How to get Sample Business Plans
If you're starting up your own business, everyone recommends that you develop a solid business plan. In fact, lenders generally won't consider a request for a loan until they've looked over your business plan.
But since most businesses keep their plans secret, it's hard to find out what a *real* business plan looks like. Harder still is finding a source of free business plans from real businesses.
Here are some places where you can find no-cost sample business plans from the real-world.
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Instructions
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Check the Business Plan Archive listed in Resources. This business-school-based site is a terrific (if somewhat awkward) source of plans from real businesses, both successes and failures. Their collection includes real-word business plans, as well as actual business presentations (Powerpoints, and the like) that start-ups used to make their sales pitch.
Access to the site is limited to approved users, so follow their registration steps carefully to gain access to a treasure trove of business plans.
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Check other internet sites for free business plans (also listed in Resources).
Bplans.com offers 100 free sample business plans, from Aircraft Equipment Maker to Yoga Center.
A site called eclips, at Cornell University, offers excellent short videos from entrepreneurs on a host of topics. Search the site for 'business plans', and you'll find videos like "Alison Gerlach Shares Thoughts On Strong Business Plans". These are very valuable presentations.
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Check your library. One of the best resources for real-world business plans is the 13-volume (and counting) Business Plans Handbook from Cengage-Gale. Your library may have a print version or, better yet, access to an online subscription.
Each volume in this collection includes about 25 real business plans representing an incredible diversity of online and offline commerce.
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Check other business resources. The Small Business Administration, in particular, has a good deal of advice and help on starting-up a business, including materials on creating a solid business plan.
SBA also links to the SCORE business mentoring program, where experienced (usually retired) business professionals offer free advice on creating your own business plan.
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