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How to Write a Business Plan to Start a Bank

Published Feb.29, 2024

Updated Apr.23, 2024

By: Alex Silensky

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Table of Content

Bank Business Plan Checklist

A bank business plan is a document that describes the bank’s goals, strategies, operations, and financial projections. It communicates the bank’s vision and value proposition to potential investors, regulators, and stakeholders. A SBA business plan should be clear, concise, and realistic. It should also cover all the essential aspects of the bank’s business model.

Here is a checklist of the main sections that you should keep in mind while building a bank business plan:

• Executive summary
• Company description
• Industry analysis
• Competitive analysis
• Service or product list
• Marketing and sales plan
• Operations plan
• Management team
• Funding request
• Financial plan

Sample Business Plan for Bank

The following is a bank business plan template that operates in the USA. This bank business plan example is regarding ABC Bank, and it includes the following sections:

Executive Summary

ABC Bank is a new bank for California’s SMBs and individuals. We offer convenient banking services tailored to our customers’ needs and preferences. We have a large target market with over 500,000 SMBs spending billions on banking services annually. We have the licenses and approvals to operate our bank and raised $20 million in seed funding. We are looking for another $30 million in debt financing.

Our goal is to launch our bank by the end of 2024 and achieve the following objectives in the first five years of operation:

• Acquire 100,000 customers and 10% market share
• Generate $100 million in annual revenue and $20 million in net profit
• Achieve a return on equity (ROE) of 15% and a return on assets (ROA) of 1.5%
• Expand our network to 10 branches and 50 ATMs
• Increase our brand awareness and customer loyalty

Our bank has great potential to succeed and grow in the banking industry. We invite you to read the rest of our microfinance business plan to learn about how to set up a business plan for the bank and how we will achieve our goals.

Industry Analysis

California has one of the biggest and most active banking industries in the US and the world. According to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp , California has 128 financial institutions, with total assets exceeding $560 billion.

The California banking industry is regulated and supervised by various federal and state authorities. However, they also face several risks and challenges, such as:

• High competition and consolidation
• Increasing regulation and compliance
• Rising customer demand for digital and mobile banking
• Cyberattacks and data breaches
• Environmental and social issues

The banking industry in California is highly competitive and fragmented. According to the FDIC, the top 10 banks and thrifts in California by total deposits as of June 30, 2023, were:

Customer Analysis

We serve SMBs who need local, easy, and cheap banking. We divide our customers into four segments by size, industry, location, and needs: 

SMB Segment 1 – Tech SMBs in big cities of California. These are fast-growing, banking-intensive customers. They account for a fifth of our market share and a third of our revenue and are loyal and referable.

SMB Segment 2 – Entertainment SMBs in California’s entertainment hubs. These are high-profile, banking-heavy customers. They make up a sixth of our market and a fourth of our revenue and are loyal and influential.

SMB Segment 3 – Tourism SMBs in California’s tourist spots. These are seasonal, banking-dependent customers. They represent a quarter of our market and a fifth of our revenue and are loyal and satisfied.

SMB Segment 4 – Other SMBs in various regions of California. These are slow-growing, banking-light customers. They constitute two-fifths of our market and a quarter of our revenue and are loyal and stable.

Competitive Analysis

We compete with other banks and financial institutions that offer similar or substitute products and services to our target customers in our target market. We group our competitors into four categories based on their size and scope: 

1. National Banks

• Key Players – Bank of America, Wells Fargo, JPMorgan Chase, Citibank, U.S. Bank
• Strengths – Large customer base, strong brand, extensive branch/ATM network, innovation, robust operations, solid financial performance
• Weaknesses – High competition, regulatory costs, low customer satisfaction, high attrition
• Strategies – Maintain dominance through customer acquisition/retention, revenue growth, efficiency

2. Regional Banks

• Key Players – MUFG Union Bank, Bank of the West, First Republic Bank, Silicon Valley Bank, East West Bank
• Strengths – Loyal customer base, brand recognition, convenient branch/ATM network, flexible operations
• Weaknesses – Moderate competition, regulatory costs, customer attrition
• Strategies – Grow market presence through customer acquisition/retention, revenue optimization, efficiency

3. Community Banks

• Key Players – Mechanics Bank, Bank of Marin, Pacific Premier Bank, Tri Counties Bank, Luther Burbank Savings
• Strengths – Small loyal customer base, reputation, convenient branches, ability to adapt
• Weaknesses – Low innovation and technology adoption
• Strategies – Maintain niche identity through customer loyalty, revenue optimization, efficiency

4. Online Banks

• Key Players – Ally Bank, Capital One 360, Discover Bank, Chime Bank, Varo Bank
• Strengths – Large growing customer base, strong brand, no branches, lean operations, high efficiency
• Weaknesses – High competition, regulatory costs, low customer satisfaction and trust, high attrition
• Strategies – Disrupt the industry by acquiring/retaining customers, optimizing revenue, improving efficiency

Market Research

Our market research shows that:

• California has a large, competitive, growing banking market with 128 banks and $560 billion in assets.
• Our target customers are the SMBs in California, which is 99.8% of the businesses and employ 7.2-7.4 million employees.
• Our main competitors are national and regional banks in California that offer similar banking products and services.

We conclude that:

• Based on the information provided in our loan officer business plan , there is a promising business opportunity for us to venture into and establish a presence in the banking market in California.
• We should focus on the SMBs in California, as they have various unmet banking needs, preferences, behavior, and a high potential for growth and profitability.

