You’ve got an idea for a new business that you think your target market is going to love. Your business idea addresses a need that none of your competitors can fill, and you’re excited to start making your customers happy. First, though, you need to think practically by creating a business plan, which is a document that shows your investors and lenders that you have a sustainable business model. During your first draft, prioritize these issues.

Choosing Your Vendors

Where are you going to get the machines and materials you need to make your products? While you don’t need to finalize your vendors yet, you should list several candidates. Consider these businesses’ prices, shipping costs, and customization options, and note any major pros or cons on your business plan. Don’t forget to find vendors for machinery supplies such as industrial bag filters VA.

Developing Your Production Process

Once you’ve got your materials, how are you going to turn them into sale-worthy products? Describe your production process in detail, from opening the raw materials’ packaging to putting a barcode on your finished product. In this section, you should note how long this process takes and whether you need any employees to help you.

Explaining Your Sales Methods

After your products are ready, how are you going to sell them? Perhaps you’re going to rent or purchase a brick-and-mortar store and sell your products traditionally. If so, you must leave room in your budget for rent or mortgage payments, utility costs, and cashier wages. Perhaps you don’t have enough for a traditional store yet, so you’re going to sell your products online. If so, you must develop a secure website that can handle transactions and that lists all your products accurately. 

Identifying Potential Funding Sources

How many different funding sources can you think of? You probably have a few investors in mind, but have you considered alternative funding sources such as crowdfunding? While investments are easier to handle than loans, you’re probably going to need at least one loan to start your business. The Small Business Administration has a variety of programs that help new entrepreneurs, and they’re less picky about credit scores than some major banks. Investigate smaller banks’ loan programs, too; they’re more likely to help a local business owner.

Creating your business plan is a long but rewarding process that helps you envision your business more fully than ever before.