A small business starts with a dream: A mechanic that wants his own garage; a book lover that opens her own bookstore. Often times, someone considering the possibility of owning their own business becomes overwhelmed with the business decisions and planning that must occur to successfully launch a company. Careful and detailed business planning, however, is critical to the success of a new business. Several studies have shown that without a detailed, written business plan, 85% of new small businesses will fail within the first three years of operation. With a detailed business plan, the failure rate decreases significantly to less than 44%.

While a business plan can primarily serve as a necessary document to present to potential lenders and investors when looking for start-up capital, a good business plan can be more than that. A proper business plan, written in partnership with the small business owner, can also serve as a strategic roadmap, guiding the business through the crucial first three years of operation. Penguin Consulting Group works with small business owners to develop their dreams and vision into a concrete, detailed business plan. Furthermore, our years of experience in corporate operations and strategic planning, reviewing many business plans, give us the experience to know what lenders and private investors (venture capitalists and angel investors) look for in a business plan-what information is necessary and what could send up a "red flag" of concern when evaluating a business plan.

We offer several programs to assist small business owners in business planning, whether for a start-up or existing business:

Level One consists of a business plan in its simplest form--pure financial data. Financial exhibits in our Level One business plan include:

• Start-Up costs and funding (if applicable)
• Market Analysis chart
• Sales Forecast
• Profit and Loss Statement
• Cash Flow Statement
• Projected Balance Sheet
• Break even analysis

Level Two is ideal for those clients that don't require much financial information, but are focused more on operational planning. Topics in our Level Two business plan include:

• Executive Summary
• Company information
• Description of products/services sold
• Market Analysis
• Competitive analysis
• Sales and Marketing strategies
• Management Summary
• Sales Forecast
• Cash Flow forecast

Level Three is our most comprehensive business plan, combining the items included in our Level One and Two plans. Topics in the Level Three business plan include:

• Executive Summary
• Company Information
• Description of products/services sold
• Market Analysis
• Competitive Analysis
• Sales and Marketing strategies
• Management Summary
• Key Organizational Milestones
• SWOT Analysis
• Start-up costs and funding (if applicable)
• Sales Forecast
• Profit and Loss Statement
• Cash Flow Forecast
• Projected Balance Sheet
• Break even analysis

Our Complete Business Planning package includes a Level Three Business Plan, along with additional consultation and services, working with a new business owner to set up a new business successfully. Additional items include:

• Consultation, from a business management perspective, on the best ownership structure for a new business (sole proprietorship, LLC, corporation, etc.)
• Assistance in completing the necessary registration and licensing required by the applicable state
• Consultation on necessary start-up expenses, to make sure the business owner has accounted for all possibilities
• Consultation on staffing models, to ensure the new business is adequately staffed, and advice on management/organizational structure
• Consultation on developing a brand image, web presence, and initial marketing efforts

Penguin Consulting Group does not retain attorneys or accountants, and information provided in our Complete Business Planning package is from a business management perspective only. Business owners are encouraged to also seek the advice of their attorney and/or accountant.

For details about our business plan levels, and a consultation to help determine which level best meets your needs, please visit our Contact Us page to arrange a free initial consultation and proposal.