According to the United States Small Business Administration, while there is no iron-clad format for writing a successful business plan, writers must include some key elements for a plan to succeed.
The body can be divided into four distinct sections:
1) Description of the business - What goods and/or services will you provide?
2) Marketing - How will you let consumers know who you are and what you offer?
3) Finances - What are your funding requirements, and what is the expected
return on investment (ROI).
4) Management - How will you guide your vision through to fruition?
Elements of a Business Plan
1. Cover sheet
2. Statement of purpose
3. Table of contents
I. The Business
A. Description of business
B. Marketing
C. Competition
D. Operating procedures
E. Personnel
F. Business insurance
II. Financial Data
A. Loan applications
B. Capital equipment and supply list
C. Balance sheet
D. Breakeven analysis
E. Pro-forma income projections (profit & loss statements)
Three-year summary
Detail by month, first year
Detail by quarters, second and third years
Assumptions upon which projections were based
F. Pro-forma cash flow
III. Supporting Documents
Tax returns of principals for last three years Personal financial
statement (all banks have these forms)
For franchised businesses, a copy of franchise contract and all supporting documents provided by the franchisor
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.
At CREATIVE SYNERGY...a literary nexus, we understand that it is a personal touch that will set your document apart from all the others, and win the funding you need and deserve. We offer business plan writers and editorial services. Only sample business plans from previously successful clients should be considered. The bottom line is that we won't consider the job done until we have worked with you to produce a document that stands out, effectively meets your literary goals, and makes you proud of your business.
Faculty at U. Washington Vandra L. Huber
An easy-to-use yet detailed website that discusses many of the factors and problems anyone who is considering writing a business plan must address.
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