Business Loan

Business Plans written with the primary purpose of presenting the company to outsiders differ in format and presentation from a business plan developed as a management tool. While it would benefit the company and management to go through the efforts necessary to establish goals, objectives, strategies and action plans defined near the end of this chapter, outsiders unfamiliar with not only the company, but also possibly the industry and products require a different presentation, with an emphasis on selling the reader on the attributes of the company. A plan for strictly internal use is geared more toward defining specific, measurable performance targets and assigns responsibility for reaching those targets.

The business plan document is often the first exposure an investor has to a company seeking financing, often even before talking to the entrepreneur on the phone or having a meeting. Because it makes the critical "first impression" for the company, a poorly prepared plan can be a reason for an investor to decline on the investment, and not take the time to ask for more information. While we all hear of stories about deals that were scratched out on the back of an envelope, after a brief meeting between a savvy entrepreneur and a multi-millionaire, the truth is: no business plan equals no capital.

The business plan template below can be used for an established company or for a start-up. Obviously a start-up company may not have an historical background, or the previous years' financial information. There also may be some gaps in the management team as well.

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YOUR BUSINESS PLAN

Below is an outline of each segment of a business plan developed for presentation to potential investors or lenders.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY


HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE


ECONOMIC AND INDUSTRY ENVIRONMENT


PROFILE OF THE BUSINESS


Business Model


The Product


The Market


Competitive Environment


Marketing


Management, Operations, Production, and Facilities


Current Ownership


Strengths, Weaknesses, Risks, and Opportunities


STRUCTURE OF THE TRANSACTION


FINANCIAL SECTION


APPENDIX