contents of a business plan template

How to Build a Detailed Business Plan That Stands Out [Free Template]

Updated: March 29, 2022

Published: March 11, 2022

While starting a company may seem easier now than ever before, entrepreneurs have an uphill battle from the moment they start a business. And without a clear, actionable business plan for selling, marketing, finances, and operations, you're almost destined to face significant challenges.

This is why crafting a business plan is an essential step in the entrepreneurial process.

In this post, we'll walk you through the process of filling out your business plan template, like this free, editable version :

Download a free, editable one-page business plan template.

We know that when looking at a blank page on a laptop screen, the idea of writing your business plan can seem impossible. However, it's a mandatory step to take if you want to turn your business dreams into a reality.

That's why we've crafted a business plan template for you to download and use to build your new company. You can download it here for free . It contains prompts for all of the essential parts of a business plan, all of which are elaborated on, below.

This way, you'll be able to show them how organized and well-thought-out your business idea is, and provide them with answers to whatever questions they may have.

Free Business Plan Template

The essential document for starting a business -- custom built for your needs.

• Outline your idea.
• Pitch to investors.
• Secure funding.
• Get to work!

You're all set!

Click this link to access this resource at any time.

Building a Successful Business Plan

In the next section, we'll cover the components of a business plan , such as an executive summary and company description. But before we get to that, let's talk about key elements that should serve as building blocks for your plan.

For some entrepreneurs, the thought of writing a business plan sounds like a chore — a necessary means to an end. But that's a bad take.

A solid business plan is a blueprint for success . It's key to securing financing, presenting your business, outlining your financial projections, and turning that nugget of a business idea into a reality.

At the core, your business plan should answer two questions: why your business and why now?

Investors want to know why your business is entering the market, i.e. what problem it's solving and how it's different from what's currently out there. They also want to know why now is the right time for your type of product or service.

At a minimum, your plan should:

• Be more realistic than idealistic: Too often, business plans focus too much on how things could be instead of how they are. While having a vision is important, your plan needs to be rooted in research and data.
• Legitimize your business idea : If an idea fails on paper, it's a signal to go back to the drawing board. In doing so, you avoid losing precious time or money chasing an unrealistic idea.
• Position your business for funding: To get your business off the ground, chances are you'll need financial backing. Even with a solid business idea, investors, lenders, and banks still need convincing. An effective business plan will outline how much money you need, where it's going, what targets you will hit, and how you plan to repay any debts.
• Lay the foundation: Investors focus on risk – if anything looks shaky, it could be a dealbreaker. Ideally, your business plan will lay down the foundation for how you'll operate your business — from operational needs to financial projections and goals.
• Communicate your needs: It's nearly impossible to communicate your needs if you don't know what they are first. Of course, a business’ needs are always changing — but your plan should give you a well-rounded view of how your business will work in the short and long term.

So back to the question of why and why now – consider three things:

• Your industry – How does your product or service fit within your industry? Are you targeting a specific niche? Where do you see the industry going in the next five to 10 years?
• Your target audience – Who are you targeting? What challenges are they facing? How will your product or service help them in their daily lives?
• Your unique selling proposition (USP) – What sets you apart from your competitors? Is it your product/service features? Your company values? Price?

Once you know the answers to these questions, you'll be equipped to answer the question: why your business and why now.

How to Build a Business Plan

• Executive Summary
• Company and Business Description
• Product and Services Line
• Market Analysis
• Marketing Plan
• Legal Notes
• Financial Considerations

Featured Resource: Free Business Plan Template

1. cover page.

Your business plan should be prefaced with an eye-catching cover page. This means including a high-resolution image of your company logo, followed by your company's name, address, and phone number.

Since this business plan will likely change hands and be seen by multiple investors, you should also provide your own name, role in the business, and email address on the cover page.

At the bottom of this page, you can also add a confidentiality statement to protect against the disclosure of your business details.

The statement can read as follows: " This document contains confidential and proprietary information created by [your company name]. When receiving this document, you agree to keep its content confidential and may only reproduce and/or share it with express written permission of [your company name] ."

Remember to keep your cover page simple and concise — and save the important details for other sections.

Why it matters: First impressions are everything, and a clean cover page is the first step in the right direction.

Example of a Cover Page

2. Executive Summary

The executive summary of your business plan provides a one- to two-page overview of your business and highlights the most crucial pieces of your plan, such as your short-term and long-term goals.

The executive summary is essentially a boiled-down version of your entire business plan, so remember to keep this section to the point and filled only with essential information.

Typically, this brief section includes:

• A mission statement.
• The company's history and leadership model.
• An overview of competitive advantage(s).
• Financial projections.
• Company goals.
• An ask from potential investors.

Why it matters: The executive summary is known as the make-or-break section of a business plan. It influences whether investors turn the page or not — so effectively summarizing your business and the problem it hopes to solve is a must.

Think of the Summary as a written elevator pitch (with more detail). While your business plan provides the nitty-gritty details, your Summary describes — in a compelling but matter-of-fact language — the highlights of your plan. If it's too vague, complicated, or fuzzy, you may need to scrap it and start again.

Example of an Executive Summary Introduction

"The future looks bright for North Side Chicago, particularly the Rock Hill Neighborhood. A number of high-end commercial and residential developments are well on their way, along with two new condo developments in nearby neighborhoods.

While the completion of these developments will increase the population within the neighborhood and stimulate the economy, the area lacks an upscale restaurant where residents and visitors can enjoy fine food and drink. Jay Street Lounge and Restaurant will provide such a place."

3. Company & Business Description

In this section, provide a more thorough description of what your company is and why it exists.

The bulk of the writing in this section should be about your company's purpose – covering what the business will be selling, identifying the target market, and laying out a path to success.

In this portion of your business plan, you can also elaborate on your company's:

• Mission statement
• Core values
• Team and organizational structure

Why it matters: Investors look for great structures and teams in addition to great ideas. This section gives an overview of your businesses' ethos. It's the perfect opportunity to set your business apart from the competition — such as your team's expertise, your unique work culture, and your competitive advantage.

Example of a Values/Mission Statement

"Jay Street Lounge and Restaurant will be the go-to place for people to get a drink or bite in an elegant, upscale atmosphere. The mission is to be North Side's leading restaurant, with the best tasting food and the highest quality service."

3. Product & Services Line

Here's where you'll cover the makeup of your business's product and/or services line. You should provide each product or service's name, its purpose, and a description of how it works (if appropriate). If you own any patents, copyrights, or trademarks, it's essential to include this info too.

Next, add some color to your sales strategy by outlining your pricing model and mark-up amounts.

If you're selling tangible products, you should also explain production and costs, and how you expect these factors to change as you scale.

Why it matters: This section contains the real meat of your business plan. It sets the stage for the problem you hope to solve, your solution, and how your said solution fits in the market.

There's no one-size-fits-all formula for this section. For instance, one plan may delve into its ability to market in a more cost-effective way than the competition, whereas another plan focuses on its key products and their unique features and benefits.

Regardless of your angle, it's critical to convey how your offerings will differ from the competition.

Example of a Product/Service Offering

"The menu at Jay Street Lounge and Restaurant will focus on Moroccan cuisine. The stars of the menu (our specialties) are the Moroccan dishes, such as eggplant zaalouk, seafood bastilla, tagine, and chickpea stew. For those who enjoy American dishes, there will also be a variety of options, from burger sliders and flatbread pizza to grilled steak and salads.

The food at Jay Street will have premium pricing to match its upscale atmosphere. During the summer months, the restaurant will have extra seating on the patio where clients can enjoy a special summer menu. We will be open on all days of the week."

4. Market Analysis

It helps to reference your market research documentation in this section, like a Porter's Five Forces Analysis or a SWOT Analysis ( templates for those are available here ). You can also include them in your appendix.

If your company already has buyer personas, you should include them here as well. If not, you can create them right now using the Make My Persona Tool .

Why it matters: Having an awesome product is, well, awesome — but it isn't enough. Just as important, there must be a market for it.

This section allows you to dig deeper into your market, which segments you want to target, and why. The "why" here is important, since targeting the right segment is critical for the success and growth of your business.

It's easy to get lost (or overwhelmed) in a sea of endless data. For your business plan, narrow your focus by answering the following questions:

• What is my market? In other words, who are my customers?
• What segments of the market do I want to target?
• What's the size of my target market?
• Is my market likely to grow?
• How can I increase my market share over time?

Example of a Market Analysis

"Jay Street Lounge and Restaurant will target locals who live and work within the Rock Hill Neighborhood and the greater North Side Chicago area. We will also target the tourists who flock to the many tourist attractions and colleges on the North Side.

We will specifically focus on young to middle-aged adults with an income of $40,000 to $80,000 who are looking for an upscale experience. The general demographics of our target market are women between 20 to 50 years old.

A unique and varied Moroccan-American menu, along with our unique upscale atmosphere, differentiates us from competitors in the area. Jay Street will also set itself apart through its commitment to high-quality food, service, design, and atmosphere."

5. Marketing Plan

Unlike the market analysis section, your marketing plan section should be an explanation of the tactical approach to reaching your aforementioned target audience. List your advertising channels, organic marketing methods, messaging, budget, and any relevant promotional tactics.

If your company has a fully fleshed-out marketing plan, you can attach it in the appendix of your business plan. If not, download this free marketing plan template to outline your strategy.

Free Marketing Plan Template

Outline your company's marketing strategy in one simple, coherent plan.

• Pre-Sectioned Template
• Completely Customizable
• Example Prompts
• Professionally Designed

Why it matters: Marketing is what puts your product in front of your customers. It's not just advertising — it's an investment in your business.

Throwing money into random marketing channels is a haphazard approach, which is why it's essential to do the legwork to create a solid marketing plan.

Here's some good news — by this point, you should have a solid understanding of your target market. Now, it's time to determine how you'll reach them.

Example of a Marketing Plan Overview

"Our marketing strategy will focus on three main initiatives:

• Social media marketing. We will grow and expand our Facebook and Instagram following through targeted social media ads.
• Website initiatives. Our website will attract potential visitors by offering updated menus and a calendar of events.
• Promotional events. Jay Street will have one special theme night per week to attract new clients."

6. Sales Plan

It doesn't matter if your sales department is an office full of business development representatives (BDR) or a dozen stores with your products on their shelves.

The point is: All sales plans are different, so you should clearly outline yours here. Common talking points include your:

• Sales team structure, and why this structure was chosen.
• Sales channels.
• Sales tools, software, and resources.
• Prospecting strategy.
• Sales goals and budget.

Like with your marketing plan, it might make sense to attach your completed sales plan to the appendix of your business plan. You can download a template for building your sales plan here .

Why it matters: Among other things, investors are interested in the scalability of your business — which is why growth strategies are a critical part of your business plan.

Your sales plan should describe your plan to attract customers, retain them (if applicable), and, ultimately, grow your business. Be sure to outline what you plan to do given your existing resources and what results you expect from your work.

Example of a Sales Plan Overview

"The most important goal is to ensure financial success for Jay Street Lounge and Restaurant. We believe we can achieve this by offering excellent food, entertainment, and service to our clients.

We are not a low-cost dining option in the area. Instead, the food will have premium pricing to match its upscale feel. The strategy is to give Jay Street a perception of elegance through its food, entertainment, and excellent service."

