what should be in the appendix of a business plan

What is an Appendix in a Business Plan?

Appendix is an optional section placed at the end of a document, such as a business plan, which contains additional evidence to support any projections, claims, analysis, decisions, assumptions, trends and other statements made in that document, to avoid clutter in the main body of text.

What is Included in an Appendix of a Business Plan?

Appendix commonly includes charts, photos, resumes, licenses, patents, legal documents and other additional materials that support analysis and claims made in the main body of a business plan document around market, sales, products, operations, team, financials and other key business aspects.

The appendix is the perfect place to showcase a wide range of information, including:

Supporting documentation: References and supporting evidence to substantiate any major projections, claims, statements, decisions, assumptions, analysis, trends and comparisons mentioned throughout the main body of a business plan.
Requested documentation: Information, documents or other materials that were specially requested by the business plan readers (e.g., lenders or investors) but are too large to place in the main body of text.
Additional information: Any other materials or exhibits that will give readers a more complete picture of the business.
Visual aids: Photos, images, illustrations, graphs, charts, flow-charts, organizational charts, resumes.

After reviewing the appendices, the reader should feel satisfied that the statements made throughout the main body of a business plan are backed up by sufficient evidence and that they got even fuller picture of the business.

How Should You Write a Business Plan Appendix? (Insider Tip)

The fastest way to pull the Appendix chapter together is to keep a list of any supporting documents that come to mind while you are in the process of writing the business plan text.

For example, while writing about the location of your business, you may realize the need for a location map of the premises and the closest competitors, demographic analysis, as well as lease agreement documentation.

Recording these items as you think of them will enable you to compile a comprehensive list of appendix materials by the time you finish writing.

Remember to keep copies of the original documents.

Template: 55 Business Plan Appendix Content Samples

For your inspiration, below is a pretty exhaustive list of supporting documentation that typically gets included in the business plan appendix. But please do not feel like you have to include everything from the list. In fact, you definitely shouldn’t!

The purpose of the appendix is to paint a fuller picture of your business by providing helpful supporting information, not to inundate yourself or the readers of your business plan. So, take care to only include what is relevant and necessary .

Company Description

1. Business formation legal documents (e.g., business licenses, articles of incorporation, formation documents, partnership agreements, shareholder agreements)

2. Contracts and legal agreements (e.g., service contracts and maintenance agreements, franchise agreement)

3. Intellectual property (e.g., copyrights, trademark registrations, licenses, patent filings)

4. Other key legal documents pertaining to your business (e.g. permits, NDAs, property and vehicle titles)

5. Proof of commitment from strategic partners (e.g., letters of agreement or support)

6. Dates of key developments in your company’s history

7. Description of insurance coverage (e.g. insurance policies or bids)

Target Market

8. Highlights of relevant industry and market research data, statistics, information, studies and reports collected

9. Results of customer surveys, focus groups and other customer research conducted

10. Customer testimonials

11. Names of any key material customers (if applicable)

Competition

12. List of major competitors

13. Research information collected on your competitors

14. Competitive analysis

Marketing and Sales

15. Branding collateral (e.g., brand identity kit designs, signage, packaging designs)

16. Marketing collateral (e.g., brochures, flyers, advertisements, press releases, other promotional materials)

17. Social media follower numbers

18. Statistics on positive reviews collected on review sites

19. Public relations (e.g., media coverage, publicity initiatives)

20. Promotional plan (e.g., overview, list and calendar of activities)

21. List of locations and facilities (e.g., offices, sales branches, factories)

22. Visual representation of locations and facilities (e.g., photos, blueprints, layout diagrams, floor plans)

23. Location plan and documentation related to selecting your location (e.g., traffic counts, population radius, demographic information)

24. Maps of target market, highlighting competitors in the area

25. Zoning approvals and certificates

26. Detailed sales forecasts

27. Proof of commitment from strategically significant customers (e.g., purchase orders, sales agreements and contracts, letters of intent)

28. Any additional information about the sales team, strategic plan or process

Products and Services

29. Product or service supporting documentation – descriptions, brochures, data sheets, technical specifications, photos, illustrations, sketches or drawings

30. Third-party evaluations, analyses or certifications of the product or service

31. Flow charts and diagrams showing the production process or operational procedures from start to finish

32. Key policies and procedures

33. Technical information (e.g., production equipment details)

34. Dependency on third-party entities (e.g., materials, manufacturing, distribution) – list, description, statistics, contractual terms, rate sheets (e.g., sub-contractors, shippers)

35. Risk analysis for all major parts of the business plan

Management and Team

36. Organizational chart

37. Job descriptions and specifications

38. Resumes of owners, key managers or principals

39. Letters of reference and commendations for key personnel

40. Details regarding human resources procedures and practices (e.g., recruitment, compensation, incentives, training)

41. Staffing plans

42. Key external consultants and advisors (e.g., lawyer, accountant, marketing expert; Board of Advisors)

43. Board of Directors members

44. Plans for business development and expansion

45. Plan for future product releases

46. Plan for research and development (R&D) activities

47. Strategic milestones

48. Prior period financial statements and auditor’s report

49. Financial statements for any associated companies

50. Personal and business income tax returns filed in previous years

51. Financial services institutions’ details (name, location, type of accounts)

52. Supporting information for the financial model projections, for example:

Financial model assumptions
Current and past budget (e.g., sales, marketing, staff, professional services)
Price list and pricing model (e.g., profit margins)
Staff and payroll details
Inventory (e.g., type, age, volume, value)
Owned fixed assets and projected capital expenditure (e.g., land, buildings, equipment, leasehold improvements)
Lease agreements (e.g., leases for business premises, equipment, vehicles)
Recent asset valuations and appraisals
Aged debtor receivable account and creditor payable account summary
Global financial considerations (exchange rates, interest rates, taxes, tariffs, terms, charges, hedging)

53. Debt financing – documentation regarding any loans, mortgages, or other debt related financial obligations

54. Equity financing – capital structure documentation (e.g., capitalization table, 409A, investor term sheets, stock and capital related contracts and agreements)

55. Personal finance – information regarding owners’ capital and collateral (e.g., Personal Worth Statement or Personal Financial Statement, loan guarantees, proof of ownership)

What is bibliography?

A bibliography is a list of external sources used in the process of researching a document, such as a business plan, included at the end of that document, before or after an Appendix. For each source, reference the name of the author, publication and title, the publishing date and a hyperlink.

What are supporting documents included in a business plan appendix?

Supporting documents in a business plan appendix include graphs, charts, images, photos, resumes, analyses, legal documents and other materials that substantiate statements made in a business plan, provide fuller picture of the business, or were specifically requested by the intended reader.

Get more articles just like this straight into your mailbox.

What to include in a Business Plan Appendix?

Free Business Plan Template

May 2, 2024

A business plan appendix is a great way to add depth to your business plan without making it unbearably long and boring.

However, not everyone needs it. And even when you do, it’s important to understand what this section entails and how you can make it useful.

Well, we will figure that out in this blog post.

But before that, what exactly is an appendix in a business plan?

What is a business plan appendix?

A business plan appendix is the last section of your business plan that contains supplementary information and documents to support the claims your plan makes.

This may include a couple of technical documents, detailed financial statements, charts, spreadsheets, and other additional documents that were too detailed or extensive to include within the main sections.

It’s like a reference point for readers who want to gather detailed insights about the information you presented in your business plan.

Let’s understand what the business plan appendix includes in brief detail:

What to include in the appendix of a business plan?

Depending on your business needs and the intended audience for your business plan, the appendix section may include some of these documents.

Supplementary information
Legal documents
Organizational and personnel details
Additional financial documents
Achievements and testimonials

Let’s understand what the appendix business plan includes in brief detail:

1. Supplementary information

Here, you can include documents to support and elaborate on some information mentioned in other sections of your business plan.

Some examples of supplementary information include,

Charts, graphs, and tables used in the analysis
Sales and marketing material
Website and social media documentation
Raw data, research methods, and research protocols
Questionnaires and survey instruments
Product blueprints and images
Technical and user documentation
Detailed competitor analysis
Property designs

2. Legal documents

Adding legal and compliance documents to your appendix will demonstrate your adherence to regulations and legal standards. Such transparency will help win the trust of your stakeholders and potential investors.

Here are a few examples of the kinds of legal documents you can add.

Incorporation papers
Licenses and Permits
Intellectual properties, i.e. trademarks, copyright, patents.
Building permits and rental agreements
Supplier and vendor contracts
Equipment documentation
stock certificates

3. Organizational and personnel details

In this section, you will offer information that will let readers have a peek into the workings of your company and the people behind it. Some of these documents include

Organizational chart
Job descriptions and hiring procedures
Resumes for executive positions
Certifications and degrees
Affiliates such as attorneys or accountants

4. Additional financial documents

The main body of your financial plan already includes adequate financial information. However, depending on your audience, they might need access to certain additional information such as:

List of assets within the business
Credit history
Business and personal tax returns
Spreadsheets of financial projections
Historical and current financial statements
Equity structure and debt repayment plan
SBA (Small Business Administration) loan agreements and business loans.

5. Achievements and testimonials

Lastly, you can include proof of achievements that can help establish your brand’s credibility and performance. This is a great place to highlight:

Media and press clippings
Testimonials and success stories
Expert endorsements
Awards and achievements

And those are pretty much all the things you will include in your plan. Let’s now create an appendix suited for your business plan.

Tips and best practices for business plan appendix

Before you kickstart writing your appendix, we have a few tips to help you make this section more enriching.

1. Make it scannable

Keep the contents of your appendix simple and easy to navigate. If you are planning to add a variety of documents, consider adding a table of contents to help readers find what they need easily.

2. Relate to the business plan

Everything you include in your appendix should be relevant to the contents and elements of your business plan .

You can add footnotes or a link by referencing the supplementary documents to the business plan information it supports.

3. Include the confidentiality statement

If you are adding financial statements or any legally classified information, add a confidentiality statement. This is an effective way of ensuring that the parties with access to confidential information don’t share it with anyone else.

4. Keep the appendix supplementary

When you write a business plan ensure that the document stands on its own without relying on the appendix. Your readers are likely to skip this section, so you don’t want to risk having inadequate information in the main body.

Your appendix should only cover supplementary and supporting information, not any core detail that the reader must quintessentially know.

Start preparing your business plan with the appendix

Now, don’t get caught up trying to figure out what to include in your appendix. Focus on writing your business plan, and you will eventually get a gist of supporting documents essential for your plan.

However, what if you need help writing your business plan in the first place? In that case, a business planning app or sample business plans would help.

For instance, Upmetrics’ AI business plan generator can help create compelling business plans from scratch in less than 10 minutes.

All you have to do is answer some tailored business questions, and an AI assistant will do everything else for you.

Build your Business Plan Faster

with step-by-step Guidance & AI Assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the appendix important in a business plan.

Yes, the appendix is an important section of your business plan. Although it’s not compulsory, adding an appendix will help your investors and other audiences gather the required information in in-depth detail. An appendix helps you prove the viability of claims made in different sections of your plan.

How do you write an appendix for a business plan?

Follow these steps to write your appendix section:

Gather all the supplementary documents you want to include in this section.
Organize them logically based on the structure of your plan or their content nature, i.e. financial documents, legal documents, marketing materials, etc.
Label the documents and present them neatly in a professional stack without creating clutter.
Add footnotes and links to the relevant business plan sections and create a table of contents to make the information easily scannable.

Do I need a table of contents for the appendix?

It’s recommended to have a table of contents especially if you are adding multiple long documents supporting different sections of your business plan information.

Are there any online resources for creating a business plan appendix?

Business plan templates are the best resources for creating a clear and impactful appendix section. Most business plan templates online have a section for appendix which can be easily edited to suit your needs.

About the Author

Upmetrics Team

Upmetrics is the #1 business planning software that helps entrepreneurs and business owners create investment-ready business plans using AI. We regularly share business planning insights on our blog. Check out the Upmetrics blog for such interesting reads. Read more

Reach Your Goals with Accurate Planning

We earn commissions if you shop through the links below. Read more

What to Include in Your Business Plan Appendix?

Back to Business Plans

Written by: Carolyn Young

Carolyn Young is a business writer who focuses on entrepreneurial concepts and the business formation. She has over 25 years of experience in business roles, and has authored several entrepreneurship textbooks.

Edited by: David Lepeska

David has been writing and learning about business, finance and globalization for a quarter-century, starting with a small New York consulting firm in the 1990s.

Published on September 13, 2023 Updated on December 12, 2023

What to Include in Your Business Plan Appendix?

Launching a business involves countless tasks, and one of the crucial early hurdles is writing a business plan. Many entrepreneurs who aren’t looking for funding think they can skip this step, but that’s never a good idea.

A sharp business plan is essentially a business owner’s commitment to and preparation for the road ahead, and if you’re seeking funding from an investor or lender, having a comprehensive appendix of documents that support your plan can really provide a boost.

But what documents should you include? Lucky for you, this guide explains the key elements of a business plan appendix.

The Role of the Appendix in the Business Plan

In your business plan, you likely made many claims about various aspects of your business, and the appendix provides documentation to back up those claims.

Of course, if your reader actually gets to your appendix, you’ve done well and captured their interest. Be sure to only include documents that support your business plan claims.

Components of the Business Plan Appendix

The following components should be included if you have them, which depends on the stage of your business.

1. Financial Projections

In the body of your business plan, you summarized your financial projections and mentioned the highlights, but your appendix should provide your full financial calculations and spreadsheets.

These should include:

Profit and Loss Statement , also known as an income statement. This shows projected revenue and lists all costs, which are then deducted to show net profit or loss.
Cash Flow Statement. This shows how much cash you have on hand at any given time. It will have a starting balance, projections of cash coming in, and cash going out, which will be used to calculate cash on hand at the end of the reporting period.
Balance Sheet. This shows the net worth of the business, which is the assets of the business minus debts. Assets include equipment, cash, accounts receivables, inventory, and more. Debts include outstanding loan balances and accounts payable.

Provide monthly projected versions of each statement for the first year, then annual projections for the following two years. You should also include a chart of your break-even analysis.

If you’ve already been running your business and have made sales, include your financial statements to date.

2. Market Research and Analysis

If you have charts and graphs that support the market analysis of your business plan, include those as well. Also include any market information, such as market reports, that you used to do your market analysis.

Provide documentation about your target market , such as its size and demographics. If you’ve made a detailed profile of your target customer, create an infographic and include it as well.

3. Intellectual Property Documentation

If you have a patent, trademark , or copyright, include documentation of that intellectual property. Investors tend to appreciate patents, and will likely want to see them.

Include a brief history of when and how you obtained the patent or other intellectual property and how it benefits your business.

4. Legal Documents

Include your business entity documents, such as your articles of organization if you’ve formed an LLC, and your operating agreement . If you have agreements with suppliers or vendors, you can also include those. Documentation of any licenses and permits you’ve obtained should also be included, as well as any other legal documents pertaining to your business.

5. Resumes and Professional Biographies

Attach the resumes of founders and managers here or create professional biographies. Be sure to include all relevant experience, education, and achievements. Investors are very interested in the management team’s ability to execute the plan, so don’t skip this part.

6. Marketing Plan

If you’ve already created a full marketing plan, which is a good idea, include it here as well. How you’re going to get your product to market is critical, so having a detailed marketing plan will support the marketing summary in your business plan .

7. Customer Contracts

If you’re fortunate enough to have secured large customer contracts, include those as well.

8. Product Illustrations

If your product is in development, include an illustration of the design. If you’re manufacturing the product, provide an illustration of the manufacturing process.

Tips for Creating a Strong Business Plan Appendix

There are a few things to keep in mind when putting together your business plan appendix.

Be selective and relevant – don’t overload the reader with too much information.
Include anything that highlights the key points of your business plan.
Be clear and concise. Keep your documents short and to the point.
Use illustrations such as infographics and charts when possible.

If you’ve written a business plan that captures a potential investor’s interest enough to keep them reading all the way to the end, you’ve done great work. Now give them the cherry on top with a fantastic appendix that provides all the documentation to support your plans’ primary assertions.

Keep it relatively short, but make it strong enough to make the reader a true believer. With any luck, you’ll get the funding you need to put your business on the road to serious success!

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Featured resources.

Crafting the Perfect Business Plan: A Deep Dive with Upmetrics’ Vinay Kevadiya

Carolyn Young

Published on October 13, 2023

In the first segment of our conversation with Vinay Kevadiya, the visionary behind Upmetrics, we explored the platform’s origins and itsunique ...

LivePlan Software Review

Published on September 15, 2023

When you’re starting a business, a business plan is essential whether you’re going to obtain financing or not. Creating a business plan helpsyou ...

5 Best Business Plan Software

Published on March 7, 2023

Starting a business requires completing countless tasks, and a key early hurdle is writing a business plan. Entrepreneurs who aren’t looking forfu ...

No thanks, I don't want to stay up to date on industry trends and news.

Investor Business Plan
SBA Business Plan
L1 Visa Business Plan
E2 Visa Business Plan
EB-5 Visa Business Plan
Strategic Business Plan
Franchise Business Plan
Call our business plan experts:

what should be in the appendix of a business plan

Schedule Free Consultation

What Are Appendices in a Business Plan? A Complete Guide

A comprehensive business plan is significant for all investors or business dreamers in the competitive business world. It serves as a roadmap to business success and gives entrepreneurs the right direction to follow at every critical stage of their venture. Similarly, one of the sections in a business plan has its place due to adding an essence to your plan. It is called “Appendices”. Do stick around to learn what are appendices in a business plan.

What are appendices in a business plan?

Appendices in a business plan are additional documents or materials that provide supplementary information to support the main content of the plan and appear as the final section. It validates that you have a robust business plan with detailed data, supporting documentation, charts, graphs, legal documents, resumes of key team members, and any other relevant information that is supposed to be presented outside the main body. It intends to enhance credibility through visuals, legal documents, and other supporting documentation, which is necessary for investors, stakeholders, or lenders to fully understand the business and its viability.

Importance of Appendices

As we know, an executive summary provides a snapshot of your overall plan, whereas including a well-rounded section, such as a business plan appendix, serves as the cherry on top, exuding a sense of professionalism and preparedness that should not be ignored and must be kept digestible.

Ensure you have added anything in the appendix that is relevant to the rest of your business plan. It should be separate from the materials you’ve already covered elsewhere.

You are referencing the portion of your strategy that the data in your appendix supports can be helpful. If your business strategy is digital, include connections to other sections or use footnotes. If you need to learn how to do this, you can get assistance from a Professional business plan writer .

Your appendix is an optional supporting section of your business plan and does not necessarily need to be included.

However, this section may become an opportunity for you to score extra points and solidify the quality of your business plan design.

For instance, Immigration business plan writer in our company are highly experienced and promise to deliver a business plan that guarantees meeting all the requirements of USCIS. For Business plan writing cost , you can visit our website now.

Let’s further discuss each component one by one.

