Business Plan for New HI Business

General Inspection Topics General Inspection Discussion
1

Before you inspectors started your business, did you sit down and write a business plan? If so, did you buy a software or did you follow web links and read up on it?

I am starting my 3rd year in business, and I never wrote a business plan. (don’t laugh…too much)

I really don’t have systems in place the way they should be. Whatever. I went to Merrill Institute, but the info is kind of overwhelming.

What should I do. Also, I am very frugal (or poor) and I really don’t want to hire this done. Thanks for your help.

Shane

2

I am working on mine and found the Small Business Administration web site to be helpful.
http://www.sba.gov/smallbusinessplanner/plan/writeabusinessplan/SERV_WRRITINGBUSPLAN.html

3

And linking from the one Ralph just posted, are some sample plans…

http://www.bplans.com/sp/businessplans.cfm

4

Shane,
I used PaloAlto’s Business Plan Pro.
I found it more than comprehensive enough to cover current and future uses. It is fairly easy to use and has numerous sample business plans (in case you get stuck on a part and need ideas on what to put into that part). I also recommend using your local resources, the SBA and SBDC. If you have an accountant, they may be able to help you as well.

5

I had my attorney draft mine.

I never needed this business plan, but he advised me to keep it on file.