Executive Summary

• The executive summary is an overview of the business plan itself. This section summarizes some the key pieces of information discussed in the body of the business plan. According to the Small business Administration (SBA), some of the key pieces of information included in an executive summary are your business mission statement, names of founders, business location, products and investment relationships.
  
  

Market Description

• One of the main components of the business plan is an analysis of the market in which your business plans to operate. The SBA recommends including a description and outlook for your particular industry, information about your niche market and an assessment of potential competitors.
  
  

Business Description

• A description of your business is necessary to plan and explain the components that make your business work. For example, identify the reason you are in business and what need your business will satisfy for customers. In addition, devote some discussion to the process or technology you plan to use to produce and deliver your products and services.
  
  

Organization and Management

• The organization and management section includes establishing ownership and management structures necessary to run to run the business. The organizational structure includes the legal structure that incorporates the business as a sole proprietorship, partnership or corporation. The SBA also recommends establishing an organizational chart that assigns management and operations duties.
  
  

Sales

• Provide information on the marketing strategies you plan to deploy to generate customers. The SBA advises you clearly identify your approach to marketing including a penetration strategy, growth strategy, distribution and communications. If your business includes a sales team, discuss recruitment, training programs and compensation structures.
  
  

Product

• The product section of your business plan describes the product or service your business plans to produce. The SBA recommends writing your product descriptions from the perspective of your customers. This description should include the competitive advantage your product has in the marketplace.
  
  

Financial Analysis

• Your financial analysis shows potential profits or past financial performance. If your business is a start-up, include reasonable projections of future cash flow, capital expenses and balance sheets. If your business plan is for an established business, include financial data from past years and expectations for the next 2 to 5 years.