how to write a great business plan william sahlman

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How to Write a Great Business Plan

• William A. Sahlman

Every seasoned investor knows that detailed financial projections for a new company are an act of imagination. Nevertheless, most business plans pour far too much ink on the numbers–and far too little on the information that really matters. Why? William Sahlman suggests that a great business plan is one that focuses on a series of questions. These questions relate to the four factors critical to the success of every new venture: the people, the opportunity, the context, and the possibilities for both risk and reward. The questions about people revolve around three issues: What do they know? Whom do they know? and How well are they known? As for opportunity, the plan should focus on two questions: Is the market for the venture’s product or service large or rapidly growing (or preferably both)? and Is the industry structurally attractive? Then, in addition to demonstrating an understanding of the context in which their venture will operate, entrepreneurs should make clear how they will respond when that context inevitably changes. Finally, the plan should look unflinchingly at the risks the new venture faces, giving would-be backers a realistic idea of what magnitude of reward they can expect and when they can expect it. A great business plan is not easy to compose, Sahlman acknowledges, largely because most entrepreneurs are wild-eyed optimists. But one that asks the right questions is a powerful tool. A better deal, not to mention a better shot at success, awaits entrepreneurs who use it.

Which information belongs—and which doesn’t—may surprise you.

Few areas of business attract as much attention as new ventures, and few aspects of new-venture creation attract as much attention as the business plan. Countless books and articles in the popular press dissect the topic. A growing number of annual business-plan contests are springing up across the United States and, increasingly, in other countries. Both graduate and undergraduate schools devote entire courses to the subject. Indeed, judging by all the hoopla surrounding business plans, you would think that the only things standing between a would-be entrepreneur and spectacular success are glossy five-color charts, a bundle of meticulous-looking spreadsheets, and a decade of month-by-month financial projections.

• William A. Sahlman is the Dimitri V. D’Arbeloff-MBA Class of 1955 Professor of Business Administration at the Harvard Business School.

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How to Write a Great Business Plan Paperback – Illustrated, March 1 2008

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• The people—the individuals launching and leading the venture and outside parties providing key services or important resources
• The opportunity—what the business will sell and to whom, and whether the venture can grow and how fast
• The context—the regulatory environment, interest rates, demographic trends, and other forces shaping the venture's fate
• Risk and reward—what can go wrong and right, and how the entrepreneurial team will respond
• Print length 72 pages
• Language English
• Publisher Harvard Business Review Press
• Publication date March 1 2008
• Dimensions 10.97 x 0.56 x 16.59 cm
• ISBN-10 1422121429
• ISBN-13 978-1422121429
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• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Harvard Business Review Press; 1st edition (March 1 2008)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 72 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1422121429
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1422121429
• Item weight ‏ : ‎ 57 g
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 10.97 x 0.56 x 16.59 cm
• #164 in Business Writing Guides (Books)
• #470 in Business Writing Reference Books
• #1,226 in Presentation Skills (Books)

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William andrews sahlman.

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How to Write a Great Business Plan Hardcover – March 1, 2008

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Timely in this age of innovation, How to Write a Great Business Plan helps you give your new venture the best possible chances for success.

• Print length 74 pages
• Language English
• Publisher Harvard Business Review Press
• Publication date March 1, 2008
• Dimensions 5 x 0.31 x 8 inches
• ISBN-10 1633694917
• ISBN-13 978-1633694910
• See all details

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• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Harvard Business Review Press (March 1, 2008)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 74 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1633694917
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1633694910
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 7.4 ounces
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5 x 0.31 x 8 inches
• #1,524 in Business Writing Skills (Books)
• #15,454 in Entrepreneurship (Books)
• #23,834 in Leadership & Motivation

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William andrews sahlman.

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Brought to you by:

William A. Sahlman

Baker foundation professor dimitri v. d'arbeloff - mba class of 1955 professor of business administration, emeritus.

William Sahlman is a Baker Foundation Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School.

Mr. Sahlman received an A.B. degree in Economics from Princeton University (1972), an M.B.A. from Harvard University (1975), and a Ph.D. in Business Economics (1982), also from Harvard.  He joined the Harvard Business School faculty in 1980. 

His research focuses on the investment and financing decisions made in entrepreneurial ventures at all stages in their development. Mr. Sahlman has written numerous articles and two textbooks on topics including entrepreneurial management, venture capital, private equity, deal structuring, incentives, commercializing science, impact investing, and the role of entrepreneurship in the global economy. 

In 1985, Mr. Sahlman introduced a new second-year elective course called Entrepreneurial Finance. Over 10,000 students have taken that course since it was first offered. In 2000, Mr. Sahlman helped design and introduce The Entrepreneurial Manager, a required course in the First Year MBA curriculum.  In 2017, Mr. Sahlman developed an HBS Online course called Entrepreneurship Essentials.  In 2020, Mr. Sahlman will introduce a new HBS course called Entrepreneurial Solutions to World Problems.  Mr. Sahlman has published over 200 cases and notes for classroom use.

From 2007 to 2016, Mr. Sahlman was Senior Associate Dean for External Relations.  From 2003 to 2016, he was co-chair of the Rock Center for Entrepreneurship.  He was co-chair of the Entrepreneurial Management Unit from 1999 to 2002. From 1991 to 1999, he was Senior Associate Dean, Director of Publishing Activities, and chairman of the board for Harvard Business School Publishing Corporation. From 1990 to 1991, he was chairman of the Harvard University Advisory Committee on Shareholder Responsibility. From 2009 to 2015, he was chairman of the Advisory Committee for Harvard Stem Cell Science. 

Mr. Sahlman is a member of the board of advisors or board of directors of several private companies and organizations, including the McCance Center for Brain Health at Mass General Hospital.  He has been a director, advisor, and/or investor in over 200 companies, venture capital funds, and nonprofits. 

In April 2011, the National Venture Capital Association gave Mr. Sahlman The American Spirit Award, which was created in 1999 "to recognize individuals who have shown outstanding leadership by applying business skills, knowledge, expertise and resources to make a meaningful contribution to society."

Books Books

• Roberts, Michael J., Howard H. Stevenson, William A. Sahlman, Paul Marshall and Richard G. Hamermesh, eds. New Business Ventures and the Entrepreneur . 6th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill/Irwin, 2006.  View Details
• Gompers, Paul A., and William Sahlman. Entrepreneurial Finance: A Casebook . New York: John Wiley & Sons, 2001.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., Howard H. Stevenson, Michael J Roberts, and Amar V. Bhide. The Entrepreneurial Venture . 2nd ed. Harvard Business School Press, 1999.  View Details

