- Customer Reviews
- Net 30 Account
- Wise Services
- Steps & Timeline
- Work at a Glance
- Market Research at a Glance
- Business Plan Writing Services
- Bank Business Plan
- Investor Business Plan
- Franchise Business Plan
- Cannabis Business Plan
- Strategic Business Plan
- Corporate Business Plan
- Merge and Acquisition Business Plan (M&A)
- Private Placement Memorandums (PPM)
- Sample Business Plans
- Professional Feasibility Study
- PowerPoint Presentations
- Pitch Deck Presentation Services
- Business Plan Printing
- Market Research
- L-1 Business Plan
- E-2 Business Plan
- EB-5 Business Plan
- EB-5 Regional Centers
- Immigration Attorneys
- Nonprofit Business Plan
- Exit Business Planning
- Business Planning
- Business Formation
- Business License
- Business Website
- Business Branding
- Business Bank Account
- Digital Marketing
- Business Funding Resources
- Small Business Loans
- Venture Capital
- Net 30 Apply
Free Simple Business Plan Templates
Are you a business startup and want to get a free business plan template for your business? If yes, then you are at the right place. As a business plan writing company , we list out professional business plan templates for you so you can write your business plan easily. We have shared a wide range of templates for diversified business needs. You can choose one that suits your requirements
Free One Page Business Plan Template
Utilize this concise Free one-page business plan to systematically record your essential concepts. This template assists in constructing a simplified overview of your business plan, making it easily digestible for stakeholders. Consider this one-page plan as a starting point, serving as a reference for developing a more comprehensive business blueprint.
Simple Business Plan Template
This template guides you step by step through all the elements of a small business plan , covering areas like the company’s history, introducing the management team, conducting market analysis, presenting product or service details, outlining financial projections, and more. Additionally, it includes a pre-built table of contents to maintain the structure of your plan, and it’s fully adaptable to suit your specific needs.
Lean Startup Business Plan Template
The lean business plan template offers a simplified alternative to the traditional business plan Template. It includes concise sections for your company’s overview, industry context, problem-solving approach, unique value proposition, target market, and essential performance metrics. Additionally, there’s space to map out a timeline of crucial activities.
Free Business Plan Template
Boost your business with our collection of easy-to-use templates designed just for you.
Business Plan Templates By Business Category
Potential Issues with Business Plan Templates & How to Address Them
Generic templates vs. industry specificity.
- Issue: One-size-fits-all business plan templates might not capture industry-specific details crucial for investors.
- Solution: Look for templates with industry-tailored sections or customize existing ones to highlight your industry’s nuances.
Lack of Financial Expertise
- Issue: Users might struggle with financial projections or terminology.
- Solution: Include clear instructions and financial guidance within the simple business plan template.. Users can also consult free online resources or financial advisors.
Data Accuracy and Consistency
- Issue: Inaccurate or inconsistent data can mislead investors.
- Solution: Double-check all data entries and ensure consistency across the plan. Consider using real financial data from your business (if applicable).
Overreliance on Templates
- Issue: Business Plan Templates shouldn’t replace critical thinking and analysis specific to your business.
- Solution: Use the template as a framework, but personalize it with your unique value proposition, competitive landscape analysis, and strategic goals.
Formatting and Readability
- Issue: Poor formatting can make your plan look unprofessional.
- Solution: Pay attention to formatting elements like fonts, spacing, and visuals. Ensure the plan is clear, concise, and easy to read.
Remember: Our Page includes 45 different kinds of business plan templates tailored for specific industries, So you can choose any format that suits your business with your ease.
Get Your One Page Business Plan Template from Wisebusinessplan Today!
Essential elements of a business plan.
- Executive Summary
- Business Description
- Market Analysis
- Competitive Analysis
- Marketing and Sales Strategy
- Organization and Management
- Product or Service Line
- Financial Projections
- Funding Request
- Appendix (optional)
Tips for Creating a Business Plan
Creating a business plan can seem like a daunting task, but the following tips aim to simplify the process as you develop your plan:
- Utilize a business plan template (choose from the options above) or refer to the previous section to establish a standard outline for your plan.
- Adapt your outline to suit the specific needs of your business. If you’re using a standard business plan outline, remove any sections that don’t apply to your situation or aren’t vital for running your business.
- Begin by gathering all the information you currently have about your business. Then, use this information to complete each section in your plan outline.
- Leverage available resources and conduct additional research to fill in any remaining gaps. (Note: You don’t have to fill out your plan in sequence, but remember that the executive summary, which summarizes key points, should be completed last.)
- Ensure your plan effectively conveys the interplay between your marketing, sales, and financial objectives.
- Include details in your plan that outline your strategic course of action, looking ahead three to five years.
- Regularly revisit your plan as strategies and objectives evolve.
At the very least, ensure your business plan addresses the following questions:
- What product or service are we offering?
- Who is the product or service for?
- What problem does our product or service solve?
- How will we deliver the product or service to our target customers?
- What makes our product or service superior to alternatives?
- How can we surpass our competitors?
- What is our unique value proposition?
- When will tasks be completed, and who is responsible for them?
- If funding is needed, how will it be utilized?
- When are payments due, and when will income be received?
- What is the ultimate purpose of your business?
To determine the type of business plan that suits your needs and for more helpful guidance, consult our guide on crafting a concise business plan.
Benefits of Using a Business Plan Template
Developing a business plan can be a time-consuming task, particularly if you’re unsure how to get started. However, utilizing the right template tailored to your business needs can prove highly advantageous. Here’s how using a business plan template, as opposed to starting from scratch, can be particularly helpful:
Facilitates Organized Planning
A template allows you to promptly jot down your thoughts and ideas in an orderly fashion. It provides a structured framework that simplifies the planning process.
Provides Clarity and Structure
Using a template gives your plan a clear structure, helping you outline your business objectives, strategies, and goals with greater precision.
Time and Resource Efficiency
Templates save you precious time and resources. They eliminate the need to create every section from the ground up, enabling you to focus on the content and strategy, rather than the format.
Prevents Oversight
Templates serve as comprehensive guides, helping you cover all the essential details your business plan should encompass. This reduces the risk of omitting crucial elements vital to your business’s success.
In essence, a well-designed business plan template streamlines the planning process, making it more efficient and ensuring that your plan is both thorough and well-organized.
Restrictions of Business Plan Templates
While a business plan template can be a helpful starting point, it comes with certain limitations, particularly if the template doesn’t align precisely with your business’s unique requirements. Here are some drawbacks to consider:
Lack of Customization
Every business is distinct, and your business plan should reflect that individuality. A template may not adequately cater to your specific needs, potentially resulting in an ill-fitting plan.
Impaired Collaboration
Using a template may hinder effective collaboration among different teams involved in the plan’s development, such as sales, marketing, and accounting teams. It might not be conducive to seamless teamwork.
Data Dispersal
Templates can lead to the creation of multiple files stored in various locations. This can make it challenging to maintain a centralized and up-to-date plan.
Chart and Graph Creation
Templates often require you to manually generate charts and graphs to support your strategic points. This adds an extra layer of work and complexity.
Multiple Updates
Keeping your plan, spreadsheets, and supporting documents synchronized can be cumbersome when using a template. Changes made may not automatically update across all documents, potentially causing version control issues.
In summary, while business plan templates can be a useful starting point, it’s essential to be aware of their limitations, especially when your business has specific requirements that may not be accommodated by a generic template.
A business plan template is a pre-written document that provides a structure and outline for writing a business plan. It can help businesses of all sizes save time and effort, ensure completeness, improve consistency, and make a better impression on potential investors and lenders.
To write a business plan using a template, simply follow the structure and outline provided. Fill in the blanks with information about your company, its products or services, its target market, its financial projections, and its marketing and sales strategies. Be sure to customize the template to fit the specific needs of your business.
The best business plan templates for small businesses are those that are tailored to the specific needs of small businesses. Some popular options include:
- Lean Startup Canvas
- Business Model Canvas
- One-Page Business Plan
- SBA Business Plan Template
- SCORE Business Plan Template
To customize a business plan template, simply add or remove sections as needed to fit the specific needs of your business. You can also change the wording and formatting of the template to match your company’s brand voice.
Here are a few tips for writing a successful business plan using a template:
- Be honest and realistic in your projections.
- Be clear and concise in your writing.
- Be specific about your goals and objectives.
- Tailor your plan to your target audience.
- Proofread your plan carefully before submitting it to potential investors or lenders.
Here are a few examples of good business plans written using templates:
- Tesla Business Plan
- Airbnb Business Plan
- Warby Parker Business Plan
- Glossier Business Plan
- Spotify Business Plan
Download Pack of 3 Business Plan Templates
One Page Business Plan + Lean Business Plan + Simple Business Plan Template
Have Questions? Get in Touch!
Why choose wise business plans.
Wise Business Plans develops bank ready business plans that raise capital reliably.
Quick Links
- Investor Business Plans
- M&A Business Plan
- Private Placement
- Feasibility Study
- Hire a Business Plan Writer
- Business Valuation Calculator
- Business Plan Examples
- Real Estate Business Plan
- Business Plan Template
- Business Plan Pricing Guide
- Business Plan Makeover
- SBA Loans, Bank Funding & Business Credit
- Finding & Qualifying for Business Grants
- Leadership for the New Manager
- Content Marketing for Beginners
- All About Crowdfunding
- EB-5 Regional Centers, A Step-By-Step Guide
- Logo Designer
- Landing Page
- PPC Advertising
- Business Entity
- Business Licensing
- Virtual Assistant
- Business Phone
- Business Address
- E-1 Visa Business Plan
- EB1-A Visa Business Plan
- EB1-C Visa Business Plan
- EB2-NIW Business Plan
- H1B Visa Business Plan
- O1 Visa Business Plan
- Business Brokers
- Merger & Acquisition Advisors
- Franchisors
Proud Sponsor of
- 1-800-496-1056
- (613) 800-0227
- +44 (1549) 409190
- +61 (2) 72510077
Download Business Plan Templates
Your Full Name
Business Plan Templates
Free Download
2 Essential Templates For Starting Your Business. Available as an interactive PDF or a Google Docs template.
With this business plan template, you'll be able to:
- Write a company description that sells your story
- Plan for the future: lay out goals and metrics for success
- Describe your product line in detail and plan for how to stand out from competitors
- Consider any legal formalities that require attention when starting your business
- Put together necessary financial projections to make a strong start
- Create your buyer persona and determine your product/marketing fit
Build A Business Plan That Works
Available as a one-page interactive PDF and a full template on both Google Docs and Microsoft Word!
