Business Kit

Whether you are starting a new business or taking your company through a growth stage, you are undoubtedly finding this time to be very exciting, but also a time filled with questions and many decisions to make.

In today's competitive business environment staying profitable and successful can be very challenging. It is our intent that you will use this site as a reference and guide to help you achieve the success and prosperity you are seeking.

The links below can be used to access information regarding:

Business Plan

Business plans are a preferred mode of communication between entrepreneurs and potential investors. Experienced owners and managers of closely held businesses know that business plans can also be an indispensable management tool. Many have found that just completing the steps required to develop a business plan forces them to introduce discipline and a logical thought process into all of their planning activities. They have found that a properly prepared business plan. A business plan is simply a written representation of where a company is going, how it will get there, and what it will look like once it arrives.

Uses of a business plan

In many companies, business plans are used at a minimum to:

• Set the goals and objectives for the company's performance

• Provide a basis for evaluating and controlling the company's performance

• Communicate a company's message to middle managers, outside directors, lenders, and potential investors

Outline for a Business Plan

The Business Plan should open with the Executive Summary. The Executive Summary should not be a mere listing of topics contained in the body of your business plan but should emphasize the key issues presented.

A critical point that must be communicated in the Executive Summary is your company's distinctive competence---the factors that will amke your business successful in a competitive market.

In total, your Executive Summary should be less than three pages in length and provide the reader with a succinct overview of your entire business plan.

The Executive Summary should be followed by a brief table of contents designed to assist readers in locating specific sections of the plan.

Detailed descriptions of the plan's contents should be avoided in the table of contents.

The following outlines areas which should be addressed:

1. The Purpose of the Plan

   1. Attract investors

   2. Document an operational plan for controlling the business

2. Market Analysis

   1. The characteristics of your target market (demographic, geographic,etc.)

   2. The products or services you will offer to satisfy those needs

3. The Company

   1. The needs your company will satisfy

   2. The products or services you will offer to satisfy those needs

4. The Marketing and Sales Activities

   1. Marketing Strategy

   2. Sales Strategy

   3. Keys to success in your competitive environment

5. Product or Service Research and Development

   1. Major milestones

   2. Ongoing Efforts

6. Organization and Personnel

   1. Key managers and owners

   2. Key operations employees

7. Financial Data

   1. Funds required and their use

   2. Historical financial summary

   3. Prospective financial summary

Selecting a Business Entity Type

Comparison of the Major Business Forms