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.
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.