What to Include in the Plan: An Outline
Title Page/Cover Sheet
Table of Contents
Executive Summary —Appears at the beginning of the plan and gives the reader a quick, informative overview and explains what you are asking for and why. Keep this short (preferably 1 page).
Description of the Business —Name of business, location, facilities, goals, strategies
Product(s)/Service(s) —What you produce, supplier information, the target market, competition, product life cycle, plans for new products, sales and marketing plans, customer service. Give detail.
Description of Industry —Industry outlook, market share, major factors that affect industry, buying habits of consumers, description of competition, competitors’ strengths and weaknesses relative to your business
Management —Legal structure, number of employees, leaders, organizational chart, recruitment, training, historical biographical summary
Financial Requirements —Purpose of external financing (if any is needed), financial history of the business (balance sheets, cash flow, projections), accounting methods, record-keeping system
Appendices — Identify bank and name of loan officer, CPA Counsel, Legal Counsel, Outside Management or Directors; Résumés; previous tax forms/supporting documents; marketing materials; customer lists; articles from trade journals; letters of commitment from present or potential customers; market research data; photographs; reference letters