The Basic Elements of a Business Plan

Executive summary (one to two page summary of the most important information)
Company Analysis
     Company Profile
     Unique Qualifications
     Past Accomplishments
     Key Personnel 
     Operating procedures
Industry Analysis
     Market Size
     Industry Trends
     Competition
     Our Competitive Advantage
Customer Analysis
     Target market
     Customer profile
     Customer Needs Assessment
     Fulfilling Customer Needs
Marketing Plan
     Products/Services
     Promotions
     Price
     Customer Retention methods
Financial data
     Capital equipment and supply list
     Balance sheet
     Breakeven analysis
     Historical profit and loss statements, if an existing  business
     Three-year Projections
     Detail by month, first year
     Detail by quarters, second and third year
     Assumptions upon which projections were validated
     Pro-forma cash flow
 Supporting Documents
     Tax returns of principals (partners in the business) for last  three years, personal
           financial statements, business tax returns
     Copy of franchise contract and all supporting documents provided by the franchisor
           (for franchise businesses)
     Copy of proposed lease or 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, etc.