7. Legal Notes

Your investors may want to know the legal structure of your business, as that could directly impact the risk of their investments. For example, if you're looking for business partners to engage in a non-corporation or LLC partnership, this means they could be on the line for more than their actual investment.

Because this clarification is often needed, explain if you are and/or plan to become a sole proprietor, partnership, corporation, LLC, or other.

You should also outline the steps you have taken (or will need to take) to operate legally. This includes licenses, permits, registrations, and insurance.

The last thing your investor wants to hear after they've sent you a big chunk of change is that you're operating without proper approval from the local, state, or federal government.

Why it matters: The last thing your investor wants to hear after they've sent you a big chunk of change is that you're operating without proper approval from the local, state, or federal government.

Example of Legal Notes

"Jay Street Lounge and Restaurant is up-to-date on all restaurant licenses and health permits. Our business name and logo are registered trademarks, presenting the possibility of expanding locally."

8. Financial Considerations

Ultimately, investors want to know two things:

• When they will earn their money back.
• When they will start seeing returns on their initial investment.

That said, be clear, calculated, and convincing in this section. It should cover:

• Startup costs.
• Sales forecasts for the next several months/quarters.
• Break-even analysis for time and dollars.
• Projected profit and loss (P&L) statement.

Facts and figures are key here, so be as specific as possible with each line item and projection. In addition, explain the "why" behind each of these sections.

However, keep in mind that information overload is a risk, especially when it comes to data. So, if you have pages upon pages of charts and spreadsheets for this section, distill them into a page or two and include the rest of the sheets in the appendix. This section should only focus on key data points.

Why it matters: One of the most important aspects of becoming "investor ready" is knowing your numbers. More importantly, you need to understand how those numbers will enhance your business.

While it's easy to write a number down on paper, it's more important to understand (and communicate) why you need capital, where it's going, and that your evaluation makes sense.

Example of Financial Projections

"Based on our knowledge and experience in the restaurant industry, we have come up with projections for the business.

Starting with an expenditure of $400,000 in year 1, we forecast sales of $1,500,000 and $2,800,000 for years two and three. We expect to achieve a net profit of 15% by year three."

9. Appendix

A detailed and well-developed business plan can range anywhere from 20 to 50 pages, with some even reaching upward of 80.

In many cases, the appendix is the longest section. Why? Because it includes the supportive materials mentioned in previous sections. To avoid disrupting the flow of the business plan with visuals, charts, and spreadsheets, business owners usually add them in the last section, i.e. the appendix.

Aside from what we've already mentioned – marketing plan, sales plan, department budgets, financial documents – you may also want to attach the following in the appendix:

• Marketing materials
• Market research data
• Licensing documentation
• Branding assets
• Floor plans for your location
• Mockups of your product
• Renderings of your office space or location design

Adding these pieces to the appendix enriches the reader's understanding of your business and proves you've put the work into your business plan without distracting from the main points throughout the plan.

Why it matters: An appendix helps the reader do their due diligence. It contains everything they need to support your business plan.

Keep in mind, however, that an appendix is typically necessary only if you're seeking financing or looking to attract business partners.

Use a Business Plan Template to Get Started

Writing a business plan shouldn't be an insurmountable roadblock to starting a business. Unfortunately, for all too many, it is.

That's why we recommend using our free business plan template. Pre-filled with detailed section prompts for all of the topics in this blog post, we're confident this template will get your business plan started in the right direction.

Editor's note: This post was originally published in June 2017 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.

Don't forget to share this post!

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How to Write a Business Plan (Plus Examples & Templates)

• 3 years ago

Have you ever wondered how to write a business plan step by step? Mike Andes, told us: 

This guide will help you write a business plan to impress investors.

Throughout this process, we’ll get information from Mike Andes, who started Augusta Lawn Care Services when he was 12 and turned it into a franchise with over 90 locations. He has gone on to help others learn how to write business plans and start businesses.  He knows a thing or two about writing  business plans!

We’ll start by discussing the definition of a business plan. Then we’ll discuss how to come up with the idea, how to do the market research, and then the important elements in the business plan format. Keep reading to start your journey!

What Is a Business Plan?

A business plan is simply a road map of what you are trying to achieve with your business and how you will go about achieving it. It should cover all elements of your business including: 

• Finding customers
• Plans for developing a team
•  Competition
• Legal structures
• Key milestones you are pursuing

If you aren’t quite ready to create a business plan, consider starting by reading our business startup guide .

Get a Business Idea

Before you can write a business plan, you have to have a business idea. You may see a problem that needs to be solved and have an idea how to solve it, or you might start by evaluating your interests and skills. 

Mike told us, “The three things I suggest asking yourself when thinking about starting a business are:

• What am I good at?
• What would I enjoy doing?
• What can I get paid for?”

If all three of these questions don’t lead to at least one common answer, it will probably be a much harder road to success. Either there is not much market for it, you won’t be good at it, or you won’t enjoy doing it. 

As Mike told us, “There’s enough stress starting and running a business that if you don’t like it or aren’t good at it, it’s hard to succeed.”

If you’d like to hear more about Mike’s approach to starting a business, check out our YouTube video

Conduct Market Analysis

Market analysis is focused on establishing if there is a target market for your products and services, how large the target market is, and identifying the demographics of people or businesses that would be interested in the product or service. The goal here is to establish how much money your business concept can make.

Product and Service Demand

A search engine is your best friend when trying to figure out if there is demand for your products and services. Personally, I love using presearch.org because it lets you directly search on a ton of different platforms including Google, Youtube, Twitter, and more. Check out the screenshot for the full list of search options.

With quick web searches, you can find out how many competitors you have, look through their reviews, and see if there are common complaints about the competitors. Bad reviews are a great place to find opportunities to offer better products or services. 

If there are no similar products or services, you may have stumbled upon something new, or there may just be no demand for it. To find out, go talk to your most honest friend about the idea and see what they think. If they tell you it’s dumb or stare at you vacantly, there’s probably no market for it.

You can also conduct a survey through social media to get public opinion on your idea. Using Facebook Business Manager , you could get a feel for who would be interested in your product or service.

 I ran a quick test of how many people between 18-65  you could reach in the U.S. during a week. It returned an estimated 700-2,000 for the total number of leads, which is enough to do a fairly accurate statistical analysis.

Identify Demographics of Target Market

Depending on what type of business you want to run, your target market will be different. The narrower the demographic, the fewer potential customers you’ll have. If you did a survey, you’ll be able to use that data to help define your target audience. Some considerations you’ll want to consider are:

• Other Interests
• Marital Status
• Do they have kids?

Once you have this information, it can help you narrow down your options for location and help define your marketing further. One resource that Mike recommended using is the Census Bureau’s Quick Facts Map . He told us,  

“It helps you quickly evaluate what the best areas are for your business to be located.”

How to Write a Business Plan

Now that you’ve developed your idea a little and established there is a market for it, you can begin writing a business plan. Getting started is easier with the business plan template we created for you to download. I strongly recommend using it as it is updated to make it easier to create an action plan. 

Each of the following should be a section of your business plan:

• Business Plan Cover Page
• Table of Contents
• Executive Summary
• Company Description
• Description of Products and Services

SWOT Analysis

• Competitor Data
• Competitive Analysis
• Marketing Expenses Strategy 

Pricing Strategy

• Distribution Channel Assessment
• Operational Plan
• Management and Organizational Strategy
• Financial Statements and/or Financial Projections

We’ll look into each of these. Don’t forget to download our free business plan template (mentioned just above) so you can follow along as we go. 

How to Write a Business Plan Step 1. Create a Cover Page

The first thing investors will see is the cover page for your business plan. Make sure it looks professional. A great cover page shows that you think about first impressions.

A good business plan should have the following elements on a cover page:

• Professionally designed logo
• Company name
• Mission or Vision Statement
• Contact Info

Basically, think of a cover page for your business plan like a giant business card. It is meant to capture people’s attention but be quickly processed.

How to Write a Business Plan Step 2. Create a Table of Contents

Most people are busy enough that they don’t have a lot of time. Providing a table of contents makes it easy for them to find the pages of your plan that are meaningful to them.

A table of contents will be immediately after the cover page, but you can include it after the executive summary. Including the table of contents immediately after the executive summary will help investors know what section of your business plan they want to review more thoroughly.

Check out Canva’s article about creating a  table of contents . It has a ton of great information about creating easy access to each section of your business plan. Just remember that you’ll want to use different strategies for digital and hard copy business plans.

How to Write a Business Plan Step 3. Write an Executive Summary

An executive summary is where your business plan should catch the readers interest.  It doesn’t need to be long, but should be quick and easy to read.

Mike told us,

How long should an executive summary bein an informal business plan?

For casual use, an executive summary should be similar to an elevator pitch, no more than 150-160 words, just enough to get them interested and wanting more. Indeed has a great article on elevator pitches .  This can also be used for the content of emails to get readers’ attention.

It consists of three basic parts:

• An introduction to you and your business.
• What your business is about.
• A call to action

Example of an informal executive summary 

One of the best elevator pitches I’ve used is:

So far that pitch has achieved a 100% success rate in getting partnerships for the business.

What should I include in an executive summary for investors?

Investors are going to need a more detailed executive summary if you want to secure financing or sell equity. The executive summary should be a brief overview of your entire business plan and include:

• Introduction of yourself and company.
• An origin story (Recognition of a problem and how you came to solution)
• An introduction to your products or services.
• Your unique value proposition. Make sure to include intellectual property.
• Where you are in the business life cycle
• Request and why you need it.

Successful business plan examples

The owner of Urbanity told us he spent 2 months writing a 75-page business plan and received a $250,000 loan from the bank when he was 23. Make your business plan as detailed as possible when looking for financing. We’ve provided a template to help you prepare the portions of a business plan that banks expect.

Here’s the interview with the owner of Urbanity:

When to write an executive summary?

Even though the summary is near the beginning of a business plan, you should write it after you complete the rest of a business plan. You can’t talk about revenue, profits, and expected expenditures if you haven’t done the market research and created a financial plan.

What mistakes do people make when writing an executive summary?

Business owners commonly go into too much detail about the following items in an executive summary:

• Marketing and sales processes
• Financial statements
• Organizational structure
• Market analysis

These are things that people will want to know later, but they don’t hook the reader. They won’t spark interest in your small business, but they’ll close the deal.

How to Write a Business Plan Step 4. Company Description

Every business plan should include a company description. A great business plan will include the following elements while describing the company:

• Mission statement
• Philosophy and vision
• Company goals

Target market

• Legal structure

Let’s take a look at what each section includes in a good business plan.

Mission Statement

A mission statement is a brief explanation of why you started the company and what the company’s main focus is. It should be no more than one or two sentences. Check out HubSpot’s article 27 Inspiring Mission Statement for a great read on informative and inspiring mission and vision statements. 

Company Philosophy and Vision

The company philosophy is what drives your company. You’ll normally hear them called core values.  These are the building blocks that make your company different. You want to communicate your values to customers, business owners, and investors as often as possible to build a company culture, but make sure to back them up.

What makes your company different?

Each company is different. Your new business should rise above the standard company lines of honesty, integrity, fun, innovation, and community when communicating your business values. The standard answers are corporate jargon and lack authenticity. 

Examples of core values

One of my clients decided to add a core values page to their website. As a tech company they emphasized the values:

•  Prioritize communication.
•  Never stop learning.
•  Be transparent.
•  Start small and grow incrementally.

