Before you create your own business plan, it may help to learn a little more about the elements of a business plan and what goes into creating a proper one. This will help you not only if you are seeking funds to help your business but also just for your own records and your own goal-setting.
So exactly what are the elements of a great business plan? The body of your business plan will most likely be separated into four different sections. You will need to have a description of the business, a section on marketing, a section on finances and a section on management.
In addition to these four sections, you will need to have an executive summary, supporting documents for your research and facts as well as financial projections. A financial forecast shows you have researched the market properly and that you have a true set plan for generating income in the future.
There is no set rule or guideline for creating a business plan that works but there are some elements that are common in every successful plan so you will want to try to include them in yours as well. Looking over samples of business plans from successful and established companies is also a great way to plan your own. This allows you to see samples of the needed elements that make up a successful plan.
The first thing you need is a cover sheet. It may include the name of your business or company, your address or other business details and a table of contents for the business plan. Next, you are going to want to have a statement of purpose. This will include the purpose of your business plan as well as the purpose of your business or company.
Next, you are going to include information about your business. You will describe the business and include information on marketing, the competition, operating procedures, personnel and business insurance. Next, you will include the financial data section. Here you will place loan applications if they are needed and pertain to you, capital equipment and a supply list, a balance sheet, breakeven analysis, profit and loss statements and more.
Lastly, you are going to want to include any supporting documents such as tax returns of principals for last three years, copy of proposed lease or purchase agreement for building space, copy of licenses and other legal documents, copy of resumes of all principles, etc.