You know the type of business you want to start, but you just don't know where to begin. Use this handy guide as your outline to build a business plan. While it covers information that a bank will want to know, it also helps you think about steps you must take to establish your business.

You can print it out and use it to develop your business plan or download it into your own software.

Executive Summary

Write a brief overview and explanation of your entire plan including:

		Owners and credentials
		Your product
		Your market
		How much money you need
		How long you need the loan
		How you'll pay the loan

Business Description

		Name and address of business
		Name and address of owners
		Legal business description (sole proprietorship, partnership, etc.)
		Purpose of the business
		Status of the business (new, expansion)
		Type of business (retail, wholesale, service, etc.)
		Facilities of business (describe size, equipment, etc.)
		Product or service you will sell
		Nature of the industry in which you'll compete
		Hours your business will operate
		List of key names and contact numbers (accountant, attorney, etc.)

Marketing Plan

		How will you promote your product and to whom?
		How will you price your product and how does this compare to the market?
		How will you differentiate your product?
		How will you distribute your product?

The Competition

		Who is your competition?
		What makes your product better than theirs?

Operations and Suppliers

		How will your product be made [ if manufacturing]
		What equipment is required to make it?
		Who are your suppliers?
		How will you pay them? [COD, credit, etc]
		Will you use subcontractors? If so, identify them and what they will do for you and how you will pay them

The Loan Request

		How much money will you need?
		How much of your own money will be invested?
		How long do you need to pay the money back?
		What type of loan are you requesting? [fixed term/payment, revolving line, etc.]
		How will the loan money be used?
		How will the loan be repaid?
		What can you offer as collateral?

Financial Information

		Balance sheet [ assets, liabilities, networth]
		Income/Operating Statement [sales, expenses, profit]
		Cash Flow Statement [shows when cash is received and paid]
		Personal Financial Statement [your personal version of balance sheet and income statement]
		Previous years' personal tax returns may be required

Additional Information

You should also include any additional information that will add value to your business plan. Such as resumes, charts, graphs, industry articles, news clippings, marketing budget, marketing plan, brochures, logos, etc.