5 Steps to Develop a Solid Business Case 

Developing a strong business case requires more than writing a persuasive document. It requires a disciplined process for defining the opportunity, comparing credible options, evaluating benefits, costs and risks, planning implementation and presenting a defensible recommendation.

This guide explains Chase Consulting’s proven Five-Step Business Case Framework, developed through more than 25 years of business-case work. It includes practical examples and approval-readiness guidance to help you identify what decision-makers need before they can confidently approve an investment.
Written by Craig Peacock, PhD
Director, Chase Consulting Group · Business-case adviser with 25+ years’ experience
Updated August 2026

 The Five-Step Framework at a Glance
 

The Five-Step Business Case Framework provides a structured pathway from the initial opportunity to an approval-ready recommendation:
  1. Confirm the opportunity — define the problem or opportunity, strategic alignment and decision required.
  2. Develop and shortlist the options — identify credible alternatives and agree on which options require detailed analysis.
  3. Evaluate the options — compare benefits, costs, financial value, risks and deliverability to select the preferred option.
  4. Develop the implementation strategy — establish how the preferred option will be delivered, governed and monitored.
  5. Develop the recommendation and approval pathway — present a clear, evidence-based recommendation for decision-makers.

 What is a Business Case? 

As organizations and companies become more focused on delivering real business value, it becomes increasingly essential for the board of directors and senior executives to focus their attention on investments that deliver true value. Initiatives throughout the organization, including new products and services, innovations, CAPEX proposals, IT projects, investment opportunities, new business ventures, and factory relocations, are either accepted or rejected based on their business value.

To gain the approval of the board, the executive team, or external stakeholders and investors, it's crucial to construct a robust business case using a well-structured business case template that demonstrates why the project is needed and what the benefits of the project will be when it is finalized. The reasons and benefits of a project may seem perfectly obvious to you and others intimately involved with it; however, they may not be so apparent to stakeholders and other decision-makers. Often, they deal with a myriad of business units, objectives, and tasks that need to be done. Therefore, a well-prepared business case can help your project stand out amongst the competing priorities within the organization and may be the key to getting approval and finances for the project.


The business case is a process of critically examining the business opportunities, alternatives, project stages, and the financial investment involved in developing a business case document.

Business Cases Help Organizations  Make Better Investment Decisions.

A Business Case is Different to a Business Plan

Unlike a business plan, which outlines long-term goals and strategies, a business case is a detailed argument that justifies a specific investment. It combines strategic insights and financial analysis to make a compelling case for project approval.

Consider your business case as a sales pitch with robust analysis and justification. The business case is one of the most powerful decision-making tools available to the organization's leadership team. It is a decision-making tool that provides the leadership team with an assessment of a particular decision's investment, benefits and risks.

A business case answers the question: What will happen if we proceed with this investment decision? The justification for the business case is presented in a carefully constructed document detailing the rationale for convincing a decision-maker to approve the investment recommendation.

The business case process helps organizations formulate innovations, projects and changes. The business case document is a crucial building block of project success with senior-level involvement. It explains the project's business value to enable the stakeholders to make decisions.

The fundamental questions to consider in developing the business case are:
  • Which alternatives should we invest in to generate the most value for the organization?
  • Are other alternatives more profitable?
  • Will this investment deliver benefits of high value?
  • Is it strategically the best approach?
  • Should the organization consider investing at all in this proposal?

The practical question must also be addressed: Can the business proposal be implemented as planned, delivered on time and within budget and produce the expected benefits?

Making a business case will carefully examine the benefits and risks involved in proceeding with the recommendation, the alternatives and the benefits of the recommendation, and the risks of not proceeding. A strong business case will make a compelling recommendation for implementation.

In comparison, a business plan is a documented set of business goals, objectives and strategies that an organization aims to achieve over the next three to five years. The business plan includes market information, customer segmentation, products and services, sales forecasts, cost estimates, and financial forecasts.
Business Case versus Business Plan Business Case versus Business Plan

Why Develop the Business Case?

