I must ask what is the point?? I understand about listing what tpe of business you envision and the products you will sell and even how to market the business/products. I certainly could be wrong but it seems to me that with the exception of start-up costs, the numbers are at best an educated guess. For instance, you will never KNOW how much you will sell at any given point. I guess I just don't get it.

I guess it is to make you think hard about it. If you sell "x" amount of product will you be able to make a profit? How much money do you need to cover the bills and the basics? How many cupcakes/cakes will cover that? Is that reasonable given the walk-in traffic in the area? Research supply costs, utilities, insurance, ADVERTISING, etc.

Good Luck!

I agree that a business plan is important. Besides knowing intimately what you need financially to succeed, it helps you stay focused on your goals, keeps you from straying too far from your target market, lets you know WHO your target market is and how to appeal to them, and shows someone who might invest in you that you are taking your business seriously. (How's that for a run-on sentence?? LOL) Being forced to sit down and think about all of that in advance will help you to avoid 'flighty' decisions later on.

well i'm in the process of attempting to write mine now. the best thing it does is makes you think about all aspects of your business, not just financial...espically things you wouldn't have thought of otherwise (well that's the case for me)!! basically gives you plan of action!! since I haven't had much business experience (excpet for a few mall jobs...if those even count)......kinda gives me perspective and also makes me look at this as a business....rather than my hobby!!!

and your right.....the financials are generally an educated guess!! but at least you'll have something to look at and it isn't written in stone! it is just a guide to help you keep your focus!!


while it isn't any fun..and for me, almost painful!!! .......i think it is very important!!

there are few templates in Word.....that's what I've been using as a guide. Also....bank of america has a great guide on their website for writing a buisness plan.

We wrote a bix plan because it was required for us to get a loan. That's it. I made a hypothesis on the costs. I watch that show on Food Network Recipe For Success and the numbers are never right. Something always happens last minute and you need another couple thousand dollars.