Start a conversation ↗

Description

Business Plan: Framing the Project, Costing the Assumptions and Convincing a Committee

Build a well-argued business plan and defend it before an investment committee or a funding partner

  • 2 days — 14 h
  • In-person or virtual
  • Intermediate
  • Up to 6 participants

A business plan is judged as much on the robustness of its assumptions as on the way it is presented. Many submissions fail because the market is described without credible figures, because the business model is not connected to the financial forecast, or because the sponsor cannot answer questions on risk.

These two days cover the full approach: framing the project, defining the business model, costing the assumptions, drafting the document and preparing the pitch. The emphasis is placed on argumentation and oral delivery rather than on financial modelling alone.

Learning objectives

  • Frame the project
  • its market and its value proposition
  • Formalise the business model and the drivers of profitability
  • Cost the revenue and expense assumptions
  • Draft a structured business plan and its executive summary
  • Pitch the project and respond to committee objections

What makes this programme different

Each participant works on their own project from start to finish
A one-page executive summary is drafted and then refined during the session
Final pitch before a simulated committee with individual feedback

Programme

1Framing the Project and the Market

Defining what you sell and to whom

  • Articulating the value proposition and the problem solved
  • Defining the addressable market and the competitive landscape
  • Sizing demand from verifiable sources
  • Identifying the assumptions that shape the project

2Business Model and Strategy

Connecting the project to its revenue mechanics

  • Describing the revenue model and the cost structure
  • Building the pricing policy and the distribution channel
  • Planning the human and technical resources required
  • Identifying risks and fallback plans

3Costing and Financial Forecast

Turning assumptions into defensible figures

  • Building the revenue forecast assumption by assumption
  • Costing expenses
  • investments and recruitment
  • Preparing the income statement and the funding plan
  • Developing a conservative scenario and an upside scenario

4Drafting and Pitching

Getting the project approved in committee

  • Structuring the document and prioritising information
  • Drafting the executive summary and the funding request
  • Designing the visuals for the oral presentation
  • Preparing answers to recurring objections

Who is it for

Project sponsors · founders and business buyers · business unit heads · project managers and finance professionals required to defend a case for funding.

Prerequisites

A basic ability to read financial statements is useful.

Dates & locations

36 scheduled dates between November 2026 and December 2027. Seats are confirmed in the order enquiries are received.

November 2026

December 2026

January 2027

February 2027

March 2027

April 2027

May 2027

June 2027

September 2027

October 2027

November 2027

December 2027

None of these dates suit you? We open additional sessions on request, and any programme can be run privately for your team.

Practical details

Before the programme
Online positioning questionnaire. Your development objectives are shared with the trainer, who tailors the practical case studies to your context.
Teaching methods
Theoretical input, workshops and practical case studies. Digital course materials and method sheets provided.
Assessment
Multiple-choice tests and role-play exercises. Assessment of learning at the start and end of the programme, with immediate and 60-day follow-up evaluations.
After the programme
One year of access to the e-learning platform. Self-assessment of the skills acquired and a 30-day follow-up session with your trainer.
How to register
Registration online or on the basis of a quotation.
Lead time
11 working days after confirmation of registration.
Accessibility
Accessible to people of determination. Contact our accessibility coordinator to design a suitable solution: contact@mpf-academy.ae
Start dates
Rolling intake: in addition to the scheduled sessions, this programme can start on request.