Trying to determine what charts for business plans are required by investors or lenders? In most business plans, there are two types of charts: financial charts and statistical charts displaying market research. Both are important to have in a business plan that you intend to use for funding purposes, whether from a venture capitalist, angel investor, or lender. However, many entrepreneurs make mistakes when developing the charts in their business plan, particularly if it's your first time developing one of these documents. There are ways to avoid falling victim to the common traps, however. Here are some guidelines when considering charts for business plans and the ones you should include:
• Don't put in too many; it can clog up your business plan
• Keep the charts clean and simple – too many colors and lines can be confusing
• Insert only the most compelling or pertinent charts; if it's questionable, leave it out
• Make sure all the charts you include in your business plan actually say something
By now you probably get the message: keep the charts simple, clean in appearance, and on point. Like any good thing, too many charts can actually harm you - clogging up your business plan, making it look unfocused, and distracting investors or lenders from the most important elements of your plan. In other words, you should simply view charts for business plans as supporting information – not the centerpiece of your plan.
Want to talk more about charts for business plans? Call the business plan writing experts at MasterPlans. We can help you figure out what charts you need, which you don't, and the type of business plan you need to get your operation started. Reach us at 877-453-2011 for a free consultation.
