Business Plan - Step by Step Writing a strong business plan requires detail for each section. Below, youll find a 10-step guide to each element in the plan. Step 1: Executive Summary The executive summary will always be the first section of your business plan. The goal is to answer the following questions: What is the vision and mission of the company? What are the companys short- and long-term goals? Step 2: Description of Business The goal of this section is to define the realm, scope, and intent of your venture. To do so, answer the following questions as clearly and concisely as possible: What business are we in? What does our business do? Step 3: Market Analysis In this section, provide evidence that you have surveyed and understand the current marketplace, and that your product or service satisfies a niche in the market. To do so, answer these questions: Who is our customer? What does that customer value? Step 4: Competitive Analysis In many cases, a business plan proposes not a brand-new