How to Write a Great Business Plan for Your Small Business in 60 Seconds or Less

A business plan precisely defines your business, identifies your goals, and serves as your firm's resumé. The importance of a comprehensive, thoughtful business plan cannot be overemphasized. Much hinges on it: outside funding; credit from suppliers; management of your operation and finances; promotion and marketing of your business; achievement of your goals and objectives, yet many small businesses never take the time to prepare one. Now it's easy--and you can do it in less than an hour.This new book and companion CD-ROM will demonstrate how to construct a current and pro-forma balance sheet, an income statement and a cash flow analysis. You will learn to allocate resources properly, handle unforeseen complications, and make good business decisions. The CD-ROM file (written in Microsoft Word) allows you to simply plug in your own information while providing specific and organized information about your company and how you will repay borrowed money; additionally, it informs sales personnel, suppliers and others about your operations and goals. The Companion CD-ROM contains the following: 1. Cover Sheet 2. Statement of Purpose 3. Table of Contents I. The Business A. Description of business B. Marketing C. Competition D. Operating procedures E. Personnel F. Business insurance II. Financial Data A. Loan applications B. Capital equipment and supply list C. Balance sheet D. Break-even analysis E. Pro-forma income projections (profit and loss statements) a. Three-year summary b. Detail by month, first year c. Detail by quarters, second and third years d. Assumptions upon which projections were based F. Pro-forma cash flow III. Supporting Documents A. Tax returns of principals for last three years B. Personal financial statement C. For franchised businesses, a copy of franchise contract and all supporting documents provided by the franchisor D. Copy of proposed lease or purchase agreement for building space E. Copy of licenses and other legal documents F. Copy of resumés of all principals G. Copies of letters of intent from suppliers

Even an amateur can write a great business plan using the tools given in this excellent book and CD-ROM! --Angela Adams, Assistant Editor