Top Ten Tools and Templates for Entrepreneurs
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William H. (Bill) Payne, Senior Program Consultant, Kauffman Foundation
Entrepreneurship is vision and values but, on eVenturing at least, it's also "tools and templates." These are those practical agreements, models, checklists, samples, worksheets, and other items so vital to the day-to-day operation and success of your company. The monthly Collections provide them by topic-and we keep track of how much attention they get. Listed here are the tools and templates most viewed by your fellow entrepreneurs from September 2006 to September 2007. We assume that means your peers found value in them, and that there's a good chance you will, too.
Sample Buy-Sell Agreement (LLC)
This sample buy-sell agreement relates to membership interests in a Limited Liability Company (LLC). It's useful for introducing the concepts and language of an LLC, which may vary depending on the terms and the state involved.
Daily Forecasting Cash Flow Model
This cash-flow forecasting spreadsheet was designed by an entrepreneur to monitor his company's cash flow on a daily basis. To assist others, he outlines how he uses the spreadsheet and includes tips on how you can implement it yourself.
Due Diligence Checklist
This tool lists the information entrepreneurs need to have available to effectively negotiate the sale of a company or its purchase. Entrepreneur and finance expert Corey Schwartz uses it in his negotiations.
Sales Compensation Tool
A spreadsheet used by a software development company, this tool shows the key components of a working sales compensation plan. It includes business development goals, total bonuses and commissions, and sales compensation payment schedules.
Sample Balance Sheet
This tool uses a sample balance sheet for a one-year-old business to provide a line-by-line explanation of the most common categories used to report the value of the company's assets, liabilities, and equity.
Partnering Proposition Worksheet
This worksheet helps entrepreneurs facilitate recruitment of strategic partners by establishing a process before the first exploratory call.
Incentive Compensation Plan for Sales Executives
This sample sales compensation plan created by Xtiva Financial Systems illustrates how its software can keep track of quotas per department and per representative, commission accelerators, payouts, and reporting.
Sample Multi-Shareholder Agreement
This sample buy-sell agreement is appropriate for companies with multiple shareholders. It introduces the concepts and language associated with this type of agreement, but actual agreements will vary in specific elements.
Business Strategy Worksheet
Entrepreneurs can use this tool during the planning process to evaluate their business strategy's compatibility with their overall plan for growth.
Sample Job Ad
This advertisement was used by an entrepreneur, Michael Mahoney, to recruit a top executive for his company, Brittenford Systems. To fill this kind of position, entrepreneurs also use recruiters, who will request similar details about the position.
© 2007 Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. All rights reserved.
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