How to Write Good Business Plans - Gaebler Ventures - Business Incubator - Holding Company - Venture Capital

Your business plan is your roadmap for building your business and it's the admission ticket for the investment process. In order for you to succeed, your business plan has to be as good as it can possibly be.
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What goes in a business plan? The body can be divided into four distinct sections:

1) Description of the business
2) Marketing
3) Finances
4) Management

Addenda should include an executive summary, supporting documents, and financial projections.
Although there is no single formula for developing a business plan, some elements are common to all business plans. They are summarized in the following outline:

Elements of a Business Plan
               
1. Cover sheet 
2. Statement of purpose 
3. Table of contents 
                I. The Business 
               A. Description of business 
               B. Marketing 
               C. Competition 
               D. Operating procedures 
               E. Personnel 
               F. Business insurance

               II. Financial Data 
               A. Loan applications 
               B. Capital equipment and supply list 
               C. Balance sheet 
               D. Breakeven analysis 
               E. Pro-forma income projections (profit & loss statements) 
               Three-year summary 
               Detail by month, first year 
               Detail by quarters, second and third years 
               Assumptions upon which projections were based 
               F. Pro-forma cash flow

          III. Supporting Documents 
               Tax returns of principals for last three years Personal financial
               statement (all banks have these forms) 
               For franchised businesses, a copy of franchise contract and all  
               supporting documents provided by the franchisor 
               Copy of proposed lease or purchase agreement for building space                
               Copy of licenses and other legal documents 
               Copy of resumes of all principals 
               Copies of letters of intent from suppliers, etc.

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