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Although most people know that it is wise to have a well calculated Business Plan before starting a
company, many people do not know how to properly prepare one. The following guidelines will
help you construct an effective Business Plan.
Contents
What is a Business Plan? ................................................................................................................................... 2
Who will read the Plan? .................................................................................................................................... 2
What kind of Business Plan format is best? ................................................................................................... 2
General Outline for A Comprehensive Business Plan ................................................................................. 3
Cover Page ..................................................................................................................................................... 3
Table of Contents .......................................................................................................................................... 3
1.0 Executive Summary ...................................................................................................................... 3
2.0 Company Profile (Two Sections) ................................................................................................ 3
3.0 Market Analysis & Strategy .......................................................................................................... 4
4.0 Management Analysis ................................................................................................................... 4
5.0 Operations...................................................................................................................................... 4
6.0 Financial Projections..................................................................................................................... 4
7.0 Legal Issues .................................................................................................................................... 5
What is a Business Plan?
A Business Plan is a ‘plan of action’, which outlines your business goals and how you are going to
achieve them. Preparing a Business Plan is a critical part of ensuring your success. A Business Plan
forces you to think through major management decisions dealing with all aspects of a business
venture, including:
Business Plans are especially important for new companies starting up. However, existing
entrepreneurs are smart to look at their business(es) every few years and write a Business Plan to
make sure they’re still on track.
1. You – It’s important that you truly believe that this business venture will work. The Business
Plan gives you an objective view of your business idea and will clearly indicate whether it will
work.
2. Possible Partners – To sell your idea to others, you need to have all questions answered in
advance.
3. Investors – Anyone considering investing in your business will insist on a comprehensive
Business Plan.
Table of Contents
5.0 Operations
5.1 Detail how your company operates –
Retailer/Wholesaler, Service Business, or Manufacturer