These values communicate how the owner and the rest of the company operate. They also show a value proposition and competitive advantage because they specifically focus on delivering business value from the start. These values also genuinely show what the company is about and customers recognize the sincerity. Indeed has a great blog about how to identify your core values .

What is a vision statement?

A vision statement communicate the long lasting change a business pursues. The vision helps investors and customers understand what your company is trying to accomplish. The vision statement goes beyond a mission statement to provide something meaningful to the community, customer’s lives, or even the world.

Example vision statements

The Alzheimer’s Association is a great example of a vision statement:

A world without Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementia.

It clearly tells how they want to change the world. A world without Alzheimers might be unachievable, but that means they always have room for improvement.

Business Goals

You have to measure success against goals for a business plan to be meaningful. A business plan helps guide a company similar to how your GPS provides a road map to your favorite travel destination. A goal to make as much money as possible is not inspirational and sounds greedy.

Sure, business owners want to increase their profits and improve customer service, but they need to present an overview of what they consider success. The goals should help everyone prioritize their work.

How far in advance should a business plan?

Business planning should be done at least one year in advance, but many banks and investors prefer three to five year business plans. Longer plans show investors that the management team  understands the market and knows the business is operating in a constantly shifting market. In addition, a plan helps businesses to adjust to changes because they have already considered how to handle them.

Example of great business goals

My all time-favorite long-term company goals are included in Tesla’s Master Plan, Part Deux . These goals were written in 2016 and drive the company’s decisions through 2026. They are the reason that investors are so forgiving when Elon Musk continually fails to meet his quarterly and annual goals.

If the progress aligns with the business plan investors are likely to continue to believe in the company. Just make sure the goals are reasonable or you’ll be discredited (unless you’re Elon Musk).

You did target market research before creating a business plan. Now it’s time to add it to the plan so others understand what your ideal customer looks like. As a new business owner, you may not be considered an expert in your field yet, so document everything. Make sure the references you use are from respectable sources. 

Use information from the specific lender when you are applying for lending. Most lenders provide industry research reports and using their data can strengthen the position of your business plan.

A small business plan should include a section on the external environment. Understanding the industry is crucial because we don’t plan a business in a vacuum. Make sure to research the industry trends, competitors, and forecasts. I personally prefer IBIS World for my business research. Make sure to answer questions like:

• What is the industry outlook long-term and short-term?
• How will your business take advantage of projected industry changes and trends?
• What might happen to your competitors and how will your business successfully compete?

Industry resources

Some helpful resources to help you establish more about your industry are:

• Trade Associations
• Federal Reserve
• Bureau of Labor Statistics

Legal Structure

There are five basic types of legal structures that most people will utilize:

• Sole proprietorships
• Limited Liability Companies (LLC)

Partnerships

Corporations.

• Franchises.

Each business structure has their pros and cons. An LLC is the most common legal structure due to its protection of personal assets and ease of setting up. Make sure to specify how ownership is divided and what roles each owner plays when you have more than one business owner.

You’ll have to decide which structure is best for you, but we’ve gathered information on each to make it easier.

Sole Proprietorship

A sole proprietorship is the easiest legal structure to set up but doesn’t protect the owner’s personal assets from legal issues. That means if something goes wrong, you could lose both your company and your home.

To start a sole proprietorship, fill out a special tax form called a  Schedule C . Sole proprietors can also join the American Independent Business Alliance .

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

An LLC is the most common business structure used in the United States because an LLC protects the owner’s personal assets. It’s similar to partnerships and corporations, but can be a single-member LLC in most states. An LLC requires a document called an operating agreement.

Each state has different requirements. Here’s a link to find your state’s requirements . Delaware and Nevada are common states to file an LLC because they are really business-friendly. Here’s a blog on the top 10 states to get an LLC.

Partnerships are typically for legal firms. If you choose to use a partnership choose a Limited Liability Partnership. Alternatively, you can just use an LLC.

Corporations are typically for massive organizations. Corporations have taxes on both corporate and income tax so unless you plan on selling stock, you are better off considering an LLC with S-Corp status . Investopedia has good information corporations here .

There are several opportunities to purchase successful franchises. TopFranchise.com has a list of companies in a variety of industries that offer franchise opportunities. This makes it where an entrepreneur can benefit from the reputation of an established business that has already worked out many of the kinks of starting from scratch.

How to Write a Business Plan Step 5. Products and Services

This section of the business plan should focus on what you sell, how you source it, and how you sell it. You should include:

• Unique features that differentiate your business products from competitors
• Intellectual property
• Your supply chain
• Cost and pricing structure 

Questions to answer about your products and services

Mike gave us a list  of the most important questions to answer about your product and services:

• How will you be selling the product? (in person, ecommerce, wholesale, direct to consumer)?
• How do you let them know they need a product?
• How do you communicate the message?
• How will you do transactions?
• How much will you be selling it for?
• How many do you think you’ll sell and why?

Make sure to use the worksheet on our business plan template .

How to Write a Business Plan Step 6. Sales and Marketing Plan

The marketing and sales plan is focused on the strategy to bring awareness to your company and guides how you will get the product to the consumer.  It should contain the following sections:

SWOT Analysis stands for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Not only do you want to identify them, but you also want to document how the business plans to deal with them.

Business owners need to do a thorough job documenting how their service or product stacks up against the competition.

If proper research isn’t done, investors will be able to tell that the owner hasn’t researched the competition and is less likely to believe that the team can protect its service from threats by the more well-established competition. This is one of the most common parts of a presentation that trips up business owners presenting on Shark Tank .

SWOT Examples

Examples of strengths and weaknesses could be things like the lack of cash flow, intellectual property ownership, high costs of suppliers, and customers’ expectations on shipping times.

Opportunities could be ways to capitalize on your strengths or improve your weaknesses, but may also be gaps in the industry. This includes:

• Adding offerings that fit with your current small business
• Increase sales to current customers
• Reducing costs through bulk ordering
• Finding ways to reduce inventory
•  And other areas you can improve

Threats will normally come from outside of the company but could also be things like losing a key member of the team. Threats normally come from competition, regulations, taxes, and unforeseen events.

The management team should use the SWOT analysis to guide other areas of business planning, but it absolutely has to be done before a business owner starts marketing. 

Include Competitor Data in Your Business Plan

When you plan a business, taking into consideration the strengths and weaknesses of the competition is key to navigating the field. Providing an overview of your competition and where they are headed shows that you are invested in understanding the industry.

For smaller businesses, you’ll want to search both the company and the owners names to see what they are working on. For publicly held corporations, you can find their quarterly and annual reports on the SEC website .

What another business plans to do can impact your business. Make sure to include things that might make it attractive for bigger companies to outsource to a small business.

Marketing Strategy

The marketing and sales part of business plans should be focused on how you are going to make potential customers aware of your business and then sell to them.

If you haven’t already included it, Mike recommends:

“They’ll want to know about Demographics, ages, and wealth of your target market.”

Make sure to include the Total addressable market .  The term refers to the value if you captured 100% of the market.

Advertising Strategy

You’ll explain what formats of advertising you’ll be using. Some possibilities are:

• Online: Facebook and Google are the big names to work with here.
• Print : Print can be used to reach broad groups or targeted markets. Check out this for tips .
• Radio : iHeartMedia is one of the best ways to advertise on the radio
• Cable television : High priced, hard to measure ROI, but here’s an explanation of the process
• Billboards: Attracting customers with billboards can be beneficial in high traffic areas.

You’ll want to define how you’ll be using each including frequency, duration, and cost. If you have the materials already created, including pictures or links to the marketing to show creative assets.

Mike told us “Most businesses are marketing digitally now due to Covid, but that’s not always the right answer.”

Make sure the marketing strategy will help team members or external marketing agencies stay within the brand guidelines .

This section of a business plan should be focused on pricing. There are a ton of pricing strategies that may work for different business plans. Which one will work for you depends on what kind of a business you run.

Some common pricing strategies are:

• Value-based pricing – Commonly used with home buying and selling or other products that are status symbols.
• Skimming pricing – Commonly seen in video game consoles, price starts off high to recoup expenses quickly, then reduces over time.
• Competition-based pricing – Pricing based on competitors’ pricing is commonly seen at gas stations.
• Freemium services –  Commonly used for software, where there is a free plan, then purchase options for more functionality.

HubSpot has a great calculator and blog on pricing strategies.

Beyond explaining what strategy your business plans to use, you should include references for how you came to this pricing strategy and how it will impact your cash flow.

Distribution Plan

This part of a business plan is focused on how the product or service is going to go through the supply chain. These may include multiple divisions or multiple companies. Make sure to include any parts of the workflow that are automated so investors can see where cost savings are expected and when.

Supply Chain Examples

For instance, lawn care companies  would need to cover aspects such as:

• Suppliers for lawn care equipment and tools
• Any chemicals or treatments needed
• Repair parts for sprinkler systems
• Vehicles to transport equipment and employees
• Insurance to protect the company vehicles and people.

Examples of Supply Chains

These are fairly flat supply chains compared to something like a clothing designer where the clothes would go through multiple vendors. A clothing company might have the following supply chain:

• Raw materials
• Shipping of raw materials
• Converting of raw materials to thread
• Shipping thread to produce garments
• Garment producer
• Shipping to company
• Company storage
• Shipping to retail stores

There have been advances such as print on demand that eliminate many of these steps. If you are designing completely custom clothing, all of this would need to be planned to keep from having business disruptions.

The main thing to include in the business plan is the list of suppliers, the path the supply chain follows, the time from order to the customer’s home, and the costs associated with each step of the process.

According to BizPlanReview , a business plan without this information is likely to get rejected because they have failed to research the key elements necessary to make sales to the customer.

How to Write a Business Plan Step 7. Company Organization and Operational Plan

This part of the business plan is focused on how the business model will function while serving customers.  The business plan should provide an overview of  how the team will manage the following aspects:

Quality Control

• Legal environment

Let’s look at each for some insight.

Production has already been discussed in previous sections so I won’t go into it much. When writing a business plan for investors, try to avoid repetition as it creates a more simple business plan.

If the organizational plan will be used by the team as an overview of how to perform the best services for the customer, then redundancy makes more sense as it communicates what is important to the business.

Quality control policies help to keep the team focused on how to verify that the company adheres to the business plan and meets or exceeds customer expectations.

Quality control can be anything from a standard that says “all labels on shirts can be no more than 1/16″ off center” to a defined checklist of steps that should be performed and filled out for every customer.

There are a variety of organizations that help define quality control including:

• International Organization for Standardization – Quality standards for energy, technology, food, production environments, and cybersecurity
• AICPA – Standard defined for accounting.
• The Joint Commission – Healthcare
• ASHRAE – HVAC best practices

You can find lists of the organizations that contribute most to the government regulation of industries on Open Secrets . Research what the leaders in your field are doing. Follow their example and implement it in your quality control plan.

For location, you should use information from the market research to establish where the location will be. Make sure to include the following in the location documentation.

• The size of your location
• The type of building (retail, industrial, commercial, etc.)
• Zoning restrictions – Urban Wire has a good map on how zoning works in each state
• Accessibility – Does it meet ADA requirements?
• Costs including rent, maintenance, utilities, insurance and any buildout or remodeling costs
• Utilities – b.e.f. has a good energy calculator .

