Starting a Business: Creating a Business Plan

Components of a Business Plan

Business Plan Resources

Components of a Business Plan

Types of information to include in a business plan/proposal (based on information from the SBA):

Business Plan Resources

Articles and Databases

Business Source Premier - articles, general industry and public company information

Reference USA - business directory searchable by NAICS code, Zip Code, etc.

Industry and company overviews: Mergent Online, Standard and Poor's NetAdvantage

For more information: http://www.lib.ncsu.edu/business/resources/guides/businessinfo.html

Industry Classification: NAICS

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) has replaced the U.S. Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) system. NAICS codes are a standardized system that classifies various industries, and can be associated with specific companies (the codes reflect the industry of which the company is a part). NAICS codes are used in many business research databases such as Reference USA and Mergent Online, as well as by the government (such as in the Economic Census data).

When doing business research, it is always helpful to know the NAICS code for your particular industry or company. A NAICS code lookup is available from the U.S. Census Bureau. The Industry Statistics Sampler data based on NAICS code is useful, and the American FactFinder Quick Reports based on Economic Census data can also be helpful.

Census and Demographic Information

Census data is a useful source for basic demographic information for a particular geographic location. For basic data, try locating a Fact Sheet or using the American Community Survey, both available through American FactFinder.

For North Carolina demographic data, the NC State Data Center is an excellent source. They have NC census data, state demographic data, and a searchable resource for NC statistical data.

Sources for Other Data and Statistics

-- Professional Organizations/Associations related to the industry

-- Relevent state/national government agencies

-- For more information: http://www.lib.ncsu.edu/business/resources/guides/data.html and http://www.lib.ncsu.edu/data/ .

Additional Business Plan Resources

-- The Small Business Administration is an excellent resource, with information on writing a business plan, creating marketing plans, and more about how to plan, start, and manage a business.