How to write a business plan / [electronic resource] by Mike McKeever.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

How to use this book -- What kind of plan do you need? -- Getting started -- And a few more words -- 1. Benefits of writing a business plan -- What is a business plan? -- Why write a business plan? -- Issues beyond the plan -- 2. Do you really want to own a business? -- Introduction -- Self-evaluation exercises -- How to use the self-evaluation lists -- Reality check : banker's analysis -- 3. Choosing the right business -- Introduction -- Know your business -- Be sure you like your business -- Describe your business -- Taste, trends, and technology : how will the future affect your business? -- Break-even analysis : will your business make money? -- What you have accomplished -- 4. Potential sources of money to start or expand your small business -- Introduction -- Ways to raise money -- Common money sources to start or expand a business -- Additional money sources for a existing business -- If no one will finance your business, try again -- Secondary sources of financing for start-ups or expansions -- Conclusion --

5. Your resume and financial statement -- Introduction -- Draft your business accomplishment resume -- Draft your personal financial statement -- 6. Your profit and loss forecast -- Introduction -- What is a profit and loss forecast? -- Determine your average cost of sales -- Complete your profit and loss forecast -- Review your profit and loss forecast -- 7. Your cash flow forecast and capital spending plan -- Introduction -- Prepare your capital spending plan -- Prepare your cash flow forecast -- Required investment for your business -- Check for trouble -- 8. Write your marketing and personnel plans -- Introduction -- Marketing plan -- Personnel plan -- 9. Editing and finalizing your business plan -- Introduction -- Decide how to organize your plan -- Write final portions of your plan -- Create the appendix -- Create title page and table of contents -- Complete your final edit -- Consider using a business consultant --

10. Selling your business plan -- How to ask for the money you need -- How to approach different backers -- What to do when someone says "yes" -- Plan in advance for legal details -- 11. After you open : keeping on the path to success -- Introduction -- Watch out for problem areas -- Getting out of business -- 12. Good resources for small businesses -- Introduction -- Business consultants -- Books -- Pamphlets -- Magazines - continuing small business help -- Computers and business -- Online business resources -- Formal education -- Appendixes -- A. Business plan for a small service business -- B. Business plan for a manufacturing business -- C. Business plan for project development -- D. How to use the CD-ROM -- Installing the form files onto your computer -- Using the financial planning spreadsheets -- Using the business plan files -- Index.