ma 7 iOFG "4 Uh y eayea' CC G8 4 OM (6 gy (HM siness. Re Wa a Q fl aul Y th Oh ~wa UN Bt A Good Plan Can Jump-start A Business (NAPSA)—Theopportunity to own and managea businessis the dream of many Americans. However, without adequate preparation, even the best idea for a busi- ness may not succeed. That’s where a business plan comes in. A strong business plan forces a person to think through the basic ideas behind the proposed venture and the factors that can influence it—both good and bad. Sharing a business plan with others can increase both a person’s motivation and accountability, when it comes to following through on their dream. Plus, once the plan is written down, it can be followed step by step, much like a road map that can lead you towardyourgoal. One way to jump-start a business plan is by using a workbook prepared by an organization described as “Counselors to America’s Small Business.” Since 1964 the organization, SCORE, has assisted more than A strong business plan forces a person to think through the factors that can influence a proposed venture. SCORE CEO, “A sound business plan is essential to increasing the chances of success for the aspiring entrepreneur. Start-up business owners in need of financing will see that lending institutions frequently ask to see a business plan as part of the loan application process.” 6.5 million entrepreneurs and small-business owners through counseling and business workshops. More than 10,500 volunteer business counselors serve communities by offering education Yancey added that the workbook provides fundamental infor- The workbook, “How To Really Start Your Own Business,” provides guidance on general business planning, financing, using technology and other key topics. According to Ken Yancey, tion, for entrepreneurs. mation on financing to give entre- preneurs a helping hand as they start out. Copies of the workbook, sponsored by The Company Corporaare available, free, at SCOREchapters. For more infor- mation about starting or operat- ing a small business, call 1-870634-0245 or visit the Web site at www.score.org.
