just wondering about those that have a business plan...did you do it yourself or have someone help/do it for you?? I'm having a VERY difficult time w/even getting one started and doing the research about projected sales, financing, and stuff....I'm just lost!!

There are some local resources in my area that I've attempted to contact...but noone is calling me back!!

My husband found a firm that will write the business plan for you (through meetings and information you provide...but they do the research) and he thinks that may be the way to go for us....but gee whiz the price is kinda high ~$1500-$2500!!!

anyone who has written have ANY advice on writting a business plan??
thanks in advance,
christine

Check with your local community college/techinical institute, they should have a local Small Business Unit. I took an Entrepreuer course through my local community college - $85.00, it was very informative and the people are great as a resource. Also, check the www.sba.gov website for a local Small Business Resource in your community. This site also has sample Business Plans that can be printed and used for reference. There is one especially for a Home Based Business. I have to confess that I've started my business plan but recently have been sick and haven't completed mine yet.
Good luck, pm me if you need further information.
Leslie

ps do you have an update on your husband's software program? Don't mean to be a pain just curious.
Thanx,
Leslie

my husband is working SLOWLY on the program!!

trying to start a business is a freaking full time job itself.....we have both been swamped w/this whole business thing. we are both getting overwhelmed w/the time & money it is taking!!! we thought we knew and understood this before we started....but guess it's just now starting to hit us how much work this actually is!!! and trying to work a regular full time job & this is becoming a pain in the rear for us both!!

He just emailed me this morning about having someone do the business plan....but I told him I should probably just suck it up & do it myself!! it looks more time consuming then difficult...but I haven't really gotten past some of the overview & how to stuff. but I'm just lost, confused, and overwhelmed w/it all right now!!

What kind of program is your husband writing? My husband's still working on a few for me, to "help me be more organized", mainly recipe databases, etc. He's the more disorganized one! Oh well.

Me I had the local developement center help me. They have programs (free) and also if you're between 18 and 35 y-o you can get either a tuition or a loan, depending on what kind of business you start and what are your needs. I'll probably have answers by the end of the month, can't wait!!! Even the loan is a great thing, because you get a loan for 4 years, first 2 years, you have nothing to pay, and you pay on the 3rd and 4th year. plus it's low interest.

good luck to you

Lorris

You are so right, working a full time job and trying to start a business is also a full time job!! If you can get the basics of your plan on paper, then a Small Business Center consultant can assist you at NO CHARGE to fine tune it. Check under SCORE in you local directory and they have a website as well. I've been sick so I haven't even thought about my plan in about a month but I'm on the mend and I have to get back to it.
Appreciate the update on the program. When he gets through with it, I'm sure it will be awesome.
Good luck with your business venture.
Leslie

www.sba.gov is helpful, they have a division for women/minorities and SCORE is great too. They are retired bus. execs. that are helping people start businesses (FOR FREE)!!!!! There are also computer programs to help with the b-plan.

I've written them before and they are a pain, but very important. Even if you weren't doing it for a bank, they are good to have so that you can use it as a guide and as something to keep you on track.

http://www.nolo.com/resource.cfm/catID/E67C08E9-9FAE-4AD8-840371947878E573/111/228/289/ is a great site with a lot of helpful info and tools. The "Business Plan Pro" software is one that I have actually used before. Apparently it's out of stock right now, but you can purchase it and download online.

thanks guys! right now we don't plan on getting any loans so I won't need the business plan for that....YET!! I can't seem to convince my hubby that we are going to need more $$$$ though.

hopefully when I can calm down soon and find a nice quiet corner to think....hoping that'll help me think more clearly and can possibly start to figure it all out!!!

I haven't written one myself, but try the book The One Page Business Plan by Jim Horan.

You may want to do a search for Microsoft Templates - Business Plan.
They have a great template to use and basically you just fill in the blanks. Its a great way to start!