Posted by ToniK on 4/21/08 1:26pm
Msg #244300

Anyone know any good business plan writers

Im looking for some good recommendations for a business plan writer, and accounting professional (well one who can crcnh some numbers for me or correct some numbers for me), marketing professionals. Im looking to beef up my business plan. I dont think its the greatest and I need someone who specializes int his stuff to help me. Of course i am looking to comp the person as no job is free. So if anyone has any recommendations or advice please pm....TIA!

Reply by BrendaTx on 4/21/08 1:44pm
Msg #244305

Toni - get a freebie - generally high quality

Find your local SBDC chapter.

http://www.virginiasbdc.org/

Reply by ToniK on 4/21/08 2:00pm
Msg #244309

Tx, I'll look into that.. n/m

Reply by Charles_Ca on 4/21/08 3:30pm
Msg #244324

I've used "Biz-Plan Builder" n/m

Reply by George Rousseau on 4/21/08 6:03pm
Msg #244367

I found several templates on the internet which would give you a good start. They force you to go through a series of questions. Here is a link to one sample I found helpful. You can also find separate worksheets for completing cash flow and start up capital estimates:

http://www.score.org/template_gallery.html

Score is the Service Core of Retired Executives. They work with SBA. I used the sample for established business and tweeked it. I found it very helpful to in targeting my research about the proposed business and determining a marketing strategy. SCORE offices are located throughout the country and they also have local assistance. Very good starting point which you can then refine with a CPA.

Reply by Laura Vestanen on 4/21/08 7:53pm
Msg #244411

Hi, Toni

I agree with Brenda.

The Small Business Development Centers are absolutely terrific. Their counselors are paid by the Federal Government via the Small Business Administration. Most of the counselors I have used have MBA degrees. Counseling services are free to you.

I have used SBDCs in two states and several cities over many years. I can't recommend them highly enough.

Some SBDCs will require you to visit a Score office before you are permitted to schedule an appt at SBDC. I have found Score counselors to be both good and horrific.

I like the business plan instructions at
http://www.sba.gov/smallbusinessplanner/plan/writeabusinessplan/index.html

I strongly suggest you ask Score and SBDC to help you with demographic research to discover which niche notary services in your area have strong demand yet are underserved by notaries in your area. Once you know what these services are, you can create a profile of who needs these services and where they look for notaries (yellow pages - internet - referral - etc). Only then will you know how to spend your marketing time and dime.

One website to get you started with learning about who lives and works in your coverage area is www.ZipSkinny.com Enter a zip code and then start reading. Look at all the zip codes in your main coverage area.

Good luck!
LauraV

Reply by Joan Bergstrom on 4/22/08 1:09am
Msg #244433

Laura & Brenda
Great advice