Do I really need a business plan?

We have found that when entrepreneurs dedicate their time to planning their business, not only do they save money by avoiding mistakes, they are also more likely to succeed. A good business plan requires the entrepreneur to address all the challenges he or she will face and visualize exactly how he or she will achieve his or her goal. Through this process, the entrepreneur will improve his or her understanding of the opportunity ahead and better prepare him or herself for success. This is why banks and investors almost always require the entrepreneur to develop a detailed and professional business plan.

Why can’t I write a business plan myself?

Even if you have an outstanding business background, it can take months to process relevant market research, model your financial projections and synthesize all your data to complete an impactful business plan. It’s much more effective for you to focus on developing your business while leveraging outside experts to write an efficient business plan and gain unbiased perspective into your business. By using The Plan Writers, we will identify new opportunities and challenges for which you can prepare. Finally, we subscribe to top dollar academic literature to which you would most likely not be privy. The research reports alone are usually worth more than the business plan you are paying for!

Who are the writers and what are everyone’s qualifications?

We spend a tremendous amount of time head-hunting quality writers that meet our standards and fit into our company culture. Any writer that is on our payroll will have an MBA and/or at least 5 years of professional work experience. This is to ensure you have the most knowledgeable business plan writing service for your business.

Have you worked in our industry?

There will most likely be someone on our team that has prior business experience in your industry. Chances are, we probably have already written a business plan similar to your business. Does this mean that we ever recycle material? No! We not only personalize every business plan, but you will also be able to leverage all the best practices and trends we’ve discovered. The bottom line is that we all come from diverse backgrounds and are passionate about working through different business models.

What’s the success rate with your business plans?

We often time get asked this question and have to set the proper expectations. As writers, we absorb, guide, and convey your vision to help guide your success. Ultimately, it is up to you to recognize if you have the resources, expertise, and determination to accomplish your goal. An investor or bank may not fund your business plan. However, we can promise you that it will never be rejected because of us.

How to Get a Business Grant

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Jan 2, 2015 12:22:45 PM

Landing a business grant is not an easy process. Particularly with government grants, there is a lot of red tape involved with the application and awards process and you’ll likely need plenty of patience as such proceedings tend to take a lot of time to finalize. However, applying for a grant is worth a shot, especially if you’re in a line of business that provides some sort of societal good.

Do you want to apply but don’t know where to start? The Plan Writers offers you this step-by-step guide to securing a business grant.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Securing a Small Business Grant

Step 1. Search Federal Grants

The federal government offers grants for small businesses that participate in certain tasks that the government (through bills passed by Congress and signed by the President) has deemed to be beneficial for society. For instance, small businesses that engage in scientific research and development may qualify for federal grants from the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.

Visit the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loans and grants tool to search through a list of business grants that may be available to you. Additionally, Grants.gov also lists federal grants that are open to small businesses around the country. Take a look and compile a list of ones for which your business may be eligible for.

Step 2. Search State and Local Grants

The next step is to research grants that are offered on a state and local level. Visit your state government’s business development website as well as your local chamber of commerce’s website. Typically, states and cities offer business grants that address a need with which that region is faced. For example, the Washington State Department of Agriculture offers grants to Washington food and agriculture producers to sell their products domestically and internationally, while the Ohio Development Services Agency provides grants to companies that create jobs.

Step 3. Prioritize your List of Grants

Now that you’ve compiled a list of federal, state, and local grants for which your business qualifies, it’s time to prioritize that list. The reality for most small business owners is that they have very little free time on their hands. If you’re strapped for time, then applying to grants that have the highest priority to you is your best bet on getting a business grant.

In order to prioritize grants, you’ll need to rank them according to the following factors:

Amount of money awarded
Likelihood of your business being awarded the grant
Level of ease/difficulty involved in submitting the application
Deadline
How often the grant is awarded

Step 4. Write your Proposals

Writing a business grant proposal and completing an application is similar to presenting a business plan to a room of venture capitalists. Think of your proposal as a pitch to investors, but instead of wanting financial returns from the deal, the investor (in this case a government or other entity that is awarding the grant) wants to see societal gains as their return on investment. Ensure that your proposal is professional, enticing, and convincing. Writing a successful proposal will increase your chances of getting a business grant.

Step 5. Be Patient and Realistic

With most grants being handed out by government agencies, you can expect to come across some bureaucracy when submitting your application and waiting to hear back. That’s why it’s important to be patient. It’s also important to remember that only a handful of businesses that apply will receive much consideration from the grants committee. Never make plans for grant money unless you receive final confirmation from the awarding entity that you’ve secured a business grant.

Step 6. Carry Out Grant Activities

If you’ve been awarded a grant, then congratulations! Now, the real hard work begins.

Your business was awarded a grant so that it could carry out meaningful work that benefits the community, country, or industry. The money you’ve received is to help you get started in that goal, so carry out your grant activities as you promised in your grant application. Spend every penny you received in the grant wisely and always keep your promised mission in your business’s crosshairs. You vowed to develop more efficient solar panels, to provide on-the-job training to recent trade school graduates, or to start a battery recycling program, so roll up your sleeves and get to it!

Securing a business grant is a difficult task, but not impossible. With the help of The Plan Writers, you can get a grant and start your business. Contact us for a free quote and start growing your business.

Business Plans

How to Get a Business Grant