Key components of a business plan:

Executive Summary:

Summarizes the most important information within the pages of your business plan - the people, the idea, the market, the competition, the strategy - typically no more than two pages long, the executive summary is usually written last. It takes discipline to keep the summary short, but it's a must.

Business Description:

Details the mission, goals, value proposition, business model, and key assets. After someone reads this section of the plan, they should be able to "get" what you're offering with total clarity!

Market Analysis:

Dives into the needs and wants of potential customers in the market, as well as your competition and the percentage of the market you expect to reach. Be sure to include any pertinent market research and competitive analysis you've done - and cite your sources.

Marketing and Distribution:

Discusses your strategy and timeline for achieving your marketing goals and defines how you get what you offer into customers’ hands. Be sure to include any new or novel ideas you have for marketing and distributing your product.