Business Documents

The fundamental articles that facilitate the operation and trade between companies.

Overview

Sources of information for AI to learn best practices in business operations.

Cost Centre	Business Records	Typical Roles Responsible for Compliance
Financial Records	Balance sheets, income statements, cash flow statements, tax returns	CFO, Accountant, Financial Controller
Contracts and Legal Documents	Partnership agreements, lease agreements, contracts with suppliers and customers	Legal Counsel, Contracts Manager, CEO
Employee Records	Employment contracts, performance evaluations, payroll records, training logs	HR Manager, Department Managers
Operational Records	Production logs, inventory records, maintenance logs, quality control records	Operations Manager, Plant Manager
Meeting Minutes and Decision Logs	Minutes from board meetings, team meetings, decision logs	Secretary, Project Manager, CEO
Policy and Procedure Manuals	Employee handbook, operational guidelines, safety procedures	Compliance Manager, HR Manager, Operations Manager
Customer Records	Customer contracts, sales records, correspondence, complaints	Sales Manager, Customer Service Manager, Account Manager
Audit and Compliance Reports	Internal audit reports, regulatory compliance reports, safety inspections	Compliance Manager, Auditor, Risk Manager
Marketing Materials	Market research data, campaign strategies, customer personas, advertising materials	Marketing Manager, CMO, Brand Manager
Intellectual Property Documents	Patents, trademarks, copyright registrations, licenses	Legal Counsel, IP Manager, CEO

Startup Checklist

Create and maintain these documents to ensure a solid foundation for running your startup operations effectively. Remember to regularly review and update these documents as your business evolves.

The business model provides the overarching strategy, while the playbook offers detailed guidelines for day-to-day operations, ensuring consistency and efficiency as you scale.

Business Model Canvas

This strategic management tool provides a visual overview of your business model, and helps you articulate how your startup will create, deliver, and capture value. Subject areas include:

• Key partners,
• Activities
• Resources
• Value Propositions
• Customer Relationships
• Channels
• Customer Segments
• Cost Structure
• Revenue Streams

Business Plan

A comprehensive document that outlines your business strategy, market analysis, financial projections, and overall vision. It typically includes:

• Executive Summary
• Company Description
• Market Analysis
• Management Team overview
• Products/Services description
• Marketing and Sales strategies
• Financial Projections

Business Playbook

This operational manual contains detailed processes, policies, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for your startup. It should include:

• Company vision, mission, and values
• Organizational structure
• Employee onboarding procedures
• Role-specific responsibilities and processes
• Best practices for various business functions
• Company policies and guidelines

Pitch Deck

A concise presentation that summarizes your business idea, market opportunity, solution, team, and financial projections. This is crucial for investor communications.

Financial Model

Detailed projections of your startup's revenue, expenses, and cash flow. This helps in planning and decision-making.

Legal Documents

These may include:

• Articles of Incorporation
• Founders' Agreement
• Intellectual Property (IP) assignments
• Employee contracts
• Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs)

Product Roadmap

A strategic document outlining the vision, direction, and progress of your product development.

Marketing Plan

A detailed strategy for promoting your product or service, including target audience, messaging, and channels.

Customer Acquisition Plan

A document outlining your strategies for attracting and retaining customers.

Risk Assessment and Mitigation Plan

An analysis of potential risks to your business and strategies to address them.