If done correctly, your business plan should give you a clear picture of how much money you actually need to get your company up and running, as well as the various resources required and when you should start making money. Don’t pay a “so-called expert” to put the plan together for you.
There are resources out there that will guide you in developing your business plan at no cost.
‘Free’ business plan templates
Bplans
Google “free business plan” and you will be bombarded by thousands of websites offering sample business plans, but Bplans is endorsed by international business planning expert and Entrepreneur contributor, Tim Berry. He advises that a good business plan template can help you organise your thoughts and provide a guideline so that you’re not stuck looking at a blank page trying to figure out where to start. If you need more than a free template provides, you can look into buying a software solution, or you can register for free on the Bplans site and download the template. The site also offers a collection of how-to articles and access to an active forum where you can find answers to your business questions.
- Get it from: www.bplans.com
- Cost: Free
‘Non-optional’ extra
Absa Business Essentials
To help you increase your chances of business survival, Absa offers its Small Business Customers a value-add service offering called Absa Business Essentials. For R185 per month, you will have access to various software including Business and Marketing Planning software worth R1 200 each. Other benefits include business skills, and software and IT skills courses and videos worth over R6 000.
- Get it from: Absa
- Cost: R185 per month
