Business Planning and Strategy

Creating a solid business plan is essential for any successful venture. This section provides resources and tools to help you develop, refine, and execute your business strategy, from understanding market trends to setting achievable goals and managing growth.

Courses & Workshops

CCSF's Introduction to Business (GNBS 119): While not specifically a course on business planning, it covers essential topics like business models and strategy, providing foundational knowledge useful for planning.

SBA Learning Center: Offers a variety of free online courses, including "How to Write a Business Plan" and "Business Growth Strategies."

SCORE Workshops: SCORE frequently hosts free or low-cost workshops on business planning and strategy across the United States.

Books & Articles

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Business Model Generation
Alexander Osterwalder & Yves Pigneur

A handbook for visionaries, game changers, and challengers, providing a strategic template for developing new or documenting existing business models.

the-lean-startup-cover

The Lean Startup
Eric Ries

Offers a scientific approach to creating and managing successful startups in an age when companies must innovate more than ever.

blue-ocean-strategy-cover

Blue Ocean Strategy
W. Chan Kim & Renée Mauborgne

Explores how to create uncontested market space and make the competition irrelevant.

Online Resources & Tools

LivePlan: A popular online business plan software that simplifies business planning, budgeting, forecasting, and performance tracking.

BPlans: Offers free business plan templates, sample business plans, and articles on creating a winning business strategy.

SCORE Business Plan Template for a Startup Business: A free, downloadable template that walks you through the process of creating a business plan.

Videos & Presentations

"Small Business Planning (Step-by-Step + Examples) | Episode 3 - Small Business 101"
Gillian Perkins

A recorded session that walks through the steps of creating a comprehensive business plan.

"How to Develop a Strategic Plan | Step by Step Guide You Can Follow"
Edward Shehab

TED Talk: "The Single Biggest Reason Why Startups Succeed"
Bill Gross

Insights into the key factors that contribute to startup success, based on data-driven research.

Templates & Worksheets

Business Model Canvas Template: A visual chart with elements describing a firm's value proposition, infrastructure, customers, and finances, which can be used as a strategic management tool.

Financial Projections Worksheet by SCORE: A downloadable Excel template that helps with projecting income, expenses, and cash flow.

SWOT Analysis Worksheet: A tool to help entrepreneurs assess their business's Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats.