Have a great idea for a business? Don't know where to start? The first step in moving that idea into a viable, sustainable business is to create a business plan. The goal of a business plan is to help identify a market for the products and services, and create a strategy for sustainability of the new business. Some of the thinking points when creating a business plan are identified below.

Business Purpose: Develop a company name, type of business, and the nature of business, analyze the trends in similar industries and establish goals and objectives for success.

Product Lines: Establish what products or services will be offered by the business. Create and analyze cost margins and pricing means, consider methods of transportation and shipping.

Technology Process: If the business requires assembly knowledge, create a methodology to address productions process and safety concerns.

Business Structure: Create your "Chain of Command" within the business, outline job descriptions and positions within the business. Outline legal structure of the business and address insurance and risk management issues.

Cost of Business: Create and identify how much capital investment will be necessary for start up of the business. Identify sources of capital investment (banks, investors, grants). Create Statement of Cash Flows and examine rate of return on investment.

Marketing: Identify your customer population and consider your competition. Create sales promotions and a public relations/marketing strategy.

*If you would like assistance please contact Pam Leisure at pamleisure@rushcounty.com or Mark Sloan at Rush County ECDC.