Free business plans help you climb to success
If you're starting up your own business, everyone recommends that you develop a solid business plan. In fact, lenders generally won't consider a request for a loan until they've looked over your business plan.
But since most businesses keep their plans secret, it's hard to find out what a *real* business plan looks like. Harder still is finding a source of free business plans from real businesses.
Here are some places where you can find no-cost sample business plans from the real-world.
Instructions
1. Check the Business Plan Archive listed in Resources. This business-school-based site is a terrific (if somewhat awkward) source of plans from real businesses, both successes and failures. Their collection includes real-word business plans, as well as actual business presentations (Powerpoints, and the like) that start-ups used to make their sales pitch.
Access to the site is limited to approved users, so follow their registration steps carefully to gain access to a treasure trove of business plans.
2. Check other internet sites for free business plans (also listed in Resources).
Bplans.com offers 100 free sample business plans, from Aircraft Equipment Maker to Yoga Center.
A site called eclips, at Cornell University, offers excellent short videos from entrepreneurs on a host of topics. Search the site for 'business plans', and you'll find videos like "Alison Gerlach Shares Thoughts On Strong Business Plans". These are very valuable presentations.
3. Check your library. One of the best resources for real-world business plans is the 13-volume (and counting) Business Plans Handbook from Cengage-Gale. Your library may have a print version or, better yet, access to an online subscription.
Each volume in this collection includes about 25 real business plans representing an incredible diversity of online and offline commerce.
4. Check other business resources. The Small Business Administration, in particular, has a good deal of advice and help on starting-up a business, including materials on creating a solid business plan.
SBA also links to the SCORE business mentoring program, where experienced (usually retired) business professionals offer free advice on creating your own business plan.
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