Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Melissa Houston covers financial issues that affect women in business. Creating a successful business starts with a strong plan.

For the entrepreneur, knowing how to start writing a business plan can be as exhilarating as it is overwhelming. The business plan is a foundational document and the blueprint of your business and is ...

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If you are building a startup long enough, someone will ask for your business plan. Sometimes it is an investor. Sometimes it ...

Learn how to write a modern startup business plan in 2026 that clarifies strategy, tests assumptions, and earns investor ...

Just like you shouldn’t head down a trail without a map, you shouldn’t launch a new startup without a solid business plan. This document can help guide strategy and keep your company moving in the ...

At the foundation of every strong business is a solid business plan. A business plan outlines important information regarding a company's operations and goals and serves as a blueprint for achieving ...

Using your business plan to monitor performance Business plans help you spot trouble, understand pressure points, and monitor cash flow. A business plan doesn’t have to end up on the shelf once you ...

Boost efficiency and accuracy in logistics, data analysis, forecasting, and more Elysse Bell is a finance and business writer for Investopedia. She writes about small business, personal finance, ...

While they will cost you time and money, some experts believe strongly in the utility and value of hiring outside help to craft your business plan. Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are ...

If you're thinking about how to start a construction business, one of the most crucial steps is creating a detailed business plan. While many entrepreneurs in the construction field focus on tools, ...

Once an electrician has the correct license and is ready to start their own business, they’ll need to write up an electrical business plan. This comprehensive document will include everything an ...