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School Supplies Business Plan [Sample Template]

By: Author Tony Martins Ajaero

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School Supplies Business

Are you about starting a school supplies company? If YES, here is a complete sample school supplies business plan template & feasibility report you can use FREE.

School supplies businesses sell and distribute teaching materials to schools, parents, teachers and students. These stores frequently carry a wide selection of educational materials and decorations for classroom teachers such as books, pencils, pens, etc.

With this type of business, you can choose to own a store/warehouse if you have the financial capacity to or you can choose to operate without a store. The bottom line is that you must own your own distribution truck/van, you should know how to source for school supplies and how to get them delivered to your customers.

Come to think of it, starting a school supplies business is profitable, it is a very easy business to start and it is not so capital intensive especially if you get the goods on trust from the production companies. Getting the right products that people want to buy and good networking and stock keeping records are the secrets of running a school supplies business.

So, if you have decided to start a school supplies business, then you should ensure that you carry out thorough feasibility studies and also market survey. This will enable you locate the business in a location with the right demography, network with school supplies retailers and then hit the ground running.

Business plan is yet another very important business document that you should not take for granted while launching your own school supplies business. Below is a sample school supplies business plan template that will give you the needed guide to write yours with ease.

A Sample School Supplies Business Plan Template

1. industry overview.

Businesses in the School Supplies Wholesaling industry are involved in the sale and distribution of office tools, writing implements, stamps and stencils, stationery and loose-leaf paper, notebooks, binders and organizers and other related items.

If you have been keeping close tabs with happenings in the School Supplies Wholesaling industry, you would have noticed that the industry has struggled over the five years to 2018 with low demand and declining supply-chain relevance.

The School Supplies Wholesaling industry is a thriving sector of the economy of the united states of America and they generate a whooping over billion annually from more than 508 registered and licensed School Supplies Wholesaling businesses scattered all around the United States of America.

The industry is responsible for the employment of over 2,698 people. Experts project the industry to grow at a -2.0 percent annual rate within 2013 and 2018. It is important to state that the company holding the largest market share in the School Supplies Wholesaling industry is School Specialty Inc.

A recent report released by IBISWorld shows that over the past five years, the School Supplies Wholesaling industry has declined by -2.0 percent to reach revenue of $2bn in 2018. In the same timeframe, the number of businesses has declined by -0.2 percent and the number of employees has declined by -3.0 percent.

It is a fact that an estimated two-thirds of the United States’ gross domestic product (GDP) comes from retail consumption of which the School Supplies Wholesaling industry contributes greatly. This is why the United States of America’s economy is measured with the yardstick of how well the retailing business is fairing there.

When there is an unstable economy, purchasing power drops and it impacts the retailing / distribution industry negatively which may result in the closure of some of these businesses.

School supplies business is indeed a profitable business venture and it is open for any aspiring entrepreneur to come in and establish his or her business; you can choose to start on a small scale without a store/warehouse or you can choose to start on a large scale with standard store/warehouse, dozens of distribution trucks and a strong online presence.

2. Executive Summary

Regina Trent® School Supplies Company, LLC is a registered distribution company that will be involved in the distribution of teaching resources to schools and retail centers. Our warehouse and store will be located around Los Angeles Unified – California which happens to be the district with the second highest number of schools (646,683 schools) in the whole of the United States.

We have been able to lease a warehouse facility that is big enough to fit into the kind of school supplies company that we intend launching and the facility is centrally located in the heart of town with easy delivery network.

Regina Trent® School Supplies Company, LLC will distribute a wide range of school supplies at affordable prices from different brands. We will engage in the sale and distribution of office tools, writing implements, stamps and stencils, stationery and loose-leaf paper, notebooks, binders, organizers and other related items.

We are aware that there are several school supplies companies all around Los Angeles- California which is why we spent time and resources to conduct our feasibility studies and market survey so as to offer much more than our competitors will be offering.

We have robust distribution network; strong online presence and our distributors are armed with the various payment options available in the United States.

Our customer care is going to be second to none in the whole of Los Angeles Unified – California and our deliveries will be highly reliable. We know that our customers are the reason why we are in business which is why we will go the extra mile to get them satisfied when they patronize our products.

Regina Trent® School Supplies Company, LLC will ensure that all our customers are given first class treatment whenever they visit our warehouse or order school supplies from us. We have a CRM software that will enable us manage a one on one relationship with our customers no matter how large the numbers of our customers’ base and distribution network may grow to.

We will ensure that we get our customers involved in the selection of brands and also when making some business decisions that directly affect them.

Regina Trent® School Supplies Company, LLC will at all times demonstrate her commitment to sustainability, both individually and as a firm, by actively participating in our communities and integrating sustainable business practices wherever possible.

We will ensure that we hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards by meeting our client’s needs precisely and completely.

Regina Trent® School Supplies Company, LLC is a family business that is owned by Regina Trent and her immediate family members. Regina Trent has a B.Sc. in Business Administration with over 8 years’ experience in the retailing and distribution industry, working for some of the leading brand in the United States.

Although the business is launching out with focusing on Los Angeles Unified – California, but there is a plan to expand our distribution network all across the state of California.

3. Our Products and Services

Regina Trent® School Supplies Company, LLC is in the School Supplies Wholesaling industry and we will be involved in the distribution of a wide range of products from top manufacturing brands in the United States. Our products and services offerings are listed below;

  • Writing implements, stamps and stencils
  • Stationery (Pencil box, Crayons, Colored pencils, Washable markers, Ballpoint pens, Pencil sharpener, Erasers, Glue sticks, Ruler, Blunt-tipped scissors, Plastic folders, Assorted construction paper, Wide-ruled notebook or pad, Index cards, Loose-leaf paper)
  • Notebooks, binders and organizers
  • Lunchbox or bag

4. Our Mission and Vision Statement

  • Our vision is to become the leading brand in the school supplies line of business in the whole of Los Angeles Unified – California.
  • Our mission is to establish a highly reliable school supplies business brand that will distribute a wide range of teaching resources to schools and retail centers in Los Angeles Unified and other cities in California where we intend launching out.

Our Business Structure

Our intention of starting a school supplies business is to build a standard retail and distribution business in Los Angeles Unified – California. We will ensure that we put the right structure in place that will support the kind of growth that we have in mind while setting up the business.

We will make sure that we hire people that are qualified, honest, customer centric and are ready to work to help us build a prosperous business that will benefit all our stakeholders. As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our senior management staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of ten years or more.

In view of that, we have decided to hire qualified and competent hands to occupy the following positions that will be made available at Regina Trent® School Supplies Company, LLC;

  • Chief Executive Officer (Owner)
  • Warehouse Manager
  • Human Resources and Admin Manager

Merchandize Manager

Sales and Marketing Manager

Information Technologist

  • Accountants/Cashiers
  • Customer Services Executive
  • Drivers/Distributors

5. Job Roles and Responsibilities

Chief Executive Officer – CEO:

  • Increases management’s effectiveness by recruiting, selecting, orienting, training, coaching, counseling, and disciplining managers; communicating values, strategies, and objectives; assigning accountabilities; planning, monitoring, and appraising job results and developing incentives
  • Creating, communicating, and implementing the organization’s vision, mission, and overall direction – i.e. leading the development and implementation of the overall organization’s strategy.
  • Responsible for fixing prices and signing business deals
  • Responsible for providing direction for the business
  • Responsible for signing checks and documents on behalf of the company
  • Evaluates the success of the organization
  • Reports to the board

Admin and HR Manager

  • Responsible for overseeing the smooth running of HR and administrative tasks for the organization
  • Maintains office supplies by checking stocks; placing and expediting orders; evaluating new products.
  • Ensures operation of equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; calling for repairs.
  • Defining job positions for recruitment and managing interviewing process
  • Carrying out induction for new team members
  • Responsible for training, evaluation and assessment of employees
  • Responsible for arranging travel, meetings and appointments
  • Oversee the smooth running of the daily office activities.

Warehouse Manager:

  • Responsible for organizing the safe and efficient receipt, storage and dispatch of warehoused goods
  • In charge of planning, coordinating and monitoring the receipt, order assembly and dispatch of goods
  • In charge of coordinating the use of automated and computerized systems where necessary
  • Responsible for keeping stock control systems up to date and making sure inventories are accurate
  • Responsible for producing regular reports and statistics on a daily, weekly and monthly basis
  • Ensures that proper records of goods are kept and warehouse does not run out of products
  • Ensure that the warehouse facility is in tip top shape and goods are properly arranged and easy to locate
  • Supervise the workforce in the warehouse floor.
  • Manage vendor relations, market visits, and the ongoing education and development of the organizations’ buying teams
  • Responsible for the purchase of office tools, writing implements, stamps and stencils, stationery and loose-leaf paper, notebooks, binders and organizers and other related items for the organizations
  • Ensures that the organization operates within stipulated budget.
  • Manage external research and coordinate all the internal sources of information to retain the organizations’ best customers and attract new ones
  • Model demographic information and analyze the volumes of transactional data generated by customer purchases
  • Identify, prioritize, and reach out to new partners, and business opportunities et al
  • Identifies development opportunities; follows up on development leads and contacts
  • Responsible for supervising implementation, advocate for the customer’s needs, and communicate with clients
  • Document all customer contact and information
  • Represent the company in strategic meetings
  • Help increase sales and growth for the company
  • Manage the organization website
  • Handles ecommerce aspect of the business
  • Responsible for installing and maintenance of computer software and hardware for the organization
  • Manage logistics and supply chain software, Web servers, e-commerce software and POS (point of sale) systems
  • Manage the organization’s CCTV
  • Handles any other technological and IT related duties.

