Knowing how to write a business case is a fundamental skill for all entrepreneurs. If they don’t have it, they have to quickly find someone who does. All the best business ideas in the world will vanish if they can’t be put into writing. The written business plan will help you get the approvals and resources necessary to make the idea come true. Writing the business case in a way that attracts the interest of the “sponsors” is a real challenge. Essentially, the case:

• promote the business idea to others
• indicate how and why you can be successful
• list expected benefits focusing on financial returns
• seek approval of funding.

The business case outline

• Why is a particular project being championed?
• What are the main characteristics of the project?
• What are the business problems and what are the solutions?
• How much is the financial investment?
• What is the duration of the project?
• Would there be implications in terms of priorities and missed opportunities?
• What are some of the risk factors?
• How will performance or results be measured?
• What happens if the project is not carried out?
• What are the alternatives?

Other essentials

Since the business case would be a comprehensive document consisting of several pages, it must include an executive summary. The summary would allow a quick and general overview of the key selling points. The case would then be based on an overall assessment and problem statement. This would be followed by a description of the project, the main solution and its details. It is better that alternative solutions are also identified. A cost benefit analysis, a timeline for implementation along with general conclusions and recommendations would complete the written business case. For better impact, you can include critical assumptions and risk assessment. Also, as in a business plan, a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis would be helpful. In addition to ensuring the inclusion of the main elements, the written business plan must be carefully reviewed and edited. In this regard, in addition to the facts of the business case, special attention should also be paid to spelling and grammar.