There are many templates available for business plans and you can choose the format that is best for you and your business.

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Melissa Houston covers financial issues that affect women in business. With so much to think about and plan for, when starting a ...

Our step-by-step guide outlines what to include in your company's business growth plan and features expert advice from business strategy experts.

A strong, well-thought-out business plan is crucial for a business's success. Without one, it's tough to maintain a vision of the future and what the next steps for your business should be. Think of ...

Matt Webber is an experienced personal finance writer, researcher, and editor. He has published widely on personal finance, marketing, and the impact of technology on contemporary arts and culture.

Congratulations! Your small business is doing well and is ready to expand. This can mean new product lines, new territories, additional staff and equipment purchases. Perhaps even a change of location ...

The business plan is not just for business startups. Business acquisitions, franchise purchases and newly developed products are just some of the events that might prompt an existing business to ...

You’re set on becoming a franchisee. You may think it’s time to call a franchisor, tell them you’re interested, and get funding from your local bank, right? Wrong. If you’re considering buying a ...

Some entrepreneurs succeed without a business plan. With great timing, solid business skills, entrepreneurial drive, and a little luck, some founders build thriving businesses without ever creating ...

Providing an overview of your business can be tricky, especially when you’re still in the planning stages. If you already own an existing business, summarizing your current operation should be ...

The company overview is the part of your business plan that gives the basics and background of your company. Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our advertising partners who ...

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. In their book Write Your Business Plan, the staff of Entrepreneur Media, Inc. offer an in-depth understanding of what’s essential to any ...