Whether you’re starting a business or drafting a formalized document with your current business goals, it’s important to clearly defi ne the scope of all aspects of the venture — from mission, to target customers, to fi nances, and beyond.
When just starting out, it can be tempting to think of a business plan as simply your company’s name and a description of your product or service. But in reality, planning a business involves thinking through a lot more details.
In this business plan template we’ll guide you through the steps of writing company and product descriptions, setting sales and marketing goals and plans, and thinking through legal and fi nancial logistics. We've included a plain text, designed , and completed example version of this template.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do you write a business plan.
A business plan is a formal written document that you can use to identify the purpose of your company, make important decisions about your future and help grow your company. HubSpot's free business plan templates provides guidance to establishing your company mission, customer research, competition, and a business strategy to profitability.
Why do I need to fill out the information requested?
We will always keep your personal information safe..
We ask for your information in exchange for a valuable resource in order to (a) improve your browsing experience by personalizing the HubSpot site to your needs; (b) send information to you that we think may be of interest to you by email or other means; (c) send you marketing communications that we think may be of value to you. You can read more about our privacy policy here .
Where can I get a free business plan template?
HubSpot's Free Business Plan Templates are the best way to create a professional, thorough business plan. The templates include instructions and everything you need to know about starting your company.
Is this really free?
Absolutely.
Just sharing some free knowledge that we hope you’ll find useful. Keep us in mind next time you have marketing questions!
What are the basic format of a business plan?
A business plan is a written document that outlines the company's goals, strategy and implementation. The format of the plan varies depending on the type of organization (e.g., for-profit or nonprofit) and size, but most plans share some common features such as an overview, executive summary, and financial information.
What is the best business plan template?
A great business plan template clearly defines the scope of the venture -- from mission, to target customers, to finances, and beyond. HubSpot's business plan template will guide you through the steps of writing company and product descriptions, setting sales and marketing goals and plans, and thinking through legal and financial logistics.
What is needed to start a business?
If you're thinking about starting a business, you'll need to do some research first. You can't just start a business without doing any market research. Market research will tell you if there's an opportunity to turn your idea into a successful business. After that, write your business plan so that you know how much money and time it will take for the project to succeed. Use HubSpot's free business plan template today!
Set yourself up for success with this business plan template
Download the free business plan template.
All fields are required.
Easily create great, effective landing pages for free
Access our library of 130 Business Templates
Wow you’ve unlocked access to our library of 130 business templates.
Get started by checking out some of our top business templates:
Featured business templates
Weekly Schedule Template
Tracking employees’ work time and wages is easy with this free weekly schedule template.
Monthly Report
Provide a professional, concise summary of project activities with this monthly report template.
One Page Business Plan
Need to write a business plan but don’t know where to begin? Download our free 1-page business plan ...
8 Free Business Plans Templates & Examples
All business plans business templates..
Showing 1 - 8 of 8
Action Plan
Business Case
Executive Summary Template
Market Analysis
Simple Business Plan Template
Startup Business Plan Template
Strategic Planning
Explore template collections.
Customer Service
Spreadsheets
Get all Business Plans templates and more.
- Business plans
Business Plan Template
Used 10,558 times
Reviewed by Yauhen Zaremba
This business plan template is a great tool for your startup to customize to reflect your strong qualifications, experienced team, and marketable business idea.
e-Sign with PandaDoc
Business Plan
1. executive summary.
The Executive Summary is where you explain the general idea behind your company; it’s where you give the reader (most likely an investor, or someone else you need on board) a clear indication of why you’ve sent this Business Plan to them. This is a souped-up “elevator pitch,” a couple of pages that summarizes what your business is all about.
Note that, while the entire Business Plan should be well-written, this section must really demonstrate excellent composition and grammar. This is the first part of your Business Plan that anyone will read, so it’s important that it really “sing.”
The header section of the Executive Summary can benefit from flexible treatment, as well. You can use a company logo, or any other design you’d like, but you want to be sure you include the name of your business, right at the start of the Business Plan.
In the Business Plan section, you will want to get the reader’s attention by letting them know what you do. Try to answer some (or all) of the following questions:
- What products or services do you offer?
- What sector do you operate within?
- Who is your target audience?
- What is the future outlook of the marketplace?
- What makes your offer unique?
- Who’s the boss?
- Why did your company start?
The Executive Summary is the place to succinctly describe your business. It’s also appropriate to address why you’ve created your proposal, answering questions like these, briefly, in addition to those above:
- Do you need investment?
- How much money do you need?
- What is the money to be used for?
- How will your business become profitable?
- What’s in it for the recipient?
The last question is perhaps the most important. Already, only having read as far into your business plan as the Executive Summary, your reader is wondering “what’s in it for me?” And your challenge is to offer them a preview (remember this is a “summary”) of the benefits of accepting your business plan, while not giving away the whole story.
2. Business Description
This next section gives all the must-have details about your business. Here you are looking to answer questions like “when did you start?”; “Why?”; “By whom?”
This is the place for your “origin story.” This section should be just as well-written as the Executive Summary, of course. What is your interest in the market? How’d you get to this point?
As you can tell, the Business Description section amounts to backstory – and that’s essential to any Business Plan.
This is where you tell them where you’re coming from, before you get to “why” you’re in need of an investment, in a nutshell.
3. Mission Statement
The Mission Statement section of your Business Plan expands on some of what you talked about in the Executive Summary.
Here are the major points you will want to make in the Mission Statement.
Explain the end-result you seek from the business venture. Connect it to your customers and readers, in turn.
B) Objectives
Explain the steps you will take to reach your goal. Be specific; demonstrate that you have a good idea of what it will realistically take to achieve your goals.
C) Customers
Your target audience has to be well-defined. Here you need to explain exactly who your customer is. You should define your customer as specifically as possible. Is your customer the 18-24 year old customer base? How about the 18 -24 year old music consumers, as an example? Describe them to the finest level of detail possible.
D) Industry
Why is your niche attractive? Is your industry growing? Will you shake it up with your offer? Are you a disruptor? Explain thoroughly in this section.
E) Strengths
Here you want to outline what makes your company special. Answer why your business is different from the rest of the competition. Who’s on your team? The best tip we’ve got is: investors love a top-notch team.
F) Status of Ownership
Here you want to tell your prospective investors the legal status of your company. Is it a limited liability company (LLC)? Is it a sole proprietorship, or partnership? Whatever the case may be, you’ll want to explain it to your prospect.
4. Products and Services
This section is extremely important to a successful Business Plan. This is where you describe what it is that you have to offer the world.
Be sure to include:
- Detailed descriptions of your Products and/or Services. Feel free to include pictures, as you deem appropriate. Don’t forget to add the pricing and/or fees.
- Next, you’ll want to spend some time extolling the features and benefits of your products and/or services. Break it down. Remember that customers love benefits, and prospective investors want to know that you understand those benefits.
The Products/Services you offer are the core of your business. You really can’t afford to omit anything relevant here. Your prospective investor will surely want to know what you have to offer, and they’ll want to know enough about those things to be able to believe in them.
5. Marketing Plan
The Marketing Plan is one of the most essential parts of your Business Plan; marketing is the thing that brings your business to its audience.
The first thing to do in the Marketing Plan section is to prove that you know your target audience. Put the research, market analyses, and industry knowledge that you possess to work in this section. You are illustrating to your recipient that you know your audience better than anyone, and that makes yours the ideal business to serve the audience.
This section can be broken into six distinct parts, as follows:
- Clearly define and explain your target audience
- Briefly describe your competition – particularly what makes you better at what you do than them
- Detail your niche. What particular area of your industry to you fit? Where do you squeeze in, in light of the innovation?
- List your distribution channels.
- Describe how you will promote the business. What media outlets will you use for advertisement? How much is your marketing budget? Your prospective investor will surely want to know.
- State your image or message. How will you present your business to the public? Tell your reader how your customers will see your business.
The Marketing Plan is essential. Make sure you give it plenty of attention, in your Business Plan.
6. Operations Plan
This section of your Business Plan should detail your day-to-day operation. This is important; your prospective investors want to know that you’ve given some thought to the daily operation of your business.
Here, you’ll want to describe the various resources, personnel, and real estate involved in the execution of your business activities.
Here are some of the things you will want to include in the Operations Plan section:
Location-- for either service or product, where do you work out of? (Be specific, with dimensions, cost of utilities etc.)
Transportation-- how do you get your product to your clients? third-party store? Legal requirements -- Do you need permits? licenses? etc. What are the regulations you follow? Work with unions? etc.
Personnel-- Describe the type of positions you already have, plus what you may need to expand on.
Inventory-- Do you keep things in stock? Where? How much does that cost? What is the value of it? Providers/Suppliers -- Who do you lease work out to? List names, addresses, websites.
Timing for Accounts Receivable/Accounts Payable-- Investors want to know about anything that could keep them from making a quick profit.
7. Management Organization
In this section, detail the management structure inside your organization. Your prospective investors will be keen to know who’s calling the shots and to whom at your business.
Here are the things you will want to make sure you list here:
- Board of Directors
- Accountants
- Consultants
Remember, you don’t have to list everyone, down to the janitors, but you do want to be thorough in this section. Let your prospect know that you’re not just winging it, and that you have a team in place.
8. Financial Plan
The Financial Plan is one of the most important, if not the absolute most important, parts of your Business Plan. This is a section that your reader will be eyeing closely, and they will expect you to have put a lot of love into this one, too.
Begin this section by telling the prospective investor about the funding you’ve received so far. Where has it come from? How much does it total? Be forthcoming about your capital and its sources, first and foremost.
This section is also the place where you plan your Profit and Loss (P&L) for at least the next 12 months. This spreadsheet can be used in connection to the cash flow spreadsheet. If your business plans to run a loss for the first year (or two, or three), you should clarify this point in this section, and add a model profitable year for good measure. Just be sure to explain that your Business Plan doesn’t always project a loss.
Cash Flow Spreadsheet Example
Cell and section names:.
