Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. Writing a business plan is like the architectural plan for a home or a brick-and-mortar building. You need to know what materials you ...

A well-written business plan should include details about your business's goals, products or services, and finances. Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our advertising ...

A business plan is an integral part of any small business or self-employed venture. It not only lays out what you are doing with your time, but also how to get there. It helps you to keep track of ...

When you are a small business owner heading off to ask the bank for a small business loan, one of the first documents the loan officer typically asks for is the business plan. Therefore, it is ...

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. President Dwight D. Eisenhower once said, “In preparing for battle I have always found that plans are useless, but planning is ...

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. I help entrepreneurs become more successful. Most business plans are written for an audience. The most common audience is ...

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. I write about the franchising, restaurant and food services industry. An executive summary is a short but powerful document that ...

When you're contemplating starting your own company, crafting a detailed financial document that outlines your strategy and long-term goals may not be at the top of your priority list, but it should ...

A strong, well-thought-out business plan is crucial for a business's success. Without one, it's tough to maintain a vision of the future and what the next steps for your business should be. Think of ...

A great business plan is a living, breathing blueprint for your business that can help you navigate and manage your company while also helping potential investors, partners, lenders, and others ...