Legal Environment

The legal requirement section is focused on defining how to meet the legal requirements for your industry. A good business plan should include all of the following:

• Any licenses and/or permits that are needed and whether you’ve obtained them
• Any trademarks, copyrights, or patents that you have or are in the process of applying for
• The insurance coverage your business requires and how much it costs
• Any environmental, health, or workplace regulations affecting your business
• Any special regulations affecting your industry
• Bonding requirements, if applicable

Your local SBA office can help you establish requirements in your area. I strongly recommend using them. They are a great resource.

Your business plan should include a plan for company organization and hiring. While you may be the only person with the company right now, down the road you’ll need more people. Make sure to consider and document the answers to the following questions:

• What is the current leadership structure and what will it look like in the future?
• What types of employees will you have? Are there any licensing or educational requirements?
• How many employees will you need?
• Will you ever hire freelancers or independent contractors?
• What is each position’s job description?
• What is the pay structure (hourly, salaried, base plus commission, etc.)?
• How do you plan to find qualified employees and contractors?

One of the most crucial parts of a business plan is the organizational chart. This simply shows the positions the company will need, who is in charge of them and the relationship of each of them. It will look similar to this:

Our small business plan template has a much more in-depth organizational chart you can edit to include when you include the organizational chart in your business plan.

How to Write a Business Plan Step 8. Financial Statements 

No business plan is complete without financial statements or financial projections. The business plan format will be different based on whether you are writing a business plan to expand a business or a startup business plan. Let’s dig deeper into each.

Provide All Financial Income from an Existing Business

An existing business should use their past financial documents including the income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement to find trends to estimate the next 3-5 years.

You can create easy trendlines in excel to predict future revenue, profit and loss, cash flow, and other changes in year-over-year performance. This will show your expected performance assuming business continues as normal.

If you are seeking an investment, then the business is probably not going to continue as normal. Depending on the financial plan and the purpose of getting financing, adjustments may be needed to the following:

• Higher Revenue if expanding business
• Lower Cost of Goods Sold if purchasing inventory with bulk discounts
• Adding interest if utilizing financing (not equity deal)
• Changes in expenses
• Addition of financing information to the cash flow statement
• Changes in Earnings per Share on the balance sheet

Financial modeling is a challenging subject, but there are plenty of low-cost courses on the subject. If you need help planning your business financial documentation take some time to watch some of them.

Make it a point to document how you calculated all the changes to the income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement in your business plan so that key team members or investors can verify your research.

Financial Projections For A Startup Business Plan

Unlike an existing business, a startup doesn’t have previous success to model its future performance. In this scenario, you need to focus on how to make a business plan realistic through the use of industry research and averages.

Mike gave the following advice in his interview:

Financial Forecasting Mistakes

One of the things a lot of inexperienced people use is the argument, “If I get one percent of the market, it is worth $100 million.” If you use this, investors are likely to file the document under bad business plan examples.

Let’s use custom t-shirts as an example.

Credence Research estimated in 2018 there were 11,334,800,000 custom t-shirts sold for a total of $206.12 Billion, with a 6% compound annual growth rate.

With that data,  you can calculate that the industry will grow to $270 Billion in 2023 and that the average shirt sold creates $18.18 in revenue.

Combine that with an IBIS World estimate of 11,094 custom screen printers and that means even if you become an average seller, you’ll get .009% of the market.

Here’s a table for easier viewing of that information.

The point here is to make sure your business proposal examples make sense.

You’ll need to know industry averages such as cost of customer acquisition, revenue per customer, the average cost of goods sold, and admin costs to be able to create accurate estimates.

Our simple business plan templates walk you through most of these processes. If you follow them you’ll have a good idea of how to write a business proposal.

How to Write a Business Plan Step 9. Business Plan Example of Funding Requests

What is a business plan without a plan on how to obtain funding?

The Small Business Administration has an example for a pizza restaurant that theoretically needed nearly $20k to make it through their first month.

In our video, How to Start a $500K/Year T-Shirt Business (Pt. 1 ), Sanford Booth told us he needed about $200,000 to start his franchise and broke even after 4 months.

Freshbooks estimates it takes on average 2-3 years for a business to be profitable, which means the fictitious pizza company from the SBA could need up to $330k to make it through that time and still pay their bills for their home and pizza shop.

Not every business needs that much to start, but realistically it’s a good idea to assume that you need a fairly large cushion.

Ways to get funding for a small business

There are a variety of ways to cover this. the most common are:

• Bootstrapping – Using your savings without external funding.
• Taking out debt – loans, credit cards
• Equity, Seed Funding – Ownership of a percentage of the company in exchange for current funds
• Crowdsourcing – Promising a good for funding to create the product

Keep reading for more tips on how to write a business plan.

How funding will be used

When asking for business financing make sure to include:

• How much to get started?
• What is the minimum viable product and how soon can you make money?
• How will the money be spent?

Mike emphasized two aspects that should be included in every plan, 

How to Write a Business Plan Resources

Here are some links to a business plan sample and business plan outline. 

• Sample plan

It’s also helpful to follow some of the leading influencers in the business plan writing community. Here’s a list:

• Wise Plans –  Shares a lot of information on starting businesses and is a business plan writing company.
• Optimus Business Plans –  Another business plan writing company.
• Venture Capital – A venture capital thread that can help give you ideas.

How to Write a Business Plan: What’s Next?

We hope this guide about how to write a simple business plan step by step has been helpful. We’ve covered:

• The definition of a business plan
• Coming up with a business idea
• Performing market research
• The critical components of a business plan
• An example business plan

In addition, we provided you with a simple business plan template to assist you in the process of writing your startup business plan. The startup business plan template also includes a business model template that will be the key to your success.

Don’t forget to check out the rest of our business hub .

Have you written a business plan before? How did it impact your ability to achieve your goals?

Brandon Boushy

Brandon Boushy lives to improve people’s lives by helping them become successful entrepreneurs. His journey started nearly 30 years ago. He consistently excelled at everything he did, but preferred to make the rules rather than follow him. His exploration of self and knowledge has helped him to get an engineering degree, MBA, and countless certifications. When freelancing and rideshare came onto the scene, he recognized the opportunity to play by his own rules. Since 2017, he has helped businesses across all industries achieve more with his research, writing, and marketing strategies. Since 2021, he has been the Lead Writer for UpFlip where he has published over 170 articles on small business success.

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Free business plan template—and how to write your own

I wrote my first business plan when I was six. I've learned a lot since then, and in hindsight, I can see why the investors around my family's Christmas table didn't take my space Marine cowboy ranch pitch seriously. I didn't put a lot of thought into what it would take to make the idea work, and I certainly didn't do the market research. Also, it was a space Marine cowboy ranch business.

My point is that thinking about the outcome before considering the many variables that pave the way is counterproductive. A business plan may not seem like the most critical or complicated document, but it can guide an entire organization, keeping success at the top of everyone's mind. It's the difference between a successful investor pitch and crying on Christmas.

To show you what I mean, I've put together a simple business plan template to get you started.

Table of contents:

What is a business plan?

What makes a business plan so important, key components of a business plan, types of business plans, making the business plan template your own, future-proofing your business plan, simple business plan template + example.

This simple business plan template outlines key business objectives , strategies, and financial projections. Compiling this information into one document will not only prepare you for the realities of running a business but will also guide your team, business partners, and investors as they navigate the plan.

After some good old-fashioned data entry, you should have a polished business plan that's ready to share. Regardless of what stage your business is in, this template is flexible enough to accommodate your needs.

Here's a business plan example I put together using the template above, to give you an idea of what it might look like once it's complete.

A business plan is a document that clearly defines your company's goals, strategies, and operational details. It's essentially a roadmap for your team and investors. Think of it as boiling your entire business (concept, vision, dreams, and everything in between) down to one document. 

A formal business plan will include an overview of your products or services, marketing and sales strategies, targeted markets, financial details, and even a description of what you're building. 

Of course, business plans are unique snowflakes, so there's no one size fits all. Depending on what you're trying to do—attract investors, guide project expansion, align team members—your plan will look a little different. I'll dig into the different types of business plans in a bit.

In its simplest form, a business plan turns your concept into a reality. In more tangible terms, it also helps you achieve necessary business goals like securing funding. You'll have a hard time finding investors if you show up to a pitch meeting with only a winning smile and a can-do attitude—a strong business plan can show them a clear path to a return on their investment.

Investors and their judgmental silence aside, this document is critical for guiding internal decision-making, setting goals, and providing a clear direction for the business and its vision.

Before your business partners can understand your vision, you need to make sure you do. Before you start putting your business plan together, ask yourself whether your idea is feasible, whether it's different from what's already out there, if there are any competitors, and if they're doing something unique. Also consider your prices and customer base.

You likely already know most of the answers to these questions. My Christmas pitch all those years ago could have gone differently if I'd put crayon to paper and answered these questions myself. My family couldn't follow my spur-of-the-moment speech, and neither will your team or investors—they need it spelled out as clearly as possible.

While no two business plans will look the same, there's a handful of key components virtually all good business plans have in common. So, if you haven't already looked through the template with the optimism that my six-year-old self lost that Christmas, here's what you can expect to find.

Title page: Impress readers with a unique presentation. This is your first opportunity to showcase your brand. 

Table of contents: No one likes being lost in a document. A TOC can help readers navigate the various sections and get an overview of what's inside.

Executive summary: Provide an overview of the business, summarizing its mission, goals, and key highlights.

Market analysis: Include your research and data on the target market. Make sure to outline industry trends, competition, and customer demographics.

Products/services: Detail your services or products. You'll want to expand on your unique selling points and customer benefits.

Marketing and sales strategy: Outline your plans for promoting your business. If you've already identified marketing and sales channels, include those, too.

Financial plan: Define all financial details, from required funding and business budget to projected income and profit.  

The organization: Showcase how your business will function on a structural level. Make sure to talk about your team's different positions and functions, and how it will all be managed.

Let's say you have a well-established construction manufacturing business. If you're looking to expand the business into a new location, you don't want to repurpose the same simple startup business plan. You'd want to build on it (pun intended) with an expansion business plan. 

Unlike your original business plan, which outlined your original milestones and goals, an expansion plan would include an analysis of your expansion and its development, purpose, feasibility, market, and reasoning. It would still outline your overarching goals for the business as a whole, but with additional information about the expansion and what that entails.

And that's just the tip of the iceberg. For example, internal and strategic business plans serve an internal purpose. These are the types that are written for your team rather than your business partners. They're created to pin down the long-term game plan and keep team members aligned.

Not all businesses are in the same stage, so be sure to find a business plan that fits your current needs. A new startup's checklist is different from that of an expanding business, and so is its business plan. 

A business idea and a feasible business plan are two very different things. Follow these steps to solidify your ideas into a clear roadmap. 

1. Define your mission statement

A mission statement is a way for you to tell your company's story and communicate the vision you have for it. It should reflect your values, goals, and what you hope to achieve, setting the tone for your entire business plan. Ask yourself if your mission statement makes your business sound credible, feasible, and profitable. 

2. Outline a detailed company description

Don't be shy about the details. Provide your readers with a comprehensive overview of your company, its history, founders, legal structure, location, and the concept it's all built around. You might even include photos and illustrations for an extra flair.

3. Set your business goals

Set out your short- and long-term business goals. Be as specific as you can, and use the SMART technique , outlining goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and timely. Make sure these goals align with your mission statement.

4. Detail your services/products

Describe your services or products and lean heavily on their unique selling points. Discuss benefits, features, and the problems they solve for the target market you're aiming to reach. Include some visuals of your product or service to really drive the point home.

