Without a well-prepared business plan, your entrepreneurial idea remains only an idea. Banks, HBOR, HAMAG-BICRO and other institutions require a detailed business plan as a mandatory part of the documentation - without it, your financing request will not even be considered.
At Maneo, from 2010 to today, we have prepared several hundred business plans for entrepreneurs across a wide range of industries. Our work has resulted in successful financing approvals for numerous clients - from first-time entrepreneurs starting their first business to experienced business owners expanding existing operations. Our team of 15 permanently employed specialists ensures that your business plan is professional, realistic and acceptable to every financial institution.
Do you need a business plan for a loan or investor? Request a free consultation
What Is a Business Plan and Why Do You Need One?
A business plan is a structured written document that describes all aspects of your business venture - from the business idea and market analysis to financial projections and the implementation plan. It is your "business map", proving that the idea is viable, that you understand the market you operate in and that you have a clear plan for achieving profitability.
However, a business plan is not just a formality for obtaining a loan. A well-prepared plan also serves you as an entrepreneur - as a tool for planning, monitoring progress and making informed decisions. According to HBOR methodology, a business plan is a mandatory document for all investments and projects with an estimated value of up to EUR 400,000. For higher amounts, an investment study is required.
Main functions of a business plan:
- Proving feasibility - financial projections show whether the investment will be recovered and within what timeframe
- Obtaining financing - banks, HBOR and HAMAG-BICRO require a business plan as part of mandatory documentation
- Attracting investors - private investors and venture capital funds want to see a clear plan before investing
- Operational roadmap - used to monitor business progress and adjust strategy
Business Plan vs. Investment Study - Which Document Do You Need?
Choosing the wrong document can result in rejection of your financing request. Here is the clear difference:
A business plan is a document for smaller and medium-complexity projects. It is used for investments up to EUR 400,000 (according to HBOR methodology), Croatian Employment Service self-employment grants, smaller HAMAG-BICRO loans and attracting private investors. It includes a business description, market analysis, marketing strategy, organisational structure and basic financial projections.
An investment study is a more comprehensive document for more complex projects. It is mandatory for investments above EUR 400,000 and contains a significantly more detailed economic and financial analysis with indicators such as NPV, IRR and sensitivity analysis. For projects with a public component, a feasibility study with the accompanying CBA analysis may also be required.
In short: if you are starting a business or have an investment up to EUR 400,000, you need a business plan. If you exceed that threshold, you need an investment study. Not sure? Contact us - we will assess it free of charge.
→ Learn more about investment study preparation.
When Do You Need a Professional Business Plan?
Business plan for a loan (HBOR and commercial banks)
To obtain an investment loan from HBOR or a commercial bank, a business plan is a mandatory part of the documentation. HBOR offers loans with favourable interest rates (from as low as 2% annually) and repayment terms of up to 15 years, but the quality of the business plan often determines approval. The plan must contain realistic financial projections proving the ability to repay the loan from generated cash flow.
Business plan for a HAMAG-BICRO loan
HAMAG-BICRO provides micro and small loans for various types of entrepreneurs - start-ups, women entrepreneurs and young entrepreneurs - under highly favourable conditions. For most of these programmes, a business plan is a mandatory part of the application.
Business plan for EU funds
For smaller projects applying for EU grant calls, a business plan may form part of the required documentation. For larger projects, an investment study or feasibility study is usually required.
Business plan for private investors
If you are seeking an investor - whether a business angel, a venture capital fund or a private investor - the business plan is your pitch document. It must clearly communicate the market opportunity, competitive advantage, financial projections and exit strategy.
Prepared Business Plan Contain?
The structure of the business plan is defined by HBOR methodology and accepted by all financial institutions in Croatia. These are the key elements:
1. Information about the entrepreneur. Information about the founder or owners, their qualifications, experience and entrepreneurial capacity. Banks want to know who stands behind the project.
2. Origin of the business idea and vision. How the idea emerged, what problem you solve and what you want to achieve. This is the "story" that gives context to the entire document.
3. Business activity. A detailed description of the products or services you offer, their specific features and competitive advantages
4. Market justification. Analysis of the procurement market (suppliers, raw materials) and sales market (customers, competition, market size and the market share you can realistically capture).
5. Technical and technological elements. Description of the technology used, the cost structure of production or service delivery, and the employment plan.
