Business planning
What resources help veterans create a business plan?
Use the same sound planning fundamentals as any small business, then add veteran-focused counseling or programs where they are useful. SBA provides business-plan guidance and planning tools, and SBA resource partners such as Veterans Business Outreach Centers, Small Business Development Centers, and SCORE can provide counseling or training.
Choose a plan format that fits the purpose
SBA describes both traditional and lean startup business-plan formats. A detailed traditional plan may be useful when lenders or investors want a comprehensive document, while a lean plan can help a founder summarize the essential model and update it frequently.
There is no special veteran-only business-plan format. The plan should fit the business, financing need, customer, and decision it is meant to support.
Cover the fundamentals
A useful plan explains the company, target market, competitive position, products or services, operations, marketing and sales approach, management, funding needs, and financial assumptions at the level appropriate for the business.
Use market research and real cost assumptions rather than optimistic numbers chosen only to make the plan look attractive.
Use free or no-cost counseling when available
SBA resource partners include Veterans Business Outreach Centers, Small Business Development Centers, SCORE, and Women’s Business Centers. Availability, eligibility, and local services can vary.
TVEN can help organize reviewed resources and point founders to those providers, but the provider remains responsible for its own counseling and current program terms.