Case Studies: High-Stakes Business Planning & Advisory Outcomes
Wise Business Plans has supported more than 15,000 business plans across 400+ industries, helping entrepreneurs, enterprises, investors, and institutions navigate complex funding, immigration, regulatory, and transaction environments.
This case study library highlights real-world outcomes across SBA and bank financing, investor capital raises, immigration filings, mergers and acquisitions, regulated industries, and enterprise advisory engagements. Each engagement reflects Wise’s disciplined approach to execution-ready planning, financial clarity, and risk-aware strategy.
Unlike template-based tools, these engagements required custom modeling, regulatory alignment, and stakeholder-ready documentation—often under heightened scrutiny from lenders, investors, government agencies, and legal counsel.
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Case Study 1: SBA 7(a) Business Plan Supporting $1.5M Expansion Financing
Industry
Healthcare Services
Stage
Existing Business Expansion
Capital Secured
$1.5M SBA 7(a) Loan
Executive Summary
A healthcare services company sought $1.5M in SBA 7(a) financing to expand operations, increase capacity, and strengthen its market position. Previous attempts using template-based business plans failed to meet lender underwriting standards. Wise Business Plans was engaged to deliver an SBA-ready, lender-aligned business plan capable of advancing through credit committee review.
Business Challenge
Although the company demonstrated strong historical demand, lenders raised concerns around:
- Cash flow stability during expansion
- Debt service coverage under conservative scenarios
- Regulatory and staffing risks common to healthcare operators
Earlier template-driven plans lacked depth in DSCR modeling, failed to address downside scenarios, and did not clearly align use of funds with SBA underwriting expectations. As a result, the financing stalled before reaching formal credit review.
Wise Business Plans’ Approach
Wise developed a custom SBA 7(a) business plan designed specifically for lender review, not marketing purposes. The engagement focused on financial discipline, regulatory awareness, and conservative assumptions.
Key components included:
- Conservative cash flow modeling reflecting realistic ramp-up periods
- DSCR sensitivity analysis showing repayment capacity under multiple scenarios
- SBA-compliant use-of-funds narrative, clearly tied to revenue-generating activities
- Regulatory-aware operations planning, addressing licensing, staffing, and compliance considerations
The financial model was stress-tested to demonstrate sustainability even under slower-than-expected growth, a critical requirement for SBA credit committees.
Related Service:
Outcome & Impact
The completed business plan advanced successfully through lender underwriting and credit committee review. The lender approved $1.5M in SBA 7(a) financing, enabling the company to proceed with its expansion strategy.
Why This Case Matters
SBA lenders evaluate risk differently than investors. This case demonstrates Wise’s ability to produce bank-grade business plans that withstand formal underwriting scrutiny—something template software and generic plans consistently fail to achieve.
Case Study 2: Investor-Grade Business Plan for a $6M Private Capital Raise
Industry
Technology & Professional Services
Stage
Growth
Capital Target
$6M Equity Raise
Executive Summary
A growth-stage company sought $6M in private capital to scale operations, expand its team, and accelerate market penetration. While early traction existed, investors required a defensible, diligence-ready business plan supported by credible financial modeling. Wise Business Plans was retained to develop an investor-grade plan suitable for institutional review.
Business Challenge
Potential investors expressed skepticism around:
- Unit economics and scalability
- Capital efficiency and burn rate
- Management’s execution roadmap
Previous pitch materials lacked rigor, relied on optimistic assumptions, and did not adequately address downside risk—raising concerns during early diligence discussions.
Wise Business Plans’ Approach
Wise created a fully investor-grade business plan, structured to support formal diligence and data-room use.
Key deliverables included:
- Multi-scenario financial models (base, downside, and upside cases)
- Risk-adjusted return analysis, aligning growth expectations with capital deployment
- Market-validated assumptions, supported by third-party data and comparable benchmarks
- Clear use-of-capital framework, detailing how investor funds would drive measurable outcomes
The plan was written with the expectation that investors would scrutinize assumptions line by line.
Related Service:
Outcome & Impact
The business plan became the foundation for investor meetings and inclusion in formal data rooms. Management reported improved investor engagement, more substantive diligence conversations, and clearer alignment around growth expectations.
