Market Analysis Section

An analysis of market shows that you have done your homework. This section is basically a summary of your Marketing Plan. It needs to show demand for your product or service, proposed market, trends within industry, a description of your pricing plan and packaging and a description of your company policies.

Financing Section

The Financing section must show that you are as committed to your business venture as you expect those reading your business plan to be. Show amount of personal funds you are contributing and their source. Also include amount of capital you need and your plan to repay this debt. Include all pertinent financial worksheets in this section: annual income projections, a break-even worksheet, projected cash flow statements and a balance sheet.

Management Section

Outline your organizational structure and management team here. Include legal structure of your business whether it is a partnership, corporation or limited liability corporation. Include resumes and biographies of key players on your management team. Show staffing projection data for next few years.

By now you’re probably thinking that you don’t need Business Plan just yet. Well you do, and there is business plan building software that can help you through this immense project. These software packages are easy to use and affordable. Use one today and produce a professional-quality Business Plan – including all critical components – tomorrow!

- Company and Industry Give full background information on origins and structure of your venture and characteristics of its industry

- Products or Services Give a complete but concise description of your product or service, focusing on its unique attributes. Explain how customers will benefit from using your product or service, instead of those of your competitors.

- Market and Competition Provide data that will persuade investor that you understand your target market and can achieve your sales goals. Be sure to identify strengths and weaknesses of your competitors.

- Management Summarize background and qualifications of principle, directors, and key management personnel in your company. Include resumes in appendix.

- Marketing Strategy Provide projections of sales and marketing share and outline a strategy for identifying and contacting customers, setting prices, providing customer services, advertising, and so forth. Whenever possible, include evidence of customer acceptance, such as advance product orders.

- Design and Development Plans If your product requires design or development, describe nature and extent of what needs to be done, including costs and possible problems.

- Operations Plan Provide information on facilities, equipment and labor needed.

- Overall Schedule Forecast development of company in terms of completion dates for major aspects of business plan.

- Critical Risks and Problems Identify all negative factors and discuss them honestly.

- Financial Projections and Requirements Include a detailed budget of start-up and operating costs, as well as projections for income, expenses, and cash flow for first 3 years of business. Identify company’s financial needs and potential sources.

- Exit Strategy Explain how investors will be able to cash out or sell their investment, such as through a public stock offering, sale of company, or a buyback of investor’s interest. When covering these points, keep in mind that your audience wants short, concise information – not lengthy volumes – and realistic projections for growth.

For more information on starting a business and writing up a business plan, check out Small Business Administration Website at http://sba.gov

Keep in mind that sometimes greatest service a business plan can provide an entrepreneur is realization that concept just won’t work. Discovering this on paper can save you tons of time and money.