Writing a Business Plan for the First Time
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California Business Resource
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General Business Information
by Tyler Jensen
Writing a business plan for the first time can be overwhelming. There are so many things you don't know and what about the things you don't know you don't know. Just like anything you do the first time there will be challenges. But the reality is that once you have done it, looking back you will realize that it was not that hard. Almost anyone can write a business plan if they are willing to learn, willing to ask for help, willing to listen to advice, and are committed to completing it. Are you?
The first step is to decide who you are writing the business plan for. Are you writing it for yourself (and other business partners) or for an outside investor, or both. This is very important to define who your audience is before starting to write it. The second thing to do is decide whether you will write it yourself or have someone write it for you. Getting a good business plan written for you can cost 10-20k or more. If this is your first time starting a business or you don't have the money I would recommend writing it yourself. The reason is that in order to write it you will have to understand the basics of running a business. This is a good time to learn it before you start spending money.
If you decide to write it yourself you must first learn how to write a business plan & get someone to help. There are tons of resources out there to help. If you search online “writing a business plan” there are lots of free how to guides & sample business plans. There are organizations in town that will help you write it also. The first is SCORE.
Score offers a class on writing a business plan for a low cost and free counseling.
The Small Business Development Center offers free counseling, seminars and training.
If you have any other questions or would like help writing your business plan please feel free to contact me at tyler@thenewwaveproject.com.
Writing a business plan for the first time can be overwhelming. There are so many things you don't know and what about the things you don't know you don't know. Just like anything you do the first time there will be challenges. But the reality is that once you have done it, looking back you will realize that it was not that hard. Almost anyone can write a business plan if they are willing to learn, willing to ask for help, willing to listen to advice, and are committed to completing it. Are you?
The first step is to decide who you are writing the business plan for. Are you writing it for yourself (and other business partners) or for an outside investor, or both. This is very important to define who your audience is before starting to write it. The second thing to do is decide whether you will write it yourself or have someone write it for you. Getting a good business plan written for you can cost 10-20k or more. If this is your first time starting a business or you don't have the money I would recommend writing it yourself. The reason is that in order to write it you will have to understand the basics of running a business. This is a good time to learn it before you start spending money.
If you decide to write it yourself you must first learn how to write a business plan & get someone to help. There are tons of resources out there to help. If you search online “writing a business plan” there are lots of free how to guides & sample business plans. There are organizations in town that will help you write it also. The first is SCORE.
Score offers a class on writing a business plan for a low cost and free counseling.
The Small Business Development Center offers free counseling, seminars and training.
If you have any other questions or would like help writing your business plan please feel free to contact me at tyler@thenewwaveproject.com.