Creating Your Business Plan
The hardest part of creating a business plan is getting the energy together to get started. At first it seems like a daunting task.

Outline of a Complete Business Plan
" Summary ... Vision ... Market Analysis ... Competitive Analysis ... Creating the financials of the business plan ... "

Structuring Your Business Plan
Think of your business plan as a production line. What goes in at the start are raw material and unfinished assemblies.

Developing a Business Plan
Throughout the process of creating a plan, you need to keep in mind the objective of the plan. Why are you writing the plan? Is it to manage the business? Or is it to raise money?

Planning For Profits
" No matter how small or large your business, you've got to aggressively plan the work-and then work the plan! "

Attracting Equity Investor
People don't invest in small companies to lend a helping hand. They invest to make money. And they expect to make a lot of money.

Getting a Bank Loan
Traditionally bankers look at what are called the three `c's`: character, credit and collateral.

Getting Equity Money
They often aren't impressed by the management team. Ideally they want to see someone in the group who has already participated in a highly successful start-up.

Frequently Asked Business Plan Questions
Should I hire an expert to prepare the financials?
It's better to prepare them yourself. A potential lender or equity investor wants to see not only that the numbers look good, but also that you understand them inside and out.