Visiting this web site requires a newer version of Netscape Communicator.
Visit Microsoft's Web site to obtain the newest version of Internet Explorer, or visit Netscape's Web site to obtain the newest version of Netscape Communicator.
Visiting this web site without first upgrading your browser may result in unreliable behavior.
This material was prepared for a workshop at the Howell Chamber of Commerce. Peggy Pobuda, Don Pobuda and Eddie Henderson from SCORE conducted the workshop. SCORE is the Service Corps of Retired Executives, an 11,500-member volunteer association sponsered by the U.S. Small Business Administration. SCORE volunteers share their knowledge of good business practices with people who are just starting their businesses as well as those who are working to improve their existing businesses. For more information about SCORE, contact the Howell Chamber of Commerce.
What is a Business Plan?
A document that convincingly demonstrates that your business can sell enough of its product or service to make a satisfactory profit and attract potential investors.
It provides a framework to structure concepts and information about your project.
It tells a logical, rational, regimented story showing success.
What Can a Business Plan Do For You?
A well-written plan will determine the feasibility of the project and lay out the actions required to get there.
It organizes, directs, coordinates controls, and facilitates the development of the project from inception to completion. It is action oriented.
It defines market orientation. Your plan should be oriented toward creating a business which will satisfy the wants and needs of of your customers, not merely produce product or service. This avoids the pitfall of opening a business only to satisfy your need to run a business.
You may want to compare actual day-to-day events to your business plan to help make operating decisions. This will help draw attention to problems or opportunities before things become critical.