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GuidesBusiness Planning

Business Planning

Business planning takes a considerable amount of thought and attention to detail. It’s important to consider all aspects of your business and ensure that you’ve done sufficient research prior to creating your business plan. Below we outline some key information that will guide you as you tackle this important step.

Writing your first business plan

Building a strong business plan involves conducting research, developing measurable long-term goals, developing strategies, and customizing your plan.

Typical business plans and proposals include the following sections:

Executive Summary
Business Introduction & Description
Market Analysis
Marketing Strategy
Human Resources Strategy
Operations Strategy
Financial Projections
Exit or Succession Plan

Learn more about drafting your first business plan.

Why you need a business plan

A business plan helps to determine whether or not your idea is profitable and sustainable. Your plan also identifies and answers important questions for potential investors. It should identify both opportunities and risks, which will most likely be needed to secure external financing for your business.

In short, your business plan will become your go-to resource to help answer questions about your business and prove your value.

Samples and templates

Writing your first business plan can feel like a daunting task. We’ve made the process as simple as possible, by providing plenty of resources and offering expert guidance when you need it most.

To get started download our business plan template or book an appointment with one of our business advisors to learn how we can help.

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Business Plan Template docx - 3.77 MB
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Related Pages

Writing your first business plan

Topics

  • Starting Up
  • Assessing an idea
  • What is the absolute first thing to do when starting a business?
  • Naming your business
  • Choosing a business structure
  • Tips for starting a home-based business
  • Questions to ask before buying a business
  • Business Planning
  • Writing your first business plan
  • Commercial lease guide
  • Intellectual property guide
  • Funding
  • Selecting professional services
  • Shareholder / partnership agreement guide
  • Supplier selection guide
  • Operations & Financial Management
  • Accounting versus bookkeeping
  • What to know about taxes
  • How to know if your business is profitable
  • Basic bookkeeping
  • Using break-even analysis
  • Small business insurance
  • Sales & Marketing
  • How to sell your product or service
  • What to know about advertising
  • Tips for presentations and pitches
  • Preparing a proposal
  • Tradeshows and events for business
  • Human Resources
  • Implementing an employee training program
  • Setting up a pay scale
  • Legal
  • Legal considerations when starting a business
  • Protecting your business from fraud and theft
  • Articles of incorporation
  • About Us
  • Guides
  • How We Help
  • Get Started
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