The Ernst & Young Business Plan Guide, Third Edition

In today's competitive business environment, a well thought out business plan is more important than ever before. Not only can it assist you in raising the money needed to start or expand a business-by attracting the interest of potential investors-but it can also help you keep tabs on your progress once the business is up and running. Completely revised and updated to reflect today's dynamic business environment, The Ernst & Young Business Plan Guide, Third Edition leads you carefully through every aspect involved in researching, writing, and presenting a winning business plan. Illustrating each step of this process with realistic examples, this book goes far beyond simply discussing what a business plan is. It explains why certain information is required, how it may best be presented, and what you should be aware of as both a preparer and reviewer of such a proposal. Divided into three comprehensive parts, The Ernst & Young Business Plan Guide, Third Edition outlines the essential elements of this discipline in a straightforward and accessible manner. Whether you're considering starting, expanding, or acquiring a business, the information found within these pages will enhance your chances of success. * Advice on how to write and develop business plans * A realistic sample plan * All new sections on funding and financing methodswith provisions for restructuring and bankruptcy * Tips for tailoring plans to the decision makers

Brian R. Ford is Ernst & Young's gaming industry specialist, serving as a coordinating partner on both audit and special engagement projects throughout the industry. He also serves the retail and distribution industries and has specialized in growth companies for many years.
Jay M. Bornstein is a tax partner at Ernst & Young and has specialized in emerging businesses for many years.
Patrick T. Pruitt is a partner in Ernst & Young specializing in strategic growth markets, where he has worked extensively with clients accessing the capital markets.
Ernst & Young LLP is one of the nation's leading professional services firms, providing tax, assurance, and advisory business services to thousands of individuals as well as domestic and global business.

Acknowledgments.
Preface.
A Dedication to Entrepreneurship and the Entrepreneurs of America.
About the Authors.
About Ernst & Young's Strategic Growth Markets.
The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Program.
PART I. The Purpose of a Business Plan.
Chapter One: The Business Plan.
Chapter Two: Who Reads the Business Plan?
Chapter Three: Legal Forms of a Business.
Chapter Four: Due Diligence.
PART II. An In-Depth Look at a Business Plan.
Chapter Five: Contents.
Chapter Six: Executive Summary.
Chapter Seven: General Company Description.
Chapter Eight: Products And Services.
Chapter Nine: Marketing Plan.
Chapter Ten: Operational Plan.
Chapter Eleven: Management And Organization.
Chapter Twelve: Major Milestones.
Chapter Thirteen: Structure And Capitalization.
Chapter Fourteen: Financial Plan.
Chapter Fifteen: Confidentiality Agreements.
Chapter Sixteen:Further Considerations.
PART III. Other Resources for Entrepreneurs.
Chapter Seventeen: Resources for the Entrepreneur.
Chapter Eighteen: Conclusion.
Index.