Startup basics.

• Position: FROM BEGINNERS TO BIGSHOTS

The SBA has many resources for anyone ready to explore starting a business, including figuring out whether entrepreneurship is for you and the important task of writing a business plan.

Putting a plan on paper forces you to think through important issues a business will face and it becomes a valuable tool as you set out to raise money.

There are places to look online for help when you're getting started:

SCORE, an SBA resource partner, has business-plan templates (www.score. org/template_gallery.html) and samples of plans and financial statements created by its counselors. SCORE also has online workshops (www.va-interactive.com/score) on topics including writing a business plan and conducting market analysis.

SBA also offers resources online about startup basics, including workshops (www. sba.gov/starting_business/startup/guide. html) and articles.

After you've developed a business plan, if you're seeking funding from a bank or other lender, a well-crafted loan proposal is your next step.

A loan proposal must answer:

* Who are you?

* How much money do you need?

* How are you going to repay the loan?

* What happens if you can't repay it?

The SBA advises that a loan proposal contain:

A summary. This should be clear, concise, accurate and inviting. Summarize how the loan will be used and repaid.

Top management profiles. You'll need resumes, summary of experience, and qualifications and credentials for owners and key members of management.

Business...