The common material that you can include in the appendices section of a business plan are described below.

Financial Statements : Like presenting financial projections, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow descriptions. Market Research : In-depth market research data, surveys, and reports provide insights into the industry, target market, and competition. Supporting Documentation : Any legal documents such as contracts, patents, licenses, permits, or other necessary paperwork relevant to the business. Resumes : Detailed resumes or profiles of prominent team members, including founders, executives, and advisors. Charts and Graphs : Visual data demonstration, such as market trends, sales projections, or organizational structure. Product or Service Information : Describe specifications in detail, designs, or technical information about the business’s products or services.

Examples of some information to add within appendices in a business plan

Here is some information you might include in your business plan appendix. Although it depends on your business plan’s niche requirements, a wide variety of items can prove beneficial for supporting your business plan. Such as

Charts, graphs, or tables
Financial statements and projections
Sales and marketing materials
Executive team resumes
Business and/or personal tax returns
Agreements or contracts with clients or suppliers
License, permits, patents, and trademark documentation
Product packaging samples
Building permit and equipment lease documentation
Contact numbers for attorneys, accountants, and advisors

You can include any of them in your appendix, depending on your business needs and to whom you demonstrate your business plan.

To craft a Strategic Business Plan and E2 visa business plan , what you should gather and include based on your industry—contact our team to help you through its process.

Although, our team of experts also offer Investor Business Plan services that will increase your chances of getting funded.

How to Create Effective Appendices

By meticulously organizing additional information and presenting it in the appendices, here are a few tips that will help you fit the information more appropriately in its position and assist you in catching potential investors, investors and stakeholders ‘ attention. Avoid Procrastination- Try to gather important material at hand as early as possible. You shouldn’t wait until your plan is complete, and then you start gathering your resources, as it will be time-consuming and slow down your process.

Be Mindful to cover all details – Ensure that you add relevance and coherence to the main body of the business plan; otherwise, you may go unnoticed.

Add references to locate relevant information within the section- Many organizations must pay attention to your business plan to ensure that you’re legitimate; therefore, include connections to other sections or use footnotes to avoid overloading with unnecessary details.

Keep your appendix simple and attractive – making every section count by organizing it in the same order is essential. It will serve as a guide to help locate information quickly, while the primary focus should be to ensure the plan is attractive.

Follow consistency in formatting and presentation – Another thing is to maintain the flow with a complicated mess; your readers will undoubtedly make negative assumptions if they find exaggeration and the table of contents split.

Above all is about appendices and how creating appendices can complement and supplement your main content. You should keep a balance between detail and brevity in the appendices. These additional resources you are attaching to your business plan profile should be authentic, up-to-date, well-organized, clearly labeled, and referenced appropriately within the main body of the business plan.

The appendix doesn’t just complement your strategy, it elevates its credibility and persuasiveness, reassuring your supporters that you mean business and are ready to conquer the market with confidence and authenticity.

Moreover, contact us if you’re seeking a franchise business plan writing service that can provide a comprehensive business plan that aligns with your business needs.

Q1: What type of information should be included in the appendices?

A1: Following are the type of information that should be included in your business plan appendix:

Charts, graphs, or tables that support sections of your business plan
Business and personal tax returns
Agreements or contracts with clients or vendors
License, permits, and patents

Q2: Are appendices necessary for every business plan?

A2: Not really, appendices are optional, so if you want to complement your plan, go ahead.

Q3: How should the appendices be organized within the business plan?

A3: Here is the format that generally is followed in the appendices section.

Table of Contents
Confidentiality Statement
Short & Simple

Q4: Are there any best practices for formatting appendices?

A4: Appendices should be formatted in traditional paragraph style and may feature text, figures, tables, equations, or footnotes.

Q5: How many appendices should a typical business plan include?

A5: These appendices typically include financial projections, resumes of key team members, market research data, legal documents, and other relevant materials.

Get a Free Consultation Now

For free Consultation, please make an appointment with us by filling in the details here and Clicking on the “Submit” button. We will contact you within 24 Hours.

Confidentiality of your information is our foremost priority.

I Agree to get e-mails from BPlanWriter.

Everything You Need to Know about the Business Plan Appendix

After taking time in writing a business plan , you want it to be read. That means the body should be no more than 15 pages in length. That’s where the business plan appendix comes in!

The appendix in a business plan is a supplementary section that contains additional information and supporting documents, such as charts, graphs, financial statements, market research, and legal papers, which complement the main body of the plan.

Although the final section of a comprehensive business plan, the appendix is an integral part of your plan. For example, suppose you are using your business plan to attract investors. In that case, the additional documents in the appendix will provide greater insight and can help convince your potential investors that you’ve got a solid business concept. You’ve done the research necessary to support the claims and forecasts included in the other sections of your plan.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about the business plan appendix so that you can start developing a great appendix for your business plan.

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here

What is a Business Plan Appendix?

The appendix is used to provide supporting documentation for key components in your business plan, such as financial statements or market research.

The appendix is also a great place to put any other tables or charts you didn’t want to put in the main body of the business plan. Depending on the intended audience of your business plan, you may also want to include additional information such as intellectual property documentation, credit history, resumes, etc.

What is the Purpose of the Business Plan Appendix?

The purpose of the appendix is to provide supporting documentation or evidence for key components in your business plan. While you may include charts in graphs in the body of your plan, these should be summary projections, while the fully detailed charts and tables would be found in the appendix.

How to Write the Business Plan Appendix for Your Company

Several supporting documents should be included in the appendix:

Full Financial Projections

Business plans used to raise capital or loan applications will typically need more detailed projections, including monthly, quarterly and/or annual cash flow statements, balance sheets, and income statements.

Customer Lists

This can be helpful for companies looking to expand their market presence and reach new customers or clients, as well as those who are considering investing capital into your business.

Customer Testimonials

Testimonials from your current customers are a great way to help other investors and lenders feel more confident in investing or loaning money to your business. You can include online reviews, letters, personal email communications, etc.

Intellectual Property Documentation

This should be included if you have any patents or trademarks registered and might also be helpful if you are using any technologies that other businesses have patented.

Management Team

This can include organizational structure, job descriptions, resumes, certifications, advanced degrees (i.e., Master’s degree in a specialized area), etc., that will help establish the expertise and experience that supports your business’s success.

Leases & Customer Contracts

Businesses need to comply with all leases and customer contracts before seeking investors. You may include rental agreements, copies of key agreements, sample customer contracts, etc.

Building & Architectural Designs

Businesses looking to build or expand their operations will need access to building plans, architectural drawings, permits, etc.

Finish Your Business Plan Today!

Quickly & easily complete your business plan: Download Growthink’s Ultimate Business Plan Template and finish your business plan & financial model in hours.

Some small business owners may also include the following documents in the appendix:

Company History and Background

Businesses with a lot of competition in their industry will need to include more detail. Business plans for major businesses should have the company history section last so that you can provide additional information about your competitors or other companies that are relevant to your business plan. Businesses planning on using their business plan as an internal document can use less detail here.

Market Analysis

Your market analysis should include relevant information about how you defined your industry, potential customers and competitors, etc. Include any identifiable risks and assumptions based on your market research.

Individual & Business Credit History

If you don’t have much experience with business credit or borrowing, it might be worth adding a short explanation of your current and past financing use, including your tax returns and incorporation papers. This is especially helpful if you plan to apply for a loan through the Small Business Administration (SBA).

Marketing Materials & Plan

For some entrepreneurs, the marketing section of the business plan only provides a brief overview of their marketing strategy. Attaching the complete Marketing Plan in the appendix section of a business plan helps your reader understand if you’ve thought through your target audience, where you should target your marketing efforts, and how you will advertise to them to expand awareness of your brand and sales of your products and/or services.

Best Practices for Your Business Plan Appendix

Table of Contents : If you are including several documents in the business plan appendix, include a table of contents for your reader’s easy reference.
Confidentiality Statement : If you include credit history documents, intellectual property diagrams or applications, or any other legal documents with confidential information, have a Confidentiality Statement within the appendix to remind your readers that they are not to share or discuss the information within your plan without your written consent.
Short & Simple : This business plan section is likely to be skipped unless your reader is looking for specific information to support a claim in your business plan. Think about your intended reader and only include what is necessary to help make your request (e.g., business partner proposal, raise funding, etc.) and support your business plan.

As a business owner, you want to keep your business plan short so that it gets read. The Business Plan Appendix is a great way to include additional information about the preceding sections without adding to the length of your document.

At Growthink, we have 20+ years of experience in developing business plans for a variety of industries. We have 100+ business plan examples for you to use as a guide to help you write your business plan. You can also get our easy-to-use business plan template to help you finish your plan in less than one day.

How to Finish Your Business Plan in 1 Day!

Don’t you wish there was a faster, easier way to finish your business plan?

With Growthink’s Ultimate Business Plan Template you can finish your plan in just 8 hours or less!

Other Resources for Writing Your Business Plan

How to Write an Executive Summary
How to Expertly Write the Company Description in Your Business Plan
How to Write the Market Analysis Section of a Business Plan
The Customer Analysis Section of Your Business Plan
Completing the Competitive Analysis Section of Your Business Plan
How to Write the Management Team Section of a Business Plan + Examples
Financial Assumptions and Your Business Plan
How to Create Financial Projections for Your Business Plan
Business Plan Conclusion: Summary & Recap

How to Write a Business Plan: Step-by-Step Guide + Examples

Determined female African-American entrepreneur scaling a mountain while wearing a large backpack. Represents the journey to starting and growing a business and needi

Noah Parsons

24 min. read

Updated May 7, 2024

Writing a business plan doesn’t have to be complicated.

In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to write a business plan that’s detailed enough to impress bankers and potential investors, while giving you the tools to start, run, and grow a successful business.

The basics of business planning

If you’re reading this guide, then you already know why you need a business plan .

You understand that planning helps you:

Raise money
Grow strategically
Keep your business on the right track

As you start to write your plan, it’s useful to zoom out and remember what a business plan is .

At its core, a business plan is an overview of the products and services you sell, and the customers that you sell to. It explains your business strategy: how you’re going to build and grow your business, what your marketing strategy is, and who your competitors are.

Most business plans also include financial forecasts for the future. These set sales goals, budget for expenses, and predict profits and cash flow.

A good business plan is much more than just a document that you write once and forget about. It’s also a guide that helps you outline and achieve your goals.

After completing your plan, you can use it as a management tool to track your progress toward your goals. Updating and adjusting your forecasts and budgets as you go is one of the most important steps you can take to run a healthier, smarter business.

We’ll dive into how to use your plan later in this article.

There are many different types of plans , but we’ll go over the most common type here, which includes everything you need for an investor-ready plan. However, if you’re just starting out and are looking for something simpler—I recommend starting with a one-page business plan . It’s faster and easier to create.

It’s also the perfect place to start if you’re just figuring out your idea, or need a simple strategic plan to use inside your business.

Dig deeper : How to write a one-page business plan

Brought to you by

Create a professional business plan

Using ai and step-by-step instructions.

Secure funding

Validate ideas

Build a strategy

What to include in your business plan

Executive summary

The executive summary is an overview of your business and your plans. It comes first in your plan and is ideally just one to two pages. Most people write it last because it’s a summary of the complete business plan.

Ideally, the executive summary can act as a stand-alone document that covers the highlights of your detailed plan.

In fact, it’s common for investors to ask only for the executive summary when evaluating your business. If they like what they see in the executive summary, they’ll often follow up with a request for a complete plan, a pitch presentation , or more in-depth financial forecasts .

Your executive summary should include:

A summary of the problem you are solving
A description of your product or service
An overview of your target market
A brief description of your team
A summary of your financials
Your funding requirements (if you are raising money)

Dig Deeper: How to write an effective executive summary

Products and services description

This is where you describe exactly what you’re selling, and how it solves a problem for your target market. The best way to organize this part of your plan is to start by describing the problem that exists for your customers. After that, you can describe how you plan to solve that problem with your product or service.

This is usually called a problem and solution statement .

To truly showcase the value of your products and services, you need to craft a compelling narrative around your offerings. How will your product or service transform your customers’ lives or jobs? A strong narrative will draw in your readers.

This is also the part of the business plan to discuss any competitive advantages you may have, like specific intellectual property or patents that protect your product. If you have any initial sales, contracts, or other evidence that your product or service is likely to sell, include that information as well. It will show that your idea has traction , which can help convince readers that your plan has a high chance of success.

Market analysis

Your target market is a description of the type of people that you plan to sell to. You might even have multiple target markets, depending on your business.

A market analysis is the part of your plan where you bring together all of the information you know about your target market. Basically, it’s a thorough description of who your customers are and why they need what you’re selling. You’ll also include information about the growth of your market and your industry .

Try to be as specific as possible when you describe your market.

Include information such as age, income level, and location—these are what’s called “demographics.” If you can, also describe your market’s interests and habits as they relate to your business—these are “psychographics.”

Related: Target market examples

Essentially, you want to include any knowledge you have about your customers that is relevant to how your product or service is right for them. With a solid target market, it will be easier to create a sales and marketing plan that will reach your customers. That’s because you know who they are, what they like to do, and the best ways to reach them.

Next, provide any additional information you have about your market.

What is the size of your market ? Is the market growing or shrinking? Ideally, you’ll want to demonstrate that your market is growing over time, and also explain how your business is positioned to take advantage of any expected changes in your industry.

Dig Deeper: Learn how to write a market analysis

Competitive analysis

Part of defining your business opportunity is determining what your competitive advantage is. To do this effectively, you need to know as much about your competitors as your target customers.

Every business has some form of competition. If you don’t think you have competitors, then explore what alternatives there are in the market for your product or service.

For example: In the early years of cars, their main competition was horses. For social media, the early competition was reading books, watching TV, and talking on the phone.

A good competitive analysis fully lays out the competitive landscape and then explains how your business is different. Maybe your products are better made, or cheaper, or your customer service is superior. Maybe your competitive advantage is your location – a wide variety of factors can ultimately give you an advantage.

Dig Deeper: How to write a competitive analysis for your business plan

Marketing and sales plan

The marketing and sales plan covers how you will position your product or service in the market, the marketing channels and messaging you will use, and your sales tactics.

The best place to start with a marketing plan is with a positioning statement .

This explains how your business fits into the overall market, and how you will explain the advantages of your product or service to customers. You’ll use the information from your competitive analysis to help you with your positioning.

For example: You might position your company as the premium, most expensive but the highest quality option in the market. Or your positioning might focus on being locally owned and that shoppers support the local economy by buying your products.

Once you understand your positioning, you’ll bring this together with the information about your target market to create your marketing strategy .

This is how you plan to communicate your message to potential customers. Depending on who your customers are and how they purchase products like yours, you might use many different strategies, from social media advertising to creating a podcast. Your marketing plan is all about how your customers discover who you are and why they should consider your products and services.

While your marketing plan is about reaching your customers—your sales plan will describe the actual sales process once a customer has decided that they’re interested in what you have to offer.

If your business requires salespeople and a long sales process, describe that in this section. If your customers can “self-serve” and just make purchases quickly on your website, describe that process.

A good sales plan picks up where your marketing plan leaves off. The marketing plan brings customers in the door and the sales plan is how you close the deal.

Together, these specific plans paint a picture of how you will connect with your target audience, and how you will turn them into paying customers.

Dig deeper: What to include in your sales and marketing plan

Business operations

The operations section describes the necessary requirements for your business to run smoothly. It’s where you talk about how your business works and what day-to-day operations look like.

Depending on how your business is structured, your operations plan may include elements of the business like:

Supply chain management
Manufacturing processes
Equipment and technology
Distribution

Some businesses distribute their products and reach their customers through large retailers like Amazon.com, Walmart, Target, and grocery store chains.

These businesses should review how this part of their business works. The plan should discuss the logistics and costs of getting products onto store shelves and any potential hurdles the business may have to overcome.

If your business is much simpler than this, that’s OK. This section of your business plan can be either extremely short or more detailed, depending on the type of business you are building.

For businesses selling services, such as physical therapy or online software, you can use this section to describe the technology you’ll leverage, what goes into your service, and who you will partner with to deliver your services.

Dig Deeper: Learn how to write the operations chapter of your plan

Key milestones and metrics

Although it’s not required to complete your business plan, mapping out key business milestones and the metrics can be incredibly useful for measuring your success.

Good milestones clearly lay out the parameters of the task and set expectations for their execution. You’ll want to include:

A description of each task
The proposed due date
Who is responsible for each task

If you have a budget, you can include projected costs to hit each milestone. You don’t need extensive project planning in this section—just list key milestones you want to hit and when you plan to hit them. This is your overall business roadmap.

Possible milestones might be:

Website launch date
Store or office opening date
First significant sales
Break even date
Business licenses and approvals

You should also discuss the key numbers you will track to determine your success. Some common metrics worth tracking include:

Conversion rates
Customer acquisition costs
Profit per customer
Repeat purchases

It’s perfectly fine to start with just a few metrics and grow the number you are tracking over time. You also may find that some metrics simply aren’t relevant to your business and can narrow down what you’re tracking.

Dig Deeper: How to use milestones in your business plan

Organization and management team

Investors don’t just look for great ideas—they want to find great teams. Use this chapter to describe your current team and who you need to hire . You should also provide a quick overview of your location and history if you’re already up and running.

Briefly highlight the relevant experiences of each key team member in the company. It’s important to make the case for why yours is the right team to turn an idea into a reality.

Do they have the right industry experience and background? Have members of the team had entrepreneurial successes before?

If you still need to hire key team members, that’s OK. Just note those gaps in this section.

Your company overview should also include a summary of your company’s current business structure . The most common business structures include:

Sole proprietor
Partnership

Be sure to provide an overview of how the business is owned as well. Does each business partner own an equal portion of the business? How is ownership divided?

Potential lenders and investors will want to know the structure of the business before they will consider a loan or investment.

Dig Deeper: How to write about your company structure and team

Financial plan

Last, but certainly not least, is your financial plan chapter.

Entrepreneurs often find this section the most daunting. But, business financials for most startups are less complicated than you think, and a business degree is certainly not required to build a solid financial forecast.

A typical financial forecast in a business plan includes the following:

Sales forecast : An estimate of the sales expected over a given period. You’ll break down your forecast into the key revenue streams that you expect to have.
Expense budget : Your planned spending such as personnel costs , marketing expenses, and taxes.
Profit & Loss : Brings together your sales and expenses and helps you calculate planned profits.
Cash Flow : Shows how cash moves into and out of your business. It can predict how much cash you’ll have on hand at any given point in the future.
Balance Sheet : A list of the assets, liabilities, and equity in your company. In short, it provides an overview of the financial health of your business.

A strong business plan will include a description of assumptions about the future, and potential risks that could impact the financial plan. Including those will be especially important if you’re writing a business plan to pursue a loan or other investment.

Dig Deeper: How to create financial forecasts and budgets

This is the place for additional data, charts, or other information that supports your plan.

