              Readme for Biz-Plan - Freeware Release
              ========================================

			Contents
			========

	1.	Introduction to Biz-Plan
	2.	Registering Biz-Plan
	3.	Other Business Planning Help
        4.      Ombudsman Statement
        5.      Revision History
        6.      Contact Details

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CAUTION: 
If you acquired Biz-Plan from an unknown third-party, we 
recommend that you check the file FREEPLAN.DOC for viruses
before loading it. This file should NOT contain any macro or 
autoloading programs. This message is intended to encourage 
safe computing practices and should not be a cause for alarm.
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1. Introduction to Biz-Plan
============================

Biz-Plan is a Microsoft Word document containing extensive
guidelines, structure and template for writing a business
plan.

It is aimed squarely at new and established businesses seeking
to expand, raise finance etc. which need to produce a
comprehensive business plan for internal/external use. While
Biz-Plan is not intended for very small businesses (e.g.
annual sales under, say, $250,000), it does contain many ideas
and issues which could be adopted to produce a shorter,
simpler plan.

This freeware release of Biz-Plan is freely distributable
but refer to the file LICENSE.TXT for full details.

Biz-Plan requires Microsoft Word 97, 2000 or XP. It will
NOT run with Word 6 or 95. However, you will find a version of
Biz-Plan suitable for these versions of Word at the PlanWare
site <www.planware.org/busplan.htm>.

BONUS:
Included with Biz-Plan is a White Paper entitled "Writing a 
Business Plan". This is located in the file WRITING A 
BUSINESS PLAN.HTM which can be opened with a web browser.

For latest information about Biz-Plan, visit our web site
at:

	<http://www.planware.org>

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2. Registering Biz-Plan
========================

The freeware version of Biz-Plan is a protected, 'read-only' 
document. Upon registration, this protection is removed and 
Biz-Plan can be freely modified by the registered user.

There is zero charge ($0) for registration. 

To register, simply e-mail <bizplan@planware.org> quoting
within its body the serial number displayed in the table/box 
located in the middle of the first page of the Biz-Plan DOC
file.

You will be e-mailed back a password with simple instructions
to unprotect the Biz-Plan document. Once unprotected, you are
licensed to use it as an outline structure & guide for your
business plan. It can be freely modified and there are no
restrictions on how and where you distribute your completed
plan based in Biz-Plan. (A little mention would be nice <g>
but that is at your complete discretion).

Registered, unprotected copies of Biz-Plan are strictly for
personal use. They must not be copied, distributed or 
circulated to unregistered users as any form or type of 
business planning guide without prior permission from 
<bizplan@planware.org>.

Copies of the original unregistered, protected files can be
freely circulated provided that these are not changed in
any way and distributed in the supplied archive file (*.ZIP).

See LICENSE.TXT for details of permissions and restrictions.

That's it. No strings attached !!

When registering, make sure that your e-mail address is valid. 
We receive a large number of defective addresses and 
consequently replies containing passwords cannot be delivered. 
If you don't receive a password from us within a reasonable 
time (e.g. 24 hours), the most likely reason is a wrong e-mail 
address. Double-check your address and submit a further 
registration request.

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3. Other Business Planning Help
===============================

The PlanWare site <www.planware.org> contains extensive
assistance on business planning and related matters. 

It offers freeware, shareware & commercial software packages for
preparing business plans, making financial projections and
assessing business ideas including:

  - Exl-Plan range (Micro, Lite, Pro, Super, Super Plus, Ultra and 
    Ultra Plus) of fully-integerated 1-3-5 year business financial     
    planners for use with Excel.

  - Exl-Plan Free, a freeware six-month integrated financial planner
    for Excel.

  - Plan Write range of 'standalone' business plan writers.

  - Insight range of 'expert-system' software for evaluating business
    ideas and strategies.

  - On-line financial planner and other useful planning tools.

It also contains a series of 'white papers' covering:

         - How to write a business plan.
	   - Insights into business planning.
         - Getting new business ideas.
         - New venture strategies.
         - Developing a business strategy.
         - Preparing financial projections.
         - Making cashflow forecasts.
         - Managing working capital.

... and much more.

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4. Association of Shareware Professionals Ombudsman Statement
=============================================================

Invest-Tech, author of Biz-Plan, is a developer member of the
Association of Shareware Professionals (ASP).

"This program is produced by a member of the Association of 
Shareware Professionals (ASP). ASP wants to make sure that the 
shareware principle works for you. If you are unable to 
resolve a shareware-related problem with an ASP member by 
contacting the member directly, ASP may be able to help. The 
ASP Ombudsman can help you resolve a dispute or technical 
problem with an ASP member, but does not provide technical 
support for members' products. Please contact the ASP 
Ombudsman online at http://www.asp-shareware.com/omb." 

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5. Revision History
====================

March 1999
----------
Release 1.1
First general release freeware version for Word 97.

June 1999
---------
Release 1.2
Updated for Word 2000.

June 1999
---------
Release 1.3
Minor changes made to 1.2.

July 2000
---------
Release 1.4
Fixed erratic problem with bullet styles.

August 2001
-----------
Release 1.5
Added further guidance and advice.

Septmeber 2003
--------------
Release 2.0
Extensive updating of text and separation of the "template" 
and "guide".

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6. Contact Details
===================
Contact details for the author of Biz-Plan are as follows:

	Invest-Tech Limited
	27 Ardmeen Park
	Blackrock
	Co Dublin
	Ireland

	Tel: + 353-1-283 4083
	Fax: + 353-1-278 2391
	(Replace + by international access code)

	E-mail: info@planware.org

	Web: www.planware.org

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End of Readme