4
Stage 1: Business idea generation
The beginning is the inspiration – your solution to a problem. It must be evaluated to
determine if it delivers an actual customer value, whether the market is big enough, and just
how big it will be. The idea itself has no intrinsic economic value. It acquires economic value
only after it has been successfully transformed into a concept with a plan and implemented.
You will need to start putting together your team as soon as possible, finding partners who can
develop your product or service until it is ready for market (or at least until shortly before). In
the case of products, this stage usually involves a functioning prototype. You will most likely
have to do without venture capital during this stage. You will still be financing your plan with
your own money, help from friends, perhaps state research subsidies, contributions from
foundations, or other grants. Investors refer to this as "seed money," as your idea is still a
seedling, not yet exposed to the harsh climate of competition.
Your objective at this stage is to present your business concept and market – which forms the
foundation of your new company – so clearly and concisely as to pique the interest of potential
investors in helping you cultivate your idea further.
Stage 2: Business plan preparation
At this stage, it is most important to focus on the big picture: Don't lose sight of the forest for the
trees! The business plan itself will help you to focus as you must consider and weigh the risks
involved, prepare for any contingency, and learn to anticipate a variety of possible situations or
"scenarios." You will need to lay down plans and create a budget for the key activities of the
business – for development, production, marketing, distribution, and finance. Naturally, you
will need to make many decisions, such as which customers or segments will you target? What
price will you ask for your product or service? What is the best location for your business? Will
you handle production yourself or outsource it to third parties? And so on.
In preparing the business plan, you will come in contact with many people outside your start-
up team. In addition to investors, you will talk to many specialists, including attorneys, tax
advisors, experienced entrepreneurs, and experts. The business plan competition organizers
will help you get in touch with just the right people. You will also have to begin reaching out to
your potential customers (i.e., by means of consumer surveys) to make initial assessments of
your market. Always keep in mind that customer acceptance is an essential prerequisite to the
success of your company! Scout about for possible suppliers and perhaps close your first
agreements. You will also want to become aware of who your competitors are.
This whole process will not come cheap. The team must continue to earn a living while running
a rudimentary operation and perfecting a prototype. Yet at this stage, you should also be able
to estimate your expenses. Financing will generally still be provided from the same sources you
relied on during stage one, although some investors may be willing to make the occasional
advance. This stage concludes successfully for you as a new entrepreneur when an investor
expresses a willingness to finance your undertaking.
Stage 3: Start-up and growth