Preparing the business case enables you to take a disciplined approach to critically examining the opportunity, the alternatives, the project stages and the financial investment to recommend the best course of action to create the business value.

When the time is taken to develop a solid business case, the investment proposal is much more informed. In turn, this will increase the project's benefits and value and reduce the risks. As a result, there is a much greater likelihood of securing support to proceed with the investment.

A solid business case is required when you need to:
  • Demonstrate the value a proposed product or service would generate for your organization. 
  • Obtain board approval for the investment. 
  • Decide whether to outsource a particular function. 
  • Relocate business operations and manufacturing facilities. 
  • Prioritize projects within your organization that are competing for funding and resources. 
  • Secure the financial funding and resources to implement the project.

By well-documenting the business case, you can proficiently present the recommendation to stakeholders whose support is required for approval. In addition, the documented business case will provide confidence and a level of certainty that the considered proposal will be successful. 

Advantages of Business Cases 

Creating a business case helps you clearly communicate important information needed to make crucial decisions and secure project funding. Here are the main benefits:

  1. Better Planning and Decision-Making: Business cases help you compare different options and their costs and benefits, making it easier to plan and make smart decisions.
  2. Detailed Project Outline: They provide a clear plan, including risks, expected returns, needed investments, timelines, and other important details.
  3. Stakeholder Agreement: Business cases ensures everyone involved understands the project’s goals and benefits, increasing the chances of success.
  4. Smooth Project Planning: A well-prepared business case can easily be turned into a project plan, showing important milestones and how resources will be used.
  5. Clear Justification: They explain why the project is a good investment, breaking down costs, expected revenue, and overall impact in a convincing way.
  6. Understanding Risks and Opportunities: Business cases help identify potential risks and benefits, allowing you to address any issues before they arise.
  7. Stronger Foundation for Success: Projects with well-developed business cases are more likely to succeed because they provide a solid starting point and clear guidance.

Using structured business case templates to develop the business cases ensures you cover all important aspects, leading to better project outcomes and overall growth for your organization.
 
Download Our Free Guide

The Five-Step Business Case Framework

Here is our Five-Step Business Case Framework. It’s a simple, easy-to-follow and effective way of developing your business cases for the board, the executive team, the business owners, external stakeholders and investors.

By meticulously following these 5 STEPS, you ensure a comprehensive and persuasive business case that addresses all key aspects and stakeholder concerns.

Step 1: Confirm the opportunity Step 1: Confirm the opportunity
  • Identify and align the business opportunity with strategic objectives.
  • Secure stakeholder buy-in.
Set the business case up for success.
Step 2: Analyze Options Step 2: Analyze Options
  • Evaluate alternative approaches and develop a shortlist.
  • Approve the shortlisted options.
Options that strategically fit.
Step 3: Evaluate the Options Step 3: Evaluate the Options
  • Quantify benefits and develop financial projections.
  • Select the preferred option.
Justification for the investment.
Step 4: Develop the Implementation Strategy Step 4: Develop the Implementation Strategy
  • Define project objectives and develop an implementation plan.
  • Identify risks and formulate mitigation strategies.
How to deliver the long-term benefits.
Step 5: Secure Approval Step 5: Secure Approval
  • Finalize and document the recommended option.
  • Present the business case to decision-makers for approval.
Approval from decision-makers.
Step 1: Confirm the opportunity Step 1: Confirm the opportunity
Step 1: Confirm the Opportunity

Identify the Business Opportunity:
  • Start by clearly describing the current situation and the business opportunity your proposal aims to address.
  • Project background.
  • Investment logic

Align with Strategic Objectives:
  • Develop the strategic logic for your business case by demonstrating how the project aligns with the organization’s strategic goals.
  • Connect to strategic objectives.
  • Highlight benefits.
  • Confirm the business case opportunity.

