Developing a Business Plan For a Start-Up Company, Which Prepares To Reach The International Educational Markets : Case Study

The commissioner of this thesis is a start-up company, which is aiming for international education markets. The first aim of this thesis is to construct a preliminary business plan for the case company, as they do not currently have one. The second aim of this thesis is to provide theoretical background, which will help the company to develop their business by offering relevant information for their business functions. This thesis consists of two parts, the theoretical background and the created business plan. The research of this thesis was qualitative and the data collected was mainly secondary. Primary data was collected by interviewing the owner of the case company in order to develop the business plan. The main research topics were how to develop a business plan, what are the special features of exporting business plan and a start-up business plan. And how a company should prepare for education export. All of these aspects were then taken into consideration when developing and analyzing the preliminary business plan of the case company. The research result showed that developing a business plan is beneficial for a start-up company and that there are various aspects, which companies have to consider before they start exporting. Export, especially education export is a complex process compared to establishing a domestic business. Exporting abroad adds a level of political, cultural and legal aspects that have to be considered in every element of the business, for example in terms of marketing and methods of payment. This thesis provides information about the main contents that are found most commonly in a business plan. It also defines the special features of a exporting business plan and a start-up business plan as well as how to prepare for education export. The subjects addressed in developing a business plan can also be used when defining what companies should take in to account when operating a business