Mgmt 390 Partial Business Plan You Will Prepare And Submit
Mgmt 390 Partial Business Planyou Will Prepare And Submit An Apa For
Prepare and submit an APA formatted partial business plan on an instructor-approved topic. The plan should be at least 12 pages long, including a title page and references, and must not include financial data. The purpose is to serve as a blueprint for business success, emphasizing key concepts within MGMT 390.
The plan should cover the following mandatory components:
- Introduction
- Type of Business (product or service): description, location, and relevant facts
- Legal Form of Business: choice (excluding sole proprietorship), rationale, advantages/disadvantages, officer roles, costs, and jurisdiction considerations
- Legal Setting of Business: relevant laws, zoning, restrictions, and whether a home-based business is feasible
- Location Requirements: property description, reasons for selection, accessibility, utilities
- Business License Research and Costs: license/permit requirements, costs based on local government sources
- Insurance Requirements: types of necessary insurance, bonding, employee-related coverage
- Proprietary Rights: intellectual property considerations
- Employment Law and Requirements: regulations, employee vs. independent contractor decisions, required taxes
- Purchase Orders and Contracts: outsourcing pricing arrangements, support rationale
- Torts and Crimes Protection: potential legal liabilities and protective measures
- Property and Requirements: equipment, systems, property ownership options
- UCC Considerations: compliance with the Uniform Commercial Code regarding contracts, transactions, risk, and title transfer
- Other Considerations: additional course-related requirements for starting, operating, and closing your business
- Conclusion: summary, restatement of key ideas, and final blueprint for success
Paper For Above instruction
The proposed business idea centers around establishing a specialty urban farming enterprise named "GreenNest Urban Gardens." This business will focus on providing organic, locally-grown produce through a combination of on-site sales at a dedicated storefront and subscription-based home delivery services within the city limits. The location will be strategically situated in a commercially zoned area accessible via major roads, ensuring ease of customer access and transportation efficiency. The concept taps into the increasing consumer demand for sustainable, fresh food options while also promoting environmental benefits such as reduced food miles and urban green space.
Type of Business (product or service)
GreenNest Urban Gardens is a service-oriented business offering organic produce, including vegetables, herbs, and small fruit plants. The operation will utilize sustainable urban farming practices, including container gardening, hydroponics, and vertical farming. The physical location will function as a retail store and education center, where customers can learn about urban agriculture and sustainable practices. Additionally, the company will develop a subscription-based delivery service targeting local residents seeking convenient access to healthy food options. The business will also provide workshops, seeds, and gardening supplies, creating multiple revenue streams and community engagement opportunities.
Legal Form of Business
The selected legal structure for GreenNest Urban Gardens is a Limited Liability Company (LLC). An LLC was chosen due to its flexibility, liability protection, and favorable tax treatment. Unlike a sole proprietorship, an LLC limits individual liability, protecting personal assets from business debts and legal claims. It also allows for pass-through taxation, avoiding double taxation commonly associated with corporations. The LLC will have designated members and managers, with roles including day-to-day operations, marketing, and financial management. Costs associated with forming an LLC include state filing fees, annual reports, and possible publication requirements, which vary depending on the jurisdiction.
Legal Setting of Business
Operating as an LLC requires compliance with state laws governing business formation, registration, and ongoing reporting obligations. Local ordinances, zoning laws, and health department regulations will impact the business. The business must adhere to zoning requirements specific to urban agricultural activities, including restrictions on signage, structures, and signage in commercial zones. If considering a home-based operation, zoning restrictions may limit commercial activities on residential properties. Environmental regulations related to waste disposal, water usage, and pesticide application must also be considered to ensure legal compliance.
Location Requirements
The selected location is a repurposed urban storefront in the downtown district, chosen for its visibility, proximity to foot traffic, and accessibility. The site offers ample utilities—including water, electricity, and internet infrastructure—and strategic parking options for customers and suppliers. Transportation considerations include proximity to major roads, public transit access, and ease of delivery logistics for the subscription service, which requires reliable last-mile distribution. The location's accessibility aligns with the business’s goal to reach a broad demographic and promote community engagement.
Business License Research and Costs
Obtaining a business license involves applying through the city’s business licensing department. City and county website searches indicate an application fee of approximately $150 to $300, depending on the scope of operations. Additional permits may include health department clearance for food handling and display permits for retail activities. A specialized zoning permit may be required given the urban agricultural operations. Licensing requirements ensure compliance with public health, safety standards, and local economic development policies. Costs are typically annual and vary based on business size and location.
