Sample Business Plan Table of Contents

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY…………………………………………………….......................2
Company Description ……………………………………………………………………............2
Mission Statement ……………………………………………………………………...............2
Products and Services ………………………………………………………………..............2
Management Team ……………………………………………………………………...............5
Financing Requirements ……………………………………………………………...............6
Use of Proceeds ………………………………………………………………………................7
Financial Forecast ……………………………………………………………………...............7

MARKET RESEARCH ……………………………………………………………....................8
Competitive Environment ……………………………………………………………............8
Long-Term Opportunities ……………………………………………………………............9
Geographic Area …………………………………………………………………….................9
Market Opportunities ……………………………………………………………………...........9
Economic Factors …………………………………………………………………................10
Social Factors …………………………………………………………………………..............10
Competitive Analysis …………………………………………………………………............11
Competitive Advantages …………………………………………………………..............12
Potential Future Competition …………………………………………..................….12

BUSINESS STRATEGY ………………………………………………........................13
Development Plan ………………………………………………………………….............…14
Advertising & Marketing …………………………………………………..……..............15
Pricing …………………………………………………………………………………................16
OPERATIONS …………………………………………………………….……....................17
Premises …………………………………………………………….…………...................…17
Hours of Operation …………………………………………………………………...........…18

PROJECTIONS …………………………………………………………………................…19
Sales Forecast …………………………………………………………………………............19
Cash Flow Projections …………………………………………………………….............19
Income Statement ………………………………………………………………......…….....20
Break-Even …………………………………………………………………………..............…21
Funds Required and Timing ……………………………………………………....…….....22
Exit Strategy ……………………………………………………………………………............23

APPENDIX A: FINANCIALS ........................................................24
Current Financials .....................................................................24
Projected Revenue, 24 Months (in 000’s) .......................................25
Cash Flow Forecast, Two Years (Quarterly)....................................26
Projected Income Statement,Two Years(Quarterly) .........................27


I can’t stress the importance of RESEARCH and PREPARATION enough when it comes to your Business Plan. Your Business Plan is the first impression investors get of you and your company or idea. That is, unless you were able to have a brief conversation or meeting before hand. You have to make a strong impression with your Business Plan to set the stage and keep their interest.

You should have a very focused Business Plan that is professional, as well as attention grabbing. Venture Capital Firms and Angel Investors are reviewing Business Plans all the time. You must put alot of thought into how you can make your Business Plan stand out from the crowd. You must put alot of research, thought, and analysis into your Business Plan.

Try to get as many friends and business people you know read it and question you on it. Listen to their constructive criticism and make necessary adjustments. Don't give your Business Plan to potential investors until you are absoultely confident and ready to stand behind it 100%.

Preparation of the Business Plan is the Vital First Step in your quest for capital, so a great deal of time and effort should be spent preparing the business plan.

The Executive Summary is a good way to get your “story” out there to interested investors. Many of my clients send out an Executive Summary to help narrow the field of potential investors before they send out their full blown Business Plan. See why you should too.

Venture Capital Firms are the leading source for raising significant amounts of capital from $1,000,000 to $25,000,000 or more. Here's some great advice to help you in your Venture Capital search.

Essential Tips for Raising Venture Capital that will increase your funding chances and help you negotiate, even before you get to the bargaining table and negotiate your term sheet.