Know-How Exchange : Research/Metrics

There are numerous resources out that that helps in writting business plans including several softwares that includes sample plans. However, with the usage of softwares it somehow too confining. So I think the best way to figure out business plan writting is to dig out whatever data you feel is required and supports your business, then add your own sections in the plan. If you know of someone who has developed business plans before, perhaps it would be wise to confer with him/her by sending a draft copy.

To get you started I've used or come across several resources/software that I deemed were useful.

1. https://www.paloalto.co.uk/software/business_plan_pro/index.cfm (this software includes up to 500 sample business plans, I've personally used their samples to further develop my own plan. they've got an example of a beauty salon too!)

2. https://www.brs-inc.com/

3. https://www.eventuring.org/eShip/appmanager/eVenturing/eVenturingDesktop

4. https://entrepreneur.com/businessplan/index.html

5. Just do a search on google. It's amazing what you can find.

Hope this helps.

One of my favorite sites is www.sba.gov, its the small business association. They have great samples available I think I even saw one for a beauty salon. You will find quite a bit on the site --they have made it easier to navigate and you should be able to find an office near you for more access. You may want to check with your bank if you are a female owned business many banks are offering sites and events geared to women with some great marketing and business information.

And finally, I've searched right here on Marketing Profs and found lots of links to places I've never heard before!

Best wishes.
PT

https://homepages.ihug.co.nz/~sweetasman01/Marketingplan.pdf

dont get too hung up with dotting your i's and crossing your t's. You have a plan. The best judge of your plan will be the banker. I would schedule an appointment with a friendly banker. Present your plan and ask them to "shoot holes in it". In the mean time, if you are new to business in general, I would find a mentor or coach who has experience. It will save you a whole lot of headaches.

The format is less important than the quality and thoroughness of your thinking, the clarity of your strategies, and the attention to detail as you express the strategies and plans in a financial exhibit.

If you know your target audience (i.e., the banker or investor you're going to present to), you should ask THEM for a sample format that they've found useful and effective.

You are smart to take this exercise seriously. Most small businesses never quite get there, and they're always wondering if they're doing the right thing, if business could be better, where/how they're sub-optimizing their use of scarce resources, etc.

Good luck.