Western Dairyland encourages entrepreneurs to be thorough in preparing to start their businesses, and we offer extensive training on creating a business plan. A business plan is like a road map designed to guide entrepreneurs through the many hazards of starting a business. It will include sections on business type, legal structure, business products/services, and marketing. Working out the business on paper without financial risk will answer many of the questions you may have about entrepreneurship. Also, entrepreneurs who have completed business plans make better loan candidates. The business plan format available to clients of Western Dairyland consists of five major sections...

Startup Loan

The first part of the plan will help you create a Have vs. Need list that will give a rough idea about the amount of money needed to get things rolling.

Nature of Your New Business

This section asks why you want to start a business, what you will be selling, and what separates you from the competition.

Market/Marketing

Answers the questions of who, where and how many potential customers you have as well as how you will promote, price, package, and distribute your product/service. This section will also describe how you will do it better, faster or cheaper than your competition. Click here for more information.

Company Management

Are you qualified to manage this business? Your resume should be included and there should be an explanation of how you will fill the gaps.

Financial Information

This is the longest and most complicated part of starting a business, and our business plan is designed to walk you through it step by step.

Applications

The final section contains various practice application forms for the state of Wisconsin.

Is it necessary to have a business plan? YES. Entrepreneurs who take the time to complete the plan have a much better success rate than those who rush in...

	Successful business owners typically spend up to 10 months preparing for their venture, whereas many failed businesses spend less than 4 months completing their plan.
	90% of successful entrepreneurs use professional advisors while just 25% of failed businesses seek help.
	70% of successful business owners take business courses and read business related material. Only 10% of failed entrepreneurs continue educating themselves.

You can acquire the plan by attending our Business Plan Training Seminar, which is held monthly in Eau Claire and Independence, Wisconsin. Clients are encouraged to complete as much of the business plan as possible and then return to Western Dairyland for one-on-one assistance.