Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

Are you talking about a brick-and-mortar store/office, e-commerce site, or something taking place in your home?

Ruby2stay,

I checked your profile and am assuming you are asking this question in regards to the boutique you are working on opening.  Here are a few things I can think of you would probably want to include in your start up expenses (there may be things that may not apply, but I`m just doing a brain dump):

Equipment- Phone, Fax, Credit Card Terminal, Register, Computer
Accessories- Display cabinets, shelving, etc. (if not included with your location), miscellaneous supplies (i.e. pens, stapler, etc.)
Utilities- Electric, Gas, Phone Bill, Cable/Broadband bill, Insurance Bill, Rent (deposits, if required)
Start Up Product Inventory

Also, don`t forget about any attorney fees or accountant fees that you may have if you consult any before you open the business.

Those are a few things I could think of at the moment.

-------------------------

Oliver Mupas
United Bank Card
866-207-6007 ext 303
omupas@ubcnetworkonline.com

That section of your Business Plan should look something like this.

Good luck in your new venture.

ElidS... Great resource for startups!

-------------------------

Vincent Wilcox (a.k.a. KRAKR)
Drummer
My band: Letters Make Words

Doing a business plan is always fun. I recommend getting with a Small Business Development Center in your area, and they will help you. The Small Business Association from time to time goes over business plans, and how to put one together for free. A SCORE mentor could help you with this too.

Thanx Vince,
               

The resources here are great, but you could also check out a S.C.O.R.E branch in your area. They will hook you up with a rep that will help you hammer out the details. I spent just under a year on mine and ran it through them about 6 times before it was just right. The business plan helps keep you on track and when doing the research to fill out everything, you actually answer questions on how you are going to handle aspects of your business that you may have not thought about. Don`t fly through it. Every good business is started on a firm foundation and that business plan will become your best friend when it comes to getting investors, sizing up competitors, and much more.

I concur with Vince`s assessment - thanks for sharing your "real world" example, Eli. It`s much more helpful to see a real sample document than one that`s made up to illustrate a point.

Nevertheless, SCORE is an outstanding resource. Here`s a business plan template that they offer, that I think is excellent: Business Plan Template

Thank you all for your great advice!