Journal Articles Journal Articles

• Sahlman, William A. "Leslie Berlin, Troublemakers: Silicon Valley's Coming of Age ." Business History Review 92, no. 2 (Summer 2018): 343–353.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Ramana Nanda. "Stretch the Mission? A Nonprofit That Supports Emerging-market Entrepreneurs Considers Expanding to the U.S." Harvard Business Review 93, no. 5 (May 2015): 113–117.  View Details
• Lerner, Josh, and William Sahlman. "Reviving Entrepreneurship." Harvard Business Review 90, no. 3 (March 2012): 116–119.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. "Management and the Financial Crisis (We Have Met the Enemy and He Is Us...)." Economics, Management, and Financial Markets 5, no. 4 (December 2010): 11–53.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. "Expensing Options Solves Nothing." Harvard Business Review 80, no. 12 (December 2002): 90–96.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. "In Praise of Irrational Exuberance." f0110d. Harvard Business Review 79, no. 10 (November 2001).  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. "The New Economy is Stronger Than You Think." Art. 99612. Harvard Business Review 77, no. 6 (November–December 1999).  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. "How to Write a Great Business Plan." Art. 97409. Harvard Business Review 75, no. 1 (January–February 1997).  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. "The Structure and Governance of Venture-Capital Organizations." Journal of Financial Economics 27, no. 2 (October 1990): 473–521.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. "Why Sane People Shouldn't Serve on Public Boards." Art. 90312. Harvard Business Review 68, no. 3 (May–June 1990).  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Michael Steven Gorman. " What Do Venture Capitalists Do? " Journal of Business Venturing 4, no. 4 (July 1989): 231–248.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. "Aspects of Financial Contracting in Venture Capital." Continental Bank Journal of Applied Corporate Finance 1, no. 2 (summer 1988): 23–36.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Howard H. Stevenson. "Capital Market Myopia." Journal of Business Venturing 1, no. 1 (winter 1985): 7–30. (Reprinted as Chap. 3 in The Entrepreneurial Venture , edited by William A. Sahlman, Howard H. Stevenson, Michael J. Roberts and Amar Bhide, 35-64. Boston: Harvard Business School Press, 1999.)  View Details

Book Chapters Book Chapters

• Sahlman, William A. "Some Thoughts on Business Plans." Chap. 9 in The Entrepreneurial Venture . 2nd ed. by William A. Sahlman, Howard H. Stevenson, Michael J Roberts, and Amar V. Bhide, 138–176. Harvard Business School Press, 1999.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. "The Financial Perspective: What Should Entrepreneurs Know?" Chap. 14 in The Entrepreneurial Venture . 2nd ed. by William A. Sahlman, Howard H. Stevenson, Michael J Roberts, and Amar V. Bhide, 238–261. Harvard Business School Press, 1999.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. "Aspects of Financial Contracting in Venture Capital." Chap. 16 in The Entrepreneurial Venture . 2nd ed. by William A. Sahlman, Howard H. Stevenson, Michael J Roberts, and Amar V. Bhide, 304–325. Harvard Business School Press, 1999. (Originally published in Continental Bank Journal of Applied Corporate Finance 1, no. 2 (summer 1988): 23-36. Also reprinted in The New Corporate Finance: Where Theory Meets Practice , edited by D. Chew, 229. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1993. Part IV: 4.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. "The Horse Race Between Capital and Opportunity." Chap. 18 in The Entrepreneurial Venture . 2nd ed. by William A. Sahlman, Howard H. Stevenson, Michael J Roberts, and Amar V. Bhide, 335–350. Harvard Business School Press, 1999.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. "Why Sane People Shouldn't Serve on Public Boards." Chap. 24 in The Entrepreneurial Venture . 2nd ed. by William A. Sahlman, Howard H. Stevenson, Michael J Roberts, and Amar V. Bhide, 441–449. Harvard Business School Press, 1999.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. "How Small Companies Should Handle Advisers." Chap. 25 in The Entrepreneurial Venture . 2nd ed. by William A. Sahlman, Howard H. Stevenson, Michael J Roberts, and Amar V. Bhide, 450–458. Harvard Business School Press, 1999.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. "Don't Fix What Isn't Broken." Chap. 4 in Financing Entrepreneurs , edited by C. A. Beltz, 61–65. Washington, D.C.: AEI Press, 1993.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. "Aspects of Financial Contracting in Venture Capital." In The New Corporate Finance: Where Theory Meets Practice , edited by D. Chew, 229, Part IV:4. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1993.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Howard H. Stevenson. "The Entrepreneurial Process." Chap. 5 in Small Business and Entrepreneurship , edited by Paul Burns and Jim Dewhurst, 94–157. London: Macmillan Education, 1989.  View Details
• Stevenson, Howard H., and William A. Sahlman. "Importance of Entrepreneurship in Economic Development." Chap. 1 in Entrepreneurship, Intrapreneurship, and Venture Capital: The Foundations of Economic Renaissance , edited by Robert D. Hisrich, 3–26. Canada: Lexington Books, 1986.  View Details

Working Papers Working Papers

• Sahlman, William A. "Management and the Financial Crisis (We have met the enemy and he is us...)." Harvard Business School Working Paper, No. 10-033, October 2009.  View Details