CashReceivedB, Expenditures, etc are the names of the sections. To name the cell of section of cells - highlight it and then rename in the upper left corner. Changing the name afterwards, if misspelled or deleting it completely, if reverting back to original cell name is done through “Insert -> Name -> Define”.
Fiscal Year and PV of Cash Flows
Dates will be change automatically if the date in the “Fiscal Year Begins” is changed. Another section where investors would look is the present value of cash flows. It’s the sum of all cash flows discounted back 1 period using company’s annual rate of return, which is set by the company. A number was made up.
Cash Received, Expenditures, Net Cash Flow
Cash Received is a section where someone would record all the cash inflow from different activities like operating or financial. Cash outflows are recorded in Expenditures. Both of these sections are summed in the subtotals: (=SUBTOTAL(109,CashReceivedB)). 109 – specifies the function that should be done by the subtotal, other could be used too, such as averaging; there are numbers from 1 to 11.
With these two sections it is easy to find: Net Cash Flow = Cash inflow – Cash outflow. I also added two sections, which show how much money was in the beginning of the month, and how much is available at the end. That cash balance from previous month is transferred to the next month Cash Available section.
Profit/Loss Analysis Spreadsheet Example
Formulas for this spreadsheet:.
- Gross Profit = Revenue – Cost of production
- GP Margin = Gross Profit / Revenue
- Profit before taxes = Gross Profit + Other Income – Other Expenses
- Profit loss after tax = Profit before tax * (1 – Tax Rate) *However if loss was incurred, tax won’t be applied. To accommodate for that write the IF statement: if Profit Before Taxes > 0, then apply the formula above to that number, otherwise the negative number will be transferred to this cell.
- Net profit margin = Profit after tax / Revenue
Sparklines:
Overview is done with Sparklines. Select the cell where you would want to see the graph then Insert -> Sparklines. The window will pop up where you can choose the data to be shown.
To customize the graph, click on one of them and the ribbon will show up, where you can choose different styles of presentation.
Graphs for Profit/Loss Analysis Example
Creating a chart:.
Go to Insert -> Charts, highlight the data you are trying to present. Charts ribbon has variety of options that will help you improve the look and style of graphs.
Transferring chart to another spreadsheet
In order to move the chart to a new or existing sheet, press control or right click on it and choose “Move”:
Since the charts reference the same cells in the profit/loss analysis spreadsheet, updates in that table will automatically be reflected on the graph.
Break-Even Analysis Spreadsheet
Finding sales mix %:.
In this part, the goal is to find current products sales mix, which will be used in the analysis. You need to input the price and number of units sold/services provided. Sales mix % is then found for each product. These numbers should be transferred by hand to the second table.
Break-Even Analysis:
- Contribution Margin Per Unit = Price per Unit – Variable Cost Per Unit
- Average CM per Unit = CM per Product 1 * Sales Mix % Product 1 + CM per Product 2 * Sales Mix % Product 2+ ...
- Break-Even number of Units to Sell = Fixed Costs / Average CM per Unit. *This is the total number of all products, to find how many units of each product you need to sell:
- B-E units of Product 1 = (Fixed Cost / Average CM per Unit) * Sales Mix of Product 1
- Product Sales in $ = B-E units of Product 1 * Price
This table is useful to quickly assess how different scenarios would affect the break-even points. You can copy the analysis table and paste it right next to each other for easier comparison.
9. Conclusion/Call to Action
The last part of your Business Plan is a conclusion, which ideally should contain a call to action (CTA). Your CTA here is a bit different from a CTA on something like a Web-based landing page. A Business Plan CTA simply clarifies the next step. Is it a phone call or a meeting? Perhaps it’s a phone call to schedule a meeting. Whatever your CTA may be, you’ll want to make it clear, in this section.
10. Confidentiality Statement
Your Business Plan is top secret, right? If that’s the case, it’s up to you to make sure that’s clearly stated to those who receive the Business Plan. One way to protect your business and its intellectual property (IP), is to include a confidentiality, or nondisclosure (NDA) statement in your Business Plan.
11. Addendums
Here is where you add extra information, including but not limited to:
- -- less interesting information, that someone might like to know (positive, of course)
- -- graphs, technical drawings, etc
- -- citations: sometimes you may include a statistic in your proposal, about your industry, your competitive market, etc., but you must cite it.
- -- business studies
- -- city plans, office plans
- -- list of assets for collateral; financial backgrounds of key investors
- -- CVs/resumes, credentials of key players
- -- key collaborators, etc
[Sender.Company]
MM / DD / YYYY
[Client.Company]
Care to rate this template?
Your rating will help others.
Thanks for your rate!
Useful resources
- Featured Templates
- Sales Proposals
- NDA Agreements
- Operating Agreements
- Service Agreements
- Sales Documents
- Marketing Proposals
- Rental and Lease Agreements
- Quote Templates
- Business Proposals
- Agreement Templates
- Purchase Agreements
- Contract Templates
Free Business Plan Template
Running your own business might be a real challenge. And even if you know exactly every single step of your company, you need a proper business plan to attract investors, employees, and potential partners. Creating one is easy with PandaDoc free business plan templates.
What Is a Business Plan Template?
A business plan template is an opportunity to find a simple and convenient tool that will grant you a proper start for your business. Using even a simple business plan will be a universal solution for all types of companies, especially startups or small ventures.
By providing all the essential facts in your business plan, you will be able to show its most beneficial parts. And with a proper sample of a business plan template, you will avoid all the possible mistakes.
What Is Included In a Free Business Plan Template?
Working with a template for a business plan, you will be able to include all the essential things about development and running your business.
The following chapters are the most important ones:
- The idea of your company. This is the very first thing that shows the purpose and the benefits of your venture. Here, you need to concisely explain your aims, ideally in one-two sentences.
- The description of your business. Here you can show the basic data about your company and the expanded version of your global aims.
- Your business mission. When you want to express the local goals of your company and show all your working aims, you have to use the page with the mission. Include the most important aspects. Goals, objectives, the targeted audience of your projects, the place you are going to take on a market, advantages of your company, and information for investors, who will be able to attend your business.
- Your products and services. Show the beneficial services that you are going to use as your main tool to attract customers and succeed.
- A detailed marketing plan. Here you can show the proper chain of business solutions with an expanded explanation of each and every step of your business. A marketing strategy might include both your potential income and costs.
- Operations plan. Here you can state all the essential tasks you have to do in order to run your project or manage it.
- Management. Show the hierarchy of your employees. It will give the clearest image of how many people your company will accept.
- Financial plan. Giving the clearest and the most expanded vision of all of your costs will be the most important part for your potential investors. Completing this chapter properly might be extremely challenging, but with a proper free business plan template, you will face no trouble with it.
As you can see, there will be more than enough solutions for your business plan. And with a proper conclusion, you will find it simple to show even more beneficial parts of your company to all your investors.
How To Write a Business Plan Template?
To write a proper business plan you can use a sample of a business plan template provided by PandaDoc. When filling it out, you need to include the following information:
- Facts about your company. You can expand it with numbers or achievements like the state of your client base, years of expertise in the market, or anything that attracts the attention of potential investors.
- State the costs and income of your company. It will be essential to calculate everything for investors to have a clear picture of the current state.
- Use the employee tab. With a proper business plan template sample, you will see that you can add employees to the chosen chapter in order to show the levels of responsibility in your company.
And also, you should keep in mind that all the information about your goals, aims, and tools to work on your project has to be clear for any single person that is going to read your business plan. But with PandaDoc tips PandaDoc, you will be able to see all the nuances and fill in your sample.
When To Use a Simple Business Plan Template?
A simple business plan template is ideal for startups or small business owners who just consider starting their path. Individual entrepreneurs can benefit from it too, as it’s a great way to put all the aspects of the job together and spot a range of opportunities to improve.
Having a template for a business plan lets you focus on the main aspects of your business operation, making it full and detailed for your investors. And PandaDoc will help a lot with this task, while such features as eSignature will help with making this small business plan template a real and verified source of the information.
- Business Plans
Professional Business Plan Template to Customize
Create Your Business Plan
- Create a comprehensive business plan.
- Easily customize your slides to fit your needs.
- Showcase data with 40+ chart options.
Chosen by brands large and small
Our business plan maker is used by over 27,500,000 marketers, communicators, executives and educators from over 133 countries that include:
Powerful Presentation Features That Help You Shine
Professional business plan templates.
Create a presentation or document business plan quickly and easily with Visme's template options. Customize each page or slide to fit your vision and information to pitch to cofounders or investors. Get started today.
Data visualization made easy
Tell your story with the data to match using easy-to-customize charts and graphs. Select from 40+ chart and graph visualizations and find the one that proves your point clearly. Upload static data or connect to Google sheets for live data.
Customize every aspect of your presentation with your own images and text
Convey the exact mood you desire for your business plan with over a million images, thousands of icons, dozens of charts and data widgets to visualize information in an engaging way. Apply a color scheme to all your slides with one click. Add animation effects, transitions, interactivity, pop-ups, rollovers and third-party content to support your business case.
Speed things up with Visme AI Designer
Go from a text prompt to a ready-to-use design in mere minutes with Visme AI Designer (Beta). Do you need to create a business plan but lack the time? Let Visme AI Designer help you save time and effort. Describe your desired project to our AI Designer Chatbot, choose a style, and relax as AI Designer generates your project.
Apply our simple business plan template to give you a head start.
Meet the Team
Mission Statement
Product Overview
Value Propositions
Industry Landscape
Market Size
Customer Descriptions
Market Growth
Competitive Comparison
Competitive Advantage
Business Growth Projections
Marketing Mix
Conversion Funnels
Funding Needed
Share Your Business Plan
Finished your business plan and ready to share with the world? Visme’s business plan template makes it easy to publish, download and get feedback on your design. Simply download as a high resolution image or PDF, or publish it to the web and send a link to access it.
LEARN ABOUT BUSINESS PLANS
What is a Business Plan ?
A business plan is a written document or presentation that allows business leaders to share the business potential and goals, as well as your plans for the future. The business plan is a key step in working towards getting investors looking at your product.
If you're looking to flesh out a new business idea or venture in order to get cofounders or investors on board, you need a business plan. Get started with one of our templates to give you a starting point and framework for your own plan.
Why do I need a business plan?
