What Is Contained in a Business Plan?

Your business plan represents you as well as your business. Make it honest, realistic and professional.

A well-researched, written and organized business plan is crucial to the successful start-up or expansion of a company. Always provide accurate information and back it up with supporting data.

Executive Summary

The executive summary is a concise overview of the history of the company and the plan for the future.

Market Analysis

Back up your analysis of the market with hard, cold facts and actual data.

Provide the highlights and conclusions drawn about the demand for the product or service, as well as marketing research data collected.

Company Description

Describe the company in general terms, defining the nature of the business and why you believe it can be successful.

Organization and Management

Include the management structure of the company and include the resumes or profiles of the management team.

Marketing Plan

Describe how the business will create customers. Include management of projected growth, expansion models, a strategy for communicating with customers and a sales strategy.

Financials

Established businesses must provide three to five years of financial history. This includes financial statements, cash flow reports, budget-to-actual analysis and a list of the company's collateral. Both start-up companies and established businesses must provide prospective financial data for the upcoming five years.

References

• Small Business Administration: Write a Business Plan