Why This Case Matters
Investor business plans are not pitch decks. This case highlights Wise’s role in bridging strategy and financial logic—helping companies present credible, execution-ready narratives to sophisticated capital providers.
Case Study 3: EB-5 Immigration Business Plan for USCIS Filing
Industry
Construction & Services
Stage
New Commercial Enterprise
Use Case
EB-5 Visa Petition
Executive Summary
An EB-5 investor required a USCIS-compliant business plan demonstrating job creation, economic viability, and long-term sustainability. Given heightened immigration scrutiny, the plan needed to align precisely with regulatory expectations. Wise Business Plans was engaged to prepare a compliant EB-5 business plan in coordination with immigration counsel.
Business Challenge
USCIS adjudicators closely examine:
- Job creation methodology and timing
- Consistency between narrative and financials
- Realistic market assumptions and operational feasibility
Any inconsistency or overly optimistic projection could trigger a Request for Evidence (RFE) or denial. Generic or template-based plans were not acceptable.
Wise Business Plans’ Approach
Wise collaborated with immigration counsel to ensure the business plan aligned with the client’s EB-5 strategy and regulatory requirements.
The plan included:
- Detailed job creation timelines, tied directly to operational milestones
- USCIS-compliant financial projections, using conservative growth assumptions
- Clear operational execution plan, demonstrating how jobs would be created and sustained
- Internal consistency checks, ensuring all sections aligned economically and operationally
The plan was drafted as a legal-economic document, not a marketing narrative.
Related Service:
Outcome & Impact
The business plan was accepted for EB-5 filing with no initial inconsistencies flagged, allowing the immigration petition to proceed without delay.
Why This Case Matters
Immigration business plans carry legal and financial consequences. This case demonstrates Wise’s expertise in producing USCIS-ready documentation that meets heightened scrutiny and supports immigration outcomes.
Case Study 4: Franchise Business Plan for Multi-Unit Expansion
Industry
Home Services Franchise
Stage
Expansion
Use Case
Franchise Growth + Financing
Executive Summary
A home services franchisee sought to expand from a single operating unit to a multi-unit footprint. The expansion required both franchisor approval and lender support. Wise Business Plans was engaged to prepare a franchise-specific, lender-ready business plan that demonstrated unit economics, territory feasibility, and disciplined growth execution.
Business Challenge
While the franchise brand was established, expansion approval hinged on:
- Demonstrating consistent unit-level profitability
- Validating territory demand and saturation risk
- Showing operational readiness to scale staffing, vehicles, and management
- Aligning growth milestones with lender underwriting expectations
Prior planning materials lacked unit-level detail and failed to clearly separate startup, expansion, and stabilization phases—creating risk concerns for both the franchisor and the lender.
Wise Business Plans’ Approach
Wise developed a custom franchise business plan designed specifically for multi-unit growth, not a generic expansion narrative.
Key components included:
- Unit-level financial modeling, showing revenue, margins, and cash flow by location
- Territory expansion strategy, supported by demographic and demand analysis
- Franchise-specific KPIs, aligned with brand benchmarks and lender expectations
- Phased growth milestones, coordinating staffing, fleet expansion, and working capital needs
The plan emphasized operational discipline and conservative assumptions, ensuring scalability without overextension.
Related Service:
Outcome & Impact
The business plan supported internal franchisor approval and advanced lender discussions for expansion capital. The franchisee was able to proceed with a structured, financeable growth strategy rather than speculative expansion.
Why This Case Matters
Franchise expansion plans must satisfy two audiences simultaneously: the franchisor and the lender. This case highlights Wise’s ability to align brand standards, operational reality, and financial underwriting into a single, coherent plan.
Case Study 5: M&A Exit Planning and Business Valuation for a Founder-Led Firm
Industry
Professional Services
Stage
Pre-Exit
Transaction Type
Sale / Succession
Executive Summary
A founder-led professional services firm planned to pursue an exit within 18–24 months. While the business was profitable, the owner lacked valuation clarity and buyer-ready documentation. Wise Business Plans was engaged to provide exit planning, valuation modeling, and transaction-ready documentation.
Business Challenge
Prospective buyers evaluate more than historical earnings. Key gaps included:
- No formal valuation framework
- Limited forward-looking financial projections
- Unclear succession and management transition plan
- Inconsistent narrative around growth sustainability
Without addressing these issues, the owner risked valuation discounts and prolonged diligence.