Including an appendix can significantly enhance the credibility of your plan by showing readers that you’ve thoroughly considered the details of your business idea, and are backing your ideas up with solid data.

Just remember that the information in the appendix is meant to be supplementary. Your business plan should stand on its own, even if the reader skips this section.

Dig Deeper : What to include in your business plan appendix

Optional: Business plan cover page

Adding a business plan cover page can make your plan, and by extension your business, seem more professional in the eyes of potential investors, lenders, and partners. It serves as the introduction to your document and provides necessary contact information for stakeholders to reference.

Your cover page should be simple and include:

Company logo
Business name
Value proposition (optional)
Business plan title
Completion and/or update date
Address and contact information
Confidentiality statement

Just remember, the cover page is optional. If you decide to include it, keep it very simple and only spend a short amount of time putting it together.

Dig Deeper: How to create a business plan cover page

How to use AI to help write your business plan

Generative AI tools such as ChatGPT can speed up the business plan writing process and help you think through concepts like market segmentation and competition. These tools are especially useful for taking ideas that you provide and converting them into polished text for your business plan.

The best way to use AI for your business plan is to leverage it as a collaborator , not a replacement for human creative thinking and ingenuity.

AI can come up with lots of ideas and act as a brainstorming partner. It’s up to you to filter through those ideas and figure out which ones are realistic enough to resonate with your customers.

There are pros and cons of using AI to help with your business plan . So, spend some time understanding how it can be most helpful before just outsourcing the job to AI.

Learn more: 10 AI prompts you need to write a business plan

Writing tips and strategies

To help streamline the business plan writing process, here are a few tips and key questions to answer to make sure you get the most out of your plan and avoid common mistakes .

Determine why you are writing a business plan

Knowing why you are writing a business plan will determine your approach to your planning project.

For example: If you are writing a business plan for yourself, or just to use inside your own business , you can probably skip the section about your team and organizational structure.

If you’re raising money, you’ll want to spend more time explaining why you’re looking to raise the funds and exactly how you will use them.

Regardless of how you intend to use your business plan , think about why you are writing and what you’re trying to get out of the process before you begin.

Keep things concise

Probably the most important tip is to keep your business plan short and simple. There are no prizes for long business plans . The longer your plan is, the less likely people are to read it.

So focus on trimming things down to the essentials your readers need to know. Skip the extended, wordy descriptions and instead focus on creating a plan that is easy to read —using bullets and short sentences whenever possible.

Have someone review your business plan

Writing a business plan in a vacuum is never a good idea. Sometimes it’s helpful to zoom out and check if your plan makes sense to someone else. You also want to make sure that it’s easy to read and understand.

Don’t wait until your plan is “done” to get a second look. Start sharing your plan early, and find out from readers what questions your plan leaves unanswered. This early review cycle will help you spot shortcomings in your plan and address them quickly, rather than finding out about them right before you present your plan to a lender or investor.

If you need a more detailed review, you may want to explore hiring a professional plan writer to thoroughly examine it.

Use a free business plan template and business plan examples to get started

Knowing what information to include in a business plan is sometimes not quite enough. If you’re struggling to get started or need additional guidance, it may be worth using a business plan template.

There are plenty of great options available (we’ve rounded up our 8 favorites to streamline your search).

But, if you’re looking for a free downloadable business plan template , you can get one right now; download the template used by more than 1 million businesses.

Or, if you just want to see what a completed business plan looks like, check out our library of over 550 free business plan examples .

We even have a growing list of industry business planning guides with tips for what to focus on depending on your business type.

Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

It’s easy to make mistakes when you’re writing your business plan. Some entrepreneurs get sucked into the writing and research process, and don’t focus enough on actually getting their business started.

Here are a few common mistakes and how to avoid them:

Not talking to your customers : This is one of the most common mistakes. It’s easy to assume that your product or service is something that people want. Before you invest too much in your business and too much in the planning process, make sure you talk to your prospective customers and have a good understanding of their needs.

Overly optimistic sales and profit forecasts: By nature, entrepreneurs are optimistic about the future. But it’s good to temper that optimism a little when you’re planning, and make sure your forecasts are grounded in reality.
Spending too much time planning: Yes, planning is crucial. But you also need to get out and talk to customers, build prototypes of your product and figure out if there’s a market for your idea. Make sure to balance planning with building.
Not revising the plan: Planning is useful, but nothing ever goes exactly as planned. As you learn more about what’s working and what’s not—revise your plan, your budgets, and your revenue forecast. Doing so will provide a more realistic picture of where your business is going, and what your financial needs will be moving forward.
Not using the plan to manage your business: A good business plan is a management tool. Don’t just write it and put it on the shelf to collect dust – use it to track your progress and help you reach your goals.
Presenting your business plan

The planning process forces you to think through every aspect of your business and answer questions that you may not have thought of. That’s the real benefit of writing a business plan – the knowledge you gain about your business that you may not have been able to discover otherwise.

With all of this knowledge, you’re well prepared to convert your business plan into a pitch presentation to present your ideas.

A pitch presentation is a summary of your plan, just hitting the highlights and key points. It’s the best way to present your business plan to investors and team members.

Dig Deeper: Learn what key slides should be included in your pitch deck

Use your business plan to manage your business

One of the biggest benefits of planning is that it gives you a tool to manage your business better. With a revenue forecast, expense budget, and projected cash flow, you know your targets and where you are headed.

And yet, nothing ever goes exactly as planned – it’s the nature of business.

That’s where using your plan as a management tool comes in. The key to leveraging it for your business is to review it periodically and compare your forecasts and projections to your actual results.

Start by setting up a regular time to review the plan – a monthly review is a good starting point. During this review, answer questions like:

Did you meet your sales goals?
Is spending following your budget?
Has anything gone differently than what you expected?

Now that you see whether you’re meeting your goals or are off track, you can make adjustments and set new targets.

Maybe you’re exceeding your sales goals and should set new, more aggressive goals. In that case, maybe you should also explore more spending or hiring more employees.

Or maybe expenses are rising faster than you projected. If that’s the case, you would need to look at where you can cut costs.

A plan, and a method for comparing your plan to your actual results , is the tool you need to steer your business toward success.

Learn More: How to run a regular plan review

Free business plan templates and examples

Kickstart your business plan writing with one of our free business plan templates or recommended tools.

Free business plan template

Download a free SBA-approved business plan template built for small businesses and startups.

Download Template

One-page plan template

Download a free one-page plan template to write a useful business plan in as little as 30-minutes.

Sample business plan library

Explore over 500 real-world business plan examples from a wide variety of industries.

View Sample Plans

How to write a business plan FAQ

What is a business plan?

A document that describes your business , the products and services you sell, and the customers that you sell to. It explains your business strategy, how you’re going to build and grow your business, what your marketing strategy is, and who your competitors are.

What are the benefits of a business plan?

A business plan helps you understand where you want to go with your business and what it will take to get there. It reduces your overall risk, helps you uncover your business’s potential, attracts investors, and identifies areas for growth.

Having a business plan ultimately makes you more confident as a business owner and more likely to succeed for a longer period of time.

What are the 7 steps of a business plan?

The seven steps to writing a business plan include:

Write a brief executive summary
Describe your products and services.
Conduct market research and compile data into a cohesive market analysis.
Describe your marketing and sales strategy.
Outline your organizational structure and management team.
Develop financial projections for sales, revenue, and cash flow.
Add any additional documents to your appendix.

What are the 5 most common business plan mistakes?

There are plenty of mistakes that can be made when writing a business plan. However, these are the 5 most common that you should do your best to avoid:

1. Not taking the planning process seriously.
Having unrealistic financial projections or incomplete financial information.
Inconsistent information or simple mistakes.
Failing to establish a sound business model.
Not having a defined purpose for your business plan.

What questions should be answered in a business plan?

Writing a business plan is all about asking yourself questions about your business and being able to answer them through the planning process. You’ll likely be asking dozens and dozens of questions for each section of your plan.

However, these are the key questions you should ask and answer with your business plan:

How will your business make money?
Is there a need for your product or service?
Who are your customers?
How are you different from the competition?
How will you reach your customers?
How will you measure success?

How long should a business plan be?

The length of your business plan fully depends on what you intend to do with it. From the SBA and traditional lender point of view, a business plan needs to be whatever length necessary to fully explain your business. This means that you prove the viability of your business, show that you understand the market, and have a detailed strategy in place.

If you intend to use your business plan for internal management purposes, you don’t necessarily need a full 25-50 page business plan. Instead, you can start with a one-page plan to get all of the necessary information in place.

What are the different types of business plans?

While all business plans cover similar categories, the style and function fully depend on how you intend to use your plan. Here are a few common business plan types worth considering.

Traditional business plan: The tried-and-true traditional business plan is a formal document meant to be used when applying for funding or pitching to investors. This type of business plan follows the outline above and can be anywhere from 10-50 pages depending on the amount of detail included, the complexity of your business, and what you include in your appendix.

Business model canvas: The business model canvas is a one-page template designed to demystify the business planning process. It removes the need for a traditional, copy-heavy business plan, in favor of a single-page outline that can help you and outside parties better explore your business idea.

One-page business plan: This format is a simplified version of the traditional plan that focuses on the core aspects of your business. You’ll typically stick with bullet points and single sentences. It’s most useful for those exploring ideas, needing to validate their business model, or who need an internal plan to help them run and manage their business.

Lean Plan: The Lean Plan is less of a specific document type and more of a methodology. It takes the simplicity and styling of the one-page business plan and turns it into a process for you to continuously plan, test, review, refine, and take action based on performance. It’s faster, keeps your plan concise, and ensures that your plan is always up-to-date.

What’s the difference between a business plan and a strategic plan?

A business plan covers the “who” and “what” of your business. It explains what your business is doing right now and how it functions. The strategic plan explores long-term goals and explains “how” the business will get there. It encourages you to look more intently toward the future and how you will achieve your vision.

However, when approached correctly, your business plan can actually function as a strategic plan as well. If kept lean, you can define your business, outline strategic steps, and track ongoing operations all with a single plan.

Noah is the COO at Palo Alto Software, makers of the online business plan app LivePlan. He started his career at Yahoo! and then helped start the user review site Epinions.com. From there he started a software distribution business in the UK before coming to Palo Alto Software to run the marketing and product teams.

Table of Contents

Use AI to help write your plan
Common planning mistakes
Manage with your business plan
Templates and examples

Bakery business owners look over their bakery business plan

7 Min. Read

How to Write a Bakery Business Plan + Sample

Overlapping files, folders, charts, graphs, and documents. Represents the information included in a business plan appendix.

3 Min. Read

What to Include in Your Business Plan Appendix

Female entrepreneur sitting at her desk doing manual calculations with a calculator trying to understand what her return on investment will be.

1 Min. Read

How to Calculate Return on Investment (ROI)

Owner of a life coaching business works on writing their business plan.

5 Min. Read

How To Write a Business Plan for a Life Coaching Business + Free Example

The Bplans Newsletter

The Bplans Weekly

Subscribe now for weekly advice and free downloadable resources to help start and grow your business.

We care about your privacy. See our privacy policy .

The quickest way to turn a business idea into a business plan

Fill-in-the-blanks and automatic financials make it easy.

No thanks, I prefer writing 40-page documents.

Discover the world’s #1 plan building software

Five Best Practices for Creating a Business Plan Appendix

A business plan is formed by several main sections, with the appendix tying the plan into one cohesive document as its final component. Some business plans forgo this valuable section and overlook the additional benefits it may bring during and after business plan creation.

Let’s understand the contributions and importance of appendices in business plans. After this article you will never ask yourself, how to write appendix, what is the purpose of an appendix, or a business plan appendix example. Here are all the things one needs to know in crafting and using a business plan appendix to its full potential:

What is a Business Plan Appendix?

The appendix in business plans is a supporting and final section that additionally corroborates and validates the main points of the plan. Businesses incorporate this section with legal documents, research findings, or visual representations that ensure business plan readers of the credibility and accuracy of information presented in the business plan. These are materials that enhance the value of the business plan but may not cleanly fit in with the body of the plan.

What is the Purpose of the Appendix?

If the business plan body narrates to tell a business’s story, the appendix substantiates that story by laying out evidence through data-driven information. Well-organized supporting documents in a business plan verify that a business’s strategies are practical and actionable. The business plan appendices further create clarity to the facts narrated in the business plan, allowing readers to easily read without the constant need to search for proof to confirm the presented data.

What Goes in the Appendix of a Business Plan?

The materials and documents included in the appendix may vary depending on a business’s activities. The following are some information that the appendix document includes to provide substantial support to a business plan:

Comprehensive market research findings
Detailed financial projections
Customer directory
Client or vendor contracts and agreements
Product images or packaging samples
Property designs, building permits, and lease documents
Intellectual property documents and other permits and licenses
Organizational Chart and resumes for qualifications
Credit records
Marketing material
Supplementary charts, graphs, and tables to support data in the business plan

Key Points in Organizing a Business Plan Appendix

Now that we know the potential components and the importance of a business plan appendix, let’s explore some guidelines to consider when sorting an appendix for a business plan:

Streamline the Appendix: For appendices that span for multiple pages, at ten or more pages for example, it is ideal to add a separate table of contents to outline its components. The appendix table of contents guides readers on what information to expect in the section. Documents and materials in the appendix section should also be organized in the same order they are referred to in the business plan body.

Maintain Confidentiality: License applications, permits, and credit records are some of the documents that are classified as confidential information. A business should keep track of the people who have access to such information as they are shared in the business plan. Including a confidentiality statement will inform readers and remind them that content shared in the business plan should not be used, spread, or discussed without written consent from agreed parties.

Some Will Not Read the Business Plan and Focus Only in the Appendix: The appendix showcases a business’s complete financial projections and proof of legal compliance through permits and licenses. As such, interested parties may only look into a business’s profitability and ability to comply with existing standards and regulations. A comprehensive appendix in the business plan demonstrates the extent a business will put effort to ensure the viability of its success. Furthermore, all the information included in the appendix will help a business stay on track with its progress and fulfill its goals.

Design Equals Content: The presentation of the appendices is of utmost importance in the business plan. Even if good data and analysis are incorporated in the business plan, an unorganized presentation may lead to misrepresentations and negative assumptions. Adapting a solid business plan outline helps organize the appendices into a document that substantiates factual and clear information.

Keep It Short and Simple: An appendix should only include relevant information about a business to keep it concise. For example, the business plan’s financial plan should be supported with additional financial projections in the appendices. Not every little detail should be included, but the information should offer business plan readers valuable insights into the business.

The appendix serves as the last piece of the puzzle for a business plan. We’ve discussed the importance of appendix and the value it adds to a business plan. However, keep in mind that a business plan should be able to stand alone even without an appendix, as its main purpose is to answer the queries and demands of its readers. The appendix serves as a supplementary section and its absence should not create gaps within a business plan.

Build a Substantial Business Plan with BSBCON

Let’s face it – you can be successful whether you develop an appendices business plan or not. Get a jumpstart to your business and capture the interest of your target audience with a free business plan template . Already have a business plan? Are you unsure if it reflects your business’s long-term objectives? Connect with BSBCON today and experience the expertise of professional business plan consultants today.

Have Questions? Looking To Get Started?

Your Name *
Email Address *
Phone Number

How can we help you?

Get in touch with us or visit our office

Business plan appendix: How to Create an Effective Business Plan Appendix

1. what is a business plan appendix and why is it important, 2. the key criteria and questions to consider, 3. examples and tips for each item, 4. best practices and recommendations, 5. dos and donts for linking and citing your appendix, 6. legal and ethical considerations, 7. when and how to revise your appendix, 8. a summary of the main points and a call to action for the readers.

A business plan is a document that outlines the goals, strategies, and financial projections of a new or existing venture. It serves as a roadmap for entrepreneurs, investors, and stakeholders to evaluate the feasibility and potential of the business idea. However, a business plan is not complete without an appendix. An appendix is a section at the end of the business plan that contains additional information that supports the main points of the document . It is important for several reasons:

- It provides more details and evidence for the claims and assumptions made in the business plan. For example, an appendix may include market research data , customer testimonials, product specifications, legal documents, financial statements, and other relevant information that validates the business idea and shows its viability.

- It helps to organize and structure the business plan . By placing the supplementary information in the appendix, the main body of the business plan can be more concise and focused on the key aspects of the business . This makes it easier for the readers to follow the logic and flow of the document and to understand the main message and value proposition of the business.

- It enhances the credibility and professionalism of the business plan. An appendix shows that the entrepreneur has done thorough research and analysis and has prepared a comprehensive and realistic plan for the business. It also demonstrates that the entrepreneur is willing to share and disclose all the relevant information that may affect the decision of the readers, such as potential risks, challenges, and opportunities.

An effective business plan appendix should include the following elements:

1. A table of contents that lists the titles and page numbers of the items in the appendix. This helps the readers to navigate and locate the information they need quickly and easily.

2. A cover page that identifies the business name, contact information, and date of the business plan . This helps to establish the identity and legitimacy of the business and to protect the confidentiality of the information in the appendix.

3. A summary of the main points of the business plan . This helps to remind the readers of the purpose and goals of the business and to highlight the most important and compelling information that supports the business idea.

4. The supporting documents and information that are relevant and necessary for the business plan. These may vary depending on the type, size, and stage of the business, but some common examples are:

- Market research data that shows the size, trends, and characteristics of the target market and the industry .

- Customer testimonials that show the feedback and satisfaction of the existing or potential customers of the product or service .

- Product specifications that show the features, benefits, and competitive advantages of the product or service .

- Legal documents that show the ownership, registration, licensing, and compliance of the business and its products or services .

- Financial statements that show the historical, current, and projected financial performance and position of the business , such as income statements, balance sheets, cash flow statements , and break-even analysis.

- Funding requests that show the amount, purpose, and terms of the financing needed for the business, such as loans, grants, or equity investments.

- Appendices should be numbered and labeled according to the order and title of the items in the table of contents. This helps to maintain the consistency and clarity of the appendix and to avoid confusion and duplication of the information.

An example of an appendix item is:

Appendix 1: Market Research Data

The following data shows the market potential and opportunity for our business idea of providing online tutoring services for students in Japan.

- According to the Japan online Education market Report 2023, the online education market in Japan is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.65% from 2019 to 2023, reaching a value of $5.8 billion by 2023.

- The report also states that the main drivers of the online education market in Japan are the increasing demand for personalized and flexible learning, the rising penetration of internet and mobile devices, and the growing awareness and acceptance of online education among students, parents, and educators.

- The report further segments the online education market in Japan by type, level, and subject. The type segment includes synchronous and asynchronous online education, where synchronous online education refers to real-time and interactive learning, and asynchronous online education refers to self-paced and recorded learning. The level segment includes K-12, higher education, and vocational education. The subject segment includes language, STEM, humanities, and others.