Cases and Teaching Materials Cases and Teaching Materials

• Sahlman, William A., Allison M. Ciechanover, and Emily Grandjean. "Khanmigo: Revolutionizing Learning with GenAI." Harvard Business School Case 824-059, November 2023. (Revised April 2024.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William, and Nicole Tempest Keller. "Vida Health: Transforming Chronic Disease Treatment." Harvard Business School Case 824-001, October 2023.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., Allison M. Ciechanover, and Emily Grandjean. "EducationSuperHighway 2.0." Harvard Business School Case 823-060, October 2022.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., Michael D. Smith, and Nicole Tempest Keller. "Deborah Quazzo at GSV Ventures." Harvard Business School Case 822-131, May 2022.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and George Gonzalez. "Chia Network: Reimagining Programmable Money." Harvard Business School Case 822-039, October 2021. (Revised January 2022.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., Allison M. Ciechanover, and Jeff Huizinga. "QuantumScape's Mission to Revolutionize Energy Storage for a Sustainable Future." Harvard Business School Case 822-044, November 2021. (Revised May 2022.)  View Details
• Weiss, Jurgen, William A. Sahlman, and Joseph B. Lassiter III. "1366 Technologies: Surviving in a Fast Changing World." Harvard Business School Case 721-015, October 2020.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., Michael D. Smith, Nicole Tempest Keller, and Alpana Thapar. "Guild Education: Unlocking Opportunity for America's Workforce." Harvard Business School Case 821-050, November 2020.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Nicole Tempest Keller. "Khan Academy 2018 (Abridged)." Harvard Business School Case 820-086, January 2020.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., Ramana Nanda, and Robert F. White. "Evaluating Start Ups." Harvard Business School Technical Note 819-039, August 2018.  View Details
• Nanda, Ramana, William A. Sahlman, and Robert White. "Venture Capital Term Sheets." Harvard Business School Exercise 818-137, June 2018.  View Details
• White, Robert F., William A. Sahlman, and Ramana Nanda. "Discover Capital: Closing an Acquisition." Harvard Business School Case 818-043, September 2017. (Revised October 2017.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William, and Nicole Tempest Keller. "Khan Academy 2018." Harvard Business School Case 819-064, October 2018. (Revised May 2019.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., Robert F. White, Ruth Page, and Hunter Ashmore. "BionX." Harvard Business School Multimedia/Video Case 816-702, May 2016.  View Details
• Sahlman, William, Robert White, and Hunter Ashmore. "BionX." Harvard Business School Teaching Plan 816-096, May 2016.  View Details
• Sahlman, William, and Robert White. "Coupa." Harvard Business School Teaching Plan 816-044, December 2015.  View Details
• Sahlman, William, and Robert White. "Athleta." Harvard Business School Teaching Plan 816-043, September 2015. (Revised December 2015.)  View Details
• Nanda, Ramana, William A. Sahlman, Robert White, and Hunter Ashmore. "Business Models Problem Set." Harvard Business School Exercise 816-016, August 2015. (Revised May 2021.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William, Robert White, and Stephanie Puzio. "West Coast Chill." Harvard Business School Teaching Plan 815-139, May 2015.  View Details
• Sahlman, William, and Robert White. "BOLT: Seed Venture Capital Firm." Harvard Business School Teaching Plan 815-121, May 2015. (Revised December 2015.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William, Robert White, and Stephanie Puzio. "Discover Capital." Harvard Business School Case 815-097, March 2015.  View Details
• Nanda, Ramana, William A. Sahlman, and Lauren Barley. "NOWaccount." Harvard Business School Case 814-048, October 2013. (Revised August 2016.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Christopher Payton. "Raising Capital at BzzAgent (Abridged)." Harvard Business School Case 816-081, February 2016. (Revised January 2017.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Hunter Ashmore. "Rubicon Global." Harvard Business School Case 816-015, November 2015.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Lauren Barley. "Xapo and Paving the Way for Bitcoin." Harvard Business School Case 816-022, September 2015.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Christopher Payton. "Raising Capital at BzzAgent (B)." Harvard Business School Supplement 816-037, August 2015.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. "Raising Capital at BzzAgent (A)." Harvard Business School Case 816-036, August 2015.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., Robert F. White, and Stephanie Puzio. "West Coast Chill." Harvard Business School Multimedia/Video Case 815-704, March 2015.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Robert F. White. "BOLT: Seed Venture Capital Firm." Harvard Business School Multimedia/Video Case 815-702, March 2015.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Michael J. Roberts DBA. "WebTracker, Spreadsheet for Instructors (Brief Case)." Harvard Business School Spreadsheet Supplement 915-546, February 2015.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Michael J. Roberts DBA. "WebTracker, Spreadsheet for Students (Brief Case)." Harvard Business School Spreadsheet Supplement 915-545, February 2015.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Michael J. Roberts DBA. "WebTracker (Brief Case)." Harvard Business School Teaching Note 915-544, February 2015.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Michael J. Roberts DBA. "WebTracker." Harvard Business School Brief Case 915-543, February 2015. (Revised January 2018.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., Ramana Nanda, David Lane, and Lisa Mazzanti. "Endeavor: Miami Heats Up." Harvard Business School Teaching Plan 814-071, February 2014.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., Thomas R. Eisenmann, Joseph B. Fuller, and Shikhar Ghosh. "Maricopa, Inc.: Finding the Right Treatment for Growth." Harvard Business School Case 314-065, January 2014.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., Ramana Nanda, David Lane, and Lisa Mazzanti. "Endeavor: Miami Heats Up." Harvard Business School Case 814-043, November 2013. (Revised December 2013.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Vineeta Vijayaraghavan. "Iora Health." Harvard Business School Case 814-030, February 2014. (Revised July 2016.)  View Details
• Roberts, Michael, and William Sahlman. "Coupa." Harvard Business School Case 813-114, June 2013. (Revised August 2017.)  View Details
• Lassiter, Joseph B., William A. Sahlman, and James McQuade. "Foro Energy (B)." Harvard Business School Supplement 812-163, June 2012.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. "A Simple Free Cash Flow Valuation Model." Harvard Business School Background Note 814-027, August 2013.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., Ramana Nanda, Joseph B. Lassiter III, and James McQuade. "TerraPower." Harvard Business School Case 813-108, November 2012. (Revised December 2017.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., Ramana Nanda, and James McQuade. "SecondMarket—Providing Liquidity for Shareholders of Privately Held iContact." Harvard Business School Case 812-072, November 2011. (Revised May 2012.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Liz Kind. "Khan Academy." Harvard Business School Case 812-074, November 2011. (Revised February 2012.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Evan Richardson. "Accretive Health." Harvard Business School Case 812-061, November 2011. (Revised December 2013.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., Joseph B. Lassiter III, and Liz Kind. "Verengo Solar Plus!" Harvard Business School Case 812-049, October 2011. (Revised November 2011.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Neil Tolaney. "CSN Stores." Harvard Business School Case 812-044, October 2011.  View Details
• Roberts, Michael J., and William A. Sahlman. "AXA Private Equity: The Diana Investment." Harvard Business School Case 812-042, September 2011.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., Jeffrey Glass, and Evan W. Richardson. "ScoreBig." Harvard Business School Case 812-043, September 2011. (Revised August 2015.)  View Details
• Lassiter, Joseph B., III, William A. Sahlman, Alison Berkley Wagonfeld, and Evan Richardson. "Khosla Ventures: Biofuels Gain Liquidity." Harvard Business School Case 812-035, September 2011. (Revised July 2012.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William, Evan W. Richardson, and James McQuade. "The Venture Capital Problem Set." Harvard Business School Background Note 812-039, September 2011. (Revised August 2012.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Evan Wade Richardson. "WiTricity: Electricity cuts the cord." Harvard Business School Case 811-045, November 2010. (Revised April 2011.)  View Details
• Eisenmann, Thomas R., William A. Sahlman, and Evan W. Richardson. "Chegg: Textbook Rental Takes Flight." Harvard Business School Case 811-077, February 2011.  View Details
• Lassiter, Joseph B., III, William A. Sahlman, and Alison Berkley Wagonfeld. "Khosla Ventures: Biofuels Strategy." Harvard Business School Case 809-004, September 2008. (Revised July 2012.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. "Risk and Reward in Venture Capital." Harvard Business School Background Note 811-036, December 2010.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Evan Wade Richardson. "The Venture Capital Valuation Problem Set." Harvard Business School Exercise 807-036, August 2006. (Revised December 2010.)  View Details
• Roberts, Michael J., William A. Sahlman, and Tamara Obradov. "Gilt Groupe." Harvard Business School Case 811-049, November 2010.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Evan Wade Richardson. "The Firestorm: Super Angelgate." Harvard Business School Case 811-052, November 2010.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Evan Richardson. "The Changing Face of Angel Investing." Harvard Business School Case 811-046, November 2010. (Revised August 2016.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Liz Kind. "Bling Nation." Harvard Business School Case 811-029, November 2010.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Elizabeth A. Kind. "Spudnik, Inc." Harvard Business School Case 811-048, November 2010.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Harry Wake. "innocent." Harvard Business School Case 811-037, October 2010.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Sarah Flaherty. "NovoCure Ltd." Harvard Business School Case 810-045, November 2009. (Revised August 2010.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. "Distrobot Systems, Inc." Harvard Business School Case 805-082, June 2005. (Revised August 2010.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Norman Klein. "Hamilton Test Systems, Inc." Harvard Business School Case 295-017, September 1994. (Revised May 2010.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Dan Heath. "RightNow Technologies." Harvard Business School Case 805-032, November 2004. (Revised May 2010.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. "Dr. John's Products, Ltd. (TN)." Harvard Business School Teaching Note 810-132, April 2010.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., Dan Heath, and Caroline Perkins. "Nantero." Harvard Business School Case 809-031, August 2008. (Revised December 2009.)  View Details
