria can be expanded upon with descriptive phrases to illustrate performance expectations. For example, if you were to evaluate an employee, and one of the criteria is communication skills, you would elaborate on each potential level of performance, such as in the following sample phrases:

• Level 1: Rarely shares ideas or exhibits teamwork during meetings or group projects.
• Level 2: Occasionally shares ideas or exhibits teamwork during meetings.
• Level 3: Often shares ideas or exhibits teamwork during meetings or group projects.
• Level 4: Frequently shares ideas or exhibits teamwork in meetings or group projects.

The above copy is just one example phrase with four different qualifiers, but several sentences may be required to demonstrate different aspects of communication skills and how well they are performed in various situations.

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The Ultimate Written Event Guide

Before serving as the 2018-2019 High School Division President, he was an international finalist, earning second place in the International Business Plan at ICDC in Anaheim. Andrew Weatherman took home DECA glass and now he’s taking the time to share his insider secrets with you.

Stage 1: Finding The Right Event

Let’s start by addressing the elephant in the room: written events aren’t for everyone. They’re a super fun and different way to compete, but they sure aren’t suited for the average member. Written events are a process, and they require months of preparation, all-nighters, and a lot — a lot — of research. If you love solving a challenging problem on your feet, then I’d advise staying away from written events (go for role plays!). However, if you like having a prepared plan and the opportunity to rehearse, go ahead and try a written event!

Think a written event is for you? Great! Before you dive in and begin planning your paper, you must decide which event to compete in! The great thing is that DECA’s Competitive Event series offers a plethora of exciting events to chose from. Unfortunately, you can only pick one. In my opinion, choosing the right event is the most overlooked but vital part of the competition process. DECA breaks the written events into four categories: Business and Operations Research Events, Project Management Events, Entrepreneurship Events, and Integrated Marketing Campaign Events. Want to check out all DECA’s competitive event options? Take a look at the complete list in the DECA Guide. In this article, I’ll summarize each written event and add a little commentary. For more details, head to www.deca.org/compete.

Business and Operations Research Events 

Events in this category have a maximum page limit of 20 pages and allow for a single competitor, a partnership, or a team of three. There are five events that fall under the Business Operations Research umbrella: Business Services, Buying and Merchandising, Finance Operations, Hospitality and Tourism Operations, and Sports and Entertainment Operations. Business Operations Research events provide you the opportunity to conduct research with a local business/organization and present your findings to a judge at competition. These events follow a topic that changes from year-to-year. Business Operations Research events are a great way to connect with local business and understand how they work! If you like business research and strategy, Business Operations Research is a great fit for you!

Project Management Events

In my home association of North Carolina, Project Management events are the Holy Grail; if you want to prove that you are the best competing chapter, a great way to do that is to tackle the Project Management events. Like BOR events, Project Management events have a maximum page limit of 20 pages and allow for a single competitor, a partnership, or a team of three chapter representatives. There are six events that fall under the Project Management umbrella: Business Solutions Project, Career Development Project, Community Awareness Project, Community Giving Project, Financial Literacy Project and Sales Project. Project Management events provide the amazing opportunity to engage chapter members in school-wide/community-wide activities that cover the specific event. Many chapters already put on amazing school/community activities, and the Project Management events allow you to showcase your chapter’s awesome outreach/impact! I always recommend chapters of any size to pick an event and go for it! If your chapter is up to the challenge, you can do all six events! If you like event planning and management and want to have a tangible impact on your school or community, try a project management event!

Entrepreneurship Events

My favorite written event category, Entrepreneurship Events give you the opportunity to “explore entrepreneurial concepts from idea generation, business planning, to growing an existing business.” Unlike Business Operations Research and Chapter Team events, however, the events that fall under the Entrepreneurship umbrella have different rules from one another. The Innovation Plan is the shortest written event available, clocking in at a maximum page limit of five. The Start-up Business Plan is an intermediary, having a maximum page limit of eleven. While the Franchise Business Plan, Independent Business Plan, Business Growth Plan, and International Business Plan have a maximum page limit of 10. Unlike all other written events, though, the Business Growth Plan has strict rules on who can compete; since this event involves crafting a detailed growth plan and strategy for a business owned by a DECA member, all competitors must be “documented owners/operators of the business — a parents’ business does not qualify.” All events, though, allow for a single competitor, a partnership, or a team of three. Having a budding affinity for the world of entrepreneurship, I instantly gravitated towards these events. My sophomore year I competed in Start-Up Business Plan, and my junior year I competed in International Business Plan. If you have any interest in entrepreneurship, I highly recommend looking into these events!