- The report reveals that the synchronous online education segment accounted for the largest share of the online education market in Japan in 2019, with a value of $1.9 billion, followed by the asynchronous online education segment, with a value of $1.2 billion. The report also projects that the synchronous online education segment will continue to dominate the online education market in Japan in 2023, with a value of $3.6 billion, while the asynchronous online education segment will reach a value of $2.2 billion by 2023.

- The report indicates that the K-12 segment accounted for the largest share of the online education market in Japan in 2019, with a value of $2.1 billion, followed by the higher education segment, with a value of $1.4 billion, and the vocational education segment, with a value of $0.6 billion. The report also forecasts that the K-12 segment will maintain its leading position in the online education market in Japan in 2023, with a value of $3.9 billion, while the higher education segment will reach a value of $2.3 billion, and the vocational education segment will reach a value of $0.9 billion by 2023.

- The report shows that the language subject accounted for the largest share of the online education market in Japan in 2019, with a value of $1.3 billion, followed by the STEM subject, with a value of $1.1 billion, the humanities subject, with a value of $0.8 billion, and the others subject, with a value of $0.6 billion. The report also estimates that the language subject will remain the most popular subject in the online education market in Japan in 2023, with a value of $2.4 billion, while the STEM subject will reach a value of $1.9 billion, the humanities subject will reach a value of $1.2 billion, and the others subject will reach a value of $0.8 billion by 2023.

The data above demonstrates that there is a large and growing market for online education in Japan, especially for synchronous online education, K-12 education, and language education. These are the segments that our business idea focuses on, as we aim to provide high-quality, affordable, and convenient online tutoring services for students in Japan who want to improve their English skills. We believe that our business idea has a strong competitive edge and a high potential for success in the online education market in Japan.

I've been an entrepreneur and venture capitalist in the cryptocurrency industry for a long time, working with numerous projects. Brock Pierce

Here is a possible segment that meets your criteria:

The business plan appendix is the final section of your document, where you can include any additional information that supports your main arguments or claims. However, not every piece of information belongs in the appendix. You need to be selective and strategic about what you include, and how you present it. Here are some key criteria and questions to consider when deciding what to include in your business plan appendix:

- Relevance : The information in the appendix should be directly related to the main sections of your business plan , such as the executive summary, the market analysis , the financial plan, etc. You should not include anything that is irrelevant, outdated, or redundant. Ask yourself: How does this information support or enhance my main points? Does it provide evidence, clarification, or context? Does it address any potential questions or objections from the readers?

- Importance : The information in the appendix should be important, but not essential. You should not include anything that is crucial for understanding or evaluating your business plan . The main sections of your business plan should be able to stand on their own, without relying on the appendix. Ask yourself: Is this information necessary or optional? Can I summarize or omit it without losing any value or meaning? Does it add to or distract from my main message?

- Format : The information in the appendix should be presented in a clear and concise manner, using appropriate formats such as tables, charts, graphs, diagrams, images, etc. You should not include anything that is too long, complex, or difficult to read. You should also avoid using too many formats, as this can make your appendix look cluttered and inconsistent. Ask yourself: What is the best way to display this information? Is it easy to understand and interpret ? Does it follow the same style and tone as the rest of my business plan?

Some examples of information that you may want to include in your business plan appendix are:

- Resumes of key team members : This can showcase the qualifications, skills, and experience of the people who will run and manage your business. You can also include their roles and responsibilities, and how they contribute to your business goals and vision .

- Product or service samples : This can demonstrate the features, benefits, and quality of your product or service . You can also include testimonials, reviews, or feedback from your customers or clients, to show how your product or service solves their problems or meets their needs.

- Market research data : This can provide more details and evidence about your target market, your competitors, your industry trends, and your market opportunities. You can also include any surveys, interviews, focus groups, or other methods that you used to collect and analyze your market data.

- financial statements and projections : This can provide more details and evidence about your financial performance, your financial assumptions, and your financial goals. You can also include any historical, current, or projected income statements , balance sheets, cash flow statements, break-even analysis, etc. That support your financial plan.

- Legal documents : This can provide more details and evidence about your legal structure, your ownership, your intellectual property, your licenses, your permits, your contracts, your agreements, etc. That affect your business operations and compliance. You can also include any patents, trademarks, copyrights, or other forms of protection that you have or plan to obtain for your product or service.

These are just some examples of information that you may want to include in your business plan appendix. However, you should always tailor your appendix to your specific business, your audience, and your purpose. Remember, the appendix is not a place to dump everything that you could not fit in the main sections of your business plan. It is a place to supplement and strengthen your business plan with relevant, important, and well-formatted information.

A business plan appendix is a supplementary section that provides additional information and documents that support your main arguments and claims in your business plan . It can include anything from market research data, resumes of key personnel, product samples, legal agreements, financial projections, and more. The purpose of the appendix is to back up your statements with evidence and credibility, as well as to give the readers a deeper understanding of your business idea and strategy. However, not every business plan needs an appendix, and not every appendix item is relevant or necessary for every business plan. Therefore, you should carefully select the items that are most important and relevant for your specific business and audience, and organize them in a clear and logical manner. Here are some of the most common items to include in your business plan appendix, along with some examples and tips for each item:

1. Market research data : This item can include any data or analysis that shows the size, growth, trends, and opportunities of your target market and industry. For example, you can include charts, graphs, tables, surveys, reports, or articles that demonstrate the demand and potential for your product or service , as well as the competitive landscape and customer segments . You should also explain how you collected and analyzed the data, and how it supports your market analysis and sales projections in your business plan .

2. Resumes of key personnel : This item can include the resumes or biographies of the founders, managers, and advisors of your business, highlighting their relevant skills, experience, education, and achievements. For example, you can include information about their previous roles, companies, projects, awards, certifications, or publications that showcase their expertise and qualifications for leading and running your business. You should also explain how each person contributes to your business goals and strategy , and what their roles and responsibilities are in your business .

3. Product samples : This item can include any physical or digital samples of your product or service that demonstrate its features, benefits, quality, and uniqueness. For example, you can include photos, videos, prototypes, mockups, screenshots, brochures, flyers, or testimonials that show how your product or service works , looks, feels, or sounds. You should also explain how your product or service solves a problem or meets a need for your target customers, and how it differs from your competitors' offerings.

4. Legal agreements : This item can include any contracts, licenses, permits, patents, trademarks, or other legal documents that are relevant for your business operations and compliance . For example, you can include agreements with your co-founders, partners, suppliers, distributors, customers, or investors that define the terms and conditions of your business relationships. You can also include documents that show your ownership of your intellectual property , your compliance with industry regulations , or your authorization to operate in your location. You should also explain how these legal agreements protect your business interests and assets, and how they affect your business risks and liabilities .

Examples and tips for each item - Business plan appendix: How to Create an Effective Business Plan Appendix

The appendix of your business plan is where you can include any additional documents, data, or information that support your main arguments and claims. It is not mandatory to have an appendix, but it can be useful to provide evidence and credibility to your potential investors, partners, or customers. However, having an appendix does not mean that you can dump everything that is remotely related to your business idea. You need to be selective, organized, and clear about what you include and how you format it. Here are some best practices and recommendations for creating an effective business plan appendix:

- 1. Only include relevant and essential information. The appendix is not a place to show off your research skills or your enthusiasm for your business. It is a place to provide factual and verifiable information that supports your main points and goals. Therefore, you should only include documents, data, or information that are directly related to your business plan and that add value to your readers. For example, if you are writing a business plan for a restaurant, you may want to include your menu, your food safety certificate, your market research data, and your lease agreement. However, you do not need to include your personal resume, your favorite recipes, or your family photos.

- 2. Organize your appendix by categories and labels. The appendix should be easy to navigate and understand for your readers. You should group your documents, data, or information by categories and label them clearly. For example, you can use headings such as "Market Research", "Financial Projections", "Legal Documents", etc. You should also number each item in your appendix and provide a brief description of what it is and why it is important. For example, you can write "Item 1: Menu. This is the menu of our restaurant, which shows our variety of dishes, prices, and ingredients."

- 3. Refer to your appendix in your main text. The appendix should not be a separate or isolated part of your business plan. It should be integrated and connected to your main text. You should refer to your appendix items in your main text whenever you make a claim, an argument, or a recommendation that is based on or supported by them. For example, you can write "According to our market research data (see Item 2 in the appendix), there is a high demand for vegan and gluten-free options in our area." This way, you can direct your readers to the relevant and credible sources of your information and show them how you have used them to develop your business plan .

- 4. Format your appendix consistently and professionally. The appendix should follow the same formatting style and standards as your main text. You should use the same font, size, color, and spacing for your text and your headings. You should also use the same citation style and format for your sources and references. You should make sure that your appendix items are clear, legible, and well-presented. You should avoid using low-quality images, blurry graphs, or handwritten notes. You should also proofread your appendix for any spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors. A well-formatted appendix can enhance the overall impression and quality of your business plan .

Policies to strengthen education and training, to encourage entrepreneurship and innovation, and to promote capital investment, both public and private, could all potentially be of great benefit in improving future living standards in our nation. Janet Yellen

One of the challenges of writing a business plan is to balance the level of detail and clarity with the length and readability of the document. You want to provide enough information to convince potential investors , partners, or customers of your value proposition, but you also want to avoid overwhelming them with too much technical jargon, data, or analysis. This is where the business plan appendix comes in handy. The appendix is a separate section at the end of your business plan that contains additional or supporting material that may not fit well in the main body of the document. However, simply adding an appendix is not enough. You also need to make sure that you reference your appendix properly in your main document, so that your readers can easily find and access the relevant information. Here are some dos and don'ts for linking and citing your appendix within your business plan:

- Do use clear and consistent labels for your appendix sections. For example, you can use letters (Appendix A, Appendix B, etc.), numbers (Appendix 1, Appendix 2, etc.), or titles (Appendix: Market Research, Appendix: Financial Projections, etc.). Make sure that the labels match the ones in your table of contents and that they are descriptive and informative.

- Don't use vague or generic labels such as "Additional Information" or "More Details". These labels do not tell your readers what kind of information they can expect to find in your appendix and may discourage them from looking at it.

- Do include cross-references to your appendix sections in your main document where appropriate. For example, if you mention a market survey that you conducted in your market analysis section , you can add a sentence like "See Appendix A for the full results of the market survey" or "The market survey is available in Appendix A". This way, you can provide more evidence or explanation for your claims or assumptions without interrupting the flow of your main document.

- Don't overuse cross-references or make them too long or complicated. For example, avoid sentences like "For a detailed breakdown of the revenue streams, cost structure, and cash flow projections , please refer to Appendix B, C, and D respectively" or "Appendix E contains a comprehensive SWOT analysis , PEST analysis, Porter's five forces analysis, and value chain analysis of our industry and competitors". These sentences are too cumbersome and may confuse or overwhelm your readers. Instead, you can summarize the main findings or implications of your analyses in your main document and direct your readers to the appendix for more details if they are interested.

- Do use footnotes or endnotes to cite your sources in your appendix. For example, if you include a chart or a table from a third-party source in your appendix, you can add a footnote or an endnote that indicates the source, author, date, and URL of the original data. This way, you can acknowledge the credibility and validity of your data and avoid plagiarism issues.

- Don't use footnotes or endnotes for your own data or analysis in your appendix. For example, if you create a chart or a table based on your own calculations or assumptions in your appendix, you do not need to add a footnote or an endnote that explains how you derived the data or what formulas you used. This information should be already clear and transparent in your appendix. Adding unnecessary footnotes or endnotes may clutter your appendix and distract your readers from the main message.

One of the most important aspects of creating an effective business plan appendix is ensuring that the information you provide is confidential and secure. This is especially crucial if your business plan contains sensitive data, such as financial projections, customer lists, trade secrets, patents, or contracts. You need to take legal and ethical measures to protect your intellectual property and avoid potential lawsuits, breaches, or thefts. Here are some steps you can take to safeguard your business plan appendix:

1. Use a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) . An NDA is a legal document that binds the parties who sign it to keep the information confidential and not to disclose it to anyone else without your permission. You can use an NDA to cover your entire business plan or specific sections, such as the appendix. You should ask anyone who reviews your business plan , such as investors, lenders, partners, or advisors, to sign an NDA before you share your document with them. You can find templates and examples of NDAs online or consult a lawyer to draft one for you.

2. Limit the distribution of your business plan . You should only share your business plan with people who have a legitimate interest and need to know about your business. You should also keep track of who has access to your document and how they use it. You can use tools such as password protection, encryption, or watermarking to prevent unauthorized copying, printing, or editing of your document. You should also avoid sending your business plan via email or uploading it to online platforms that are not secure or trustworthy.

3. update and delete your business plan regularly . Your business plan is a dynamic document that reflects your current goals, strategies, and performance. You should update your business plan as your business evolves and changes. You should also delete any outdated or irrelevant information from your document, especially from the appendix. This will help you maintain accuracy, relevance, and consistency in your document. It will also reduce the risk of exposing obsolete or inaccurate data that could harm your business or reputation.

4. Follow the laws and regulations of your industry and location . Depending on the nature and scope of your business, you may need to comply with certain laws and regulations that govern the use and disclosure of information. For example, if your business deals with personal data, such as health records, credit card numbers , or social security numbers , you need to follow the privacy and security laws of your country or region, such as the general Data Protection regulation (GDPR) in the European Union or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the United States. You should also respect the intellectual property rights of others and avoid infringing on their trademarks, copyrights, or patents.

By following these steps, you can protect the confidentiality and security of your business plan appendix and ensure that you present your business in a professional and ethical manner. You can also demonstrate to your potential stakeholders that you value and respect their privacy and trust. This will help you build credibility and confidence in your business and increase your chances of success .

Legal and ethical considerations - Business plan appendix: How to Create an Effective Business Plan Appendix

Your business plan appendix is not a static document that you create once and forget. It is a living document that needs to be updated and maintained as your business evolves and grows . The appendix contains supporting information and documents that back up your main business plan, such as market research, financial projections, resumes, legal agreements, and more. Keeping your appendix up to date and relevant is essential for presenting a credible and realistic picture of your business to potential investors, partners, and customers.

Here are some tips on how to update and maintain your business plan appendix:

- Review your appendix regularly. You should review your appendix at least once a year, or whenever you make significant changes to your business plan. This will help you identify any outdated, missing, or redundant information that needs to be updated or removed. For example, if you have added new products or services, you may need to include new market research or customer feedback . If you have changed your legal structure or ownership, you may need to update your contracts or licenses.

- Organize your appendix logically. Your appendix should follow the same order and structure as your main business plan. Each section of your appendix should correspond to a section of your business plan , and each document should be labeled and numbered accordingly. For example, if your business plan has a section on marketing strategy, your appendix should have a section on marketing materials, such as brochures, flyers, or website screenshots. You can use a table of contents to help readers navigate your appendix easily.

- Include only relevant and necessary information. Your appendix should not be a dumping ground for every piece of information or document related to your business. You should only include information that supports or clarifies your main business plan, and that is relevant and necessary for your target audience. For example, if you are seeking funding from a bank, you may need to include your financial statements, credit history, and loan agreements. If you are seeking a partnership with another company, you may need to include your market analysis, competitive advantage, and value proposition.

- Use clear and professional formatting. Your appendix should be consistent with the style and tone of your main business plan. You should use clear and professional formatting, such as fonts, colors, margins, and headings. You should also use high-quality and legible copies of your documents, and avoid handwritten or scanned documents. You can use charts, graphs, tables, or images to illustrate your data or concepts, but make sure they are relevant and easy to understand. You should also cite your sources and provide references for any external information or documents.

Don't know how to start building your product?

FasterCapital becomes your technical cofounder, handles all the technical aspects of your startup and covers 50% of the costs

You have reached the end of this article on how to create an effective business plan appendix. By now, you should have a clear idea of what to include in your appendix, how to organize it, and how to present it to your potential investors or partners . In this section, we will summarize the main points and offer some tips on how to make your appendix stand out.

The appendix is an optional but useful part of your business plan. It contains additional information that supports your main arguments, such as:

- Financial statements and projections. These show your current and expected financial performance, such as income statements, balance sheets, cash flow statements, and break-even analysis. They demonstrate your profitability, solvency, and growth potential.

- market research and analysis . These provide evidence of your market size, segmentation, trends, opportunities, and challenges. They also show your competitive advantage, customer profile, and value proposition.

- Legal documents and contracts. These include any relevant licenses, permits, patents, trademarks, agreements, or certifications that prove your legitimacy, protect your intellectual property, and establish your rights and obligations.

- Resumes and bios of key team members. These highlight the qualifications, skills, and experience of your founders, managers, and advisors. They showcase your team's expertise, credibility, and vision.

- Product samples or demos. These illustrate the features, benefits, and functionality of your product or service. They can be physical samples, screenshots, videos, or links to online platforms.

To make your appendix effective, you should follow these best practices:

1. Only include relevant and essential information. Do not overload your appendix with unnecessary or redundant data that does not support your main points. Focus on the most important and persuasive facts and figures that showcase your value proposition and potential.

2. Organize your appendix logically and clearly. Use headings, subheadings, labels, and numbers to structure your appendix and make it easy to navigate. Provide a table of contents at the beginning of your appendix and refer to it in your main text. Use consistent formatting and style throughout your appendix.

3. Present your appendix professionally and visually. Use high-quality paper, fonts, colors, and graphics to create a positive impression and enhance readability. Use charts, graphs, tables, and images to display your data in an attractive and comprehensible way. Avoid clutter, typos, and errors that may undermine your credibility and attention to detail.

Your appendix is a valuable tool to complement your business plan and convince your audience of your viability and potential. By following the guidelines and tips in this article, you can create an effective appendix that showcases your strengths and supports your goals. Remember, your appendix is not an afterthought, but an opportunity to impress and persuade. Make the most of it!

Read Other Blogs

Franchise ethics are the moral principles and values that guide the behavior and decisions of...

Online forums are platforms where people can interact with each other by posting messages,...

The quest for sustainable mobility is a complex and multifaceted journey that involves a shift from...

Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) partnerships are pivotal in shaping the strategic trajectory of...

In a competitive market, where there are many players offering similar products or services, it is...

Yield curve risk is an important concept in portfolio management. It refers to the risk that an...

Public relations (PR) is an essential aspect of any startup's strategy, serving as the bridge...

Members' Voluntary Liquidation (MVL) is a process designed for solvent companies to gracefully...

In the realm of nonprofit organizations, collaboration is not just a strategy; it's a fundamental...

Essential Appendix in Business Plans: Key Examples & Importance

20 February 2024

Welcome to our comprehensive exploration of the often overlooked yet indispensable component of business plans: the appendix. In the realm of entrepreneurship, crafting a robust and persuasive business plan is paramount to success. However, while much emphasis is placed on the main body of the plan, the appendix remains a hidden gem, brimming with potential to elevate your document from ordinary to extraordinary.