Accountant/Cashier:

  • Responsible for preparing financial reports, budgets, and financial statements for the organization
  • Provides managements with financial analyses, market research to forecast trends and business conditions.
  • Responsible for financial forecasting and risks analysis.
  • Performs cash management, general ledger accounting, and financial reporting
  • Responsible for developing and managing financial systems and policies
  • Responsible for administering payrolls
  • Ensuring compliance with taxation legislation
  • Handles all financial transactions for the organization
  • Serves as internal auditor for the organization

Client Service Executive

  • Ensures that all contacts with clients (e-mail, walk-In center, SMS or phone) provides the client with a personalized customer service experience of the highest level
  • Through interaction with customers on the phone, uses every opportunity to build client’s interest in the company’s products and services
  • Manages administrative duties assigned by the human resources and admin manager in an effective and timely manner
  • Consistently stays abreast of any new information on the organizations’ products, promotional campaigns etc. to ensure accurate and helpful information is supplied to customers when they make enquiries

Distribution Truck Drivers

  • Assist in loading and unloading stock
  • Maintain a logbook of their driving activities to ensure compliance with federal regulations governing the rest and work periods for operators.
  • Keep a record of vehicle inspections and make sure the truck is equipped with safety equipment
  • Assist the transport and logistics manager in planning their route according to a distribution schedule.
  • Local-delivery drivers may be required to sell products or services to stores and businesses on their route, obtain signatures from recipients and collect cash.
  • Inspect vehicles for mechanical items and safety issues and perform preventative maintenance
  • Comply with truck driving rules and regulations (size, weight, route designations, parking, break periods etc.) as well as with company policies and procedures
  • Collect and verify delivery instructions
  • Report defects, accidents or violations

6. SWOT Analysis

Our intention of starting out in Los Angeles Unified and distribute our goods only within the are is to test run the business for a period of 2 to 5 years to know if we will invest more money and then expand all around the state of California.

We are quite aware that there are several school supplies companies all over Los Angeles Unified and even in the same location where we intend locating ours, which is why we are following the due process of establishing a business.

We know that if a proper SWOT analysis is conducted for our business, we will be able to position our business to maximize our strength, leverage on the opportunities that will be available to us, mitigate our risks and be equipped to confront our threats.

Regina Trent® School Supplies Company, LLC employed the services of an expert HR and Business Analyst with bias in retailing and distribution to help us conduct a thorough SWOT analysis and to help us create a Business model that will help us achieve our business goals and objectives. This is the summary of the SWOT analysis that was conducted for Regina Trent® School Supplies Company, LLC;

Our location, the business model we will be operating (robust distribution network), varieties of payment options, wide range of products from top brands and our excellent customer service culture will definitely count as a strong strength for Regina Trent® School Supplies Company, LLC. So, also our management team has what it takes to grow a business from startup to profitability with a record time.

A major weakness that may count against us is the fact that we are a new school supplies business and we don’t have the financial capacity to compete with leaders in the industry for now.

  • Opportunities:

The fact that we are going to be operating our school supplies business in Los Angeles Unified – California provides us with unlimited opportunities to supply our school supplies to a large number of schools and retail facilities.

We have been able to conduct thorough feasibility studies and market survey and we know what our potential clients will be looking for when they patronize our products and services; we are well positioned to take on the opportunities that will come our way.

Just like any other business, one of the major threats that we are likely going to face is economic downturn. It is a fact that economic downturn affects purchasing / spending power. Another threat that may likely confront us is the arrival of a similar business in same location where ours is located. We are not ignoring the fact that unfavorable government policies can also affect our business.

7. MARKET ANALYSIS

  • Market Trends

A broader trend toward ecommerce has been particularly pronounced in this industry, which resulted into encouraging more consumers to circumvent retailers and the wholesalers that supply them. In addition to that, brick-and-mortar retail sales have increasingly shifted to big-box department and discount stores who also retail school supplies.

They have been able to overtime make use of their purchasing power to source products directly from manufacturers, internalizing distribution functions and eliminating independent wholesalers from the school supply chain.

It is now a common phenomenon for distribution companies to leverage on technology to effectively predict consumer demand patterns and to strategically position their business to meet their needs; in essence, the use of technology has helped businesses like school supplies to maximize supply chain efficiencies.

8. Our Target Market

The school supplies wholesaling industry has a wide range of customers. In view of that, we have positioned our school supplies company to service schools and retail centers in Los Angeles Unified – California and every other location we will cover.

We have conducted our market research and we have ideas of what our target market would be expecting from us. We are in business to retail (distribute) a wide range of school supplies from different production companies to the following businesses;

  • Retailers of school supplies

Our competitive advantage

A close study of the school supplies industry reveals that the market has become much more intensely competitive over the last decade. As a matter of fact, you have to be highly creative, customer centric and proactive if you must survive in this industry.

We are aware of the stiff competition and we are prepared to compete favorably with other leading school supplies businesses in and around Los Angeles Unified – California.

One thing is certain; we will ensure that we have a wide range of products available in our warehouse at all times. One of our business goals is to make Regina Trent® School Supplies Company, LLC a one stop school supplies company. Our excellent customer service culture, timely and reliable delivery services, online presence, and various payment options will serve as a competitive advantage for us.

Lastly, our employees will be well taken care of, and their welfare package will be among the best within our category (startups school supplies businesses) in the industry meaning that they will be more than willing to build the business with us and help deliver our set goals and achieve all our aims and objectives.

We will also give good working conditions and commissions to freelance sales agents that we will recruit from time to time.

9. SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY

  • Sources of Income

Regina Trent® School Supplies Company, LLC is in business to retail (distribute) a wide range of school supplies from top production companies to schools in Los Angeles Unified – California.

We are in the school supplies wholesaling industry to maximize profits and we are going to go all the way out to ensure that we achieve or business goals and objectives. We will generate income for the business by retailing and distributing;

10. Sales Forecast

One thing is certain when it comes to school supplies business, if your business is centrally positioned coupled with effective and reliable distribution network, you will always attract sales and that will sure translate to increase in revenue generation for the business.

We are well positioned to take on the available market in Los Angeles Unified – California and we are quite optimistic that we will meet our set target of generating enough income / profits from our first six months of operation and grow the business and our clientele base.

We have been able to examine the school supplies wholesaling industry, we have analyzed our chances in the industry and we have been able to come up with the following sales forecast.

Below are the sales projections for Regina Trent® School Supplies Company, LLC, it is based on the location of our business, the list of school supplies and other factors as it relates to school supplies startups in the United States;

  • First Fiscal Year: $240,000
  • Second Fiscal Year: $350,000
  • Third Fiscal Year: $600,000

N.B : This projection was done based on what is obtainable in the industry and with the assumption that there won’t be any major economic meltdown and there won’t be any major competitor offering same products and customer care services as we do within same location. Please note that the above projection might be lower and at the same time it might be higher.

  • Marketing Strategy and Sales Strategy

Before choosing a location for Regina Trent® School Supplies Company, LLC, we conducted a thorough market survey and feasibility studies in order for us to be able to penetrate the available market and become the preferred choice for schools, teachers, students and parents in Los Angeles Unified – California.

We hired experts who have good understanding of the retailing and distribution industry to help us develop marketing strategies that will help us achieve our business goal of winning a larger percentage of the available market in Los Angeles Unified – California.

In summary, Regina Trent® School Supplies Company, LLC will adopt the following sales and marketing approach to win customers over;

  • Open our business in a grand style with a party for all.
  • Introduce our business by sending introductory letters alongside our brochure to small – scale school supplies retailers, schools, teachers, students, households and key stakeholders in Los Angeles Unified – California
  • Ensure that we have a wide range of school supplies from different brands within and outside the United States at all times.
  • Make use of attractive hand bills to create awareness business
  • Position our signage / flexi banners at strategic places around Los Angeles Unified – California
  • Create a loyalty plan that will enable us reward our regular customers
  • Engage on roadshows within our neighborhood to create awareness for our school supplies business.

11. Publicity and Advertising Strategy

Despite the fact that our school supplies business is well structured and well located, we will still go ahead to intensify publicity for the business.

Regina Trent® School Supplies Company, LLC has a long-term plan of opening distribution channels all around the state of California which is why we will deliberately build our brand to be well accepted in Los Angeles Unified School District area before venturing out.

