becky0404 Posted April 4, 2007 Share Posted April 4, 2007 How do I do one? Do I need to buy some sort of software to make it easier? I've never even seen a business plan written up so I have no idea what's even in them, etc. I know I need one to start on the right track though . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lorrie Posted April 4, 2007 Share Posted April 4, 2007 I know that there was some great websites posted to help write a business plan. Do a search on the forum. Using business plan as your key word. If I find the post I will post the links for you:)Also call your local SBA they might be able to help you with this too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lorrie Posted April 4, 2007 Share Posted April 4, 2007 here's some that I found I don't know if they will help or not.http://www.candletech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24451&highlight=business+plans Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TartAddict Posted April 4, 2007 Share Posted April 4, 2007 This is a good site to get a little help:http://www.cbsc.org/ibp/en/index.cfmIt's in Canada, but it'll help give you an idea of what's needed. Check out the Small Business Association sites too, they have suggestions on Business Plans also.HTH.D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
becky0404 Posted April 4, 2007 Author Share Posted April 4, 2007 Thank you very much! It is a great help . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katinka Posted April 4, 2007 Share Posted April 4, 2007 Also have a look at www.entrepreneur.com. Lots and lots of useful business info on their, including sales and marketing advice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IndyGirl Posted April 4, 2007 Share Posted April 4, 2007 I just got this in an email from Debbie May at WSP:What is a Business Plan?A business plan is a formal statement of a set of business goals. The plan may contain background information about the company. Think of your business plan as a decision making tool. It will help you concentrate on multiple areas of the business while staying focused on its main goal. A business plan often includes how will you pay your bills, handle employees, order products, fill orders, market your products and protect your designs.When is a Business Plan used?All businesses should have a business plan. Good and bad opportunities come up everyday. A business plan will help you stay focused and make good decisions about these opportunities. A business plan is always necessary when going to the bank for a loan or when seeking investors. A bank will want to be convinced you can repay a loan. An investor will be interested in what will be done with the initial investment, upcoming growth opportunities and exit plan.Keys to a Good Business Plan.A business plan should be simple, specific, realistic and complete. It will have a plan, actions, responsibilities, deadlines, measured results and follow up. Most of all, a business plan should be practical.Questions to Answer Before Writing a Plan.Describe your business, in 25 words or less.What is your reason in starting this business?What trend is your company going use?Why will you be successful?Describe your company mission, in 10 words or less.How do you know you will be meeting what your customers needs?Where will your first 10 customers come from and how much will they be willing to pay?Why should a customer seek your company instead of another?How much will it take to fund your company for the first year?What will tell you that your business is serious trouble?What is the biggest drawback/limitation/flaw to your business idea?How are you going to handle the money and accounting?What is your gross profit margin? (selling product price vs. cost of product materials)What is your net profit margin? (gross profit margin minus business expenses such as payroll, rent, utilities, etc.)How will you handle growth and overwhelming success?Resources in Helping you Write a Business Plan.Book: Entrepreneur's Notebook - Practical Advice for Starting a New Business VentureBook: Business Plan Kit for DummiesSoftware: Business Plan Pro 2007 Software: Marketing Plan Pro 9.0Government Resources: SBA - Small Business Administration Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michi Posted April 4, 2007 Share Posted April 4, 2007 How wierd!edited b/c I posted the exact same thing as Indygirl! LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IndyGirl Posted April 4, 2007 Share Posted April 4, 2007 LOL!!!!! Great minds think alike!!!!!!:highfive: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tamsoycandles Posted April 5, 2007 Share Posted April 5, 2007 LOL!!!!! Great minds think alike!!!!!!:highfive:Nah, great minds are on the same mailing lists Tony Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sherl Posted April 6, 2007 Share Posted April 6, 2007 The SBA has some tempates you can download to get you started. The local library should also be a good source for how to books. Do not think you need to invest in software. Lots of good, free info out there. Hardest parts is just doing it. I'm in the middle of one now. Forcasting is the hardest part.. but searching online should get you some stats to base your predictions on. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LaVida Posted February 18, 2009 Share Posted February 18, 2009 I found this on SBA.http://www.sba.gov/smallbusinessplanner/plan/writeabusinessplan/SERV_WRRITINGBUSPLAN.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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