A Business Plan helps business owners define goals, guide operations, and measure progress. It is a vital tool for growth, providing clear guidelines on managing the business and achieving short and long-term objectives. Including accessibility as a key focus enhances its effectiveness.
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Many templates are available for creating a Business Plan, with frameworks varying based on the nature of the business. The Australian Government offers helpful advice, including a business planning tool and detailed template.
Regardless of your chosen framework, there are numerous opportunities to embed accessibility. Tourist venues can utilise Braille House resources to enrich their Business Plan. Insights from completed Self-Assessment Access Audits can guide short and long-term business goals while measuring outcomes.
Below are key components of a Business Plan, with examples of accessibility elements for visitors who are blind or have low vision. These examples are based on a fictitious business, Coffee Cairns.
Vision / Mission
Commitment to access and inclusion:
Example: Coffee Cairns is committed to making our facilities and services accessible and inclusive.
Dedication to removing barriers:
Example: Coffee Cairns strives to prevent and eliminate accessibility barriers.
Operations
Accessible products and services:
Example: Coffee Cairns uses QR codes with tactile indicators, offers menus in braille and large print, maintains low-volume background musif, and provides braille signage in toilet facilities.
Accessible sales and distribution:
Example: Staff are trained to guide people with vision loss, and the service counter is unobstructed.
Accessible technology:
Example: Wayfinding information is provided on our accessible website.
Key people
Roles and responsibilities:
Example: The duty manager acts as the accessibility champion.
Skills and training:
Example: Staff receive training on guiding people with vision loss and practising proper etiquette.
Target market
Identify your audience:
Example: Coffee Cairns targets local patrons with accessibility needs while preparing for increased domestic and international visitors.
Communication and Marketing
Promote accessibility:
Example: Social media posts highlight accessible features, including assistance dog policies and braille menus.
Showcase strengths:
Example: Coffee Cairns provides tactile QR codes and offers information in braille and large print.
Risk Management
Identify and mitigate risks:
Example:
- Risk: Mats may cause tripping.
- Impact: Potential injuries.
- Mitigation: Install recessed mats on level surfaces.
Legislation
Undertand legal obligations:
Example: The manager ensures compliance with anti-discrimination laws and shares relevant information with staff.
Goals – short, medium, longer term
Set clear accessibility goals:
Example:
- By July 2024: Provide cutlery and serviettes at tables.
- By August 2024: Offer new summer menus in braille and large print.
- By January 2025: Renovate to include a highlight visible service counter and larger door handles.
Finances
Budget for inclusion:
Example: Include costs for accessible menus (braille, large print, tactile QR codes) in the yearly budget.
Forecast income:
Example: Project increased patronage and revenue from visitors with accessibility needs and their companions.