Table of Contents

Appendix in Business Plan

An appendix in a business plan serves as a vital repository of supplementary information, enriching the core content with comprehensive details. It’s akin to the backstage of a theatrical performance, housing essential materials that bolster the narrative presented on stage. Within the business context, the appendix encapsulates various facets crucial for stakeholders’ deeper understanding and assessment.

Appendix of a Business Plan

The appendix of a business plan acts as an expansive reservoir, accommodating an assortment of documents essential for comprehensive understanding and evaluation. It functions as an annex, seamlessly integrating supplementary materials that augment the primary narrative. Within this annex, stakeholders discover a wealth of information ranging from intricate financial analyses to intricate market research findings.

Appendix Business

The appendix business segment within a business plan serves as a reservoir of supplementary materials indispensable for stakeholders’ comprehensive understanding and evaluation. It functions as an archive, housing a diverse array of documents ranging from financial projections to legal agreements, market research findings to organizational charts. This segment enriches the core content, offering stakeholders a deeper dive into the venture’s operational intricacies and strategic underpinnings.

Supporting Documents Example

In a business plan, supporting documents serve as tangible evidence substantiating the venture’s viability and potential. These documents encompass a broad spectrum, ranging from financial statements to market research findings, legal agreements to organizational charts. For instance, a supporting documents example might include detailed financial projections demonstrating revenue forecasts, expense breakdowns, and cash flow analyses. Additionally, it could entail market research reports elucidating target demographics, competitive landscapes, and industry trends.

What is Appendix in Business Plan

The appendix in a business plan constitutes a critical segment housing supplementary materials essential for stakeholders’ comprehensive understanding and evaluation. Essentially, it serves as an annex, encapsulating a diverse array of documents ranging from financial projections to market research findings. Its purpose is to enrich the core content, providing stakeholders with deeper insights into the venture’s operational intricacies and strategic underpinnings.

Appendix Business Plan Example

An appendix business plan example serves as a tangible demonstration of the supplementary materials essential for enriching the core content of a business plan. It encompasses a diverse array of documents, including financial projections, market research findings, legal agreements, and organizational charts. By showcasing these materials in a structured manner, the example elucidates the depth and breadth of information housed within the appendix, offering stakeholders a comprehensive understanding of the venture.

Why Should You Include Supporting Documents in Your Business Plan?

The inclusion of supporting documents in a business plan is imperative for several compelling reasons. Firstly, these documents serve as tangible evidence substantiating the venture’s viability and potential, instilling confidence in stakeholders. Secondly, they provide a deeper dive into the operational intricacies and strategic underpinnings, fostering a nuanced understanding.

Which of the Following Should Be Included in the Supporting Documents Section of a Business Plan?

The supporting documents section of a business plan should encompass a diverse array of materials essential for stakeholders’ comprehensive understanding and evaluation. This includes but is not limited to, detailed financial projections, market research findings, legal agreements, organizational charts, resumes of key personnel, and any pertinent licenses or permits. By integrating these materials in a structured manner, the supporting documents section enriches the core content, offering stakeholders deeper insights into the venture’s intricacies and potential.

The Purpose of Including Supporting Documents in a Business Plan Is To

The purpose of including supporting documents in a business plan is multifaceted and pivotal for the plan’s efficacy. Primarily, these documents serve as tangible evidence substantiating the venture’s viability and potential, instilling confidence in stakeholders. Additionally, they provide a deeper dive into the operational intricacies and strategic underpinnings, fostering a nuanced understanding. Moreover, they enhance transparency and credibility, showcasing meticulous planning and thorough research. Ultimately, the inclusion of supporting documents bolsters the business plan’s efficacy as a comprehensive blueprint for success.

Conclusion:

In wrapping up, it’s evident that the appendix plays a crucial role in enhancing the effectiveness and completeness of your business plan. Through meticulous inclusion of supporting documents, such as financial projections, market research data, and legal documents, you bolster the credibility and clarity of your plan. This not only instills confidence in potential investors and stakeholders but also serves as a valuable reference point for your own strategic decision-making.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Business Plan Appendices

What is the appendix in a business plan, and why is it important?

The appendix in a business plan is a supplementary section that includes additional information, documents, and data supporting the main content of the plan. It is crucial as it provides comprehensive details that strengthen the credibility and feasibility of your business proposal.

What should be included in the supporting documents section of a business plan?

The supporting documents section of a business plan should encompass a range of materials, such as financial statements, market research reports, legal agreements, resumes of key team members, permits, licenses, and any other relevant documentation that bolsters the claims and assertions made in the main body of the plan.

Why should you include supporting documents in your business plan?

Including supporting documents in your business plan is essential for several reasons. Firstly, it adds credibility by providing tangible evidence to support your claims and assertions. Secondly, it enhances clarity and transparency, ensuring that stakeholders have access to all pertinent information. Lastly, it demonstrates thoroughness and professionalism, reflecting positively on your competence as an entrepreneur.

Innovating Business Alliances for Success in the Modern Marketplace

Franchise frontier: unveiling the top opportunities in california, leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Business Plan Appendix

Appendix

The Business Plan Appendix is a valuable section that can enhance your business plan’s credibility by showing the reader a well-structured and thorough consideration of your business idea. While not required, including a well-written appendix can leave a strong impression on your reader. The Appendix should contain any extra documents which give your audience a better understanding of the product.

Some of these documents include the following:

Visual aids:

Include charts, graphs, or tables that show a representation information discussed in other sections of your business plan.

Client and vendor agreements:

Attach any relevant contracts or agreements you have with clients or vendors to demonstrate the credibility and depth of your business relationships.

Legal documentation:

Include licenses, permits, patents, and trademark documents that validate your business’s legal compliance and intellectual property protections.

Product visuals:

Incorporate illustrations or samples of your product’s packaging to provide a visual representation of its design and appeal.

Marketing materials:

Include samples of your marketing materials to showcase your promotional strategies and brand positioning.

Executive team resumes:

Attach resumes or biographies for each member of your executive team to highlight their qualifications, expertise, and contributions to the business.

Building permits and equipment leases:

Attach documentation related to building permits and equipment leases to demonstrate your business’s compliance with regulations and operational requirements.

Contact information:

Provide contact details for your legal advisors, accountants, and other professional advisors who play a crucial role in supporting your business’s success.

Credit history:

Include a summary of your credit history or relevant financial information to showcase your business’s financial stability and credibility.

Market studies:

Include detailed market studies that offer comprehensive insights into your target market, competition, consumer behavior, and growth potential.

Including these documents in the appendix section of your business plan, you can present a well-rounded and evidence supported case for the commercial viability and potential success of your business idea.

Business Plan Section 9: Appendix

The appendix section of your business plan provides information to support the 8 preceding sections. Here’s how to organize the appendix.

By now, we hope you’ve read through our series on business planning and have reached this final installment, which is what to include in Business Plan Section 9: Appendix. Think of your business plan as the narrative that tells the story, while the appendix is where you put the factual information that supports it. The appendix fleshes things out with details that help corroborate and support the plan you have presented.

Maybe you’re wondering why, if each of the preceding sections is covered so thoroughly, you even need an appendix. Why wouldn’t you just include all the information in the appropriate section? The appendix makes the rest of the plan easier to read, without taking a detour for credentials and corroboration.

In addition, your business plan can serve several different functions, and each requires a different set of documentation. Your plan can serve as a roadmap for your internal planning purposes only, it can be a recruitment tool for employees or investors, or it can support a request for funding from a financial institution. Each of these would require different documentation, and in many cases, you might not want to share some of the information with everyone. Having an appendix allows you to insert and remove items depending on who will be reading your plan.

What Goes Into Business Plan Appendix?

Again, not everything might need to be shown to everyone who reads your plan, but here is a full list of items you might want to prepare for your appendix:

Credit histories for both the business and its owners
Business and personal tax returns
Resumes of the owners and key management
Photos of your products or their prototypes
Samples of marketing materials, logos, and mockup ads
Reference letters from business associates and community leaders
Details of your market research studies
Information about your competitors
Press clippings about you and the business
Any relevant news articles on your product or industry
Legal documents such as your incorporation papers, shareholder certificates, etc.
Copies of patents, permits or licenses you hold
Copies of your property and equipment leases or rental agreements
Contact info for your professional staff, including your accountant and attorney
Contracts for current or future work
Spreadsheets and documentation for financial projections

The appendix will be the final section of your business plan, and just as with every other part, take the time to meticulously prepare these supporting materials, especially if you’re presenting the information to a potential lender or investor . The care and thoroughness you put into your backup documents will be a big clue to your readers about your general approach to business and could help sway opinion one way or the other.

The Small Business Administration suggests keeping a record of who has copies of your plan and what items you’ve included in the appendix. That way, you can update items as necessary. Do keep tight control over who you distribute it to. You may want to consider having your readers sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement, or NDA, to help protect the confidentiality of your information. SCORE, the Service Corps of Retired Executives, has a free template on its website.

And again, because of the highly privileged nature of some of what you’re providing, be very particular who you share what with. Creditors will likely need to have access to all of your documentation, but more casual readers, who might just want a bit of information about your business, don’t need to see the appendix at all, or at most, just a few select items.

How to Organize a Business Plan Appendix

Because the documents substantiate the information presented in your business plan, it’s best to keep them in the same order as they are referred to in the plan. If you have more than a few pages of documentation in the appendix, start with a table of contents page that lists each section of the business plan, broken up with letters or Roman numerals; then list each item you’ve included in the appendix for that particular section.

This will make it easier to refer to the items as you need to in the plan. For example, when you talk about your planned advertising campaign in the Sales and Marketing section, you can refer to “Appendix, Section IV” for copies of what the ads may look like.

If the appendix contains a lot of material, you can also consider using tabs to break it up, which will make it even easier to locate things. Have each document clearly labeled so readers will know exactly what they’re looking at when they refer to them, and make sure your copies are high quality, clear and legible. Do not include original documents.

Business Plan Recap

Don’t rush through the work of putting your business plan together. Whether it’s for your own use or a lender has asked for it, the information it contains and the work you do to put it together will be extremely valuable to the success of your company. It does take a lot of time and effort to research and write a solid plan, but it will come back to you in spades.

A business plan follows a specific format, so follow the guidelines we’ve set out for you in the following articles:

Business Plans 101
Section 1: Business Plan Executive Summary
Section 2: Business Plan Company Description
Section 3: Business Plan Organization and Management
Section 4: Business Plan Products and Services
Section 5: Business Plan Market Analysis
Section 6: Business Plan Sales and Marketing
Section 7: Business Plan Funding Request
Section 8: Business Plan Financial Plan
Section 9: Business Plan Appendix

If you’ve already read the series, you’ve heard this before: it’s imperative to always keep your audience in mind. Your goals for what you want the business plan to accomplish will dictate who your audience is, and the information you present will be shaped by that.

Finally, remember the importance of presentation. This is a reflection on you and your business, so make sure it represents you well. Proofread and check for errors in grammar and spelling. Consider hiring a writer or editor if you’re not particularly skilled with words. The business concept is yours, but a professional can help you articulate it in a way you may not be able to.

Use a standard business font for the body copy so that it’s easy to read, and be judicious in your use of italics, underlining, and bold. Business News Daily offers links to several free templates you can check out. You can follow one to put your plan together or just look at them for ideas that might work for you. There is also software available that can walk you through the process.

Have the plan printed on good paper and bind it in some fashion, whether into a booklet, in a high-quality binder or spiral binding. Add a cover with the name of your business and make sure to have your contact information easily available. Include a cover letter with the plan, because it may get passed around to other people who aren’t as familiar with your venture.

Remember the old adage, “You only get one chance to make a first impression.” Make yours count.

Next Article: 5 Tips for Sticking to Your Business Plan

Apply for a loan, get started.

Loans from $5,000 - $100,000 with transparent terms and no prepayment penalty. Tell us a little about yourself, your business and receive your quote in minutes without impacting your credit score.

Thanks for applying!

Loans are originated and funded through our lending arm, Accion Opportunity Fund Community Development. By clicking “Continue to Application,” you consent to, Accion Opportunity Fund Community Development’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy ; and to receive emails, calls and texts , potentially for marketing purposes, including autodialed or pre-recorded calls. You may opt out of receiving certain communications as provided in our Privacy Policy .

What Is an Appendix in a Business Plan?

Small Business
Business Planning & Strategy
Business Plans
')" data-event="social share" data-info="Pinterest" aria-label="Share on Pinterest">
')" data-event="social share" data-info="Reddit" aria-label="Share on Reddit">
')" data-event="social share" data-info="Flipboard" aria-label="Share on Flipboard">

Steps to Writing a Business Proposal

What are the components of a good business plan, how to simply write a business plan for a loan.

3 Types of Business Documents
How to Format a Business Plan in Writing

It's doubtful that Violet Fane was referring to an appendix in a business plan when she wrote that “all things come to those who wait.” After all, Lady Mary Montgomerie Currie – as she was formally known – was an English poet who made her mark in the late 1800s. Then again, small-business owners wrote business plans during her lifetime, and her oft-repeated phrase captures almost perfectly the bounty of information that can be found at the very end of what is usually a lengthy document.

">For the Body, Stick to Your Business Plan

While you're not obligated to include an appendix in your business plan, it's difficult to imagine a plan without one. This is the section that includes all the supporting documents that will substantiate, clarify and help your readers visualize points that you make in your business plan.

These documents are crucial, but they make up the very last section of a business plan for good reason: Tucking them into the actual business plan could distract your readers from the primary points you're trying to make in the body of your report. As ancillary information, they would interrupt the natural flow of the narrative.

An Appendix in a Business Plan Affords Choices

Emphasize the best accomplishments and most notable achievements of your management team in this section of your business plan. Then, at some point early in this section, you can place a parenthetical reference to the inclusion of their resumes. For example: “See Appendix, page XX, for management team resumes.”

This way, your business plan will stand on its own merits. The reader can decide for himself whether to:

Keep reading the business plan, uninterrupted. Stop reading the plan temporarily so he can jump to the pertinent page in the appendix. Read the entire appendix, or parts of it, when he is done reading the business plan.* Skip the appendix altogether.

Skipping Should Be an Option

As difficult as this last scenario may be to contemplate, the possibility definitely exists. As the business plan creator – The most important thing to remember – is that you fulfill your role to the best of your ability: You must present a thoughtful, comprehensive business plan that anticipates and addresses the reader's questions.

The reader should be able to skip the appendix without encountering any gaps in understanding. The information he will find there is intended to be supplementary – not perfunctory.

The reader may also be guided by his interests or motivations – and will make his decision accordingly. For example, an attorney may actively read the appendix to scour patent and trademark information. A lender may not find this information as compelling as a business' credit history. In this instance, the appendix could end up being the very first thing he reads.

Consider Business Appendix Examples

When an appendix is thoughtfully and creatively presented, it can be the most entertaining part of a business plan, exactly as Lady Mary had suggested.

Content should always be your guide, just as surely as you should include copies rather than original documents in the appendix. Consider your options, which depend on the content in your business plan:

Building permits.
Charts and graphs.
Competitor information.
Credit reports.
Equipment documentation.
Incorporation papers.
Leases or rental agreements.
Legal documents.
Letters of recommendation.
Licenses, permits, trademarks and patents.
List of business affiliates, such as your accountant and attorney.
Marketing reports and studies.
Pending contracts.
Pictures or illustrations of your product line.
Press clippings, feature articles and other media coverage.
Spreadsheets.
Tax returns.
Vendor agreements.

Streamline the Appendix in Your Business Plan

If your appendix becomes robust – say, more than 10 pages long – it might be helpful to create a table of contents on a preceding page to guide your readers through it. And if you're worried about confidentiality, it might be wise to include a privacy statement that reminds readers that they are not authorized to distribute copies of your business plan to third parties.

All good things may indeed come to those who wait – or at least those who ask for permission first.

The Phrase Finder
U.S. Small Business Administration: Write your business plan
Bplans: What to Include in Your Business Plan Appendix

Mary Wroblewski earned a master's degree with high honors in communications and has worked as a reporter and editor in two Chicago newsrooms. Then she launched her own small business, which specialized in assisting small business owners with “all things marketing” – from drafting a marketing plan and writing website copy to crafting media plans and developing email campaigns. Mary writes extensively about small business issues and especially “all things marketing.”

How to write the management team section of a business plan, why is an effective business plan introduction important, what does "abridged" mean on a business plan, what is an executive summary business plan, what are the major parts of a business letter, how to write an executive summary on a marketing plan, final summary for a marketing plan, how to write a preface for a business plan, what is the importance & purpose of a business plan, most popular.

1 How to Write the Management Team Section of a Business Plan
2 Why Is an Effective Business Plan Introduction Important?
3 What Does "Abridged" Mean on a Business Plan?
4 What Is an Executive Summary Business Plan?

Customer Reviews
Net 30 Account
Wise Services
Steps & Timeline
Work at a Glance
Market Research at a Glance
Business Plan Writing Services
Bank Business Plan
Investor Business Plan
Franchise Business Plan
Cannabis Business Plan
Strategic Business Plan
Corporate Business Plan
Merge and Acquisition Business Plan (M&A)
Private Placement Memorandums (PPM)
Sample Business Plans
Professional Feasibility Study
PowerPoint Presentations
Pitch Deck Presentation Services
Business Plan Printing
Market Research
L-1 Business Plan
E-2 Business Plan
EB-5 Business Plan
EB-5 Regional Centers
Immigration Attorneys
Nonprofit Business Plan
Exit Business Planning
Business Planning
Business Formation
Business License
Business Website
Business Branding
Business Bank Account
Digital Marketing
Business Funding Resources
Small Business Loans
Venture Capital
Net 30 Apply

What to Include in a Business Plan Appendix

Get our business plan professional services now.

A business plan appendix is the last section that includes all the details that didn’t have a place in the business plan.

What is Included in a Business Plan Appendix?

Detailed financial projections, customer feedback, intellectual property details, key people & management, lease, contracts, and agreements, market analysis, credit history and credit score, marketing plan details, suggested resources for writing a business plan.

An appendix business plan can be short or lengthy. What goes into an appendix depends on the type of business plan and your goal of writing the business plan.

For example, suppose you are writing a business plan to attract investment. In that case, the appendix may include greater details of the financial projections, and information about your personal or business credit score.

Here, we will discuss appendix meaning in the business plan, what goes into a business plan appendix, how to create an appendix in the business plan, and the best practices you should follow.

You might be wondering how to write a business plan appendix. We have made it easy for you. Put data for each of these business sections and your business plan appendix is ready.

You have included the income statement, balance sheet, and P&L statement in the business plan. Investors and lenders might be interested in knowing more about the expected financials of your business.

Add financial reports for intervals like a quarter, bi-annual, or annual.

Access our free business plan examples now!

Free: income statement template.

Create a financial statement for your franchise business by downloading our free income statement templates.

Are you an old player in the market and people have already used your products or services? You can include the feedback or review of some of your evangelists in the appendix section of a business plan.

Customer feedback shows the value your product or service offers and the problem it solves. It can also increase your chances of getting investment for your business idea.

