A good source of State specific information is your local library. Ask at the reference desk. A business plan is a structured document that is a sales pitch for your new or expanding business that you will use when attempting to obtain formal financing. It outlines the basics of a business concept. The document is designed to reveal whether or not a business idea is workable.
Many businesses use the business plan as an exercise to test their ideas and stimulate thinking.
Compiling the information that goes into the plan helps to clarify goals and focus attention on critical issues. At each step you will learn more about whether yours is a viable business idea. You will fine-tune the business concept making it all the more likely that your business will succeed. Whether you're starting a new business, expanding an old one, or just wondering how to improve your current business, a business plan is an excellent operating tool. It helps you assess your strengths and weaknesses.