Small Business Assistance Center Network

Business Plan Outline

Try to make your business plan as complete and concise as possible. It should be approximately 40 to 50 pages plus appendices. A good rule of thumb on what to include would be: If it will affect the organization or performance or your business, include it.

COVER
  • Company Name.
  • Date the plan was prepared.
TITLE PAGE
  • Company Name, address & telephone number.
  • President's / Owner's name.
SUMMARY
  • One or two page summary of the entire plan.
COMPANY DESCRIPTION
  • History of Company.
  • Current Status.
  • Objectives.
PRODUCT/SERVICE
  • Descriptions.
  • Comparisons.
  • Application.
  • Value to User.
  • Property Status.
  • Overview of entire industry and industry trends.
OPERATIONS
  • Facilities & fixed assets.
  • Scheduling and purchasing strategies.
  • Labor force.
  • Research & development.
   OWNERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT
  • Form of ownership.
  • Operational flow chart.
  • Personnel.
MARKET
  • Competition.
  • Overview of market and market forecasts.
  • Marketing strategy & schedule.
  • Sales strategy, pricing & customers.
  • Distribution.
FINANCIAL PLAN
  • Current financial statements.
  • Capital required.
  • Intended use of capital.
  • Terms of financial proposal.
APPENDICES
  • Photo or sketches of product or service.
  • Published material about the industry.
  • Market studies.
  • Samples of advertising & promotions.
  • Statements of intent.
  • Contracts from customers.
  • Distribution plan.
  • Manufacturing flow chart (if applicable).
  • Management flow chart.
  • Documentation of proprietary status.
  • Resumes & reference of management and principals.
  • Current financial statements and copies of the past three (3) years tax returns of the principals.


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Small Business Assistance Center • 116 Saint Andrews Drive, Avondale, PA 19311