Secure Stakeholder Buy-In:
  • Involve stakeholders early in the process to gather insights and support.
  • Secure approval from your business case project sponsor to move forward.
Step 2: Analyze Options Step 2: Analyze Options
Step 2: Analyze and Select the Shortlisted Options

Identify Alternative Approaches
  • Start by identifying a range of alternative approaches to address the business opportunity.
  • Generate a Long List.
  • Establish clear criteria for evaluating each option.

Gather and Analyze Information
  • Gather detailed information on each alternative.
  • Conduct a thorough analysis of each option based on the established criteria.

Develop Shortlisted Options
  • Narrow Down the List.
  • Based on your analysis, select the top three or four options.

Presenting the Shortlisted Options
  • Create a comparison matrix to present the pros and cons of each shortlisted option.
  • Clearly state your recommendations for the shortlisted options, supported by your assessment.
Step 3: Evaluate the Options Step 3: Evaluate the Options
Step 3: Evaluate the Options

Objective Alignment and Benefit Quantification
  • Evaluate how each option aligns with the organization's strategic objectives. This ensures that the chosen solution supports the business's long-term goals.
  • Quantify the each option's benefits, including both financial and non-financial benefits. Use metrics such as ROI, cost savings, revenue growth, and operational efficiency to measure the impact.

Develop Comprehensive Financial Projections
  • Develop detailed revenue projections and operational cost models for each option.
  • Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) Analysis: Create a cash flow statement and perform a DCF analysis to assess future cash flows' present value.
  • Confirm that the financial projections meet the minimum acceptable internal rates of return (IRR) and hurdle rates.

Risk Assessment and Mitigation
  • Identify the risks associated with each option.
  • Develop strategies to mitigate identified risks.

Comprehensive Evaluation and Selection
  • Create a comparison matrix to evaluate the options based on strategic alignment, financial benefits, risks, and other relevant criteria.
  • Conduct scenario analysis to understand the impact of different assumptions on the outcomes.
  • Gather input from key stakeholders to ensure the evaluation considers diverse perspectives and insights.

Recommendation and Justification
  • Based on the evaluation, select the preferred option that delivers the highest value and aligns with strategic goals.
Step 4: Develop the Implementation Strategy Step 4: Develop the Implementation Strategy
Step 4: Develop the Implementation Strategy

Create a Comprehensive Implementation Plan
  • Define Project Objectives and Milestones
  • Identify and allocate the necessary resources. Ensure that each resource is aligned with specific tasks and milestones.
  • Detailed Project Timelines.

Establish Roles and Responsibilities
  • Project Team and Accountability.
  • Stakeholder Engagement.

Risk Management and Mitigation
  • Identify Potential Risks.
  • Develop Mitigation Strategies.

Cost Estimation and Budgeting
  • Confirm and document the total project cost.
  • Provide a detailed breakdown of costs for each milestone. This will help you track expenses and ensure that the project stays within budget.

Implementation Timeline and Monitoring
  • Establish a comprehensive implementation timeline that outlines all project phases, tasks, and milestones.
  • Define key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of the implementation. These should align with the project objectives and clearly show progress and performance.

Communication and Change Management
  • Develop a communication plan to ensure consistent and transparent communication among all stakeholders.
  • Develop a change management strategy to smoothly handle scope changes, resource adjustments, and other modifications.
Step 5: Secure Approval Step 5: Secure Approval
Step 5: Develop the Recommendations and Get the Approval from Decision-Makers

Objective: Securing Approval for Your Business Case
  • Your primary goal is to obtain approval for your business case from the board, executive team, external stakeholders, or investors.
  • Confirm the recommended option and create comprehensive business case documents that effectively present your proposal for approval.

Framing the Business Case Recommendations
  • Clear and Structured Recommendations.
  • Comprehensive Financial Analysis.

Addressing Key Questions from Decision-Makers
  • Anticipate and address critical questions from the board, executive team, and stakeholders, such as:
  • What are the risks associated with this project?
  • What are the potential benefits and upsides?
  • What is the cost of not proceeding with this investment?
  • How does this investment align with our strategic goals?