Here are the platforms we intend leveraging on to promote and advertise Regina Trent® School Supplies Company, LLC;

  • Place adverts on community – based newspapers, radio and TV stations
  • Encourage the use of word of mouth publicity from our loyal customers
  • Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like; YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+ and other platforms to promote our business.
  • Ensure that our we position our banners and billboards in strategic positions all around Los Angeles Unified – California
  • Distribute our fliers and handbills in target areas in and around schools within Los Angeles Unified school district areas
  • Brand all our official cars and distribution vans/trucks and ensure that all our staff members wear our branded shirt or cap at regular intervals.

12. Our Pricing Strategy

Pricing is one of the key factors that gives leverage to distribution companies and retailers, it is normal for retailers to purchase products from distribution companies where they can goods at cheaper price. We will work towards ensuring that all our goods are distributed at highly competitive prices compared to what is obtainable in the United States of America.

We also have plans in place to discount our goods once in a while and also to reward our loyal customers from time to time.

  • Payment Options

The payment policy adopted by Regina Trent® School Supplies Company, LLC is all inclusive because we are quite aware that different customers prefer different payment options as it suits them but at the same time, we will ensure that we abide by the financial rules and regulation of the United States of America.

Here are the payment options that Regina Trent® School Supplies Company, LLC will make available to her clients;

  • Payment via bank transfer
  • Payment with cash
  • Payment via credit cards
  • Payment via POS machines
  • Payment via online bank transfer
  • Payment via check
  • Payment via bank draft

In view of the above, we have chosen banking platforms that will enable our client make payment for our products without any stress on their part. Our bank account numbers will be made available on our website and promotional materials

13. Startup Expenditure (Budget)

From our market research and feasibility studies, we were able to come up with the following financial projections and costing as it relates to establishing a standard school supplies business in the United States of America;

  • The total fee for registering the business in the United States of America – $750.
  • Legal expenses for obtaining licenses and permits as well as the accounting services (software, P.O.S machines and other software) – $3,300.
  • Marketing promotion expenses for the grand opening of Regina Trent® School Supplies Company, LLC in the amount of $3,500 and as well as flyer printing (2,000 flyers at $0.04 per copy) for the total amount of $3,580.
  • The cost for hiring business consultant – $2,500.
  • The cost for insurance (general liability, workers’ compensation and property casualty) coverage at a total premium – $2,400.
  • The cost for payment of rent for 12 months at $1.76 per square feet warehouse facility in the total amount of $105,600.
  • The total cost for warehouse facility remodeling (construction of racks and shelves) – $20,000.
  • Other start-up expenses including stationery ($500) and phone and utility deposits ($2,500).
  • Operational cost for the first 3 months (salaries of employees, payments of bills et al) – $60,000
  • The cost for Start-up inventory (stocking with a wide range of office tools, writing implements, stamps and stencils, stationery and loose-leaf paper, notebooks, binders, organizers and other related items) – $100,000
  • The cost for store equipment (cash register, security, ventilation, signage) – $13,750
  • The cost of purchase and installation of CCTVs – $5,000
  • The cost for the purchase of furniture and gadgets (Computers, Printers, Telephone, TVs, Sound System, tables and chairs et al) – $4,000.
  • The cost for the purchase of distribution vans / trucks – $25,000
  • The cost of launching a website – $600
  • The cost for our opening party – $7,000
  • Miscellaneous – $10,000

We would need an estimate of $350,000 to successfully set up our school supplies business in Los Angeles Unified – California.

Generating Funds/Startup Capital for Regina Trent® School Supplies Company, LLC

Regina Trent® School Supplies Company, LLC is a private business that is solely owned and financed by Regina Trent and her immediate family members. They do not intend to welcome any external business partner which is why she has decided to restrict the sourcing of the startup capital to 3 major sources.

  • Generate part of the startup capital from personal savings
  • Source for soft loans from family members and friends
  • Apply for loan from the bank

N.B: We have been able to generate about $100,000 (Personal savings $80,000 and soft loan from family members $10,000) and we are at the final stages of obtaining a loan facility of $250,000 from our bank. All the papers and documents have been signed and submitted, the loan has been approved and any moment from now our account will be credited with the amount.

14. Sustainability and Expansion Strategy

The future of a business lies in the number of loyal customers that they have, the capacity and competence of their employees, their investment strategy and business structure. If all of these factors are missing from a business (company), then it won’t be too long before the business close shop.

One of our major goals of starting Regina Trent® School Supplies Company, LLC is to build a business that will survive off its own cash flow without injecting finance from external sources once the business is officially running.

We know that one of the ways of gaining approval and winning customers over is to distribute our school supplies a little bit cheaper than what is obtainable in the market and we are prepared to survive on lower profit margin for a while.

Regina Trent® School Supplies Company, LLC will make sure that the right foundation, structures and processes are put in place to ensure that our staff welfare are well taken of. Our company’s corporate culture is designed to drive our business to greater heights and training and retraining of our workforce is at the top burner.

We know that if we diligently put in place all that is stated above, we will be able to successfully hire and retain the best hands we can get in the industry; they will be more committed to help us build the business of our dreams.

Check List/Milestone

  • Business Name Availability Check: Completed
  • Business Registration: Completed
  • Opening of Corporate Bank Accounts: Completed
  • Securing Point of Sales (POS) Machines: Completed
  • Opening Mobile Money Accounts: Completed
  • Opening Online Payment Platforms: Completed
  • Application and Obtaining Tax Payer’s ID: In Progress
  • Application for business license and permit: Completed
  • Purchase of Insurance for the Business: Completed
  • Leasing of warehouse facility and remodeling the facility: In Progress
  • Conducting Feasibility Studies: Completed
  • Generating capital from family members: Completed
  • Applications for Loan from the bank: In Progress
  • Writing of Business Plan: Completed
  • Drafting of Employee’s Handbook: Completed
  • Drafting of Contract Documents and other relevant Legal Documents: In Progress
  • Design of The Company’s Logo: Completed
  • Printing of Promotional Materials: In Progress
  • Recruitment of employees: In Progress
  • Purchase of furniture, racks, shelves, computers, electronic appliances, office appliances and CCTV: In progress
  • Purchase of distribution vans: Completed
  • Creating Official Website for the Company: In Progress
  • Creating Awareness for the business both online and around the community: In Progress
  • Health and Safety and Fire Safety Arrangement (License): Secured
  • Opening party/launching party planning: In Progress
  • Compilation of our list of products that will be distribute: Completed
  • Establishing business relationship with school supplies manufacturing companies within and outside of the United States of America: In Progress

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How to Start a School Supply Store

Students across the world require a wide array of school supplies. From binders to book covers, pens, pencils, and rulers, school supply store businesses provide students with the supplies they need to be academic superstars.

Learn how to start your own School Supply Store and whether it is the right fit for you.

Ready to form your LLC? Check out the Top LLC Formation Services .

School Supply Store Image

Start a school supply store by following these 10 steps:

  • Plan your School Supply Store
  • Form your School Supply Store into a Legal Entity
  • Register your School Supply Store for Taxes
  • Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
  • Set up Accounting for your School Supply Store
  • Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your School Supply Store
  • Get School Supply Store Insurance
  • Define your School Supply Store Brand
  • Create your School Supply Store Website
  • Set up your Business Phone System

We have put together this simple guide to starting your school supply store. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.

Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas .

STEP 1: Plan your business

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:

What will you name your business?

  • What are the startup and ongoing costs?
  • Who is your target market?

How much can you charge customers?

Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.

Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our School Supply Store Name Generator

If you operate a sole proprietorship , you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.

When registering a business name , we recommend researching your business name by checking:

  • Your state's business records
  • Federal and state trademark records
  • Social media platforms
  • Web domain availability .

It's very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.

Want some help naming your school supply store?

Business name generator, what are the costs involved in opening a school supply store.

A store space must be rented or purchased. Alternatively, you can launch the business online in the form of a website. If you take the online route, you must pay for the domain name and website maintenance. School supplies ranging from staplers to paper, book covers, pencils, pens, markers, binders and beyond are necessary. Budget money for marketing along with a website, point-of-sale systems, retail display fixtures, inventory tracking software, a business license/permit, insurance, and labor. A handful of laborers will be necessary at the company's launch. Laborers include cashiers and those who stock the shelves. You can add more people to the payroll as the business grows.

What are the ongoing expenses for a school supply store?

Ongoing expenses include store rent, employee wages, supplies, insurance, utilities, high-speed internet and marketing. If you opt to rent your store rather than purchase the site where it will operate, you will likely spend between $700 and $1,500 or more per month in rent. The exact figure hinges on the location of your store and its size. Most employees will earn $8 to $12 per hour. If you hire a marketing professional, store manager or accountant, they will earn a salary in the range of $30,000 to $50,000 or more. The cost of supplies hinges on the size of your store and the number of customers you attract. Budget at least a thousand dollars per month for supplies and adjust the figure accordingly as time progresses. Budget at least a couple hundred dollars per month for utilities including high-speed internet. Allocate at least $200 or more per month for marketing efforts.