• Rayport, Jeffrey F., Dickson Louie, and William A. Sahlman. "Amazon.com (D)." Harvard Business School Case 901-022, February 2001. (Revised November 2009.)  View Details
• Rayport, Jeffrey F., Dickson Louie, and William A. Sahlman. "(TN) Amazon.com (A), (B), (C), and (D)." Harvard Business School Teaching Note 901-025, April 2001. (Revised November 2009.)  View Details
• Lassiter, Joseph B., III, William A. Sahlman, and Noam Wasserman. "Nantucket Nectars: The Exit." Harvard Business School Case 810-041, September 2009. (Revised February 2014.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Jackie Donnelly Russell. "Blink: The European Air-Taxi Service." Harvard Business School Case 809-058, October 2008. (Revised October 2009.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Daniel R Scherlis. A Method For Valuing High-Risk, Long-Term Investments: The "Venture Capital Method". Harvard Business School Background Note 288-006, July 1987. (Revised October 2009.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Sarah Flaherty. "ZINK Imaging: 'Zero Ink™'." Harvard Business School Case 810-050, September 2009.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Victoria Winston. "Cutter & Buck (A)." Harvard Business School Case 806-028, November 2005. (Revised July 2009.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Caroline Perkins. "BzzAgent, Inc. - 2005." Harvard Business School Case 807-057, September 2006. (Revised July 2009.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. "Dr. John's Products, Ltd." Harvard Business School Case 803-063, October 2002. (Revised July 2009.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Elizabeth Kind. "MD Beauty, Inc." Harvard Business School Case 806-045, October 2005. (Revised July 2009.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Andrew S. Janower. "Beechwood Spouts (A)." Harvard Business School Case 396-016, October 1995. (Revised July 2009.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. "CCBN.COM." Harvard Business School Case 898-146, December 1997. (Revised December 2013.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Matthew Willis. "Basic Venture Capital Formula, The." Harvard Business School Background Note 804-042, August 2003. (Revised May 2009.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. "CCBN.com - 2002." Harvard Business School Case 804-059, September 2003. (Revised May 2009.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. "Sue Whitman at MBB Financial." Harvard Business School Case 809-115, January 2009.  View Details
• Roberts, Michael J., William A. Sahlman, and Sasha Novakovich. "How Serial Entrepreneurs Build and Manage a Board of Directors in a Venture-Backed Start Up." Harvard Business School Case 808-163, June 2008. (Revised July 2008.)  View Details
• Roberts, Michael J., William A. Sahlman, and Lauren Barley. "Texas Pacific Group--J. Crew." Harvard Business School Case 808-017, August 2007. (Revised April 2008.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. "The Harvard Stem Cell Institute." Harvard Business School Case 807-096, November 2006. (Revised March 2008.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Elizabeth Kind. "Prosper Marketplace, Inc." Harvard Business School Case 807-074, December 2006. (Revised March 2008.)  View Details
• Roberts, Michael J., William A. Sahlman, and Todd Krasnow. "Zoots - Financing Growth (A)." Harvard Business School Case 807-139, June 2007. (Revised March 2008.)  View Details
• Roberts, Michael J., William A. Sahlman, and Elizabeth Kind. "Pinnacle Ventures." Harvard Business School Case 808-048, August 2007. (Revised February 2008.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Caroline Perkins. "Motion Computing, Inc. -- 2004." Harvard Business School Case 806-068, November 2005. (Revised December 2007.)  View Details
• Roberts, Michael J., and William A. Sahlman. " Innocent Drinks (TN). " Harvard Business School Background Note 806-196, May 2006. (Revised February 2007.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Dan Heath. "Tickle." Harvard Business School Case 807-100, November 2006.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Caroline Perkins. "Brontes Technologies -- 2005." Harvard Business School Case 807-101, November 2006.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Alison Berkley Wagonfeld. "Earthbound Farm." Harvard Business School Case 807-061, September 2006.  View Details
• Roberts, Michael J., William A. Sahlman, Vincent Dessain, Monika Stachowiak, and Anders Sjoman. "fortu PowerCell GmbH." Harvard Business School Case 805-159, June 2005. (Revised July 2006.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Victoria Winston. "Cutter & Buck (C)." Harvard Business School Supplement 806-030, November 2005. (Revised July 2006.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Victoria Winston. "Cutter & Buck (B)." Harvard Business School Supplement 806-029, November 2005. (Revised July 2006.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., Geremy Connor, Brian Doherty, Andrew Murphy, and Taylor Smith. "The Turnaround of Chris-Craft." Harvard Business School Case 806-071, October 2005. (Revised June 2006.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Elizabeth Kind. "KnowledgeNet (A)." Harvard Business School Case 803-034, October 2002. (Revised June 2006.)  View Details
• Roberts, Michael J., and William A. Sahlman. "RightNow Technologies (TN)." Harvard Business School Teaching Note 806-189, May 2006. (Revised June 2006.)  View Details
• Roberts, Michael J., and William A. Sahlman. "Valhalla Partners Due Diligence (TN)." Harvard Business School Teaching Note 806-194, May 2006.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., Michael J. Roberts, and Laurence E. Katz. "Beta Golf." Harvard Business School Case 898-162, March 1998. (Revised December 2005.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Taslim Pirmohamed. "Athleta." Harvard Business School Case 803-045, September 2002. (Revised July 2012.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Michael J. Roberts. "Endeavor-Determining A Growth Strategy." Harvard Business School Case 803-126, January 2003. (Revised November 2005.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Dan Heath. "Mt. Auburn Partners Search Fund." Harvard Business School Case 805-030, September 2004. (Revised October 2005.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Matthew Willis. "Emergence, Valhalla, and Orchid: Divergent Models for Venture Capital Funds." Harvard Business School Case 804-056, September 2003. (Revised January 2005.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Elizabeth Kind. "San Francisco Giants." Harvard Business School Case 804-092, November 2003. (Revised January 2005.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Dan Heath. "Innocent Drinks." Harvard Business School Case 805-031, November 2004.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Ryland Matthew Willis. "ClozeX Medical (A): The New Standard of Wound Closure." Harvard Business School Case 805-073, November 2004.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Ryland Matthew Willis. "Barry Diller and IAC/InterActiveCorp." Harvard Business School Case 805-072, November 2004.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Dan Heath. "Valhalla Partners Due Diligence." Harvard Business School Case 805-033, September 2004.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Alison Berkley Wagonfeld. "Intuit's New CEO: Steve Bennett." Harvard Business School Case 803-044, October 2002. (Revised May 2004.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. "Charles River Partnership XI." Harvard Business School Case 804-052, September 2003. (Revised April 2004.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Christina Darwall. "Marv Tseu at Active Reasoning." Harvard Business School Case 804-077, November 2003. (Revised March 2004.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Ryland Matthew Willis. "Procter & Gamble 2000 (A): The SpinBrush and Innovation at P&G." Harvard Business School Case 804-099, November 2003.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Ryland Matthew Willis. "Procter & Gamble 2000 (B)." Harvard Business School Case 804-100, November 2003.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Taslim Pirmohamed. "Aspen Aerogels." Harvard Business School Case 803-068, October 2002. (Revised October 2003.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. "Upromise 2002." Harvard Business School Case 804-058, September 2003.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Laurence E. Katz. "Allscripts, Inc." Harvard Business School Case 804-053, September 2003.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. "Microsoft Financial History." Harvard Business School Case 803-018, July 2002. (Revised June 2003.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. "Epicentric." Harvard Business School Case 803-080, November 2002. (Revised May 2003.)  View Details
• Leschly, Stig, Michael J. Roberts, William A. Sahlman, and Todd H Thedinga. "Amazon.com-2002." Harvard Business School Case 803-098, November 2002. (Revised February 2003.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Jason Green. "Anasazi Exclusive Salon Products, Inc." Harvard Business School Case 295-111, April 1995. (Revised January 2003.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Elizabeth Kind. "KnowledgeNet (B)." Harvard Business School Case 803-035, October 2002.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. "Financial Analysis of Microsoft." Harvard Business School Background Note 803-019, August 2002. (Revised September 2002.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. "E Ink: Financing Growth TN." Harvard Business School Teaching Note 802-139, December 2001.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. "Amazon.com-Going Public TN." Harvard Business School Teaching Note 802-122, November 2001.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., Nicole Tempest, Daniel H Case III, and Robert Keller. "Preview Travel (A)." Harvard Business School Case 899-085, October 1998. (Revised May 2001.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Nicole Tempest. "Preview Travel (B)." Harvard Business School Case 899-086, October 1998. (Revised April 2001.)  View Details
