How to Present Your Business’ Location & Facility
When drafting a business plan, detailing your business’s location and facility is not merely about stating an address or describing a building. Instead it’s about showcasing how your choice of location and the specifics of your facility are important to your business’s success.
This section of your business plan goes beyond mere logistics. Indeed it communicates to potential investors, partners, and lenders the thought process behind selecting a location that enhances market visibility, customer access, and operations efficiency.
In this guide, we’ll guide you through the importance of these elements and how to incorporate them in your business plan. Let’s dive in!
Why Do We Include it in a Business Plan?
In a business plan, the section on a business’s location and facility is crucial for providing readers with essential context about where and how the company operates.
This information typically resides in the business overview section. It should includes details on location and facilities helps stakeholders understand the strategic choices behind site selection. Especially it should be clear as how these decisions support the business’s operations, market presence (visibility), and growth potential.
It conveys to investors, lenders, and partners the thoughtfulness behind location selection (highlighting access to markets, resources, and talent – see more on that below) while the description of the facility underscores the business’s capacity for production, service delivery, and scalability.
Why Location is Important
The choice of location and facility is more than just a logistical decision; it is a strategic one that can significantly influence the overall success and growth trajectory of a business.
Visibility
Indeed, a prime location enhances visibility, ensuring your business is easily accessible and noticeable to your target market. This visibility is crucial for attracting foot traffic in retail, but it’s equally important for businesses in the service sector to be within reach of their client base.
Furthermore, being situated in a vibrant, thriving area can boost brand recognition and help in crafting a strong, positive public perception.
Simplify operations
Operational efficiency is yet another factor directly impacted by the choice of location. The right location minimizes logistical hurdles and can significantly reduce costs and time associated with transportation and distribution.
For businesses that rely heavily on shipping or receiving goods, being near major highways, ports, or logistics hubs can streamline operations and improve supply chain efficiency.
Access to talent
Access to talent is another critical consideration that depends heavily on location. Operating in or near urban centers or regions known for specific industries can make it easier to attract and retain skilled employees.
For example, proximity to universities, technical schools, and other educational institutions can also be beneficial, providing a steady pipeline of qualified graduates eager to join the workforce. This access to a diverse talent pool can drive innovation, enhance service delivery, and ultimately contribute to the competitive edge of a business.
Why Facility is Important
It’s very important to give details on the business’ facility especially if it is a customer-facing or a manufacturing / supply-side operations business.
For customer-facing businesses (clinics, hotels, restaurants gyms, retail stores, real estate agencies, etc.), the facility’s design, ambiance, and accessibility play a significant role in attracting and retaining customers.
For manufacturing or supply-side operations (brewery, equipment rental, courier, storage, etc.), a facility with the right technical specifications and equipment ensures quality and efficiency in production and supply chain.
Important factors to include here:
- Size and Scalability: Guide readers on choosing a facility size that not only meets current needs but also allows for future growth.
- Layout Efficiency: Discuss how the layout affects operational efficiency, employee productivity, and customer satisfaction.
- Technology and Infrastructure: Highlight the necessity of technological infrastructure and other facilities for business operations.
- Safety and Compliance: Remind readers of the importance of safety standards and compliance with regulations in facility selection.
How to Present Location and Facility in Your Business Plan
Here are 5 simple steps to present location and facility in your business plan:
- Describe the Location: Provide detailed information about the business location, including the address, the geographical area, and why this location is strategic.
- Outline the Facilities: Describe the physical premises of the business. Include details about the size, layout, capacity, and any unique features of the facility.
- Justify the Choices: Explain why the chosen location and facility are optimal for the business objectives. Include data or research that supports these choices.
- Visual Elements: Encourage the use of photographs, maps, and floor plans to give readers a visual understanding of the location and facility.
- Future Plans: Discuss any future plans for expansion or relocation, if applicable, and how this fits into the business’s growth strategy.