Wise Business Plans’ Approach
Wise delivered a transaction-focused planning package, emphasizing clarity, credibility, and buyer alignment.
Key deliverables included:
- Business valuation modeling, incorporating market and income-based approaches
- Exit and succession planning, addressing leadership continuity and operational stability
- Forward-looking projections, aligned with buyer underwriting expectations
- Transaction-ready narrative, positioning the business for institutional review
The work was structured to support conversations with strategic buyers, private equity groups, and advisors.
Related Service:
Outcome & Impact
The owner entered buyer discussions with clearer valuation expectations, stronger negotiating leverage, and reduced diligence friction. The business was positioned as a managed transition, not a founder-dependent operation.
Why This Case Matters
Successful exits are planned well in advance. This case demonstrates Wise’s ability to help owners prepare strategically and financially for transactions, rather than reacting during negotiations.
Case Study 6: Business Continuity Plan for a Regulated Government Contractor
Industry
Government Contracting
Stage
Ongoing Operations
Use Case
Compliance, Risk Management & Lender Requirements
Executive Summary
A government contractor operating under multiple active contracts required a formal Business Continuity Plan (BCP) to meet regulatory, lender, and contract compliance requirements. Wise Business Plans was engaged to develop a continuity framework addressing operational resilience and risk mitigation.
Business Challenge
The organization faced increasing scrutiny related to:
- Operational disruption risk
- Key personnel dependency
- Disaster recovery preparedness
- Compliance documentation requirements
Existing internal procedures were informal and insufficient for lender audits, contract reviews, and compliance assessments.
Wise Business Plans’ Approach
Wise developed a comprehensive Business Continuity Plan, tailored to regulated operations and contractual obligations.
Key components included:
- Operational risk assessment, identifying mission-critical functions
- Continuity and disaster recovery protocols, including response timelines
- Staffing and redundancy frameworks, mitigating single-point-of-failure risk
- Compliance-aligned documentation, suitable for lender, auditor, and contract review
The plan was written to be operationally actionable, not theoretical.
Related Service:
Outcome & Impact
The Business Continuity Plan satisfied lender and contract review requirements, improved organizational resilience, and strengthened the company’s compliance posture.
Why This Case Matters
For regulated operators, continuity planning is not optional. This case highlights Wise’s ability to produce practical, compliance-ready continuity documentation that withstands institutional review.
Case Study 7: Healthcare Business Plan for Multi-Location Expansion
Industry
Medical Practice
Stage
Growth
Use Case
Financing + Regulatory Compliance
Executive Summary
A growing medical practice sought to expand from a single location into a multi-location healthcare platform. Expansion required external financing while navigating licensing, staffing, reimbursement, and regulatory complexity. Wise Business Plans was engaged to prepare a healthcare-specific, lender-ready business plan that balanced growth objectives with compliance and risk management.
Business Challenge
Healthcare expansion presents unique challenges that lenders scrutinize heavily, including:
- Provider licensing and credentialing timelines
- Staffing constraints and provider utilization
- Reimbursement variability across payors
- Capital expenditures for medical equipment and build-outs
The client’s prior planning materials failed to address these risks holistically, raising lender concerns around scalability and cash flow reliability.
Wise Business Plans’ Approach
Wise developed a healthcare-focused business plan built around regulatory awareness and conservative financial assumptions.
Key elements included:
- Regulatory-aware financial models, reflecting realistic provider ramp-up and reimbursement cycles
- Staffing and capacity planning, aligned with patient volume and service mix
- Capital expenditure modeling, addressing medical equipment, leasehold improvements, and technology systems
- Risk-adjusted growth assumptions, ensuring debt service coverage under conservative scenarios
The plan was structured to meet both healthcare compliance expectations and lender underwriting standards.
Related Service:
Outcome & Impact
The business plan supported financing discussions and provided leadership with a disciplined roadmap for expansion. Lenders gained confidence in the practice’s ability to scale while maintaining regulatory compliance and financial stability.
Why This Case Matters
Healthcare lenders require more than growth projections—they require operational realism. This case demonstrates Wise’s ability to integrate regulatory, operational, and financial considerations into a single expansion plan.