Who is the target market?

The preferred client is a parent with multiple school-age youngsters. In some instances, teachers shop for classroom supplies on their own. Both of these customer types are inclined to spend a significant amount of money at your school supply store business.

How does a school supply store make money?

The business makes money by selling school supplies to students, parents of students, teachers, and schools.

Your school supplies will sell at a wide range of prices. Something as simple as a bookmark will sell for as little as fifty cents. A fancy binder portfolio will cost upwards of $30. However, most school supplies fall in the price range of a couple dollars to $10.

How much profit can a school supply store make?

A school supply store has the potential to earn a profit of $20,000 to $50,000 or more in the first year. Grow the business, add another location, and profits can double in the ensuing year(s). Develop the business across the region and it is possible to earn hundreds of thousands of dollars or even a profit in the million dollar range.

How can you make your business more profitable?

You can branch out by selling academic texts, backpacks and toys like fidget spinners. Consider offering sales through your website. Customers can either pick up their online orders in-person at the brick-and-mortar location or you can deliver the items to the local purchaser. You can also try to sell office supplies along with holiday and party items to keep your store busy during the months in which school is not in session.

Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC's free Small Business Startup Guide - a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!

STEP 2: Form a legal entity

The most common business structure types are the sole proprietorship , partnership , limited liability company (LLC) , and corporation .

Establishing a legal business entity such as an LLC or corporation protects you from being held personally liable if your school supply store is sued.

Form Your LLC

Read our Guide to Form Your Own LLC

Have a Professional Service Form your LLC for You

Two such reliable services:

You can form an LLC yourself and pay only the minimal state LLC costs or hire one of the Best LLC Services for a small, additional fee.

Recommended: You will need to elect a registered agent for your LLC. LLC formation packages usually include a free year of registered agent services . You can choose to hire a registered agent or act as your own.

STEP 3: Register for taxes

You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.

In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It's really easy and free!

You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website . If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?

There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.

STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card

Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil .

Open a business bank account

Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:

  • Separates your personal assets from your company's assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
  • Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.

Get a business credit card

Getting a business credit card helps you:

  • Separate personal and business expenses by putting your business' expenses all in one place.
  • Build your company's credit history , which can be useful to raise money later on.

Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.

STEP 5: Set up business accounting

Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.

Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.

STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.

State & Local Business Licensing Requirements

Certain state permits and licenses may be needed to operate a school supply store. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits .

Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses .

Certificate of Occupancy

A school supply store is generally run out of a storefront. Businesses operating out of a physical location typically require a Certificate of Occupancy (CO).  A CO confirms that all building codes, zoning laws and government regulations have been met.

  • If you plan to lease a location :
  • It is generally the landlord’s responsibility to obtain a CO.
  • Before leasing, confirm that your landlord has or can obtain a valid CO that is applicable to a school supply store.
  • After a major renovation, a new CO often needs to be issued. If your place of business will be renovated before opening, it is recommended to include language in your lease agreement stating that lease payments will not commence until a valid CO is issued.
  • If you plan to purchase or build a location :
  • You will be responsible for obtaining a valid CO from a local government authority.
  • Review all building codes and zoning requirements for your business’ location to ensure your school supply store will be in compliance and able to obtain a CO.

STEP 7: Get business insurance

Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.

There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance . This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.

Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance . If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers' Compensation Coverage.

FInd out what types of insurance your School Supply Store needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for School Supply Store.

STEP 8: Define your brand

Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.

If you aren't feeling confident about designing your small business logo, then check out our Design Guides for Beginners , we'll give you helpful tips and advice for creating the best unique logo for your business.

Recommended : Get a logo using Truic's free logo Generator no email or sign up required, or use a Premium Logo Maker .

If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator . Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.

How to promote & market a school supply store

Market your school supply store across an array of mediums. Advertise in the local paper and on local radio. It is also advisable to build a highly polished, easy-to-use website that appeals to youngsters, parents, and teachers alike. Optimize all of your online content for search engines (SEO). This means the website should be laden with keywords and key phrases pertaining to your locale, your inventory, and your customers. The website should also feature a regularly updated blog and links to your social media accounts. Update your social media accounts several times per week with information about sales, new inventory, special offers, and links to information that relates to academics.

How to keep customers coming back

The best way to attract customers is to position the business by several schools, universities, malls, and other businesses/organizations that attract youngsters. If your store is located far away from prospective customers, it will prove awfully difficult to attract a steady stream of business. Once you pinpoint the perfect location, get your name out there through a wide-ranging marketing push. Advertise in the local paper, on local radio, in flyers, on billboards, and on the web. In terms of retaining customers, make sure your inventory is high-quality and your prices are competitive with other local school supplies stores. Make sure you have a wide array of supplies that appeal to grade school students, junior high school students, and university students.

STEP 9: Create your business website

After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business .

While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.

Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:

  • All legitimate businesses have websites - full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
  • Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
  • Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.

Recommended : Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders .

Other popular website builders are: WordPress , WIX , Weebly , Squarespace , and Shopify .

STEP 10: Set up your business phone system

Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.

There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2023 to find the best phone service for your small business.

Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com

Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it's fair pricing.

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Is this Business Right For You?

This business is ideal for an individual who has a passion for academics and youngsters. There is plenty of money to be made by selling school supplies. Yet this business also plays an important role in the community as it provides students with the materials they need to learn and grow.

Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?

Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!

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What happens during a typical day at a school supply store?

A school supply store business owner does everything from researching supplies to ordering supplies, pricing inventory, positioning inventory for sale, delegating duties to employees, handling payroll, and marketing the business.

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful school supply store?

Keep your finger on the pulse of the local academic community. Interact with students, teachers, parents of students and distributors to stay on top of school supplies trends. Establish relationships with teachers who can steer students and their families to your store. It will also help to be a marketing guru. A substantial portion of your success hinges on your ability to market the school supply store business to those who need school supplies.

What is the growth potential for a school supply store?

This business has the potential to expand to new locations across the city in which it launches. It is even possible for the business to grow across the region and even the nation.

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For fun informative videos about starting a business visit the TRUiC YouTube Channel or subscribe to view later.

Take the Next Step

Find a business mentor.

One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.

Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.

Learn from other business owners

Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.

Resources to Help Women in Business

There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:

If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.

What are some insider tips for jump starting a school supply store?

Take some time to figure out how you can offer value that separates you from the competing school supplies businesses. Perhaps you can establish alliances with local schools and teachers that lead to significant sales. Maybe you can connect with vendors that sell trendy school supplies that students demand. Do not stop interacting with potential suppliers, customers and business partners. The growth of these relationships will help you procure low-cost supplies, ramp up sales and develop a loyal customer base.

How and when to build a team

A team is necessary right off the bat. You can't do it all on your own. Bring people aboard to man the cash registers, stock the shelves and answer the phone. You can handle accounting, marketing, inventory ordering, and administrative duties in the initial months. However, an accountant and a marketing professional will be necessary as time progresses. If your store succeeds, you might become too busy to handle store management duties. Bring on a store manager so you can focus on executive level duties.

Useful Links

Industry opportunities.

  • The School Place Franchise opportunity
  • Education Market Association
  • National Education Association

Real World Examples

  • Successful chain
  • Chicago business
  • NYC business

Further Reading

  • Tips For Starting a Teacher Store
  • A Guide to School Stores

Have a Question? Leave a Comment!

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Get this complete sample business plan as a free text document.

Office Supplies Retail Business Plan

Start your own office supplies retail business plan

Green Office

Executive summary executive summary is a brief introduction to your business plan. it describes your business, the problem that it solves, your target market, and financial highlights.">.

Green Office addresses the market need of environmentally-friendly office supplies. Green Office has been formed as an Illinois Corporation with Stan Cooksey as the main shareholder. Green Office will service a wide range of customers including corporations and government agencies.

Products Green Office will sell eco-friendly products that use recycled materials, reuse “recharged” existing parts, or use non-toxic alternatives. Green Office will sell recycled paper ranging from notepads to envelopes to copier paper, a wide range of laser toner, inkjet cartridges and common office supplies such as correction fluid.

Customers Green Office has identified three market segments. The first is corporations, with an 8% growth rate and 12,000 potential customers. The second is government agencies, with a 11% growth rate and 7,886 possible customers. The last category is assorted customers with a 7% growth rate and 56,888 possible customers.

Competitive Edge Green Office will offer a complete range of office supplies, to become a one-stop shopping place for supply needs. Green Office will offer an unprecedented level of customer attention. It recognizes that shopping must be the the most trouble free, pleasant experience if it expects to form long-term relationships with customers.

Management Green Office will be lead by Stan Cooksey. Stan received his undergraduate degree from the University of Chicago. Stan worked for Symantec Software as the Regional Sales Manager for the Government Agency Unit. While working at Symantec, Stan received his Executive MBA.

Green Office is supported by a proven business model, carefully identified market segments, and a top notch management team. Green Office has forecasted sales for year two of $818,000, rising to $1,004,000 in year three. We will become profitable in the second year.

