How do I start a business plan?

Good information and a good start but i need more details and more information.

First: As many colors as there are in the rainbow, there are at least that many ways to do a business plan. So, don't stress. There's no magic answer.

Second: How to think about a business plan: When you plan a road trip to a place you've never been before, it is wise to look at a map, plan a route to take, pack, check the oil and tire pressure, put the key into the ignition and start the car, etc., then consult the map periodically to make sure you're on the right track. Along the way, you may discover/decide that you want to/need to alter course and take a different route, but still have the same end destination in mind. THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT A BUSINESS PLAN DOES -- it guides us on our way to the goal. The map guides us on days of sunshine, and through dark, seemingly endless hours of lack of focus where we might be tempted to lose our way.

Third: The plan is primarily for YOU. But, it is also the primary tool you can muster to persuade a potential investor to take a chance on you.

A written plan helps us clearly state, in writing, for the benefit of investors and ourselves, answers to these questions:
- What do I want to do? (where am I going)
- How am I going to do it? (what route and steps will I take to get there)
- And, if I need to borrow money to "do it" here's how my business will grow so that I can pay back the money.

If we master the answers to these questions, it will help us begin construction of a plan.
Just like a map!

I have yet to see a website from investors lining up to "give money away freely" to everybody claiming to have a great idea, with no obligation of any kind to repay.
Who wants to loan money if the business doesn't have a plan to repay?

These are the essential starting points for how to think about starting a business plan.

Check out the "Resources" tab at VetBizResourceCenter.com and at the bottom of the list you'll see "Writing a business plan" as just one example of what you "might" use as a shell for your plan -- AFTER you have mastered the questions above.