5. Analyze your target audience

Describe the market you're targeting and the audience demographics you've identified in your research. Understanding your future customers is essential for marketing and sales strategies . Put together ICPs to define your ideal customer base and create buyer personas to keep your team on track.

6. Set milestones for marketing and sales

Showcasing that you've identified your target audience isn't enough. You need to prove that you know how to speak to it and how to appeal to it while promoting your products and services. Some businesses set up milestones such as X amount of sales, Y number of acquired clients, or, in my case, the successful integration of Cowboy Ranch into the International Space Station.

7. Perform a financial analysis

Conduct a thorough financial analysis that includes details such as income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements. Outline your financial projections and your funding requirements. This section should prove how financially feasible your business concept is.

Once you have these points outlined and fleshed out, it's only a matter of representing each and every one of them in detail, ensuring that the voice and tone of your business plan reflect your brand and embody the unique concept you want to get across.

In summary: investors are not mind readers, and cowboys should stay on Earth. 

Your business plan is the sum of your ideas, passion, vision, and the lessons you learn as your business develops. Over the years, it will likely go through a few iterations and changes, but the plan you write today will guide you through the beginning stages. 

As your business plan grows out of its infancy, you can start looking into other useful tools like revenue growth plans to start preparing for the challenges ahead. And when those challenges come, Zapier can help growing businesses like yours tackle them with no-code automation that scales with you.

Related reading:

How to create effective document templates  

Business startup checklist: How to launch a startup step by step

7 free small business budget templates for future-proofing your finances

How to build a revenue growth plan that works

20 free proposal templates to ace your pitch

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Hachem Ramki

Hachem is a writer and digital marketer from Montreal. After graduating with a degree in English, Hachem spent seven years traveling around the world before moving to Canada. When he's not writing, he enjoys Basketball, Dungeons and Dragons, and playing music for friends and family.

• Sales & business development
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Free Small Business Plan Templates and Examples

By Kate Eby | April 27, 2022

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We’ve compiled the most useful collection of free small business plan templates for entrepreneurs, project managers, development teams, investors, and other stakeholders, as well as a list of useful tips for filling out a small business template.

Included on this page, you’ll find a simple small business template and a one-page small business plan template . You can also download a fill-in-the-blank small business plan template , and a sample small business plan template to get started.

Small Business Plan Template

Download Small Business Plan Template Microsoft Word | Adobe PDF | Google Docs  

Use this small business plan template to identify trends and demographics in the company overview. Highlight how your product or service uniquely benefits consumers in the offerings section, and note your proposed timeline, milestones, and the key performance metrics (KPIs) you will use to measure your success. This template has all the components of a standard business plan, from the executive summary through financing details.

Small Business Plan Sample Template

Download Small Business Plan Sample Microsoft Word | Adobe PDF | Google Docs  

Use this small business plan sample template to draft the subsections and headings of the contents of your plan. This template provides editable sample text that shows you how to organize and create a ready-to-be-implemented business plan. This sample template helps remove the guesswork of what to include in a small business plan.

Simple Small Business Plan Template

Download Simple Small Business Plan Template Microsoft Word | Adobe PDF

Use this streamlined, customizable, simple small business plan template to chart revenue, expenses, and net profit or loss forecasts with sample graphics. Order your small business plan with numbered subsections and list them in a table of contents. Supplement the plan with additional information in the appendix for a complete business plan that you can present to investors.

Small Business Plan Chart Template

Download Small Business Plan Chart Template Microsoft PowerPoint | Google Slides

Use this small business plan chart template to plan and track month-by-month and annual business planning. The flexible color-coded bar chart simplifies tracking and allows you to customize the plan to meet your needs. Add tasks, track owner status, and adjust the timeline to chart your progress with this dynamic, visually rich small business planning tool.

Small Business Plan Outline Template

Download Small Business Plan Outline Template Microsoft Word | Adobe PDF | Google Docs

Use this small business plan outline template to jumpstart a plan for your small business. This template includes the nine essential elements of a traditional business plan, plus a title page, a table of contents, and an appendix to ensure that your document is complete, comprehensive, and in order. Easily simplify or expand the outline to meet your company’s needs.

Printable Small Business Plan Template

Download Printable Small Business Plan Template  Microsoft Word | Adobe PDF | Google Docs

This print-friendly small business plan template is ideal for presentations to investors and stakeholders. The customizable template includes all the standard, critical business plan elements, and serves as a guide for writing a complete and comprehensive plan. Easily edit and add content to this printable template, so you can focus on executing the small business plan.

Small Business Startup Plan Template

Download Small Business Startup Plan Template Microsoft Word | Adobe PDF | Google Docs  

Use this small business startup plan template to draft your mission statement and list your keys to business success, in order to persuade investors and inform stakeholders. Customize your startup plan with fillable tables for sales revenue, gross profit margin, and cost of sales projections to secure your business's pricing structure.

Fill-in-the-Blank Small Business Plan Template

Download Fill-in-the-Blank Small Business Plan Template  Microsoft Word | Adobe PDF

This small business plan template simplifies the process to help you create a comprehensive, organized business plan. Simply enter original content for the executive summary, company overview, and other sections to customize the plan. This fill-in-the-blank small business plan template helps you to maintain organization and removes the guesswork in order to ensure success.

One Page Small Business Plan Template

Download One Page Small Business Plan Template  Microsoft Excel | Microsoft Word | Adobe PDF

This one page small business plan template is ideal for quick, simple presentations. Use this template to summarize your business overview, market analysis, marketing, and sales plan, key objectives and success metrics, and milestones timeline. Complete the fillable sections to educate investors and inform stakeholders.

One Page Small Business Plan Example

Download One Page Business Plan Example Microsoft Excel | Microsoft Word | Adobe PDF

This one page small business plan example prompts you to list your vision, mission, product or service, team member names, roles, and relevant experience to promote your small business. Use the market analysis, marketing, sales plan sections to detail how you aim to sell your product or service. This small business plan features fillable tables for key objectives and success metrics. Plus, you’ll find space for your financial cost structure and revenue sources to show how your business will remain profitable.

What Is a Small Business Plan Template?

A small business plan template is a roadmap for defining your business objectives and detailing the operational, financial, and marketing resources required for success. Use a small business plan template to strategize growth, forecast financial needs, and promote investment. 

A small business plan template organizes and outlines the content needed to achieve goals for growth and profit, including marketing and sales tactics. As opposed to starting from scratch, using a template makes it easy to organize the information and customize the plan to meet your needs. 

A small business plan template includes standard business plan sections, as well as the following sections: 

• Executive Summary: Summarize the key points in your small business plan in two pages or less to hold your reader's attention and promote buy-in. Write this section last to capitalize on your understanding of the small business plan.
• Company Overview: Describe the nature of your small business, the industry landscape and trends, demographics, and economic and governmental influences. List your location, product or service, and goals to show what makes your small business unique.
• Problem and Solution: Identify and explain the problem your product or service will solve and its costs. Propose and describe your solution and its benefits. Conclude this section with a summary of the problem and solution.
• Target Market: Identify your small business's target market by researching your product and service to determine the most likely demographic. Explain your target market's motivations for buying your product or service.
• Competition: Note the other competitor product or service offerings, pricing, and company revenues to understand how to outperform your competitors. Detail your small business's competitive advantages, based on research.
• Product or Service Offerings: Describe your product or service, how it benefits your target market, and what makes it unique. Highlight how your product or service will outsell competitors.
• Marketing: Detail your marketing plan with objectives and strategy, including goals, costs, and an action plan. A successful marketing plan reduces costs and boosts your product or service sales.
• Timeline and Metrics: Break down your small business plan into smaller activities. Describe these activities (and the performance metrics you intend to use to track them) and list a completion date for each.
• Financial Forecasts: Explain how your organization uses past performance and market research to inform your business's economic forecasts. Estimate growth and profits based on your informed assumptions.
• Financing: List your funding sources and how you intend to use the funds to keep your company on track as it grows. Smart financing at the planning stage prepares your organization for unexpected challenges and helps to mitigate risk.

A small business plan template enables you to complete your business plan quickly and comprehensively, so you can achieve your goals and turn your product or service idea into a profitable reality.

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Table of Contents in Business Plan – Example, Template

Free Problem Statement Templates

Ayush Jalan

• December 12, 2023

A business plan is a document that describes what your company is, does, and plans to do in the future. It helps you map out all the objectives, goals, strategies, resources, and every other detail of your business. But arranging all this can get messy.

To Solve This, We Need a Business Plan Table of Contents

Think of it like this: If your business plan aims to define your prospects and incur funding, a table of contents helps investors study your business in-depth and build confidence in your business idea.

Furthermore, it also helps focus on and prioritize tasks, quickly revise strategies according to the ever-changing business environment, make operations more fluid, and manage finances systematically.

A business plan table of contents provides a bird’s-eye view of your business landscape to help better navigate KPIs .

Every company needs a business plan to sustain itself in the market. Ultimately, it’s the content inside the business plan and its quality that directs a business to achieve goals using actionable steps.

As much as the elements of a business plan matter, the way they’re presented also plays a pivotal role in grabbing the reader’s attention.

The first few things that pique the reader’s interest are the cover page and the table of contents. In this article, we’ll see why and how you should write a professional business plan table of contents.

Why Include a Business Plan Table of Contents?

A table of contents serves as the outline of a business plan . It assists the reader to navigate through the document and is placed at the beginning of a business plan. This helps the reader effortlessly find and browse through the topics that interest them.

It includes all the major sections and subcategories of a business plan. The sections are arranged logically with page numbers. And it usually precedes the executive summary.

Pros of Adding a Business Plan Table of Contents

A table of contents is an extremely important part of any formal document, let alone a business plan. It is the most commonly found aspect in every large format document, from books to magazines to business plans.

Let’s see the benefits of a business plan table of contents:

1. Acts as an introduction

The table of contents is placed before all the sections of a business plan. This will help the reader get a good look at the contents before diving into the details. Primarily, it introduces the reader to your business plan. In other words, a table of contents acts as an executive summary of the entire document.

2. Gives an overview of the scope

A table of contents further enables the reader to judge the scope of your business. To mirror the exact essence of your business plan, the table of contents should be crafted carefully.

Whether it’s an investor or another company you wish to work in partnership with, any formal entity interested in your business skims through your table of contents. Hence, it is wise to convey exactly what you intend to.

3. Displays attention to detail

While creating a table of contents, you include not only the major sections of your business plan but also the subsections. These subsections will convey that you have paid attention to the smallest of things while drafting your business. This indirectly sends a message that you are serious about your business ventures.

4. Provides easier navigation

This is an obvious but very significant advantage of a table of contents. Incorporating it into your business plan will add a navigational aspect to your document. Regardless if it’s a physical document or an e-document, a table of contents will help the reader go to any specific section they want.

These are the advantages of including a table of contents. You can now go ahead and create one for your business plan. To help you get started, we have also created a sample table of contents for you.

Feel free to use the following template and revamp it according to your unique business.