Office supplies retail business plan, executive summary chart image

1.1 Objectives

  • To become the premier source of environmentally-friendly office supplies.
  • To offer green office supplies that cost no more than a 10% price premium, often at the same price as non “green” supplies.
  • Quickly grow in size and become a profitable business within the first two years.

1.2 Mission

It is Green Office’s mission to become a leading vendor of environmentally-friendly office supplies. Green Office will become a market leader offering a wide, price competitive selection with the finest customer service.

1.3 Keys to Success

  • Offer environmentally-friendly office supplies at competitive prices.
  • Secure large contracts with corporations and government agencies.
  • Ensure fiscal efficiency through strict financial controls.

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Company summary company overview ) is an overview of the most important points about your company—your history, management team, location, mission statement and legal structure.">.

Green Office is an Illinois corporation founded by Stan Cooksey.

2.1 Start-up Summary

Green Office will incur the following start up expenses:

  • Office desk sets with chairs and assorted supplies (6)
  • Workstations and a central file server, two laser printers, and Internet connection (6)
  • Copier, fax machine
  • Assorted pieces of office furniture
  • Assorted shipping material
  • Unit phone system with answer service (7)
  • Shelving units for storage
  • Used fork lift
  • Intercom system
  • Warehouse build out

Start-up funds will be supported predominantly through equity investment, but in addition Stan will obtain a $50,000 SBA backed loan to assist in the purchase of start-up inventory.

Office supplies retail business plan, company summary chart image

2.2 Company Ownership

Green Office is a privately held corporation owned by Stan Cooksey. Green Office has been incorporated in Illinois.

Green Office offers a wide range of office supplies, all of which are environmentally friendly, they either use recycled content materials, sustainable products, or substitute toxic chemicals with non-toxic substitutes. Products include:

  • Recycled clip boards
  • Non-toxic correction fluid
  • Recycled note pads (small and legal size)
  • Recycled paper clips
  • Recycled copier and printer paper
  • Recycled envelopes
  • Erasable boards
  • Reusable coffee filters
  • Recycled, refillable laser toner cartridges and inkjet cartridges
  • Solar calculators
  • Refillable pens and pencils made out of recyclable materials
  • And many other items

Market Analysis Summary how to do a market analysis for your business plan.">

Green Office believes that it faces a market with many opportunities and significant demand. Green Office’s three main customer segments will be corporations, government agencies, and others which is a “catch all” category.

The office supply industry operates with several different large companies and many small ones. Within the office supplies industry there exists a niche of environmentally-friendly companies that Green Office competes against. Some of these companies serve local markets, others are Web-based for broader coverage.

4.1 Market Segmentation

Green Office has identified three customer segments that it will go after:

  • Other: This is a catch all segment that contains a wide range of entities such as small companies, individuals, school districts, etc.

Office supplies retail business plan, market analysis summary chart image

4.2 Target Market Segment Strategy

As mentioned previously in the Market Segmentation section, three customer groups have been identified. Two of these, corporations and government agencies are quite attractive as customer segments. The third is used as a “catch all” category. The strategy will be the use of a targeted sales campaign that uses specific sales agents each of whom are responsible for a specific customer group.

The hiring process for these sales agents will be done with the specific group in mind. The agent responsible for the government agencies will be chosen based on his past experience and proficiency in selling to government agencies if possible. Green Office will therefore provide each experienced sales person with an exclusive territory, assisting them in achieving high sales marks for the respective customer group.

4.3 Industry Analysis

The broader industry that Green Office competes in the office supplies industry. Within that industry there are several market leaders:

  • Office Depot

All three of these companies offer both local retail stores as well as mail order/Internet sales. These are the leaders with a combined 59% market share. The remaining players in the market are made up of both mail order/Internet competitors as well as local retailers. Within this market is a newly developed niche of environmentally-friendly suppliers. The majority of companies competing in this niche are mail order/Internet based.

4.3.1 Competition and Buying Patterns

Competition comes from two sources, direct and indirect competitors. Direct competitors are companies that offer similar lines of environmentally-friendly products. The main companies are:

  • EcoProducts
  • The Good Humans

The indirect competitors are companies within the office supplies industry who offer eco supplies, but do not concentrate on these products. Customers’ buying patterns are based on two main factors:

  • Price: Both a relative comparison to standard office supplies as well as eco-friendly ones.
  • Convenience: Ease of ordering, shipping schedule, variety of products.

Strategy and Implementation Summary

Green Office’s goal of becoming a major vendor of environmentally-friendly office supplies is an ambitious but achievable goal. Green Office will leverage its two part competitive edge to achieve this goal. The first edge is an unbeatable selection of green office supplies.

This all inclusive product catalog creates a compelling one stop shopping venue. This wonderful product selection will be supported by a customer-centric company culture. The marketing and sales strategies support these two competitive edges.

The marketing strategy seeks to develop an awareness of Green Office and its ability to offer a wide selection of eco-friendly office products. All products will be priced competitively, often at the same low price as non eco-friendly products.

The sales strategy will use specially engineered economic incentives that channel account manager behavior into the mode of ensuring, happy, long-term customers. This entire strategy is based on the company’s philosophy that it is far cheaper to maintain a current customer than it is to attract new ones.

5.1 Competitive Edge

Green Office competitive edge is two fold, a wide selection of office supplies making it a one stop shopping place and a strong customer service oriented organization where the customers are assigned a specific sales agent/account manager to assist them.

By offering a strong product catalog, customers are able to place all of their office supplies orders at one place instead of having to contact multiple vendors each week or month, whatever the interval may be. Creating the perception that all of the company’s office supply needs can be met by one company, Green Office has a competitive edge.

The second edge is Green Office’s focus on customer service. The company recognizes that if long-term sustainable growth is desired, the customers must feel like that they are being offered the finest service. This will ensure the building of a loyal customer base that will assist Green Office in becoming a sustainable operation.

5.2 Marketing Strategy

The marketing strategy will be based on a communication effort that announces Green Office’s two competitive edges, their selection and customer service. To be able to order all of an office’s supply needs from one easy-to-work-with vendor is a significant value. Backing up the extensive product catalog with top rate customer service will retain customers.

Green Office will undertake a marketing campaign that communicates its competitive edge. The campaign will rely primarily on print advertising. The media outlets to be used will be determined based on the readership levels and targeted companies. The campaign will develop an awareness of Green Office to the targeted customers. The development of an awareness or image of Green Office is the first step in the implementation strategy, the second step is the sales strategy detailed in the following section.

5.3 Sales Strategy

Green Office’s sales strategy will be based on the conversion of qualified sales leads into paying customers. The key emphasis here is customer service. Green Office recognizes that customers desire that their needs are taken care of.

Additionally, customers want a seemless experience where their expectations are managed. Green Office will accomplish these lofty goals by assigning a specific account manager/sales agent to each customer (assigned by the customer type). The sales agent receives a commission not just for the individual sale but also using a complex formula that takes into account long-term customer satisfaction of the client.

Green Office therefore has developed an economic incentive for its account managers to develop long-term customers. This incentive based system is key to the sales strategy because it creates an incentive for the sales agent to take into account Green Office’s strategic survival, not just the agents short-term compensation. In addition, long-term customers are more profitable than new customers.

5.3.1 Sales Forecast

Green Office adopted a conservative forecast for the business plan. These conservative estimates will help ensure that the company does not face any cash flow shortages within the first couple of years The sales forecast also takes into account that Green Office is a start-up organization and it will take time to generate a level of sustainable sales. Sales will increase at a slow but steady rate. Please see the three following table and charts for graphical representation of the sales forecasts.

Office supplies retail business plan, strategy and implementation summary chart image

5.4 Milestones

Green Office has identified four specific milestones that will serve as goals for the organization to achieve. While the milestones are lofty in terms of qualitative standards and the timeline deadline, they are achievable.

  • Business plan completion.
  • First major government agency account.
  • $200K in sales.
  • Profitability.

Web Plan Summary

The website will be developed to offer customers a product catalog for online orders. The overriding design philosophy of the site is ease of use. Green Office wants to make the process of placing an order as easy and fast as possible thereby encouraging increased sales. Green Office will incorporate special features such as a section that is specific to each customer so the customer can easily make purchases of repeat items. Instead of going through the website every month and locating their monthly needs, the site captures regularly ordered items for that specific customer, significantly speeding up the ordering process. This ease-of-use feature will help increase sales as customers become more and more familiar with the site and appreciate how easy it is to place an order.

6.1 Website Marketing Strategy

The marketing strategy for the website will begin initially with a simple strategy of search engine submissions and the use of pay-per-clicks which is a service of Google and Overture where the company pays the search engine every time a surfer clicks through to the Green Office site.

6.2 Development Requirements

Green Office has secured a start-up website design company to design and develop the site. As a result, the company is able to negotiate a favorable rate for the development and maintenance of the site.

