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Business Plan Outline
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| INTRODUCTION |
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Give a detailed description of the business and its goals, |
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Discuss the ownership of the business and the legal structure. |
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List the skills and experience you bring to the business. |
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Discuss the advantages you and your business have over your competitors. |
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| MARKETING |
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Discuss the products/services offered. |
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Identify the customer demand for your product/service. |
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Identify your market, its size and locations. |
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Explain how your product/service will be advertised and marketed. |
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Explain the pricing strategy. |
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| FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT |
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Explain your source and the amount of initial equity capital. |
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Develop a monthly operating budget for the first year. |
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Develop an expected return on investment, or ROI, and monthly cash flow for the
first year. |
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Provide projected income statements and balance sheets for a two-year period. |
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Discuss your break-even point. |
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Explain your personal balance sheet and method of compensation. |
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Discuss who will maintain your accounting records and how they will be kept. |
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Provide "what if" statements that address alternative approaches to any problem
that may develop. |
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| OPERATIONS |
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Explain how the business will be managed on a day-to-day basis. |
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Discuss hiring and personnel procedures. |
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Discuss insurance, lease or rent agreements, and issues pertinent to your business. |
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Account for the equipment necessary to produce your products or services. |
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Account for production and delivery of products and services. |
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| CONCLUDING STATEMENT |
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Summarize your business goals and objectives and express your commitment to the
success of your business. |
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Once you have completed your business plan, review it with a friend or business
associate. |
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When you feel comfortable with the content and structure, make an appointment to
review and discuss it with your banker. The business plan is a flexible document that
should change as your business grows. |
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