Small Business Development Center
Durango, CO

 
   
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BUSINESS PLAN CHECKLIST

Business Summary ● Table of Contents ● Business History and Industry Outlook ● Product/Service ● Market Examination ● Competition ● Marketing ● Operations ● Administration and Management ● Key Personnel ● Potential Problems & Solutions ● Financial Information ● Appendices

Using This Checklist

This checklist can be used as a model to help you build your own business plan. Since a business plan is most often used as a roadmap to success in a small business, the plan outline has been designed to make sure you know what stops to make and what things you must include on your journey. The plan allows the business owner to anticipate costs, plan for difficulties, and take advantage of opportunities, as well as design and implement strategies that deep the company running as smoothly as possible.

Business Summary

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Purpose

Provides a brief overview of your business, highlighting the main ideas of your plan.

Includes
bullet Name and Type of Business
bullet Description of Product/Service
bullet Business History and Development
bullet Location
bullet Market
bullet Competition
bullet Management
bullet Financial Information
bullet Business Strengths and Weaknesses
bullet Business Growth

Table of Contents

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Purpose

Organized in an Outline Format, the Table of contents illustrates the selection and arrangement of information of information contained in your plan.

Includes
bullet Topic Headings and Subheadings
bullet Page Number References

Business History and Industry Outlook

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Purpose

Examines the conception and subsequent development of your business within an industry specific context.

Includes:
bullet Start-Up Information
bullet Owner/Key Personnel Experience
bullet Location
bullet Development Problems and Solutions
bullet Investment/Funding Information
bullet Future Plans and Goals
bullet Market Trends and Statistics
bullet Major Competitors
bullet Product/Service Advantages
bullet National, Regional, and Local Economic Impact

Product/Service

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Purpose

Introduces, defines, and details the product and/or service that inspired the formation of your business.

Includes
bullet Unique Features
bullet Niche Served
bullet Market Comparison
bullet Stage of Product/Service Development
bullet Production
bullet Facilities, Equipment, and Labor
bullet Financial Requirements
bullet Product/Service Life Cycle
bullet Future Growth

Market Examination

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Purpose

Assessment of product/service applications in relation to consumer buying cycles.

Includes
bullet Target Market
bullet Consumer Buying Habits
bullet Product/Service Applications
bullet Consumer Reactions
bullet Market Factors and Trends
bullet Penetration of the Markets
bullet Market Share
bullet Research and Studies
bullet Cost
bullet Sales Volume And Goals

Competition

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Purpose

Analysis of competitors in the marketplace.

Includes
bullet Competitor Information
bullet Product/Service Comparison
bullet Market Niche
bullet Product/Service Strengths and Weaknesses
bullet Future Product/Service Development

Marketing

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Purpose

Identifies promotion and sales strategies for your product/service.

Includes
bullet Product/Service Sales Appeal
bullet Special And Unique Features
bullet Identification of Customers
bullet Sales and Marketing Staff
bullet Sales Cycles
bullet Type Of Advertising/Promotion
bullet Pricing
bullet Competition
bullet Customer Services

Operations

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Purpose

Traces product/service development from production/inception to the market environment.

Includes
bullet Cost Effective Production Methods
bullet Facility
bullet Location
bullet Equipment
bullet Labor
bullet Future Expansion

Administration and Management

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Purpose

Offers a statement of your management philosophy with an in-depth focus on processes and procedures.

Included
bullet Management Philosophy
bullet Structure of Organization
bullet Reporting System
bullet Methods of Communication
bullet Employee Skills and Training
bullet Employee Needs and Compensation
bullet Work Environment
bullet Management Policies and Procedures
bullet Roles and Responsibilities

Key Personnel

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Purpose

Describes the unique backgrounds of principal employees involved in the business.

Includes
bullet Owner(s)/Employee Education and Experience
bullet Positions and Roles
bullet Benefits and Salary
bullet Duties and Responsibilities
bullet Objectives and Goals

Potential Problems and Solutions

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Purpose

Discussion of problem solving strategies that change issues into opportunities.

Includes
bullet Risks
bullet Litigation
bullet Future Competition
bullet Economic Impact
bullet Problem Solving Skills

Financial Information

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Purpose

Secures needed Funding and assistance through worksheets and projections detailing financial plans, methods of repayment and future growth opportunities.

Includes
bullet Financial Statements
bullet Bank Loans
bullet Methods of Repayment
bullet Tax Returns
bullet Start-up costs
bullet Projected Income (3 years)
bullet Projected Cash Flow (3 years)
bullet Projected Balance Statements (3 years)

Appendices

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Purpose

Supporting documents used to enhance your business proposal.

Includes
bullet Photographs of Product, Equipment, Facilities, etc.
bullet Copyright/Trademark Documents
bullet Legal Agreements
bullet Marketing Materials
bullet Research and/or Studies
bullet Operation Schedules
bullet Organization Charts
bullet Job Descriptions
bullet Resumes
bullet Additional Financial Documentation