A comprehensive book on business plans, operating plans, including sample business plans, proposals, and letters of intent, resources, and much more. Every business can benefit from the preparation of a carefully written business plan. The purpose of the business plan is to help the entrepreneur think through the venture and ensure he or she has considered all their options and anticipated any potential difficulties. In addition, a business plan can be used to convince lenders and investors that the entrepreneur is in control of the project and their money will be safe with the entrepreneur. It also serves as an operating guide as the entrepreneur turns his or her idea into a viable business. More importantly, it furnishes a standard against which to judge future business decisions and results. Traditionally, venture capital investors invest in early stage companies. They make early stage investments in promising start-ups and in addition to venture capital, they seek to provide expertise and assistance to their portfolio companies. Their experience spans all aspects of growing successful companies ¿ from formative stage through management of multi-billion dollar enterprises. Their operating model is to work openly and collaboratively with venture capital funds, angel organizations, and other ecosystems that foster the growth of start-ups. Business plan fundamentals serve as important criteria for their decision on what they choose to consider for investment.