Published May. 8, 2011
All entrepreneurs should write a business plan, but if you are trying to raise investment
capital, a written plan that conveys your vision to potential investors is a must.
The truth is that many successful businesses were started without business plans. While that may be fine for the likes of a few people, it’s generally not a good idea. If you're going to start a business, the smartest approach is to write a business plan.
The Business Plan
A business plan provides you with a comprehensive, detailed overview of all the aspects of your business. This overview is the skeleton of your business—the underlying structure that provides the basis of your entire operation. Prepared in advance, a business plan allows you to review the pros and cons of your proposed business before you make a financial and emotional commitment to it.
There are three reasons to create a written business plan:
Published May. 6, 2011
This spreadsheet walks you through the process of developing an integrated set of financial projections.
This spreadsheet walks you through the process of developing an integrated set of financial projections.
Published May. 6, 2011
The business plan consists of a narrative and several financial worksheets. The narrative template is the body of the business plan. It contains more than 150 questions divided into several sections. Work through the sections in any order that you like, except for the Executive Summary, which should be done last. Skip any questions that do not apply to your type of business. When you are finished writing your first draft, you’ll have a collection of small essays on the various topics of the business plan. Then you’ll want to edit them into a smooth-flowing narrative.
“Ultimate Business Planner” is a Windows based software tool that significantly eases the burden of writing a formal business plan. It guides you through each business-planning step quickly and easily.
Ultimate Business Planner® 5.0
For Windows 98/2000/NT/XP/Vista/7
Published Apr. 29, 2011
Business Survival
Business Survival
Self-Assessment
Ask yourself:
1. How does cash flow into and out of my company throughout the year?
2. Are we able to meet our current financial obligations and goals, and can we accommodate future changes without exceeding our budget?
3. With a reasonable degree of accuracy, what will our funds balance be at the end of this month? Mid-way through the fiscal year? At the end of the year?
4. What is our "cash plan" for the coming month, quarter or year?
Self-Assessment
Ask yourself:
Published Apr. 29, 2011
Simple Business Plan Template
Simple Business Plan Template
Published Apr. 29, 2011
Can You Afford To Start Your Own Business?
Can You Afford To Start Your Own Business?
Published Apr. 29, 2011
Cash Flow Spreadsheet
Cash Flow Spreadsheet
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