Guide for Writing a Business Plan

Guide For Writing a Business Plan
What goes into a business plan?
There is no single formula for developing a business plan, but some elements are consistent throughout all business plans. Your plan should include an executive summary, a description of the business, a plan for how you will market and manage your business, financial projections and the appropriate supporting documents.
To help you get started in writing your business plan, we have summarized the essential elements in the following outline.
Elements of a Business PlanCover sheet

Executive summary (statement of the business purpose)

Table of contents

Body of the document

Business

Description of business

Marketing

Competition

Operating procedures

Personnel

Business insurance

Financial data

Loan applications

Capital equipment and supply list

Balance sheet

Breakeven analysis

Profit and loss statements

Three-year summary

Detail by month, first year

Detail by quarters, second and third year

Assumptions upon which projections were based

Pro-forma cash flow

Supporting documents

Tax returns of principals (partners in the business) for last three years, personal financial statements (all banks have these forms)

Copy of franchise contract and all supporting documents provided by the franchisor (for franchise businesses)

Copy of proposed lease or purchase agreement for building space

Copy of licenses and other legal documents

Copy of resumes of all principals

Copies of letters of intent from suppliers, etc.

Related Articles:
Finding a Niche: Make Your Business Plan Stand Out
Additional Resources
Market Analysis
Related FAQs:
What is a business plan and why do I need one?
Why do I need to define my business in detail?
How do I write a business plan?