Starting a small business is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. You might have a great idea and a lot of passion, but when it comes to putting your thoughts into an actual business plan, you may not know where to start. That is where the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) comes in.
The SBDC is one of the best-kept secrets for entrepreneurs. It offers free consulting, research tools, and step-by-step support to help you build a business plan that not only looks good on paper but also works in real life. With their help, you can avoid common mistakes, prepare for funding, and set your business up for long-term success.
In this guide, you will learn why a business plan matters, how the SBDC helps you write one, and the key steps you need to follow to bring your idea to life.
A business plan is more than just a document. It is your roadmap. It helps you:
Stay focused: Writing your ideas down keeps you organized and shows you where you are headed.
Grow wisely: Without a plan, it is easy to grow too fast or in the wrong direction. A business plan helps you pace yourself.
Get funding: Lenders, investors, and even family members want to see that you have a plan before they hand you money.
Think of it like building a house. You would never start hammering without a blueprint. Your business plan is that blueprint.
The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is a nationwide network that helps small business owners succeed. In Southeastern Minnesota, the SBDC serves 11 counties with a team of consultants who provide one-on-one guidance at no cost.
They are supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), local governments, and community partners like First Alliance Credit Union. That means you can get expert business help without paying expensive consulting fees.
The SBDC can help you:
Understand your market using research tools like Vertical IQ
Access free business plan templates that make the process easier
Receive feedback from experienced consultants who know what lenders are looking for
Build confidence as you prepare to launch or expand your business
Writing a business plan may sound intimidating, but the SBDC can walk you through it one section at a time. Here are the main parts to a business plan you will want to include:
This is a short overview of your business idea. It should include what your business does, who it serves, and what makes it different. Think of it like an elevator pitch written down.
The SBDC can help you sharpen this section so it is clear and compelling, which is especially helpful if you plan to share your business plan with lenders or investors.
Here you explain the problem your business solves and how you plan to solve it. This is where you describe your mission and the type of business structure you will use, such as a Limited Liability Company (LLC) or sole proprietorship.
Your SBDC consultant can guide you through choosing the right business structure and making sure your company description lines up with your goals.
Understanding your market is key to success. This section explains your target audience, your competitors, and the trends in your industry.
The SBDC has access to professional market research databases that can show you what other businesses in your area are doing and how you can stand out. Instead of guessing, you can use real data to build your plan.
How will people learn about your business? How will you convince them to buy from you instead of someone else? This is where you outline your pricing, advertising, and sales tactics.
The SBDC can help you refine your strategy so it makes sense for your budget and target audience.
This section covers the day-to-day details. Where will your business be located? Who will your suppliers be? How many employees will you need?
Having this written out helps you prepare for real-life challenges before they happen. The SBDC can help you think through details you might not have considered.
Numbers matter. This section should include your projected revenue, expenses, and cash flow for at least the first two years. You will also want to include startup costs like equipment, rent, and insurance.
The SBDC can provide templates for income statements and balance sheets, making it much easier to stay organized. They will also help you keep your numbers realistic, which is key for gaining the trust of lenders.
Mark gives you expert advice on the key sections of a business plan!
Even the best business ideas can run into problems if the plan is not solid. Some common mistakes when writing a business plan include:
Ignoring competition: Every business has competition. The SBDC will help you study competitors so you can find ways to stand out.
Overestimating revenue: It is tempting to think you will make a lot of money right away, but lenders want to see realistic numbers. The SBDC can help keep your projections grounded.
Forgetting backup data: Adding research reports, surveys, or draft marketing materials in an appendix shows that you are serious. The SBDC can help you gather these resources.
By working with the SBDC, you can avoid these mistakes and build a stronger business plan.
Once your business plan is ready, the next step is funding. Lenders want to see that you have a clear plan before they offer small business loans, commercial real estate loans, or lines of credit.
At First Alliance Credit Union, we work closely with entrepreneurs to provide:
Small business checking accounts to keep business and personal finances separate
Merchant services and payment processing to make it easy for customers to pay you
Equipment loans and short term business loans to cover startup costs
Commercial real estate loans if you are ready to buy property for your business
Access to small business financial advisors who can guide your next steps
When you combine the SBDC’s free planning support with First Alliance’s financial services, you give your business the strongest possible foundation.
Writing a business plan is one of the most important steps you can take as a new entrepreneur. The good news is that you do not have to do it alone. The SBDC is here to guide you through the process, and First Alliance Credit Union is here to support you when you are ready to bring your plan to life. Take the first step toward your dream business today.