SAT tools

Self Assessment Tool

Use the business plan “Self Assessment Tool” (SAT) to get an expert on-line validation of the completeness of your business plan.

There are 2 different assesment tools.

For a full 360° validation you should use the professional version or SAT-Pro. This assessment will give you an expert opinion on the completeness of the business plan. It also tells you if the proposed investment terms are realistic and attractive for an investor. It provides tools to prepare for the search and first meeting with investors, and introduce you to relevant investment terms. Included in the test is also the possibility to make financial sensitivity analysis. Taking the test is a "value for money" opportunity compared to the cost of having an external consultant to do the same job. A validated report will only cost you 25 € incl. VAT. In addition you get unlimited access to the test, including the financial section, for 2 consecutive days,

For a quick assessment you should opt for the SAT-Light. Note that the tool does not include a financial analysis. This tool is free of charge!

Both test will tell you about the completeness of your business plan - it will not tell you if your assumptions about your business success are realistic! For a limited time first time users can get a “free access code” (contact: CET Monday-Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm etc@gate2growth.com).

The Self Assessment Tools (SAT) were developed by InvestorNet and validated under several EU projects, among which the Gate2Growth project.

Download a sample of a business plan validation report here [pdf - 97Kb]

5 reasons to take a test?

  • Before “taking off” on the investor search route, do as any airline pilot will do before “take off”. Use a validated checklist in order to see if all relevant elements are covered in the business plan. Find out if the investment opportunity you are offering really looks appealing – to the investors!
  • You will get a “completeness scoring” and indication of which part of your business plan is less complete than other parts. The SAT-Pro also provides a feed back on how an investors may “look at your financial numbers”. It tells you if the investment opportunity is likely to provide a satisfactory return of investment. You will also get an introduction to a number of the financial terms you will meet when talking to investors. As investors requirement for return on investments varies, the test can only provide you with a rough, but very useful guideline.
  • If the test indicates severe weaknesses in the business plan, better correct it before sending it to investors – you may never get a second chance, if your project is once rejected!!
  • If you have difficulties in fully understanding the financial part of the SAT-Pro test, you should either seek professional advice to assist you in the investor search and negotiation, or you add such competence to your team.
  • The best way to use the test is taking it together with an advisor or a friend. In addition to checking the completeness of the business plan the process will give you both valuable insight in the strength and capabilities of your self and your team. Better identify eventual weaknesses before being told by an investor, when he politely says “good bye” – and not “see you soon again”.

Testimonials

  • “I thought that my business plan was complete. The test clearly told me that a number of relevant issues were not properly covered ! “
  • “Great, I am on my way to speak to investors – the test results really improved my bargaining position!”
  • “I changed the conditions I intended to offer to investors – and I am now meeting smiling investors!”
  • “The test showed why my budgets would never make an investor look my way! “
  • “I went back to rethink all my sales forecasts ! “
  • “Maybe I should hire an experienced CFO - I thought I knew all about financing! “
  • “I am now convinced that I need professional advice to help me in my investor search and negotiation.”
  • “Are investors really so demanding?”
  • “It is not a 'business plan completion test' it really is a test of management skills – I found out that I shall not be the CEO. I would never pass if thoroughly questioned by investors. I will test the potential CEO we are going to find with the SAT-Pro online test.”