Creating a Business Plan – Graded Project

Instructions

Read the following information thoroughly. This project has 2 parts and is based on what you’ve learned in The Dog Training Business, Parts 1 and 2. For part 1 of this project you’ll use the information provided about the areas of Long Island. Read through this demographic information carefully, and then answer the 5 questions about Part 1: Demographics. Be sure to number your answers. Read each question carefully as some questions contain multiple parts you must answer. For Part 2: Gathering Information, you’ll base your answers on where you currently live. You’ll use this information to answer the 5 questions at the end of Part 2. Again, be sure you read each question carefully, and number your answers. To submit your project to the school, your answers for part 1 & part 2 should be provided in one word file. Your answers should be well thought out and include detailed explanations.

Writing Guidelines

Grading Criteria

The following is a breakdown of how your project will be graded:

Format

The paper is double-spaced and typed in font size 12. Each answer is numbered, and the paper includes the student’s

• Name and complete mailing address
• Student number
• Course title and number (Creating a Business Plan, MGE2)
• Project number (39502900)

Submitting Your Assignment

Include the following information on every page of your assignment:

• Name and complete mailing address
• Student number
• Course title and number (Creating a Business Plan, MGE2)
• Research project number (39502900)

Follow this procedure to submit your assignment online:

1. On your computer, save a final copy of your assignment in .doc, .docx, or .rtf format. The answers for both parts should be saved in 1 file for submission.
2. Go to http://www.pennfoster.edu and log on as a student.
3. Go to your student portal.
4. Click on Take Exam next to the lesson you’re working on.
5. Enter your email address in the box provided. (Note: This information is required for online submission.)
6. Attach your file as follows:
   1. Click on the Browse box.
   2. Locate the file you wish to attach.
   3. Double-click on the file.
   4. Click on Upload File.
   5. Click on Submit Files.

Part 1: Demographics

In The Dog Training Business, Part 1, you learned the importance of surveying the geographical areas where you’re considering establishing a dog training business. Part 1 of this graded project will test your ability to evaluate the demographics of different geographical areas as they pertain to starting a dog training business. Refer to the map of Long Island, New York, in figure 1 as you review the areas discussed. Then answer the five questions on page 6.

Area A: Brooklyn

Brooklyn is a very heavily populated urban area within commuting distance of Manhattan by subway, bus, or car. Brooklyn has communities that range from extreme poverty (public housing) to very high-income private homes (such as Sheepshead Bay). Real estate and rents are very expensive in the more affluent areas.

Area B: Queens

Queens is a very heavily populated urban area within commuting distance of Manhattan by subway, bus, or car. Running the length of Queens is a centrally located, heavily trafficked thoroughfare called Queens Boulevard. There are wealthy communities (such as Forest Hills) as well as middle-class areas and poverty areas. Real estate and rents are very expensive in the more affluent areas.

Area C: Nassau

Nassau is a heavily populated suburban community within commuting distance of New York City by railroad, bus, or car. The communities range from resort-like towns (such as Long Beach) to city-like settings (such as New Hyde Park) and expensive, country-like settings (such as Muttontown). Most of the population is middle class, with some poverty and a well-represented upper middle class and wealthy population. Real estate and rents are extremely expensive.

Area D: Western Suffolk

Western Suffolk is a well-populated suburban community within commuting distance of New York City by railroad, bus, or car. The communities are largely middle and uppermiddle class with some wealthy homes in estate settings and small areas of extreme poverty. The setting is a mixture of rural neighborhoods and heavily trafficked main roads, with towns that provide urban-like environments. Real estate and rents run from extremely expensive to moderately expensive.

Area E: Eastern Suffolk

Eastern Suffolk is a suburban area that can appear rural. While it’s within commuting distance of New York City by railroad, car, or bus, the commute is a long one from the farthest end of the island. Eastern Suffolk is well populated and is rapidly developing as people look for more affordable housing in rural-like settings. There are extremely wealthy resort communities (such as East Hampton) and city-like areas where commercial traffic is heavy and the surrounding population is poor. Real estate and rents range from extremely expensive to very affordable.

Area F: Fire Island

Although there are year-round residents, Fire Island is predominantly a resort community. Although possible, a commute to New York City from Fire Island would be quite long and not likely to be the choice of many people. Real estate and rents are very expensive.

Part 1: Demographics–Please answer the following questions. Your answers should be based on the information you just read in this booklet.

1. A demographic study of Long Island would indicate which area to be the least likely to support a dog training business year-round?
2. What’s the largest drawback to operating a single-practice dog training business in the area you chose as the answer to Question 1?
3. A direct-mail advertising campaign from a training facility based in Area C would involve which areas to be most effective?
   1. Area C alone
   2. Areas B and C
   3. Areas A, B, and C
   4. Areas B, C, and D
4. You’ve just bought a house in a neighborhood located in Eastern Suffolk and are planning to run your dog training business from your home until you build up your client base in Area E. To be most effective, would you place an ad in a pennysaver that circulates in East Hampton or a more commercial downtown area? Why?
5. Which area would probably have stricter leash laws, Area B or Area F?

Part 2: Gathering Information

In Part 2 of this graded project, you’ll need to provide information that you would need to have for a business plan if you were going to have a dog training business of your own. Please answer the following questions. Your answers should be based on the area where you currently live, or the area you are considering for your business.

1. Answer the following questions concerning the geographical area you’re considering for your business.
   1. Would you consider it urban, suburban, or rural?
   2. Does it have heavy foot traffic, or would you or your clients need to drive to and from lessons?
   3. Is it upper class, middle class, low income, or a combination of income brackets?
   4. Is it a seasonal resort area?
2. As you’ve learned, newspaper advertising will probably be your first avenue for advertising.
   1. What daily papers circulate in the area?
   2. What weekly papers are distributed in the area?
3. You’ve learned that you must know your competition. Use the classified ads and your local telephone directory to find the following information.
   1. List other established dog trainers in your area.
   2. Choose one of the trainers or training facilities from your list and list the services that are provided.
4. As a dog trainer, you’ll need to establish a relationship with a veterinarian in your area. You’ll also need to know the address and telephone number of the nearest veterinarian, emergency animal hospital, or clinic that provides 24-hour emergency services.
   1. Give the name, address, and telephone number of a veterinarian in your area.
   2. Give the name, telephone number, and address of the nearest 24-hour emergency hospital or clinic.
5. If you establish your own dog training business, you’ll need to create a business card. Provide a list of the necessary components of a business card.