2. Develop Your Business Plan

Your business plan communicates what your business does, your vision for the future, and the steps you will take to reach those objectives. Generally, the business plan should include:

1. An executive summary
2. A marketing plan
3. An operations plan
4. The proposed organizational structure
5. Financial Projections

Your developed business plan should also include the following:

1. The legal structure of your business

   You have probably heard the terms sole proprietorship, general partnership, limited partnership, and type C or S corporation. The determination to form a company under a particular structure has much to do with the business activity, location, and organization. Information about each structure can be found at the California Secretary of State website:  sos.ca.gov.

   Since the legal structure of the business will dictate many of the entity’s operational functions and tax liability, entrepreneurs are encouraged to seek legal advice when considering these choices. More information can be found at: usa.gov/business

2. The business name

   Any business must register its name with the California Secretary of State’s office. Information on searching  name availability and filing requirements can be found on the  Secretary of State website.

Check out sample online business plan templates that includes advice and tips for success:

• US Small Business Administration
• North Coast SCORE