Key sections of a business plan

The business plan is divided into several sections. Each section explains various aspects of how a company will fit into a particular industry.

Instruction manual

1

Summary. This section appears first in the business plan, but it should be written last. A summary provides an overview of the information in your plan.

2

Description of the company. Here you explain the corporate structure (sole owner, partnership, LLC, etc.). You must also indicate the location of the business and a brief description of what you will do.

3

Product or service. This section explains what products and services the company will offer, with an emphasis on how customers will use them.

4

Market analysis. You need to show your understanding of the market and the estimated share of coverage, competitors. Also provide the needs of customers who have not yet met the competition and how you are going to fix it.

5

Strategy and development. Describe how you are going to stand out in the market and stimulate the growth of the company.

6

Online marketing. If you are going to advertise your business on the Internet, make a list of expenses associated with the creation and maintenance of the site, promotion in search engines and social media.

7

Management team. Introduce the key members of your team with a short bio and experience.

8

The financial analysis. This section includes projected profit or loss, cash flow tables for at least the next two years. Five-year forecasts are preferred by investors.