Sample for Table of Contents

• EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
• Mission Statement
• Vision Statement
• Purpose and Values
• Problem Identification
• Problem Statement
• Industry Analysis
• Product & Service Overview
• Product & Service Specifications
• Product & ServiceBenefits and USPs
• Available Substitutes
• Competitive Overview
• Direct and Indirect Competitors
• SWOT Analysis
• Competitive Position
• Market Share Analysis
• Barriers to Entry
• Market Overview
• Market Size
• Market Segmentation
• Ideal Customer Profile
• Sales & Marketing Objectives
• Pricing Strategies
• Promotion Strategies
• Site Location
• Staffing and Training
• Resource Allocation
• Purchasing Process
• Production Process
• Quality Control Metrics
• Customer Service
• Key Management
• Board of Directors
• Board of Advisors
• Financial Overview
• Business Model
• Financial Projections
• Marketing and Personnel Expenses
• Funding Requirements
• Terms of Investment
• Exit Strategy

Build Trust in Your Business with a Table of Contents

Writing a table of contents for your business plan is a subtle yet powerful way to captivate your potential investors or business partners . It is essentially a summary of the document that acts as a roadmap for your business activities.

A smart entrepreneur is one who uses every opportunity available to grow closer to success. Creating a striking business plan table of contents to engage your investors is a detail you shouldn’t miss.

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About the Author

Ayush is a writer with an academic background in business and marketing. Being a tech-enthusiast, he likes to keep a sharp eye on the latest tech gadgets and innovations. When he's not working, you can find him writing poetry, gaming, playing the ukulele, catching up with friends, and indulging in creative philosophies.

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Popular Templates

Business Plan Table of Contents

Your business plan table of contents will outline your plan.

A business plan is expected to be compelling, well-organized, and presented in a logical sequence. Following this business plan table of contents will ensure your document hits the mark! Remember that your business plan does not have to be a formal document, but it should speak to all the objectives critical to your success.

A business plan table of contents like the one below will put you on a straight course to starting and finishing your business plan quickly and with confidence that you’re doing it right. In fact, you should consider this business plan table of contents to be your business plan outline for your entire plan, even if you are starting with just an executive summary .

Understand the Standard Format 

Then use one of the customized templates provided.

Customizing a business plan’s table of contents to a specific industry is crucial for several reasons. First, it ensures that the plan addresses the unique challenges, opportunities, and competitive dynamics inherent in that industry. Every industry has its nuances; for example, a tech startup might need to focus heavily on innovation and scalability, while a restaurant must emphasize menu design and customer experience. A tailored table of contents ensures that these critical elements are not overlooked.

Customization facilitates more effective communication with stakeholders, such as investors, partners, and employees. Stakeholders are often familiar with industry-specific benchmarks and expectations. A customized plan demonstrates that the founders deeply understand their industry and are serious about addressing its specific requirements.

A tailored plan helps in setting realistic goals and strategies that are relevant to the industry. For instance, a service industry business would focus on customer satisfaction metrics, while a manufacturing business would emphasize production efficiency and supply chain management.

Finally, customizing the table of contents for industry-specific needs allows founders to identify and mitigate risks unique to their industry. This foresight not only prepares the business for potential challenges but also instills confidence in potential investors and partners, showing that the founders have a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to succeed in their industry.

The examples below are already fine-tuned to the needs of top industries for startup businesses. Click any of the labels to jump to the example on this page.

Follow a Straightforward Format

The information and structure found on this page will help you think about and convey your business idea in a format that investors understand. It’s not just for investors!

Following all the major sections of this page will help you crystallize your thinking about your business in a holistic way that will serve you well, even if you’re not seeking funding. From your market analysis, marketing plan to your financial plan and cash flow statement, you’ll learn to think about your business in depth, on terms important to your success!

Does your business plan really need a table of contents? In short, yes! That’s why we have included this section as a guideline or template. You should always include a table of contents with your business plan unless you are presenting only Executive Summary that is 2 – 5 pages in length.

Make Your Plan Easy to Read and Understand

Keep in mind that a business plan is often not read from front to back, in order. Different people will have different specific interests. A table of contents lets readers quickly find the information that is most important to them.

Including a table of contents is both a courtesy and a way to help bankers and potential investors make efficient use of your business plan. If it’s well organized and includes a table of contents, you’ll be getting started on the right foot.

It’s common for a business plan to be updated on a regular basis, long after the first draft is complete. A small change on page two might suddenly mean the page numbers listed in the table of contents need to be corrected. Be sure to update your table of contents to reflect these changes. To make this task a breeze, use the Table of Contents feature built into Microsoft Word.

Why do we include such an obvious suggestion? The fact is, many people overlook this step. Don’t give some junior analyst at a venture capital firm with 100 business plans to review an early opportunity to say, “This person is sloppy and doesn’t pay enough attention to details. Next plan.”

Follow the Format for Proven Success

If you use The Outline provided with this document as the starting point for your table of contents, you can include the subtopics while you’re creating the plan. Then, in your final Table of Contents, you’ll include only the major section titles.

Introduction and Overview

This section in a small business plan table of contents provides an introduction to the plan and gives a brief overview of the business, including its purpose, products or services, business’s unique selling proposition , and target market. It sets the stage for the rest of the plan and provides context for the reader.

Sales & Market Potential

Products and services.

Describes the products or services offered by the business and how they meet the needs of the target market. It is important because it helps the reader understand the business’s offerings and how they are positioned in the market.

Provides an industry overview and in-depth market analysis of the target market, including demographics, size, and trends. It is important because it demonstrates the business’s understanding of its target audience and the potential for growth in the market.

• Direct and Indirect Competitors

Every business plan needs to identify who they will compete with, both directly and indirectly. Be direct! Glossing over this makes investors nervous.

• Go-To-Market Plan

Details the strategies and tactics the company will use to reach and acquire customers, including market segmentation, target customers, distribution channels and pricing. This section should take into account the competitive analysis.

• Sales and Marketing Plan

Outlines the marketing objectives -the strategies and tactics- the business will use to reach and engage its target market and drive sales. It is important because it illustrates how the business will generate revenue and achieve its financial goals.

Team and Operating Plan

• Management Team

Typically includes information about the key individuals involved in the company, including their backgrounds, experience, and roles within the organization.

• Operating Plan

Outlines the day-to-day operations of the company, including details on the production or development process, logistics, and supply chain management. Be sure that the operating plan you present is matched by the people you’ll have on your management team.

SWOT Analysis (optional but helpful)

Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats. A way to document and evaluate a company’s internal and external environment. It identifies the company’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as opportunities and threats in the marketplace. It’s a summary of the internal and external factors that can help or hinder the company’s success.

Financial Information

• Financial Projections

Your financial plan should include an income statement (profit and loss) showing the company’s projected revenue and expenses for at least three years. The income statement provides a detailed breakdown of the company’s projected income and expenses, including revenue streams, cost of goods sold, operating expenses, and net income.

Capitalization or “Cap Table”

Provides information on the sources of funding for the company and the ownership structure. This can include information on equity funding, debt financing, and other funding sources.

• Use of Funds

Details how the company plans to use the funds raised, including information on specific investments, expansion plans, and other expenditures. It should also include information on how the funds will be allocated to different areas of the business, such as research and development, marketing, and operations.

Additional Information

• Exit Strategy

This section of a business plan outlines the company’s plans for exiting the business, such as through a sale of the company or an initial public offering (IPO). It should include information on the timing of the exit, the expected return on investment, and the potential buyers or investors.

• Payback Analysis

Provides information on the projected return on investment and the time frame in which the company expects to recoup its initial investments. This section should include information on the company’s projected cash flow, as well as any return-on-investment calculations.

• Notices and Disclaimers

Used to provide legal and regulatory information about the company, its products, and its services. This can include information on patents, trademarks, copyrights, and other legal matters. It also may include a disclaimer statement that the plan is for informational purposes only and that the company cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information provided.

Summary of Business Plan Table of Contents

The business plan table of contents above serves as both a table of contents and an outline for your business plan. This business plan outline can even be used to help you draft your executive summary following the same format in less detail. You will find that this business plan format is used throughout this site. Every section is explained in detail and includes examples or templates you can use. Follow this format you’ll end up with a well-organized business plan.

Industry-Specific Business Plan Table of Contents Examples

Below is a generic business plan table of contents example, followed by more than 10 industry-specific examples.  For each example, we’ve noted the differences and points of emphasis for each industry, compared to the generic example. Choose the example that is closest to your type of business and you’ll be miles ahead as you start your business plan.

Generalized – Business Plan Table of Contents

The table of contents example below will generally apply to any business.  We have also provided some more-specific examples below.  Choose the example that is most appropriate for your type of business.

• SWOT Analysis
• Capitalization

Coaching and Training

Coaching and training business plan table of contents.

In a coaching and training business plan, the table of contents should reflect the unique aspects of a service-based industry where the primary offerings are knowledge, expertise, and personalized services. Compared to a generic business plan, there’s a stronger focus on the expertise of the service providers, customized service offerings, client engagement strategies, and detailed service delivery models. Here’s how these differences are emphasized in the table of contents:

The table of contents for a Coaching and Training Business Plan focuses on the specific needs and dynamics of the coaching and training industry. Unlike more product-oriented plans, this plan emphasizes the qualifications and expertise of the coaching team, the customization of service offerings, client relationship strategies, and operational details geared towards service delivery. Financial projections and marketing strategies are tailored to reflect the nature of selling services, such as coaching or training hours, rather than physical products.

Executive Summary

Brief overview of the coaching and training services, business objectives, and market potential.

Business Description

Detailed insight into the coaching and training business, its founding principles, and unique service proposition.

Market Analysis

• Industry Overview
• Target Client Demographics and Needs
• Market Trends in Coaching and Training

Service Offerings

• Detailed Description of Coaching and Training Services
• Customization of Services
• Unique Service Delivery Models

Marketing and Client Engagement Strategy

• Branding and Positioning
• Client Acquisition and Retention Strategies
• Online and Offline Marketing Tactics

Operational Plan

• Service Delivery Logistics
• Client Scheduling and Management Systems
• Quality Assurance Measures

Management and Staffing

• Professional Qualifications of Coaches/Trainers
• Staffing Needs and Training Programs
• Organizational Structure

Financial Plan

• Pricing Strategy for Services
• Revenue Projections and Cost Analysis
• Cash Flow and Break-Even Analysis
• Risk Management Strategies
• Legal and Ethical Considerations
• Future Growth and Expansion Plans

E-commerce Business Plan Table of Contents

The table of contents for an E-commerce Business Plan is tailored to address the specific requirements of an online business model. This includes an emphasis on digital marketing strategies, e-commerce technologies, online customer experience, data analytics for customer behavior, and supply chain management suitable for online sales. The plan should also cover cybersecurity measures, website optimization, and the legalities of online trading.

Concise overview of the e-commerce business, highlighting the main objectives, target market, and unique online value proposition.

Detailed description of the e-commerce business model, history, and vision. Explanation of the online marketplace and its potential.

• E-commerce Market Trends and Growth
• Target Audience and Online Consumer Behavior
• Competitive Landscape in the Digital Space

Product and Service Line

• Products/Services Offered Online
• Product Sourcing and Fulfillment Strategies
• Pricing and Profit Margins

Digital Marketing and Sales Strategy

• SEO and Content Marketing
• Social Media Marketing and Engagement
• Email Marketing and Online Advertising
• E-commerce Platform and Technology Stack
• Order Processing and Logistics
• Customer Support and Service

Management and Organization

• Management Team and Organizational Structure
• Staffing for Online Operations
• Training and Development in E-commerce Skills
• Revenue Streams in E-commerce
• Cost Structure and Budgeting
• Financial Projections and ROI Analysis
• Legalities and Regulations in E-commerce
• Risk Management and Cybersecurity
• Future Growth Strategies and Scaling Plans

Health and Wellness Studio

Health and wellness organization business plan table of contents.