If your business has any intellectual property rights, this is the place to add them. You may have a patent, a trademark, a brand name, or a license. Add the verifiable details of your business intellectual property here.

The people section in your business plan included only the top management/owners. Here, you can mention the people with execution skills who are not among the top management but necessary for business success.

You can also add employees’ CVs here. Some investors look at a company’s key people to see if they can make the business idea a financial success. If you have a strong team, show them here.

Some businesses get into contracts with suppliers and vendors in the beginning before they apply for funding. If you are one of them, include any contracts or agreements here.

Did you conduct thorough research on the potential market for your business? The business plan couldn’t host your full market analysis but the appendix can.

Include charts, presentations, documents, or anything else from your market analysis here. You can put all the data you have about your target market in the appendix. Give it a try!

Lenders may be interested in knowing your credit history to see if it is safe to give you a credit line. You can add credit reports here. This will help you build a good rapport with the lenders and may help you secure business credit.

No Credit History and Looking to Build Business Credit?

if you are a small business and looking to buide business credit, Here is a step by step guide on how to build your business credit fast by credit experts.

Many businesses create a very detailed marketing plan. Since you have limited space available in the business plan, an appendix is a place to add your marketing plan details.

Interested in checking the business plan appendix example? See our sample business plan for inspiration.

How to write a company overview for a business plan
How to write a market analysis for a business plan?
How to write products and services section of business plan
How to write an operational plan in business plan?
How to write management team section in business plan
How to write the financial section of a business plan
How to write the marketing plan in business plan

Get our professional business plan services now!

The business plan appendix may include documents such as resumes of key team members, market research data, financial statements, legal agreements, permits and licenses, product or service brochures, and any additional supporting documents relevant to the business.

Not all supporting documents need to be included in the business plan appendix. Include documents that are essential for understanding and validating the information presented in the main body of the business plan.

Organize the documents in the business plan appendix in a logical and coherent manner. Consider using numbered sections or tabs to make it easy for readers to locate specific documents.

Yes, including a table of contents for the business plan appendix can help readers navigate through the various documents and sections. It provides a quick overview of what is included in the appendix.

The business plan appendix is typically included as a separate attachment to the main business plan document. This allows readers to focus on the core content of the business plan while having easy access to the supporting documents in the appendix.

Quick Links

Investor Business Plans
M&A Business Plan
Private Placement
Feasibility Study
Hire a Business Plan Writer
Business Valuation Calculator
Business Plan Examples
Real Estate Business Plan
Business Plan Template
Business Plan Pricing Guide
Business Plan Makeover
SBA Loans, Bank Funding & Business Credit
Finding & Qualifying for Business Grants
Leadership for the New Manager
Content Marketing for Beginners
All About Crowdfunding
EB-5 Regional Centers, A Step-By-Step Guide
Logo Designer
Landing Page
PPC Advertising

Business Entity
Business Licensing
Virtual Assistant
Business Phone
Business Address
E-1 Visa Business Plan
EB1-A Visa Business Plan
EB1-C Visa Business Plan
EB2-NIW Business Plan
H1B Visa Business Plan
O1 Visa Business Plan
Business Brokers
Merger & Acquisition Advisors
Franchisors

Proud Sponsor of

1-800-496-1056

(613) 800-0227

+44 (1549) 409190

+61 (2) 72510077

Words Inscribe

Maximizing Success: Understanding Appendix in Business Plan

In the realm of business planning, the appendix in a business plan plays a crucial role, serving as a repository for supporting documents that bolster the main body of the plan. This comprehensive guide aims to demystify the appendix of a business plan by exploring its significance, providing examples, and answering pertinent questions.

Table of Contents

Appendix business plan example:

In crafting a comprehensive business plan, the inclusion of an appendix can significantly enhance its effectiveness. One crucial aspect of this is providing examples that elucidate various components of your plan. For instance, you might include sample financial statements, market research data, legal documents, or organizational charts. These examples serve as practical illustrations to bolster the understanding of readers, investors, or stakeholders. By showcasing real-life instances within your business plan appendix, you provide concrete evidence of your strategies, enhancing credibility and clarity.

What is appendix in business plan:

The appendix in a business plan serves as a supplementary section that houses additional information relevant to the main body of the document. It functions as a repository for detailed data, supporting documents, and supplementary materials that enrich the understanding of key concepts outlined in the plan. Essentially, the appendix acts as a reference point for stakeholders seeking further insights into specific aspects of the business. Whether it’s detailed financial projections, market research findings, legal agreements, or operational procedures, the appendix provides a comprehensive backdrop to the overarching narrative of the business plan.

Supporting documents example:

Incorporating supporting documents into your business plan is paramount for substantiating the claims and strategies outlined in the main body. These documents serve to validate your assertions, provide evidence of market research, showcase financial projections, and underscore the feasibility of your business concept. Examples of supporting documents may include market analysis reports, customer surveys, resumes of key team members, legal agreements, licenses, permits, and any other pertinent paperwork. By including such concrete evidence, you instill confidence in potential investors, partners, and stakeholders, reinforcing the credibility and viability of your venture.

Appendix in business plan:

The appendix in a business plan is an indispensable section that complements the core content of the document. It offers a space to include supplementary information that supports and enriches the main narrative. This could encompass a diverse range of materials such as detailed financial projections, market research data, legal documents, organizational charts, and more. The appendix allows for a more in-depth exploration of key aspects of the business without cluttering the main body of the plan. By segregating this additional information into the appendix, you maintain the flow and readability of the document while ensuring that critical details are readily accessible to interested parties.

The appendix of a business plan can encompass a wide array of documents, depending on the nature of the business and the specific requirements of stakeholders. Some common examples of supporting documents include:

Financial statements (income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement)

Market research reports and analysis

Legal documents (business licenses, permits, contracts)

Resumes of key personnel

Product/service brochures or prototypes

When determining which documents to include in the supporting documents section, it is crucial to adhere to the principle of relevance and conciseness. Only include materials that directly contribute to the understanding and validation of the business plan’s key points. Additionally, ensure that all documents are organized, labeled, and formatted in a clear and professional manner for easy reference.

The Purpose of Including Supporting Documents

The purpose of including supporting documents in a business plan is multifaceted. Primarily, it serves to enhance the credibility and persuasiveness of the plan by providing concrete evidence and data to substantiate claims and projections. Moreover, it facilitates due diligence on the part of investors, lenders, and other stakeholders, enabling them to assess the feasibility and viability of the proposed venture more thoroughly. Additionally, it demonstrates the thoroughness and attention to detail of the business owners or management team, instilling confidence in their ability to mitigate risks and capitalize on opportunities effectively.

Why Should You Include Supporting Documents in Your Business Plan?

The decision to include supporting documents in your business plan is not merely a matter of preference but rather a strategic imperative. By augmenting the main body of the plan with relevant and compelling documentation, you can significantly enhance its credibility, persuasiveness, and effectiveness as a communication tool. Moreover, it demonstrates your commitment to transparency, thoroughness, and professionalism, qualities that are highly valued by investors, lenders, and other stakeholders. Ultimately, the inclusion of supporting documents can make the difference between a mediocre plan and a compelling one that inspires confidence and trust in your business venture.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the appendix in a business plan serves as a repository for supporting documents that substantiate and reinforce the assertions made in the main sections. By including relevant and compelling documentation, you can enhance the credibility, transparency, and persuasiveness of your plan, thereby increasing its effectiveness as a communication tool and facilitating due diligence on the part of stakeholders. Remember to choose your supporting documents wisely, focusing on relevance, conciseness, and professionalism to maximize their impact and ensure a favorable reception of your business plan.

Q: Which of the following should be included in the supporting documents section of a business plan?

A: The supporting documents section of a business plan should include materials such as financial statements, market research reports, legal documents, resumes of key personnel, product/service brochures or prototypes, letters of intent or support from potential clients or partners, and any other relevant data, charts, or graphs.

Q: What is the purpose of including supporting documents in a business plan?

A: The purpose of including supporting documents in a business plan is to enhance credibility, transparency, and persuasiveness by providing concrete evidence and data to substantiate claims and projections, facilitating due diligence on the part of stakeholders, and demonstrating the thoroughness and professionalism of the business owners or management team.

Business Plan - Appendices

What is the appendix to my business plan.

Material that adds to the business plan, but doesn't belong in the body. The appendices allow you to include valuable information to your business plan that does not fit neatly within the body of the plan. Generally, it is used to include exemplars of the material or information that is referenced within the business plan but does not need to be included in the body. You can include material that will serve a functional purpose in the business or that evidence key relationships. Generally, you can include any outside information necessary to support the propositions or assumptions within the business plan.

Consider including the following information or materials in the appendix of the business plan.

What To Include In Your Business Plan Appendix

What is an Appendix?

The appendix of your business plan usually appears at the very end of your document, and it includes surplus information that you refer to within your plan. While this information may be important, to have it in the main bulk of your plan can interrupt the flow of your document and make it feel longer, so it’s a good idea to separate out the extra information and put it into an appendix that the reader can refer to when they need to. For example, if you have a table that spans a few pages, you might want to put this in your appendix if the rest of the section in question provides enough information without it. This keeps your business plan as simple as possible.

What Should You Include In your Appendix?

Some of the documents you might put in your business plan appendix include:

Tables, charts and graphs that illustrate information already in your business plan Documentation such as licences, patents, permits and trademarks Contracts with clients or vendors Marketing materials Product packaging samples Contact information for third parties such as accountants or advisors

Remember that your business plan should stand up on its own. Not everyone will read the appendix, so while this section should support your business plan, it shouldn’t be the place where you put information you wouldn’t want your readers to miss.

Do You Need an Appendix?

An appendix is not a requirement for your business plan, so don’t worry if you don’t have anything to add into this section. You may find that everything you need fits neatly into your business plan without it being too long and cumbersome, which is fine.

How Long Should Your Appendix Be?

Your appendix doesn’t need to be too long, so keep it simple. All of the information you do put in your appendix must be relevant to your business plan – don’t put everything but the kitchen sink in there if it isn’t going to help your reader to better understand your business, or help to convince an investor or lender to provide you with funding.

If your appendix does turn out to be quite long, you may want to consider adding a separate table of contents for this section of your business plan.

If you would like any help with writing your business plan, we’d love to hear from you. Call one of our friendly and professional business plan writing experts on 01604 420 420 or contact us using the form on the right.

Get in touch

Call for a free consultation 01604 420 420

Share this article

Starting a business in a recession.

Apr 26, 2024

How to Start a Business as a Single Parent

How to improve your international business.

What Is an Appendix in a Business Plan?

by M.T. Wroblewski

Published on 22 Aug 2019

Some small-business owners seem to know what they're talking about. It's tempting to ask them to rate their pain on a scale of 1 to 10, as in "Just how painful was it for you to write your business plan?" Chances are, you're not going to like their answers.

Since entrepreneurs are creative thinkers, try upending the paradigm by telling them you've come up with an ingenious way to ease the pain, write a comprehensive business plan and even feel gratified by the insights you've uncovered: Talk your way through the plan and reserve the background information for the appendices.

Appendices Can Be Fun to Read

At first glance, this may not seem to be a revolutionary idea. An appendix is that fun section in the back of a report or book that contains supporting documentation – anything and everything that could derail the flow of the content. Charts, graphs, plats of a survey, financial statements and resumes from your right-hand people are examples of supporting documents in a business plan. They're natural fits for an appendix, which is where readers look for information that amplifies, clarifies, illustrates and otherwise shows them what you mean.

When readers choose to thumb to the appendix in a business plan is a matter of preference that underscores why it may help to think of an appendix as an adjunct to your business plan, capable of standing on its own and, perhaps, preceded by its own table of contents.

Based on your experience with flipping through appendices, you may know there are several ways to consult the contents:

Read the business plan, and when prompted, flip to the specified page in the back before returning to the business plan.
Read the business plan from start to finish, ignoring prompts to "see Appendix, page XX" for more information.
Read the business plan from start to finish and then read the appendix in the same manner.

Think of Your Business Plan as a Story

Of course, you may be unconcerned with how readers peruse your business plan; you just want to get through it. Since you're facing the prospect of a 25- to 100-page project, it may seem less daunting to talk your way through it.

Viewing your business plan as the story of your business makes more than practical sense. It may help prepare you for the marketing outreach efforts that lie in your future. Consumers like to read and share stories, and the story of your business vision is probably one you can tell in a compelling way.

As an entrepreneur, chances are that you're highly verbal and articulate – skills that lend themselves well to either:

talking and writing your way through the business plan simultaneously.
forgoing the actual writing to focus on the narrative, recording the story and then having someone else transcribe the tape.

Focus on a Sensible Format

Either way, without having to worry about what to do with all that supporting documentation, you are free to focus on the structure of the business plan, following a the business plan sample format recommended by the U.S. Small Business Administration:

Part 1: Introduction (including the executive summary)
Part 2: Market analysis
Part 3: Company description
Part 4: Product or service
Part 5: Management and organization
Part 6: Sales and marketing strategies
Part 7: Financial information
Part 8: Investments and/or funding requests

Take a Tip From Your Talk

As you talk (or dictate), you may find easy ways to "bookmark" inclusions for the appendix as you find yourself:

Stopping to elaborate on the information
Referring to documents to jog your memory or make a point
Going off on a tangent, as everyone is prone to do

The chances are good that this is the type of information you should set aside for the appendix to round out your business plan and greatly reduce your personal pain at the same time.

USF Libraries Hours by campus

Libraries locations.

Libraries Hours
Outages & Maintenance Alerts

RESEARCH TOOLS

Subject & Course Guides
USF Libraries Catalog
Quicksearch All-in-one-search
Citing Sources
Find my Librarian

GUIDES / HOW-TO

Tutorials & Workshops
Finding Books and Articles
Finding Reserves
Checking Out & Renewing
Reserve a Study Room
Additional Help Topics
star Other Services
For Faculty
For Graduate Students
For Undergrads
Requesting Books & Articles (ILL)
Textbook Affordability (TAP)
Library Instruction
Laptop Checkout
Schedule Research Help
Geographic Information Systems
Data Management Planning
Copyright & Intellectual Property
Scholarly Publishing
Other Services

COLLECTIONS

What are Collections?
Special Collections
Digital Collections
Digital Heritage & Humanities
Digital Commons @ USF
Oral Histories
Online Exhibitions
Printing in the Library
IT Help Desk
Digital Media Commons (DMC)
Writing Studio
Office of Development
Office for Undergraduate Research
Directions to the Library
Library Info & Floor Maps
Connect From Off Campus
Renew Materials Online
Check UBorrow Status
Printing Help
Report a Problem
About the USF Libraries

Business Plan & Pitch Presentation

#1. Executive Summary
#2. Description, Objectives, and Product/Services
#3. Market Research
#4. Marketing and Sales Plan
#5. Financial Analysis and Projections
#6. Appendix
How To Pitch Your Business Plan

If deemed relevant, add content to support, confirm, and reinforce conclusions you reach in the business plan. An appendix is where you give greater details about aspects covered in the plan, and you can include specific details regarding market research, technology, location, and so forth.

Appendix content may include, but is not limited to:

Letters of Intent/Key Contracts (to display customer interest/demand)
Endorsements (to reinforce that company is capable and the product or service is desirable)
Resumes of Key Managers (if resumes of key managers are impressive, consider including them)
Technical Information (if using or developing technology, more detailed descriptions can be added here)
Manufacturing information (detailed description of manufacturing process or flow chart describing process)
Floor Plan (layout and use of space, factory, etc.)
<< Previous: #5. Financial Analysis and Projections
Next: How To Pitch Your Business Plan >>
Last Updated: May 3, 2024 11:28 AM
URL: https://guides.lib.usf.edu/business_plan

How to Write a Business Plan: Your Step-by-Step Guide

So, you’ve got an idea and you want to start a business —great! Before you do anything else, like seek funding or build out a team, you'll need to know how to write a business plan. This plan will serve as the foundation of your company while also giving investors and future employees a clear idea of your purpose.

Below, Lauren Cobello, Founder and CEO of Leverage with Media PR , gives her best advice on how to make a business plan for your company.

Build your dream business with the help of a high-paying job—browse open jobs on The Muse »

What is a business plan, and when do you need one?

According to Cobello, a business plan is a document that contains the mission of the business and a brief overview of it, as well as the objectives, strategies, and financial plans of the founder. A business plan comes into play very early on in the process of starting a company—more or less before you do anything else.

“You should start a company with a business plan in mind—especially if you plan to get funding for the company,” Cobello says. “You’re going to need it.”

Whether that funding comes from a loan, an investor, or crowdsourcing, a business plan is imperative to secure the capital, says the U.S. Small Business Administration . Anyone who’s considering giving you money is going to want to review your business plan before doing so. That means before you head into any meeting, make sure you have physical copies of your business plan to share.

Different types of business plans

The four main types of business plans are:

Startup Business Plans

Internal business plans, strategic business plans, one-page business plans.

Let's break down each one:

If you're wondering how to write a business plan for a startup, Cobello has advice for you. Startup business plans are the most common type, she says, and they are a critical tool for new business ventures that want funding. A startup is defined as a company that’s in its first stages of operations, founded by an entrepreneur who has a product or service idea.

Most startups begin with very little money, so they need a strong business plan to convince family, friends, banks, and/or venture capitalists to invest in the new company.

Internal business plans “are for internal use only,” says Cobello. This kind of document is not public-facing, only company-facing, and it contains an outline of the company’s business strategy, financial goals and budgets, and performance data.

Internal business plans aren’t used to secure funding, but rather to set goals and get everyone working there tracking towards them.

As the name implies, strategic business plans are geared more towards strategy and they include an assessment of the current business landscape, notes Jérôme Côté, a Business Advisor at BDC Advisory Services .

Unlike a traditional business plan, Cobello adds, strategic plans include a SWOT analysis (which stands for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) and an in-depth action plan for the next six to 12 months. Strategic plans are action-based and take into account the state of the company and the industry in which it exists.

Although a typical business plan falls between 15 to 30 pages, some companies opt for the much shorter One-Page Business Plan. A one-page business plan is a simplified version of the larger business plan, and it focuses on the problem your product or service is solving, the solution (your product), and your business model (how you’ll make money).

A one-page plan is hyper-direct and easy to read, making it an effective tool for businesses of all sizes, at any stage.

How to create a business plan in 7 steps

Every business plan is different, and the steps you take to complete yours will depend on what type and format you choose. That said, if you need a place to start and appreciate a roadmap, here’s what Cobello recommends:

1. Conduct your research

Before writing your business plan, you’ll want to do a thorough investigation of what’s out there. Who will be the competitors for your product or service? Who is included in the target market? What industry trends are you capitalizing on, or rebuking? You want to figure out where you sit in the market and what your company’s value propositions are. What makes you different—and better?