Strategic and Persuasive Presentation
  • Begin with a concise executive summary providing a high-level overview of the business case, including key recommendations and expected outcomes.
  • Our article How to Present a Winning Business Case has all the details to help you.

Engage and Involve Stakeholders
  • Develop a stakeholder engagement plan to involve key stakeholders throughout the approval process.

Follow-Up and Next Steps
  • Clearly outline the next steps following approval, including immediate actions, timelines, and responsible parties.
  • Maintain ongoing communication with stakeholders to keep them informed and engaged throughout the project's lifecycle. 

Why All Five Steps Matter

The Five-Step Business Case Framework helps you build the strategic logic, evidence, financial analysis, implementation plan and recommendation required for an approval-ready business case.
Download Our Free Guide

How to Write the Business Case Document

 What Should Be Included in the Business Case Document? 

A compelling business case explains the decision required and presents the evidence supporting the recommended investment.

The business case document should explain the following: 

  • The investment decision.

  • Key objectives for the project.

  • The business needs.

  • The project definition. Provide necessary background and supporting information to put the investment into context.

  • Describe how the investment aligns with the organization's strategic business plan.

  • Describe the different options explored and why you recommend this option or solution.

  • Provide a robust budget, an estimate of the investment's whole-of-life costs and financial benefits and projected financial statements.

  • The business case should identify and, where possible, quantify both financial and non-financial benefits

  • Explain how sustainability is core to the recommendations and outcomes.

  • Describe the implementation approach, including timelines, resources, the procurement strategy, project governance, and how to embed sustainability practices.

  • Rigorously assess the inherent risks, different scenarios and sensitivities, including how they are likely to affect the investment and outline strategies for mitigating them.

  • Convey the level of uncertainty surrounding the proposal.

  • Provide options for the board and management to consider when reaching a decision.

In large organizations, there are often guidelines defined for the business case writer to help them write an "investment appraisal" for their business case.

Sample Business Case Documents Sample Business Case Documents

 What’s the Level of Detail Required in a Solid Business Case? 

The depth of analysis documented to support your case will be based on the size and complexity of the investment decision.  For example, the business case for an investment of $5m or less is much simpler than the business case for an investment of $500m or more.

The business case should provide a level of evidence and analysis proportionate to the value, complexity, uncertainty and risk of the proposed investment.

​​​​​​​
Preliminary and Full Business Cases

A preliminary business case is often prepared for large investments and high-risk projects as the first step in preparing the full business case. Then, it is used to decide whether the potential project merits being investigated in more detail. For example, the preliminary business case may include cost estimates with a 20% tolerance, whereas the full business case would include costings with less than a 10% tolerance.

The business case should be prepared early in the project before a decision has been made to initiate the project. 
It allows the organization to explore high-level options for meeting business requirements. This may include an assessment of comparable projects.

Experienced organizations may have in-house expertise allowing them to prepare a business case. However, some organizations will not have the required skills and may wish to appoint an independent management consultant to assist them.

Who Prepares the Business Case?

Any leadership or professional role may assume responsibility for producing and writing the business case if the decision-makers trust that individual. Thus, executives, business leaders, project managers, business analysts, internal and external consultants, and IT managers are included.

The project sponsor or project manager may lead the development of the business case.

The goals of the recommended project, the project customers, users and stakeholders, and the business outcomes and benefits are more important than technology, domain knowledge, or deliverables in a robust business case.

The business case lead or writer focuses on evaluating, analyzing, quantifying and delivering the business value. Poor project results can result from insufficient attention to the details of a business case and accompanying analysis.

