A strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (Swot) analysis is a useful tool for evaluating a business proposal.
We’ve carried out a Swot analysis of the shop project. This is a “living” document, changing as we firm up the business plan, develop operational plans and build upon our experience.
Strengths
- Project has support of community and local representatives
- Part of a project to revitalise the village centre
- Makes use of existing building
- Volunteering builds community spirit
- Transport links to competitors are weak
- Local food store reduces carbon emissions from travelling to alternative retailers
- Selling local produce
- Retains money in the community
Weaknesses
- Previous business failed
- Financial information is sketchy
- Target market is currently shopping elsewhere: need to change habits.
- Business requires volunteer staffing ‐this will require coordinating and may not be reliable
- Small premises with no development opportunities; limited space for product lines
- Need half of households to spend £xx a week
Opportunities
- Opportunity to offer community services
- Opportunity to work in partnership with church
- Opportunity to support local food suppliers
- Opportunity to participate in ‘Making Local Food work’ scheme which supports suppliers in local area
Threats
- Delivery service offered by major supermarkets
- Lack of grant funding as public sector squeezed
- Customer base too far eroded to sustain business
- Community apathy
