Business Planning and Support

HI there to all:

There have been many of us who have inquired with how to start up a business; for most, I suggest writing a Business Plan. This post will hopefully organize some of that questioning and answering.

Why organize your business?

Starting and managing a business takes motivation and talent. It also takes research and planning. Although initial mistakes are not always fatal, it takes extra skill, discipline, and hard work to regain the advantage. Take time beforehand to explore and evaluate your business and personal goals, then use this information to build a comprehensive and thoughtful business plan that will help you reach these goals.

Developing a business plan will force you to think through some important issues that you may not otherwise consider. Your plan will become a valuable tool as you set out to raise money for your business, and it will provide milestones to gauge your success.

--- The above was copied from this link:

http://www.sba.gov/starting_business...up/basics.html


What is a Business Plan?

A business plan precisely defines your business, identifies your goals, and serves as your firm's resume. The basic components include a current and pro forma balance sheet, an income statement, and a cash flow analysis. It helps you allocate resources properly, handle unforeseen complications, and make good business decisions.

------ I took part of the quote from this Internet page:

http://www.sba.gov/starting_business...ing/basic.html


Gaining support for your business is as easy as contacting your local Chamber or Commerce or Small Business Association. We are truly supported and in all aspects of the government.

Here is a quote by President Bush:

Wealth is created by Americans – by creativity and enterprise and risk-taking. But government can create an environment where businesses and entrepreneurs and families can dream and flourish.

---------Our government not only encourages us in these endeavors but supports us greatly with free and minimal fee resources.

------I took the NxLevel course offered in my community. The type of offering may vary in your community but the support is similar. As you can see from the above links, the Small Business Association is supported by the US Government and has invaluable links on the Internet. Here is their Home Page:

http://www.sba.gov/index.html

----- My particular NxLevel course, a 12-week curriculum, was an important way to begin my pursuit of Independence in Nursing. At the time, the NXLevel Entrepreneurship Class was offered. To be honest, I do not remember the fee, but it was below $ 100.00. I could not be doing what I am doing today, without their support. I took the course through The Local Chamber of Commerce and the Small Business Association. Here is a link of the course work description:

http://www.nxlevel.org/Pages/main.html

The Internet group SCORE has been mentioned on this BB by several posters. Here is a link to their website:

http://www.score.org/

I am hoping others who have used their services will comment further. I know they offer many free services in counseling small business by their varied expert volunteers via the Internet and local area (where available). Additionally, I have seen services, such as setting up a Corporation, offered via the Internet at a competitive fee. Any comments here from those who have used SCORE?


------ Well now, that's a decent start up for discussion or comments. Any positive comments, regarding starting up a business or pursuits in mainitaining a business, are greatly appreciated.