The Plan Appendix
The appendix section should be provided on an as-needed basis. In other words, the information normally reserved for the appendix should not be included with the main body of your business plan.
Your plan is your communication tool; as such, it will, or at least could, be seen by a lot of people. Some of the information in the business section you do not want everyone to see. However, specific individuals (such as creditors) may want access to this information in order to make lending decisions. Therefore, it is important to have the appendix within easy reach.
The appendix would include:
- Credit history (personal & business)
- Resumes of key managers
- Product pictures
- Letters of reference
- Details of market studies
- Relevant magazine articles or book references
- Licenses, permits, or patents
- Legal documents
- Copies of leases
- Building permits
- Contracts
- List of business consultants, including attorney and accountant
Be sure to controll all copies of your business plan; keep a distribution record. This will allow you to update and maintain your business plan on an as-needed basis. Remember, too, that you should include a private placement disclaimer with your business plan if you plan to use it to raise capital.