Integrated Marketing Campaign Events

This is a new event this year! The Integrated Marketing Campaign Events provide an opportunity for the participants to demonstrate promotional knowledge and skills needed by marketing personnel. There are three different events within IMC. Event includes a campaign that is related to any sports and entertainment event and/or company event. Product includes a campaign that is related to any hard/soft line retail products including e-commerce. Service includes a campaign that is related to any service or intangible product.  These events have a maximum page limit of ten pages and allow for a single competitor, a partnership, or a team of three. If tests aren’t your thing, I recommend staying away from these events. The test will factor into your overall score, and a low test score could spell doom for your Glass hopes. If you are a strong test taker who wants to compete in written events but still wants a taste of series events (and has an interest in the marketing field), definitely check these events out!

So Which Is Right For Me?

Now that you have familiarized yourself with the numerous written events offered, you are probably overloaded with potential options and don’t know which to pick. Surprisingly, this is a great problem to have! Unfortunately, there is no binary solution. No formula, advice, etc. can make that decision for you. Go with your gut; ask teachers and fellow members, but the end decision is yours, so own it.

“Choose something you are passionate about. The less passionate you are about your topic, the less productive you will be.”  –Ben Smith; Wisconsin DECA VP of Event Management.

When I decided to compete in a written event my junior year, it was a no-brainer: I love presenting and researching, so of course, I had to go the written route! The tough decision, though, was what event to pick. I knew I had to go for an entrepreneurship event so that automatically narrowed the field. The previous year, I competed in an ten-page event, and I thought that limit was too restrictive, so I had to go for a twenty-pager. Honestly, the decision was only between two events — Independent or International. Like I said, I love researching, and I really wanted to squeeze the most out of this event as I could. That said, I chose the International Business Plan because it gave me the opportunity to research the culture and business/entrepreneurship environment of another country.

Stage 2: The Core

Now that you have a better understanding of what written event you’d like to compete in, we can move onto the skeleton of your event: the core member(s). This is the stage that you DO NOT WANT TO SKIP. You can slack on any other stage and produce a winning project, but if you chose to slack on this stage, then you can kiss your Glass hopes bye.

Team or No Team — That is The Question

Every DECA written event allows you to compete solo, as a partnership, or as a group of three. Like every project or idea, the team is the backbone and will make or break everything. Choosing your team, or not choosing one, is the single most important decision you will make during your project. Your partner/group members, though, must be from your home chapter.

Flying Solo — Pros and Cons

If you are the type of person who wants absolute control over every aspect of your project, this is the route you need to take. Personally, I chose to fly solo. If you lack innate self-initiative and are a weak presenter, I urge you to not even consider this option. Flying solo feels great — you never have to deal with conflicting schedules, you can work on your own time, and you make every decision. But, that also opens you up to some pretty (potentially) devastating negatives. When it comes to presenting, you have the full load of work; you can’t rely on someone else to cover certain parts. When it comes time to make a decision, you have full say, so if you don’t consult outside help, you’re getting a very biased view. You have no one to hold you responsible to any deadline, and if you start to lose interest, you will have to find a way to reel yourself back in.

Teaming— Pros and Cons

If you have a strong core of one or two chapter members that possess wildly different (applicable) skill sets and mesh well, forming a team with those members is a great way to go. From the paper standpoint, the team route (when executed well) decreases the workload and dependence of all members. From a presenting standpoint, each member can cover certain parts of the pitch, which should allow for better (and impressive) flow and transition (plus you can wear matching outfits, and that’s pretty cool). However, this route also opens itself up to (potentially) devastating negatives: team communication has to be at maximum level during the project (I recommend Slack if you have a team of three); arguments can break out over trite team decisions. If done well, teaming can be a perfect option, but any slip up during the project could spell doom to all of your hard work. Tred with caution.

I recommend setting aside a few weeks at the start of school to survey new DECA members and observe returners (summer changes some people). If you take this step early, there is absolutely no reason to rush to rash and impulsive decisions. If you decide to form a partnership or team, take a week to just talk — doesn’t have to be about DECA. No matter the skillset or promises offered by anyone, you must mesh well with your team (this isn’t necessarily a start-up; no need to be a Steve Jobs). Also, a word of wisdom: I’ve gotten burned by (looking back) ludicrous promises by teammates. Don’t be blinded by outlandish promises; they are almost always too good to be true.