2. Define your purpose for the business plan

The purpose of your business plan will determine which kind of plan you choose to create. Are you trying to drum up funding, or get the company employees focused on specific goals? (For the former, you’d want a startup business plan, while an internal plan would satisfy the latter.) Also, consider your audience. An investment firm that sees hundreds of potential business plans a day may prefer to see a one-pager upfront and, if they’re interested, a longer plan later.

3. Write your company description

Every business plan needs a company description—aka a summary of the company’s purpose, what they do/offer, and what makes it unique. Company descriptions should be clear and concise, avoiding the use of jargon, Cobello says. Ideally, descriptions should be a few paragraphs at most.

4. Explain and show how the company will make money

A business plan should be centered around the company’s goals, and it should clearly explain how the company will generate revenue. To do this, Cobello recommends using actual numbers and details, as opposed to just projections.

For instance, if the company is already making money, show how much and at what cost (e.g. what was the net profit). If it hasn’t generated revenue yet, outline the plan for how it will—including what the product/service will cost to produce and how much it will cost the consumer.

5. Outline your marketing strategy

How will you promote the business? Through what channels will you be promoting it? How are you going to reach and appeal to your target market? The more specific and thorough you can be with your plans here, the better, Cobello says.

6. Explain how you’ll spend your funding

What will you do with the money you raise? What are the first steps you plan to take? As a founder, you want to instill confidence in your investors and show them that the instant you receive their money, you’ll be taking smart actions that grow the company.

7. Include supporting documents

Creating a business plan is in some ways akin to building a legal case, but for your business. “You want to tell a story, and to be as thorough as possible, while keeping your plan succinct, clear, interesting, and visually appealing,” Cobello says. “Supporting documents could include financial projects, a competitive analysis of the market you’re entering into, and even any licenses, patents, or permits you’ve secured.”

A business plan is an individualized document—it’s ultimately up to you what information to include and what story you tell. But above all, Cobello says, your business plan should have a clear focus and goal in mind, because everything else will build off this cornerstone.

“Many people don’t realize how important business plans are for the health of their company,” she says. “Set aside time to make this a priority for your business, and make sure to keep it updated as you grow.”

Get Started

Home >> #realtalk Blog >> Manage a business >> How to write a resta…

How to write a restaurant business plan + free template (2024)

By Homebase Team

Whether you’re living the dream of opening your own restaurant or reworking your existing concept, a restaurant business plan template takes a ton of stress out of writing a business plan.

With prompts for every section you’ll need, we’ve created our free restaurant business plan template to be your operational foundation (you’re welcome!). Something you can download, customize, and come back to whenever you make business decisions for your restaurant.

But first, let’s go through all the ways a written business plan helps shape your restaurant, and why it boosts your business’s chance of success.

What is a restaurant business plan?

A restaurant business plan is a written document that lays out an overview of a restaurant, its objectives, and its plans for achieving its goals.

It’s needed across all kinds and sizes of restaurants, and can be a handful of pages long or much more detailed. A well-written restaurant business plan not only helps you organize your ideas, it’s also a key part of getting investor funding .

Starting a restaurant? Here’s why you need a business plan.

Creatively, opening a new restaurant can be incredibly exciting. But it’s also super complicated. From licenses, to equipment, to building a team, each phase needs a lot of attention to detail.

Before you jump in, it’s important to shape your plan of attack, organizing your business ideas into a clear, concise narrative that an outsider could easily understand. A business plan is an essential part of this—and here’s why.

Your business plan helps you:

Set short and long-term goals.

A restaurant business plan not only shows how your business will operate in its early stages, it also shows what steps it’ll need to follow as time goes by. Setting both your short and long-term goals at the outset makes you more likely to achieve them.

Understand your resource needs.

Going through the exercise of writing a restaurant business plan is as important as having the finished document in front of you. As you organize your thoughts, your resource needs—from the amount of capital you need to raise all the way down to the equipment you need to find—will take shape.

Reduce potential risks.

Sadly, some 60% of restaurants fail within the first year of opening. One of the main reasons? A failure to plan. Your business plan will help you plan for most challenges at your restaurant before they come up, keeping you on the right side of that number.

Develop a marketing strategy.

As you do your market analysis and figure out who your customers are likely to be, the ways you’ll promote your business will get clearer. The more specific you are with your market research, the easier and more effective your marketing efforts will be.

Build your team.

Your business plan helps you see who you’ll need on your team and which roles you’ll need to fill first . For investors, it’s a document showcasing everyone’s collective experience, personalizing your restaurant in their eyes and packing a professional punch.

Share your vision.

Whether you’re using your business plan to secure startup funding or need additional capital after you’ve already opened, your restaurant business plan shows an investor or lender exactly why they should get behind you.

The 9 elements of a strong restaurant business plan.

Your restaurant business plan will be unique to your vision. But all good business plans hit standard points, and whoever reads yours will expect them. As you develop and finalize your ideas, here are nine key elements you should include.

1. Executive summary

A strong restaurant business plan begins with a strong executive summary. This is a sharp, concise overview of your restaurant and your opportunity to grab people’s attention.

Here’s where you communicate, in a nutshell, what kind of restaurant you want to run. Which demographic will you be targeting? Why is your business something the community wants or needs? Especially if you’re asking for financing, include a snapshot of your financial information and growth plan as well.

Your executive summary should briefly lay out:

Your mission statement. Why are you starting this restaurant now, in this location?
Your idea. What’s the concept of this restaurant?
Your plan of execution. What are your key steps to making this concept work?
Your potential costs. What are your expected expenses?
Your anticipated ROI. How much do you expect your restaurant to make?

Many investors will make a split-second decision off of the executive summary alone—it might be all they’re going to read, so make every word count.

2. Company description

Now it’s time to let your creativity out and give your restaurant concept life. Give a more detailed description of your concept that lets your passion for what you’re creating come through.

Flesh out all the other details of your proposed restaurant, including your restaurant’s:

Style of cuisine and any unique selling points or differentiators that will make customers choose you
Service style
Restaurant name (or at least ideas)
Size, seating style, and capacity
Location ideas or the location you’ve scouted or secured
Ambiance ideas including décor, lighting, and music
Operating hours
Other service offerings like whether you’ll offer delivery or takeout, delivery guarantees, catering, and any retail products you plan to sell
Legal structure (e.g. sole proprietorship, LLC)
Existing management and their roles, including yours
Experts or advisors you’ve brought on board

3. Market analysis

Present the research you’ve done on your target market. Make a couple of buyer personas to represent your future customers, explaining:

Where your target customers live
Their income levels
Their dining-out and/or ordering-in pain points (e.g. lack of late opening hours, lack of family friendliness)
How often they dine out or order in

Go through which other restaurants already have a customer base in your area, then explain why people will choose your restaurant over others.

4. Sample menu

Even at the business plan stage, menu engineering is crucial. The specific menu items you’re likely to serve—the biggest thing that will set you apart—should shine through with descriptions that are short, clear, and evocative. If you have an executive chef already, this is a great area for them to add input.

Use language that will get people excited about trying your offerings. Hire a designer or use an online program to create your own mockup using the same colors, fonts, and design elements as the rest of your branding.

5. Business structure

Dive deeper into your business structure (sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, etc.) and organizational management. Show what your different employee positions will be (co-founders, managers, servers) to give a sense of your team’s makeup. An organizational chart can be helpful here.

Investors won’t expect you to have your entire team on board at this stage, but you should have at least a couple of people firmed up. For the roles that are already filled, including your own, summarize your collective experience and achievements. Bullet points work well, or some people choose to go into more detail with full resumes for the executive team or critical team members.

6. Restaurant design and location

Long before you sign a lease, make sure that your new offering will outshine existing ones nearby. In this section of your business plan, explain why your chosen location, or the ones you’re narrowing down, are going to be an effective space for your target market.

Consider things like:

Neighborhood demographics
Foot traffic
Labor costs
Accessibility

Hand in hand with location, your restaurant’s interior design—both in its floor plan and its ambiance—is also crucial to your business’s viability. Come up with a captivating restaurant design that communicates your theme and matches your cuisine, creating a memorable customer experience. Decide how many tables you’ll be serving, and plan out any outdoor seating.

Touch on things like:

Team uniforms
Flatware and glassware

7. Marketing strategy

How do you plan to market your restaurant? Your plan for grabbing customers’ attention is vital to getting diners through the door, especially at the beginning before word-of-mouth advertising has taken off.

What kind of offers will you provide? Will you have promotional events, direct mail, or a social media strategy ? Go through your planned marketing campaigns and explain how each of them will help secure your target market.

Overwhelmed by the thought of marketing your restaurant? Check out our top 9 .

8. Takeout and delivery options

If you’ve decided to have takeout and delivery at your restaurant—pretty important for most target markets—decide whether you’ll use your own drivers or a professional fleet like Uber Eats or DoorDash.

Show how you’ll provide the smooth digital experience your customers will expect. Decide if and how your website will come into play, bearing in mind that in 2023, 40% of consumers preferred to order directly from the restaurant website .

9. Financial projections

Your restaurant’s projected budget need to be solid, especially if you’re using your business plan to get startup funds. Without this, investors have no way of knowing if your business is a good investment or when it will become profitable.

Hire an experienced accountant with expertise in running restaurants and write down your market research, your planned costs , and your projected income. Show how investor funds will be used and whether you’ll be putting up collateral to get a loan. Give a sales forecast, usually for the first five years, and make sure to give a break-even analysis.

Get started with our free restaurant business plan template.

As the team behind Homebase , we know how much there is to consider when you’re starting a new restaurant. We’re proud to be an all-in-one partner for thousands of restaurants large and small—helping make everything from staffing, to scheduling, to team communication easier for business owners.

And we know that your restaurant business plan is a high-stakes document. That’s why we created our free restaurant business plan template to make sure nothing gets overlooked.

Check out our free, downloadable template to get your ideas into shape, get started on your restaurant journey—and get investors excited to jump on board with you.

Download your restaurant business plan template for free: Restaurant business plan + free template (2024)

Stop chasing down phone numbers with our built-in team communication tool. Message teammates, share updates, and swap shifts — all from the Homebase app.

Restaurant business plan template FAQs

What is the basic planning document for a successful restaurant.

The basic planning document for successful restaurants is a restaurant business plan. A restaurant business plan lays out a restaurant’s long and short-term goals and its plans for achieving those goals. Restaurant planners use it both to finetune their ideas and to secure investor funding.

How to write a restaurant business plan.

When writing a restaurant business plan, include an executive summary, a detailed restaurant description, market analysis research, a sample menu, a breakdown of your business structure, the design and location of your restaurant, your planned takeout and delivery options, your marketing strategy, and your financial projections.

What makes a business plan template for restaurants different from a standard business plan?

A restaurant business plan template differs from a standard business plan by including things like menu engineering, interior design, kitchen operations, front-of-house management, takeout and delivery offerings, and location analysis, which are unique to the food service industry.

Remember: This is not legal advice. If you have questions about your particular situation, please consult a lawyer, CPA, or other appropriate professional advisor or agency.

June 26, 2024

How to Start a Construction Business in 8 Easy Steps

Being able to build something from the ground up is an incredible skill: a skill you can monetize into your…

Top 4 Strategies to Grow Your Construction Business

For those in the construction business, laying the foundation for a house can be a piece of cake. But what…

How to Start a Retail Business: A Beginner’s Guide

So, you want to start a retail business. What now? There’s the idea, the products, the space, taxes, the employees,…

How to Start a Cleaning Business in 6 Steps

So you want to start a cleaning business. You want to work for yourself, you love a good Mr. Clean…

How to Start a Coffee Business in 10 Steps

Does the thought of running your own business make you jittery with excitement? How about going to work every day…

How to Start a Catering Business in 10 Steps

There are a lot of reasons to take a love of cooking down the path of entrepreneurship with a catering…

Subscribe to our newsletter

Looking for ways to stay up to date on employment laws and small business news?

Homebase makes managing hourly work easier for over 100,000 local businesses. With free employee scheduling , time tracking , and team communication , managers and employees can spend less time on paperwork and more time on growing their business.

Hiring & onboarding
Team communication
Employee happiness
HR & compliance
Integrations
Food & beverage
Beauty & wellness
Medical & veterinary
Home & repair
Hospitality & leisure
Education & caregiving
Contact sales
Become a Partner
Careers – We’re hiring!
#realtalk Blog

More From Forbes

How to make a business plan with 4 sticky notes.

Share to Facebook
Share to Twitter
Share to Linkedin

All you need for business planning is a stack of sticky notes.

What if I told you you could have a business plan in half an hour? It might sound too good to be true—but it’s not.

If you have a set of sticky notes and a pen, you can create a business plan. As I talk about in my book Start. Scale. Exit. Repeat. , this is an exercise for you and your business partners—not the robust business plan you will show to your seed investors or use at a pitch competition.

So why sticky notes? Because when you’re coming up with your personal business plan, less is better. Since they’re small, they force you to focus only on what’s critical for your startup idea. And they are also sticky. We can post them on the board to focus on following the plan.

So now you’ve got your four multi-colored sticky notes ready, what do you put on there?

Now, what do each of these mean?

Story is where you’re going to spend the most time. Think of it as your elevator pitch when someone asks, “So what do you do?”

Look at it like a journalist and ask, “Why, What, Who, Where, When, and How?”

Best High-Yield Savings Accounts Of 2024

Best 5% interest savings accounts of 2024.

Why: Your purpose.
What: The problem you solve.
Who: Your customer profile.
Where: Location for people to find you (physical, online, or both).
When: Your timeline for success.
How: What gives you the competitive edge—your X-Factor.

Concerning “When,” you’ve got to set up Stage Gates—a point in time to meet a milestone. These are different from goals in that they are tied to big decisions. You can miss a goal and be fine. But if you miss a Stage Gate, you’ll need to decide if you will pivot the business—or kill it.

More than regular goals, Stage Gates must be SMART—Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. And when you meet a Stage Gate, it provides momentum because you can go back to investors and say, “Look, we did what we set out to do—so now we need to raise more funds to scale.”

Your People sticky note is all about who you need on your team to reach your Stage Gates. Even if you’re starting as a solo venture, you still need support: vendors, suppliers, marketing, web support, and so on.

Seek out a business mentor or coach. Find a local startup incubator where you can refine your idea, prove your concept, and develop your MVP. Incubators are also a great way to workshop your pitch for investors—or even connect with investors. Which brings us to…

Many entrepreneurs think, “I can just put it out there, and the money will come,” but 82% of startups fail because they don’t have enough money to launch. You can have the greatest Story, People, and Systems ever assembled, but if you don’t have the money, those won’t matter. Money is the oxygen in your tank—run out, and you’ll suffocate.

Instead, figure out how to fund the company to reach that first Stage Gate. Also, it’s not enough to know the amount you need but where your funds come from: Self-funded? Friends and family? Business loan? Grants or government funding? Or one of my favorites—being customer-funded - the art of getting paid in advance to fund your startup.

Last but definitely not least, you need Systems in place to track your KPIs—your Key Performance Indicators—which are directly connected to your Stage Gates. You need to check on these daily to stay on track and mitigate risks. The startups that scale are often the same ones that develop repeatable Systems aligned to their Story.

Some systems are more obvious, like email or accounting software. But it can also entail hiring systems to identify the right salespeople, setting up distribution channels, establishing sales pipelines, and anything else needed to hit your next Stage Gate.

You can even use the 4-Sticky Note Business Plan as a system for business growth. As my close colleague Michele Van Tilborg said at a recent Startup Club session, it’s a great exercise for teams to do, too—a way to find a common mindset and clarity around business objectives.

With over a dozen startups under my belt, I still use the 4-Sticky Note Business Plan. If nothing else, it’s an easy way to figure out whether your idea is worth developing or not. If you can’t fill most of the four sticky notes, it’s not time to act.

If you are still stumped with blank sticky notes staring back at you. We put a free CustomGPT (AI Tool) to help you complete the 4-sticky-note plan found at www.startplanai.com . Do you have the right Story, People, Money, and Systems? Grab your sticky notes and pen, and take half an hour to figure it out.

Your future self will thank you.

Editorial Standards
Reprints & Permissions

Section 1 General Plan

Section 1 - general plan information, 1.1 introduction.

The Emergency Management Plan (plan) for South Dakota State University (SDSU) is modeled after:

Comprehensive Preparedness Guide (CPG) 101 – Version 2.0 November 2010;
NFPA 1600, Standard on Disaster/Emergency Management and Business Continuity Programs 2010 Edition; and
Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) 443 – Building a Disaster Resistant University.

The Plan is accessible on the university emergency management website. (Placed upon final approval)

1.2 Record of Changes

The emergency management specialist is responsible for distributing all revised or updated planning documents to all departments, agencies and individuals tasked in those documents.

1.3 Authority

The plan meets or exceeds applicable legislation, policies, regulatory requirements and directives.

National Incident Management System ;
National Response Framework;
National Strategy for Homeland Security ;
Nuclear/Radiological Incident Annex of the National Response Plan ;
Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) 443 – Building a Disaster Resistant University ;
NFPA 1600 - Standard on Disaster/Emergency Management and Business Continuity Programs;
The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act; and
American Disabilities Act (ADA) 1990 – Title II, Chapter 7 pertaining to Emergency Planning .

State of South Dakota

South Dakota State Legislation - SDCL §1-50-1. State emergency response commission ;
South Dakota Board of Regents Policy Guidelines ; and
State of South Dakota Emergency Management Handbook .

South Dakota Codified Law (SDCL)

SDCL § 34-48A; Emergency Management ;
SDCL § 34-48A-3; Coordination with Federal Government – Cooperation with other agencies ; and
SDCL § 34-48A-11; Preparation of comprehensive plan – coordination with Federal Plan .
Risk Manual; Section I: The Risk Management Process in South Dakota
Interagency local Agreements & Contracts;
Interagency participation and training;
SDCL § 34-48A-36 to 34-48A-40; Brookings County Emergency Management ;
The City of Brookings (Police and Fire); and
Brookings County Pandemic Plan.

1.4 Purpose

The Emergency Management Plan (hereafter "plan") guides the coordinated planning and response to man-made and naturally occurring potential and active threats to SDSU. The plan does not replace procedures for law enforcement, safety, hazardous material response or other established operating procedures. It supplements existing procedures with an emergency management structure that provides a process to mitigate and prepare for, respond to and recover from an incident. This plan describes and designates roles and responsibilities for university personnel during emergency situations. It provides procedures intended to prevent loss before incidents, protect lives and property during incidents, restore the university to normal operation after incidents and establish guidelines and resources for communicating effectually with the campus community and public.

General university response protocols are available in the Emergency Action Guides for Staff and Students. This information is available as a flip chart and is also located in the appendix to this plan and on Emergency Management .

Plans for tactical responses, such as bomb threats and active shooter responses are kept and maintained by the University Police Department (UPD).

The plan is an all-hazards plan and contains concepts, policies, and procedures that are applicable regardless of the cause or size of a real or potential incident. The plan is flexible, scalable and based on reasonable worst-case scenarios. It identifies critical emergency management principles, functions and roles and assigns them to responsible departments and individuals within the university.

