Business Planning Skills – How SCORE can help
Business Planning Skills — How SCORE Can Help
A Proven Framework for Building a Business Plan That Gets Results
SCORE is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow, and achieve their goals through education and mentorship. Their “Writing the Plan” guide provides a proven framework for building a business plan that lenders, investors, and partners take seriously.
Whether you’re seeking financing, attracting partners, or simply clarifying your strategy, a well-structured business plan is essential. This page breaks down SCORE’s recommended approach.
The Four Sections of a Business Plan
According to SCORE, the body of a business plan can be divided into four distinct sections:
| Section | Purpose |
|---|---|
| 1. Description of the Business | What the business is, what it does, and how it operates |
| 2. Marketing | Target market, competition, and how you’ll reach customers |
| 3. Finances | Financial projections, funding needs, and break-even analysis |
| 4. Management | Team, experience, and organizational structure |
Agendas should also include an executive summary, supporting documents, and financial projections.
Elements of a Business Plan
Although there is no single formula for developing a business plan, some elements are common to all business plans. SCORE summarizes them in the following outline:
Preliminary Sections
- Cover Sheet
- Statement of Purpose
- Table of Contents
I. The Business
| # | Element | What to Include |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Description of Business | Legal structure, products/services, location, history |
| 2 | Marketing | Target market, pricing, promotion, distribution |
| 3 | Competition | Who you compete with, your advantages, market position |
| 4 | Operating Procedures | How the business runs day-to-day |
| 5 | Personnel | Staffing needs, roles, and organizational structure |
| 6 | Business Insurance | Coverage needed to protect the business |
II. Financial Data
| # | Element | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Loan Applications | Formal requests for financing |
| 2 | Capital Equipment and Supply List | What you need to operate |
| 3 | Balance Sheet | Assets, liabilities, and equity |
| 4 | Breakeven Analysis | When the business becomes profitable |
| 5 | Pro-forma Income Projections | Profit & loss statements |
| 6 | Three-Year Summary | Long-term financial overview |
| 7 | Detail by Month, First Year | Granular first-year projections |
| 8 | Detail by Quarters, Years 2–3 | Quarterly projections for years two and three |
| 9 | Assumptions Upon Which Projections Were Based | Document the logic behind your numbers |
| 10 | Pro-forma Cash Flow | Cash in vs. cash out |
III. Supporting Documents
| # | Document | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tax Returns of Principals (Last 3 Years) | Verifies income history and financial responsibility |
| 2 | Personal Financial Statement | All banks have these forms — shows personal net worth |
| 3 | Franchise Contract & Supporting Documents | Required for franchised businesses |
| 4 | Proposed Lease or Purchase Agreement | For building space |
| 5 | Licenses and Other Legal Documents | Proof of compliance and legal standing |
| 6 | Resumes of All Principals | Demonstrates experience and capability |
| 7 | Letters of Intent From Suppliers | Shows supply chain readiness |
How SCORE Can Help You
SCORE provides free, confidential business mentoring and education to entrepreneurs and small business owners across the United States. Here’s how they can support your business planning:
Free Mentoring
SCORE matches you with experienced volunteer mentors who provide one-on-one guidance on business planning, financing, marketing, and operations. Mentoring is available in person, online, or by phone.
Business Plan Templates
SCORE offers free business plan templates, financial projection worksheets, and step-by-step guides to help you structure your plan professionally.
Workshops and Webinars
SCORE hosts local and online workshops covering topics like writing a business plan, securing financing, marketing strategy, and financial management.
Resource Library
Access articles, guides, checklists, and tools covering every aspect of starting and growing a business.
💡 Did you know? SCORE has helped more than 11 million entrepreneurs since 1964. Their services are always free.
Why This Matters for Real Estate Investors
Real estate investing is a business. Whether you’re flipping houses, building a rental portfolio, or structuring creative financing deals, lenders and partners want to see a plan.
SCORE’s framework translates directly to real estate investing:
- Description of Business: Your investment strategy, target markets, and property criteria
- Marketing: How you find deals (FSBO, direct mail, networking) and how you attract tenants or buyers
- Finances: Projections for rental income, flip profits, and cash flow
- Management: Your team (attorney, CPA, contractors, property manager) and your role
Using SCORE’s outline as a starting point, you can create a professional business plan that builds credibility with private lenders, joint venture partners, and traditional lenders.
Ready to Build Your Business Plan?
Use SCORE’s proven framework to create a plan that gets results.
Additional Resources
- SCORE.org — Free business mentoring and education
- SCORE Business Plan Template
- REISkills.com — Real estate investing training and coaching
- REIMentor.com — Real estate investing resources
Disclaimer: This page is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, financial, or tax advice. Business planning and real estate investing involve risk. Always consult a licensed attorney, CPA, and financial advisor before making business decisions.
