Make a Business Plan

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A successful business develops from strong game plans. Knowing your business goals and how to reach them will help prioritize each step and show investors why they should invest in your business.

Steps to a Productive Business Plan

A plan usually projects 3-5 years into the future and includes 8 basic sections.

Executive Summary
Briefly explain your business and plans for the future.
Business Description
Describe your business and your product or service, and explain how they are different from other businesses.
Market Analysis
Identify your potential customers, and describe your industry and competition.
Organization & Management
Show how you plan to structure your business and introduce your management team and their responsibilities.
Service or Product Line
Describe your product or service, including the features and benefits of your product or service.
Marketing & Sales
Explain how you plan to market and sell your product or service to the potential customers you’ve identified.
Finances
Show your current and projected financial status, including balance sheets, a cash flow statement, and revenue projections.
Appendix or Supporting Documents
Include additional documents that support your plan.

Featured Resources

U.S. Small Business Administration’s “How to Write a Business Plan” Guide
Explains the purpose and describes the premise of a proper business plan. Touches on ten major concepts you should make sure your plan encompasses.

U.S. Small Business Administration’s Business Plan Template
An overlay of the correct process needed to develop an effective and informative business plan. A recommended plan of action for any small business owner.
BPlans
An effective small business planning resource that can also assist you in funding, starting and managing your enterprise.
SCORE
The Fairfield County chapter of SCORE is a group of more than 100 volunteer professionals that offer to share their experience with new and growing entrepreneurs. They offer classes and private sessions on subjects ranging from general management and business planning to public relations and community services. SCORE Fairfield offers business counseling in seven different languages including Spanish.
CT Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC)
The CTSBDC can help any business with business advising, exporting/importing, and disaster preparedness. Business workshops are available (both in person and virtual workshops). Look at their calendar, here.
Stamford Small Business Resource Center at the Ferguson Library
The Ferguson Library offers an extensive list of print and digital small business resources in their Small Business Resource Center. The Center also serves as a collaborative space, which promotes brainstorming and networking. The library will also host classes on topics related to small businesses.
Norwalk Community College Workforce Development and Continuing Education
The Norwalk Community College Extended Studies and Workforce Education Program allows businesses to train their employees in particular fields, like health, tech, or business skills. Click the link above to view their current selection of courses available.

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