Writing a business plan is a key step in securing funding and convincing high level executives that your business is worth their time. A well-executed business plan is crucial to the success of a business and it’s one of the first steps you should take.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED + MORE
Make Your Business Plan Stand Out
Take your business to new heights with a beautifully designed business plan. Our tools put the power of visual communication in the hands of entrepreneurs and business owners, no matter their level of design skills.
MAKE IT ENGAGING
Interactivity
Highlight your business’ unique selling point with interactive hotspots and rollover effects. Capture the attention of investors and stakeholders with interactive content.
VISUALIZE YOUR DATA
Charts & Graphs
Showcase in-depth data, statistics, and financial projections in a unique way. Harness the power of data visualization with Visme’s professional infographics, charts and graphs.
MEASURE THE IMPACT
Gain insight into the impact of your business plan with an analytics report. Track how many people have viewed your business plan and gauge its effectiveness.
HOW IT WORKS
How to Make a Business Plan in 5 Steps
If you are wondering how to write a business plan, you’ve come to the right place. Instead of starting your business plan from scratch, use our business plan templates to get you going in no time.
Learn more about creating your own business plan presentation or document by going through our step-by-step tutorial below or watching this quick video.
- Log into your Visme dashboard or create a new account, then click Create New Project.
- Access our business plan templates by searching for “Business Plan” in the search box.
- Select the template, then customize the content for your business.
- Update any charts and graphs to reflect your business goals.
- Once all your content is added, customize colors, logos, icons and more.
Questions About the Business Plan Template
How much does it cost to create a business plan with the business plan template, what types of charts and graphs are available in visme, can i use my brand kit to create my business plan with visme, is the business plan template completely customizable, can i use any photo in the image library in my business plan, your business plans deserve to be beautiful and so does the rest of your content.
Sign Up Free
- Skip to primary navigation
- Skip to main content
- Skip to primary sidebar
- Skip to footer
Legal Templates
Home Business Plan
Business Plan Templates
Use our template to make an investment-worthy business plan.
Updated December 8, 2023 Written by Sara Hostelley | Reviewed by Brooke Davis
A business plan is a document outlining a company’s operations, strategies, goals, and objectives. It’s crucial to guide you through each stage of starting and growing your business.
Templates (8)
What is a business plan, why is a business plan essential, components of a business plan, how to write a business plan, business plan sample.
Below, you can find free business plan templates for specific business types. You can also find more in-depth information on writing a plan for your business, whether it’s a food truck, restaurant, real estate business, or another entity:
Create a detailed plan that lays out the details of how your business will achieve it's objectives.
Traditional Business Plan
Create a simplified version of a traditional business plan.
One-Page Business Plan
Create a Non-Profit Business Plan and learn how to write one.
Create a Daycare Business Plan and learn how to write one.
Create a Restaurant Business Plan and learn how to write one.
Create a Real Estate Business Plan and learn how to write one.
Real Estate
Create a Food Truck Business Plan and learn how to write one.
A business plan is a document detailing how a business, whether it’s a new or existing company, will achieve its goals and objectives. It guides you through every step of starting and running a company.
A business plan can be the foundation of your business, serving as a written roadmap that covers all aspects of how to structure, run, and grow your business. You can also refer back to it as your business progresses to track its growth and success.
In addition to being a helpful document internally, a business plan is also vital for a company to communicate its success to external parties that may influence its future success.
Consider some of the main reasons why large and small business owners alike use business plans:
1. Use As a Roadmap
A business plan sets specific, measurable, and time-bound goals. Having these goals helps you track progress, evaluate performance, and adjust as necessary.
By laying out goals, you have a clear and attainable plan of action with the ability to see and monitor your progress.
2. Plan Strategies For Potential Challenges
A business plan can help you think objectively about your business’s key elements and inform your decision-making as you move forward.
A detailed plan can provide a semblance of control over a potentially cumbersome process. Formulating a plan can improve your ability to make choices and decisions for yourself and the business. This approach is much better than suddenly making a critical decision without time to evaluate or haphazardly letting others decide for you.
3. Get Funding or Bring on New Business Partners
An accurate business plan is essential whether or not you need to secure a business loan. Investors and lenders often require a business plan before they commit capital. A solid plan demonstrates your commitment, viability, and potential return on investment.
Create a business plan that grabs the attention of potential investors and provides them with enough structure and confidence that they will move forward and grant funding and support to your business.
You can use your business plan to highlight how the proposed business will be successful and profitable.
4. Discover Any Weaknesses
A business plan includes a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis that helps identify potential risks and challenges. It is essential to allocate resources and demonstrate monthly profit or loss. By recognizing these elements early, you can develop strategies to mitigate or address them.
5. Analyze the Market and Competition
Market research within the plan helps you better understand your target audience, competition, and industry trends. This knowledge is crucial for making informed business decisions.
By learning about your competition, you can help make your goods or services stand out and help validate your business idea.
You should update a business plan as you go, altering your goals as necessary and being mindful of any changes of direction in your business.
A typical business plan includes the following sections:
- Executive Summary
- Management Team
- Products and Services
- Customers and Marketing
- SWOT Analysis
Our business plan template includes all of the above, so you won’t have to worry about missing out on essential sections.
Step 1 – Create an Executive Summary
An executive summary is the first section of a traditional business plan, serving as the first impression of your business. Please give a brief overview of your company, including its mission, key goals, and a snapshot of your financial projections.
You can skip this step if you’re writing a lean business plan for a startup. Instead, replace it with a few sentences outlining the problem your startup aims to solve and the solution you will provide.
Executive Summary Example:
Market research indicates there are a growing number of dog owners in Tallahassee who want to train their animals. Consumer surveys indicate that most consumers don’t have the time or resources to train their animals themselves.
Consumers have also expressed a desire for combined dog walking and training services to help discipline their animals.
Pawsitive Strides Canine Coaching & Walks provides a convenient service for customers with furry friends and disposable incomes.
Tips for Writing an Executive Summary
- Define a problem in your market and state how your business will solve it.
- Limit your executive summary to one page.
- Use a tone appropriate for your audience.
Step 2 – Describe Your Company’s Team
A professional business plan will include a statement about your company’s team and management.
Describe your startup’s legal structure. After that, you can insert a chart to show the hierarchical structure of your company. Show and name your C-suite executives, management team, and key employees. Include short biographies and links to their resumes and LinkedIn profiles to give the reader a complete picture of your staff’s qualifications.
If you have a smaller staff, you can highlight the founder and CEO and your staff members who perform the services or create your business’s products.
Example for Company’s Team Statement:
Jamie Clayton, Founder and CEO
- Board-certified veterinarian.
Pawsitive Strides Canine Coaching & Walks’s dog walkers and trainers
- 14 full-time staff members.
- 26 part-time staff members.
- All staff members have the Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge and Skills Assessed (CPDT-KSA) credential from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers.
Tips for Writing about Your Company Management and Team
- Include any roles you’d like to hire to grow your company, if applicable.
- Highlight expertise and awards one to show your staff’s capabilities.
Step 3 – Summarize Market Analysis and Potential
Your business plan must also thoroughly analyze your target market and customer base. The goal here is to show that you understand your market and target audience and that there is a viable market for your business.
Market Analysis Example:
Pawsitive Strides Canine Coaching & Walks’s ideal customer is a dog owner between the ages of 25 and 65 with a high disposable income. They’re ideally a working professional or have recently retired from the workplace. They love their dog (or dogs) and want them to be well-behaved and have an outlet for all their energy.
Market research shows that Pawsitive Strides Canine Coaching & Walks has ample opportunities in the Tallahassee area:
- The total revenue for dog walking services in the U.S. increased from $900 million in 2019 to $1.1 billion in 2023.
- Dog ownership has increased by 20% over the last five years.
- Online search volume for “dog walkers in Tallahassee” is up by 10% since last year.
- 19% of Tallahassee’s residents have a household income of $125,000 or more (compared to the average of 5% across the U.S.).
Tips for Writing a Market Analysis
- Use reliable sources for acquiring data.
- Conduct consumer surveys to hear from people in your target area.
- Focus on the demand in your area and the growth potential.
- Include revenue and expense projections based on market data.
Step 4 – Describe Your Product or Service
Describe the products and services you offer. Pinpoint the value they provide to current and future customers and share your plans for research and development.
The main goal of this section is to convince the reader and yourself that your business is viable and that you have enough resources, time, and energy to achieve your goals.
Product Description Example:
Pawsitive Strides Canine Coaching & Walks isn’t an ordinary dog walking service. When a customer signs up for our monthly subscription plan, we have one of our certified dog walkers go to their house 12 times a month on a schedule that works for them.
Our dog walker takes their dog on a 30-minute walk and corrects their behavior. Their dog learns how to walk on a leash calmly and be around cars and people. Not only does the dog get some exercise and fresh air, but they also learn discipline, meaning the customer doesn’t have to worry about training their dog in this sense.
Tips for Writing a Product/Service Description
- Highlight cross-sell and upsell opportunities, if applicable.
- Emphasize what distinguishes you from other companies providing similar services/products.
- Include details for updating your offerings in the future.
Step 5 – Plan Your Marketing Strategy
Discuss the brand vision you want to cultivate, the metrics you’ll track, and the channels you’ll use to reach your target audience. Outlining how you plan to collect and retain customers will help you experience growth in the long term.
Marketing Strategy Example:
Pawsitive Strides Canine Coaching & Walks will focus on social media and direct mail marketing as its two main forms of advertising. We’ll track customer referrals to determine how many current customers are satisfied with our services.
On our social media platforms, including Instagram and Facebook, we’ll track our audience growth rate, bounce rate, and click-through rate.
Tips for Writing a Marketing Strategy
- Add the budget/resources you have, if applicable.
- Create strategies for marketing to different segments within your main target audience.
Step 6 – Conduct SWOT Analysis
Organizations use SWOT analyses to determine how closely a business will adhere to its growth trajectories. This analysis involves looking at a company’s SWOTs, which are:
- Strengths: Strengths are things your company does well. Examples include having a unique selling proposition, standout brandings, or human resources, like your employees and C-class executives.
- Weaknesses: These barriers prevent your project or company from reaching certain milestones. Examples include financial limitations, a shortage of skilled professionals, and unclear selling propositions.
