Business Planning and Development Tools

Tutorials and guides for writing business plans, budgeting, financial forecasting, attracting investment, managing human resources, and more!

• SCORE
  SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals through education and mentorship.
• Small Business Administration (SBA)
  The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was created in 1953 as an independent agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation. 
• SME Toolkit (International Financial Corporation)
  SME Toolkit seeks to lead small and medium businesses worldwide towards more sustainable practices and enable them to access finance and new markets by providing comprehensive business management solutions.
• Seed Stars World – What to include in a startup pitch presentation
  Seedstars World is a Switzerland based startup competition that takes place in emerging markets. Our vision is to reduce unemployment in emerging markets through the promotion and investment in entrepreneurship.
• The International Council for Small Business
  The International Council for Small Business (ICSB) was the first international membership organization to promote the growth and development of small businesses worldwide. The organization brings together educators, researchers, policy makers and practitioners from around the world to share knowledge and expertise in their respective fields.
• Bid Network
  BiD Network aims to increase economic development in emerging markets through the mobilization of capital and knowledge to small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). By offering customized matchmaking and support services to both financers and entrepreneurs we aim to grow the number of businesses that can start, grow and expand.
• FastTrac – Kauffman Foundation
  Kauffman FastTrac is a global provider of training that equips aspiring and established entrepreneurs with the business skills and insights, tools, resources, and peer networks necessary to start and grow successful businesses. Kauffman FastTrac was created by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, the largest foundation in the world devoted to entrepreneurship.
• iStart – Kauffman Foundation
  iStart is now the premier networking site for aspiring entrepreneurs, mentors and advisors to connect with each other and bring potential business ideas to market.
• Bizfilings
  Bizfilings’ comprehensive online tools and resources helps entrepreneurs understand their options when it comes to starting a business, managing a business, staying complaint, and managing taxes.
• Bplans
  Bplans contains the largest single online collection of free sample business plans. In addition, it has helpful tools and guides to help you manage your business better. Bplans includes practical advice on planning, interactive tools and calculators, and publishes daily advice that will help you grow your business.
• The Foundation Center
  Established in 1956, Foundation Center is the leading source of information about philanthropy worldwide. Through data, analysis, and training, it connects people who want to change the world to the resources they need to succeed. Foundation Center maintains the most comprehensive database on U.S. and, increasingly, global grant makers and their grants — a robust, accessible knowledge bank for the sector.
  • Training Course – Introduction to Project Budgets
  • Online Class – Introduction to Proposal Writing
  • Online Class – Proposal Writing Short Course
• Interise
  Interise stimulates economic growth in lower income communities by helping established small business owners grow and expand their businesses. Interise’s evidence-based model provides small business owners with hands-on small business executive education curriculum, professional support network of small business owner peers and mentors, and a community of peers who learn together, inspire one another, and hold each other accountable.
• BongoHive – Hubs in Africa
  BongoHive, Lusaka’s Technology and Innovation Hub, was set up in May 2011 and provides a place for technology entrepreneurs to meet, swap experience, and attend training, networking and hackathon events.
• The Business Model Canvas
  The Business Model Canvas is a strategic management tool, which aids in developing and sketching out new or existing business models. It is a visual template pre-formatted with the nine blocks of a business model.