A business plan is a complicated document. Use a free business plan template for small businesses to make the process of creating this critical document much more simple. Compiling the information about a company or business venture helps banks or investors make an informed decision about the earning potential of the business. The information included should be accurate and thorough, including all pertinent information, such as the level of experience of employees and managers, and projected market share.
Free Business Plan Template From the SBA
A free business plan template for small businesses is available from the United States Small Business Administration, or SBA. The SBA template walks the user through a series of queries, in order to get the information needed to populate the form, and create the best possible business documentation, which will "sell" the business to investors or potential lenders, as well as provide a guideline for future business operations.
Executive Summary Information
The executive summary is the first part of a completed business plan that is seen by investors, but typically the last part that is written. Executive summary information includes a brief overview of all the other information included in the small business plan, but should be under two pages in length. Reading the executive summary should give an investor or potential lender a general understanding of the company's basic information, including management and market share.
Strategic Marketing Planning
Strategic marketing planning is an important part of documentation for a new business. There are two sections in the SBA's business planning template that address marketing.
- Definition of the Market - This section describes the target market for the product, and the general business profile of the industry.
- Marketing & Sales Strategy - This section describes the plan for marketing the product to the potential customers.
The free business plan template provided by the SBA includes a walk-through for all the necessary sections of a plan for small businesses. The other sections are:
- Business Description and Vision
- Description of the Products and Services
- Organization and Management
- Financial Management
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