6. Location and environmental protection. Characteristics of the business location and the impact of operations on the environment.
7. Financial elements of the venture. The heart of the business plan - including investments in fixed and working capital, sources of financing (own funds vs. loan), depreciation calculations, price calculations, revenue and expense projections, profit and loss account, cash flow and efficiency indicators. Quality financial projections should cover at least 3-5 years of operations and be based on realistic assumptions - this is exactly where business plans prepared independently by entrepreneurs most often fail.
8. Conclusion. A concise assessment of feasibility, recommendation for project implementation and the key assumptions on which the plan is based.
What Does the Business Plan Preparation Process Look Like at Maneo?
At Maneo, we approach every business plan individually - because every entrepreneurial project is unique. This is how cooperation works
Step 1 — Free introductory consultation. We learn about your business idea, analyse the financing source you are targeting and assess which type of document you need (business plan, investment study or something else).
Step 2 — Data collection. Together with you, we collect project information - from supplier offers and cost estimates to target market data and previous business performance (if the company is already operating).
Step 3 — Development of the financial model. Our financial specialists prepare projections of revenue, expenses, cash flow and efficiency indicators. We test assumptions and ensure that the projections are realistic - not optimistic, not pessimistic, but realistic.
Step 4 — Writing the complete plan. Based on the financial model, we prepare a full business plan, strictly aligned with HBOR methodology or the requirements of the target institution (HAMAG-BICRO, bank).
Step 5 — Review and delivery. We review the completed plan together, make any necessary corrections and prepare the final version ready for submission.
Step 6 — Post-delivery support. We support you in communication with institutions. If a bank or the Croatian Employment Service requests clarifications or supplements, we respond quickly.
Average preparation time: 1-2 weeks, depending on project complexity and data availability.
Do you want to launch your project? Schedule a free introductory meeting →
Why Choose Maneo for Business Plan Preparation?
Several hundred business plans prepared. Since 2010, we have prepared business plans for entrepreneurs across a wide range of industries - from hospitality and manufacturing to IT and agriculture. We understand the specifics of each sector and the requirements of different financial institutions.
High approval rate. Our work has resulted in successful financing approvals for numerous clients - from HBOR loans to HAMAG-BICRO loans. Realistic financial projections and compliance with methodology are key reasons for this.
Multidisciplinary team. 15 permanently employed specialists - economists, lawyers, auditors and accountants - means your plan passes through multiple levels of quality control before delivery.
A broader context, not just "typing numbers". Throughout the preparation process, we actively advise you on project optimisation - investment structure, choice of financing sources and potential risks you may not have identified.
Comprehensive financial advisory service. If your project outgrows the scope of a business plan, we are also here for investment studies, feasibility studies, CBA analyses or financial restructuring. One partner for every stage of your project.
AAA Certificate of Creditworthiness Excellence. Maneo is among the top 5% of companies in Croatia by credit rating. See what our clients say about us →
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The price depends on project complexity, investment size, industry and the target institution. For simpler projects (Croatian Employment Service self-employment grants), the price is lower, while more complex plans for HBOR loans or private investors require more work. Contact us for a free assessment.
On average, 1-3 weeks. For urgent projects, acceleration is possible, while particularly complex plans with detailed market analysis may require somewhat more time.
A business plan is for projects up to EUR 400,000 and includes a description of the business with basic financial projections. An investment study is for larger projects and contains a more detailed financial and economic analysis with indicators such as NPV, IRR and sensitivity analysis.
In most cases, yes - our plans are prepared according to HBOR methodology, which is also accepted by commercial banks. If a specific bank has special requirements, we adapt the plan at no additional charge.
Absolutely. In fact, start-up entrepreneurs need a business plan the most - as a tool to test the feasibility of the idea and as mandatory documentation for Croatian Employment Service grants, HAMAG-BICRO loans and HBOR loans for young entrepreneurs and start-ups.
In that case, we are here for you - we respond to institutional requests, prepare supplements and clarifications without delay. Our support does not end when the document is delivered.
Turn Your Idea into a Financed Project
A well-prepared business plan is the difference between an idea that stays in a drawer and a project that receives financing. Whether you are planning an HBOR loan, a HAMAG-BICRO loan or attracting a private investor - everything starts with the plan.
Contact us today and schedule a free introductory meeting. We will analyse your idea and recommend the optimal path to financing.