- Opportunities: These positive external factors could give you a competitive edge. For instance, if you’re a manufacturer and the federal government cuts tariffs, you can export your products into a new market to boost market share and sales.
- Threats: These are events, competitors, and situations that pose a risk to your company and the goals you’ve set for it. Typical threats include negative media coverage, changing customer demands, emerging competitors, and new rules and regulations.
SWOT Analysis Example:
- Appeals to people who don’t have the time or resources to train their pets.
- Low startup costs.
- Finding enough certified employees to meet the anticipated demand.
- Dealing with aggressive animals may be challenging for newer employees.
Opportunities
- Offering multiple subscription packages for customers who want more frequent training sessions for their pets.
- BehaviorBuddies is a dog walking service in Bradfordville that may take away customers.
Tips for Writing a SWOT Analysis
- Be honest with your business’s weaknesses and threats.
- Capitalize on opportunities you find through market analysis.
Step 7 – Develop a Strategy for Operations
Your business plan needs to include a thorough operations plan. This section reveals your manufacturing, fulfillment, managing, staffing, hiring strategies, and all the other processes you go through when running your business daily.
Operations Strategy Example:
Jamie Clayton will oversee the hiring of all employees, and the team lead will train all employees for at least one month to ensure they have the knowledge necessary to deal with animals of all temperaments.
The team lead will also organize the dog walking schedule to ensure all team members have enough time to arrive at customers’ houses and complete the dog walking/training sessions thoroughly.
Tips for Writing a Business Strategy
- Consider what your business needs to thrive on a daily basis.
- Account for inventory and supplies, even if your business is service-based.
Step 8 – Compile Your Business Financials
Create financial projections, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements for the first few years of operation. If you need funding, specify the amount and how you plan to use it.
Financial Statement Example:
Income Statement for the Year Ended December 31, 2023
- Revenue: $150,000
- Cost of Goods Sold: $30,000
- Gross Profit: $120,000
- Operating Expenses: $80,000
- Net Operating Income: $40,000
- Other Income/Expenses: -$2,000
- Net Income: $38,000
Tips for Writing a Financial Section
- Double-check the accuracy of financial information.
- Demonstrate how the proposed funding aligns with your company’s goals.
- Forecast future financial performance.
Step 9 – Explain Your Funding Request
If you’re seeking funding or investment for your business, explain the amount you need and how you intend to use it. Be transparent about the terms you’re offering to investors or lenders.
Funding Request Example:
Pawsitive Strides Canine Coaching & Walks has already hired a team to serve our existing customers. Once we scale to $500,000 in annual revenue over the next two years and at a 10% profit margin, our primary ongoing annual expenses (not including taxes) will total $350,000.
While already profitable, we are requesting $200,000 in the form of a business loan to buy two additional company vehicles. These vehicles will improve our employees’ ability to get to customers’ homes, and the remaining money will go toward maintaining current company vehicles.
Tips for Writing a Funding Request
- Add a timeline so investors know your goals and how you plan to use the money.
- If you seek funding in the form of an exchange for equity, an investor may expect to gain decision-making powers in your company. Plan for this situation accordingly.
Step 10 – Compile an Appendix for Official Documents
Include relevant documents, such as resumes of key team members, legal agreements, market research data, product design mock-ups, and your business’s legal structure documents.
Remember that each business plan is unique, so tailor your content to your venture and audience. Your business plan should effectively communicate your vision, strategy, and financial viability to potential investors, partners, and stakeholders.
Combine the appendix with a table of contents and footnotes section so you can reference it throughout your document.
You can download a free business plan template below in PDF or Word format:
Related Documents
- Business Continuity Plan : Outline how your business will run in the event of a range of disaster scenarios with a business continuity plan.
- One-Page Business Plan : A simplified version of a traditional business plan that outlines the basics of your business.
- LLC Operating Agreement : An internal written document among members of a Limited Liability Company (“LLC”).
- Business Proposal : Use this document to form new relationships with other businesses and organizations.
- Request for Proposal : Download this form to allow you to collect offers from various vendors who can provide goods or services your business needs.
- Legal Resources
- Partner With Us
- Terms of Use
- Privacy Policy
- Cookie Policy
- Do Not Sell My Personal Information
The document above is a sample. Please note that the language you see here may change depending on your answers to the document questionnaire.
Thank you for downloading!
How would you rate your free template?
Click on a star to rate
Powerful business plan templates
Plan for the future, no matter what your business plans are or the size of your business with these designs and templates. whether it's just one big project or an entire organization's worth of dreams, these templates will keep you and your company on track from ideation to completion..
Put your ideas to work with simple templates for every business plan
Every successful business took a lot of planning to get there, and these templates will be cornerstones of your future success. Whether you're looking to attract new business, pitch your services or reimagine your company, with these simple, customizable templates at your fingertips you can turn complexity into something tangible. These templates can become marketing assets or simply remain internal touchpoints for your team. And as your dreams change, you'll always have this template to refer to – it's easy to change what exists on paper. If you're a small business, focusing on your niche can help you dominate in your field, and you can forge a plan to figure out exactly what that niche might be and how to target your ideal customer . When it's time to share your vision with stakeholders, craft a presentation that outlines your plan succinctly and with style. Let these templates from Microsoft Designer be your partner in business strategy for years to come.
Simple Business Plan Templates
By Joe Weller | April 2, 2020
- Share on Facebook
- Share on LinkedIn
Link copied
In this article, we’ve compiled a variety of simple business plan templates, all of which are free to download in PDF, Word, and Excel formats.
On this page, you’ll find a one-page business plan template , a simple business plan for startups , a small-business plan template , a business plan outline , and more. We also include a business plan sample and the main components of a business plan to help get you started.
Simple Business Plan Template
Download Simple Business Plan Template
Word | PDF
This simple business plan template lays out each element of a traditional business plan to assist you as you build your own, and it provides space to add financing information for startups seeking funding. You can use and customize this simple business plan template to fit the needs for organizations of any size.
One-Page Business Plan Template
Download One-Page Business Plan Template
Excel | Word | PDF | Smartsheet
Use this one-page business plan to document your key ideas in an organized manner. The template can help you create a high-level view of your business plan, and it provides easy scannability for stakeholders. You can use this one-page plan as a reference to build a more detailed blueprint for your business.
For additional single page plans, take a look at " One-Page Business Plan Templates with a Quick How-To Guide ."
Simple Fill-in-the-Blank Business Plan Template
Download Simple Fill-in-the-Blank Business Plan Template
Use this fill-in-the-blank business plan template to guide you as you build your business plan. Each section comes pre-filled with sample content, with space to add customized verbiage relevant to your product or service.
For additional free, downloadable resources, visit " Free Fill-In-the-Blank Business Plan Templates ."
Simple Business Plan for Startup
Download Startup Business Plan Template — Word
This business plan template is designed with a startup business in mind and contains the essential elements needed to convey key product or service details to investors and stakeholders. Keep all your information organized with this template, which provides space to include an executive summary, a company overview, competitive analysis, a marketing strategy, financial data, and more. For additional resources, visit " Free Startup Business Plan Templates and Examples ."
Simple Small-Business Plan Template
Download Simple Small-Business Plan Template
This template walks you through each component of a small-business plan, including the company background, the introduction of the management team, market analysis, product or service offerings, a financial plan, and more. This template also comes with a built-in table of contents to keep your plan in order, and it can be customized to fit your requirements.
Lean Business Plan Template
Download Lean Business Plan Template
This lean business plan template is a stripped-down version of a traditional business plan that provides only the most essential aspects. Briefly outline your company and industry overview, along with the problem you are solving, as well as your unique value proposition, target market, and key performance metrics. There is also room to list out a timeline of key activities.
Simple Business Plan Outline Template
Download Simple Business Plan Outline Template
Use this simple business plan outline as a basis to create your own business plan. This template contains 11 sections, including a title page and a table of contents, which details what each section should cover in a traditional business plan. Simplify or expand this outline to create the foundation for a business plan that fits your business needs.
Simple Business Planning Template with Timeline
Download Simple Business Planning Template with Timeline
Excel | Smartsheet
This template doubles as a project plan and timeline to track progress as you develop your business plan. This business planning template enables you to break down your work into phases and provides room to add key tasks and dates for each activity. Easily fill in the cells according to the start and end dates to create a visual timeline, as well as to ensure your plan stays on track.
Simple Business Plan Rubric Template
Download Simple Business Plan Rubric
Once you complete your business plan, use this business plan rubric template to assess and score each component of your plan. This rubric helps you identify elements of your plan that meet or exceed requirements and pinpoint areas where you need to improve or further elaborate. This template is an invaluable tool to ensure your business plan clearly defines your goals, objectives, and plan of action in order to gain buy-in from potential investors, stakeholders, and partners.
Basic Business Plan Sample
Download Basic Business Plan Sample
This business plan sample serves as an example of a basic business plan that contains all the traditional components. The sample provides a model of what a business plan might look like for a fictional food truck business. Reference this sample as you develop your own business plan.
For additional resources to help support your business planning efforts, check out “ Free Strategic Planning Templates .”
Main Components of a Business Plan
The elements you include in your business plan will depend on your product or service offerings, as well as the size and needs of your business.
Below are the components of a standard business plan and details you should include in each section:
- Company name and contact information
- Website address
- The name of the company or individual viewing the presentation
- Table of Contents
- Company background and purpose
- Mission and vision statement
- Management team introduction
- Core product and service offerings
- Target customers and segments
- Marketing plan
- Competitive analysis
- Unique value proposition
- Financial plan (and requirements, if applicable)
- Business and industry overview
- Historical timeline of your business
- Offerings and the problem they solve
- Current alternatives
- Competitive advantage
- Market size
- Target market segment(s)
- Projected volume and value of sales compared to competitors
- Differentiation from competitors
- Pricing strategy
- Marketing channels
- Promotional plan
- Distribution methods
- Legal structure of your business
- Names of founders, owners, advisors, etc.
- Management team’s roles, relevant experience, and compensation plan
- Staffing requirements and training plans
- Physical location(s) of your business
- Additional physical requirements (e.g., warehouse, specialized equipment, facilities, etc.)
- Production workflow
- Raw materials and sourcing methods
- Projected income statement
- Projected cash flow statement
- Projected balance sheet
- Break-even analysis
- Charts and graphs
- Market research and competitive analysis
- Information about your industry
- Information about your offerings
- Samples of marketing materials
- Other supporting materials
Tips for Creating a Business Plan
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed at the thought of putting together a business plan. Below, you’ll find top tips to help simplify the process as you develop your own plan.
