Business Plan

Business Plan

With goals and expectations in hand, a business plan is the written document detailing how those goals will be achieved.

The U.S. Small Business Association (SBA) aims to assist small businesses through access to capital and developmental resources. They define a business plan as “an essential roadmap for business success. This living document generally projects 3-5 years ahead and outlines the route a company intends to take to grow revenues.” (SBA.gov)

This section will cover the following areas of a Business Plan:

• An executive summary of your business 
• Description of your company and product -- including what state and federal licensure may be required on both the business and food safety ends 
• Organization of the business -- leadership division/structure 
• Analysis of market 
• Plan of production, distribution 
• Marketing plan 
• Financial plan 
• Sales estimates including all assumptions 
• Additional needs or costs for your business- loans, insurance, taxes 

Remember, your business plan is a living document; continually update it as your business grows.

Additional details about business planning, marketing resources and food production resources can be found in additional resources or at: 

• Small Business Association: Writing a Business Plan 
• MDAR Food Processors Resource Manual 
• Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network 
• UMASS Libraries Business Research Guide