The table of contents for a Health and Wellness Organization Business Plan should cater to the specifics of a wellness service industry. It should emphasize the quality of wellness programs, the expertise of the staff, the creation of a conducive wellness environment, and the marketing strategies tailored to attract and retain wellness enthusiasts. Additionally, the financial aspects should reflect the unique business model of wellness services.

Overview of the health and wellness organization, its mission, target clientele, and unique wellness offerings.

Organization Overview

Detailed description of the organization, its founding principles, types of wellness programs offered, and the overall wellness philosophy.

• Wellness Industry Trends
• Target Market Demographics and Preferences
• Competitive Landscape in the Wellness Sector

Programs and Services

• Diverse Wellness Program Offerings (e.g., Yoga, Fitness Classes)
• Program Development and Innovation
• Personal Training and Customized Wellness Plans

Marketing and Client Engagement

• Branding Strategies for the Wellness Market
• Client Acquisition and Retention Plans
• Community Outreach and Wellness Events
• Facility Management and Environment
• Staffing with Qualified Instructors and Support Team
• Client Service and Experience Enhancements
• Leadership Team in Health and Wellness
• Instructor Qualifications and Recruitment
• Staff Training and Wellness Education
• Pricing Strategies for Wellness Services
• Revenue Projections and Membership Models
• Expense Management and Profitability Analysis
• Risk Management and Safety Protocols
• Legal and Regulatory Compliance in Health Services
• Long-term Development and Expansion Strategies

Hotel and Lodging

Boutique hotel and lodging business plan table of contents.

The table of contents for a Boutique Hotel and Lodging Business Plan is designed to address the intricacies of running a boutique-style hospitality business. It emphasizes creating a unique guest experience, leveraging the boutique’s unique selling propositions, detailed market analysis for the hospitality sector, and a robust operational plan that covers everything from room design to guest services. The financial section should be tailored to reflect the revenue streams and cost structure specific to boutique hotels.

Overview of the boutique hotel concept, mission, unique selling points, and target market.

Hotel Concept and Design

Detailed description of the hotel’s theme, design elements, and the guest experience strategy.

• Overview of the Boutique Hotel Market
• Target Guest Demographics and Preferences
• Analysis of Competitors and Market Trends
• Rooms and Accommodations
• Unique Guest Services and Amenities
• Additional Facilities (e.g., Spa, Restaurant, Event Spaces)

Marketing and Guest Engagement

• Brand Development for Boutique Hotels
• Marketing Strategies for Target Niches
• Partnerships with Local Businesses and Attractions
• Day-to-Day Hotel Operations
• Staffing and Management Structure
• Customer Service Excellence
• Management Team and Hospitality Expertise
• Staff Recruitment and Training Programs
• Guest Relations Management
• Funding Requirements and Sources
• Revenue Projections and Pricing Strategy
• Cost Analysis and Profit Margins
• Regulatory Compliance and Licensing
• Risk Management and Insurance
• Future Expansion and Growth Plans

Manufacturing

Manufacturing business plan table of contents.

This Manufacturing Business Plan focuses on the specifics of producing goods, managing a supply chain, and meeting market demands efficiently. Key elements include detailed descriptions of the manufacturing process, cost-effective production strategies, inventory management, and market penetration tactics. The financial section should reflect the capital-intensive nature of the manufacturing business and outline strategies for scaling up production.

Overview of the manufacturing business, its products, market positioning, and manufacturing capabilities.

Detailed description of the manufacturing business, including history, type of products manufactured, and unique aspects of the operations.

• Industry Overview and Market Trends
• Target Market and Customer Analysis
• Competitive Analysis in the Manufacturing Sector

Manufacturing Process and Operations

• Details of the Production Process
• Plant and Machinery
• Supply Chain Management and Raw Material Sourcing
• Product Line Overview
• Research and Development for New Products
• Quality Assurance and Compliance

Marketing and Sales Strategy

• Market Penetration and Distribution Channels
• Branding and Product Positioning
• Sales Forecasts and Targets
• Facility Management and Workflow
• Health, Safety, and Environmental Policies
• Human Resource Management in Manufacturing
• Organizational Structure and Key Personnel
• Manufacturing Expertise and Team Composition
• Staff Training and Development
• Capital Expenditure and Funding Requirements
• Cost Structure and Profit Margin Analysis
• Revenue Projections and Financial Forecasts
• Regulatory Compliance and Certifications
• Future Expansion and Growth Opportunities

Medical Office

Medical office business plan table of contents.

This Medical Office Business Plan is specifically designed to cater to the operations of a healthcare facility. It focuses on the delivery of high-quality medical services, patient relationship management, adherence to healthcare laws and standards, and the effective management of medical and administrative staff. The financial aspects should reflect the operational costs associated with running a medical office and strategies for sustainable growth.

Overview of the medical office, including the type of practice (e.g., dermatology), mission, healthcare services offered, and target patient demographic.

Practice Description

Detailed description of the medical office, including the history of the practice, medical specialties offered, and unique aspects of patient care.

• Healthcare Industry Trends and Growth
• Local Market Demand and Patient Demographics
• Competitive Analysis of Other Medical Practices

Medical Services Offered

• List of Healthcare Services and Specialties (e.g., Dermatological Treatments)
• New Patient Services and Ongoing Care Programs
• Advanced Medical Technologies and Procedures

Marketing and Patient Engagement Strategy

• Branding and Positioning in the Healthcare Market
• Patient Acquisition and Retention Methods
• Community Outreach and Health Awareness Programs
• Clinic Workflow and Patient Management
• Staffing: Medical Professionals and Support Staff
• Healthcare Compliance and Quality Control
• Leadership Team and Medical Credentials
• Staff Recruitment, Training, and Development
• Performance Management and Staff Retention
• Revenue Streams: Patient Services and Insurance Billing
• Operating Costs and Expense Management
• Financial Projections and Funding Requirements
• Regulatory Compliance and Medical Ethics
• Risk Management and Patient Safety
• Future Expansion and Diversification Plans

Retail Business

Retail – business plan table of contents, focus on retail-specific elements.

Detailed Product Descriptions : Unlike a generic business plan, a retail business plan needs to provide a more in-depth description of the range of products or services offered. This includes details about suppliers, inventory management, and unique selling propositions of the products.

Market and Competitive Analysis Specific to Retail : The market analysis section should focus on the retail market’s dynamics, including customer demographics, buying behaviors, and seasonal trends. The competitive analysis needs to address direct and indirect competitors in the retail space, covering aspects like store layout, pricing strategies, customer service, and location advantages.

Sales and Marketing Strategy with a Retail Slant : The plan should outline specific retail marketing and sales strategies. This includes in-store promotions, visual merchandising, online marketing tailored to a retail audience, customer loyalty programs, and strategies for an omnichannel retail experience.

Operational Details Geared Towards Retail Operations : The operational plan should focus on retail-specific elements like store location, layout, foot traffic, shelving and display, checkout processes, inventory turnover, and staffing tailored for retail operations. Retail-specific Financial Projections : In a retail business plan, the financial section needs to be tailored to retail metrics. This includes detailed projections of sales volume, seasonal fluctuations in sales, inventory costs, and other retail-specific financial considerations.

Management and Staffing for Retail : Unlike a generic business plan, the retail plan should discuss staffing needs in the context of a retail operation, including sales staff, inventory managers, and other roles essential to a retail store.

Customer Experience and Service : A significant aspect of the retail business plan is the focus on customer experience and service strategies, highlighting how the retail business will create an enjoyable shopping experience and build customer loyalty.<

By focusing on these key areas, a retail business plan addresses the unique challenges and opportunities of the retail sector, providing a roadmap tailored to the specific needs and dynamics of a retail business.

Overview of the retail business, vision, and mission.

Detailed description of the retail business, including the type of retail, history, and unique value proposition.

• Target Market Demographics and Psychographics
• Market Needs and Trends

Competitive Analysis

• Competitive Advantage
• Product Range
• Supplier Information
• Pricing Strategy
• Sales and Marketing Strategy
• Promotional Strategies
• Customer Engagement Plan
• Store Location and Layout
• Inventory Management
• Customer Service Policies

Management and Personnel

• Staffing and Personnel Plan
• Training and Development
• Startup Expenses and Capitalization
• Projected Income Statements
• Cash Flow Projections
• Break-Even Analysis
• Risk Analysis
• Legal Considerations and Disclaimers

Personal Services

Personal services / salon services, business plan table of contents.

• Service Differentiation
• Customer Experience
• Local Market Analysis
• Revenue Streams
• Health and Safety Compliance

Professional Services

Professional business services, business plan table of contents, client services and market potential.

• Service Offerings and Specialization
• Target Client Demographics
• Competitive Landscape Analysis
• Marketing and Brand Positioning

Operational Excellence

• Leadership and Management Structure
• Staff Expertise and Development
• Operational Workflow and Efficiency
• Quality Assurance and Standards

Financial Management

• Revenue Forecasting and Billing Models
• Cost Analysis and Management
• Funding and Capital Management
• Financial Goals and Milestones

Strategic Growth and Expansion

• Market Expansion Strategies
• Service Diversification
• Strategic Partnerships and Alliances
• Future Growth Projections

Risk Management and Compliance

• Legal and Ethical Compliance
• Risk Mitigation Strategies
• Client Confidentiality and Data Security
• Professional Liability Considerations

Restaurants

Restaurant business plan table of contents, market analysis and concept development.

• Concept and Cuisine Style
• Target Market and Customer Demographics
• Location Analysis and Accessibility
• Competitive Landscape

Menu and Service Offerings

• Menu Development and Pricing
• Beverage Program and Pairings
• Service Style and Customer Experience
• Seasonal Offerings and Special Events
• Restaurant Layout and Design
• Kitchen and Back-of-House Operations
• Health, Safety, and Hygiene Compliance
• Leadership Team and Organizational Structure
• Employee Roles and Responsibilities

Marketing and Customer Engagement

• Brand Development and Positioning
• Marketing Strategies and Promotions
• Customer Loyalty Programs
• Community Engagement and Public Relations

Financial Planning and Management

• Revenue and Sales Forecast
• Cost Management and Profitability Analysis
• Budgeting and Expense Controls
• Investment and Funding Strategy

Expansion and Growth Opportunities

• Future Location Expansion
• Franchising Potential
• Menu Diversification and Innovation
• Partnership and Collaboration Opportunities

Software as a Service

Software as a service (saas) business plan table of contents, product development and innovation.

• Software Solution and Features
• Technology Stack and Development Roadmap
• User Experience and Design Principles
• Innovation and Continuous Improvement

Market Analysis and Strategy

• Target Market and Customer Segmentation
• Competitive Analysis and Differentiation
• Market Trends and Growth Opportunities
• Pricing and Subscription Models

Customer Acquisition and Success

• Sales Strategy and Channels
• Customer Onboarding and Retention
• Support and Customer Service

Operational Plan and Infrastructure

• Scalable Infrastructure and Cloud Services
• Data Security and Compliance
• Team and Talent Management
• Business Process Optimization

Financial Planning and Metrics

• Revenue Forecasting and Cash Flow Management
• Key Performance Indicators and Metrics
• Funding and Investment Strategy
• Expense and Cost Management

Leadership and Team Development

• Executive Team and Company Structure
• Staff Hiring and Development Plans
• Company Culture and Values
• Performance and Growth Pathways

Expansion and Growth Strategies

• New Market Penetration
• Product Line Extensions
• International Expansion

Technology Services

Technical services (outsourced it services) business plan table of contents, service offerings and expertise.