Management Summary management summary will include information about who's on your team and why they're the right people for the job, as well as your future hiring plans.">

Green Office is lead by Stan Cooksey. Stan received his undergraduate degree of business from the University of Chicago. After graduation Stan accepted a position from The Symantec Software Corporation as the regional sales manager for the government agency group. After five years in this group Stan enrolled in an Executive MBA Program at Loyola University. At the conclusion of this program Stan received an advancement to become a vice president of sales for the United States. Stan left his position at Symantec to start Green Office.

7.1 Personnel Plan

  • Stan: Operations, business development, some finance, some accounting.
  • Willma (Stan’s wife): Procurement, marketing.
  • Sales: Account manager functions.
  • Accounting: Part-time accounting clerk.
  • Shipping: Responsible for order filling.
  • Administrative/customer support.

Financial Plan investor-ready personnel plan .">

The following sections will outline important financial information.

8.1 Important Assumptions

The following table details important Financial Assumptions.

8.2 Break-even Analysis

The following table and chart show our break-even analysis.

Office supplies retail business plan, financial plan chart image

8.3 Projected Profit and Loss

The following table will indicate Projected Profit and Loss.

Office supplies retail business plan, financial plan chart image

8.4 Projected Cash Flow

The following chart and table will indicate Projected Cash Flow.

Office supplies retail business plan, financial plan chart image

8.5 Projected Balance Sheet

The following table will indicate the Projected Balance Sheet.

8.6 Business Ratios

The following table shows common Business Ratios, specific to Green Office as well as to the industry as a whole.

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school supplies business proposal pdf

Stationery Business Plan Template & Guidebook

Have you ever been confused on how to write a stationery business plan, and where to get started? You're not alone. Making a plan that meets your needs and the expectations of your team can be challenging. But don't worry — because now, we want to show you how to create an amazing stationery business plan in 7 steps.

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  • How to Start a Profitable Stationery Business [11 Steps]
  • 10+ Best & Profitable Stationery Business Ideas [2023]
  • 25 Catchy Stationery Business Names:
  • List of the Best Marketing Ideas For Your Stationery Business:

How to Write a Stationery Business Plan in 7 Steps:

1. describe the purpose of your stationery business..

The first step to writing your business plan is to describe the purpose of your stationery business. This includes describing why you are starting this type of business, and what problems it will solve for customers. This is a quick way to get your mind thinking about the customers’ problems. It also helps you identify what makes your business different from others in its industry.

It also helps to include a vision statement so that readers can understand what type of company you want to build.

Here is an example of a purpose mission statement for a stationery business:

The purpose of [Stationery Business Name] is to provide beautifully designed and high-quality stationery products to our customers. We strive to create unique and charming designs that reflect the personality and style of our customers. We are committed to offering a wide range of stationery items, from greeting cards and invitations to journals and notebooks, to meet the needs of our clients. Our mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy to our customers through our beautifully crafted stationery products. We aim to be the go-to destination for anyone looking to add a touch of beauty and elegance to their daily lives.

Image of Zenbusiness business formation

2. Products & Services Offered by Your Stationery Business.

The next step is to outline your products and services for your stationery business. 

When you think about the products and services that you offer, it's helpful to ask yourself the following questions:

  • What is my business?
  • What are the products and/or services that I offer?
  • Why am I offering these particular products and/or services?
  • How do I differentiate myself from competitors with similar offerings?
  • How will I market my products and services?

You may want to do a comparison of your business plan against those of other competitors in the area, or even with online reviews. This way, you can find out what people like about them and what they don’t like, so that you can either improve upon their offerings or avoid doing so altogether.

Image of Zenbusiness business formation

3. Build a Creative Marketing Stratgey.

If you don't have a marketing plan for your stationery business, it's time to write one. Your marketing plan should be part of your business plan and be a roadmap to your goals. 

A good marketing plan for your stationery business includes the following elements:

Target market

  • Who is your target market?
  • What do these customers have in common?
  • How many of them are there?
  • How can you best reach them with your message or product?

Customer base 

  • Who are your current customers? 
  • Where did they come from (i.e., referrals)?
  • How can their experience with your stationery business help make them repeat customers, consumers, visitors, subscribers, or advocates for other people in their network or industry who might also benefit from using this service, product, or brand?

Product or service description

  • How does it work, what features does it have, and what are its benefits?
  • Can anyone use this product or service regardless of age or gender?
  • Can anyone visually see themselves using this product or service?
  • How will they feel when they do so? If so, how long will the feeling last after purchasing (or trying) the product/service for the first time?

Competitive analysis

  • Which companies are competing with yours today (and why)? 
  • Which ones may enter into competition with yours tomorrow if they find out about it now through word-of-mouth advertising; social media networks; friends' recommendations; etc.)
  • What specific advantages does each competitor offer over yours currently?

Marketing channels

  • Which marketing channel do you intend to leverage to attract new customers?
  • What is your estimated marketing budget needed?
  • What is the projected cost to acquire a new customer?
  • How many of your customers do you instead will return?

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school supplies business proposal pdf

4. Write Your Operational Plan.

Next, you'll need to build your operational plan. This section describes the type of business you'll be running, and includes the steps involved in your operations. 

In it, you should list:

  • The equipment and facilities needed
  • Who will be involved in the business (employees, contractors)
  • Financial requirements for each step
  • Milestones & KPIs
  • Location of your business
  • Zoning & permits required for the business

What equipment, supplies, or permits are needed to run a stationery business?

To run a stationery business, you will need the following equipment, supplies, and permits:

  • A variety of stationery products, such as greeting cards, envelopes, and writing instruments
  • Display cases and stands to showcase your products
  • Website and online store to showcase your products and allow customers to purchase online
  • Packaging materials, such as boxes and bags, to safely and securely ship your products
  • Business cards and marketing materials
  • Professional liability insurance
  • Any necessary permits or licenses, such as a business license or seller's permit if required by your state.

5. Management & Organization of Your Stationery Business.

The second part of your stationery business plan is to develop a management and organization section.

This section will cover all of the following:

  • How many employees you need in order to run your stationery business. This should include the roles they will play (for example, one person may be responsible for managing administrative duties while another might be in charge of customer service).
  • The structure of your management team. The higher-ups like yourself should be able to delegate tasks through lower-level managers who are directly responsible for their given department (inventory and sales, etc.).
  • How you’re going to make sure that everyone on board is doing their job well. You’ll want check-ins with employees regularly so they have time to ask questions or voice concerns if needed; this also gives you time to offer support where necessary while staying informed on how things are going within individual departments too!

6. Stationery Business Startup Expenses & Captial Needed.

This section should be broken down by month and year. If you are still in the planning stage of your business, it may be helpful to estimate how much money will be needed each month until you reach profitability.

Typically, expenses for your business can be broken into a few basic categories:

Startup Costs

Startup costs are typically the first expenses you will incur when beginning an enterprise. These include legal fees, accounting expenses, and other costs associated with getting your business off the ground. The amount of money needed to start a stationery business varies based on many different variables, but below are a few different types of startup costs for a stationery business.

Running & Operating Costs

Running costs refer to ongoing expenses related directly with operating your business over time like electricity bills or salaries paid out each month. These types of expenses will vary greatly depending on multiple variables such as location, team size, utility costs, etc.

Marketing & Sales Expenses

You should include any costs associated with marketing and sales, such as advertising and promotions, website design or maintenance. Also, consider any additional expenses that may be incurred if you decide to launch a new product or service line. For example, if your stationery business has an existing website that needs an upgrade in order to sell more products or services, then this should be listed here.

7. Financial Plan & Projections

A financial plan is an important part of any business plan, as it outlines how the business will generate revenue and profit, and how it will use that profit to grow and sustain itself. To devise a financial plan for your stationery business, you will need to consider a number of factors, including your start-up costs, operating costs, projected revenue, and expenses. 

Here are some steps you can follow to devise a financial plan for your stationery business plan:

  • Determine your start-up costs: This will include the cost of purchasing or leasing the space where you will operate your business, as well as the cost of buying or leasing any equipment or supplies that you need to start the business.
  • Estimate your operating costs: Operating costs will include utilities, such as electricity, gas, and water, as well as labor costs for employees, if any, and the cost of purchasing any materials or supplies that you will need to run your business.
  • Project your revenue: To project your revenue, you will need to consider the number of customers you expect to have and the average amount they will spend on each visit. You can use this information to estimate how much money you will make from selling your products or services.
  • Estimate your expenses: In addition to your operating costs, you will need to consider other expenses, such as insurance, marketing, and maintenance. You will also need to set aside money for taxes and other fees.
  • Create a budget: Once you have estimated your start-up costs, operating costs, revenue, and expenses, you can use this information to create a budget for your business. This will help you to see how much money you will need to start the business, and how much profit you can expect to make.
  • Develop a plan for using your profit: Finally, you will need to decide how you will use your profit to grow and sustain your business. This might include investing in new equipment, expanding the business, or saving for a rainy day.

school supplies business proposal pdf

Frequently Asked Questions About Stationery Business Plans:

Why do you need a business plan for a stationery business.