The Business Case Writer The Business Case Writer

 Before You Start Developing Your Business Case

A strong business case begins with a disciplined development process—not with a blank document. Before you start writing, consider how you will develop, test and present the evidence supporting your recommendation.
  • Start with the decision required. Clearly define the opportunity, the strategic context and what you need the decision-maker to approve.
  • Follow the Five-Step Business Case Framework. Use a structured process to develop the opportunity, compare credible options, evaluate the evidence, plan implementation and prepare the recommendation.
  • Use business case templates to structure the document. Templates can save time and help ensure that the expected sections are included, but they do not replace the underlying analysis.
  • Use the AI tools available through My Business Case Hub® to accelerate your first draft. Treat AI-generated content as a starting point and validate the evidence, assumptions, financial projections, risks and implementation requirements.
  • Use the Approval-Ready Toolkit to assess and strengthen your case. The approval-readiness checklists will help you identify what is already strong, uncover critical gaps and determine what still needs to be developed before decision-maker review.
  • Write for the decision-makers. Present a clear, evidence-based recommendation that addresses the questions and concerns of the executive team, CFO, board, investment committee or funding body.
  • Plan how you will present the recommendation. The written document and the decision-maker presentation should communicate the same strategic logic, evidence and approval request.
  • Seek professional support when the investment is significant, complex or high-risk. Independent review, coaching or advisory support can help test the assumptions and strengthen the recommendation before submission.

Our free Business Case Guide explains the Five-Step Framework and provides a practical starting point for developing a solid business case.
Download the Free Business Case Guide

From a Completed Case to an Approval-Ready Business Case

Approval-Ready Business Cases 

Completing the analysis and writing the document does not automatically make a business case ready for decision-maker review.

A completed business case may contain all the expected sections, financial projections and supporting information. An approval-ready business case goes further. It presents a clear and defensible recommendation, supported by credible evidence, and gives decision-makers confidence that the preferred option is valuable, affordable, achievable and appropriately managed.

Approval readiness does not mean that approval is guaranteed. It means that the business case gives an executive, CFO, board, investment committee or funding body the information and confidence needed to make a well-informed decision.

What Decision-Makers Need to See

Decision-makers rarely assess a business case by reading every page in sequence. They test the strength of its underlying logic and look for clear answers to several fundamental questions:
  • What decision are we being asked to make?
  • Why is the investment needed now?
  • How does it support the organisation’s strategic objectives?
  • What credible alternatives have been considered?
  • Why is the recommended option preferable?
  • What benefits will the investment deliver, and how will they be measured?
  • Are the costs, financial projections and assumptions defensible?
  • What are the principal risks, uncertainties and sensitivities?
  • Can the organisation realistically implement the recommendation?
  • What will happen if the organisation decides not to proceed?

If these questions are not answered clearly, the business case may be delayed, challenged or returned for further analysis—even when the underlying opportunity is worthwhile.

Creating a Practical Pathway to Approval

The Five-Step Business Case Framework helps build approval readiness progressively.

Step 1 establishes the opportunity, strategic logic and decision required. Step 2 ensures that credible alternatives are considered. Step 3 provides the evidence needed to select and justify the preferred option. Step 4 demonstrates that the recommendation can be implemented successfully. Step 5 brings the analysis together into a structured recommendation and pathway to approval.

This process allows potential gaps to be identified before the business case reaches decision-makers. It also helps the project sponsor, business-case team and key stakeholders agree on what still needs to be developed, tested or validated.

An approval-ready business case is therefore more than a completed document. It is a credible decision package that clearly explains the opportunity, compares the available choices, demonstrates the value and deliverability of the preferred option and enables decision-makers to act with confidence.

Is Your Business Case Approval-Ready?

Use the Approval-Ready Toolkit to assess your strategic logic, options, benefits, financial analysis, risks, implementation planning and recommendation before submitting your case for decision-maker review.

Explore the Approval-Ready Toolkit

Prefer guided support? Explore the Approval-Ready Business Case Masterclass.

Successful Business Case Examples

Chase Consulting's Business Case Examples 

Chase Consulting has been developing business cases for over twenty years. A common characteristic of our successful business cases is that we followed the Five-Steps Business Case Framework for developing business cases and used a comprehensive set of business case templates. This approach ensured we created high-quality business cases, saving us time and increasing productivity.