• Rayport, Jeffrey F., Goutam Challagalla, and William A. Sahlman. "Barnesandnoble.com (A), (B), and (C) TN." Harvard Business School Teaching Note 901-026, April 2001.  View Details
• Rayport, Jeffrey F., Steven Silverman, and William A. Sahlman. "PlanetAll TN." Harvard Business School Teaching Note 901-027, April 2001.  View Details
• Rayport, Jeffrey F., Steven Silverman, and William A. Sahlman. "Microsoft Carpoint." Harvard Business School Teaching Note 901-028, April 2001.  View Details
• Rayport, Jeffrey F., Elliot N. Maltz, and William A. Sahlman. "Egghead.com TN." Harvard Business School Teaching Note 901-029, April 2001.  View Details
• Rayport, Jeffrey F., Elliot N. Maltz, and William A. Sahlman. "Virtual Vineyards TN." Harvard Business School Teaching Note 901-030, April 2001.  View Details
• Rayport, Jeffrey F., Goutam Challagalla, and William A. Sahlman. "Weather Services Corporation TN." Harvard Business School Teaching Note 901-031, April 2001.  View Details
• Rayport, Jeffrey F., Rafi Mohammed, and William A. Sahlman. "Streamline (A) and (B) TN." Harvard Business School Teaching Note 901-032, April 2001.  View Details
• Rayport, Jeffrey F., Michelle Toth, and William A. Sahlman. "first direct (A) TN." Harvard Business School Teaching Note 901-033, April 2001.  View Details
• Rayport, Jeffrey F., Elliot N. Maltz, and William A. Sahlman. "QVC, Inc. TN." Harvard Business School Teaching Note 901-034, April 2001.  View Details
• Rayport, Jeffrey F., Leo Griffin, Yannis Dosios, and William A. Sahlman. "Frontgate Catalog TN." Harvard Business School Teaching Note 901-035, April 2001.  View Details
• Rayport, Jeffrey F., Dickson Louie, and William A. Sahlman. "Monster.com TN." Harvard Business School Teaching Note 901-036, April 2001.  View Details
• Rayport, Jeffrey F., Goutam Challagalla, and William A. Sahlman. "iQVC (A) and (B) TN." Harvard Business School Teaching Note 901-037, April 2001.  View Details
• Rayport, Jeffrey F., Elliot N. Maltz, and William A. Sahlman. "Marshall Industries TN." Harvard Business School Teaching Note 901-038, April 2001.  View Details
• Rayport, Jeffrey F., Steven Silverman, and William A. Sahlman. "MindSpring TN." Harvard Business School Teaching Note 901-039, April 2001.  View Details
• Rayport, Jeffrey F., Elliot N. Maltz, and William A. Sahlman. " The New York Times Electronic Media Company (A) and (B)." Harvard Business School Teaching Note 901-040, April 2001.  View Details
• Rayport, Jeffrey F., Elliot N. Maltz, and William A. Sahlman. "CBS Evening News TN." Harvard Business School Teaching Note 901-041, April 2001.  View Details
• Rayport, Jeffrey F., Dickson Louie, and William A. Sahlman. "CBS MarketWatch TN." Harvard Business School Teaching Note 901-042, April 2001.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. "FIRST: For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology." Harvard Business School Case 801-380, March 2001.  View Details
• Rayport, Jeffrey F., Dickson Louie, and William A. Sahlman. "BarnesandNoble.com (B)." Harvard Business School Case 901-023, February 2001.  View Details
• Rayport, Jeffrey F., Dickson Louie, and William A. Sahlman. "BarnesandNoble.com (C)." Harvard Business School Case 901-024, February 2001.  View Details
• Lassiter, Joseph B., III, William A. Sahlman, and Jon Biotti. "Nantucket Nectars." Harvard Business School Case 898-171, February 1998. (Revised December 2000.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Jared Stone. "SupplierMarket.com (A)." Harvard Business School Case 801-228, December 2000.  View Details
• Roberts, Michael J., and William A. Sahlman. "UPromise." Harvard Business School Case 801-321, November 2000.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Michael J. Roberts. "FireDrop." Harvard Business School Case 801-214, November 2000.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., Michael J. Roberts, and Christina L. Darwall. "Interactive Minds (A)." Harvard Business School Case 898-072, November 1997. (Revised October 2000.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., Michael J. Roberts, and Cathy Taylor. "FairMarket: Managing Business Development." Harvard Business School Case 800-212, November 1999. (Revised June 2000.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., Ramiro Montealegre, and Luis Pereiro. "Patagon.com: Building (and Defending) the First Financial Destination in Latin America." Harvard Business School Case 800-185, January 2000. (Revised May 2000.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Jon Biotti. "Circles." Harvard Business School Case 898-043, September 1997. (Revised March 2000.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., Michael J. Roberts, and Matthew C. Lieb. "Knot, The." Harvard Business School Case 899-116, December 1998. (Revised March 2000.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Matthew C. Lieb. "E Ink: Financing Growth." Harvard Business School Case 800-252, December 1999.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., Curtis E. Large, and Matthew C. Lieb. " Bedrock Management Company. " Harvard Business School Case 800-181, October 1999.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., Michael J. Roberts, and Matthew C. Lieb. " Dispatch Management Services. " Harvard Business School Case 800-017, October 1999.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Laurence E. Katz. "Amazon.com--Going Public." Harvard Business School Case 899-003, October 1998. (Revised August 1999.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., Michael J. Roberts, and Laurence E. Katz. "Chemdex.com." Harvard Business School Case 898-076, January 1998. (Revised June 1999.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., Michael J. Roberts, and Christina L. Darwall. "DigitalThink: Startup." Harvard Business School Case 898-186, February 1998. (Revised June 1999.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. "Susan Brown." Harvard Business School Case 899-282, May 1999.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Michael J. Roberts. "Launching a High-Risk Business CD." Simulation and Teaching Note. Harvard Business School Publishing, 1999. Electronic. (This is an interactive simulation (Windows only) that gives users hands-on experience in the essential activities of launching a business.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Howard H. Stevenson. "Capital Market Myopia." Harvard Business School Background Note 288-005, August 1987. (Revised December 1998.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Jon Biotti. " Conduit Communications. " Harvard Business School Case 899-104, October 1998.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., Michael J. Roberts, and Laurence E. Katz. "HIMSCORP, Inc." Harvard Business School Case 899-021, August 1998.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., Michael J. Roberts, and Laurence E. Katz. "Record Masters." Harvard Business School Case 899-020, August 1998.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Andrew S. Janower. " Entrepreneurial Finance Suggested Readings. " Harvard Business School Background Note 396-040, September 1995. (Revised July 1998.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Andrew S. Janower. Project "Dial-Tone". Harvard Business School Case 897-003, November 1996. (Revised August 1997.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. "Entrepreneurial Finance: Course Introduction." Harvard Business School Course Overview Note 288-004, July 1987. (Revised August 1997.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. "Horizon Group." Harvard Business School Case 286-058, January 1986. (Revised March 1997.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. "Lotus Development Corp." Harvard Business School Case 285-094, January 1985. (Revised February 1997.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. "The Carlton Polish Company." Harvard Business School Case 283-008, May 1983. (Revised May 2015.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Andrew S. Janower. "Beechwood Spouts (B)." Harvard Business School Case 396-041, October 1995. (Revised December 1996.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. "Some Thoughts on Business Plans." Harvard Business School Background Note 897-101, November 1996.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. "Some Thoughts on Career Management." Harvard Business School Background Note 897-055, September 1996.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Andrew S. Janower. "ThermoLase." Harvard Business School Case 897-002, August 1996.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., Howard H. Stevenson, and Andrew S. Janower. " Financial Investigation Group Exercise. " Harvard Business School Exercise 897-008, August 1996.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Andrew S. Janower. "Pathfinder Capital." Harvard Business School Case 396-067, June 1996.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Andrew S. Janower. "Free Cash Flow Valuation Problem Set." Harvard Business School Exercise 396-269, February 1996.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. " Analog Devices Enterprises: Bipolar Integrated Technology. " Harvard Business School Case 286-117, April 1986. (Revised December 1995.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Jason Green. "InterZine Productions, Inc." Harvard Business School Case 396-174, November 1995.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Andrew S. Janower. "Centex Telemanagement, Inc. (A)." Harvard Business School Case 396-101, October 1995.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Andrew S. Janower. "Centex Telemanagement, Inc. (B)." Harvard Business School Case 396-102, October 1995.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Andrew S. Janower. "Venture Capital Method - Valuation Problem Set." Harvard Business School Exercise 396-090, October 1995.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Jason Green. "Richina Capital Partners Limited." Harvard Business School Case 396-059, September 1995.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Andrew S. Janower. " At Play Productions (A). " Harvard Business School Case 396-015, September 1995.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Andrew S. Janower. " At Play Productions (B). " Harvard Business School Supplement 396-038, September 1995.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Andrew S. Janower. "At Play Productions (C)." Harvard Business School Supplement 396-039, September 1995.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Jason Green. "Benjamin Rosen and Compaq." Harvard Business School Case 296-002, September 1995.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Jason Green. "Quorum Health Group, Inc." Harvard Business School Case 295-156, June 1995.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Jason Green. " Crystal Dynamics (A). " Harvard Business School Case 295-103, February 1995.