Western Carolina SBTDC


FAQ's

QUESTION:

I am not sure on how to prepare a business plan. More specificly, I guess my problem is knowing where to start.

ANSWER:

The best place to start is in reviewing existing plans and seeing how others have approached the task. Also, check out the links that I have provided here:

Business Plans Index from ReferenceforBusiness.com

Carnegie Library Business Plans Index

Write A Business Plan
Visit The Wall Street Journal's  Center for Entrepreneurs today!

SamplePlans.com
This site contains over 400 sample business plan (created with BusinessPlanPro software).

Writing a Business Plan and Business Plan Templates - Bplans.com
Write A Business Plan Start a Business Grow a Business Finance & Capital E-Business Marketing Legal Advice Buy a Business.

Start a business, Write a business plan, Free entrepreneur's guide
The site is fully interactive with audio Sound Bytes, quizzes, feedback and a tool to help you write a business plan.

SBA - Business Plan Basics
What service or product does your business provide and what needs does it fill?

SoYouWanna write a business plan?

Business Plan: Writing Plans with Free Sample Template & Software
If you don't have a sensible strategic plan, how can you realistically write a sensible business plan?

Write a Business Plan
Write a Business Plan. ... Most of the advice you need to write a good business plan is about gathering and organizing the relevant information.

Business Plan Software
Business Plan Software. Business Plan Pro The fastest and easiest way to write a successful business plan is to write your plan using business plan software.

125aday.com Numerous business plans (for a fee), including some for businesses such as music publishing.


QUESTION:

I am confused about the bio. Is it to be a bio about myself, the business or both?

ANSWER:

The bio is a very common document, becoming even more common, to describe the background of individuals who start/manage companies. The "company equivalent" of a bio is a corporate history. Thus, your bio is about you, as a person, but it should lead the reader to have confidence in your capacity to fulfill whatever role you presently have (or might have in the future, such as running your company, as indicated in your business plan).

QUESTION:

How do I write a bio?

ANSWER:

Here are some pretty good links to get you started. You may also want to search key words like "management bios," or "executive bio".

How to Write a Biography.

How do I write a great bio?

How to Write an Executive Bio (Career Journal site).

How to Write an Artist Biography

www.publicityhound.com/free_publicity/Articles/How_to_write_a_bio.htm


QUESTION:

I was wondering what kind of information we need to try to get from the bank? I am going to 3 or 4 of them and I think I need to talk to them about getting a loan to start my business and a business checking account and stuff like that. I just want to make sure so I don't look completely stupid when I go in there. If you could help me by just giving me some pointers on some questions to ask I would really appreciate it.

ANSWER:

When you talk to any banker, you can introduce yourself as a “future entrepreneur” and current entrepreneurship student. You may want to create your own “personal-business card” for networking. The chances of getting a loan from a bank without collateral are slim to none. However, there are still plenty of things to inquire about in your conversation; most banks offer services such as:

Wire Transfers

Merchant Processing for Credit/Debit Cards and Checks

Business Checking Accounts

Business Credit Cards

Lines of Credit (often tied to collateral)

Lease Financing/Auto and/or Equipment Loans (secured by the property)

Small Business Advise/Publications/Web Information

Networking potential (bankers know lawyers and accountants, economic development representatives)

QUESTION:

How do I write a mission statement?

ANSWER:

Here are several links to help you get started:

How to Write a Mission Statement
How to Write a Mission Statement. By Janel M. Radtke. Every organization has a mission, a purpose, a reason for being.

Write a Mission Statement
How To Write a Mission Statement. Writing a Mission Statement is a complex activity involving every level of the organization. Here's how to get started.

How to Write Your Mission Statement
How to Write Your Mission Statement Summing up your business's mission helps you focus on the steps you need to take to succeed.

Writing a Mission Statement and Sample Mission Statements - Bplans ...
Writing a Mission Statement. One of the hardest things for people to write in a business plan is the mission statement. How should I write a Mission Statement?

How to Write a Mission Statement - eHow.com
How to Write a Mission Statement. Writing a company mission statement will help you and your employees focus on a common goal and get started | how to write a mission statement.

How-to.com
Many companies, both new and existing, sometimes struggle to write a mission statement. A mission statement can be a very strong motivational statement for staff and employees and can also be a strong marketing and branding tool to customers.


QUESTION:

Finances for small businesses are hard to understand. Can you point me to some resources that might help me out?

ANSWER:

Try these links:

SBA - Financing | Financial Statements
Understanding financial statements is critically important to the success of a small business.

Financial Statements Information at Business.com
The Small Business Knowledge Base: Understanding Financial
Statements Introduction to balance sheets and income statements.

FINANCE CENTER - grants for women owned businessesEasy-to-use, practical advice prepared by experienced business counselors and instructors.

Introduction to Using Financial Statements
Tutorial This Tutorial is designed to help the small business owner learn how to use financial statements as a roadmap on their journey to economic Success.

Small Business Tools
Finances: from balancing your checkbook to creating your own financial statements.

How to Start a Business: Financial Statements
Financial statements help you track and analyze.

Basic Guide to Financial Management in Small For-Profit Businesses
You must have good understanding of financial statements.

Small Business Finance: Loans, Advice and Tax Guides

Financial Statements
US Chamber's Online Small Business Center.

Cash Flow, Small Business Accounting, Small Business Accounting.
Cash flow punch list: Prepare frequent financial statements.
 

 
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