Turning your ideas into a business reality begins with lots of research and creating a written plan.
Use the information and resources listed below to develop your business plan.
A formal, written business plan is the roadmap to realizing your business dreams. Like the research, business plans can vary depending on the industry or field. In general, your business plan should be based on your in-depth research and include detailed descriptions/definitions of the following:
- Your product or service
- Target customers
- Existing and potential demand for your product or service
- Suppliers
- Marketing and advertising plans
- Labor needs
- Funding/financing needs
- Financial projections
- Business structure type
- Business name
- Location
Find a business plan template from the U.S Small Business Administration.
Selecting a business name is one of the first steps to starting a business.
Learn if your business name is available by using the South Carolina Secretary of State’s Business Name Search.
This search tool helps you determine if your business entity's legal name may be available for use. It is only a preliminary search, meaning the name cannot be guaranteed as available until the final processing is completed at the time of filing. Do not rely, in any way, upon this preliminary information.
- If you are operating as a sole proprietor, you are not required to register your name with the Secretary of State.
Learn more about business name registration from the South Carolina Secretary of State.
The following SCBOS partner agencies and organizations can help you with the business planning process:
Sample Business Plans
- South Carolina Department of Agriculture’s Agribusiness Center for Research & Entrepreneurship (ACRE) Program
- U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
Industry and Market Research
Local Labor Market
Funding Information
Business Name Search
One-on-one Assistance