Table of Contents:  Sample Sections

The following is a list of the major sections and subsections that you may wish to include in your table of contents. This list can be used two ways: First, before you begin writing a major section of your business plan, consult this list to help you organize your thoughts and ideas into general categories.¾ Second, the list can be used as a reference to select acceptable headings when you create your final table of contents page.

Every business plan is different, and therefore every table of contents should be customized for that particular plan. Use only those headings from this list that make sense for your plan, and that will help your readers get the most from your table of contents.

Company Description

• Legal Description
• Business History & Description
• Current Status
• Future Plans
• Key Management

Mission & Vision

• Mission Statement
• Company Vision
• Corporate Values & Approach

Product & Service Description

• Overview of Products & Services
• Product & Service Advantages
• Proprietary Features
• Product Development Activities
• Product Liability

Industry Analysis

• Industry Overview
• Industry Participants
• Industry Trends & Growth

Target Market

• Market Demographics
• Market Trends & Growth Patterns
• Market Size and Potential

Marketing Plan

• Marketing Strategies
• Marketing Tactics
• Positioning
• Public Relations

Sales Plan

• Sales Strategies
• Sales Process
• Sales Team
• Distribution Channels

Competitive Analysis

• Competitive Overview
• Market Share Analysis
• Direct Competitors
• Indirect Competitors
• Competitive Advantages
• Barriers to Entry

Operations Plan

• Location
• Property Ownership/Lease Terms
• Equipment
• Purchasing Policies
• Manufacturing Process
• Quality Control Measures
• Administrative Procedures
• Staffing and Training
• Labor Considerations
• Management Control Systems
• Organizational Chart

Management Team

• Key Management
• Board of Advisors
• Board of Directors
• Professional Service Providers

Financial Plan

• Financial Summary
• Current Ownership Summary
• Funding Request / Terms of Investment
• Sources and Uses of Funds
• Exit Strategy
• Projected Financial Statements
• Financial Assumptions
• Historical Financials
• Break-Even Analysis
• Financial Ratios

Appendices

• Product Samples/Pictures
• Management Resumes
• Business Location Site Information
• Legal Documents
• Other Critical Data

For more advice on preparing the table of contents for your business plan:

• Table of Contents Business Plan Basics
• Table of Contents Mistakes to Avoid

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