Business plans can be set out in many different ways, though the information contained is much the same. Some general guidelines are given overleaf.



Your plan must be neatly and professionally presented. It should be typed (never handwritten) and enclosed in a cover or binder which includes the name of the business and the name and address of the person (or persons) behind it. If an accountant has been closely involved in preparing the plan, his or her name and address should be given also.

The plan should be written in the third person - that is, 'the proprietor' or 'Mr/Ms Rogers'. You should avoid referring to yourself in a business plan as 'I' or 'me'. This is simply about appearing business-like.

The plan should be as concise (i.e. brief) as possible, whilst including all the necessary information that a financial backer or other interested party would want to see.

The text should avoid too many salesman's phrases such as 'this wonderful product' or 'this incredible opportunity'. The tone needs to be confident but objective. Rather than make wild claims and sweeping generalisations, in a business plan, as far as possible, you should stick to facts you can prove.

The plan should clearly demonstrate the viability of the proposed business. Remember that potential backers will be looking for evidence of two things in particular: market research, and financial planning and control.