Business Plans

What is Business Planning?

Business planning is a process that consists of the development, implementation, and evaluation of a plan for the provision of services in accordance with Council's goals as set out in the corporate strategic plan, and other such documents. The business planning process is ultimately a cycle of continuous improvement.

What is a business plan?

A business plan is a document prepared for a department/service that describes it's purpose (mission), where it wants to go (vision), and it's services, goals (and objectives). As well, the plan identifies the activities it will undertake to meet those goals (and objectives), the allocation of resources thereto, and the measure(s) that will be used to indicate progress/achievement.

A business plan is the "core" of the business planning process. It is a way of communicating a department's alignment to the strategic plan, and how it's various service goals will be achieved within existing fiscal and other constraints. These plans will be submitted to, and approved by Council.

How do business plans fit with other corporate plans and individual work plans?

Essentially, the corporate strategic plan sets the direction of the business plans and all other organizational plans. The departmental or service level business plans must be aligned with the corporate strategic plan, and as such, will identify the goals, activities, and resources required to further the achievement of the strategic plans key objectives. In addition, the business plans will form the basis of the individual work plans for the upcoming year. The following diagram provides an overview of how these three key plans fit together.

How does the business plan relate to the annual Financial Plan (budget) process?

The business planning process and the related business plans augment the annual budget process and plans. While the Financial Plan provides details about the projected revenues and expenditures for the organization as a whole (as well as other related information), the business plans provide the details of the services provided, the results to be achieved, and the specific financial needs of the department. Not all of the corporation's revenues and expenditures are included in a business plan as they may not relate to a specific department (eg. municipal taxes, water and sewer levy, provincial unconditional grant, GVSD fee, GVWD expense etc.).

Current Year Business Plans and Corporate Strategic Plan

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