The Hi-Tech Park (HTP) in Belarus is a unique legal framework designed to foster IT businesses and startups, offering residents preferential tax conditions and other forms of government support. To join this special regime, an IT company must complete several key steps – one of which is preparing and submitting a business plan.
This plan plays a key role in the residency approval process. It must not only demonstrate the company’s financial stability and growth potential but also highlight its ability to deliver innovative solutions, aligning with HTP’s goals.
Below, we break down how to craft a compelling HTP business plan and key factors to maximize approval chances.
Why is a business project required for HTP?
The business plan plays a pivotal role when applying for residency status in Belarus’ High-Tech Park (HTP). It serves as the key document demonstrating a company’s strategic vision, innovative potential, financial sustainability, and compliance with HTP criteria. Without a properly prepared business plan, a company cannot obtain resident status – even if it already operates in the IT sector.
The Role of the Business plan planin Obtaining HTP Residency Status
Requirements for Business plan Submission to the HTP (High-Tech Park)
During the review of an application for HTP membership, both the Secretariat of the HTP Supervisory Council and the Supervisory Council itself evaluate not only formal criteria but also the substance of the business plan, its feasibility, and growth potential.
Specifically, the business plan must:
- Confirm that the company’s activities align with the list of permitted HTP activities, such as software development, data processing, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and other high-tech fields.
- Demonstrate the innovative nature of the plan, showcasing unique technologies or developments that differentiate the company from competitors.
- Substantiate the financial sustainability of the business and its revenue-generating capability, while proving that the company has sufficient resources to execute the proposed plan.
- Include a clear development plan, covering forecasts for hiring specialists, revenue projections, and target markets.
- Demonstrate how the company will contribute to the growth of Belarus’s IT sector by creating jobs and enhancing the country’s technological ecosystem.
The HTP treats the business plan as a roadmap for the company’s future development. If the document is unconvincing or lacks essential data, the HTP membership application may be rejected.
Key Requirements for the Business Plan
To meet the HTP’s criteria, the business plan must be well-structured, logical, and provide comprehensive information about the company. The main requirements include:
1. Clarity and Specificity – The plan should contain precise details about the business, its goals, and plans. Vague statements reduce the chances of approval.
2. Proof of Innovation – The company must demonstrate which technologies or software solutions it uses, their uniqueness, and competitive advantages.
3. Financial Viability – Realistic calculations of revenue, expenses, profitability, and investment needs. Overestimated or unrealistic projections may raise doubts.
4. Compliance with Legislation and HTP Requirements – The business plan must adhere to Belarusian legal regulations and HTP guidelines.
5. Long-Term Vision – A development plan spanning at least 3 years, with concrete steps to achieve stated objectives.
Companies with no prior experience in preparing HTP business plans often encounter difficulties in drafting the required documentation. To minimize errors and improve approval chances, it is advisable to consult specialists experienced in working with HTP residents. Legal experts can assist in properly structuring the business plan and preparing all necessary documents for joining the High-Tech Park.
Key Sections of a Business Plan
To join the High-Tech Park (HTP), a business plan must be well-structured. It should include all necessary information about the company’s operations, strategy, financial forecasts, and social responsibility. The business project must comply with HTP requirements and demonstrate the company’s potential as an enterprise focused on developing new and high-tech industries.
1. Executive Summary
- Business model
- Company specialization
- Planned developments
- Financial and operational performance planions
- Duration of the business project
2. Company Description and Development Strategy
This section should provide a detailed overview of the company, including its history, mission, goals, and core competencies. It should also justify why the company seeks HTP residency.
Key points:
- Company background: founding history, information about founders, previous experience.
- Core activities: main business areas, IT specialization, business model, taxation system, types of activities.
- Team: details about management and key specialists, their experience, and qualifications.
- Company assets: production facilities and equipment.
- Growth strategy: plans for the next 3–5 years, including potential expansion, entry into international markets, and hiring new employees.
