Accounting All-in-One For Dummies (+ Videos and Quizzes Online), 3rd Edition

Chapter 3

Drawing Up a Business Plan

IN THIS CHAPTER

Examining the four basic parts of a business plan

Creating a business plan, from idea through development

Including reliable third-party info in your business plan

Whether a business is a start-up or a mature operation, a clear and concise business plan is an essential tool to assist businesses with securing cash, managing their operations, and protecting their interests.

This chapter provides the basic understanding and tools needed to develop a viable business plan, which is translated into economic value via the production of financial forecasts and projections. The planning process described in this chapter includes numerous elements. This chapter discusses obtaining current market information (on the potential demand for a new product and what price the market will support) and evaluating personnel resources (to ensure that proper professionals are available to support a business). Another issue addressed is determining how great operational constraints (such as manufacturing space availability or environmental regulations) may be in terms of expanding into a new location.

Outlining the Basic Business Plan

All too often ...