SUGGESTIONS FOR THE FORMAT OF YOUR BUSINESS PLAN

Appendix
Add supporting documentation in the appendix. Resumes, job descriptions, journal articles, diagrams, charts, etc. can all be included if they support the business plan. Be sure to reference each appendix item in the body of the business plan, and use tabs to help the reader find the appropriate appendix item.

Binder/Folder
Put the completed business plan in a small 3-ring binder or a folder that will keep all of the pages together, in order, and still allow the reader to easily see each page.

Charts/Graphs
Use charts and graphs as appropriate, to illustrate growth trends, relationships, etc. Make sure that all items are properly labeled, the x and y axis, each bar in a chart, title the chart, etc.

Cover Page
Use a cover page. Include the business name, and address, name of owner(s), date the business plan was completed or submitted to a lender/financier. Also include a statement that the information contained is proprietary and confidential, and solely for the use of the person to whom it was submitted.

Font
Use a clear, standard font such as Times New Roman, Arial, etc. Do not use a calligraphy or script font. These can be difficult to read.

Margins
The standard or default margins for your word processor will probably be appropriate. Typically these margins are 1 inch at the top and bottom of the page, and 1 to 1.5 inches at the left and right sides of the page.

Paper
Use plain white or cream paper, 8 1/2 x 11 inches.

Spacing
Use single or 1.5 spacing for the text of your business plan. Double space between paragraphs. Make sure 2 spaces follow the punctuation at the end of each sentence.