Business Plan
Develop a Good Business Plan and Put It on Paper
The U.S. Small Business Administration recommends that you consider four core questions before you begin writing your business plan:
Resources
Excellent, low- or no-cost resources are available to help you with this indispensable, critical first step.
U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration which funds two Small Business Development Centers in our area:
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania also offers assistance to small business owners:
Next Steps
The resources listed here are invaluable aids to get your new venture off on the right foot. When you've developed a first draft of your business plan, discuss it with your accountant, your banker, and others whose opinions you trust. Question your own assumptions and research thoroughly. Make necessary adjustments, but once you've got your plan, stick with it.
The U.S. Small Business Administration recommends that you consider four core questions before you begin writing your business plan:
- What service or product does your business provide and what needs does it fill?
- Who are the potential customers for your product or service and why will they purchase it from you?
- How will you reach your potential customers?
- Where will you get the financial resources to start your business?
Resources
Excellent, low- or no-cost resources are available to help you with this indispensable, critical first step.
U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration which funds two Small Business Development Centers in our area:
- Chrysler Corporation Small Business Development Center
- Duquesne University
108 Rockwell Hall
600 Forbes Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15282-0103
Ph: (412) 396-6233
Fx: (412) 396-5884
Email
- Duquesne University
- University of Pittsburgh Small Business Development Center
- First Floor, Wesley W. Posvar Hall
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
Ph: (412) 648-1542
Fx: (412) 648-1636
Email
- First Floor, Wesley W. Posvar Hall
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania also offers assistance to small business owners:
- PA Open for Business is the result of the Commonwealth's goal to make Pennsylvania the easiest place in the world to start, sustain and expand a business. This web site gives entrepreneurs "one door" to access business information, explore financial options and download or complete many of the important forms necessary to start and grow a business.
- The SCORE Association, headquartered in Washington, D.C., is a nonprofit association dedicated to entrepreneurial education and the formation, growth and success of small businesses nationwide.
- SCORE's 10,500 retired and working volunteers provide free business counseling and advice as a public service. SCORE is a resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Next Steps
The resources listed here are invaluable aids to get your new venture off on the right foot. When you've developed a first draft of your business plan, discuss it with your accountant, your banker, and others whose opinions you trust. Question your own assumptions and research thoroughly. Make necessary adjustments, but once you've got your plan, stick with it.