When turning to investors for investment in your company, you should give the potential investor the peace of mind to feel comfortable about your company before they invest in your venture. A Business Plan is the foundation, or rather a springboard, towards the establishment and growth of a new business, particularly in the later stages of growth. A business plan is an essential tool for companies raising capital - and your business plan needs to be “investor ready”. Some important sections that address different concerns of the investors are Management, Customers, Product/Service Description and Marketing Plan

http://www.vcgate.com/The_importance_of_a_business_plan.asp

With business failing at an alarming rate the need has never been greater to start off on the right foot with a clear understanding of exactly what you hope to achieve and how you will do it. A well thought out and carefully structured business plan is the key to the long-term success of any business. Your reason for compiling a plan will be different for each situation and when you begin to compile a business plan you must always remember who the plan is for

http://www.howtobooks.co.uk/business/business-plan/

A business plan is simply a resume for your proposed business. Its primary importance is that your business plan becomes your calling card. Anytime you are going in to talk to a property manager about leasing space for your business, or you are meeting with a potential lender or investor, your business plan will announce/outline who you are and what your purpose is

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