CONTINUING EDUCATION FOR TAX & FINANCIAL PROFESSIONALS
Self-Study

How to Write a Business Plan

$145.00$175.00

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CPE Credits

5 Credits: Business Management & Organization
Course Level
Overview
Format
Self-Study

Course Description

Starting up a new business is fraught with risk, since most of them fail. Formulating a business plan is a good way to analyze the potential failings of a business concept, which can trigger the decision to proceed – or walk away. In the How to Write a Business Plan course, we cover every aspect of the planning process, including selecting the right type of business, evaluating risks, identifying the best marketing options, and deciding which type of legal entity would be the best fit. In short, this course is intended to walk the aspiring entrepreneur through every step of writing a business plan.

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Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Identify the contents of a business plan.
  • Specify the topics of a planning self-assessment.
  • Describe the advantages and disadvantages of a SWOT analysis.
  • Identify some of the barriers to entry that may be found in an industry.
  • Specify the key measurements to use when evaluating a business plan.
  • Identify the circumstances under which a decline in sales would be especially troubling.
  • Recall the elements of a marketing campaign for a start-up business.
  • Specify the different types of sales promotions for a start-up business.
  • Describe the sources of an organization’s culture.
  • Specify the characteristics of the different components of the cost of goods sold.
  • Specify the considerations when budgeting for capital spending.
  • Recall the flaws that can appear in a business plan financial projection.
  • Recall the legal issues associated with a cosigning arrangement.
  • Specify the options for funding a start-up business.
  • Identify the requirements of angel investors and venture capital firms.
  • Recall the disadvantages of working with a money broker.
  • Recall the contents of a personal financial statement.
  • Specify the requirements for each component of a business plan.
  • Identify the most appropriate page length for a business plan.
  • Recall the advantages and disadvantages of each form of organizational structure.
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Course Specifics

Course ID
SS624366608
Revision Date
October 16, 2024
Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites.

Advanced Preparation

None

Number of Pages
100

Compliance Information

NASBA Provider Number: 103220

CFP Notice: Not all courses that qualify for CFP® credit are registered by Western CPE. If a course does not have a CFP registration number in the compliance section, the continuing education will need to be individually reported with the CFP Board. For more information on the reporting process, required documentation, processing fee, etc., contact the CFP Board. CFP Professionals must take each course in it’s entirety, the CFP Board DOES NOT accept partial credits for courses.

Meet The Experts

Steven M. Bragg, CPA, is a full-time book and course author who has written more than 300 business books and courses. He provides Western CPE with self-study courses in the areas of accounting and finance, with an emphasis on the practical application of accounting standards and management techniques. A sampling of his courses include the The New Controller Guidebook, The GAAP Guidebook, Accountants’ Guidebook, and Closing the Books: An Accountant’s Guide. He also manages the Accounting Best Practices podcast. Steven has been the CFO or controller of both public and private companies and has been a consulting manager with Ernst & Young and …