A business plan shows what your business will do, how it will make money, and why it will be built to be profitable and last. You’ll need a plan ready if you’re raising funds, applying for loans, or making key decisions.
According to the LivePlan, entrepreneurs who create a business plan are 152% more likely to actually start their business. That kind of preparation sets a serious tone for success.
At Portalatin Business Law Firm, we help entrepreneurs build strong legal foundations from the start, choosing the right structure, protecting the brand, and reducing risk. We work with clients across the U.S. and Latin America in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
1. Executive Summary
The executive summary gives readers a quick overview of your business. It should be short, clear, and useful, especially if you’re applying for funding or pitching to investors.
Include:
- Business name and location
- What you sell or offer
- Mission or purpose (1 sentence)
- What makes you different
- Financial goals or how much funding you need
Keep it under one page. If you’re sharing the plan, add a simple confidentiality note at the top:
“This document contains confidential and proprietary information of [Your Company Name]. Do not share without written permission.”
2. Company Description
This section explains what your business is, how it’s set up, and what problem it solves. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) in 2023, there are 34.8 million small businesses in the U.S., making up 99.9% of all U.S. businesses.
Investors and lenders need to quickly see what makes your business stand out in a very crowded field.
Include:
- Legal structure (LLC, Corporation, Sole Proprietorship)
- Date and place of formation
- Industry and niche
- What product or service you offer
- Who your customers are
- What makes your business different (your edge)
- Short-term and long-term goals
If you’re registered in one state but operate in another, mention that as well.
3. Market Analysis
Show that you understand your market and who you’re selling to.
Include:
- Target customers (age, location, habits, income, etc.)
- Market size and demand
- Key trends or growth opportunities
- Main competitors and how you compare
- Barriers to entry (licenses, cost, regulations)
- Any risks or challenges you’ve identified
4. Organization and Management Structure
Explain how your business is run and who’s in charge.
Include:
- Business owner(s) and their roles
- Key team members or advisors
- Ownership breakdown (% for each partner)
- Legal structure (LLC, C-Corp, etc.)
- Management hierarchy (use a simple org chart if needed)
If you’re a solo founder, say so. If you plan to hire soon, mention what roles you’ll fill and when.
5. Products or Services
Describe what you sell and why it matters.
Include:
- What the product or service is
- Who it’s for
- What problem it solves
- Key features or benefits
- How it’s made, sourced, or delivered
- Future products or services (if planned)
Mention anything protected, trademarks, patents, copyrights. If there’s liability risk, note how you’ll manage it (e.g. insurance, disclaimers). Keep it focused on value and viability.
6. Marketing and Sales Strategy
Explain how you’ll attract and keep customers.
Include:
- How people will find you (SEO, ads, social media, referrals)
- Sales process (online, in-person, B2B, etc.)
- Pricing strategy
- Customer retention plans (emails, loyalty, support)
- Partnerships or affiliate deals (if any)
Focus on what works for your audience. Show that you have a plan to generate revenue, not just build a brand.
7. Operational Plan
Outline how your business runs day to day.
Include:
- Location and facilities
- Equipment or tech used
- Supply chain and vendors
- Inventory management (if applicable)
- Production process or service workflow
- Staffing needs and roles
Mention licenses, permits, or compliance requirements. Show that your operations are efficient, legal, and ready to scale.
8. Financial Projections
Show how your business will make money.
Include:
- Revenue forecasts (monthly or yearly, for 3–5 years)
- Expected costs (fixed and variable)
- Profit margins
- Break-even point
- Cash flow estimates
Use conservative numbers backed by market data. If you’re pre-revenue, explain your assumptions clearly. Charts or tables help, but keep them simple.
9. Funding Request
If you’re seeking capital, be specific. The SBA reported that in FY2024, it delivered $56 billion to small businesses. Lenders and investors have real money on the table. A clear funding request backed by real data helps you stand out.
Include:
- How much funding you need
- What the money will be used for (e.g. inventory, hiring, marketing)
- What you’re offering in return (equity, loan terms, etc.)
- How the funds will help the business grow
- Future funding plans (if any)
Be specific. Avoid round numbers unless they’re justified. Investors want to see a clear plan, not a guess.
10. Appendix and Supporting Documents
Add any documents that support your plan.
Common items:
- Business licenses or permits
- Product photos or mockups
- Founders’ resumes or bios
- Financial statements or forecasts
- Contracts, leases, or legal agreements
- Market research data
- Intellectual property documentation
Only include what’s relevant. Label everything clearly. This section backs up your claims and builds trust.
Why You Need a Business Lawyer
A business lawyer helps you choose the right legal structure, draft contracts, and protect your brand from day one. They’ll help build a business that can grow without legal gaps.
- Reduce liability through smart entity setup
- Help secure trademarks and protect intellectual property
- Review and draft NDAs, leases, partnership agreements, and service contracts
- Guide you through funding deals and investor terms
- Make sure your plan complies with local, state, and federal laws
Starting without legal help can lead to costly mistakes later. It’s cheaper to do it right at the start than to fix it after things go wrong.
Build Your Plan. Protect Your Brand.
A strong business plan is a smart start, but it’s not the finish line. The right legal setup and brand protection can make the difference between surviving and scaling.
Portalatin Business Law Firm helps entrepreneurs back their plans with real protection. If you’re ready to move forward with legal clarity and long-term confidence, get in touch with us here.
