1. Developing A Business Plan

2. Creating the Business Plan Make a Research Plan and Gather Data Set up a notebook to organize your data Write a draft

3. Common Mistakes in Preparing Business Plans Projecting Exaggerated Growth Levels Trying to be a Jack-of-all-Trades Claiming Performance that exceeds Industry Averages Underestimating the need for capital

4. Sources for Business Plan Information Small Business Administration (SBA) Service Corps for Retired Executives (SCORE) Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) Chambers of Commerce Trade Associations

5. Packaging and Presenting the Business Plan Bind the plan so that it lies flat. Use index tabs to separate sections. Use an easily readable 12-point type font, such as Times New Roman. Use bold subheadings and bullets If you have logo, include it at the top of the page. Number each copy of the business plan and include a Statement of Confidentiality that the reader should sign. Place a statement on the cover page prohibiting copying of the plan.