The Financial Plan

This section discusses the investment required, sources of funds for the business, and financial statements. The financial statements are discussed in the remainder of this chapter. They include:

• Need for and Sources of Cash
• Equipment List
• Income Statement
• Break-Even Analysis
• Cash Flow Statement
• Balance Sheet
• Supporting Documents

Developing these financial statements is one of the most difficult tasks facing a fledgling business owner, because in most cases there is no history for reference. Unless the consumer proposes to purchase an existing business, these statements will be based on projections. The consumer develops the Income Statement, Cash Flow Projections, and Balance Sheet statements for the first 2-3 years of business operation. First-year cash flow is projected monthly. Years 2 and 3 cash flow projections are quarterly rather than monthly. 

© July 1998, 1st Revision June 1999, 2nd Revision February 2001