- Home
- Research Guides
- Public Guides
- How to Write a Business Plan
- Getting Started
How to Write a Business Plan
Find the information on the industry, competitors, markets, and consumers that you need to create a business plan.
Mentoring and Advice
Need extra help? We can put you in touch with a SCORE Mentor or legal help to get answers.
- SCORE appointmentsBoston SCORE provides
free and Confidential business advice
from experienced business professionals
at the Kirstein Business Library & Innovation Center. Book an appointment here.
Before You Write Your Business Plan
Starting a business can be a daunting task. Luckily, the Boston Public Library has the resources to help you write your business plan. Use this guide to help you locate data and information to help you build a successful business.
Before you move forward with your business idea consider: 
- What makes your business unique?
- What problem are you solving?
- How does your business solve a problem?
- Who is your ideal customer?
- Who is your competition?
- How will you reach your customers?
- Do you have the right team?
- How will you make money?
- Do you need to work with other partners or companies?
- Who are the other partners or companies?
Business Plan Resources Online
- The Business Plan Guide--Bplans.comArticles with a links to a large online collection of free sample business plans. In addition, it has tools and guides to help you manage your business better
- Business Planning & Financial Statements Template Gallery--SCORE.orgFree business planning, finance, sales, marketing and management templates & guides.
- Business Plans: A Step-by-Step Guide--EntrepreneurInformation about elements of a business plan from Entrepreneur magazine. Includes a link to forms and templates.
- What You Need to Know About Small Business Plans --The BalanceIntroduction and tips for creating an effective small business plan for your new business
- Write your Business Plan-- Small Business AdministrationInformation on business plans and general information about starting a business from the Small Business Administration.
Business Plan Databases
- Business Plans HandbookActual business plans compiled by, and aimed at, entrepreneurs seeking funding for small businesses. Presents sample plans taken from businesses in the manufacturing, retail and service industries which serve as examples of how to approach, structure and compose business plans.
more...
- LawDepotLawDepot is now available through OverDrive. Log in using the Libby app or website
LawDepot allows you to create your own personalized legal documents specific to your state/province and personal situation.
Recommended Titles
Business Plans Kit for Dummies, 5th Edition by
The fast and easy way to construct a winning business plan If you're looking to establish, expand, or re-energize a business, the best place to start is with a sound business plan--and this new edition of Business Plans Kit For Dummies is here to help you get you started. From getting your hands on start-up money from investors to successfully growing or reimaging your venture, it offers everything you need to craft a well-defined business plan that will set you on a course to get your business moving in the right direction. Are you unsure how to draft objectives for managers or deal with displacement? Are you new to hiring employees and need help grasping the ins and outs of creating a new business? No worries! Business Plans Kit For Dummies is brimming with all the tools and expert guidance you need to bring a successful business plan to life and keep your company afloat in any economic environment. Including the latest tips and resources, and packed with lots of helpful examples and sample forms, it offers everything you need to craft a winning business plan and increase the likelihood your business will not only survive, but thrive! Create a sound business plan and clear mission statement Establish and assess your goals and objectives Get start-up money in any economy Increase your business' chances of financial success If you're a small business owner, investor, or entrepreneur looking for expert guidance on developing and implementing a strategic plan to help your business succeed, Business Plans Kit For Dummies has you covered!
Call Number: HD30.28 .P374 2016x
The Business Plan Workbook by
One of the most important steps in launching or expanding a venture is the creation of a business plan. The absence of a written business plan can lead to failure for new businesses, and inhibit growth and development. Based on methodology developed at Cranfield School of Management, The Business Plan Workbook takes a practical approach to the topic of business planning. Perfect for those growing businesses, as well as a range of academic and professional courses, this title takes the reader step-by-step through each phase of the development of a business plan, from creating a competitive business strategy to its writing and presentation. With 29 corresponding assignments that each includes case studies such as Hotmail, Cobra Beer, IKEA and Amazon, actively engaging questions and worksheets, it will enable you to validate your business idea, brand your business, research your market, and raise finance.This new edition includes an additional assignment covering online content, key words, SEO, Social Media, traffic tracking, affiliate marketing and online advertising. With a range of fresh case studies including BrewDog, Chilango and Honest Burgers, this fully updated ninth edition of The Business Plan Workbook is an invaluable and comprehensive guide to all aspects of business planning. Online supporting resources for this book include lecture slides, test questions and answers, and a new guide to online courses, lectures and case studies.
Call Number: HD30.28 .B3685 2018x
How to Write a Business Plan by
Step-by-step advice on preparing a business plan You need a sound business plan to start a business or raise money to expand an existing one. For over 30 years, How to Write a Business Plan has helped fledgling entrepreneurs--from small service businesses and retailers to large manufacturing firms--write winning plans and get needed financing. This bestselling book contains clear step-by-step instructions and forms to put together a convincing business plan with realistic financial projections, effective marketing strategies, and overall business goals. You'll learn how to: figure out if your business idea will make money determine and forecast cash flow create profit and loss forecasts prepare marketing and personnel plans find potential sources of financing, and present your well-organized plan to lenders and other backers. The 13th edition is updated to reflect best practices for raising money (from SBA loans to equity crowdfunding).
Call Number: HD30.28 .M3839 2017
