01. Create a Business Plan

Create a business plan that outlines your business goals, products or services, target audience, marketing strategy, and more. It serves as a roadmap and can be utilized while looking for funding. A business plan doesn’t have to be set in stone and can be reviewed and updated as you grow the business. There are various types of business plans and lots of templates available.

Templates

• Business plan templates (traditional and lean canvas) from the US Small Business Administration (SBA) 

• Business planning and financial statements templates from SCORE 

Get Assistance

• Oregon Small Business Development Center, specifically Mt Hood Community College Small Business Development Center offers an on-demand Business Plan Bootcamp (fee-based program)

• Find a mentor from SCORE Portland

• Small business help from Multnomah County Library

• Meet with a Portland Office of Small Business Liaison

• Prosper Portland Inclusive Business Resource Network

• Oregon Start a Business Guide