Business plan

1. Total pages: 6-7 pages

a. Executive Summary ¾ page (3 paragraphs)

i. The Executive Summary is a succinct overview of the whole business plan; a busy executive should be able to make a decision based on your summary.

b. Company Description ¾ page

c. Market Analysis 1-1½ page

d. Organization & Management ¾ page

e. Service or Product Line ¾ page

f. Marketing & Sales 1 page

g. Funding Request and Financial Projections ½ page

2. The SBA site tells you what should go in each section. You may supplement that information with information from the Web. You MUST use citations to identify information you have found on the Web or in printed materials.

3. Insert a Bibliography in Word on the last page.

4. Writing tips:

a. Use active verbs.

b. Use topic sentences for your paragraphs.

c. Define words unfamiliar to your audience.

d. Use examples to illustrate your ideas.

e. Lists help simplify information.

f. Metaphors clarify and enliven your message.