Business Planning

A business plan is a flexible, succinct tool that helps you make sound business decisions, secure funding, and grow your business successfully.

There are numerous print & online resources to help you write a business plan. This page outlines our recommendations. For information on specific sections of your business plan, check out the subsequent tabs of the Toolkit.

Free Online Tools

SCORE Lancaster-Lebanon

The Quick Start Business Plan is an “interactive module” that provides a foundation for your business plan. There is also a Business Plan Template for step-by-step guidance.

The Small Business Administration (SBA)

The SBA provides full-text examples of a traditional business plan and a lean startup business plan. Their business planning resources also include tools and advice for calculating your startup costs.

Kutztown University Small Business Development Center

The KU SBDC offers an incredible selection of free, on-demand training resources for new & existing businesses.

Library Reference Title

Business Plans Handbook

Call Number: BUSREF 338.642 BUS
ISBN: 9781414404608
Publication Date: 1999-Present

🔍 For each source you consult, consider the following:

Bias or purpose. Look for information on the author of the source. Consider the context of the information you’re looking at. Be aware of how you found the source. Then decide if there are biases you need to factor into your evaluation: Is the author trying to convince you of something? Is there hyperbolic language that suggests the author is trying to increase traffic to their source?

Reliability & credibility. Dig deeper: Where exactly does the information come from? Has it been edited or reviewed by industry authorities? Look for references, dates, and statistics—anything that can help you verify that what you’re reading is reliable.

Transparency. The perfect source does not really exist! Not all sources are going to be relevant to you & your business. So to move forward with carefully evaluated information, it’s important to review the transparency of the sources you use.

 

Navigate through the Toolkit by clicking the links below. If you have any questions, click the Chat box or give the Library a call!

Business Ownership

Business Planning

Market Research

Business Registration & Licensing

Business Finance & Funding

Marketing

HR & Staffing