An all-hazards plan means that regardless of the incident or threat to the university, the overarching emergency management principles do not change. What changes are the activities undertaken to mitigate, respond to and recover from an incident are specific to the incident. The responsibility for the management of an incident does not change. It remains the responsibility of the EMT under the guidance of its chair.

There does not have to be a direct threat to the community for the EMT to become involved. Twenty-thousand fans at a football game is not an inherent risk to the university. However, we can agree that 20,000 people at a football game does present some level of risk. Football games and other large-crowd events should be considered as a topic for discussion by the EMT to identify risks and implement mitigation activities and to assure proper response protocols are in place.

The plan and associated responsibilities are consistent with the Incident Command System (ICS), a management structure adopted throughout the U.S. and international communities. It also draws from Emergency Planning Guidance, the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and various U.S. Department of Homeland Security Presidential Decision Directives.

1.5 Emergency Management Phases

The plan is based upon the FEMA defined phases of emergency management, mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery.

Mitigation:

Mitigation includes measures taken to reduce the potential for loss and limit or control the consequences, extent or severity of an incident that cannot be reasonably prevented.

Mitigation at SDSU occurs as part of comprehensive emergency management processes. Mitigation is intended to eliminate hazards, reduce the probability of hazards or lessen the consequences of unavoidable hazards. Mitigation activities can be conducted pre and post-event as well as during the event. Mitigation activities include:

Identification of potential man-made and natural disasters that put the university at risk;
Identification of normal activities that provide some level of risk to the university such as a large-venue event;
Identification of at risk personnel, processes and facilities and the potential for loss as a result of the identified risk; and
Identify areas of responsibility for general and specific mitigation activities.

Additional mitigation information is available in the plan Appendix.

Preparedness:

Preparedness is focused on the development of plans and capabilities for effective emergency response.

Preparedness activities are conducted to develop the response capabilities needed in the event of an emergency or preplanned event that provides the potential for loss or harm to the university. Preparedness is everyone’s responsibility. Colleges, departments and offices must develop plans and procedures to assist in the overall implementation and maintenance of emergency plans. Activities included in the emergency management program are:

Identifying threats;
Identifying existing resources and capabilities;
Identifying and procuring necessary resources and capabilities;
Providing emergency equipment and facilities;
Conducting or arranging appropriate training for emergency responders, emergency management personnel, other local officials and volunteer groups who assist the university during emergencies; and
Conducting periodic drills and exercises to test emergency plans and training.

Response operations are intended to resolve a situation while minimizing casualties and property damage. Response activities include:

Applying an all-hazards approach to proactive emergency response planning and preparation;
Demonstrating efficient use of NIMS and ICS processes;
Using the EMT/Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to support and guide the university's response to an incident; and
Providing effective emergency communications with the community.

Recovery activities consist of activities that maintain or restore critical institutional functions activities that continue beyond the initial response period to maintain or restore critical community functions and manage reconstruction. Recovery operations are likely to overlap response activities.

Using continuity of operations planning, university personnel will carry out a recovery program that involves both short-term and long-term efforts. Short-term operations seek to maintain or restore vital services to the university community. Long-term recovery focuses on restoring the university to its normal state.

Detailed planning and execution is required for each plan phase. Phases often overlap as there is no clearly defined boundary where one phase ends and another begins. Successful emergency management coordinates activities in all four phases. The identification of essential university functions in an emergency is important in all phases of emergency planning. The prioritization of the essential emergency functions is predicated on the following list of activities that:

Provide for the safety and welfare of university employees, students and visitors;
Maintain critical business, finance and infrastructure operations;
Preserve critical research; and
Maintain/restore the ability to provide academic instruction.

Demobilization:

While not officially an emergency management phase, demobilization is an important aspect of emergency management and occurs during all official phases. Demobilization refers to the return of personnel and equipment to normal service and begins when the resources are requested and entered into service and is concluded when all resources are returned or otherwise accounted for as an incident expense.

1.6 Emergencies/levels of response and activation (See Emergency Levels in Section 3.4 for full details)

Level 0 – (normal conditions):.

Normal Conditions are defined as localized campus incidents that may quickly be resolved with internal resources and/or limited assistance from the initial responders. A level 0 may result in minor injuries to members of the campus community and may only affect a single localized area of the campus. Most normal campus operations are not disrupted. The EMT chair would not need to be notified unless there is the potential for the emergency to escalate. Emergency Management Team would not be activated.

Level 1 - (Minor Incident):

A Minor Incident is defined as a local event with limited impact. It does not affect the overall functional capability of the University. Planning and response are handled by normal University services. Does not pose an immediate threat to life and/or property. The EMT chair would not need to be notified immediately unless there is the potential for the emergency to escalate. Timely notification to the EMT chair is suggested.

Level 2 – (Major Incident):

A Major Incident is defined as a serious event that affects an entire building and disrupts the operation of the University. Timeliness of notification is determined by the responding official immediate or as time permits. Level 2 incidents may require assistance from external organizations. These incidents may escalate quickly and have serious consequences for mission-critical functions, or may threaten life safety. EMT chair is notified immediately and partial/full activation of the EMT.

Level 3 – (Disaster):

A major disaster or imminent threat involving the entire campus and/or surrounding community. Immediate notification is mandatory. Normal University operations are reduced or suspended. The effects of the emergency are wide-ranging and complex. A timely resolution of disaster conditions requires University-wide cooperation and extensive coordination with external agencies and jurisdictions. EMT activation is required to report to the Emergency Operations Center.

1.7 Planning Assumptions

Emergency plans are based on best practices under reasonable worst-case conditions. Some of these conditions/assumptions are:

Emergencies may occur day or night with or without warning;
Critical lifeline utilities may be interrupted, including water delivery, electrical power, natural gas, telephone communications, radio systems, cellular telephones and other information systems;
Regional and local municipal or county emergency services may not be available to assist the university;
Major roads, overpasses, bridges and local streets may be damaged;
Campus buildings may be damaged;
Damage may cause injuries and displacement of people;
Normal suppliers may not be able to deliver materials;
Contact with families and households of the university community may be interrupted;
People may become stranded on-campus, because conditions may be unsafe off-campus;
Emergency conditions that affect campus will likely affect the surrounding communities;
The university may not receive outside assistance and will need to conduct its own situation analysis and deployment of on-site resources and management of emergency operations on campus, through the EOC while emergency conditions exist; and
Maintaining, restoring and effective usage of communications is a high priority of the EMT.

1.8 Plan Activation

The plan identifies the process for emergency planning and response activation, including:

EMT notification and activation;
Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activation;
President and provost notification; and
Community notification.

1.9 Review and Maintenance

The EMT is responsible for the review and maintenance of the plan, including any appendices. The emergency management specialist has specific responsibility for maintaining the plan at the direction of the EMT. All substantive changes to the plan require the approval of the president.

This plan and its appendices shall be reviewed annually by all appropriate university officials. The EMT establishes the schedule for plan review and assign review/revision responsibilities to appropriate team members.

Interim revisions will be made when one of the following occurs:

A change in university site or facility configuration that materially alters the information contained in the plan or materially affects implementation of the plan;
A material change in response resources;
An emergency occurs that requires a review;
Internal assessments, third-party reviews or experience in drills or actual responses identify significant changes that should be made in the plan identify significant changes that should be made in the plan;
New laws, regulations or internal policies are implemented that affect the contents or the implementation of the plan; and
Other changes deemed significant.

Update and Maintenance

The plan is updated to address risks or potential risks faced when a change is required by law or external governing body, or change in internal structure.

This plan and its appendices must be revised or updated with a formal change at least every five (5) years. Responsibility for revising or updating this plan is assigned to the emergency management specialist.

1.10 Plan Distribution

Listed below are the individuals with access to the plan. The emergency management specialist is responsible for distributing any revisions to those individuals in possession of the plan.


EMT Members	Individual
Shared drive (Password protected)	IT
Web for nonrestricted portion of plan	Marketing and Communications
BOR Office	BOR

IMAGES

Business Plan Appendix Template: 55 Examples of What to Include
Appendix A
Business Plan Appendix Template
Business Plan Appendix
Writing an appendix for a business plan
What goes in the appendix of a business plan

VIDEO

NESP Systemic Forest Stewardship Planning Update
BSL Action Plan 2024-30
The Appendix ( what surgeon should know)
9 Step Help You to Write the best business plan
How to Write a Business plan? 10 Important Steps of Business Plan
APPENDICITIS: Signs You Should Remember!

COMMENTS

What to Include in Your Business Plan Appendix
In general, here is some of the information you might include in your business plan appendix: Charts, graphs, or tables that support sections of your business plan. Financial statements and projections. Sales and marketing materials. Executive team resumes. Credit history. Business and/or personal tax returns.
What to Include in Your Business Plan Appendix
The appendix of a business plan might include: Detailed Financial Projections: As a cornerstone of appendices in business plan, this includes comprehensive revenue forecasts, cash flow statements, and break-even analysis. These documents elevate your financial strategy from theory to actionable insights. Market Research Data: Your business plan ...
Template: 55 Business Plan Appendix Content Samples
The appendix is the perfect place to showcase a wide range of information, including: Supporting documentation: References and supporting evidence to substantiate any major projections, claims, statements, decisions, assumptions, analysis, trends and comparisons mentioned throughout the main body of a business plan. Requested documentation: Information, documents or other materials that were ...
What to include in a Business Plan Appendix?
Let's understand what the appendix business plan includes in brief detail: 1. Supplementary information. Here, you can include documents to support and elaborate on some information mentioned in other sections of your business plan. Some examples of supplementary information include, Charts, graphs, and tables used in the analysis.
What to Include in Your Business Plan Appendix?
Components of the Business Plan Appendix. The following components should be included if you have them, which depends on the stage of your business. 1. Financial Projections. In the body of your business plan, you summarized your financial projections and mentioned the highlights, but your appendix should provide your full financial ...
What Are Appendices in a Business Plan? A Complete Guide
A1: Following are the type of information that should be included in your business plan appendix: Charts, graphs, or tables that support sections of your business plan. Sales and marketing materials. Executive team resumes. Business and personal tax returns. Agreements or contracts with clients or vendors.
What should you include in your business plan appendices?
Legal documents are frequently included in business plan appendices. These help demonstrate your business' reliability to your readers and may include: Incorporation papers. Permits, trademarks, licenses, and patents. Shareholder agreements. Rental agreements and leases. Vendor contracts. Equipment specifications.
Business Plan Appendix [Updated 2024]
After taking time in writing a business plan, you want it to be read.That means the body should be no more than 15 pages in length. That's where the business plan appendix comes in! The appendix in a business plan is a supplementary section that contains additional information and supporting documents, such as charts, graphs, financial statements, market research, and legal papers, which ...
How to Write a Business Plan: Guide + Examples
Your business plan should stand on its own, even if the reader skips this section. Dig Deeper: What to include in your business plan appendix. ... 10-50 pages depending on the amount of detail included, the complexity of your business, and what you include in your appendix. Business model canvas: The business model canvas is a one-page template ...
Write your business plan
Common items to include are credit histories, resumes, product pictures, letters of reference, licenses, permits, patents, legal documents, and other contracts. Example traditional business plans. Before you write your business plan, read the following example business plans written by fictional business owners.
Five Best Practices for Creating a Business Plan Appendix
Adapting a solid business plan outline helps organize the appendices into a document that substantiates factual and clear information. Keep It Short and Simple: An appendix should only include relevant information about a business to keep it concise. For example, the business plan's financial plan should be supported with additional financial ...
Business plan appendix: How to Create an Effective Business Plan
An effective business plan appendix should include the following elements: 1. A table of contents that lists the titles and page numbers of the items in the appendix. This helps the readers to navigate and locate the information they need quickly and easily. 2.
Appendix in Business Plans: Key Examples & Importance
An appendix in a business plan serves as a vital repository of supplementary information, enriching the core content with comprehensive details. It's akin to the backstage of a theatrical performance, housing essential materials that bolster the narrative presented on stage. Within the business context, the appendix encapsulates various ...
Business Plan Appendix
The Business Plan Appendix is a valuable section that can enhance your business plan's credibility by showing the reader a well-structured and thorough consideration of your business idea. While not required, including a well-written appendix can leave a strong impression on your reader. The Appendix should contain any extra documents which ...
Business Plan Section 9: Appendix
Section 9: Business Plan Appendix. If you've already read the series, you've heard this before: it's imperative to always keep your audience in mind. Your goals for what you want the business plan to accomplish will dictate who your audience is, and the information you present will be shaped by that. Finally, remember the importance of ...
What Is an Appendix in a Business Plan?
An Appendix in a Business Plan Affords Choices. Emphasize the best accomplishments and most notable achievements of your management team in this section of your business plan. Then, at some point ...
Business Plan Appendix
A business plan appendix is the last section that includes all the details that didn't have a place in the business plan. An appendix business plan can be short or lengthy. What goes into an appendix depends on the type of business plan and your goal of writing the business plan. For example, suppose you are writing a business plan to attract ...
Maximizing Success: Understanding Appendix in Business Plan
In the realm of business planning, the appendix in a business plan plays a crucial role, serving as a repository for supporting documents that bolster the main body of the plan. This comprehensive guide aims to demystify the appendix of a business plan by exploring its significance, providing examples, and answering pertinent questions.
Business Plan
Consider including the following information or materials in the appendix of the business plan. Marketing Material (Advertising) - The ability to drive sales is a critical part of the business plan. Providing samples of marketing material can provide an understanding of the brand that you are attempting to build around your product or service.
What To Include In Your Business Plan Appendix
What Should You Include In your Appendix? Some of the documents you might put in your business plan appendix include: Tables, charts and graphs that illustrate information already in your business plan. Documentation such as licences, patents, permits and trademarks. Contracts with clients or vendors. Marketing materials.
What Is an Appendix in a Business Plan?
An appendix is that fun section in the back of a report or book that contains supporting documentation - anything and everything that could derail the flow of the content. Charts, graphs, plats of a survey, financial statements and resumes from your right-hand people are examples of supporting documents in a business plan.
LibGuides: Business Plan & Pitch Presentation: #6. Appendix
If deemed relevant, add content to support, confirm, and reinforce conclusions you reach in the business plan. An appendix is where you give greater details about aspects covered in the plan, and you can include specific details regarding market research, technology, location, and so forth. Appendix content may include, but is not limited to:
How to Write a Business Plan: Step-by-Step Guide
A one-page business plan is a simplified version of the larger business plan, and it focuses on the problem your product or service is solving, the solution (your product), and your business model (how you'll make money). A one-page plan is hyper-direct and easy to read, making it an effective tool for businesses of all sizes, at any stage ...
How to Write an Effective One-page Business Plan (Free Template)
Download our free one-page business plan template. A one-page business plan is one of the most important pages you'll write for your business. While there's a lot to think about, it's certainly worth the effort. Good news: we've done the heavy lifting for you by putting together this winning one-page business plan template.
How to write a restaurant business plan + free template (2024)
Whether you're using your business plan to secure startup funding or need additional capital after you've already opened, your restaurant business plan shows an investor or lender exactly why they should get behind you. The 9 elements of a strong restaurant business plan. Your restaurant business plan will be unique to your vision.
PDF Bay Area Housing Finance Authority Business Plan Appendix 1: Equity
BAHFA Business Plan Appendix 1: Equity Framework i Contents Introduction 1 Purpose of the Equity Framework 2 Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing 3 The Equity Framework Development Process 4 Structure of the Equity Framework 6 Equity Objectives and Metrics 8 Production 9 Production Objectives 9 Production Metrics 10 Production Opportunities and Challenges 12
How to Make a Business Plan With 4 Sticky Notes
If you have a set of sticky notes and a pen, you can create a business plan. As I talk about in my book Start.Scale. Exit. Repeat., this is an exercise for you and your business partners—not the ...
Section 1 General Plan
Section 1 - General Plan Information1.1 IntroductionThe Emergency Management Plan (plan) for South Dakota State University (SDSU) is modeled after:Comprehensive Preparedness Guide (CPG) 101 - Version 2.0 November 2010;NFPA 1600, Standard on Disaster/Emergency Management and Business Continuity Programs 2010 Edition; andFederal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) 443 - Building a ...
401(k) plan savings rates are at record-high levels
The average 401(k) savings rate maintained a record high in 2023, according to Vanguard. Here's how it compares to the recommended target percentage.
10:30 AM Service
Video. Home. Live

What is an Appendix in a Business Plan?

What is Included in an Appendix of a Business Plan?

How Should You Write a Business Plan Appendix? (Insider Tip)

Template: 55 Business Plan Appendix Content Samples

Company Description

Target Market

Competition

Marketing and Sales

Products and Services

Management and Team

Related Questions

What is bibliography?

What are supporting documents included in a business plan appendix?

Related Posts

What to include in a Business Plan Appendix?

What is a business plan appendix?

What to include in the appendix of a business plan?

1. Supplementary information

2. Legal documents

3. Organizational and personnel details

4. Additional financial documents

5. Achievements and testimonials

Tips and best practices for business plan appendix

1. Make it scannable

2. Relate to the business plan

3. Include the confidentiality statement

4. Keep the appendix supplementary

Start preparing your business plan with the appendix

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you write an appendix for a business plan?

Do I need a table of contents for the appendix?

Are there any online resources for creating a business plan appendix?

Reach Your Goals with Accurate Planning

What to Include in Your Business Plan Appendix?

1. Financial Projections

2. Market Research and Analysis

3. Intellectual Property Documentation

4. Legal Documents

5. Resumes and Professional Biographies

6. Marketing Plan

7. Customer Contracts

8. Product Illustrations

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Crafting the Perfect Business Plan: A Deep Dive with Upmetrics’ Vinay Kevadiya

LivePlan Software Review

5 Best Business Plan Software

What Are Appendices in a Business Plan? A Complete Guide

What are appendices in a business plan?

Importance of Appendices

Let’s further discuss each component one by one.

Examples of some information to add within appendices in a business plan

How to Create Effective Appendices

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Get a Free Consultation Now

Everything You Need to Know about the Business Plan Appendix

What is a Business Plan Appendix?

What is the Purpose of the Business Plan Appendix?

How to Write the Business Plan Appendix for Your Company

Full Financial Projections

Customer Lists

Customer Testimonials

Intellectual Property Documentation

Management Team

Leases & Customer Contracts

Building & Architectural Designs

Finish Your Business Plan Today!

Company History and Background

Market Analysis

Individual & Business Credit History

Marketing Materials & Plan

Best Practices for Your Business Plan Appendix

How to Finish Your Business Plan in 1 Day!

Other Resources for Writing Your Business Plan

Other Helpful Business Plan Articles & Templates

How to Write a Business Plan: Step-by-Step Guide + Examples

Create a professional business plan

Executive summary

Products and services description

Market analysis