A well-researched business plan is an essential roadmap for your new business that outlines goals and details how you plan to achieve these goals. It is also a great tool in communicating your business’ potential to investors and financial institutions.
New Business: Resources
Business Planning
Writing a Business Plan - Step by Step Guide to Success
If you are thinking about writing a business plan you probably have a lot of questions. And that’s a good thing. You want to succeed in your business and feel competent and confident about what you’re about to do.
That is why we developed this tool for you.
Downloadable PDF Guides are available in English, French, and Somali.
This easy-to-use guide is simple, concise, and includes information on each of the most important elements of a business plan. Whether you are writing your plan for operational purposes or to obtain financing, this guide can help! It includes a ton of helpful information such as what you need to include in your business plan, what lenders are looking for and tricks of the trade!
Financial Data Templates
Financial statements are an important part of your business plan. If you are applying for a loan, your banker will be looking for this information to make their decision.
Maine SBDC has compiled some financial templates including a cash flow statement, balance sheet, profit/loss statement (P&L), schedule of liabilities and break-even tool. These can all be viewed in our Tools & Templates section.
AgPlan Business Planning for Rural Business Owners
AgPlan was developed by the University of Minnesota and provides a platform to develop your own business plan, learn what you need to include in your plan, view sample business plans and share your plan with reviewers (or your business advisor!). Visit the site for more info.
SBA’s Business Planning Resources
The Small Business Administration has a wealth of information available for new businesses who are writing a business plan, including a helpful business plan template. Click here to visit their site.
Business USA’s Startup & Business Planning Resources
BusinessUSA is a centralized one-stop platform to make it easier for businesses to access information and services. Visit the BusinessUSA site.