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 |
Related
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.