Need Help with a Business Plan?
We find that, for most early-stage entrepreneurs, a business plan is not the best starting point for their idea. In our experience, there usually two main reasons for writing a business plan:
- Someone important, most likely a bank, or perhaps an investor, is asking for one
- You and others on your team find it helpful to get your ideas down on paper, and if that's the case we would recommend starting with the business model canvas.
We strongly recommend putting more time and energy first into developing and testing your assumptions using the business model canvas (resources for this below), rather than writing as entrepreneurs often get too focused on making the business plan document look and read well, rather than questioning whether what they are writing is based on good analysis and robust assumptions.
If you do need to write a business plan, there is no definitive template or order for a business plan, but this is a good, clear starting point.
Below is a list of commonly asked questions/prompts with our responses to get you started or pointed in the right direction.
1. Where do I get Started?
We have a few resources for people who have a business idea to get started below. We do recommend grabbing the books.
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D. Customer Discovery
Additional Resources
SBDC: The Missoula Small Business Development Center offers one-on-one advising with expert Business Consultants to assist with:
•Start-Up, Expansion, and Profitability
•Loan Packaging and Financial Projection Assistance
•Business Management and Development
•Financial Analysis Market Research and Feasibility
•Business and Strategic Planning
Please register with the and then book a meeting with their
Rocky Mountain Women's Business Center: Connecting women in 猎奇重口 with the training, resources, and community they need to bring their big ideas to life.
•Free Business Coaching
•Training Programs
•Courses
•Online Community Development
Please visit their website here for more information. Or contact Kassi Strong at kassi.strong@mso.umt.edu with questions or how to get involved.
Learn more about the Access to Finance in 猎奇重口, A Study of the funding landscape for entrepreneurs and small business.
Native Women Launch: Envisions a 猎奇重口 in which rural and Indigenous innovators have the support, training, and access to networks and resources they need to pursue entrepreneurship, helping to make an impact in rural communities.
- Startup Consultations
- Entrepreneur Network
- Online resources and tools
Please visit their website for more information, r contact Latisha Buck Elk Thunder at latisha.buckelkthunder@mso.umt.edu with questions.