Writing a Business Plan Outline
Writing a business plan can be divided into four distinct sections: 1) Description of the business 2) Marketing 3) Finances 4) Management
Agenda should include an executive summary, supporting documents, and financial projections. Although there is no single formula for developing a plan, some elements are common to all of them. They are summarized in the following outline : Elements 1. Cover sheet 2. Statement of purpose 3. Table of contents I. The Business A. Description of business B. Marketing C. Competition D. Operating procedures E. Personnel F. Business insuranceII. Financial Data A. Loan applications B. Capital equipment and supply list C. Balance sheet D. Breakeven analysis E. Pro-forma income projections (profit & loss statements) F. Three-year summary G. Detail by month, first year H. Detail by quarters, second and third years I. Assumptions upon which projections were based J. Pro-forma cash flowIII. Supporting Documents A. Tax returns of principals for last three years Personal financial statement (all banks have these forms) B. For franchised businesses, a copy of franchise contract and all supporting documents provided by the franchisor C. Copy of proposed lease or purchase agreement for building space D. Copy of licenses and other legal documents E. Copy of resumes of all principals F. Copies of letters of intent from suppliers, etc. Back to Top

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