Business Plan Outline

1. Cover Sheet 

· Name of business
· Address
· Telephone Number
· FAX Number
· Email Address
· Name of Preparer
                                                      
2. Table of Contents

3. Executive Summary

4. Description of Business

· Legal Description

- Sole proprietor
- Partnership
- Limited Liability Company
- Corporation 

- Why chosen?

- Owners ( 20% or more)
· Business Status
- New
- Existing
- Purchase
- Franchise

· Type of Business
- Retail
- Wholesale
- Service
- Manufacturing
- Construction 

· Describe products or service
- Industry trends
- Goals Short Term (One Year)
- Goals Long Term ( 3-5 Years)

5. Management 

· Principals and Key Employees
- Duties
- Responsibilities
- Qualification
- Experience

 · Consultants
- Accountant
- Attorney
- Advisor/mentor

6. Marketing 
 

· Market Analysis
- Market Research
- Market Trends
- Target Market (Demographics; Niche market specifics)

· Market Strategy
- General Description
- Budget % Allocation
- Advertising Strategies
- Pricing (Price Strategy; Competitive Position)

· Sales Strategy
- Direct Sales
- Distributors
- Internet/Email 

· Competition
- List Competitors (compare price, value, strengths, weaknesses)
- How do you compare (better, worse, different)

· Location
- Describe location
- Why did you choose location
- Renovations needed (Cost estimates)

7. Financial Documents 

· Summary of financial needs
- Equity
- Borrowed 

· Loan funds dispersal statement
                                
· Profit and Loss Statement (Projections)
- 1st year by month
- 3 years by year

· Pro Forma Cash Flow
- 1st year by month

· Start up Balance Sheet

8. Supporting Documents
· Personal Resumes
· Owners Financial Statements · Credit Reports
· Letters of Reference
· Copies of Leases, Mortgages, Purchase Agreements, etc.
· Contracts
· Miscellaneous Documents Supporting the Business