business plan format word

Customer Reviews
Net 30 Account
Wise Services
Steps & Timeline
Work at a Glance
Market Research at a Glance
Business Plan Writing Services
Bank Business Plan
Investor Business Plan
Franchise Business Plan
Cannabis Business Plan
Strategic Business Plan
Corporate Business Plan
Merge and Acquisition Business Plan (M&A)
Private Placement Memorandums (PPM)
Sample Business Plans
Professional Feasibility Study
PowerPoint Presentations
Pitch Deck Presentation Services
Business Plan Printing
Market Research
L-1 Business Plan
E-2 Business Plan
EB-5 Business Plan
EB-5 Regional Centers
Immigration Attorneys
Nonprofit Business Plan
Exit Business Planning
Business Planning
Business Formation
Business License
Business Website
Business Branding
Business Bank Account
Digital Marketing
Business Funding Resources
Small Business Loans
Venture Capital
Net 30 Apply

Free Simple Business Plan Templates

Are you a business startup and want to get a free business plan template for your business? If yes, then you are at the right place. As a business plan writing company , we list out professional business plan templates for you so you can write your business plan easily. We have shared a wide range of templates for diversified business needs. You can choose one that suits your requirements

Simple Business Plan Template

This template guides you step by step through all the elements of a small business plan , covering areas like the company’s history, introducing the management team, conducting market analysis, presenting product or service details, outlining financial projections, and more. Additionally, it includes a pre-built table of contents to maintain the structure of your plan, and it’s fully adaptable to suit your specific needs.

Lean Startup Business Plan Template

The lean business plan template offers a simplified alternative to the traditional business plan Template. It includes concise sections for your company’s overview, industry context, problem-solving approach, unique value proposition, target market, and essential performance metrics. Additionally, there’s space to map out a timeline of crucial activities.

Free Business Plan Template

Boost your business with our collection of easy-to-use templates designed just for you.

Business Plan Templates By Business Category

Potential issues with business plan templates & how to address them, generic templates vs. industry specificity.

Issue: One-size-fits-all business plan templates might not capture industry-specific details crucial for investors.
Solution: Look for templates with industry-tailored sections or customize existing ones to highlight your industry’s nuances.

Lack of Financial Expertise

Issue: Users might struggle with financial projections or terminology.
Solution: Include clear instructions and financial guidance within the simple business plan template.. Users can also consult free online resources or financial advisors.

Data Accuracy and Consistency

Issue: Inaccurate or inconsistent data can mislead investors.
Solution: Double-check all data entries and ensure consistency across the plan. Consider using real financial data from your business (if applicable).

Overreliance on Templates

Issue: Business Plan Templates shouldn’t replace critical thinking and analysis specific to your business.
Solution: Use the template as a framework, but personalize it with your unique value proposition, competitive landscape analysis, and strategic goals.

Formatting and Readability

Issue: Poor formatting can make your plan look unprofessional.
Solution: Pay attention to formatting elements like fonts, spacing, and visuals. Ensure the plan is clear, concise, and easy to read.

Remember: Our Page includes 45 different kinds of business plan templates tailored for specific industries, So you can choose any format that suits your business with your ease.

Get Your One Page Business Plan Template from Wisebusinessplan Today!

Essential elements of a business plan.

Executive Summary
Business Description
Market Analysis
Competitive Analysis
Marketing and Sales Strategy
Organization and Management
Product or Service Line
Financial Projections
Funding Request
Appendix (optional)

Tips for Creating a Business Plan

Creating a business plan can seem like a daunting task, but the following tips aim to simplify the process as you develop your plan:

Utilize a business plan template (choose from the options above) or refer to the previous section to establish a standard outline for your plan.
Adapt your outline to suit the specific needs of your business. If you’re using a standard business plan outline, remove any sections that don’t apply to your situation or aren’t vital for running your business.
Begin by gathering all the information you currently have about your business. Then, use this information to complete each section in your plan outline.
Leverage available resources and conduct additional research to fill in any remaining gaps. (Note: You don’t have to fill out your plan in sequence, but remember that the executive summary, which summarizes key points, should be completed last.)
Ensure your plan effectively conveys the interplay between your marketing, sales, and financial objectives.
Include details in your plan that outline your strategic course of action, looking ahead three to five years.
Regularly revisit your plan as strategies and objectives evolve.

