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Sample
Business Plan
Your
business plan should outline the goals of your business and specify
how you plan to achieve those goals. Always review your plan with
a trusted associate, before you approach prospective lenders. Once
you feel comfortable with its content, make an appointment to review
the plan with your lender.
The
following outline is intended to guide you through the business
planning process. Broken down into six areas, the outline
sets forth the information you’ll need to include in your
business plan. Keep in mind that business plans are flexible
documents that change as your business grows.
I.
TITLE PAGE
- Your
Company’s Name, Address, Phone, Fax and E-mail
- Contact
Name
II.
INTRODUCTION
- Your
objective (typically to secure funding to start the
business).
- A
description of your business.
- Your
background, including all relevant skills and experience.
- Specifics
on the products and services you will provide.
III.
MARKETING
- Your
products or services.
- The
estimated customer demand.
- Your
market, including size and locations.
- Your
advertising and marketing strategy.
- Your
pricing strategy.
IV.
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
- The
source and amount of initial equity capital.
- Your
operating budget for the first year, broken down monthly.
- The
expected return on your investment (often known as ROI).
- Your
estimated cash flow for the first year, broken down
monthly.
- Projected
income statements and balance sheets for your first
two years.
- Your
break-even point.
- Your
method of personal compensation.
- Your
accounting methods and a description of who will keep
the books and any relevant experience.
- “What
if” scenarios that outline alternative approaches to
unforeseen problems.
V.
OPERATIONS
- Description
of your day-to-day management strategy.
- Discussion
of your hiring and personnel procedures.
- Description
of insurance, lease or rent agreements, and other related
issues.
- Outline
your equipment needs.
- Description
of procedures for production and delivery of your products
or services.
VI.
CONCLUSION
- Review
of your objective, specifying the amount of funds you
need.
- Review
of the mission of your business.
- Final
expression of your commitment.
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