A business plan is a document that outlines the goals and objectives of a business, as well as the strategies and tactics that will be used to achieve those goals. It is important to have a business plan for your stationery business because it helps to focus the efforts of the company, communicate the business's goals and objectives to potential investors, and provide a roadmap for the business to follow. Additionally, a business plan can be used to help secure funding from investors or lenders, who will want to see that the business has a solid plan in place before they provide funding.

How to write a business plan for your stationery business?)

To build a business plan for your stationery business, start by researching your industry, competitors, and target market. Use this information to define your business's goals and objectives, as well as the strategies and tactics that you will use to achieve those goals. Next, create a financial plan that outlines your projected income, expenses, and profit. This should include a projected income statement, cash flow statement, and balance sheet. Once you have all of this information, you can use it to create a comprehensive business plan that outlines the goals and objectives of your business, as well as the strategies and tactics that you will use to achieve those goals. A well-written stationery business plan contains the following sections: Purpose, Products & Services, Marketing Plan (including Marketing Strategy), Operations/Management Plan (including Operations/Management Strategy), Financial Plan (including Financial Forecasts), and Appendixes.

Can you write a stationery business plan yourself?

Yes, you can write a stationery business plan yourself. Writing a business plan is a valuable exercise that can help you clarify your business idea, identify potential challenges and opportunities, and develop a roadmap for success. While there are many resources and templates available to help you write a business plan, the process of creating one is ultimately up to you.

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I'm Nick, co-founder of newfoundr.com, dedicated to helping aspiring entrepreneurs succeed. As a small business owner with over five years of experience, I have garnered valuable knowledge and insights across a diverse range of industries. My passion for entrepreneurship drives me to share my expertise with aspiring entrepreneurs, empowering them to turn their business dreams into reality.

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Plan template bundle, education business plan template bundle, 25+ school business plan templates in doc | pdf, 1. bible school business plan template, 2. school business plan template, 3. music school business plan template, 4. simple middle school business plan template, 5. free self-sufficient school business plan template, 6. free primary school business plan template, 7. free basic school business plan worksheet, 8. free sample primary school business plan template, 9. free school admission business plan template, 10. free basic primary school business plan, 11. community school business plan with executive summary, 12. free preschool daycare / childcare business plan, 13. free students secondary school business plan, 14. free business plan for charter schools template, 15. free independent public school business plan, 16. free draft quarterly school project business plan, 17. hospitality school business planner with introduction, 18. free senior high school business plan template, 19. nursery & primary kindergarten kids school business plan, 20. free school management & business continuity plan, 21. free school education improvement business plan, 22. free school business continuity plan form, 23. free charter school business plan outline, 24. free private school business plan template, 25. free school business lesson plan template, how to create a highly effective preschool business plan, step 1: create the cover page, step 2: create a summary of what you want to build, step 3: give an analysis of the market, step 4: propose how you wish to achieve your goals, step 5: calculate and estimate the costs, what is a perfect business plan, how to make the perfect business plan, step 1: make a proper analysis, step 2: mention purpose, step 3: make a government outline, step 4: try to make an execution, step 5: keep your financial statement, step 6: follow the appendix, plan templates.

A business plan helps you with a new project, product, service, or system when managing a company. Students, teachers, and administrative members can also improve their education for secondary school, primary school , or other preschool kids. Moreover, you can also launch a new course for your private high school and secondary school subjects like music, art, and any lesson. We understand that the content and research take time, so we provide you with school business plan templates .

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28+ SAMPLE Product Supply Proposal in PDF | MS Word

Product supply proposal | ms word, 28+ sample product supply proposal,  a product supply proposal, benefits of effective supply chain management, tips for generating demand of unique products, how to write a proposal for material supply, how should a proposal be formatted, what is the definition of product supply management, what does the term “supply” mean in business.

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Product Supply Power Proposal

What is  a product supply proposal, 2. concentrate on the primary source of pain and create scarcity, 3. provide access to free content, 4. exclusivity, 5. maintain a personal relationship with your audience, 6. video marketing, 1. create an awe-inspiring introduction, 2. make your proposal detailed, 3. emphasize the advantages, 4. present the proposal, share this post on your network, you may also like these articles, 9+ sample gym proposals in pdf | ms word.

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15+ School Proposal Examples in MS Word | Pages | Google Docs| Outlook | PDF

School Proposal Example

As businesses, schools evolve in terms of market approach, service provision, income generation, and many more. Along with this evolution is the increase in prices of equipment and services. Luckily, the requirement to acquire financial assistance for event sponsorships, fundraising programs, research project plans , and other school activities didn’t change much. Just by submitting a school proposal, professionals and students, alike, can already obtain the modern solutions they need for their elementary, high school, or college   institution. We understand that not everyone knows how to create one. This is why we offer you our article and library of examples below! Make sure to check them out!

15+ School Proposal Examples

1. one page school proposal template.

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2. School Event Proposal Template

school event proposal template

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school safety proposal

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What Is a School Proposal?

A school proposal is a document that presents a project that can help in the development of a school’s establishment, operations, and maintenance. Its content focuses on identifying the problems and providing solutions. By presenting these details, schools can persuade wealthy individuals and organizations to fund their planned undertaking. Public and private schools obtain funds differently. Most of the time, public schools get their funds from the state government, while private schools rely on tuitions, sponsorships, donations, bank loans, and investments. Some of these ways require school proposals to evaluate whether the presented project is worthy of cash assistance.

School’s a Worthy Investment

Most people focus their investments on companies that exchange products, overlooking service providers like schools. Little did they know, these types of businesses bring more advantages than manufacturers. If you take schools as examples, you’ll have the following strong points:

1. Meets Social Responsibility – Schools’ products take the form of students who turn to professionals. Because of this, their investors involve themselves in social efforts. 2. Less Risk – Education is a must-have. Therefore, schools are slightly resistant to recession. 3. Prone to Halo Effects – The success of a school right from the start of their operations and investments pass on from the community it’s part of to the neighboring communities easily. 4. Predictable Revenue – Students rarely transfer from one school to another. This makes it easier for a financial analyst to conduct financial planning and analysis . 5. Secure Cash Flow – Most schools collect fees in advance, securing financial stability. 6. Faster Growth for Tuition Fees – Almost every year, schools increase their tuition fees. On the contrary, teachers who are the main driver of the school operations vary their salaries with inflation. The difference goes in favor of the school and its investors.

How To Create a School Proposal

Both students and professionals know very well how challenging proposal writing is. However, the not-so-secret method to easily overcome such a challenge is knowing how the document flows according to the standards. To help you with that, we present to you our standardized outline below.

1. Create an Abstract

An abstract is the proposal’s summary that serves two purposes. First, it helps readers anticipate the noteworthy details. Second, it assists them in making their document reviews more convenient. Though set in the first part of the document, most writers prefer writing them last.

2. Provide Statement of the Problem

One of the main purposes of a school proposal is to address certain school issues. Identifying these issues can clarify the very intention of the document. In Grace Chen’s July 2020 blog article for Public School Review, the problem in the classroom size tops the list of challenges that public schools are currently facing.

3. Expound Proposal

For every problem, there’s a solution. After letting the readers know what the problems are, provide your proposed solution. If you take the classroom as an example, you can set the resolution to the construction project plan of another building. In this section, you have to explain how the project will resolve the presented issues concisely.

4. Define Project Implementation

After explaining the resolutions, give full details of how you are going to deliver them. In doing so, make sure to include objective statements , activity schedules , and the list of materials. Some assessments might come necessary, such as safety risk assessment , skills assessment , and many more.

5. Identify the Stakeholders

Supervision of each of your project’s activities is important to ensure high-quality performances. For this reason, you have to include in your proposal the complete list of all the stakeholders. Not only that, but you also have to indicate their functions to the overall project. This section intends to remind the stakeholders of their responsibilities and help project managers understand the project’s organizational structure.

6. Present Project Budget

School projects require financial resources to start each of its activities and to complete them. Hence, you must present your project budget . Bear in mind that investors, grantmakers, and banks are very keen on inspecting this section. So, you have to make every prediction on your profit and loss statements , balance sheets , estimates , quotations , and other financial documents realistic.

7. Measurement Activities

The final activity of every project is the project assessment. This activity includes the decision criteria for the overall project performance. Various analysis, auditing, and recommendations have to be included, as well. Your task in this final section is to identify what the decision criteria are composed of, and what methodologies will be used in the analyses.

What is the difference between RFP and RFQ?

A request for proposal (RFP) refers to a letter that appeals to a service provider to identify issues and rooms for improvement and provide suitable resolutions. On the other hand, a request for quotation (RFQ) is a letter that asks service providers for a specific service’s inclusions and price.

What are the different types of proposals?

The different types of proposals include solicited proposals, unsolicited proposals, preproposals, non-competing proposals, and competing proposals.

What are the richest schools in the United States?

The top five richest schools in the United States are Harvard University, The University of Texas System, Yale University, Stanford University, and Princeton University.

Schools provide most of the knowledge that we have today. With that, it is only right to develop them even more not just for the economy, but also for the future generation. If you’re eager enough to take the first step, then start learning how to create a proposal.

