Your Business Plan
What Goes Into A Business Plan?
The body can be divided into four distinct sections:
1) Description of the business
2) Marketing
3) Finances
4) Management Addenda should include an executive summary, supporting documents, and financial projections.
Elements of A Business Plan
Although there is no single formula for developing a business plan, some elements are common to all business plans. They are summarized in the following outline:
1. Cover Sheet
2. Statement of Purpose
3. Table of Contents
a. The Business
i. Description of Business
ii. Marketing
iii. Competition
iv. Operating Procedures
v. Personnel
vi. Business Insurance
b. Financial Data
i. Loan Applications
ii. Capital Equipment and Supply List
iii. Balance Sheet
iv. Breakeven Analysis
v. Pro-Forma Income Projections (Profit & Loss Statements)
1. Three-year summary
2. Detail by Month
3. First Year Detail by Quarters
4. Second & Third years
5. Assumptions upon which projections were based
vi. Pro-Forma cash flow
c. Supporting Documents
i. Tax Returns of principals for last three years
ii. Personal Financial Statement (all banks have these forms)
iii. For Franchised businesses, a copy of franchise contract and all supporting documents provided by the franchisor
iv. Copy of proposed lease or purchase agreement for building space
v. Copy or proposed lease or purchase agreement for building space
vi. Copy of Licenses and other legal documents
vii. Copy of Resumes of all Principals
viii. Copies of Letters of Intent from suppliers, etc.
