Your business plan is a detailed description of your business. You cannot outsource the writing of your business plan. Investors will ask to see the document if they become interested in your business. However, keep your plan somewhat confidential. It needs to be detailed enough for anyone to understand your business, but make sure it doesn’t end up in the hands of a potential competitor. Click here for a suggested business plan template.

The executive summary is a miniature version of your business plan. Keep it to 2-4 pages and make sure you cover all of the main elements in your business plan. Click here for an executive summary template.

A business plan is a selling document used to describe, in detail, what your business is and how you will be successful. The business plan is a result of a planning process. It must be defensible and project your image while retaining the vision. Click here to download the Business Plan Basics guide.