Writing a Business Plan

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What is the main purpose of a business plan?

To provide a road map for the business (correct)

To establish benchmarks for the business

To introduce the company to lenders or investors

To obtain financing

How long does it typically take to write a business plan for a small retail or service business?

1-2 years

6-12 months

3-9 months (correct)

1-3 months

What is the primary goal of the executive summary in a business plan?

To provide detailed financial projections

To summarize each major section of the business plan (correct)

To outline the company's marketing strategy

To introduce the company's management team

What is a key benefit of taking six months or more to plan a new small business?

Improving the success rate of the business Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the cover letter in a business plan?

To introduce the company to lenders or investors Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to write a business plan?

To provide a road map for the business and forces you to think through the business process Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT typically found in the financial section of a business plan?

List of marketing strategies Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the appendix in a business plan?

To include supporting data that doesn't fit in the narrative Signup and view all the answers

What type of schedule is typically included in the financial section of a business plan?

Depreciation schedule Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of including a list of collateral in a business plan?

To secure loan or investment Signup and view all the answers

What type of financial statements are typically included in a business plan?

Projected financial statements Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the MANAGEMENT AND LABOR section in a business plan?

To identify key owners and management personnel Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of the FACILITY section in a business plan?

To provide a detailed understanding of the costs associated with running the facility Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the FINANCIAL section in a business plan?

To generate pro-forma financial statements from previous sections Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of the Customer Analysis section in a business plan?

To analyze the company's target market and customer demographics Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the SWOT analysis in a business plan?

To analyze the company's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the Company Summary section?

To provide an overview of the company and its current position Signup and view all the answers

What type of information should be included in the Product or Service Summary section?

The product's competitive edge, patents, and trade secrets Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of the Marketing section in a business plan?

To present market research and convince the reader of the product's viability Signup and view all the answers

What is the main risk associated with the Marketing section of a business plan?

The market analysis and sales estimates are uncertain Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Management Summary section in a business plan?

This section is not typically included in a business plan Signup and view all the answers

What should the Company Summary section explain in the context of an existing company?

The company's 'before' and 'after' position Signup and view all the answers

What should be included in a business plan to provide insight into the company's ownership structure?

Resumes of key owners and managers Signup and view all the answers

What is a common mistake to avoid when writing a business plan?

Lack of Scope Signup and view all the answers

What should you avoid when presenting data in a business plan?

Using technical jargon Signup and view all the answers