3. Product or Service Description
This section should thoroughly explain the product or service the company intends to offer, its uniqueness, and how it aligns with the IT sector.
Key points:
- Product/service description: what the company offers (software development, AI Technological foundation: technologies used, programming languages, platforms, algorithms.
- Competitive advantages: what makes the product unique and how it differs from competitors’ solutions.
- Target audience: potential customers, problems the product solves, relevant Development stage: whether the product is ready, at the MVP stage, or still in development.
4. Market Analysis
This section should justify the demand for the company’s products or services, highlighting their value to customers. It should include an analysis of target markets.
5. Current and Projected Financial Performance
HTP requires companies to demonstrate sustainability and long-term growth potential. This section should detail financial metrics.
Key points:
- Revenue and expense forecasts: expected income, cost structure, profitability.
- Growth projections: anticipated profit increase, return on investment, team expansion.
- The business plan must contain realistic and well-substantiated financial data, as inflated or unreliable figures may lead to rejection of HTP residency.
6. Investment Plan and Investment Objects
Presented in a table format, with all figures in thousands of rubles per year.
List of fixed assets:
- Capital buildings
- Computing and office equipment
- Automotive transport
- Other equipment
- Intangible assets:
- Software
- Inventions, utility models, industrial designs
- Integrated circuit layouts
- Trademarks and service marks
- Trade secrets (know-how)
- Other intellectual property objects
7. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
HTP supports companies that not only develop the IT sector but also contribute to society. This section should highlight the company’s planned social initiatives.
Key areas:
Talent development: supporting education, participating in training programs, internships, and mentoring young professionals.
Other initiatives:
IT volunteering: free consultations, development of social apps, participation in charity plans.
8. Company Profile
This section is prepared according to a standardized template. It includes key details about the company:
- Legal structure (e.g., LLC, JSC, etc.).
- Registration details (date of incorporation, registration number, tax ID).
- Authorized capital (size and distribution among founders).
- Investment activities (participation in other business plans, if applicable).
A well-prepared business plan containing all necessary information significantly increases a company’s chances of successfully joining the HTP. The document must be detailed, structured, and realistic. If the company lacks experience in drafting such plans, it is advisable to consult legal and business experts who can ensure compliance with all requirements and improve the likelihood of approval.
Where to Submit a Business Plan and How It Is Reviewed
The business plan and accompanying documents are first reviewed by the Secretariat of the Supervisory Council. Afterward, the Secretariat forwards them to the High-Tech Park (HTP) Supervisory Council for consideration. Based on the analysis of the submitted materials, the Supervisory Council makes a decision on admitting the company as an HTP resident or rejecting the registration.
Business plans are typically reviewed within one month. However, after receiving the plan, the HTP Supervisory Council may send it for additional evaluation—scientific, technical, or legal. Auditors, external companies, research organizations, lawyers, and specialists in relevant fields may be involved in the review process. As a result, the review period may be extended, but by no more than 10 days. If the evaluation yields a negative conclusion, the Supervisory Council decides to reject the company’s admission to the HTP.
Conclusion
Preparing a business plan for admission to the High-Tech Park is not just a formality but a crucial step that determines the success of the application. Companies seeking HTP residency must demonstrate the innovative nature of their business, growth potential, and economic viability. The business plan should include a detailed description of the company, its product or service, financial forecasts, development strategies, and corporate social responsibility plans.
It is important to note that the content and formatting requirements for the business plan are strictly regulated, and its review may involve additional stages, such as legal or scientific-technical evaluations. Errors in documentation or non-compliance with requirements may lead to rejection, significantly complicating the company’s plans for development in Belarus.
To minimize risks and increase the chances of successfully obtaining HTP residency status, we recommend consulting our experienced lawyers. Our specialists will advise on proper business plan preparation, compile the necessary documentation, and guide you through the application process. We provide full legal support at every stage, including interactions with the Supervisory Council and participation in potential evaluations.
If you need a business plan, we can prepare it for you professionally. Contact us to discuss the details and get expert support!
