Page Content Business Planning Success What is business success? Is it about lucrative financial gains or about building something for your children to one day operate? Perhaps it's about making a difference in your community, or creating the very best product or service on the market or simply doing something you love to do. Most likely, you'll quantify success in many ways. It isn't difficult to envision what you want out of your business, but how will you get there? There are many common steps you can take - and missteps you should avoid - on your pathway to prosperity. Key to your success is having a business plan in place. Whether you're about to launch a start-up or you've been in business for years, your business' direction is guided by your business plan. To begin the planning process, you'll need to do some critical analysis; business planning is about realistically forecasting where your business is going. Business Plan GuideWhat should be included in a business plan? Although business plans vary in terms of length and scope, all successful business plans contain common elements. Get an overview of the common parts of a business planBusiness Planning: Frequently Asked Questions Find the answers to questions often asked about preparing a business plan.Strategic PlanningMystrategicplan.com was designed to help entrepreneurs remain successful. The free tools and resources section are very informative and helpful.Bizplanit.com – Virtual Business Plan FREE business planning resources. Navigate with the menu on the left to access information that covers all topics of a business plan.Business plans - templates and samples Sample business plans and business plan templates can help you to develop a professional business plan. There are many organizations and business websites that provide free templates, writing guides and sample plans. You can also find many companies that sell business plan software to assist you in preparing your plan. Bplans.com Choose from 500+ free sample business plans in a wide variety of industries. If you're looking for a tool to walk you through writing your own business plan step-by-stepCanadian Banks Banks have a vested interest in ensuring that, when you approach them, your business plan includes the information they need to make a decision on financing your project. Bank of Montreal's Business Coach Series http://www.bmo.com/home/small-business/banking/resources/business-resourcesFind booklets, podcasts and planning resources that can help you start, grow and improve your business. Your Guide to Business Planning - CIBC http://www.cibc.com/ca/small-business/article-tools/business-planning.htmlStart planning with the help of this line-by-line approach to business plan writing that takes you through the process one step at a time. Create the Plan — RBC Royal Bank http://www.rbcroyalbank.com/RBC:RnbCjI71JsUAAvCskp8/sme/create-plan/business-plans.htmlLearn about the 7 key sections to a business plan and find samples to help you prepare your plan. Scotiabank — Scotia Plan Writer for business https://www.scotiabank.com/ca/en/small-business/expertise-insight/business-plan.htmlYou can use this interactive tool to help you create an effective business plan. TD Canada Trust Business Planner http://www.tdcanadatrust.com/smallbusiness/windocs.jspLet the TD Canada Trust Business Planner walk you through the development of a seamless business plan to help you get off on the right foot. Industrial Development Organizations These organizations may provide tools to help their clients prepare professional business plans through their regional offices or via the Web. BDC Business Plan Templates http://www.bdc.ca/en/advice_centre/tools/business_plan/Pages/default.aspxPrivate Sector Here you will find business plan samples and templates provided by private sector companies. Sample Business Plans — Bplans.com http://www.bplans.com/samples/sba.cfmGet inspired by browsing samples of industry-specific business plans. Brampton Entrepreneur Centre Business Plan Guideline Click here for info