Business Plan?
January is a great time to make it or update it.
Even if you’ve never had a plan…
It isn’t too late and it doesn’t have to be all-consuming.
Entrepreneurs Forever facilitator Doogie Levine knows very well that business plans aren’t something most people look forward to creating.
But he hopes to change this, and in the process, empower YOU with the info and skills you need to create a business plan that's neither painful nor arduous. Instead, Levine wants you to focus on creating a business plan that’s smart and useful.
Why? “Because if you’re a business owner who can achieve all of your goals without a business plan, you’re a superhero,” says Levine. “If, however, you’re a normal business owner, you need a business plan. Every business owner does.”
The ideal time to create a business plan was probably yesterday. But since that’s not practical — or because the one you created last year or five years ago isn’t really relevant now — the perfect time is NOW. And the good news? The plan you create doesn’t have to be the size of War and Peace. In fact, for some purposes, super-short is better.
“People think there’s only one type of business plan — but there are lots of options,” Levine says, including traditional business plans, which you might use to get a loan, one-page plans, business plans that can act as pitch decks, operational business plans and more.
During January’s Forever Forward webinar on Friday, January 12, Levine will explain different types of business plans and when/how to use each, whether your goals for 2024 are to bring on investors, get a loan, optimize operations, or almost anything else.
Levine’s session will also help attendees put pen to paper on their plan — the perfect antidote to New Year's procrastination.
“How long it take to create your plan really depends on what your business needs,” says Levine. “If you’re in ideation, you don’t need an extensively long business plan. In fact, you’re probably writing a new one each month. For an established business, this is different. It really comes down to this: You have goals. Without a plan, how are you going to reach them?”
Ready to get started? Sign up for January’s Forever Forward here.
JAN 12: It’s Never Too Late to Write Your Business Plan!
Facilitator Doogie Levine hosts an interactive Forever Forward covering why and how to create a business plan that reaches your 2024 goals. Attendees will also receive help starting their own plan. Don't miss this must-attend event!
FREE Forever Forward Session
Friday, Jan. 12
8:30a-9:45a ET Zoom
JAN 22: Financial Forecasting for 2024 – Online Workshop
Join guest host Eli Santiago of Alpha Savings Consultants for a Deep Dive into creating an intelligent financial forecast, including which historical data you’ll need and market factors that could impact your small business.
FREE Deep Dive Workshop
Monday, Jan. 22
4:00p-5:30p ET Zoom
Resource Corner
Kick Off Your 2024 Resolutions
with these valuable on-demand small business web resources
Resolving to…
- Increase sales in 2024?
- Switch to Quickbooks or find a bookkeeping software that fits you better?
- Improve your personal credit score? Get approved for a business loan?
- Sell your business, bring on investors, or just determine what the business you've built is really worth?
Whatever your small business resolution, you'll find how-to guidance in the Entrepreneurs Forever Resource Center. Take a look!
And if the subject you're looking for isn't included, let us know at info@e4ever.org.
Entrepreneurs Forever Earns a 2023 Gold Seal of Transparency
Last month, Entrepreneurs Forever and the Mansmann Foundation were awarded a Gold Seal of Transparency from Candid.org. You can see our Guidestar profile at https://www.guidestar.org/profile/81-1032302.
Check us out to learn more about the impact Entrepreneurs Forever is having on businesses and the community!
Member Memories 🥰 A (Peer) Group Hug
Being a member is so rewarding — my pod group has become a support system that feels more like family that I can trust than just a business group.
I went through some terrible health struggles over the past year and a half and some really dark times after I had a brain stem stroke. Month after month, my group shows up and we are determined to keep each other on track over the long run. The group has helped me feel less isolated during this time and others when making hard decisions.
Being an artist and owner of a creative business is particularly hard and uncomfortable at times. The guidance and resources I have at Entrepreneurs Forever help me connect the dots when I don't know where to start. I am ‘forever’ grateful for this network and sisterhood I find in my pod group.
P.S. Katie McMahon is a rockstar, and I‘ve loved her from the moment she sat in on our group as an attorney with advice many years ago!
-Kirsten Lowe Rebel
Owner and artist, KLoRebel Art
Pittsburgh member since July 2018
Want to share you thoughts on the program or your group? Send your stories, thanks, and memories to info@e4ever.org.
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