A robust business case is at the heart of all new initiatives and significant business decisions.

Here are six successful business case examples:
  1. Improving the customer experience (CX)
  2. Business expansion to enable revenue growth
  3. Accelerated investment to enter new markets - Government grant business case
  4. Equity investment to scale up the business
  5. Customer service improvement
  6. Service planning to meet population growth
Examples of Successful Business Cases Examples of Successful Business Cases

 Business Case Success Factors

These six business case examples were successful because we clearly articulated the following:

The Recommendations and the Investment Decision.
  • We framed the recommendations for the decision-makers in a way that clearly communicates the value of getting the approval to proceed.

The Strategic, Financial and Societal Benefits.
  • We used an evidence-based approach to recommend the preferred option.
  • We focused on business benefits realization.

The Options Analysis and Scenario Analysis.
  • We strategically evaluated the shortlisted options.

The Project Financials.
  • We strengthen these business cases by including solid financial analysis, such as Net Present Value, Rate of Return, Profit to Investment Ratio and Discounted Pay-Back Period.

Deliverability and the Implementation Plan.
  • We developed a feasible project plan, planning each milestone and addressing the implementation risks.

The Risks.
  • We identified, analyzed and evaluated the major risks, recommending mitigating actions to increase the project’s overall success.
For a deeper exploration of business case examples, visit our comprehensive Business Case Examples article showcasing over 20 Diverse Business Case Examples. Here, you'll find detailed examples that provide insights into various business cases' strategic applications and benefits, from new product launches to complex infrastructure projects.

Using AI to Accelerate Business Case Development

Introducing My Business Case Hub®: AI Tools to Increase Your Capacity and Productivity

A strong business case is the cornerstone of every successful strategy. With My Business Case Hub’s AI-powered tools, you can generate a fully customized business case draft in just 5 minutes.

  • Over 30 Customized Business Case Types:
    Whether you’re planning market expansion, operations improvements, enterprise-level transformations, or seeking government grants, our extensive library has you covered.

  • Aligned with the Five-Step Business Case Framework:
    Our AI Tools are precisely aligned with the Five-Steps Business Case Framework, guiding you step-by-step to develop a solid, compelling business case.

  • Save Time and Effort:
    Say goodbye to hours or even days of manual work. With just a few clicks, receive a perfectly outlined business case draft—ready for review and stakeholder approval.

Learn More

Get the Free Business Case Guide

5 Steps to Develop a Solid Business Case Guide

Our Five-Step Business Case Guide helps you write a robust business case that helps you obtain the approvals, resources and funding required, develop the implementation strategy to implement the project and deliver the long-term value successfully.
Download Our Free Guide

 Strengthen Your Business Case Before You Submit It 

A well-structured document is important, but a template alone cannot determine whether your business case is ready for executive, CFO or board consideration.

The Approval-Ready Toolkit helps you assess and strengthen the strategic logic, options, benefits, financial analysis, risks, implementation planning and recommendation before submitting your case for decision-maker review.

Use the practical checklists and guidance to identify what is already strong, uncover critical gaps and prioritise the work still required to move your business case towards approval readiness.
Approval-Ready Business Case Toolkit
The Toolkit brings together the core resources you need to clarify the opportunity, develop credible options, plan the analysis, write the formal document and test whether the case is ready for executive, CFO or board review.

Explore Toolkit

Business Case Templates
Using a set of proven business case templates, how-to guides and sample business cases will increase your productivity, save time, and improve the quality of your business case.

Here's how - download proven, customizable business case templates.

Explore Templates

Approval-Ready Masterclass
Build a Clear Path to an Approval-Ready Business Case.

In the live workshops, assess what is already strong, uncover the critical gaps and create a ​​​​​​practical action plan for moving your business case towards executive, CFO or board consideration.

Explore the Masterclass

Business Case Advice
We help business leaders develop business cases and build their organizational capability.

We bring over 25 years of experience in improving Business Cases.

Connect with Chase to discuss the strategies for your business cases.

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