- Use a business plan template (you can choose from the variety above), or refer to the previous section to create a standard outline for your plan.
- Modify your outline to reflect the requirements of your specific business. If you use a standard business plan outline, remove sections that aren’t relevant to you or aren’t necessary to run your business.
- Gather all the information you currently have about your business first, and then use that information to fill out each section in your plan outline.
- Use your resources and conduct additional research to fill in the remaining gaps. (Note: It isn’t necessary to fill out your plan in order, but the executive summary needs to be completed last, as it summarizes the key points in your plan.)
- Ensure your plan clearly communicates the relationship between your marketing, sales, and financial objectives.
- Provide details in your plan that illustrate your strategic plan of action, looking forward three to five years.
- Revisit your plan regularly as strategies and objectives evolve.
- What product or service are we offering?
- Who is the product or service for?
- What problem does our product or service offering solve?
- How will we get the product or service to our target customers?
- Why is our product or service better than the alternatives?
- How can we outperform our competitors?
- What is our unique value proposition?
- When will things get done, and who is responsible for doing them?
- If you need to obtain funding, how will you use the funding?
- When are payments due, and when do payments come in?
- What is the ultimate purpose of your business?
- When do you expect to be profitable?
To identify which type of business plan you should write, and for more helpful tips, take a look at our guide to writing a simple business plan .
Benefits of Using a Business Plan Template
Creating a business plan can be very time-consuming, especially if you aren’t sure where to begin. Finding the right template for your business needs can be beneficial for a variety of reasons.
Using a business plan template — instead of creating your plan from scratch — can benefit you in the following ways:
- Enables you to immediately write down your thoughts and ideas in an organized manner
- Provides structure to help outline your plan
- Saves time and valuable resources
- Helps ensure you don’t miss essential details
Limitations of a Business Plan Template
A business plan template can be convenient, but it has its drawbacks — especially if you use a template that doesn’t fit the specific needs of your business.
Below are some limitations of using a business plan template:
- Each business is unique and needs a business plan that reflects that. A template may not fit your needs.
- A template may restrict collaboration with other team members on different aspects of the plan’s development (sales, marketing, and accounting teams).
- Multiple files containing different versions of the plan may be stored in more than one place.
- You still have to manually create charts and graphs to add to the plan to support your strategy.
- Updates to the plan, spreadsheets, and supporting documents have to be made in multiple places (all documents may not update in real time as changes are made).
Improve Your Business Plan with Real-Time Work Management in Smartsheet
Empower your people to go above and beyond with a flexible platform designed to match the needs of your team — and adapt as those needs change.
The Smartsheet platform makes it easy to plan, capture, manage, and report on work from anywhere, helping your team be more effective and get more done. Report on key metrics and get real-time visibility into work as it happens with roll-up reports, dashboards, and automated workflows built to keep your team connected and informed.
When teams have clarity into the work getting done, there’s no telling how much more they can accomplish in the same amount of time. Try Smartsheet for free, today.
Discover why over 90% of Fortune 100 companies trust Smartsheet to get work done.
You might be using an unsupported or outdated browser. To get the best possible experience please use the latest version of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Microsoft Edge to view this website. |
Simple Business Plan Template (2024)
Updated: May 4, 2024, 4:37pm
Table of Contents
Why business plans are vital, get your free simple business plan template, how to write an effective business plan in 6 steps, frequently asked questions.
While taking many forms and serving many purposes, they all have one thing in common: business plans help you establish your goals and define the means for achieving them. Our simple business plan template covers everything you need to consider when launching a side gig, solo operation or small business. By following this step-by-step process, you might even uncover a few alternate routes to success.
Featured Partners
ZenBusiness
$0 + State Fees
Varies By State & Package
On ZenBusiness' Website
Northwest Registered Agent
$39 + State Fees
On Northwest Registered Agent's Website
Tailor Brands
$0 + state fee + up to $50 Amazon gift card
Varies by State & Package
On Tailor Brands' Website
$0 + State Fee
On Formations' Website
Whether you’re a first-time solopreneur or a seasoned business owner, the planning process challenges you to examine the costs and tasks involved in bringing a product or service to market. The process can also help you spot new income opportunities and hone in on the most profitable business models.
Though vital, business planning doesn’t have to be a chore. Business plans for lean startups and solopreneurs can simply outline the business concept, sales proposition, target customers and sketch out a plan of action to bring the product or service to market. However, if you’re seeking startup funding or partnership opportunities, you’ll need a write a business plan that details market research, operating costs and revenue forecasting. Whichever startup category you fall into, if you’re at square one, our simple business plan template will point you down the right path.
Copy our free simple business plan template so you can fill in the blanks as we explore each element of your business plan. Need help getting your ideas flowing? You’ll also find several startup scenario examples below.
Download free template as .docx
Whether you need a quick-launch overview or an in-depth plan for investors, any business plan should cover the six key elements outlined in our free template and explained below. The main difference in starting a small business versus an investor-funded business is the market research and operational and financial details needed to support the concept.
1. Your Mission or Vision
Start by declaring a “dream statement” for your business. You can call this your executive summary, vision statement or mission. Whatever the name, the first part of your business plan summarizes your idea by answering five questions. Keep it brief, such as an elevator pitch. You’ll expand these answers in the following sections of the simple business plan template.
- What does your business do? Are you selling products, services, information or a combination?
- Where does this happen? Will you conduct business online, in-store, via mobile means or in a specific location or environment?
- Who does your business benefit? Who is your target market and ideal customer for your concept?
- Why would potential customers care? What would make your ideal customers take notice of your business?
- How do your products and/or services outshine the competition? What would make your ideal customers choose you over a competitor?
These answers come easily if you have a solid concept for your business, but don’t worry if you get stuck. Use the rest of your plan template to brainstorm ideas and tactics. You’ll quickly find these answers and possibly new directions as you explore your ideas and options.
2. Offer and Value Proposition
This is where you detail your offer, such as selling products, providing services or both, and why anyone would care. That’s the value proposition. Specifically, you’ll expand on your answers to the first and fourth bullets from your mission/vision.
As you complete this section, you might find that exploring value propositions uncovers marketable business opportunities that you hadn’t yet considered. So spend some time brainstorming the possibilities in this section.
For example, a cottage baker startup specializing in gluten-free or keto-friendly products might be a value proposition that certain audiences care deeply about. Plus, you could expand on that value proposition by offering wedding and other special-occasion cakes that incorporate gluten-free, keto-friendly and traditional cake elements that all guests can enjoy.
3. Audience and Ideal Customer
Here is where you explore bullet point number three, who your business will benefit. Identifying your ideal customer and exploring a broader audience for your goods or services is essential in defining your sales and marketing strategies, plus it helps fine-tune what you offer.
There are many ways to research potential audiences, but a shortcut is to simply identify a problem that people have that your product or service can solve. If you start from the position of being a problem solver, it’s easy to define your audience and describe the wants and needs of your ideal customer for marketing efforts.
Using the cottage baker startup example, a problem people might have is finding fresh-baked gluten-free or keto-friendly sweets. Examining the wants and needs of these people might reveal a target audience that is health-conscious or possibly dealing with health issues and willing to spend more for hard-to-find items.
However, it’s essential to have a customer base that can support your business. You can be too specialized. For example, our baker startup can attract a broader audience and boost revenue by offering a wider selection of traditional baked goods alongside its gluten-free and keto-focused specialties.
4. Revenue Streams, Sales Channels and Marketing
Thanks to our internet-driven economy, startups have many revenue opportunities and can connect with target audiences through various channels. Revenue streams and sales channels also serve as marketing vehicles, so you can cover all three in this section.
Revenue Streams
Revenue streams are the many ways you can make money in your business. In your plan template, list how you’ll make money upon launch, plus include ideas for future expansion. The income possibilities just might surprise you.
For example, our cottage baker startup might consider these revenue streams:
- Product sales : Online, pop-up shops , wholesale and (future) in-store sales
- Affiliate income : Monetize blog and social media posts with affiliate links
- Advertising income : Reserve website space for advertising
- E-book sales : (future) Publish recipe e-books targeting gluten-free and keto-friendly dessert niches
- Video income : (future) Monetize a YouTube channel featuring how-to videos for the gluten-free and keto-friendly dessert niches
- Webinars and online classes : (future) Monetize coaching-style webinars and online classes covering specialty baking tips and techniques
- Members-only content : (future) Monetize a members-only section of the website for specialty content to complement webinars and online classes
- Franchise : (future) Monetize a specialty cottage bakery concept and sell to franchise entrepreneurs
Sales Channels
Sales channels put your revenue streams into action. This section also answers the “where will this happen” question in the second bullet of your vision.
The product sales channels for our cottage bakery example can include:
- Mobile point-of-sale (POS) : A mobile platform such as Shopify or Square POS for managing in-person sales at local farmers’ markets, fairs and festivals
- E-commerce platform : An online store such as Shopify, Square or WooCommerce for online retail sales and wholesale sales orders
- Social media channels : Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest shoppable posts and pins for online sales via social media channels
- Brick-and-mortar location : For in-store sales , once the business has grown to a point that it can support a physical location
Channels that support other income streams might include:
- Affiliate income : Blog section on the e-commerce website and affiliate partner accounts
- Advertising income : Reserved advertising spaces on the e-commerce website
- E-book sales : Amazon e-book sales via Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing
- Video income : YouTube channel with ad monetization
- Webinars and online classes : Online class and webinar platforms that support member accounts, recordings and playback
- Members-only content : Password-protected website content using membership apps such as MemberPress
Nowadays, the line between marketing and sales channels is blurred. Social media outlets, e-books, websites, blogs and videos serve as both marketing tools and income opportunities. Since most are free and those with advertising options are extremely economical, these are ideal marketing outlets for lean startups.
However, many businesses still find value in traditional advertising such as local radio, television, direct mail, newspapers and magazines. You can include these advertising costs in your simple business plan template to help build a marketing plan and budget.
5. Structure, Suppliers and Operations
This section of your simple business plan template explores how to structure and operate your business. Details include the type of business organization your startup will take, roles and responsibilities, supplier logistics and day-to-day operations. Also, include any certifications or permits needed to launch your enterprise in this section.
