Every business needs a business plans. No matter if you're seeking investment, or just intend to use your business plan as a guide to operating your start-up, it's a key factor driving the success of many companies. Here are a few reasons why you may need a business plan:

	Secure funding from a lender or investor.
	Ensure that your business remains on track and that you're reaching goals.
	Learn more about your competition and your market.
	Use it to retool any strategies that aren't working.

A business plan is a document that sets forth your goals for your business, and outlines how you intend to achieve them. Business plans are primarily used by entrepreneurs who are seeking funding for a start-up business, but they're also used as a roadmap for operating a company. A business plan typically includes the following sections:

	An executive summary, or a one-page summary of the entire document.
	A description of your company's services or products.
	Market research.
	An analysis of the competition.
	Financial projections.