How Do I Build a Business Plan? (Infographic) Take a look at this infographic for tips on how to write a great business plan.

By Nina Zipkin

You have a powerful idea for the next big thing, but before you sell it to anyone, you have to get it all down on paper. It's time to make a business plan.

How do you know if you're headed in the right direction? Washington State University created an infographic that provides 10 guidelines to help prospective entrepreneurs organize their thoughts and wow potential investors.

Related: When Planning for the Future, Keep Your Past in Perspective

The infographic details some major questions that aspiring CEOS need to ask themselves like, what problem is my business going to solve, what's my company's mission, and what do we do better than anyone else in the market?

But you aren't quite done yet. A thorough business plan includes who your target demographic is, the conditions of the market you're entering into and accounts for worst-case scenarios. And of course, there's the money: how much you need to get going, and where it's going to come from once your business is up and running.

Related: A Business Plan for the Startup Economy

For more information, like how much funding you'll need before applying for a small business loan (that's 30 percent), check out the infographic below.

Click to Enlarge+
How Do I Build a Business Plan? (Infographic)

Nina Zipkin

Entrepreneur Staff

Staff Writer. Covers leadership, media, technology and culture.

Nina Zipkin is a staff writer at Entrepreneur.com. She frequently covers leadership, media, tech, startups, culture and workplace trends.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Making a Change

Expand Your Global Reach with Access to More Than 150 Languages for Life

Unlock global markets with this language-learning platform.

Business News

A Government Shutdown Could Cost the U.S. Economy $6 Billion a Week, According to EY's Chief Economist

Experts from EY tell Entrepreneur that a government shutdown could leave "a visible mark" on the economy.

Business News

'We're Not Allowed to Own Bitcoin': Crypto Price Drops After U.S. Federal Reserve Head Makes Surprising Statement

Fed Chair Jerome Powell's comments on Bitcoin and rate cuts have rattled cryptocurrency investors.

Leadership

The End of Bureaucracy — How Leadership Must Evolve in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

What if bureaucracy, the very system designed to maintain order, is now the greatest obstacle to progress?

Business Ideas

Is Your Business Healthy? Why Every Entrepreneur Needs To Do These 3 Checkups Every Year

You can't plan for the new year until you complete these checkups.

Franchise

KFC Is Launching a Chicken Tenders-Focused Concept Called Saucy — Here's When and Where It Opens

The chicken chain is making a strategic pivot towards the growing demand for customizable, sauce-heavy meals.