Part A [the first part] identifying and analysing the current business environment in which the business operates. That is:

• Conducting research to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the business (SWOT)
• Conducting research about both the macro and microenvironments (external) in which the business operates;
• Assessment/analysis of both these macro and microenvironments to understand how trends might impact upon the business and how business activity within the microenvironment (suppliers, customers, competitors and similar) might impact upon the small business, and
• Researching and identifying the target market of the business (using not only demographics, but also consumer behavioural and psychological factors.
• Reference all sources of information within the plan and have a reference list using APA referencing style