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