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How do I compile a business plan?

By Tim Berry Edited by Dan Bova

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

How do I compile a business plan?

I could write you a book, in email, except that I already have and its posted free on the web. You can buy it for $20 at Amazon.com or www.paloalto.com, but its also at Hurdle: the Book on Business Planning. It takes you step by step through the whole process. That site is free and has a good keyword search and index, but the idea is read it like a book, start at the beginning.

I've also put a lot of resources, including the archive of my of columns at Entrepreneur.com and at Timberry.com. That includes multimedia videos including my 40-minute summary that appears on the SBA site, more website resources, and more writing,

Finally, there's bplans.com, perhaps the largest free resource on business planning, with 100 free sample plans, lots of articles, tools, etc.

Tim

Tim Berry

Entrepreneur, Business Planner and Angel Investor

Tim Berry is the chairman of Eugene, Ore.-Palo Alto Software, which produces business-planning software. He founded Bplans.com and wrote The Plan-As-You-Go Business Plan, published by Entrepreneur Press. Berry is also a co-founder of HavePresence.com, a leader in a local angel-investment group and a judge of international business-plan competitions.

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