BANNER

If you’re going to run a business or a social venture, you need a business plan. A business plan may sound like a huge job, but really it’s just answering some important questions about your venture. Once you’ve answered those questions, you’ll have one place where you can find all your goals, your plan for what you’ll charge, what money you have to begin with, and what you expect will come in and go out of your venture.

We’re calling it a “business plan” here, but this is a formal plan for any kind of venture. Think about how a formal plan would help you run a charity event, help plan a sibling’s wedding, or another kind of venture?

Why do this business plan? If you are going to ask people for money to start up, your business plan will show them how you’ll • spend it, and how long it will take you to pay them back.

If you want to enter a contest (yes, there are business plan contests! See the • Business Planning section in the Resource Area), you’ll need an official business plan. This activity will help you get started!

For yourself! You’ll refer to your plan all along the way as you strive to reach your goals. It will • keep you on track, and help you succeed!

To describe everyone’s tasks when you involve other people (employees or a partner).•

Business Planning

Visit the Media section on Venture Out to play the Business Planning video.