How to Write a Business Plan

Table of Contents

Companion.................................................................................................................. 1
1 Benefits of Writing a Business Plan.................................................................................. 5
What Is a Business Plan?................................................................................................................... 6
Why Write a Business Plan?............................................................................................................ 6
Issues Beyond the Plan...................................................................................................................... 8
2 Do You Really Want to Own a Business?..................................................................11
Introduction..........................................................................................................................................12
Self-Evaluation Exercises.................................................................................................................13
How to Use the Self-Evaluation Lists.......................................................................................17
Reality Check: Banker’s Analysis.................................................................................................17
3 Choosing the Right Business..................................................................................................21
Introduction..........................................................................................................................................22
Know Your Business..........................................................................................................................22
Be Sure You Like Your Business..................................................................................................24
Describe Your Business...................................................................................................................24
Taste, Trends, and Technology: How Will the Future Affect Your Business?........30
Break-Even Analysis: Will Your Business Make Money?................................................34
What You Have Accomplished...................................................................................................47
4 Potential Sources of Money to Start or
Expand Your Small Business...................................................................................................49
Introduction..........................................................................................................................................51
Ways to Raise Money.......................................................................................................................51
Common Money Sources to Start or Expand a Business.............................................59
Additional Money Sources for an Existing Business.......................................................68
If No One Will Finance Your Business, Try Again .............................................................70
Secondary Sources of Financing for Start-Ups or Expansions...................................72
Conclusion.............................................................................................................................................75
5 Your Resume and Financial Statement......................................................................77
Introduction
Draft Your Business Accomplishment Resume
Draft Your Personal Financial Statement
6 Your Profit and Loss Forecast
Introduction
What Is a Profit and Loss Forecast?
Determine Your Average Cost of Sales
Complete Your Profit and Loss Forecast
Review Your Profit and Loss Forecast
7 Your Cash Flow Forecast and Capital Spending Plan
Introduction
Prepare Your Capital Spending Plan