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Jason Green. "Crystal Dynamics (B)." Harvard Business School Supplement 295-104, February 1995.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. " Rytex Co. (A). " Harvard Business School Case 292-068, December 1991. (Revised November 1994.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. " Frank Elliott. " Harvard Business School Case 295-075, November 1994.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Jason Green. "VideoGuide, Inc. (A)." Harvard Business School Case 295-051, November 1994.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Jason Green. "VideoGuide, Inc. (B)." Harvard Business School Supplement 295-070, November 1994.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Jason Green. "VideoGuide, Inc. (C)." Harvard Business School Supplement 295-071, November 1994.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Jason Green. "VideoGuide, Inc. (D)." Harvard Business School Supplement 295-072, November 1994.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. "CML Group, Inc.: Going Public (B & C) TN." Harvard Business School Teaching Note 294-041, October 1993.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Burton C. Hurlock. "Oak Industries Inc." Harvard Business School Case 292-086, November 1991. (Revised September 1993.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. " CHS Dental Laboratory, Inc. (A). " Harvard Business School Case 293-029, August 1992. (Revised September 1993.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. " Moser Glassworks. " Harvard Business School Case 293-073, October 1992. (Revised September 1993.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. " CHS Dental Laboratory, Inc. (B). " Harvard Business School Case 293-030, August 1992. (Revised August 1993.)  View Details
• Fruhan, William E., Jr., and William A. Sahlman. "Harris Seafoods, Inc." Harvard Business School Case 281-054, February 1981. (Revised June 1993.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. " RiboGene, Inc. (A). " Harvard Business School Case 293-026, August 1992. (Revised June 1993.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. " RiboGene, Inc. (B). " Harvard Business School Case 293-027, August 1992. (Revised June 1993.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. " RiboGene, Inc. (C). " Harvard Business School Case 293-028, August 1992. (Revised June 1993.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. "Centex Telemanagement, Inc." Harvard Business School Case 286-059, January 1986. (Revised March 1993.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. " Quantum Orthopedics, Inc. " Harvard Business School Case 293-042, October 1992.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. "Star Cablevision Group (A): Harvesting in a Bull Market." Harvard Business School Case 293-036, September 1992.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. "Star Cablevision Group (B): Adjusting to a Stock Market Correction." Harvard Business School Case 293-037, September 1992.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. "Star Cablevision Group (C): Responding to a Credit Market Contraction." Harvard Business School Case 293-038, September 1992.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. "Star Cablevision Group (D): Financial Crisis and Managing Constituencies." Harvard Business School Case 293-039, September 1992.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. "Star Cablevision Group (E): Voluntary Restructuring." Harvard Business School Case 293-040, September 1992.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. "Star Cablevision Group (F): Lessons Learned." Harvard Business School Case 293-041, September 1992.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. "Note on the Financial Perspective: What Should Entrepreneurs Know?" Harvard Business School Background Note 293-045, September 1992.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. " Rytex Co. (B). " Harvard Business School Case 292-069, December 1991.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. "Fenchel Lampshade Co." Harvard Business School Case 291-014, February 1991. (Revised October 1991.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. "Parenting Magazine." Harvard Business School Case 291-015, October 1990.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. " Orbital Sciences Corp. (E). " Harvard Business School Case 290-055, May 1990. (Revised August 1990.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. " STA Media. " Harvard Business School Case 285-147, April 1985. (Revised June 1990.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. Note on Financial Contracting: ""Deals"". Harvard Business School Background Note 288-014, August 1987. (Revised June 1989.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. " Tom Volpe. " Harvard Business School Case 289-025, October 1988. (Revised February 1989.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Howard H. Stevenson. " Orbital Sciences Corp. (A). " Harvard Business School Case 386-175, April 1986. (Revised February 1989.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and Norman Klein. " Tribal Assets Management: The Dragon Proposal. " Harvard Business School Case 286-110, April 1986. (Revised February 1989.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. "Precision Parts, Inc. (A)." Harvard Business School Case 285-131, March 1985. (Revised November 1988.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. " Superior Wire (A). " Harvard Business School Case 289-003, July 1988. (Revised November 1988.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. " Runtal North America, Inc. " Harvard Business School Case 289-020, October 1988. (Revised November 1988.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. "Harris Seafoods Leveraged Buyout." Harvard Business School Case 289-019, October 1988.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. " Sarah Jenks-Daly. " Harvard Business School Case 288-008, August 1987. (Revised September 1988.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. " Superior Wire (B). " Harvard Business School Case 289-004, July 1988.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. "Technical Data Corp." Harvard Business School Case 283-072, May 1983. (Revised December 1987.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. " Vertex Peripherals. " Harvard Business School Case 286-069, February 1986. (Revised December 1987.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. " Palladian Software. " Harvard Business School Case 286-065, February 1986. (Revised November 1987.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. "Technical Data Corp.: Business Plan." Harvard Business School Case 283-073, May 1983. (Revised November 1987.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. " New England Digital. " Harvard Business School Case 286-077, February 1986. (Revised November 1987.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. "What Do Venture Capitalists Do?" Harvard Business School Background Note 288-015, September 1987.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A., and William J. Poorvu. " Winthrop Financial Associates. " Harvard Business School Case 386-077, September 1985. (Revised March 1987.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. " EMC Corp. " Harvard Business School Case 286-106, March 1986. (Revised March 1987.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. " Papercraft Corp. " Harvard Business School Case 287-026, October 1986. (Revised March 1987.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. "Smartfood." Harvard Business School Case 286-064, January 1986. (Revised December 1986.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. " Bank of Boston: New Ventures Group. " Harvard Business School Case 286-070, February 1986. (Revised September 1986.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. " Priam Corp.: Vertex Peripherals. " Harvard Business School Case 286-103, March 1986. (Revised September 1986.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. "CML Group, Inc.: Going Public (B)." Harvard Business School Case 285-092, April 1985. (Revised September 1986.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. "CML Group, Inc.: Going Public (A)." Harvard Business School Case 285-003, July 1984. (Revised September 1986.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. "Peter Wendell." Harvard Business School Case 286-008, September 1985. (Revised January 1986.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. " Note on the Venture Capital Industry: Update--1985. " Harvard Business School Background Note 286-060, January 1986.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. "Note on the Microcomputer Software Industry--January 1982." Harvard Business School Background Note 285-095, January 1985. (Revised November 1985.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. " Note on the Venture Capital Industry--1981. " Harvard Business School Background Note 285-096, March 1985. (Revised November 1985.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. " U.S. Oil Co. Technical Center. " Harvard Business School Case 286-007, September 1985.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. "CML Group, Inc.: Going Public (C)." Harvard Business School Case 286-009, August 1985.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. " Laitier S.A. " Harvard Business School Case 176-118, November 1975. (Revised May 1985.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. " Florida Express, Inc. " Harvard Business School Case 285-144, April 1985.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. "Business Research Corp. (B)." Harvard Business School Case 285-090, February 1985.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. " Long Boat Electronics. " Harvard Business School Case 283-057, February 1983. (Revised January 1985.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. "Business Research Corp. (A)." Harvard Business School Case 285-089, January 1985.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. " Priam Corp. " Harvard Business School Case 284-043, February 1984. (Revised September 1984.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. " Sustainable Growth Analysis. " Harvard Business School Background Note 284-059, February 1984.  View Details
• Crane, Dwight B., and William A. Sahlman. " Rust Development. " Harvard Business School Case 282-054, January 1982.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. "Del Norte Paper Co. (C)." Harvard Business School Case 177-036, September 1976. (Revised January 1977.)  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. "Del Norte Paper Co. (A)." Harvard Business School Case 177-034, September 1976.  View Details
• Sahlman, William A. "Del Norte Paper Co. (B)." Harvard Business School Case 177-035, September 1976.  View Details

