A business plan is the vehicle by which you conduct the research for your market, decide which individuals to involve in the sales of your product or service, and validate your revenue and expense financial forecasts. It is the means by which you will convince first yourself, and then others who can help you, that your company has a road map to success.
New entrepreneurs should go to the SBA web site (Small Business Association) where they'll find guides for the business planning process. They should follow the site presentation and note the factors to consider in starting a business.
An excellent small business resources is the second link below which contains examples of business plans.
Entrepreneurs can also choose a counselor at the third link below who is experienced in their industry and that they feel can help them. They should their plan out on the counselor. The counselor will put on a banker's or investor's hat and give them a reaction, then make suggestions to improve the plan and how to communicate it to a financial institution.
Above all - PLAN --- to Succeed!
If you can't plan it how are you going to do it --- or convince a financial source you can?
Small Business Association (SBA) .... Business Planning Guide
Sample Business Plans
Small Business Help From SCORE