Writing The Plan

What goes in a business plan? The body can be divided into four distinct sections:

1) Description of the business
2) Marketing
3) Finances
4) Management

Agenda should include an executive summary, supporting documents, and financial projections. Although there is no single formula for developing a business plan, some elements are common to all business plans. They are summarized in the following outline:

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)
               F. Three-year summary
               G. Detail by month, first year
               H. Detail by quarters, second and third years
                I.  Assumptions upon which projections were based
               J. Pro-forma cash flow

               III. Supporting Documents
               A. Tax returns of principals for last three years Personal financial 
                   statement (all banks have these forms)
               B. For franchised businesses, a copy of franchise contract and all 
                   supporting documents provided by the franchisor
               C. Copy of proposed lease or purchase agreement for building space               
               D. Copy of licenses and other legal documents
               E. Copy of resumes of all principals
               F. Copies of letters of intent from suppliers, etc.

Sample Plans

One of the best ways to learn about writing a business plan is to study the plans of established businesses in your industry.
Review examples of real business plans.

For Additional Information:

See:  
SBA's Startup Guide
Business Plan Workshops