Podcasts

SBA podcast:  Creating a Business Plan

SBA podcast:  Making Your Business Plan Work For You

More on Business Plans

SCORE.org on Business Plans

SBA links on Business Plans and Planning

SBA Online Courses on Business Plans

5 Tips for Making the Most of Your Business Plan

1. Take the long view and do long-term planning. Map out where you want to be five years from now and how you plan to get there.
2. Write the plan yourself. You will learn more about your business by doing so.
3. Think of your plan as a living document. Review it regularly to make sure you are on track or to adjust it to market changes.
4. Share the plan with others who can help you get where you want to go—such as lenders, key employees and advisors.
5. Understand that you might pay a price in the short run to obtain long-term business growth and health.

FREE Counseling By Email

Our experienced volunteer counselors, like Bob Paul, have helped many successful small companies, and we can help you too. Get FREE counseling by email on business plan questions, or send a draft of your plan, whatever you have, and we will email you comments and advice.

Free Counseling in Person

Counselors can advise you whether you are just starting or

Best Business Plan Workshop!

Volunteer Carlos Bastidas teaches the business plan workshop.  He has reviewed and coached numerous clients in the planning and loan application process.  Don't miss his workshop, which is held monthly at SCORE Chicago, 500 W. Madision, Suite 1150, Chicago, IL 60661.

Business Plan: Roadmap for You, Necessary for Loans  Click the link to see workshop outline and registration details. 

A thoughtful and well-executed business plan is the first step for every potential entrepreneur. Good planning increases the odds of success. This workshop covers the essential elements of business plan development. Topics include: setting goals and objectives, preparing marketing and financial plans and defining action steps to attain appropriate goals. With a good plan, build your roadmap to success.

Free Counseling on Business Plans

Adolphina Goodwin got business plan help to start Precious Images Ultrasound.  Her story.

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