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Reliable business plan template?

Veteran

Mariano Terrazas New York, NY

After scouring through various google pages, there are many options for business plan templates but one issue; I don't know who is providing the templates and there are just too many options. I'm looking for a standard business plan template from a trusted adviser that has experience in starting up a business. I'm putting together a company through a business plan for an entrepreneurship class that i'm taking at Columbia university. If anyone has a template or a website that I could use that would be greatly appreciated.

6 February 2020 4 replies Small Business

Answers

Advisor

Marc-Anthony Arena Rochester, NY

Mariano,
Thanks for your service!
I've got a really simple summary of a business plan in my profile. Should get you started.
Cheers

Advisor

Pat Romano New York, NY

Hi Mariano - I've found myself asking the same question when looking for fresh ideas when my team or business partners are creating internal budget or investment request presentations. The below link has funding presentations from some well known startups (e.g. WeWork, Snapchat, etc).

I came across this link in one of Benedict Evans weekly newsletters I received some time ago. This might also be a useful newsletter for you to sign up for, as he writes about a lot of interesting things happening in the world from both a tech and general perspective.

Hope this is helpful for you.

Link to Benedict Evans site: https://www.ben-evans.com/

Link to presentations: https://airtable.com/universe/expHzpGe2PKOJcsJ6/startup-pitch-decks?utm_campaign=4dfe2fdf3b-Benedict%27s+Newsletter_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Benedict%27s+newsletter&utm_term=0_4999ca107f-4dfe2fdf3b-70447261

Advisor

Jerry Welsh Middleville, MI

Most cities have a Chamber of Commerce, who provide assistance with business planning. Many depending upon the size may have an SBA person there or one that comes through. If you need to you may need to go to a larger city where there should be an SBA person and a SCORE individual. I would make appoints with both prior to heading off to their office. Most of these individuals work on a daily basis with new business owners or entrepreneurs assisting writing the business plan and potentially seeking upstart funding. Some businesses have loans for veterans, depending up your status. Also the national veteran hiring initiative Hiring Our Heroes is run by the Chamber of Commerce. Great veteran friendly organization.

Advisor

Dennis Haynes Chicago, IL

Hello Mariano, 1st off, thank you for your service.

I would 100% agree with you that choosing business plan templates, is daunting. My advice is based on the adage, "Stay Close to your Knitting". So given your project is tied to a specific industry or sector. I suggest you weigh your criteria for choosing a business plan template, from inventory or subscriptions from their industry established professional associations.

For example, if the business model is HR related, I would use the business templates offered by SHRM. However, if it were transportation, I would use the National Association for Transportation. The association approach ensures the details of the industry are covered and any cutting edge innovations are addressed.

Also you as a veteran their are a few trade associations that may offer you added-value. To get a reliable listing of Select Trade Associations, use the Federal Small Business Development website as a starting point. Hope this helps.

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