Business Planning

Getting started should always begin with a business plan. Here are some other resources for putting a business plan together:

Online business plan templates and tools:

• Download templates for Startup Business Plans, Analysis and Financial Projections and more at www.score.org.
• The Washington State Network of SBDCs offers sample business plans, a business plan FAQ and a list of online business plan resources on their website.
• The SBA offers a variety of resources on how to write a business plan including an online workshop called How to Prepare a Business Plan.

Getting started on market research:

• The SBA offers marketing resources and online workshops on marketing including Marketing 101: A Guide to Winning Customers and how to Conduct Marketing Analysis
• The Seattle Public Library has everything you need to complete your market research. Contact Technical Help for Local Small Businesses provided by the Business Department at (206) 386-4636 (ask for a business research specialist) 
• CCD and StartZone provide marketing information on their websites.

Download worksheets for financial projections from:

• Community Capital Development
• SCORE

If you still have questions about writing your business plan or would like someone to help you, there are people who can help you get started.  Here are some organizations ready to help you...

• Washington CASH (for people with limited access to resources)
• Community Capital Development (for small business owners that want to expand their business)
• JumpStart Fund (for refugees interested starting or expanding a small business)
• Washington Assistive Technology Foundation (for people with disabilities interested in starting or expanding their business)
• StartZone (business services specifically for immigrants, minorities, women and people of disability)
• Washington Business Center (assisting women and men of all races, orientations, and backgrounds)