Need help with a Business Plan

loveandlight

I need to do a Business Plan as I am in the process of buying a small business and will be borrowing some money from the bank. I already have some money of my own towards it. Does anyone know where I can get some help with my Business Plan? Please don't recommend Business Link as they've already told me that the area where I live is too affluent so they won't be able to help me as their funding is only available for people living in inner city deprived areas.

I have phoned the Women's Business Development Agency but I can only get to see someone once a month and there's no-one available there either for another month.

I have a template and have done some of the Business Plan, but would like to know if there's anywhere else I can go to, for one on one advice, as I've never done a Business Plan before?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

mikewebs

Hi there

Try your Bank they should be able to help you or maybe this may help you:

http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/layer?topicId=1073869162&r.s=sl

loveandlight

Posted by mikewebs
Try your Bank they should be able to help you or maybe this may help you:

Thanks for your reply. Unfortunately Business Link say they can't help me as the postcode area in which I live is apparently too affluent. I didn't know they could base their decisions on where you lived, particularly as I am not affluent at all. Far from it, which is why I went to Business Link in the first place for some help. I think if they are going to judge people on where they live they should at least make sure its accurate by means testing, then they would welcome me with open arms!

mikewebs

Hi again

Just to clarify, the businesslink link gives you ifnormation on what to put into the plan and where to put it within the business plan. Hope this clarifies the matter.

welshgirlmel

Business plan info here too
http://www.startups.co.uk/aM0EkAE.html#
hope this is useful
also many banks will have information about writing a business plan, send off for their information on business accounts/start ups and they often have a cdrom that will take you through the process or links on their website

for example
http://www.bankofscotlandbusiness.co.uk/startingyourbusiness/planning_your_business.asp
good luck
Mel

welshgirlmel

Also there is this which is an excellent site - Business eye
http://www.businesseye.org.uk/busplans/subindex.html
It has almost everything you need to know about writing a business plan
regards Mel

Mark7799

Business Eye is only available to people in Wales (or thinking of setting up their business in Wales)

welshgirlmel

Sorry Mike should have clarified you are right but this page brings up factsheets on writing business plans you can download so obviously it doesn`t matter where you live to access this information IYSWIM

loveandlight

Thank you sooo much for everyones advice . I will look into all your suggestions. I guess I was feeling somewhat neglected and alone but since your replies, not anymore. Cheers! :beer:

LittleVoice

It sounded as though you were looking for a little hand-holding and someone to bounce ideas off.

If you business plan is reasonable, you may find the bank will help with advice - if they lend you money, they will want to do what they can for you to fulfil your commitments to pay them back.

I don't know where you live, so don't know what is available locally but I'm teaching (at the moment marketing and market research) for an ILM business start-up qualification. The overall aim of the course is to develop your skills and have the end product of a business plan. You may find this type of (four-week) course is something useful to do too.