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?