Download Business Idea Worksheet 
Use this worksheet to plan out your business ideas!
Download Personal Finance Worksheet
Planning out your finances is an important aspect in your business. This work sheet allows you to see what finances you may need and how you should begin to plan for the future!
Download Business Plan Template
This template is a robust plan that allows for you to see and feel a full length plan. This does not have to be filled out entirely, but is a good start to see where you stand in most areas! Utilize this template to start fully planning out your business.
Download Rank Your Entrepreneurial Skills Worksheet
To maximize your potential for success, it is important to operate from your strengths and realize when you need to get help. Rank your skills to understand your strengths and areas where you can learn to be a business owner!
Download Business Model Canvas
This worksheet sets up a strategic
management template that allows for you to envision aspects of your future business. Using this visual chart, you can plan out your ideas in this worksheet.
Additional Resources
Solidifying your Business Idea and Plan
If you are looking for courses or trainings on starting a business, please check out:
- Biz Smart Sprint (available to everyone)
- Entrepreneurial Training Program (designed for business owners in Dane, Sauk, and Columbia Counties; if you live outside of these counties, check with your local SBDC for a program near you)
Business Planning Templates and Samples
- Business-Plan-Template-for-Startup-Business on Microsoft Word
- Business Model Canvas information can be found on the Strategyzer website and overview videos
- Sample business plan from the SBA
- Sample business template from SCORE
- Your local library may also have sample business plans you can review. If you are a Madison Public Library cardholder, you can view a wide variety of examples on the Gale Virtual Reference Library and Business Plans Handbook
Credit Scores & Credit Repair
Most lenders are looking for a credit score of 670-700+. If you do not know your credit score or do not yet have a credit score that meets that threshold:
- Find your free credit report. You are entitled to receive a free copy of your credit report from each of the credit reporting companies once every 12 months. Your credit report indicates your credit activity and is available from AnnualCreditReport.com. You do not need to pay for this service! While your free credit report does not include your credit score, reviewing your report regularly can help you check for – and dispute! – any errors. Credit reports include key information, such as your credit accounts, payment history, public records (such as liens, foreclosures, and bankruptcies) and “hard pull” inquiries.
- Estimate your score from the myFICO Credit Score Estimator. This site asks you questions to help you develop a reasonable estimate of your score. You can also find your score from:
- Some private companies – banks, credit cards, etc. – offer access to your credit score if you are a customer.
- You can also chose to sign up for a free account with Credit Karma or Experian to receive your FICO score
- Learn the basics of building a good credit score.
- Seek resources for credit improvement. The National Foundation for Credit Counseling can help; you can use their agency finder to find an organization to work with near you. You can also partner with a financial professional. Be careful working with other organizations – there are many scams surrounding credit improvement.
Beginner’s Guide to Financial Projections
When seeking funding and/or determining the feasibility of your business idea, you will likely need financial projections. Yet developing these projections can be a complex and sometimes-overwhelming process.
This free, interactive online class is designed to help you understand what inputs you need to create projections