Creating a Business Plan Step by Step

When you take your business plan to a lender or investor, you will also be asked to provide personal financial information. Preparing this information for inclusion in your business plan will help you gain the trust of these individuals. Here is what you should bring with you for all owners for the last three years.

• Tax returns for the past three years.
  
• A recent credit report, showing credit score.
  
• A personal financial statement. You can use SBA form 413 - Personal Financial Statement.
  
• A resume or curriculum vitae.

• Write a General Description of Your Business
• Include a Product/Service Plan
• Describe Your Target Market
• Include an Analysis of Your Competition
• Create a Marketing and Promotion Plan
• Create a Management Plan
• Create an Operating Plan
• Create a Financial Plan
• Prepare Personal Financial Information for Your Business Plan
• Create the Executive Summary