Our cottage baker example might use a structure and startup plan such as this:
- Business structure : Sole proprietorship with a “doing business as” (DBA) .
- Permits and certifications : County-issued food handling permit and state cottage food certification for home-based food production. Option, check into certified commercial kitchen rentals.
- Roles and responsibilities : Solopreneur, all roles and responsibilities with the owner.
- Supply chain : Bulk ingredients and food packaging via Sam’s Club, Costco, Amazon Prime with annual membership costs. Uline for shipping supplies; no membership needed.
- Day-to-day operations : Source ingredients and bake three days per week to fulfill local and online orders. Reserve time for specialty sales, wholesale partner orders and market events as needed. Ship online orders on alternating days. Update website and create marketing and affiliate blog posts on non-shipping days.
Start A Limited Liability Company Online Today with ZenBusiness
Click to get started.
6. Financial Forecasts
Your final task is to list forecasted business startup and ongoing costs and profit projections in your simple business plan template. Thanks to free business tools such as Square and free marketing on social media, lean startups can launch with few upfront costs. In many cases, cost of goods, shipping and packaging, business permits and printing for business cards are your only out-of-pocket expenses.
Cost Forecast
Our cottage baker’s forecasted lean startup costs might include:
Business Need | Startup Cost | Ongoing Cost | Source |
---|---|---|---|
Gross Profit Projections
This helps you determine the retail prices and sales volume required to keep your business running and, hopefully, earn income for yourself. Use product research to spot target retail prices for your goods, then subtract your cost of goods, such as hourly rate, raw goods and supplier costs. The total amount is your gross profit per item or service.
Here are some examples of projected gross profits for our cottage baker:
Product | Retail Price | (Cost) | Gross Profit |
---|---|---|---|
Bottom Line
Putting careful thought and detail in a business plan is always beneficial, but don’t get so bogged down in planning that you never hit the start button to launch your business . Also, remember that business plans aren’t set in stone. Markets, audiences and technologies change, and so will your goals and means of achieving them. Think of your business plan as a living document and regularly revisit, expand and restructure it as market opportunities and business growth demand.
Is there a template for a business plan?
You can copy our free business plan template and fill in the blanks or customize it in Google Docs, Microsoft Word or another word processing app. This free business plan template includes the six key elements that any entrepreneur needs to consider when launching a new business.
What does a simple business plan include?
A simple business plan is a one- to two-page overview covering six key elements that any budding entrepreneur needs to consider when launching a startup. These include your vision or mission, product or service offering, target audience, revenue streams and sales channels, structure and operations, and financial forecasts.
How can I create a free business plan template?
Start with our free business plan template that covers the six essential elements of a startup. Once downloaded, you can edit this document in Google Docs or another word processing app and add new sections or subsections to your plan template to meet your specific business plan needs.
What basic items should be included in a business plan?
When writing out a business plan, you want to make sure that you cover everything related to your concept for the business, an analysis of the industry―including potential customers and an overview of the market for your goods or services―how you plan to execute your vision for the business, how you plan to grow the business if it becomes successful and all financial data around the business, including current cash on hand, potential investors and budget plans for the next few years.
- Best LLC Services
- Best Registered Agent Services
- Best Trademark Registration Services
- Top LegalZoom Competitors
- Best Business Loans
- Best Business Plan Software
- ZenBusiness Review
- LegalZoom LLC Review
- Northwest Registered Agent Review
- Rocket Lawyer Review
- Inc. Authority Review
- Rocket Lawyer vs. LegalZoom
- Bizee Review (Formerly Incfile)
- Swyft Filings Review
- Harbor Compliance Review
- Sole Proprietorship vs. LLC
- LLC vs. Corporation
- LLC vs. S Corp
- LLP vs. LLC
- DBA vs. LLC
- LegalZoom vs. Incfile
- LegalZoom vs. ZenBusiness
- LegalZoom vs. Rocket Lawyer
- ZenBusiness vs. Incfile
- How To Start A Business
- How to Set Up an LLC
- How to Get a Business License
- LLC Operating Agreement Template
- 501(c)(3) Application Guide
- What is a Business License?
- What is an LLC?
- What is an S Corp?
- What is a C Corp?
- What is a DBA?
- What is a Sole Proprietorship?
- What is a Registered Agent?
- How to Dissolve an LLC
- How to File a DBA
- What Are Articles Of Incorporation?
- Types Of Business Ownership
Next Up In Company Formation
- Best Online Legal Services
- How To Write A Business Plan
- Member-Managed LLC Vs. Manager-Managed LLC
- Starting An S-Corp
- LLC Vs. C-Corp
- How Much Does It Cost To Start An LLC?
What Is SNMP? Simple Network Management Protocol Explained
What Is A Single-Member LLC? Definition, Pros And Cons
What Is Penetration Testing? Definition & Best Practices
What Is Network Access Control (NAC)?
What Is Network Segmentation?
How To Start A Business In Louisiana (2024 Guide)
Krista Fabregas is a seasoned eCommerce and online content pro sharing more than 20 years of hands-on know-how with those looking to launch and grow tech-forward businesses. Her expertise includes eCommerce startups and growth, SMB operations and logistics, website platforms, payment systems, side-gig and affiliate income, and multichannel marketing. Krista holds a bachelor's degree in English from The University of Texas at Austin and held senior positions at NASA, a Fortune 100 company, and several online startups.
FREE Business Plan Templates
Ensure your business's success with Template.net's customizable Business Plan Templates. Tailor your roadmap with professionally-written content, including mission statements, financial details, and growth plans, for a comprehensive strategy.
- Business Plan Format
- Modern Business Plan
- Simple Business Plan
- Business Plans Construction
- Startup Business Plan
- Small Business Plan
- Business Plans Food
- Business Plans Agency
- Business Plans Medical
- Sales Business Plan
- Business Plans Bakery
- Nonprofit Business Plan
- Business Plan Financial
- Real Estate Business Plan
- App Business Plan
- Service Plan
- Strategic Business Plan
- Hotel Business Plan
- Business Plans Catering
- Finance Business Plan
Business Plan Template
One-Page Business Plan Layout Template
Simple Startup Business Plan Template
Strategic Business Plan Template
Basic Business Plan Outline Template
Printable Business Expansion Plan Template
Restaurant Business Plan Template
Business Plan Template for Small Business
Sample Proforma Business Plan Template
Business Plan Proposal Format Template
Food Business Plan Template
Film Business Plan Template
Cleaning Service Business Plan Template
Department Business Plan Template
Professional Store Business Plan Template
Manufacturing Business Plan Template
Nonprofit Business Plan Template
Real Estate Business Plan Template
Nail Business Plan Template
Medical Spa Business Plan Template
Glamping Business Plan Template
Coworking Business Plan Template
Bar Business Plan Template
Aesthetic Blog Business Plan Template
Bakery Business Plan Template
Freelancer Business Plan Design Template
Consultant Business Plan Template
Business Travel Plan Design Template
Blank Personal Business Plan Template
Business Handbook Template
Sample Funeral Plan Tri-Fold Brochure Template
Sample Funeral Plan Bi-Fold Brochure Template
Planning a Funeral Service Tri-Fold Brochure Template
Planning a Funeral Service Bi-Fold Brochure Template
Junk Removal Business Plan Template
Technology Startup Business Plan Template
Salon Business Plan Template
30 60 90 Day Business Plan Template
Yoga Business Plan Template
Water Sports Business Plan Template
Wedding Venue Business Plan Template
Veterinary Business Plan Template
Vacation Rental Business Plan Template
Vending Machine Business Plan Template
Laundry Business Plan Template
College Business Plan Template
University Business Plan Template
Business Training Plan Template
Business Transition Plan Template
Travel Agency Business Plan Template
- IT and Software Business Plan
- Business Plans Fitness
- School Business Plan
- One Page Business Plan
- Healthcare Business Plan
- Gym Business Plan
- Marketing Business Plan
- Transportation Plan
- Sports Plan
- Daycare Business Plan
- Interior Design Business Plan
- Education Business Plan
- Insurance Agency Plan
- Car Wash Business Plan
- Salon Business Plan
- Retail Plan
- Automotive Plan
- Restaurant Business Plan
- Product Business Plan
- Consulting Business Plan
- Clothing Plan
- Farming Business Plan
- Boutique Plan
- Bar Business Plan
- Photography Plan
How to Write a Business Plan
Free Business Plan Template, Printable, Download
With the tough business competition environment nowadays, it’s essential that your business survives whatever the risks it faces. Template.net helps you ensure your business has an effective strategy for growth and survival with our free business plan templates. Choose your business plan template format in simple, lean, or one-page examples that come with prewritten original content and executive summaries that you can edit with our document editor tool. Make your business plan for your startup or nonprofit organization’s marketing, sales, or investment requirements. All template samples are downloadable for free.
Edit Business Plan Online for Free and Download
Choose from different kinds of business plan examples for small businesses, startups, construction companies, real estate agencies, restaurants, fashion clothing stores, cafes, bakeries, salons, coffee shops, or photography studios. Get template samples in one-page or detailed outlines that are useful for corporate entities. Edit your business plan online and download for free anytime.
Get Access to World's largest Template Library & Tools
- Access to 1 Million+ Templates & Tools
- Unlimited access to Design & Documents AI editors
- Professionally Made Content and Beautifully Designed
- Instant Download & 100% Customizable
Choose from 550+ free, downloadable sample business plans.
Search Sample Business Plans
The quickest way to turn a business idea into a business plan
Fill-in-the-blanks and automatic financials make it easy.
No thanks, I prefer writing 40-page documents.
Discover the world’s #1 plan building software
- Newsletters
- Best Industries
- Business Plans
- Home-Based Business
- The UPS Store
- Customer Service
- Black in Business
- Your Next Move
- Female Founders
- Best Workplaces
- Company Culture
- Public Speaking
- HR/Benefits
- Productivity
- All the Hats
- Digital Transformation
- Artificial Intelligence
- Bringing Innovation to Market
- Cloud Computing
- Social Media
- Data Detectives
- Exit Interview
- Bootstrapping
- Crowdfunding
- Venture Capital
- Business Models
- Personal Finance
- Founder-Friendly Investors
- Upcoming Events
- Inc. 5000 Vision Conference
- Become a Sponsor
- Cox Business
- Verizon Business
- Branded Content
- Apply Inc. 5000 US
Inc. Premium
Top 10 Business-Plan Templates You Can Download Free
Why reinvent the wheel get free professional business plan templates at no cost..
