AGST/PLSC130 Did Yeast Create Civilization?

Exercise #2: Business Plans

On completion of this assignment: You will have a better understanding of the role of fermented foods in commerce.

Assignment: You will develop a business plan for a fermentation-based business, processing facility, workshop, or therapy program.

Description: At this point, you will have recognized that the history of fermented foods is deeply interconnected with day-to-day finances and commerce. To explore modern craft and large-scale production and distribution of fermented foods, you will work with a group to develop a business plan for an enterprise that produces, markets, or distributes fermented foods or that conducts an activity associated with fermented food consumption. It is equally acceptable to develop a plan for overcoming yoghurt addiction or opening a bakery.

What would you include in your plan?

Requirements: Students will prepare and submit the following items:

A one-page executive summary/abstract of the business plan and business plan elements as described below. The plan must include appropriate references using the resources of the UMD Libraries and Resources: Write your own business plan, SBA, and an outline description of the presentation as you envision it. Resources that are NOT accepted are Wikipedia, Encyclopedia Britannica, etc.

Business Plan sections: 

You will be submitting a business plan with the following elements (at least half a page for each element, double-spaced):

• Executive Summary
• Company / entity description
• Market analysis
• Organization and development
• Service or product line
• Marketing and sales
• Funding request/Financial projections
• What items would you need to budget for?
• How would you ensure that your business does not lose money?
• What type of business would it be?
• What are the positive values of the plan as well as the expected challenges?
• Summary of what each student did 

Resources: Write your own business plan, SBA.

PowerPoint presentation:

You will then give a 5-7 minute PowerPoint presentation of the business plan. Your PowerPoint presentation should include between 1-2 slides for each of the following elements:

• Introduction to your team members
• Executive Summary
• Company/entity description
• Market analysis
• Organization and development
• Service or product line
• Marketing and sales
• Funding request
• Financial Projections
• What are the positive values of the plan as well as the expected challenges?
• Summary of what each person contributed