- Starting Your Business
- Planning Your Business
- Financing Your Business
- Organizing Your Business
- Local, Regional, National Resources
- FAQ for Starting a Business in Connecticut
- Helpful Articles for Connecticut Businesses and Non-Profits
PLANNING YOUR BUSINESS
Business Plan and Financial Templates
Business Plan for Start-ups
The business plan consists of a narrative and several financial worksheets. It should not
exceed 10 pages in total. The attached guide to writing a business plan is a generic model
suitable for all types of businesses. However, you should modify it to suit your particular
circumstances.
Business Plan for Startup Business Business Plan for Established Businesses
The business plan consists of a narrative and several financial worksheets. It should not exceed
10 pages in total. The attached guide to writing a business plan is a generic model suitable
for all types of businesses. However, you should modify it to suit your particular circumstances.
Business Plan for Established Business 12-month Cash Flow
It is said that "cash is king". Cash Flow is the backbone of your Business Plan. Your cash flow
Statement shows "sources and uses" of cash during a period of time. For example, your sales
projection shows when you expect to book sales. Your cash flow statement shows when you expect to
be paid. See attached worksheet.
12 month cash flow statement Competitive Analysis
It is critical to clearly understand how your product or service measures up versus key
competitors on such fundamental success drivers as quality, customer service, and pricing.
Attached is a simple grid to facilitate your analysis.
Competitive Analysis 12-month Sales Forecast
Forecasting sales of your product or service is the starting point for the financial projections.
The sales forecast is the key to the whole financial plan, so it is important to use realistic
estimates. The attached worksheet will give you a simple approach.
12 Month Sales Forecast 12-month Profit & Loss Projection
The P&L shows you how effectively you are running your business - how you are managing the
dual challenges of "sales vitality" on the top line and "cost/spending discipline" leading to the
bottom line. See attached worksheet.
12 Month Profit and Loss Projection 3-year Profit & Loss Projection
A longer term forecast (current year + 3) is an excellent tool to help you open up your thinking
about the company's future. Banks or equity investors will almost always want a longer term
forecast to get a feel for growth prospects. For example, it allows a start-up to define its
goals relative to expected improvements in sales, costs, and income as the business grows. It
allows established businesses to appropriately plan for significant investments in such things as
capital, marketing, and organization. See attached.
Four-Year Profit Projection Projected Balance Sheet
A balance sheet basically shows what your business owns and what it owes - its "financial
condition" at a specific point in time. Additionally, it shows the key drivers of liquidity,
your working capital components. Many work closely with their accountants to prepare them. See
attached template.
Projected Balance Sheet
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