Write a Business Plan

Need to write a business plan? A well-written business plan is essential to starting and running a business. Business plans are required when applying for business loans or seeking investors.

A good business plan describes in detail a business’ mission and goals, and how these goals will be achieved. The following resources will help you develop a sound business plan.

• How to Write a Business Plan

  Guidance on writing winning business plans.

• Business Plan for Home Based Businesses

  Provides a comprehensive approach to developing a business plan for a home based business.

• Free Business Planning Courses

  Free at-your-own-pace courses on developing and writing successful business plans.

• Sample Business Plans

  Bplan is a commercial site providing access to hundreds of free sample business plans.

• Podcast: Creating a Business Plan

  Expert advice on writing a good business plan. Read the Transcript.

• Video: Business Planning & Research

  Successful entrepreneurs share the lessons they’ve learned about writing business plans.

• Video: Business Planning Tutorials

  SBCA Community’s Industry Word author, Tim Berry, has created a series of videos that discuss ways to create a business plan without getting overwhelmed by the formalities of an official document.

• Franchises and Business Opportunities

  Thinking about buying into a franchise? These resources will help you develop a plan and avoid costly pitfalls.

• Start Up Assessment Tool

  This simple assessment tool is designed to help you better understand your readiness for starting a small business. Takes less than 5 minutes to complete.

U.S. Small Business Administration’s Small Business Planner provides guides and resources on developing business plans and common-sense advise on starting a new business.

Visit our Small Business Assistance and Training page to learn about free counseling and training programs that are available to help you plan and start your small business.