SBA's Business Plan Outline
A business plan is an essential first step in starting your own business. Not
only will most lenders/investors require it, but a business plan is an invaluable
tool to help you evaluate whether your idea has commercial merit and to help you
in organizing what will be a very complicated process.if the sales process is extensive.
The financial condition of the buyer should also figure heavily when determining
the appropriate payment terms.
Below is a sample outline for a business plan prepared by the Small Business Association..
Use this model as a guide when developing the business plan for your franchise or
business. Above you will find a link to the SBA home page where you can download
free programs to help you prepare a comprehensive business plan.
Sample Outline For A Business Plan
Elements of a Business Plan:
- Cover sheet
- Statement of purpose
- Table of contents
The Business:
- Description of business
- Marketing
- Competition
- Operating procedures
- Personnel
- Business insurance
- Financial data
Financial Data:
- Loan applications
- Capital equipment and supply list
- Balance sheet
- Break-even analysis
-
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
- Pro-forma cash flow (follow same guidelines as for letter E)
Supporting Documents:
- Tax returns of principals for last three years
- Personal financial statement (all banks have these forms)
- Copy of franchise contract and all supporting documents provided by the franchisor
- Copy of proposed lease of 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, vendors, etc.
For more information about starting your own business and other SBA programs and
financing opportunities, visit the SBA's home page at www.sba.gov.