Case Study 8: Business Analytics & FP&A for Board-Level Decision Making
Industry
Multi-Location Services
Stage
Scaling
Use Case
Financial Oversight, Forecasting & Strategic Control
Executive Summary
A multi-location services company experiencing rapid growth lacked real-time financial insight and forward-looking forecasting. Leadership required improved visibility into profitability, cash flow risk, and expansion scenarios. Wise Business Plans was engaged to implement Business Analytics and FP&A systems to support board-level decision making.
Business Challenge
The organization faced several challenges:
- Fragmented financial reporting across locations
- Limited ability to forecast cash flow under expansion scenarios
- No formal stress testing or scenario planning
- Inconsistent KPI tracking
Without improved financial controls, leadership risked overextending capital and undermining lender confidence.
Wise Business Plans’ Approach
Wise implemented a structured FP&A and analytics framework, tailored to multi-location operations.
Key deliverables included:
- Rolling financial forecasts, integrating revenue, expenses, and working capital
- Scenario and stress testing, evaluating downside and expansion risks
- KPI dashboards, tracking unit economics, margins, and cash flow
- Board-ready reporting, translating financial data into actionable insights
The system was designed to support both operational management and external stakeholder review.
Related Service:
Outcome & Impact
Leadership gained clearer visibility into financial performance and expansion risk. The improved analytics strengthened lender confidence and supported more disciplined capital planning.
Why This Case Matters
As companies scale, intuition becomes insufficient. This case highlights Wise’s role in helping leadership teams transition from reactive reporting to proactive financial governance.
Case Study 9: USDA Business Plan for Rural Development Financing
Industry
Agriculture & Food Services
Stage
Expansion
Use Case
USDA Rural Development Financing
Executive Summary
An agriculture and food services operator sought USDA Rural Development financing to expand operations in a designated rural area. The project required a USDA-compliant business plan demonstrating economic impact, sustainability, and long-term viability. Wise Business Plans was engaged to prepare documentation aligned with USDA program criteria.
Business Challenge
USDA financing differs significantly from conventional lending. Key requirements included:
- Demonstrating rural economic impact and job creation
- Aligning capital use with community development goals
- Addressing sustainability and operational resilience
- Meeting strict documentation and compliance standards
The client’s prior materials lacked the specificity and structure required for USDA review.
Wise Business Plans’ Approach
Wise prepared a USDA-aligned business plan, tailored to Rural Development criteria.
Key components included:
- Rural economic impact narrative, detailing job creation and community benefits
- Capital and operational modeling, aligned with USDA program guidelines
- Compliance-ready financial projections, using conservative assumptions
- Sustainability considerations, addressing long-term operational viability
The plan was structured to support agency review and stakeholder confidence.
Related Service:
Outcome & Impact
The business plan supported USDA financing review and facilitated discussions with agency stakeholders, positioning the project for rural development funding consideration.
Why This Case Matters
Government-backed financing requires precise alignment with policy objectives. This case demonstrates Wise’s expertise in translating business strategy into agency-compliant documentation.
Case Study 10: Strategic Business Plan for International Market Entry
Industry
Manufacturing & Distribution
Stage
Expansion
Use Case
International Market Entry & Capital Planning
Executive Summary
A U.S.-based manufacturing and distribution company sought to expand into international markets to diversify revenue and reduce reliance on domestic demand cycles. Leadership required a strategic business plan to evaluate market feasibility, regulatory exposure, and capital requirements before committing resources. Wise Business Plans was engaged to deliver a data-driven international expansion plan.
Business Challenge
International expansion introduces risks beyond domestic growth, including:
- Regulatory and trade compliance differences
- Currency exposure and pricing risk
- Supply chain and logistics complexity
- Capital allocation uncertainty
The client needed objective analysis to determine whether expansion was viable, which markets to prioritize, and how much capital to deploy without overextending the organization.
Wise Business Plans’ Approach
Wise prepared a comprehensive international business plan, grounded in feasibility and risk assessment rather than assumptions.
Key elements included:
- International market feasibility analysis, evaluating demand, competition, and pricing dynamics
- Regulatory and compliance overview, addressing import/export rules, tariffs, and local requirements
- Region-specific financial projections, incorporating currency sensitivity and logistics costs
- Entry strategy roadmap, outlining phased expansion and capital deployment
The plan emphasized disciplined expansion, with clear decision points and contingency planning.
