5 Steps to Writing a Business Plan
The process of writing your business plan gives you opportunities to test your ideas on paper.
WRITING A BUSINESS PLAN
To establish a successful business, you need a good plan
Done right, a business plan is a great tool for securing investors, partners and funders.
A good business plan is like a map
As you start a new business, it’s important to set the course that you want the business to take and the destination you’d like to reach. Include these components:
A clear description
Explain your products and services. Provide an accurate picture of your target customers and competitors. Answer these key questions: Why are you starting the business? What will set it apart? What key strengths do you bring to it?
Your financials
Include cash flow projections, with expected revenue and expenses in detail, as well as estimates for startup costs and any necessary large purchases.
Your path to success
Show your expected growth and how you plan to get there. Detail your goals and opportunities, but also explain the obstacles in your way and your plan to overcome them.
Explore More
DEEP DIVE
Presenting Your Business Plan
DEEP DIVE
Business Plan Executive Summary
DEEP DIVE
Business Plan Market Analysis
DEEP DIVE
Business Plan Mission Statement
DEEP DIVE
Business Plan Company Description
DEEP DIVE
Business Plan SWOT Analysis
DEEP DIVE
Business Plan Organization and Management
DEEP DIVE
Business Plan Products and Services
DEEP DIVE
Business Plan Proposal for Funding
DEEP DIVE
Business Plan Marketing and Sales Strategy
DEEP DIVE
Business Plan Workforce and Support Personnel
DEEP DIVE
Business Plan Financial Projections
Resources & Insights
Why Your Business Needs a Solid Business Plan
Creating a business plan allows you to map out the main elements of your company so you and others can get a clear picture of how it will operate. Essentially, you can “try out” different outcomes and understand the implications before you spend a dime on launching your business.
Resources & Insights
Building Your Partnership Agreement Checklist
Like any good relationship, the best business alliances provide for communication, expectation, and conflict resolution.
Resources & Insights
What Are the Building Blocks of an Ongoing Business Strategy?
Your business plan put your dream in motion. Now it’s time to consider a strategic plan that will keep that dream moving well into the future.
Top questions, answered by our experts.
Why is a business plan important?
Learn about the components of a business plan and how to create one that communicates your business’ financial future and health. Learn about the components of a business plan and how to create one that communicates your business’ financial future and health. Learn about the components of a business plan and how to create one that communicates your business’ financial future and health.
If you’re writing a business plan, learn more about:
How long should a business plan be?
Learn about the components of a business plan and how to create one that communicates your business’ financial future and health. Learn about the components of a business plan and how to create one that communicates your business’ financial future and health. Learn about the components of a business plan and how to create one that communicates your business’ financial future and health.
If you’re writing a business plan, learn more about:
Do you write a business plan in first person?
Learn about the components of a business plan and how to create one that communicates your business’ financial future and health. Learn about the components of a business plan and how to create one that communicates your business’ financial future and health. Learn about the components of a business plan and how to create one that communicates your business’ financial future and health.
If you’re writing a business plan, learn more about:
What is the appendix of a business plan?
Learn about the components of a business plan and how to create one that communicates your business’ financial future and health. Learn about the components of a business plan and how to create one that communicates your business’ financial future and health. Learn about the components of a business plan and how to create one that communicates your business’ financial future and health.
If you’re writing a business plan, learn more about:
Learning Modules
BANKING FOR ENTREPRENEURS
Developing a Business Plan
Learn about the components of a business plan and how to create one that communicates your business’ financial future and health.
BANKING FOR ENTREPRENEURS
Small Business Financial Statements
Learn about the three most important financial statements: balance sheets, profit and loss statements, and cash flow reports.
BANKING FOR ENTREPRENEURS
Financial Wellbeing for Entrepreneurs
Learn more about the financial basics of entrepreneurship.
BUSINESS EDUCATION PORTAL