Stage 3: Planning and Research

Do not, I repeat, DO NOT, think you are too good or too smart for planning and research. If you have that mindset, stop reading right now. Even though I have harped on the importance of research and planning, I have purposely left this stage relatively short. Find the methods that work best for you/your team.

I’ll be honest — I’m the most unorganized person you’ll ever meet. I’m not a big planner. That said, I still had a rough sketch and timetable for my event. It wasn’t much, and it doesn’t have to be much. A simple print-out of the event guidelines, a few dates/ranges scribbled here and there, and that was it. I’m a driven guy, so I could count on that drive and desire to win to push me. If you need a little more planning (this works well with teams, but can also work well for a single person), try Trello — a free online to-do board where you can collaborate with others, assign tasks, set due dates, and add notes. I’m not a big fan of agendas, but many groups find it very helpful to set a meeting agenda whenever they are going to be working on the project. 

For a Glass-worthy paper, you will spend twice the amount of time researching than you will actually writing the paper. That said, researching is supremely important. I still have a folder on my computer full of PDFs from research for my IBP, paper revisions, audio from meetings and calls, charts and graphs, etc. I even found an amazing e-book with a few chapters especially pertinent to my paper, emailed the publishing company, and received a hard copy (free of charge) in the mail a couple of weeks later. When I conducted research, I always brought a notepad with me, so I could jot down any tidbits, figures, etc. that could’ve brought potential benefit to my paper. I get easily distracted, so to combat this during my paper time, I went to my local library to do all of my work. I think this helped a ton when it came to getting stuff done in an efficient manner, and I would recommend you (or your team) find a quiet “paper place,” somewhere you go when it’s time to finally get down to business.

"Thoroughly document your [research] while it’s going on. You won’t remember everything you did when trying to write about it.”  –Lena Kellogg; LV DECA President

Stage 4: The Paper

After weeks (read: months) of planning and researching, it’s finally time to start seriously drafting your paper. A word of advice: don’t get too attached to your first (or second or third) draft; it won’t be great. As a serious competitor, you need to channel your inner critic; try to read your paper through the lens of that advisor and make changes just as a harsh third-party would. That’s how winners work. 

A quick pro tip: no matter if you’re working alone or as a group, enlist the help of your advisors, friends, trusted family and outside sources to give you feedback on your paper. However, make sure to explain to them that they need to be 100% honest in their critical feedback. People you know will often give you sugar-coated advice, and this will do more harm to your project than good. 

How Important Is My Paper?

Depending on your event, your presentation and paper score may vary. The paper in a 20 pager will count for 60% of your score, making the paper that much more important. Below is a chart that breaks it all down. Credit to Annie Hulse of Oakton DECA (VA).

Executive Summary (ES)

This is the most important part of your paper! Judges won’t always have time to read your entire paper, so they will read your summary in-depth and skim the rest. Therefore, it is paramount to have a killer ES. I can’t stress this enough. 

Start with a bang, sell the problem and solution (but hit hard on the problem), and focus on what makes you stand out. 

When writing the summary, which should be done after everything else is complete, imagine that your ES is the only thing your judge will read (because it could be), and you need to sell them on your idea with that ES alone.

Let The Score Sheet Be The Blueprint

You may have been told that a certain section isn’t important. You might think, “Oh, by rearranging these sections, I’ll certainly stand out!” That’s a common thought, but also an erroneous one. 

You should be in a committed relationship with the guidelines of your event. Read them before writing, then again while writing. Read them between drafts and before bedtime. Know the guidelines better than the people who wrote them. This is a competition, and the guidelines were provided for a reason. Judges are sticklers for judging a paper off the guidelines. A vital thing to do at this moment would be to print out the guidelines of every event that you are considering. In your paper (and presentation) include the exact vocabulary from the rubric and guidelines in your writing.

Content or Appearance

An age-old debate between researchers and perfectionists: should my paper be content heavy or aesthetically pleasing? Personally, I have seen more success from a hybrid. Include the most important details, and be thorough on those details for every section. Elaborate on the vital portions, but don’t slack on the visuals. Include meaningful, colorful graphs to break up large chunks of text. When appropriate, substitute text for bullet points or flow charts. Once you decide on a logo and font, maintain a consistent color scheme and font usage. Make sure, though, that you don’t add visuals just to add them. They should add substance to your paper. A respectable content-to-visual ratio for every page is roughly 75:25.