Related Service:
Outcome & Impact
Leadership gained clarity on which markets offered viable returns and which posed excessive risk. The plan informed capital allocation decisions and allowed management to pursue expansion with confidence and financial discipline.
Why This Case Matters
International growth should be intentional, not opportunistic. This case demonstrates Wise’s ability to translate complex cross-border risk into actionable strategic guidance.
Case Study 11: Operations Plan & SOP Development for Multi-Location Scale
Industry
Professional Services
Stage
Expansion
Use Case
Standardizing Operations Across Locations
Executive Summary
A professional services firm expanding into multiple locations faced execution risk due to inconsistent internal processes. Leadership required a formal Operations Plan and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to support scalability, lender confidence, and service consistency. Wise Business Plans was engaged to design a comprehensive operational framework.
Business Challenge
Rapid expansion exposed several weaknesses:
- Lack of standardized workflows
- Inconsistent service delivery between locations
- Informal training and escalation processes
- Increased lender concern around operational risk
Without formal SOPs, the organization risked inefficiency, reputational damage, and financing challenges.
Wise Business Plans’ Approach
Wise developed a full Operations Plan and SOP framework, designed to support scale and accountability.
Deliverables included:
- End-to-end workflow documentation, covering client intake through service delivery
- Defined staffing roles and escalation protocols, reducing dependency on key individuals
- Quality control standards, ensuring consistent outcomes
- Operational KPIs, directly tied to financial performance and reporting
The documentation was written for real-world execution—not theoretical process mapping.
Related Service:
Outcome & Impact
The SOP framework supported lender confidence, enabled smoother onboarding of new staff, and improved consistency across locations. Leadership gained greater control over execution as the company scaled.
Why This Case Matters
Operational breakdown is one of the leading causes of failed expansion. This case highlights Wise’s expertise in turning growth strategy into repeatable, scalable execution.
Case Study 12: E-2 Visa Business Plan for Treaty Investor Approval
Industry
Hospitality & Services
Stage
New U.S. Enterprise
Use Case
E-2 Treaty Investor Visa
Executive Summary
A treaty investor sought to establish a new U.S.-based hospitality and services business under the E-2 visa program. Approval required a compliant E-2 business plan demonstrating substantial investment, economic impact, and long-term viability. Wise Business Plans was engaged to prepare documentation aligned with USCIS and consular standards.
Business Challenge
E-2 adjudicators scrutinize:
- Whether the investment is “substantial” relative to the business
- The business’s ability to generate more than marginal income
- Job creation potential and operational realism
- Consistency between the business plan and immigration strategy
Generic or overly optimistic plans frequently result in delays or denials.
Wise Business Plans’ Approach
Wise worked closely with immigration counsel to develop an E-2–compliant business plan, structured specifically for treaty investor review.
Key components included:
- Substantial investment justification, tied directly to startup costs and operational needs
- Job creation roadmap, demonstrating economic contribution
- Conservative financial projections, reflecting realistic ramp-up periods
- Alignment with immigration counsel strategy, ensuring consistency across filings
The plan balanced business viability with immigration compliance.
Related Service:
Outcome & Impact
The business plan was accepted for E-2 submission and supported treaty investor eligibility, allowing the client to proceed with U.S. operations.
Why This Case Matters
Immigration business plans are legal documents as much as financial ones. This case demonstrates Wise’s ability to deliver immigration-compliant, execution-ready planning.
Case Study 13: L-1 New Office Business Plan for USCIS Filing
Industry
Technology Services
Stage
U.S. Market Entry
Use Case
L-1 New Office Petition
Executive Summary
A foreign-based technology services firm sought to establish a U.S. subsidiary and transfer an executive under the L-1 New Office visa category. USCIS required a detailed business plan demonstrating operational viability, managerial oversight, and a credible staffing ramp within the first year. Wise Business Plans was engaged to prepare a USCIS-compliant L-1 New Office business plan.
