Businessplan for establishing a separate venture

About the organisation
The Suyam Charitable started the montessori school, this school primarily provides educational programs and related activities for underprivileged children in the Chennai region in India.

Business case
The business case was about preparing a business plan for establishing a separate venture between Albani Creations'and Suyam. Abani Creations produces and sells tailoring products and aims at contributing to the social economic development of the local community. The company is related to Suyam Charitable Trust. Floris Vogel, as a volunteering management consultant , consulted on how to professionalise the tailoring activities as well as the internal organization. The objective was not only to create a more sustainable operating model for Abani Creations, but also to support future growth in order to contribute more substantially in the cost coverage of the Suyam Charitable Trust activities. Floris' expertise and experience in the consumer market industry and financial background perfectly matched with the business case.

Analysis
part of the preparation for the project, a top-down structured approach was taken, consisting of a quick scan of the business, quick wins to be realised within two weeks, further analysis of indentified weaknesses and opportunities derived from a SWOT analysis.

Process "During the assignment, I was involved in day-to-day business, such as purchasing and sales activities, next to interviews with the case owners and desk research. This really helped me in getting a good understanding of how the business operates and what challenges it faces on a daily basis."

Outcome
Floris implemented concrete measures like a basic financial administration system and an improved pricing model. His main conclusion is that sales need to be structurally increased for Abani Creations in order to remain profitable and make positive contributions to Suyam Charitable Trust on a sustainable basis. Furthermore it is needed to further professionalize the business prior to creating a viable business plan and to be ready for the envisaged next level expansion within two years. Deliverables: - Assessment of financial status - Financial admin system in place - Action plan for professionalising the business.

Professional and personal development
Floris Vogel: "I was constantly challenged to come up with creative solutions for problems in this new working environment. More importantly, what I have experienced on my assignment for SharePeople is that I did not only shard knowledge, but life and happiness, which makes the experience much more special compared to a regular business or holiday trip"

Mr. Muthuram: "From the bottom of our heart we thank you for the valuable support by sharing expertise with us. Mr. Floris was highly helpful, understanding, observing and talented gentleman and spent his valuable 2.5 weeks time with us which is exploring learning.

Follow up
Floris will be further involved in monitoring the action plan on a regular basis and keeping track of the developments of the business. Also, he will support further endeavours of Abani Creations in taking steps towards creating a viable business plan for the envisaged next level expansion, and on the longer term, for the opening of an own showroom and the establishment of a fair trade company. Suyam and SharePeople maintain a two-year partnership. Both organisations will keep in touch (a.o. via the SharePeople liaison, at least every 6 months) After this Programme, an official update on the status of the organisation takes place every 12 months. With this information, a new Programme is one of the possibilities to boost the organisation if needed.