much you think you can produce and sell within your projected business operation, will help you fill in the numbers. Build any seasonal fluctuations into your forecast. This section should give you an understanding of how much business you need to do in order to make a profit.
When I hoped to move my bakery business from a rental site and purchase a building for a bakery café concept, I needed financing. At that time, bakeries and cafés were an unusual pairing. I asked my tax accountant for help with my financial plan and he put together an extensive outline. He sent it to three banks and from that information, one of the banks, with the backing of the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the city’s development office, provided the loan. Without an in-depth business plan, getting the loans would have been impossible.
10. Projections and Forecasts
If you plan to keep your company in business for many years, you may want to make a forecast of where you want to be in the next three to five years. This helps you keep focused on your goals as your business grows. For example, you may need to set aside money quarterly in order to move your business from your home into a retail location in two years.
Revisiting your plan annually will help you to know if you are on track with your goals. If you are off track, your business plan can help you get refocused.
11. Personal Business Plan
If you need investors, then you will need to create a more detailed plan.
As you read through this book, you will understand more and can fill in your business plan. (If you need a template for a business plan, Self-Counsel Press sells business forms kits for each of our Start & Run tiles.) First, write some general ideas for your basic planning, add issues you will need to address, and leave lots of space for the answers you don’t yet know.
12. Business Planning Help
If you’re nervous about starting a business and need some coaching or one-on-one help, both the United States and Canada have small business groups offering no-cost programs and services. Small Business Development Centers can be found across both countries. The Resources section has links to more information for both US and Canadian businesses.
In the United States there are online classes and individualized mentors from the Service Corp of Retired Executives (SCORE) to help you succeed. They’re a partnership involving the federal and local government and they have low cost or free business training.
In Canada, you can contact Canada Business, which gives up-to-date and accurate business information as well as provides referrals to government services, regulations, and programs. Additionally, Self-Counsel Press has a kit titled Starting a Successful Business in Canada Kit, which contains lots of helpful advice for new business owners.
Be wary of businesses or websites that tell you how to become rich if you pay for their products or advice. I came across a few of them while researching this book. If they scream about how much they can help, and how wonderfully awesome they are, let temptation pass. They’re small businesses too, and the only thing they want to help is their own bank accounts!
Apple Crumb Cake
Cake
• 4 cups chopped apples with skin (approximately 4 large apples)
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup oil
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Optional: 1 cup chopped walnuts
Streusel This recipe makes more than you need; keep unused portion refrigerated for up to one month or frozen for up to six months. Can be used for sprinkling on other baked goods.
• 2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Optional: 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 cup oil
• 3 tablespoons water
• Optional: 1 cup chopped walnuts
Prepare apples. Place in a bowl, cover with sugar, and set aside.
Prepare streusel: In a separate bowl, mix together all of the dry streusel ingredients. Pour in the oil and water, and mix thoroughly. This should be a crumbly streusel consistency. If too moist, add flour; if too dry, sprinkle in water. Add nuts, if using. Mix and set aside.
Preheat oven to 350°F and grease or spray cake pan.
Prepare cake: In a large bowl, mix the oil, eggs, and vanilla. Add the apple mixture, including all liquid, in the bowl.
Combine the flours, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt, then mix into the wet ingredients. Add the nuts, if using. This should be a very thick batter. (At this point, batter can be refrigerated up to one week. Stir before using.)
Scoop into a greased 9 x 13 pan, spreading batter into the corners; sprinkle on the streusel. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or longer, until the top feels firm and the cake pulls away from the sides of the pan.
Cover when cool. It’s easier to cut the next day. Keeps at room temperature (except in hot weather) for one week, in the fridge for two weeks, or in the freezer for up to six months.
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