I have seen different topics about doing a business plan & also while doing that compare pricing with competitors pricing. How do I find out who my competitors are in my area. I don't know where to look. Also can someone guide to where I can put a business plan together. I know these are two different request but I don't believe I can do one without the other.

I live in Kansas (in the great Kansas City area -covers Missouri & Kansas) I am licensed in both states.

Thanks in Advance

I found all of my info on the internet.

For help on putting together a business plan I would recommend talking to someone at SCORE, you can get free 1-on-1 advice from a volunteer business professional in your area.

http://www.scorekc.org/

Google Maps makes it really easy to find competing businesses. For example:

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&biw=1197&bih=742&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=wedding+cakes+near+kansas+city,+mo&fb=1&gl=us&hq=wedding+cakes&hnear=Kansas+City,+MO&ei=duOlTcnsNoP0tgP1k736DA&sa=X&oi=local_group&ct=image&resnum=4&ved=0CAkQtgMwAw

That helps a lot thank you both very much

Here are some helpful sites:
Business Resource Software, Inc. (businessplans.org)
Entrepreneur.com
Palo Alto Software, Inc. (bplans.com)

Good luck to you!

awesome thank you !

Will we see you 'round here anymore? It could take many months to complete that business plan, and possibly up to a year! Good luck getting started A.S.A.P.!!!!