Whether you seek financing or want a day-to-day working plan to run your business, a solid business plan will contain the following information.

Executive Summary

1-3 page overview of your business

Give to lenders, investors, employees, advisory board, vendors, etc. to explain what your company is all about

Most important part of the business plan

Geared to grab reader’s attention and compel them to read rest of business plan

Highlights key points from all of the sections of your business plan

Write this section last


Mission Statement

Tells what your business is about and what you want it to become

Talks about the direction you want to take your company

Explains what is important to you about your business

Gives a clear picture of why your business is important to you – motivational factor for others to know you believe in what you’re doing and why you’re doing it


Company Background

Provides the history of how you brought your idea or business to this point

Summarizes both short and long term plans for the company


Ownership Structure

Explains legal form of your business

Discusses owners and roles they hold in company

Talks about funding of company


Description of Services

Identifies the problem that your product or service solves

Explains how the product was developed

Discusses how your product differs from your competitors

Determines the cost and profit on each product/service and the breakeven point


Market Analysis/Industry and Trends Description

Identifies characteristics of your market

Suggests the % of the market you will capture

Tells why customers will buy your product/service over your competitors’ offerings.

Identifies size of the industry, trends, and what effect they might have on your business

Discussed regulatory trends that may affect your business


Competitive Analysis

Discussed your major competitors’ products/services

Identifies each competitors’ position in the market

Lists strengths and weaknesses of each competitor


Marketing and Sales

Explains your marketing and sales strategy

Discusses your marketing activities quarter by quarter

Shows your market research

Explains your communication and distribution channels


Operations and Facilities

Describes how you will provide services or products

Includes description of equipment and suppliers needed

Covers growth goals

Describes the location of your business

Discusses manufacturing equipment and space


Management & Personnel

Talks about the role of key management staff and board personnel

Discusses personnel – training, skills, benefits,

Explains methods of accounting and information management


Financial Projections and Investment Description

Explains your financial needs

Discusses how the funds will be used

Captures project cost data and realistic sales projections

Explains how you will provide a return on the investment, pay back the loan, etc.


Supporting Documents

Financial statements

Cash flow

Income projections

Operating budgets

Leases, contracts, resumes, all documents that support the concepts in your business plan