Business Planning Course

» PART I - Executive Summary
Although the executive summary is located first in the business plan, it is recommended that it be written last to ensure that all of the information in the business plan is properly summarized.

• Mission Statement Tools A clear mission statement provides a concise definition of what your business is committed to achieve. Use our recommended tool to create your mission statement. The tool is free, and it works.
• Mission Statement Examples Review examples of effective mission statements. Effective mission statements evoke emotion and creates an image in the mind of the customers and employees. 

» PART II - Company Description
Describe details about your business and how all the different departments work together effectively to produce a quality product. Follow our recommended template with step-by-step instructions. 

• Market Analysis Demonstrate your knowledge about the market and industry you are competing in. In this section you will present facts and corresponding conclusions based on your market research.
• Competitive Analysis Identify your competition by its product line or service. Present an assessment of their strengths and weaknesses and clearly identify any potential barriers your business may experience when entering the market.

» PART III - Operations Structure
This section of the business plan will vary widely depending on the type of industry you are in. Management has to determine how much information to share given your concerns over proprietary secrets, trademarks and copyright issues.

• Organizational Structure Details how various departments within the business are organized. Commonly, this is illustrated through the use of organizational flow charts, complete with brief descriptions for each job function.

• Management Qualifications Identifies the skills and expertise of the business leaders and key personnel. Those who will be reviewing your business plan will be very interested in the qualifications of the owner and/or key managers.

» PART IV - Service or Product Offer 
Describe in detail what product or service you are offering to your target market. Detail all suppliers, service contractors and manufacturers of your product or service.

• Business Resources Clearly articulate all internal and external business resources that are available that will add value to the organization and support your new endeavor

» PART V - Marketing Strategy
Define the marketing strategy of the organization. How will you attract new customers and why will they be drawn to your product or service? In this business planning course, you'll learn why it's important to include details about market segmentation, pricing, advertising and promotion.

» PART VI - Key Risks & Obstacles
Identify anticipated risks and obstacles. Planning ahead for potential challenges will greatly reduce stress and improve your confidence as a business leader. 

» PART VII - Goals and Strategy
The goals section focuses primarily on sales targets and growth figures. However, goals also help to demonstrate insight into what should be avoided, eliminated or reduced in order to maximize efficiency and profitability.

» PART VIII - Funding Request
Clarify your funding request. Detail the amount of funding necessary to support your business. Explain how the funds will be used and specifically how you intend to repay the money, complete with all options for terms of repayment. 

» PART IX - Business Financials
Your business plan up to this point is mostly conceptual, that is until you add the financial numbers to back up your plan. 

• Sales and Financial Management Business plan start up experts speak clearly about the necessity of leadership through proven sales management practices. Financial information must be crisp, clear and provide a firm financial foundation to your business plan. 
• Balance Sheet Review The Balance Sheet provides a snapshot in time of all Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth. Use our free balance sheet template to get started. 
• Income Statement Review The Income Statement template is a reporting of all Revenues, Expenses and Net Profit for the reporting period. Use our free income statement template to get started.
• Cash Flow Statement Review Your financial statements are not complete without a detailed Cash Flow statement. Cash in the life-blood of every business and too many businesses fail due to a lack of cash. Manage your cash in-flows and out-flows to avoid being caught in a cash crunch. Use our free cash flow template to get started. 

» PART X - Appendix and Conclusion 
A well-structured appendix provides additional documentation that supports your business plan. Providing a comprehensive appendix adds credibility to your plan and goes a long way toward convincing your reader that you’ve got a great business idea and you have fully vetted your plan for success.

The Conclusion is a brief statement from you to the person reading your business plan, which explains your passion, commitment and resolve to make the business successful. More importantly, you’ll explain how the reader will benefit by investing in your business – AND BY INVESTING IN YOU!