How to Write Great Immigration Business Plans
The UK is one of the most preferred destinations for immigrant entrepreneurs to transform their vision into profitable realities. In fact, according to one report published by the think-tank Centre for Entrepreneurs and DueDil, 1 in every 7 companies in the United Kingdom was established by an immigrant. Having said that, all great business ideas require equally great immigration business plans. Regardless, it is clear that this region has an economic edge and certain lucrative opportunities to offer to immigrant entrepreneurs, something other countries do not offer.
There is a significant difference between drawing up a concept of a business in your head and actually writing everything down on paper. While creating your entrepreneurship game plan, you need to not only consider your operations but the legal aspects of running your business as well. In this article, we will discuss the qualities which all great business plans (for immigrants) share. So, if you have adequate capital and a unique vision to start your business in the UK (or elsewhere), then get ready to craft a meticulous business plan!
The Qualities of Great Immigration Business Plans
- They are comprehensive.
If there is one quality which all effective business plans share, it is comprehensiveness. You can’t write a short introductory paragraph and a few bullet points and expect people to be inspired. What financial institutions and immigration agencies require is a detailed, 360-degree overview of your business idea. Are you about to launch a new product? Will you stick to offering services? Or will you offer both? Mention every little detail there is to know that might help explain your business. Your goal is to convince them that your million-dollar business idea is promising and that you have all the knowledge and the passion necessary to take this business from the ground to phenomenal heights. Countries look for immigrant entrepreneurs who know what they’re doing, so if the information in your plan is inadequate, you will have a hard time kick-starting your business in a foreign land.
- They include information about future expenses.
In order to immigrate to some countries as an entrepreneur, you need a certain amount of funds to qualify for their visas. For the UK Tier-1 (entrepreneur) visa, for example, you need at least 50,000 GBP available in funds. While writing your business plan, you must discuss how you are going to spend those funds on your business. In short, you need to mention your future business expenses. For example, you might spend a couple of hundred pounds a month to rent space for your office, a few thousand pounds on buying equipment, and so on. Everything needs to be included and you must prove that you have long-term plans for your business.
- They include financial forecasts.
Apart from mentioning future plans when it comes to expenses, you also need to do a financial forecast of your business (for the next 3 years if you are applying for the UK) and add a comprehensive report in your business plan. The financial forecast determines the feasibility of your business and shows potential investors that your idea is actually promising. Including it in your plan, therefore, will give you an edge.
- They include complete market research.
Before starting any business, an in-depth research of the market must be conducted and for that purpose, you need to do a SWOT analysis among others. You must have a clear picture of who your target audience is and know about the marketing channels you will use to reach the said audience. Apart from that, you must also be aware of your competitors – their strategies, market position, and business performance. Once you have conducted all the research, you must prepare a detailed report with the obtained data and include it in your immigration business plan.
- They include your qualifications and expertise.
Another important thing to include in your plan is your qualification, as well as your expertise. This will further strengthen your business plan and give the immigration agencies and overseas financial institutions an idea of whether you are equipped with the skills to run your business successfully or not.
- They mention the licenses you are going to need.
The legalities of operating a business vary from country to country. You might not need licenses for some everyday operations in your country but if you are thinking of setting up your business in the UK, then you need to consider everything. Create a complete list of all the licenses that you will require to show that you are aware of the legal obligations.
Why Should You Write a Plan for Your Business?
Moving to a new country, let alone starting a business in that country, isn’t a piece of cake. There are tons of things to consider, like the legal obligations, showing funds, financial forecasting, hiring, etc. But your business plan will be the MOST important thing. Here’s why:
- Your plan reflects your whole business idea; what you want to sell, how you are going to approach your audience, what strategies you will use to succeed in the market, and so on.
- You need to show the immigration agencies that you are sincere with your business, meaning that you are not applying just for the sake of living in a new country.
- It will give the investors solid reasons to chip in. Most investors will hesitate in funding you if you don’t have a proper game plan mapped out for your business.
While the importance of having a sound business plan cannot be denied, it is important to point out that it is often extremely difficult for you to write one on your own due to lack of knowledge, time or other factors. In such a scenario, obtaining the services of professional business plan writers can help a great deal as they have a vast amount of experience and knowledge in the field and craft a meticulous plan that is sure to impress the investors and immigration officers alike.
Take-Home Message
If you are about to do something big, you might as well do it the right way! Whether you are thinking of launching a startup in the UK or anywhere else as an immigrant, you must have a decent business plan. Not only will it help you in obtaining visas with ease, it will also help in receiving funds from investors in the future. All of these things will determine the long-term success of your business.