At the very least, ensure your business plan addresses the following questions:

What product or service are we offering?
Who is the product or service for?
What problem does our product or service solve?
How will we deliver the product or service to our target customers?
What makes our product or service superior to alternatives?
How can we surpass our competitors?
What is our unique value proposition?
When will tasks be completed, and who is responsible for them?
If funding is needed, how will it be utilized?
When are payments due, and when will income be received?
What is the ultimate purpose of your business?

To determine the type of business plan that suits your needs and for more helpful guidance, consult our guide on crafting a concise business plan.

Benefits of Using a Business Plan Template

Developing a business plan can be a time-consuming task, particularly if you’re unsure how to get started. However, utilizing the right template tailored to your business needs can prove highly advantageous. Here’s how using a business plan template, as opposed to starting from scratch, can be particularly helpful:

Facilitates Organized Planning

A template allows you to promptly jot down your thoughts and ideas in an orderly fashion. It provides a structured framework that simplifies the planning process.

Provides Clarity and Structure

Using a template gives your plan a clear structure, helping you outline your business objectives, strategies, and goals with greater precision.

Time and Resource Efficiency

Templates save you precious time and resources. They eliminate the need to create every section from the ground up, enabling you to focus on the content and strategy, rather than the format.

Prevents Oversight

Templates serve as comprehensive guides, helping you cover all the essential details your business plan should encompass. This reduces the risk of omitting crucial elements vital to your business’s success.

In essence, a well-designed business plan template streamlines the planning process, making it more efficient and ensuring that your plan is both thorough and well-organized.

Restrictions of Business Plan Templates

While a business plan template can be a helpful starting point, it comes with certain limitations, particularly if the template doesn’t align precisely with your business’s unique requirements. Here are some drawbacks to consider:

Lack of Customization

Every business is distinct, and your business plan should reflect that individuality. A template may not adequately cater to your specific needs, potentially resulting in an ill-fitting plan.

Impaired Collaboration

Using a template may hinder effective collaboration among different teams involved in the plan’s development, such as sales, marketing, and accounting teams. It might not be conducive to seamless teamwork.

Data Dispersal

Templates can lead to the creation of multiple files stored in various locations. This can make it challenging to maintain a centralized and up-to-date plan.

Chart and Graph Creation

Templates often require you to manually generate charts and graphs to support your strategic points. This adds an extra layer of work and complexity.

Multiple Updates

Keeping your plan, spreadsheets, and supporting documents synchronized can be cumbersome when using a template. Changes made may not automatically update across all documents, potentially causing version control issues.

In summary, while business plan templates can be a useful starting point, it’s essential to be aware of their limitations, especially when your business has specific requirements that may not be accommodated by a generic template.

A business plan template is a pre-written document that provides a structure and outline for writing a business plan. It can help businesses of all sizes save time and effort, ensure completeness, improve consistency, and make a better impression on potential investors and lenders.

To write a business plan using a template, simply follow the structure and outline provided. Fill in the blanks with information about your company, its products or services, its target market, its financial projections, and its marketing and sales strategies. Be sure to customize the template to fit the specific needs of your business.

The best business plan templates for small businesses are those that are tailored to the specific needs of small businesses. Some popular options include:

Lean Startup Canvas
Business Model Canvas
One-Page Business Plan
SBA Business Plan Template
SCORE Business Plan Template

To customize a business plan template, simply add or remove sections as needed to fit the specific needs of your business. You can also change the wording and formatting of the template to match your company’s brand voice.

Here are a few tips for writing a successful business plan using a template:

Be honest and realistic in your projections.
Be clear and concise in your writing.
Be specific about your goals and objectives.
Tailor your plan to your target audience.
Proofread your plan carefully before submitting it to potential investors or lenders.

Here are a few examples of good business plans written using templates: