Business Plan Guide  

While business plans serve somewhat as a guide, more importantly they serve as an understanding of what running the business will be like. In other words, business plans tell you what is the most important thing to watch and spend time on.
- Chris Gibbons, Littleton, CO

Business plans have two basic functions:  
1. They are essential for obtaining a loan from a bank or an investment.
2. Business plans are also your first dry run at starting up a business before you put substantial money into it.
Elements of a Business Plan            

1.    Cover sheet
2.    Statement of purpose
3.    Table of contents                                                                                                                                                          4.    Body 

                I. The Business
               A. Description of business
               B. Marketing
               C. Competition
               D. Operating procedures
               E. Personnel
               F. Business insurance

               II. 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)
                     1. Three-year summary
                     2. Detail by month, first year
                     3. Detail by quarters, second and third years
                     4. Assumptions upon which projections were based
                     5. Pro-forma cash flow

               III. 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.

Adapted from www.sba.gov

   

For more information on starting your business contact your local Chamber or send an email to hharper@seedscenterofsga.com.

 
     

 

 
 
 
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