Where Can I Find Help for Developing My Startup’s Business Plan and What Should Be My Next Move?

If you view this as an academic exercise, then taking the courses and learning the information is a good path. However, if your need for a business plan is significantly delaying your ability to obtain funding and grow your business, I strongly recommend finding someone who specializes in writing business plans. Similar to painting your own house or changing the oil in your car, these tasks can be doable but often more efficient when handled by professionals. A well-written business plan is crucial, and without proper expertise, what you produce may be painful to read.

Self-Help Books and Local Resources

For those who enjoy self-help literature, I highly recommend the book The Startup Owner’s Manual by Steve Blank and Bob Dorf. This comprehensive guide covers the step-by-step process of building a great company. Additionally, exploring local accelerators, angel investment groups, and university resources can be highly beneficial. Each of these options can provide the guidance and support you need to get started.

Start with the Lean Canvas

For those looking to get started quickly, the lean canvas is a great tool to utilize. It helps you map out your value proposition and understand the problems your service or business solves for your prospective clients from their perspective. The goal of this initial phase is ideation—testing your idea, developing a business model, and deciding whether to launch. Once you've gathered enough traction and your break-even analysis is sound, you're ready to proceed.

Gaining Expertise and Support

There are various ways to get the help you need. Joining a startup accelerator program, finding an advisor, or taking a university program in entrepreneurship can provide the necessary education and guidance to launch your business successfully. The right approach may depend on the amount of funding you have available to support your venture.

Once you are ready, you can always reach out to me directly through Quora for further guidance or specific questions. The key is to stay informed, seek out professional help when needed, and move forward with confidence. Good luck on your entrepreneurial journey!