Penalty Points

Penalty points can literally ruin everything. In my state, if you get more than 10 penalty points on your paper, you can kiss the top 10 goodbye. Triple-check your paper for penalty points before you submit it, and enlist the help of a few classmates. 

Some common mistakes that lead to penalty points are as follows: exceeding the number of pages, leaving out a section, not having all pages numbered, not using current guidelines (see, I told you guidelines were important). Penalty points are awarded for careless errors, and they’re very easy to avoid if you pay close attention. 

Stage 5: The Presentation

No matter how good your final paper is, the presentation will be the single factor that differentiates you/your team from the competition. Most associations require that papers be submitted a few weeks prior to the state conference. If this is the case, focus on your paper until the due date — don’t even think about your presentation. Once you’ve turned in the paper, turn your full attention to the presentation. 

Script or No Script?

When it comes to presentations, there is the inevitable question of whether to script it out or not. Honestly, this is a personal decision. It is often said, though, that if you are going to memorize your presentation all the way through, you need to have it down to the “Happy Birthday” level, meaning you would be comfortable belting out your script in the most stressful situations. 

Make your presentation aesthetically pleasing! A nice tool to use to create materials (if you aren’t fluent in Photoshop) is Canva. At competition, you’ll find that PowerPoints are the outliers. A lot of competitors opt to go the trifold, or more obscure, path. However, the time you take to set up and take down your materials counts in your total time, so practice setting up and taking down before showtime. 

While visuals can certainly help your overall presentation, they should be appropriate and engaging. When presenting, you should interact with your visuals in a way that makes sense. If you are using technology, don’t count on WiFi or outlets. When I presented, I used a traditional PPT and a clicker. I also made business cards with my name and company logo, and I handed the judge a card before I wrapped up. Nice touches like this definitely leave an impression on your judge. Think of the exterior things that could go wrong on the day of your presentation. Prepare back-ups or alternatives so that there are no disasters that could derails all of the work you’ve put into your final project.

Judge’s Questions

You have 15 minutes to give your pitch. However, you shouldn’t use the whole time presenting. After your pitch, the judge(s) will likely have some questions. These questions are not meant to trick you. The judge will usually ask for clarification on parts that you glossed over or will ask in-depth questions on a certain topic. While you’re not obligated to leave time for questions, it’s always recommended. I ran tight on time during my final IBP pitch at ICDC, and I have always wondered if that was the difference between first and second. Learn from my mistakes – leave the time. 

Don’t be nervous when answering questions. You are the authority on the subject. No one should know your problem, market and solution better than you. One way I prepared for questions was by pitching to others and fielding questions from them. There will likely be parts of your presentation that make perfect sense to you but confuse someone else. 

When answering questions, give a concise but full answer: don’t spend too much time on any one question, but make sure to completely answer the judge’s question. Most importantly, have a respectful tone when answering. I know, you probably feel like you covered that section that the judge is confused about very well, but a rude or impatient tone will not support your cause. 

Discussion Questions

Classroom connection, career cluster:, instructional area(s):, performance indicators:.

Your Guide to Understanding DECA ICDC's Competitive Event Process and Transcripts

If you're looking for more information on DECA's International Career Development Conference competitive events process and transcripts, look no further! Explore these frequently asked questions and answers.

DECA Competitive Events: Use of AI

As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, it can be a tremendous tool to help companies and organizations enhance their productivity and work. However, the use of generative AI also comes with significant caution and ethical considerations.

Competition Power Moves: Mastering Body Language

Effective body language can enhance your message, captivate your audience and leave a lasting impression. Let's explore the importance of proper body language when presenting and review pro tips to excel in DECA competition.

Top 5 Tips for Prepared Events

DECA's prepared events require a written project and a prepared presentation, and some require participants to take a career cluster exam. As you begin working on your prepared event for the year, check out these five tips to help you throughout the process!

DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe.

High School

Start-up business plan.

The purpose of the Start-Up Business Plan Event is to provide an opportunity for the participant to develop and present a proposal to form a business. The event provides an opportunity for a participant to develop and demonstrate mastery of essential knowledge and skills as they apply to the analysis of a business opportunity.

Participants

Written entry page limit, appear before a judge, present plan, interview time, sponsored by:.

Essential Elements

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