Writing your business plan. Ughhhh.
It's definitely not the most exciting part of starting a business. In fact, if you're like a lot of entrepreneurs, you're probably going to find yourself pulling a few all-nighters to get one done before heading into your first pitch for funding . Because that's the thing--your business plan is a pretty important.
Any funder worth his or her salt wants to see it right off the bat. Moreover though, a solid business plan is a living document that will continue to guide your efforts as your business grows. Recently, I shared 18 Mistakes That Kill Startups , an infographic created by Mark Vital over at Funders and Founders.
A lot of those mistakes (most of them, in fact) are the result of poor planning. Bad location, a marginal niche, having no specific user in mind, raising too much or too little money--all of these issues can be prevented or at least mitigated with good planning.
Creating your business plan is more than just getting your ideas down on paper for potential funders to see. It's an exploratory process in which you can evaluate your options, test your assumptions about your idea, and even discover new opportunities. It might even lead you to kill off aspects of your business before investing too much time or money in them.
That doesn't mean you have to bust out Word and start the plan from scratch. A template is great--you probably aren't doing anything that hasn't been done before, so it provides a proven structure for your plan. Pretty much everything on it can be customized. Check out these comprehensive business plan templates you can download for free to get you started:
1. Score's Business Plan Template for Startups
Score is an American nonprofit dedicated to helping entrepreneurs get their companies off the ground. Its template, available as a PDF or Word download, asks a whopping 150 questions and is generic enough to customize for most types of businesses. The Refining the Plan resource that comes with it is helpful, especially if this is your first crack at writing a business plan.
2. U.S. Small Business Administration Business Plan Engine
The SBA's template is available to fill out online and then download as a PDF. You can go back in and edit it as needed, so don't worry about having everything ready the first time you sit down to tackle it. Even broken into sections, it's a long document and a bit of a slog to get through, but it produces a professional-looking and useful business plan. This is particularly helpful if your idea isn't fully fleshed out and you know you have homework to do--it prompts you for information.
3. The $100 Startup's One-Page Business Plan
Who said a business plan has to be a long, complicated document? Some funders are going to want to see a lot of detail, but you can provide that in appendices. The $100 Startup, the website for the best-selling book of the same name, has a ton of stripped-down resources for entrepreneurs, including this super simplified business plan template.
4. LawDepot's WYSIWYG Business Plan Template
This one says you just have to answer a few simple questions and will be "done before you know it!" Don't believe it. A business plan should take time and a lot of homework, but if you've already done that, LawDepot's template is a decent choice. It walks you through getting started, marketing, product, competitive analysis, SWOT, and more, with a window below the input fields to show you the plan as you work away at it. You can download it free with a trial subscription, but you'll have to remember to cancel it within the week if you don't plan to continue using it.
Editor's Note: Looking for Business Loans for your company? If you would like information to help you choose the one that's right for you, use the questionnaire below to have our partner, BuyerZone, provide you with information for free:
5. sme toolkit business plan samples.
The SME Toolkit, jointly offered by IFC and IBM, offers a simple two-page outline of what should be included in your business plan to meet the minimum requirements of funders and tax authorities (in the U.S.). It contains 10 broad sections, including market analysis, management and organization, etc., with a one-paragraph explanation of each. A second download on the same page is an Excel file to help with your financial projections.
6. Office Online Templates Galore
Of course, Microsoft offers a ton of business plan templates for Office users (you can get birthday invitations while you're at it). If you'd rather do a business plan presentation than a Word doc, you can download one of Microsoft Office's half a dozen or so PowerPoint templates for just that purpose. You'll want to customize it with your company branding (you have your branding down, right?), but it's easier than starting from a blank PPT.
7. vFinance Inc. Business Plan Template and Guide
Global financial services firm vFinance offers a basic, 30-page business plan template to download from its website--one the company says has been downloaded more than a quarter of a million times. No, it won't be completely unique, but vFinance knows what it's doing and the template is pretty comprehensive. VFinance is the creator of the massive Venture Capital Directory and has tailored the plan to appeal to funders. If that's your goal, definitely check this one out.
8. Invoiceberry Templates for Word, Open Office, Excel, or PPT
U.K. online invoicing software brand Invoiceberry offers free business plan templates in .docx, .odt, .xlsx, and .pptx formats. Each one also contains a marketing plan and executive summary template. There's a catch, though--the company asks you to take one of the following three actions before you can download the template: like it on Facebook, give it a +1 on Google+, or give it your email address. If you don't mind doing that, it's a good deal. Kudos to Invoiceberry for figuring out this effective lead-gen tactic too!
9. Santa Clara University's My Own Business Institute Plans
Santa Clara U's MOBI is an initiative of its Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the Leavey School of Business. On the site, you can download each of the 15 business plan sections individually as Word documents, or grab all 15 together in one doc. There's a ton of other helpful resources as well, including guidelines for evaluating your potential sites, a list of key people to review your plan, and sample financial sheets.
10. RocketLawyer's Business Plan Templates by State
Like some of the others, you fill out RocketLawyer's form and download the business plan when you're done--but its template allows you to choose your state before getting started. These plans are tailored to meet your financing requirements in your state, which is a huge bonus for those seeking funding through banks. It's also heavily geared toward financing, making it a good choice if that's a priority for you.
Editorial Disclosure: Inc. writes about products and services in this and other articles. These articles are editorially independent - that means editors and reporters research and write on these products free of any influence of any marketing or sales departments. In other words, no one is telling our reporters or editors what to write or to include any particular positive or negative information about these products or services in the article. The article's content is entirely at the discretion of the reporter and editor. You will notice, however, that sometimes we include links to these products and services in the articles. When readers click on these links, and buy these products or services, Inc may be compensated. This e-commerce based advertising model - like every other ad on our article pages - has no impact on our editorial coverage. Reporters and editors don't add those links, nor will they manage them. This advertising model, like others you see on Inc, supports the independent journalism you find on this site.
The Daily Digest for Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders
Privacy Policy
COMMENTS
To write a simple one-page business plan, follow the same core sections as a traditional plan. But instead of lengthy paragraphs and multiple pages covering each area of your business, stick with single sentences and bulleted lists. If a one-page plan sounds like a better option, download our free simple one-page business plan template to get ...
Download one of our free business plan templates and take your company to the next level. Featured ; Accounting & tax ; Affidavit Forms ; Agreements . Apartment Lease Agreements ; Commercial Lease Agreements ... Download a free template from PandaDoc today and take your business to the next level. Get started with PandaDoc today . Request a ...
Utilize this concise Free one-page business plan to systematically record your essential concepts. This template assists in constructing a simplified overview of your business plan, making it easily digestible for stakeholders. Consider this one-page plan as a starting point, serving as a reference for developing a more comprehensive business ...
HubSpot's free business plan templates provides guidance to establishing your company mission, customer research, competition, and a business strategy to profitability. ... Download the Free Business Plan Template. All fields are required. We're committed to your privacy. HubSpot uses the information you provide to us to contact you about our ...
Bonus Appendices section, if you want to get fancy. Detailed instructions for each section. Add new sections or delete unnecessary ones -- the template is your oyster. Make it yours with your logo and branding. Download it as a PDF or Word file. Print it, email it, send it by carrier pigeon if that's your jam.
8 Free Business Plans Templates & Examples. Whether you're pitching a potential cofounder, investors, future employees, or accelators, these business plan templates will help you define your mission and sell your vision. Download free templates.
Having a template for a business plan lets you focus on the main aspects of your business operation, making it full and detailed for your investors. And PandaDoc will help a lot with this task, while such features as eSignature will help with making this small business plan template a real and verified source of the information. This free ...
The rest, while still useful, go a bit lighter on guidance in favor of tailoring the plan to a specific industry. Explore: PandaDoc's business plan template library. 5. Canva — Pitch with your plan. Canva is a great option for building a visually stunning business plan that can be used as a pitch tool.
Learn more about creating your own business plan presentation or document by going through our step-by-step tutorial below or watching this quick video. Log into your Visme dashboard or create a new account, then click Create New Project. Access our business plan templates by searching for "Business Plan" in the search box.
Step 1 - Create an Executive Summary. An executive summary is the first section of a traditional business plan, serving as the first impression of your business. Please give a brief overview of your company, including its mission, key goals, and a snapshot of your financial projections.
Powerful business plan templates. Plan for the future, no matter what your business plans are or the size of your business with these designs and templates. Whether it's just one big project or an entire organization's worth of dreams, these templates will keep you and your company on track from ideation to completion. Category.
Download Simple Small-Business Plan Template. Word | PDF. This template walks you through each component of a small-business plan, including the company background, the introduction of the management team, market analysis, product or service offerings, a financial plan, and more. This template also comes with a built-in table of contents to ...
Our simple business plan template covers everything you need to consider when launching a side gig, solo operation or small busi. Select Region ... Download free template as .docx.
Free Business Plan Template, Printable, Download. ... Edit Business Plan Online for Free and Download. Choose from different kinds of business plan examples for small businesses, startups, construction companies, real estate agencies, restaurants, fashion clothing stores, cafes, bakeries, salons, coffee shops, or photography studios. ...
A good business plan guides you through each stage of starting and managing your business. You'll use your business plan as a roadmap for how to structure, run, and grow your new business. It's a way to think through the key elements of your business. Business plans can help you get funding or bring on new business partners.
Free download. A fill-in-the-blank business plan built for small businesses. Download Business Plan Template. Sample Plans. Popular Plans. ... Choose from 550+ free, downloadable sample business plans. Go Now. Search Sample Business Plans
If that's your goal, definitely check this one out. 8. Invoiceberry Templates for Word, Open Office, Excel, or PPT. U.K. online invoicing software brand Invoiceberry offers free business plan ...
Your Free Sample BCP Pages Explained 1. Table of Contents. Not only does the dynamic table of contents make it simple to navigate your business continuity plan template in an actual disaster or crisis, but it is also dynamic so any changes you may want to make to headings within your business continuity plan are automatically reflected in the Table of Contents with a single click.