Insurance Requirements
GreenNest Urban Gardens must secure several types of insurance, including general liability insurance to cover customer injuries or disputes, property insurance for equipment and inventory, and possibly product liability insurance for food-related products. Insurance coverage for employees will include workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance. Bonding may be necessary if handling large sums of money or for construction activities related to infrastructure setup. These insurances shield the business from legal claims, damages, and financial loss, supporting sustainable operations.
Proprietary Rights
The business may develop proprietary intellectual property such as unique farming methods, branding, logos, and educational content. Trademark registration will protect the brand name "GreenNest," and copyright protections will cover marketing materials, manuals, and workshop content. Securing proprietary rights ensures competitive advantages and brand recognition in the local market.
Employment Law and Requirements
Hiring employees requires adherence to federal, state, and local employment laws, including wage and hour laws, anti-discrimination statutes, and workplace safety regulations. The business prefers to hire part-time or seasonal workers initially, with clear decisions about whether to classify workers as employees or independent contractors based on IRS guidelines. Proper classification affects tax obligations and legal liabilities. Payroll taxes, Social Security, and Medicare contributions must be paid, and compliance with OSHA regulations is essential to ensure a safe working environment.
Purchase Orders and Contracts
Supplies such as seeds, organic soil, and equipment will be procured through purchase orders. Contract arrangements may include fixed-price contracts for equipment installation and multiyear leases for property or infrastructure. Price arrangements like fixed price with economic price adjustments (EPA) might be employed for long-term supply contracts to account for inflation. Justifications include cost stability, quality assurance, and supplier reliability. These contracts will formalize procurement, minimize disputes, and support business continuity.
Torts and Crimes Protection
Potential legal liabilities include tort claims such as personal injury or property damage stemming from farm operations or customer visits. The business must implement risk management strategies like safety protocols, employee training, and proper signage. Crime protection involves securing premises against theft, vandalism, or cyber threats affecting digital assets. Insurance and legal compliance provide safeguards, while proactive policies mitigate legal damages and enhance reputation.
Property and Requirements
Startup property includes farming equipment, a small retail storefront, and delivery vehicles. Leasing options will likely be pursued for the storefront and equipment, supported by cost-benefit analysis showing flexibility and reduced capital expenditure. Equipment purchases will focus on sustainable farming appliances, refrigeration units, and point-of-sale systems. Buying versus leasing decisions depend on budget constraints and technological needs.
UCC Considerations
Compliance with the Uniform Commercial Code involves structuring clear contracts for the sale of goods, equipment leasing, and receivables. The business will ensure proper documentation, title transfer procedures, and risk distribution as per UCC provisions. Drafting standardized contracts and understanding risk of loss clauses are essential for smooth transactions and legal protection.
Other Considerations
Additional factors include developing a comprehensive marketing strategy, establishing supply chain relationships, and planning for business closure or transition if needed. Environmental regulations, waste disposal, and sustainability certifications should also be incorporated. Technology integration for inventory management and online sales platforms will enhance operational efficiency. Additionally, periodic review of legal and regulatory updates is crucial to maintain compliance and adapt to changing standards.
Conclusion
The blueprint for GreenNest Urban Gardens emphasizes strategic planning across legal, operational, and marketing dimensions. By selecting an LLC structure, securing necessary permits and insurance, and establishing clear contracts, the business will build a resilient foundation. The targeted location, sustainable practices, and community-oriented services position GreenNest for success in the growing urban agriculture market. Continuous compliance, risk management, and adaptation are essential to achieving long-term sustainability and profitability in this venture.
References
- Oberholzer-Gee, F. (2018). The Strategy Process: Concepts, Contexts, and Cases. McGraw-Hill Education.
- U.S. Small Business Administration. (2022). Types of Business Structures. Retrieved from https://www.sba.gov
- State of California Secretary of State. (2023). LLC Formation Requirements. Retrieved from https://www.sos.ca.gov
- Burns, R. (2020). Business Law and the Regulation of Business (12th ed.). Cengage Learning.
- Internal Revenue Service. (2023). Employee vs. Independent Contractor. IRS Publication 15-A.
- National Association of State Departments of Agriculture. (2021). Urban Agriculture Regulations. NASDA Policy Brief.
- American Bar Association. (2019). Understanding the Uniform Commercial Code. ABA Publications.
- ISO. (2021). Environmental Management Standards. ISO 14001.
- Insurance Information Institute. (2022). Business Insurance Overview. III.org.
- Landmark Legal Planners. (2023). Intellectual Property Protection for Small Businesses. LegalInsights Journal.