Entrepreneurial Finance William A. Sahlman is examining the investment and financing decisions made at all stages in the development of entrepreneurial ventures. Related lines of inquiry concern the role of financial institutions in providing risk capital, and the role of government policy in influencing capital formation in the entrepreneurial sector.

• William Sahlman in Working Knowledge
• entrepreneurial finance
• entrepreneurship
• venture capital
• venture creation/development
• agency theory
• capital markets
• cash flow analysis
• compensation
• competitive strategy
• corporate accountability
• corporate entrepreneurship
• corporate venturing
• disruptive technology
• electronic commerce
• entrepreneurial management
• equity financing
• equity-based pay
• financial analysis
• financial statement analysis
• financial strategy
• growth management
• leveraged buyouts
• managerial incentives
• mergers and acquisitions
• negotiation
• private equity
• real options
• resource allocation
• risk management
• social enterprise
• social entrepreneurship
• startup management
• technological innovation
• biotechnology
• broadcasting
• communications
• consumer products
• e-commerce industry
• education industry
• electronics
• entertainment
• fiber optics
• financial services
• food processing
• health care
• high technology
• hotels ＆ motels
• information
• information technology industry
• investment banking industry
• management consulting
• manufacturing
• marketing industry
• medical supplies
• motorcycles
• nonprofit industry
• pharmaceuticals
• professional services
• publishing industry
• real estate
• semiconductor
• service industry
• telecommunications
• transportation
• venture capital industry
• video games
• Central America
• Central Asia
• New Zealand
• North America
• Russian Federation
• South Africa
• South America
• South Central Asia
• Southeast Asia
• Southwest Asia
• United States
• Western Europe

In The News

• 27 Apr 2016
• Harvard Business School

Health Care Takes Center Stage at Finale of New Venture Competition

• 28 Apr 2016
• Poets & Quants

Health Care Dominates HBS Startup Comp

• 17 Apr 2017
• Harvard Business Review

The Explainer: How to Write a Great Business Plan

• 01 Jun 2015

Three Predictions for Boston’s Innovation Scene in 2035

• 05 Mar 2015
• American Public Media: Marketplace

Dollar signs on the doilies

William a. sahlman in the news.

