What Should a Business Plan Cover?

A good business plan should contain all the elements essential to the success of your enterprise. These would cover:

A Summary of your Business Plan
This will give your investor a first impression of whether your business is worth further scrutiny.

A description of Your Company-Its Business, Goals And Objectives
Include an explanation of the business that you are in and your company history, current business conditions, industry trends, and what makes you unique.

An analysis of Your Market And Your Marketing Strategy
This is one of the more important sections of your business plan. Your market analysis therefore, should be as specific as possible, focusing on credible and achievable projections.

A description of Your Products/Services
Describe your product/service simply and list down its competitive advantage.

Your Organization Set-up
Offer details of your business structure, listing down officers and/or principal owner/managers. Remember to include your management team's responsibilities and qualifications.

Describe Your Operations
State how you operate your business, giving details about location, facilities, equipment, raw materials and suppliers, workforce, hours of operation, and methods of record keeping.

Include Your Financial Forecast
This is another important part of your Business Plan as it demonstrates not only your need for funds but also the potential future value of equity investments or debt repayment. It will reflect the viability of your company.

Include a Financial Forecast
A financial forecast will show your company's most likely results of operations and financial position within a particular period in future. It should be realistic and achievable.

Determine Your Proposed Financing
This section only applies if you are looking for funds. Based on your need, state your requirements, when you will need the money, how you will use it and your pay back plans.

Future Plans
It is important to show that you have the potential for continued profitability. Include a short term and a long term-plan.

Other Considerations
Table of Contents;
Supporting Documents e.g quality accreditations, awards, product warranties, testimonials etc;
Resume's of key people;
Evidence of credit;
Current leases for facilities, equipment, cars, etc;
Letters of reference;
Completed and current contracts including loan agreements, purchase agreements, service contracts, etc; and
Legal documents of the business including articles of incorporation, titles, insurance policies, partnership agreements, patents, etc.