{"id":5151,"date":"2016-04-04T11:47:57","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:47:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/contents-of-a-written-business-plan.html"},"modified":"2026-05-29T15:13:00","modified_gmt":"2026-05-29T20:13:00","slug":"contents-of-a-written-business-plan","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/contents-of-a-written-business-plan.html","title":{"rendered":"Contents of a Written Business Plan"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Contents of a Written Business Plan<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Amber Sheppard, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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Editorial Note: We earn a commission from affiliate partner links on FindLaw. Commissions do not affect the editorial integrity of our legal content.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n

\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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The key elements of an effective business plan are the company\u2019s mission, goals, market research, operational strategies, startup costs, and revenue projections.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

A business plan and financial plan<\/span> are essential for startup businesses. Entrepreneurs need one for business planning, expanding an existing business<\/span>, and securing\u00a0debt or equity financing<\/a>. From a practical standpoint, a business plan serves as a road map<\/span> or step-by-step<\/span> overview of your plan to grow the business and your business idea<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Creating a good business plan<\/span> is one of the most important tasks when\u00a0starting a small business<\/span><\/a>. A business plan that defines and identifies goals helps business owners<\/span> focus. It also provides direction and focus for their employees. Potential investors and lenders<\/span> want to see your business plan and business model forecasts<\/span>.<\/p>\n

This article outlines a typical business plan so you can quickly start your roadmap<\/span> for your own business.<\/p>\n

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Types of Business Plans<\/h2>\n

Writing a successful business plan<\/span>\u00a0before you start your business is important<\/a>.\u00a0It will serve as a roadmap<\/span> for both your business and potential lenders<\/span> and investors.\u00a0<\/p>\n

There are several\u00a0types of business plans<\/a>\u00a0for different types of growth opportunities:<\/p>\n