Business Challenge
L-1 New Office petitions are subject to heightened scrutiny, particularly around:
- Whether the U.S. entity will become operational within 12 months
- The executive’s qualifying managerial or executive role
- Realistic staffing timelines and revenue ramp
- Clear linkage between the foreign parent and U.S. subsidiary
Generic or overly aggressive plans frequently trigger RFEs or denials.
Wise Business Plans’ Approach
Wise collaborated with immigration counsel to prepare a petition-ready L-1 business plan, drafted as a legal-economic document rather than a marketing narrative.
Key components included:
- New office staffing progression, clearly mapping hires over the first 12–24 months
- Organizational structure, demonstrating executive oversight and managerial hierarchy
- Revenue ramp assumptions, aligned with service capacity and market entry realities
- Parent–subsidiary relationship narrative, clearly documenting ownership, control, and operational integration
The plan emphasized internal consistency and conservative assumptions to withstand USCIS review.
Related Service:
Outcome & Impact
The business plan supported the L-1 New Office filing with clear operational and managerial logic, positioning the petition for adjudication without internal inconsistencies.
Why This Case Matters
L-1 New Office petitions are often denied due to weak planning. This case demonstrates Wise’s ability to produce immigration-grade documentation aligned with USCIS expectations.
Case Study 14: Grant Writing Business Plan for Public & Private Funding
Industry
Community Development
Stage
Early-Stage Program
Use Case
Grant Funding Applications
Executive Summary
A community-focused organization sought public and private grant funding to launch a new program addressing local economic and social needs. Grantors required a mission-aligned, outcome-driven business plan demonstrating impact, sustainability, and responsible fund use. Wise Business Plans was engaged to prepare a grant-focused business plan suitable for multiple funding applications.
Business Challenge
Grant funding differs from traditional financing in several key ways:
- Emphasis on measurable outcomes, not profit
- Strict alignment with grantor priorities and scoring criteria
- Detailed budget justification and use of funds
- Clear sustainability plan beyond grant funding
The client’s initial materials lacked clarity around metrics, long-term viability, and community impact.
Wise Business Plans’ Approach
Wise prepared a grant-specific business plan, written to support both public and private grant review.
Key elements included:
- Program impact metrics, tied to grantor objectives
- Detailed budget justification, clearly allocating grant funds
- Sustainability strategy, outlining post-grant operations
- Community benefit narrative, supported by data and outcomes
The plan was structured to be modular, allowing reuse across multiple grant submissions.
Related Service:
Outcome & Impact
The business plan strengthened multiple grant submissions and improved the organization’s credibility with funding bodies.
Why This Case Matters
Grant reviewers fund outcomes, not ideas. This case shows Wise’s ability to translate mission into fundable, accountable programs.
Case Study 15: RFP Business Proposal for Competitive Contract Award
Industry
Government & Municipal Services
Stage
Operating Business
Use Case
RFP Response & Contract Competition
Executive Summary
A services provider pursued a competitive government contract requiring a formal Request for Proposal (RFP) submission. The RFP included strict compliance requirements, technical scoring criteria, and pricing justification. Wise Business Plans was engaged to develop a compliant, evaluator-focused RFP business proposal.
Business Challenge
Government RFPs require precision. Common failure points include:
- Incomplete compliance responses
- Weak alignment with scoring matrices
- Poorly justified pricing
- Overly generic technical narratives
The client needed a proposal that was both compliant and compelling.
Wise Business Plans’ Approach
Wise developed a formal RFP business proposal, structured specifically for evaluator review.
Deliverables included:
- Scope-aligned technical narrative, directly addressing RFP requirements
- Pricing and cost justification, tied to scope and deliverables
- Operational execution plan, demonstrating capacity and readiness
- Compliance matrix, ensuring no requirements were missed
The proposal was written with scoring criteria in mind, not sales language.
Related Service:
Outcome & Impact
The proposal met submission requirements and advanced through evaluation stages, positioning the client competitively within the procurement process.
Why This Case Matters
Winning RFPs requires strategy and discipline. This case demonstrates Wise’s expertise in producing government-grade proposals that withstand formal review.
Case Study 16: Marketing Plan to Support Capital Raise and Scalable Growth
Industry
Consumer Services
Stage
Growth
Use Case
Investor Support, Revenue Expansion & Go-To-Market Strategy
Executive Summary
A consumer services company preparing for a capital raise required a credible, data-driven marketing plan to support investor diligence and near-term growth execution. Investors sought proof that customer acquisition assumptions were realistic, measurable, and scalable. Wise Business Plans was engaged to develop a marketing plan that aligned growth strategy with financial performance.
