Starting a business of your own is one of the most important things any person can do to take charge of his or her own financial future.

There are few things in life that can provide the financial security as having your own business, but it is important to know what to look for, and to understand how to prepare the many financial documents that will be needed as the business goes forward.

==The Business Plan Is One Of The First Things Investors Will Want To View==

For instance, no business will be able to get the startup funding it needs to get off the ground without a solid business plan and income statement behind it.

The business plan is the first thing the lender will examine when determining whether or not to give the new business the loan it needs to rent or buy property, hire employees and buy equipment.

==Include Information The Investors Are Looking For==

Likewise, any potential business partners or investors will want to carefully examine the income statement and business plan before deciding to invest.

Professional investors and business partners are very careful with their money, and it is important that the income statement include the information they are looking for.

==Use Mentoring Programs==

While some new business owners will already possess the skills needed to create a great income statement, others will lack those skills.

If you are unsure just what goes into the income statement, it is important to learn as much as you possibly can before starting the business.

There are many business organizations and community groups that have business mentoring programs where accomplished business people help newcomers get off to the right start. If one of these business mentoring programs is available in your area, it is important to take advantage of it.

It is important to carefully review the income statement after it has been created. Carefully scan it for accuracy, and be sure that the income statement is something you will be proud to show.

After all, the business plan and income statement you create will be your business face to the world, and it is important that the picture presented is a good one.

Shaunta Pleasant is a professional writer and editor on business planning topics. Visit my site to learn more about planning the perfect wedding at http://www.yourbusinesspal.com/income_statement_example.html