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Starting Your Business

Business Plan Checklist

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Use our business plan checklist to ensure that you have the essential components in your business plan.

Please note that the elements of your business plan might vary depending on the nature of your
business and, in some cases, your lender’s requirements. For a list of resources to help you develop
each of the areas outlined below, please refer to our Business Plan Resources Guide.

Key Sections to Include:

  • Executive Summary: One-page overview of your company, products/services, funding needs, and competitive advantage.
  • Company Description: Business nature, history, structure, size, and location.
  • Product/Service Description: Features, benefits, and pricing.
  • Market Analysis: Industry trends, market research, target audience, and competitive analysis.
  • Marketing Plan: Strategies for pricing, promotion, positioning, and distribution.
  • Operations Plan: Business processes, inventory management, personnel, and licensing.
  • Financial Plan: Financial statements, projections, funding requirements, and risk analysis.
  • Supporting Materials: Include resumes, product photos, letters of intent, or other relevant documents.

Click here for a downloadable version of this business plan checklist.

Want to boost your business skills? Check out our self-paced SMART Programs! These free courses are designed to help you understand key concepts, work through interactive case studies and complete activities that apply the learning to your own business. Learn more >>>