The purpose of a Business Case is to capture the reasoning for initiating a project or
task to enable a business to improve processes and profitability. The Business Case
identifies issues within the business, and provides a detailed analysis of the proposed
solution and possible alternatives. This form contains standard terms used in a
Business Case, however, additional language may be added, making it fully
customizable to fit the needs of the person or entity using the template.
Executive Summary
(Instructions: The executive summary provides an overview of all other components of the business case.
For a standard business case, complete this section after completing all other sections.)
(This section should include an overview of:
The proposal and the problem it solves
How the business value will be measured
What the business solution or technology does
How much it will cost and how it will be funded
Anticipated Risks)
Example:
Sally Jones Realty’s goal is to be the leader in listings and sales in the East and West subdivisions of
Hometown, USA. Using a wide variety of marketing tools, Sally Jones Realty (Sally) will demonstrate
the familiarity of the neighborhood and individual homes by getting to know the homeowners on a
professional and personal level.
Using the most updated search engines and marketing tools, Sally Jones Realty expects to broker the sale
of each of the listings in Red River and Blue Lagoon. Sales are projected to be moderate in year one,
growing moderately by year three, netting an estimated profit after expenses of $100,000 by the first year-
end.
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Introduction and Background
(Instructions: Describe the current state of the business and the leading factors driving the change.)
Example:
Sally Jones Realty (Sally) recently moved from Big City, America to Hometown, USA. The real estate
firm offers upscale service to first-time homebuyers and sellers in the Hometown community. Sally Jones
Realty features cutting-edge search and advertisement technology, while offering unmatched levels of
customer service and attention. Sales are projected to be moderate in year one, growing moderately by
year three.
Sally has cash on hand of $20,000 to finance a marketing campaign.
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Problem Definition & Desired Business Goals & Objectives
(Instructions: Describe the business problem to address. The problem may be process, technology, or
product/service oriented. This section should not include any discussion related to the solution.)
Example:
Although Sally has extensive experience in listing and sales, her familiarity with the lifestyle and people
of the community is limited.
Sally needs to develop a relationship with the residence of East and West subdivisions that will make her
the first choice of would-be home sellers of the area.
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Proposed Solution
(Instructions: Provide the overall project information conveying what the project will do. The section
must also convey the project description, proposed solution, and highlight customers and stakeholders
that interface with the project. Insert appropriate components of the project’s Business Needs Statement
or provide a reference to where it is stored.)
Example:
Sally has extensive experience in listings and sales.
Sally needs to develop a relationship with the residence of East and West subdivisions that will make her
the first choice of would be home sellers of the area.
Sally has cash on hand of $20, 000 to finance a marketing campaign.
Because Sally Jones Realty is situated uniquely between East and West, Sally Jones Realty will focus on
becoming “part of the neighborhood” by hosting monthly events such as:
Halloween hay ride to houses for trick-or-treaters and their parents
Neighborhood holiday bash
Easter egg hunt
If Sally markets the area herself, her business will grow, she will have less time to spend assisting
customers and clients with their transactions but she will have a more personal relationship with the
residents of the desired locations.
Financial Analysis Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Total
Cost ($XX,000) ($XX,000) ($XX,000) ($XX,000) ($XX,000) ($XX,000)
Benefit $XX,000 $XX,000 $XX,000 $XX,000 $XX,000 $XX,000
Total Benefit ($XX,000) ($XX,000) ($XX,000) $XX,000 $XXX,000 $XXX,000
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Alternatives
(Instructions: This section should outline different alternative solutions for addressing the problem or
business opportunity.
At a minimum, there must be a “do nothing” or “business as usual” alternative and at least one other
alternative.
Business case best practices indicate that