• Overview of Services (Support, Help Desk, Networking, Administration)
• Technical Specializations and Certifications
• Service Delivery Models
• Innovations in IT Service Management

Market Analysis and Client Engagement

• Target Market and Client Segmentation
• Competitive Landscape and Positioning
• Client Feedback and Relationship Management
• Workflow Efficiency and Process Optimization
• Team Structure and Management
• Data Security and Privacy Protocols

Financial Management and Growth Strategy

• Revenue Models and Pricing Strategies
• Financial Projections and Budgeting
• Cost Control and Profitability Analysis
• Expansion and Scaling Opportunities

Leadership and Staff Development

• Recruitment, Training, and Skill Development
• Performance Evaluation and Incentive Programs
• Culture and Employee Engagement
• Industry Regulations and Legal Compliance
• Risk Assessment and Mitigation Strategies
• Client Data Protection and Security Measures
• Emergency Response and Continuity Planning

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Business Plan Template for Content Creators

• Great for beginners
• Ready-to-use, fully customizable Subcategory
• Get started in seconds

As a content creator, you know that success in the digital landscape requires more than just creating great content. It takes careful planning, strategic thinking, and a solid business plan. Luckily, ClickUp's Business Plan Template for Content Creators has got you covered!

With this template, you can:

• Strategically outline your goals, target audience, and content strategy to stay focused and on track
• Develop a monetization plan that aligns with your brand and audience, maximizing your earning potential
• Track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure your progress and make data-driven decisions

Whether you're a blogger, YouTuber, or social media influencer, ClickUp's Business Plan Template for Content Creators will help you create a structured roadmap for success in the competitive digital landscape. Start planning and achieving your content creation goals today!

Business Plan Template for Content Creators Benefits

A business plan template for content creators can provide numerous benefits, including:

• Streamlining your content creation process and ensuring consistency across platforms
• Helping you identify your target audience and create content that resonates with them
• Setting clear goals and objectives to measure your success and track your progress
• Outlining your monetization strategies and identifying new revenue streams
• Providing a structured roadmap for growth and expansion in the digital landscape
• Helping you stay organized and focused on your content strategy
• Guiding your decision-making process and facilitating effective resource allocation
• Enabling you to pitch your ideas and secure partnerships or sponsorships with brands
• Allowing you to adapt to changes in the industry and pivot your content strategy as needed
• Increasing your credibility and professionalism as a content creator.

Main Elements of Content Creators Business Plan Template

ClickUp's Business Plan Template for Content Creators is the perfect tool to help you strategically outline your goals and create a structured roadmap for success in the competitive digital landscape. This template includes:

• Custom Statuses: Keep track of the progress of your business plan with statuses like Complete, In Progress, Needs Revision, and To Do, ensuring that you stay organized and on top of your tasks.
• Custom Fields: Use custom fields such as Reference, Approved, and Section to track important information and annotations within your business plan, making it easy to access and reference critical details.
• Custom Views: Access five different views, including Topics, Status, Timeline, Business Plan, and Getting Started Guide, allowing you to visualize and manage your content strategy, track progress, and stay on top of your goals.

With ClickUp's Business Plan Template for Content Creators, you'll have all the tools you need to create a comprehensive and effective business plan that sets you up for success in the digital world.

How To Use Business Plan Template for Content Creators

If you're a content creator looking to take your business to the next level, using the Business Plan Template in ClickUp can help you organize your strategy and goals. Follow these five steps to make the most of this template:

1. Define your target audience

Start by clearly identifying your target audience. Who are you creating content for? What are their demographics, interests, and pain points? Understanding your audience will help you tailor your content and marketing efforts to effectively reach and engage them.

Use custom fields in ClickUp to categorize and track information about your target audience.

2. Set your goals

Determine what you want to achieve with your content creation business. Are you aiming to increase your subscriber count, generate more leads, or monetize your content through partnerships and sponsorships? Set specific, measurable goals that align with your overall business objectives.

Use Goals in ClickUp to set and track your content creation goals.

3. Plan your content calendar

Creating a content calendar is essential for staying organized and consistent with your content creation efforts. Map out your content ideas, topics, and publishing schedule for the coming weeks or months. This will help you stay on track and ensure that you're consistently delivering valuable content to your audience.

Use the Calendar view in ClickUp to visually plan and schedule your content.

4. Identify revenue streams

Explore different ways to monetize your content creation business. This could include sponsored content, affiliate marketing, selling digital products, or offering coaching or consulting services. Identify the revenue streams that align with your niche and target audience.

Use custom fields in ClickUp to track and analyze your revenue streams.

5. Track and analyze your performance

Regularly track and analyze your content performance to understand what's working and what needs improvement. Monitor metrics such as engagement, traffic, conversion rates, and revenue generated. This data will help you make informed decisions and optimize your content strategy for better results.

Use Dashboards in ClickUp to create visual reports and track your content performance metrics.

By following these steps and using the Business Plan Template in ClickUp, you'll have a clear roadmap for growing your content creation business and achieving your goals.

Get Started with ClickUp’s Business Plan Template for Content Creators

Content creators can use the Business Plan Template for Content Creators to strategically outline their goals, target audience, content strategy, monetization plans, and key performance indicators (KPIs), helping them create a structured roadmap for success in the competitive digital landscape.

First, hit "Add Template" to sign up for ClickUp and add the template to your Workspace. Make sure you designate which Space or location in your Workspace you'd like this template applied.

Next, invite relevant members or guests to your Workspace to start collaborating.

Now you can take advantage of the full potential of this template to create a comprehensive business plan:

• Use the Topics View to organize your business plan by different sections, such as goals, target audience, content strategy, monetization plans, and KPIs
• The Status View will help you track the progress of each section, with statuses like Complete, In Progress, Needs Revision, and To Do
• The Timeline View will give you a visual representation of your content creation milestones and deadlines
• The Business Plan View will provide a comprehensive overview of your entire business plan, allowing you to easily navigate and make updates
• The Getting Started Guide View will serve as a step-by-step guide to help you implement your business plan effectively
• Utilize custom fields like Reference, Approved, and Section to add additional information and categorize your content
• Update statuses as you progress through each section to keep track of your progress
• Monitor and analyze your business plan to ensure you're on track to achieve your goals.
• Business Plan Template for Cleaning Technicians
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• Business Plan Template for Payroll Staff

Template details

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Content Creator Business Plan

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Content Catalyst

Value proposition.

Content Catalyst is a content creation service specializing in producing high-quality, engaging, and targeted content for businesses looking to outsource their marketing efforts. As an experienced content creator and influencer, we provide personalized content strategies and creations tailored to a company’s brand, audience, and marketing goals.

The Problem

Many businesses struggle to consistently produce high-quality content that resonates with their target audience, lacking the time, resources, or expertise to do so. This leads to missed opportunities for customer engagement, brand awareness, and revenue growth.

Content Catalyst provides personalized content marketing solutions, including custom content creation, influencer campaigns, strategy consultation, and performance tracking—tailored to clients’ needs and goals.

Target Market

Our target market includes small to medium-sized businesses seeking to outsource their content creation and marketing efforts. We aim to serve businesses looking for:

• A personalized approach to content marketing
• Authentic and engaging content
• A knowledgeable partner with a proven track record

Competitors and Differentiation

Key competitors include other content creators, marketing agencies, and freelancers. Content Catalyst differentiates itself by offering a unique combination of content creation, influencer marketing, and strategic consultation. Our personalized approach, backed by our own success as content creators, ensures that we understand the unique needs of our clients and deliver results that resonate with their audience.

Our experience, passion for storytelling, platform expertise, and commitment to genuine connections enable us to craft engaging content that drives results and keeps clients ahead in the content marketing landscape.

Funding Needs

We seek an initial investment of $50,000 to expand our content production capabilities, invest in marketing efforts to attract clients and enhance our analytics tools to better serve clients’ needs.

Sales Channels

Our primary sales channels include our personal website, social media platforms, and referrals from existing clients. We will also engage in outreach campaigns, targeting businesses in our niche with personalized content solutions.

Marketing Activities

To attract clients and showcase our skills, we will:

• Develop a strong online presence, with regular content updates and portfolio showcases.
• Network at industry events and conferences to build connections with potential clients.
• Offer free webinars and workshops to educate businesses on the value of content marketing and the services we provide.
• Utilize targeted advertising campaigns on social media platforms and industry-specific websites.

Financial Projections

Year 1: $120,000

Year 2: $200,000

Year 3: $300,000

Expenses/Costs

Year 1: $60,000 

Year 2: $80,000

Year 3: $100,000

Year 1: $60,000

Year 2: $120,000

Year 3: $200,000

• Secure initial investment and establish business structure.
• Develop a comprehensive marketing plan to attract clients.
• Reach $10,000 in monthly revenue within the first six months.
• Expand client base and develop long-term partnerships with businesses.
• Continuously refine content strategies and offerings based on analytics and feedback.

Key Team and Roles

Content creator and strategist, responsible for crafting engaging content, developing content strategies, and managing client relationships., social media manager, manages and maintains the online presence, engages with the audience, and tracks the performance of content..

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Simple Business Plan Table of Contents

Unleash your creativity and structure your business vision with our simple plan template..

• Design Style : modern
• Colors : light
• Size : Letter
• Plan : free

Presenting the Simple Business Plan Table of Contents Template - your ideal partner in crafting a seamless and comprehensive business plan. This template is primed to help you highlight all the necessary areas of your business plan in a well-structured manner. It is ripe and ready for you to customize to your preferences. Add some splash of colors, modify the sizes, or even incorporate visually appealing photos or icons from our free stock libraries on Venngage to bring your business plan to life. Utilize this template to effectively promote your plan and ensure every detail gets the attention it deserves. Start creating your ideal design with us today!

Explore more

Broad Pharmacy Network reintroduced for certain New Jersey Oxford plans effective Jan. 1, 2024

The Broad Pharmacy network will be paired with small business plan designs instead of Standard Select Pharmacy Network.

Beginning with Jan.1, 2024, new business effective dates, the following Oxford small business (2–50) plan designs will be paired with the Broad Pharmacy Network instead of the Standard Select Pharmacy Network.

• Oxford fully insured : All Oxford Liberty small business plan designs
• Oxford Level Funded: All Oxford Liberty and Oxford Freedom small business plan designs

Existing groups

• Oxford fully insured: Current 2–50 fully insured Oxford Liberty groups with the Standard Select pharmacy will be automatically switched to the Broad Pharmacy Network upon renewal.
• Oxford Level Funded: Current 2–50 level funded Oxford Liberty and Oxford Freedom groups will need to actively select the Broad Pharmacy Network at renewal, or they will remain with the Standard Select Pharmacy Network. 

Please note , Oxford Metro Network ® fully insured and level funded plans will continue to include the Standard Select Pharmacy Network with Walgreens as the anchor pharmacy.

About the Broad Pharmacy Network

The Broad Pharmacy Network provides access* to more than 67,000 pharmacies nationwide, including major chains, mass merchants, and supermarkets. Examples of network pharmacies include CVS ® , Duane Reade TM , Walgreens ® and Walmart ® .

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