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BUSINESS PLANS : Do I Need a Business Plan for a Loan?

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Not everyone who is going to start a business begins with a business plan. It all depeneds on whether it would be large or a small business and what kind. If you are a free-lance designer or you are a one man show data entry business then you don't necessarily need a business plan. If you are seeking funding from a venture capitalist, you will certainly need a comprehensive business plan that is well thought out and demonstrates sound business reasoning.

If you are approaching a banker for a business loan to start a business, your loan officer may suggest a Small Business Administration (SBA) loan, which will require a business plan. If you have an existing business and are approaching a bank for capital to expand the business, they often will not require a business plan, but they may look more favorably on your application if you have one.

Reasons to write a business plan include:
  • Support a business loan application
  • Raise equity funding
  • Define objectives and describe programs to achieve those objectives
  • Create a regular business review and course correction process
  • Define a new business
  • Define agreements between partners
  • Set a value on a business for sale or legal purposes
  • Evaluate a new product line, promotion, or expansion
If you are going to write a business plan for your colleagues and partners, for example, to expand an existing business, then the focus of that plan may be more operational than financial. Yes, you need to show your business partners how this expansion will mean more revenues, but they are going to want to know the details of how this new venture is going to be implemented.

If you are going to write a business plan for a bank, your bank manager will want to see that your business ideas are well thought out, but the most important factor will be your financials. Are your assumptions realistic? And will the cash flow of the business be enough so that you can make the monthly payments for the loan that you have requested? If your business is making $2,000 a month and your payments are $2,200 a month, the bank is likely to turn you away.

Most venture capitalists look at the obvious trends and market niches when considering an investment opportunity. Transcending the business elements, however, the most important factor in a decision to invest in a company is the quality of the people. In real estate, the three biggest criteria are "location, location and location." The venture capital axiom is "people, people and people." VCs want to see that your management team is going to have the proper experience to run the business? Do they have knowledge of the industry? Have they started successful ventures in the past?

What makes a successful business plan?
  • Presents a well thought out idea
  • Contains clear and concise writing
  • Has a clear and logical structure
  • Illustrates management's ability to make the new business a success
  • Shows profitability
Your business plan is like your calling card, it will get you in the door where you'll have to convince investors and loan officers that you can put your plan into action. You want your calling card to look impressive, so make sure your business plan is printed out on good quality paper, you have checked the spelling and grammar and that your numbers add up. Anyone who sees errors while reading your plan will wonder whether you are going to make similar errors in running your business.

A great business plan is the best way to show bankers, venture capitalists, and angel investors that you are worthy of financial support. Make sure that your plan is clear, focused and realistic. Then show them that you have the tools, talent and team to make it happen.

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