The FT Essential Guide to Writing a Business Plan, 2nd Edition

Introduction

You’ve got it! You’ve got a great idea for a new business. Everyone you talk to thinks it’s terrific. ‘A sure-fire winner!’ they say.

But words are cheap. What you need is cash. You don’t have enough in the bank to take this on, nor does your family, nor your friends. You need a backer – an angel investor, perhaps, or a venture capitalist.

To land that backer, you need a business plan.

Or maybe you run your own company and need to expand. You could just about finance it from your balance sheet or through your existing bank facilities, but you could do with some extra cushion. You need a backer, most likely your bank.

You too need a plan.

And what if you are planning serious expansion, possibly acquisition? You’ll need equity backing ...