Build on that bright idea with a solid business planA business plan is invaluable for both new businesses and existing small companies. It helps entrepreneurs analyze their business and the market to stay ahead of the competition, and obtain start-up capital and loans. This book has everything business owners need to create a clear and comprehensive business plan, including guidance on the important decisions that must be made before drafting a plan, a tutorial on business-writing basics, sample business plans, and more.In 2003, there were approximately 23.7 million businesses in the United States; of those, 572,900 were new businessesAccording to the Small Business Administration, two-thirds of new firms survive at least two years and about half survive at least four years; the firms with clear plans for survival are the ones that stick aroundMore than 75% of small firms use some form of credit in their start-up or operations, which requires a solid business plan