Writing a Good Business Plan

[Ibrym]

Every business idea, no matter how small, requires a good business plan. As they say "if you fail to plan, you plan to fail". Below, I have outline the key features that must not go missing in any good business plan.

• Executive Summary
  1. Problem Summary
  2. Solution Summary
  3. Market Summary
  4. Competition
  5. Overview
  6. Why Us?

• Expectations
  1. Forecast
  2. Financial Highlights by Year [chart]
  3. Financing Needed

• Opportunity
  1. Problem & Solution
  2. Problem Worth Solving
  3. Your Solution
  4. Target Market

• Competition
  • Current Alternatives
  • Their weaknesses
  • Your strength

• Execution
  • Marketing & Sales
  • Marketing Plan
  • Sales Plan

• Operations
  • Locations & Facilities
  • Technology
  • Equipment & Tools

• Company
  • Overview
  • Team
    • Management Team
    • Advisors

• Financial Plan
  • Forecast
  • Key Assumptions
  • Revenue by Month [chart]
  • Expenses by Month [chart]
  • Net Profit (or Loss) by Year [chart]

• Financing
  • Use of Funds
  • Sources of Funds

Appendix

1. Monthly Financial Forecasts
2. Additional Documentation