Getting Started

Understanding what a business plan is and the type of business plan you need is the first step in gathering the support tools you will need to start up successfully. Simply put, a business plan is written document broken down into sections along with financial data that explain how you will operate your business to make a profit and maximize growth.

The main sections of a business plan normally include:

1. Table of Contents (for easily locating and identifying the sections of your plan)

2. Executive Summary - The Executive Summary gives a brief overview of your entire plan. It is suggested that you write this last, because most of the information you need will come from the core components of your plan. It should include brief statements on the following:

   1. Mission Statement – in a simple and focused manner your mission statement should tell the purpose of the business and the key benefit the customer receives as a result of the company’s services and/or products.

   2. Date company started or will start

   3. Location description (also include other locations if it applies)

   4. Name, short bio and role of owners and key management

   5. Provide banking information or information about investors (if applicable)

   6. Brief description of services and/or products

   7. Highlights of company accomplishments including financial growth. If just starting, explain the industry and goals or milestones you would like to achieve within the first year.

1. Market Analysis – this section should provide information about your business’ industry, as well as point out the need for your service and/or product based on your research. Topics to address should include:

   1. Industry overview

   2. Target Market

      1. Target customer (include age and other important statistics)

      2. Amount of services and/or products they purchase yearly

      3. Region or areas they reside in

      4. How your company will gain a percentage of your target market

      5. Needs that aren’t being met by competitors

      6. Trends or changes in your target market