Paul Lewis, founder/president of Start Me Up, a company designed to help get small businesses up and running quickly, cost-effectively, and in a hassle-free manner, breaks down the startup process with a ‘how-to’ guide for aspiring business owners.

1. Executive Summary: A brief, yet thorough overview of the company
2. Description of the Company: Include the market for your product(s) and/or services
3. Description of the Management: This is especially important if the business plan is being used to raise funds
4. Marketing Plan: Describe who your prospective customers
5. Operational Plan: Explain how you plan to carry out the delivery of your product(s) and/or services
6. Risk Assessment: Expect the unexpected and account for as many foreseeable “what if” scenarios as possible
7. Financial Plan: Include projections for the company’s P&L (income statement), balance sheet, and cash flow for a minimum of three years going forward

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