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What Is an MBA? About the Degree, Programs, Jobs, and More

Learn about this graduate-level business degree, how to get one, and what you can do with it.

[Featured image] Smiling woman in a business suit sitting at a table with her laptop and smartphone.

What does “MBA” stand for?

A Master of Business Administration, or MBA degree , is a graduate-level business and management degree with a focus on leadership and managerial skills. By earning this degree, you can equip yourself with the skills and knowledge to accelerate your career, transition to new industries, or even launch your own businesses. 

It’s the most common and one of the most versatile graduate degrees available.

Who should get an MBA?

MBA students may enter their programs from a variety of backgrounds, and there are different types of programs to suit a range of needs. Typically, MBA students enter their programs after gaining a few years of work experience (in nearly any field) and have long-term goals of working in any area of business, and particularly in leadership roles.

MBA degrees are not the only type of advanced business degrees. Some students instead pursue a Master of Science (MS) business degree. Learn more about deciding whether an MBA or MS is right for you .

Types of MBA programs

An MBA degree program isn’t one-size-fits-all. Consider your lifestyle, career goals, and current employment situation to decide which program is right for you. Here’s a look at some common types of MBA degrees :

Full-time MBA: Traditional two-year programs typically involve taking a full course load, much like an undergraduate degree. These programs are best suited to students who don’t have to work full time and can comfortably fund their degree without bringing in a regular paycheck. 

Part-time MBA: Part-time MBA programs, sometimes called professional MBAs, offer flexibility and enhanced work-life balance for students who wish to pursue a degree over several years while working or raising a family. Students with an established career can continue earning valuable work experience while learning job skills that can be applied right away. Some employers offer tuition assistance or reimbursement for employees who pursue a graduate degree while working. 

Executive MBA: Executive MBA programs, also known as EMBAs, are two-year programs geared toward leaders and executives with several years of managerial experience. Since most students in these programs are working professionals, the format tends to be part time with classes on evenings and weekends. Expect a faster-paced learning environment with less immersion than a typical program. With the skills you learn from an EMBA, you can often build off of your work experience to maximize your impact in your organization.

Global MBA: Global MBAs (sometimes called international MBAs) are similar to traditional two-year MBAs but with a focus on international business principles and strategies. Students tend to come from countries around the world. This could be a good option for students who wish to work at international companies. Sometimes global MBA programs offer or require a study abroad component. 

Learn more about the different types of MBA programs and how long they take to complete .

Earning your MBA online vs. on campus

No matter which type of degree you decide to pursue, you might have the option to complete your coursework on a college campus, online, or a hybrid of the two. Each method comes with its own set of benefits. This decision is all about how an MBA program best fits into your lifestyle.

Online MBAs

Online MBA programs through accredited universities, like the iMBA from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign , offer access to the same professors and learning materials as on-campus programs with the added benefit of a flexible schedule. You can learn from virtually anywhere on a desktop or mobile device—no need to quit your job or relocate to attend a highly ranked business school.

These programs are sometimes less expensive than their on-campus counterparts. Since you can learn at your own pace, you’ll have the option to work full time (and bring in a regular paycheck). 

“If a student is comfortable in joining and being fully engaged in an online setting, then an online degree will provide them with more opportunities to establish connections,” says Fataneh Taghaboni-Dutta , Clinical Professor of Business Administration at the University of Illinois. “I say more because in terms of time needed to ‘speak’ or ‘meet’ others in an online environment, it’s less taxing than doing the same for in-person settings.”

On-campus MBAs

If you choose to pursue an on-campus MBA, you’ll typically attend classes in person on a fixed schedule. These traditional MBA programs often attract candidates who want to take advantage of the facilities, extracurricular activities, and overall community of a university campus. 

Networking often takes place face to face, both with professors and other students. But you may have to consider relocating, particularly if you have your eye on a specific school or specialization. 

MBA coursework

As you pursue an MBA, you can learn a wide variety of business fundamentals, including economics, marketing, finance, strategy, organizational behavior, and accounting. Outside the core curriculum, you can typically customize your experience through concentrations, elective classes, and internships with actual companies. This can help you to develop some of the leadership skills necessary to run a business—and these skills transfer to many career paths. 

While curriculums vary from school to school, here’s a look at some classes you might see in an MBA curriculum:

Digital marketing

Foundations of leadership

Business strategy

Organizational management

Managerial accounting

Operations management

Investments

Corporate finance

Cultural psychology

Business ethics

Common MBA concentrations

MBA concentrations , also called specializations or majors, are focus areas that you pursue as part of your degree. To complete a concentration, you'll typically need to pass a series of courses in your desired focus area. Though not all MBA programs require that students choose a concentration, they can help demonstrate deeper knowledge in your focus area and set you up for success in that area of business.

Some common MBA concentrations include:

Business analytics

MBA jobs: What can you do with an MBA?

By earning this degree, you can build a foundation for a new career or prepare yourself for better, often higher-paying opportunities. You can gain functional job skills and a well-recognized credential to potentially attract recruiters and hiring managers in a variety of fields.

MBA graduates can work across a variety of industries, though a 2023 Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) survey of corporate recruiters found that there is high demand for MBA graduates in the energy, consulting, products and services, and manufacturing industries [ 1 ].

Some jobs you may be qualified to pursue with an MBA include:

Financial analyst

Human resources manager

Operations manager

Management consultant

Marketing manager

Business development manager

MBA degree salary

People with an MBA degree tend to earn more money than people who don't hold the credential, and people who earn an MBA tend to receive a salary increase upon completing their program. According to a GMAC survey, the median starting salary projected for 2023 MBA graduates in the US was $125,000 [ 1 ].

Factors that can influence your post-graduate salary include your industry, location, school attended, and total years of work experience.

Learn more about MBA degree salaries .

Is an MBA worth it?

Pursuing an MBA can be a significant financial commitment. It’s important to define your goals when deciding whether the investment is right for you. Through an MBA program, you’ll have the opportunity to expand your professional network, elevate your career prospects, and increase your earning potential.

Weighing the cost against the return, most MBA graduates agree that earning their MBA was worth it. In a 2022 survey from GMAC, over 85 percent of MBA graduates reported a positive return on investment from their graduate education. A majority found their business school education to be professionally, personally, and financially rewarding (84, 72, and 68 percent, respectively) [ 2 ].

“The training you receive in an MBA Program prepares you to deal with ambiguity and provides a buffer against uncertainty,” says Hayden Noel , Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of Illinois. “You would be better equipped to take advantage of changing opportunities post-COVID. You will also become more effective as a leader and better understand the different functions of your organization. This leads to more positive outcomes in your current job.”

The training you receive in an MBA Program prepares you to deal with ambiguity and provides a buffer against uncertainty.

Learn more: Is an MBA Worth It?

Do I need an MBA degree?

While there are plenty of good  reasons to pursue an MBA degree , not every person (or professional field) requires one. Be sure to find out what hiring managers in your desired field are looking for by checking out current job postings on sites like LinkedIn or Indeed.

If you’re planning to pivot into a new industry, you might find less expensive, less time-consuming ways to build the skills you need. Consider if alternatives like individual courses,  professional certificates , or bootcamps might be a better fit. If you’re feeling unsure, some online MBA programs let you try out a course (sometimes for academic credit) before committing to the full degree.

MBA application requirements

Admission requirements vary by school, but applications may require the following:

Academic transcripts

Resume to show professional experience

GRE or GMAT test scores

Essay or personal statement

Letters of professional recommendation

In-person or video interview

While professional experience is not always necessary, some programs have specific work experience requirements. Previous experience could help you better gauge what you want from your degree and equip you to apply what you’re learning to your career. Other programs may allow recent graduates or even current bachelor’s students to participate in a combined Bachelor's and MBA program if they are looking to launch their careers quickly.

Standardized test scores, including the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) and the GRE (Graduate Record Examination), were once standard, heavily weighted requirements. Today, more and more schools are moving to a test-optional policy, particularly for executive and online MBA programs.

Some programs, like the iMBA from the University of Illinois and the Global MBA from Macquarie University , allow students to enroll through a performance-based admission process. Learners who want to try out the program or are unsure if they meet the minimum requirements can take classes and earn academic credit before fully enrolling as a degree-seeking student.

Learn more about how to get an MBA degree .

Get started with Coursera

You’ve learned about what an MBA degree is and what you can do with it. Now it’s time to take the next step on your career journey:

Learn more about earning your business degree online .

Hear what program graduates have to say .

Try an open course from the University of Illinois or Macquarie University to see if an MBA is right for you.

Give your team access to a catalog of 8,000+ engaging courses and hands-on Guided Projects to help them develop impactful skills. Learn more about  Coursera for Business .

Article sources

Graduate Management Admission Council. " Corporate Recruiters Survey: 2023 Summary Report " Accessed August 4, 2023.

Graduate Management Admission Council. " The Value of Graduate Management Education: From the Candidate's Perspective " Accessed August 4, 2023.

This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

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