FREE online courses on Business Plan Basics - The Essential Elements of a
Good Business Plan - Part 9 - The Appendix
The appendix section should be provided to readers on an
as-needed basis. In other words, it should not be included with the main body of
your business plan. Your business plan is your communication tool. As such, it
will be seen by a lot of people. Some of the information in the business section
you will not want everyone to see. However, specific individuals (such as
creditors) may want access to this information in order to make lending
decisions. Therefore, it is important to have the appendix within easy reach.
The appendix would include:
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credit history (personal & business)
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resumes of key managers
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product pictures
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letters of reference
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details of market studies
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relevant magazine articles or book references
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licenses, permits, or patents
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legal documents
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copies of leases
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building permits
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contracts
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list of business consultants, including attorney and accountant
Any copies of your business plan should be controlled. Keep a
distribution record of who has a copy of your plan. This will allow you to
update and maintain your business plan on an as-needed basis. Remember, too,
that you should include a private placement disclaimer with your business plan
if you plan to use it to raise capital.
