LibGuides: Business: Business Plans

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Executive Summary: Overview of the significant points

Industry, Target Customer, and Competitor Analysis: Key characteristics of the industry

Company Description: The nature of the business, its primary product or service,

its current status (startup, buyout, or expansion)

Product/Service Plan: Justification for why people will buy the product or service, based on its unique features.

Operations and Development Plan: Operating or manufacturing methods,

Critical Risks: Any known inherent risks in the venture.

Exit Strategy: Ways an investor—and the entrepreneur—may be able to harvest their business investment

Financial Plan: Contemplated source of funding.

Write Your Business Plan - SBA
Learn about the elements of a business plan
Business Planning & Financial Statements Template Gallery - SCORE
Downloadable templates covering business planning, finance, sales, marketing, and management
Business Model Canvas Template
A one page overview that lays out both what you do (or want to do), and how you go about doing it. Created by Alexander Osterwalder and featured in his book, Business Model Generation
Business Model Canvas Explained
A 2-minute video overview of the Business Model Canvas

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Business Plan Index
Chose an industry category to see a listing of sample business plans within that industry. Offers a combination of plans available online and in print
Bplans
Free website of business plans for a variety of business types

The Early Pitch Decks of 25 Startups Before They Became Billion-Dollar Companies - CB Insights
Article featuring early pitch decks from companies including Airbnb, LinkedIn, Uber, and YouTube
Business Plan Presentation Template - SCORE
Downloadable presentation template created by SCORE with suggestions for what information should be covered on each slide
Pitch Deck Templates - Canva
Pitch deck presentation templates

Choose Your Business Structure - SBA
Explanations of each business structure and how it may be applicable to your business
Starting a Business - IRS
Information for new business owners about federal taxes. Includes links to state business and tax websites