SWOT Worksheet

MKT/431 v5

SWOT Worksheet
You are preparing a business plan to apply for financing and the lender has suggested that you include a
SWOT analysis.

Part 1
View the SWOT Analysis for Netflix and the Chapter 4 Appendix in your textbook for reference.

Consider the items within your control. These are situations and circumstances in which you must
operate and can create change. It’s important to honestly assess your business and your financial
situation to bring your business into existence. This is a chance to dive deep! Begin by assessing
strengths and weaknesses, and then move to opportunities and threats.

Internal Factors are within your control and represent the Strengths and Weaknesses of the business.
Some examples of circumstances you can change or influence include:

 Customer service
 Product/Service quality
 Product/Service assortment
 Talent
 Experience
 Financial circumstances
 Overhead
 Location

Strengths Weaknesses

Ex: Busy location with Ex: Low cash reserves

high foot traffic or
store needs renovation

External Factors are outside of your control but important to identify, capitalize, and mitigate. Some
examples that you cannot change or influence include:

 Trends
 Taxes

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 SWOT Worksheet
MKT/431 v5
Page 2 of 2

 Competition
 Regulations/Laws (federal, state, local)
 Available talent pool
 Economy
 Costs for materials
 Weather
 Insurance/Licensure requirements
 Global pandemic

Opportunities Threats

Ex: Expand market to Ex: Joe’s Pizza is

include college providing deep
students discounts and coupons
(competition)

Part 2
In 300 words or less, identify 1 opportunity or business insight you gained from this exercise. Provide your
best example of how you could use this information strategically.

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