Business Challenge
While demand existed, investors questioned:
- Customer acquisition costs (CAC) and scalability
- Channel effectiveness and attribution
- Revenue predictability tied to marketing spend
- Alignment between growth projections and execution reality
Previous marketing materials lacked quantified economics and did not integrate cleanly with financial projections.
Wise Business Plans’ Approach
Wise developed a capital-ready marketing plan designed to withstand investor scrutiny.
Key components included:
- Target customer segmentation, based on behavior, geography, and lifetime value
- CAC and LTV modeling, tied directly to financial projections
- Channel strategy, prioritizing scalable and testable acquisition channels
- Growth milestones, mapped to revenue, staffing, and capital deployment
The marketing plan was integrated directly into the financial model, ensuring internal consistency.
Related Service:
Outcome & Impact
The marketing plan supported investor discussions by demonstrating disciplined growth economics and execution clarity. Management gained a practical roadmap for scaling demand alongside capital deployment.
Why This Case Matters
Investors fund repeatable growth, not ideas. This case shows how Wise connects marketing strategy to financial accountability.
Case Study 17: Nonprofit Business Plan for 501(c)(3) Formation and Funding
Industry
Nonprofit & Social Impact
Stage
Formation
Use Case
IRS Filing, Donor & Grant Funding
Executive Summary
A mission-driven organization sought to form a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and pursue early-stage funding. Regulatory compliance, governance clarity, and financial sustainability were critical. Wise Business Plans was engaged to prepare a nonprofit business plan suitable for IRS submission and funder review.
Business Challenge
Nonprofit formation requires:
- Clear articulation of mission and programs
- Defined governance and board oversight
- Sustainable funding strategy beyond donations
- Budget discipline and transparency
The organization’s initial materials lacked formal structure and long-term sustainability planning.
Wise Business Plans’ Approach
Wise delivered a compliance-ready nonprofit business plan, written to support both IRS and funder expectations.
Key elements included:
- Mission and program logic, clearly aligned with charitable purpose
- Governance structure, defining board roles and accountability
- Funding diversification strategy, including grants, donations, and earned revenue
- Budget and sustainability modeling, demonstrating long-term viability
The plan emphasized accountability, transparency, and impact.
Related Service:
Outcome & Impact
The business plan supported nonprofit formation efforts and strengthened credibility with donors and funding organizations.
Why This Case Matters
Nonprofits are scrutinized for governance and sustainability. This case highlights Wise’s ability to deliver mission-driven yet financially disciplined planning.
Case Study 18: Feasibility Study for a Capital-Intensive Development Project
Industry
Real Estate & Development
Stage
Pre-Launch
Use Case
Investment Decision & Capital Risk Assessment
Executive Summary
A development group considered a capital-intensive real estate project requiring significant upfront investment. Before committing capital, stakeholders required an objective feasibility study evaluating market demand, financial viability, and risk exposure. Wise Business Plans was engaged to conduct an independent feasibility analysis.
Business Challenge
Key decision risks included:
- Uncertain market demand
- Construction cost volatility
- Revenue sensitivity to pricing and absorption rates
- Capital recovery timelines
Without an objective feasibility assessment, the project risked misallocation of capital.
Wise Business Plans’ Approach
Wise conducted a formal feasibility study, designed to inform go/no-go decisions.
Deliverables included:
- Market demand analysis, supported by demographic and competitive data
- Cost and revenue modeling, incorporating conservative assumptions
- Risk assessment, identifying sensitivity variables
- Go / no-go recommendation, based on financial and operational feasibility
The study was structured to support investor and lender review.
Related Service:
Outcome & Impact
Leadership gained clarity on project viability and capital risk before deployment, enabling disciplined decision-making.
Why This Case Matters
Feasibility studies protect capital. This case demonstrates Wise’s ability to provide objective, data-driven guidance before irreversible commitments are made.
