In today's competitive business environment, a well thought out business plan is more important than ever before. Not only can it assist you in raising the money needed to start or expand a business-by attracting the interest of potential investors-but it can also help you keep tabs on your progress once the business is up and running. Completely revised and updated to reflect today's dynamic business environment, The Ernst & Young Business Plan Guide, Third Edition leads you carefully through every aspect involved in researching, writing, and presenting a winning business plan. Illustrating each step of this process with realistic examples, this book goes far beyond simply discussing what a business plan is. It explains why certain information is required, how it may best be presented, and what you should be aware of as both a preparer and reviewer of such a proposal. Divided into three comprehensive parts, The Ernst & Young Business Plan Guide, Third Edition outlines the essential elements of this discipline in a straightforward and accessible manner. Whether you're considering starting, expanding, or acquiring a business, the information found within these pages will enhance your chances of success. * Advice on how to write and develop business plans * A realistic sample plan * All new sections on funding and financing methodswith provisions for restructuring and bankruptcy * Tips for tailoring plans to the decision makers

You'll find new tax information, a new section on how to include buying a company in your business plan, a new section that discusses the impact of information technology on keeping your business plan up-to-date, and a new section on what to include as attachments (for instance, resumes, profit analyses, agreements) to a business plan. Like its bestselling predecessor, this Second Edition covers all of the basics involved in creating a successful business plan. You'll find out why a business plan is used for more than just raising money. This Second Edition offers a revealing discussion of how both lenders and investors really evaluate a business plan. It deals with the various legal forms that a business plan can take, a decision that affects how much money can be eventually raised, the impact the federal tax code will have on the business, and the potential financial rewards for investors.

Featuring case studies and a complete sample plan, this guide explains how to research, write and present a successful business plan, and how to tailor the plan to fit various people and institutions.

If you want to take control of your financial future and unlock thedoors to financial success, you must have a plan that will allowyou to find good investments, reduce taxes, beat inflation, andproperly manage money. Whether you're new to financial planning or a seasoned veteran,this updated edition of Ernst & Young's Personal FinancialPlanning Guide provides valuable information and techniques you canuse to create and implement a consistent personalized financialplan. It also takes into consideration the new tax rules thataffect home ownership, saving for college, estate planning, andmany other aspects of your financial life. Filled with in-depth insight and financial planning advice, thisunique guide can help you: * Set goals * Build wealth * Manage your finances * Protect your assets * Plan your estate and investments It will also show you how to maintain a financial plan inconjunction with life events such as: * Getting married * Raising a family * Starting your own business * Aging parents * Planning for retirement Financial planning is a never-ending process, and with Ernst &Young's Personal Financial Planning Guide, you'll learn how totailor a plan to help you improve all aspects of your financiallife.