27 Apr 2016 Harvard Business School Health Care Takes Center Stage at Finale of New Venture Competition

28 Apr 2016 Poets & Quants Health Care Dominates HBS Startup Comp

17 Apr 2017 Harvard Business Review The Explainer: How to Write a Great Business Plan

01 Jun 2015 Xconomy Three Predictions for Boston’s Innovation Scene in 2035

05 Mar 2015 American Public Media: Marketplace Dollar signs on the doilies

02 Mar 2015 Harvard Business Review Case Study: Should an Emerging-Market Incubator Help U.S. Businesses?

10 Feb 2015 Poets & Quants Harvard Opens Up Online Biz Program To Experienced Managers

19 Sep 2014 VentureFizz Billionaire, Peter Theil, Shares His Wisdom at Harvard Business School

19 Sep 2014 Harvard Magazine Peter Thiel on Why Monopolies Matter

23 Nov 2013 Economist It’s complicated

25 Mar 2013 Harvard Gazette Finalists selected in President’s Challenge

05 Feb 2013 HBR Blogs The Social Sector Needs to Take More Risk and Accept Failure

17 Jan 2013 HBR Blogs Social Impact Investing Will Be the New Venture Capital

22 Nov 2012 Can entrepreneurship rescue the U.S.?

23 Sep 2012 Financial Times Flotation market sails on choppy waters

11 Sep 2012 Harvard’s ‘wise men’ tell Silicon Valley: Our country is losing its competitiveness

14 Aug 2012 Wall Street Journal New Medical Devices Get Smart

18 May 2012 Boston Globe Facebook IPO creates tech giant

15 Feb 2012 Harvard Magazine Social Innovation Challenge

27 Feb 2012 Harvard Business Review Reviving Entrepreneurship

09 Feb 2012 BostInno Crowdfunding is Great, But is it Right For Startups?

15 Dec 2011 American Public Media: Marketplace R & D tax cut could expire

21 Nov 2011 New York Times A Blow to Pinstripe Aspirations

09 Aug 2011 Xconomy Downgrading America?

08 Aug 2011 HBS Faculty on Downgrading US Debt

05 Aug 2011 Big Think Failure is not an option. It's a necessity.

01 Aug 2011 Wall Street Journal Reactions to the Debt Deal

17 Jun 2011 Forbes How Harvard's Bill Sahlman Turns Leaders into Entrepreneurs

11 May 2011 A New Era of Entrepreneurship

28 Mar 2011 Starting up in hard times

27 Dec 2010 HBS Working Knowledge HBS Faculty on 2010's Biggest Business Developments

22 Dec 2010 HBR Blogs Debt and the Future of the U.S.

21 Dec 2010 Harvard Business School Faculty on 2010's Biggest Business Developments

02 Dec 2010 Economist The pivotal moment

07 Oct 2010 NPR: On Point Innovation & Economic Comeback

19 Sep 2010 Boston Globe How stop-and-go science funding puts the brakes on progress

12 Jul 2010 E-Commerce Times Is Venture Capital an Academic Pursuit?

01 Jul 2010 Meeting in the middle: At HBS, investors and executives probe promising new fields

18 Jun 2010 New York Times The Search: Taking the Leap to Self-Employment

13 Jan 2010 Doubts about health care reform

Areas of Interest

Additional topics, geographies.

Entrepreneurship: Business Plans

• Recommended Reading

Business Plans

• Funding & Grants
• Local Resources
• Market Research
• Marketing and Branding
• Pitch Decks and Public Speaking

What is a business plan?

A business plan provides the outline of a company's goals and strategies to achieve them. 

What are the parts of a business plan?

Executive Summary

• The executive summary includes a brief overview of the entire business plan. It should highlight key points and objectives.

Company Description

• The company description should include detailed information about the company, its mission, vision, values, legal structure, location, and history. 

Market Analysis

• This section should include the research and analysis of the industry, information regarding target market, customer demographics, competitors, and market trends. 

Products or Services

• Products or services should include a description of the products or services offered. This section should include the features, benefits, and unique selling points of the products or services. 

Marketing and Sales Strategy

• This section includes the plans for promoting or selling the products or services. It should include pricing, distribution channels, advertising, and sales tactics. 

Operations and Management

• Details about the day to day operations of the business, organizational structure, management team, staffing needs, and operational expenses. 

Financial Projections

• The financial projections section should include revenue projections, expenses, cash flow statements, and break-even analysis.

Funding Requests

• If you are not seeking additional funding this section can be left out. If you are seeking additional funding this section should outline the amount of funding needed, how it will be used, and the potential returns for investors. 
• A business plan may include an appendix where additional documents or information that support the business plan, such as resumes of team members, market research data, and legal documents. 

Business Structure

Before registering your business, you must choose the business structure. This will allow you to get a tax ID number and to be able to file for the appropriate licenses and permits. 

The most common types of business structures are: 

• Owned and operated by one person. 
• There is no legal distinction between the owner and the business entity. 
• The owner is personally liable for all business debts and liabilities
• Owned and operated by two or more individuals
• Partners share ownership, responsibilities, and profits
• Partners are personally liable for all business debts and obligations of the partnership
• The two most common types of partnerships are limited partnerships (LP) and limited liability partnerships (LLP)
• Protects owners from being personally pursued for the debts or liabilities of a company
• LLC regulations vary from state to state
• A legal entity separate from its owners
• Able to raise funds through the sale of stock

For more information on determining your business structure, see   Choose a Business Structure  from the SBA or  Selecting a Business Structure  from the Texas Secretary of State. 

Information provided for educational purposes only. Decisions on management structures for your business are best discussed with your attorney. 

Business Plans - Samples

• Bplans.com Business Plan Template

Bplans.com has a business plan template that can be downloaded as a word document. According to them, this template has been used by over 500,000 businesses and has been approved by universities such as Princeton and Babson. This site sells plans, but also offers some free ones.

• Business Plans Index - Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (CLP)

            CLP provides dozens of sample business plans             for a variety of industries.

• SBA's Build Your Business Plan Tool  

The U.S. Small Business Administration, or SBA, has created a step-by-step tool for building, editing, and downloading your business plan. Once you register with the SBA, you can edit all of the sections of your plan, save them, update them, and export them to PDF files.    

• SCORE Business Plan Templates  

Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) provides business plan templates.

Additional Reading

• Books available online
• Books available in the library

• Gale Legal Forms Provides a wide selection of state-specific (and multi-state) legal forms across the most popular legal areas. Includes real estate contracts, wills, pre-marital agreements, bankruptcy, divorce, landlord tenant and many others. Also included is a comprehensive attorney state directory and a dictionary of legal definitions explained in laymen's language. A source from Gale.
• Gale Business: Entrepreneurship Gale Business: Entrepreneurship is a comprehensive database that covers all aspects of starting and operating a business, including accounting, finance, human resources, management, marketing, tax, and more. It combines authoritative periodical and reference content to support prospective and current entrepreneurs as well as business students. Experience an easy-to-browse interface mapped to four key stages—plan, fund, start, and manage—to fit your research needs at any point in your business's development.
• << Previous: Recommended Reading
• Next: Funding & Grants >>
• Last Updated: May 8, 2024 3:22 PM
• URL: https://pvamu.libguides.com/c.php?g=1362832

How to Write a Great Business Plan

Every seasoned investor knows that detailed financial projections for a new company are an act of imagination. Nevertheless, most business plans pour far too much ink on the numbers—and far too little on the information that really matters. Why?

In an article in the Harvard Business Review , HBS Professor William Sahlman suggests that a great business plan is one that focuses on a series of questions. These questions relate to the four factors critical to the success of every new venture: the people, the opportunity, the context, and the possibilities for both risk and reward.

The questions about people revolve around three issues: What do they know? Whom do they know? and How well are they known? As for opportunity, the plan should focus on two questions: Is the market for the venture's product or service large or rapidly growing (or preferably both)? and Is the industry structurally attractive?

Then, in addition to demonstrating an understanding of the context in which their venture will operate, entrepreneurs should make clear how they will respond when that context inevitably changes. Finally, the plan should look unflinchingly at the risks the new venture faces, giving would-be backers a realistic idea of what magnitude of reward they can expect and when they can expect it.

A great business plan is not easy to compose, Sahlman acknowledges, largely because most entrepreneurs are wild-eyed optimists. But one that asks the right questions is a powerful tool. A better deal, not to mention a better shot at success, awaits entrepreneurs who use it.

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• Research & Ideas

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• What Do You Think?

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• Business Plan
• Entrepreneurship

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