How do I write a business plan?
I am trying to start a bakery and coffee shop. I don't know where to begin.
User Comments
- There is a great business plan software called Business plan pro by Palo Alto Software. You can get it at your local Staples or online. It is very intuitive and the company does give you access to professionals through their website if you need coaching. I have used it for clients for about 4 years now and it gets better every year.
This software has sample business plans that will give you some ideas too. It also gives you industry information and statistics. Check it out and give it a try. They had a free trial download a couple of years ago, I'm not sure if they still do.
- This is an extremely common question, because most banks will require something like this for small business loans.
Do a search under yahoo or google for "writing business plans" and you will find lots of good, free websites that have how-to guides and ready-made templates.
I have provided a couple of links below to places that seem to be good places to start.
You can also visit a local bookstore and find books on this in the business section, or there is always Amazon.com as well.
Your local small business bureau can also provide a LOT of good assistance, as the other poster mentioned.
- Every angle needs to be thought out carefully. Are there enough potential customers to make this idea feasible? Location is important. Estimate how many baked goods can be made and sold in a day by a set number of employees. Unsold bakery goods are money down the drain. What will the supplies and machinery cost? Employee salaries? Don't forget withholding taxes. Other expenses will be insurance, utilities, kitchen appliances, cafe furniture, dishes, napkins, and even lightbulbs. Think about other expenses that you might incur. Locate suppliers and use their rates to determine what it will take to serve bakery items and coffee. You need to determine start up costs, and monthly costs to keep you going. Project out your expenses and estimated income over 12 months. Do you need a loan? Do you have collateral? You need to have all this information written down with estimated time lines all the way from first beginning to plan to the end of the first year of being open. This becomes your business plan. Try to plan for unexpected expenses. Will the amount you estimate for sales exceed your expenses? Taking time to research and plan for your coffee shop will give you a better chance at success. Do you know how to set up your books? You need to get whatever permits are required for your community and apply for a tax Identification number. Your state inspecters will need to inspect and issue a license. All this takes time; you can"t open for business until everything is in place. This sounds easier than it really is, because you have to complete different parts of this on someone else's timeline, but if you plan well and allow enough time, you can make it.
- The SBA (www.sba.gov) has samples. Go to a local SCORE chapter for advice. Go to a local Small Business Development Center, where you can get help in developing a business plan.
Except the process to take weeks or months, not days, to develop a business plan that (1) will help you figure out how to get your business where you want it to go and (2) pass muster at any bank.
- Go to www.sba.gov. They have a lot of information that you can use.
- Actually I am in the same spot as you, trying to start a bakery business as well. I have searched the internet and the bookstores.
So far I ordered from the bookstore: 1. "How To Open A Financially Successful Bakery With Cdrom", and 2. "Baker's Manual". (the second one is probably not too helpful, not sure?!). The other source is from this website www.125aday.com, just do a search on bakery and/or coffee shop.
From the answers to your questions, it is all too general, it only points to every kind of business, it should only be more specified and focused. Don't you agree?
Palo Alto Software may be good, but it is too $$$!!!
BTW, I plan to open in Canada. Let's discuss further if you are interested, email is myliu at hotmail...