There are as many ways to create a business plan structure as there are types of businesses in existence. The structure of your business plan, in fact, will depend on a number of factors. For instance, what kind of business you're operating. If you plan to start a food truck start-up, for example, having an operational strategy or even an industry analysis might not make much sense. In addition, your business plan structure will depend on what you intend to use the document for. Seeking funding or a Small Business Administration-backed loan? Then you'll need specific sections – including three year financial forecasts. If you're seeking venture capital or angel investment, you'll need different parts, such as investor proposition statements and five year financials. But if you're looking for the most basic business plan structure, here are some guidelines to follow:
• Always create a minimum of three year financials
• Focus on your executive summary – no matter who is reading the document, it should be the centerpiece of your business plan
• Provide information about your background
• Analyze the competition
This business plan structure is the basic skeleton you can expand or change, depending on you or your investor or lender's needs. However, these are key elements that should be present in almost any business plan. Other typical sections include a marketing strategy, a demographic analysis, and information about your operational strategy.
If you want more information on business plan structure basics, give us a call at MasterPlans. The leaders in the business plan writing industry, we can tell you exactly what your business plan requires based on your needs and can help you develop it. Call today at 877-453-2011 for a free consultation and information on how to get started.