Case Study 19: M&A Deal Advisory Services for Buy-Side Acquisition Strategy
Industry
Professional Services
Stage
Growth via Acquisition
Use Case
Buy-Side M&A Advisory
Executive Summary
A professional services firm pursuing growth through acquisition required disciplined M&A deal advisory to identify targets, evaluate valuation risk, and plan post-acquisition integration. Wise Business Plans was engaged to provide buy-side advisory services spanning target screening, financial modeling, and integration planning.
Business Challenge
Leadership faced common buy-side risks:
- Inconsistent target screening criteria
- Valuation uncertainty across deal structures
- Limited visibility into synergies and integration costs
- Risk of overpaying due to incomplete diligence
Without a structured framework, the firm risked capital misallocation and operational disruption.
Wise Business Plans’ Approach
Wise delivered a structured M&A advisory framework focused on discipline and repeatability.
Key components included:
- Target screening criteria, aligned with strategic fit, margins, and scalability
- Financial modeling, including normalized EBITDA and sensitivity analysis
- Synergy analysis, evaluating revenue and cost opportunities
- Post-acquisition integration roadmap, addressing systems, staffing, and governance
The advisory work emphasized conservative assumptions and decision checkpoints.
Related Service:
Outcome & Impact
The client advanced acquisition discussions with a disciplined strategy, clearer valuation logic, and reduced integration risk.
Why This Case Matters
Successful acquisitions are planned before deals are signed. This case demonstrates Wise’s ability to support capital-disciplined, execution-ready M&A strategies.
Case Study 20: Policies & Procedures Manual for Compliance, Scale, and Risk Control
Industry
Healthcare & Services
Stage
Operating Organization
Use Case
Compliance, Internal Controls & Lender Readiness
Executive Summary
A healthcare services organization required a formal Policies & Procedures Manual to meet compliance obligations, strengthen internal controls, and support lender and auditor review. Wise Business Plans was engaged to develop comprehensive documentation aligned with regulatory and operational standards.
Business Challenge
As the organization scaled, informal practices created risk:
- Inconsistent HR and compliance procedures
- Limited documentation for audits and lender reviews
- Operational dependency on key personnel
- Exposure to regulatory and employment risk
Leadership needed standardized, enforceable policies to support sustainable operations.
Wise Business Plans’ Approach
Wise developed a comprehensive Policies & Procedures Manual, customized to the organization’s regulatory environment and operating model.
Key elements included:
- HR and compliance policies, addressing hiring, training, and conduct
- Operational controls, standardizing approvals and workflows
- Risk and escalation procedures, defining accountability and response
- Documentation standards, supporting audits and external review
The manual was written for practical use, not theoretical compliance.
Related Service:
Outcome & Impact
The organization improved compliance posture, strengthened internal discipline, and enhanced readiness for lender and regulatory review.
Why This Case Matters
Policies protect organizations as they scale. This case highlights Wise’s ability to produce practical, compliance-ready governance documentation.
Case Study 21: Strategic Consulting Engagement for Long-Term Growth and Capital Allocation
Industry
Multi-Industry Holding Company
Stage
Scaling
Use Case
Strategic Consulting & Advisory
Executive Summary
A holding company operating across multiple industries required strategic clarity around growth priorities, capital allocation, and organizational structure. Wise Business Plans was engaged for a strategic consulting engagement focused on long-term value creation and risk management.
Business Challenge
Leadership faced complex decisions:
- Competing growth initiatives across portfolio companies
- Unclear capital allocation priorities
- Limited scenario planning for market shifts
- Organizational strain from rapid expansion
Without a structured strategy, growth risked becoming fragmented and inefficient.
Wise Business Plans’ Approach
Wise delivered advisory-level strategic consulting, combining financial modeling with strategic analysis.
Key components included:
- Long-term growth roadmap, prioritizing initiatives by return and risk
- Capital allocation modeling, evaluating deployment across businesses
- Scenario and risk planning, stress-testing strategic assumptions
- Advisory recommendations, aligned with financial realities and leadership capacity
The engagement emphasized clarity, sequencing, and execution discipline.
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Outcome & Impact
Executive leadership gained a structured, financially grounded growth path, enabling better capital decisions and organizational alignment.
Why This Case Matters
Strategy without execution discipline destroys value. This case demonstrates Wise’s role as a long-term advisory partner, not just a planning vendor.
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