TORONTO, July 17 /CNW/ - The Scotia Plan Writer for business(TM) is a
free and interactive online tool that helps new and established small business
owners through the process of writing, organizing and using a business plan.
    "At Scotiabank, we want to help small business owners succeed, and the
key is starting off with a good business plan," says Kyle McNamara, Customer
Segments and Small Business, Scotiabank. "Whether a customer is starting a new
business or expanding an existing one, our innovative tool gives entrepreneurs
a step-by-step guide to put their ideas on paper so that they can achieve
their business goals."
    The Scotia Plan Writer for business(TM) is available to entrepreneurs at
www.scotiabank.com/businessplan. The planner leads the user through a series
of questions which make it easier to build a business plan from scratch. It
also includes a number of sample plans and external links for additional
information such as research on the local market, customer needs, industry
trends and the competitive environment.
    "We're pleased to offer a web-based tool with leading edge technology to
give customers an easy and interactive way to put their business ideas and
goals in writing," adds McNamara. Unlike static PDFs or Word-based documents,
some of the unique technological features of the Scotia Plan Writer for
business(TM) include:-   a simple, yet powerful advanced flash technology interface which
        creates an interactive, step-by-step process;

    -   the ability to create a "living document" that is web browser-based,
        but easily updated and can be saved and revisited to assess the
        progress of a small business;

    -   the capability to convert the completed business plan into a Word
        document for saving, editing, and emailing;

    -   comprehensive "help" features with a built-in glossary, as well as
        guides, best practices, sample data and links to research resources
        such as Statistics Canada; and

    -   the capacity to handle the most demanding financial projections
        (1 - 5 years worth of data)."A good business plan is a powerful tool whether you're applying for
financing, creating a management roadmap, or communicating your goals to
business partners or employees," continues McNamara. "It should be no more
than 10 pages in length, and will consist of two main sections. The first half
of the plan outlines the structure of the company, the product or service, the
sales and marketing strategy, and the marketplace the business operates
within. The second half is the financial plan that will allow you, your
stakeholders and advisors to assess if the numbers accurately reflect the
business you've described in the first half."

    Scotiabank is one of North America's premier financial institutions and
Canada's most international bank. With more than 58,000 employees, Scotiabank
Group and its affiliates serve approximately 12 million customers in some 50
countries around the world. Scotiabank offers a diverse range of products and
services including personal, commercial, corporate and investment banking.
With $412 billion in assets (as at April 30, 2007), Scotiabank trades on the
Toronto (BNS) and New York Exchanges (BNS). For more information please visit
www.scotiabank.com.