Any individual thinking of starting his or her own business is going to need the funds to get off the ground. Procuring funds can be difficult, as financial institutions and investors want to know where there money is going to be put to use and whether the business they invest in has potential. Obtaining loans and funding isn't guaranteed, but having a business plan to show potential investors is a good way to increase the chances.

The business plan serves a few basic purposes. It serves as an internal document for your company, helping you to maintain your focus and work toward your goals. It also serves as an introduction to your company. The most important function of the business plan, for those just starting out, is that of a marketing tool. The business plan can convince investors that your company is a worthwhile investment.

Business plans are as unique as the people creating them, but they should all have some similar elements. You'll need to write down what your product or service is, the price you plan to give it, where or how you'll be selling it, and how you're going to market your business. These elements show you've thought out the steps of doing business and know how you're going to go about those steps. Also, include a vision for your business - where you want to be one day - and a mission statement about how, practically, you're going to achieve that end goal and dream.

It is extremely important that your business plan include a financial section. Utilizing available software options, it is possible for a new business owner with no background in finance to write this section himself. However, for right-brained people, it can be the most difficult section. It is always a good idea to have this section reviewed by an accountant. In this section, you will utilize a variety of tables to show the expected profits and losses of the business over time. Be sure to take into account seasonal fluctuations, such as the increase in retail sales during the Christmas shopping season.

There is a wealth of information available on the internet to help you write your business plan step by step. It is important to remember the purpose of a business plan, which in this case is to help you obtain funding. In a sense, you must justify the existence of your company in its business plan. Investors want to know whether they can expect a return on their investment, and they will look to your business plan to find that out.

It should go without saying that you should never attempt to pad the numbers in your business plan. Savvy investors will see through the charade, and you will not only fail to receive money from them, but you could find yourself blacklisted, unable to secure funding from any source. At the same time, investors recognize that your projections are merely an educated guess, so if you are careful to be as accurate as possible, there is no need to worry.

Having a professional, thought-out business plan shows investors you're serious and gives them a good portrait of your business and where you intend to be with it in the future. While a business plan doesn't guarantee funding, it will certainly help increase your chances of obtaining start-up capital and will come in handy to keep you focused on your long-term goals.

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