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Home > Getting Started > Business Plans > Business Plan Outline
The Business Plan Outline
A business plan is a well-thought-out evaluation or analysis of your business venture, covering every conceivable facet and perspective in logical, concise and, where possible, statistically detailed terms. It proves that what you are about to do, have done, or may do, has substance, merit, and a demonstrable probability of success.
The business plan is a functional document which, when properly prepared and followed, is a key element in your management thinking and decision-making processes.
There are a multitude of very important reasons why every business venture must establish and maintain an on-going business planning process. Perhaps the most critical motivating factor is that without one, the chance of acquiring financing from any source at any time is extremely small or non-existent.
Commercial and other sophisticated capital sources (Bank, Venture Capitalist, Angel/Private Investor, Government sources of money) regardless of form (debt, equity, hybrids/combinations of each) will not give serious consideration to funding needs without written and convincing proof.
That proof, in whole or in part, is your business plan.
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The Business Plan Outline
These items are in the order they would appear in a finished business plan. Some sections like the cover page, table of contents, executive summary, etc., should actually be created later in the process. These sections are noted with an asterisk (*).
- Cover Letter* -
If you are sending the business plan to the bank in the mail, include an introductory cover letter.
- Cover Sheet*
- Full formal name of company (Logo if you have one)
- Legal ownership status (Sole Proprietorship, S-corporation, LLC, etc.)
- Full street address (mailing address if different)
- Phone, Fax, e-mail, web site, etc. (home phone number optional)
- Principal contact name and title
- Date and Number of the plan (Copy___ of ___) (optional)
- Table of Contents* - Sections, Titles, and Page Numbers
- Statement of Purpose
- Executive Summary
- Business Description
- Unique Selling Point (USP)
- Competitive Analysis
- Marketing Strategy
- Notes to the Source and Application of Funds Statement
- Source and Application of Funds Statement
- Projected Pro Forma Income Statement (3 years)
- Projected Pro Forma Cash Flow Statement (3 years)
- Pro Forma Balance Sheets (3 years)
- Projected Balance Sheet
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