The only book dedicated to helping Canadians write winning business plans, newly revised and updated Packed with everything you need to get your business moving in the right direction—whether you're part of a large corporation or a one-person show—Business For Canadians For Dummies, Second Edition is the ultimate guide to building a better, more productive, and more profitable business. Accessible and comprehensive, the book walks you through every milestone in business planning, including creating a right-on mission statement; pinpointing the needs of your customers; scoping out the competition; simplifying all the financial stuff; staying on top of trends, and fostering a winning atmosphere for your staff. Fully revised and updated, this new edition offers information anyone starting a business in Canada needs to know. Author and small-business expert Nada Wagner presents invaluable resources to help you write a plan, examines how government policies affect business, and looks at business trends unique to Canada. With inspiring—and cautionary—anecdotes about Canadian businesses, Business Plans For Canadians For Dummies is a fun and informative read for any entrepreneur. Newly revised edition of the only book that helps Canadians write better business plans, loaded with all-new content Covers the key milestones in business planning at every stage Filled with anecdotes about real businesses to bring the concepts described vividly to life Includes a brand new sample business plan, complete with financial documents An invaluable resource for entrepreneurs and business owners across the country, Business Plans For Canadians For Dummies, Second Edition is the definitive book on building a business plan, and creating a better business.

Map out a realistic business plan from scratch

Need a hand with your business strategy? This straightforward guide leads you through all the main aspects of business planning, from clarifying objectives, to finding funding and researching customer behaviour. It contains the latest information on planning methods and initiatives (including planning in turbulent times).

Realise your long-term goals - understand what you want from your business and where you are headed

Check out the competition - practise the latest market research techniques to best position your business

Sort out your finances - construct a value chain, examine your cash-flow and calculate a sensible budget

Prepare for change - learn to read cultural, political and technological trends and develop strategic alternatives

Open the book and find:

Tips on writing a motivational mission statement

Details of the latest consumer trends and online research resources

How to seize lucrative opportunities before your competitors

Forecasting and budgeting strategies for all businesses

Advice on hiring and firing

Ways to adapt your business model to economic change

Learn to:

Put together a watertight business strategy

Plan achievable business goals

Take advantage of the latest technology and marketing trends