Operations Plan

Our operational structure and processes form the basis of our operations plan, and they are as follows:

• Location and Layout – We have a network of 10 branches and 50 ATMs across our target area in California. We strategically place our branches and ATMs in convenient and high-traffic locations.
• Equipment and Technology – We use modern equipment and technology to provide our products and services. We have computers and software for banking functions; security systems to protect branches and ATMs; communication systems to communicate with customers and staff; inventory and supplies to operate branches and ATMs.
• Suppliers and Vendors – We work with reliable suppliers and vendors that provide our inventory and supplies like cash, cards, paper, etc. We have supplier management systems to evaluate performance.
• Staff and Management – Our branches have staff like branch managers, customer service representatives, tellers, and ATM technicians with suitable qualifications and experience.
• Policies and Procedures – We have policies for customer service, cash handling, card handling, and paper handling to ensure quality, minimize losses, and comply with regulations. We use various tools and systems to implement these policies.

Management Team

The following individuals make up our management team:

• Earl Yao, CEO and Founder – Earl is responsible for establishing and guiding the bank’s vision, mission, strategy, and overall operations. He brings with him over 20 years of banking experience.
• Paula Wells, CFO and Co-Founder – Paula oversees financial planning, reporting, analysis, compliance, and risk management.
• Mark Hans, CTO – Mark leads our technology strategy, infrastructure, innovation, and digital transformation.
• Emma Smith, CMO – Emma is responsible for designing and implementing our marketing strategy and campaigns.
• David O’kane, COO – David manages the daily operations and processes of the bank ensuring our products and services meet the highest standards of quality and efficiency.

Financial Projections

Our assumptions and drivers form the basis of our financial projections, which are as follows:

Assumptions: We have made the following assumptions for our collection agency business plan :

• Start with 10 branches, 50 ATMs in January 2024
• Grow branches and ATMs 10% annually
• 10,000 customers per branch, 2,000 per ATM
• 5% average loan rate, 2% average deposit rate
• 80% average loan-to-deposit ratio
• $10 average fee per customer monthly
• $100,000 average operating expense per branch monthly
• $10,000 average operating expense per ATM monthly
• 25% average tax rate

Our financial projections are as per our:

• Projected Income Statement
• Projected Cash Flow Statement
• Projected Balance Sheet
• Projected Financial Ratios and Indicators

Select the Legal Framework for Your Bank

Our legal structure and requirements form the basis of our legal framework, which are as follows:

Legal Structure and Entity – We have chosen to incorporate our bank as a limited liability company (LLC) under the laws of California.

Members – We have two members who own and control our bank: Earl Yao and Paula Wells, the founders and co-founders of our bank.

Manager – We have appointed Mark Hans as our manager who oversees our bank’s day-to-day operations and activities.

Name – We have registered our bank’s name as ABC Bank LLC with the California Secretary of State. We have also obtained a trademark registration for our name and logo.

Registered Agent – We have designated XYZ Registered Agent Services LLC as our registered agent authorized to receive and handle legal notices and documents on behalf of our bank.

Licenses and Approvals – We have obtained the necessary licenses and approvals to operate our bank in California, including:

• Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) Insurance
• Federal Reserve System Membership
• California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) License
• Business License
• Employer Identification Number (EIN)
• Zoning and Building Permits

Legal Documents and Agreements – We have prepared and signed the necessary legal documents and agreements to form and operate our bank, including:

• Certificate of Formation
• Operating Agreement
• Membership Agreement
• Loan Agreement
• Card Agreement
• Paper Agreement

Keys to Success

We analyze our market, customers, competitors, and industry to determine our keys to success. We have identified the following keys to success for our bank.

Customer Satisfaction

Customer satisfaction is vital for any business, especially a bank relying on loyalty and referrals. It is the degree customers are happy with our products, services, and interactions. It is influenced by:

• Product and service quality – High-quality products and services that meet customer needs and preferences
• Customer service quality – Friendly, professional, and helpful customer service across channels
• Customer experience quality – Convenient, reliable, and secure customer access and transactions

We will measure satisfaction with surveys, feedback, mystery shopping, and net promoter scores. Our goal is a net promoter score of at least 8.

Operational Efficiency

Efficiency is key in a regulated, competitive environment. It is using resources and processes effectively to achieve goals and objectives. It is influenced by:

• Resource optimization – Effective and efficient use and control of capital, staff, and technology
• Process improvement – Streamlined, standardized processes measured for performance
• Performance management – Managing financial, operational, customer, and stakeholder performance

We will measure efficiency with KPIs, metrics, dashboards, and operational efficiency ratios. Our goal is an operational efficiency ratio below 50%.

Partner with OGSCapital for Your Bank Business Plan Success

Highly efficient service.

Highly Efficient Service! I am incredibly happy with the outcome; Alex and his team are highly efficient professionals with a diverse bank of knowledge.

Are you looking to hire business plan writers to start a bank business plan? At OGSCapital, we can help you create a customized and high-quality bank development business plan to meet your goals and exceed your expectations.

We have a team of senior business plan experts with extensive experience and expertise in various industries and markets. We will conduct thorough market research, develop a unique value proposition, design a compelling financial model, and craft a persuasive pitch deck for your business plan. We will also offer you strategic advice, guidance, and access to a network of investors and other crucial contacts.

We are not just a business plan writing service. We are a partner and a mentor who will support you throughout your entrepreneurial journey. We will help you achieve your business goals with smart solutions and professional advice. Contact us today and let us help you turn your business idea into a reality.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I start a small bank business?

To start a small bank business in the US, you need to raise enough capital, understand how to make a business plan for the bank, apply for a federal or state charter, register your bank for taxes, open a business bank account, set up accounting, get the necessary permits and licenses, get bank insurance, define your brand, create your website, and set up your phone system.

Are banks profitable businesses?

Yes, banks are profitable businesses in the US. They earn money through interest on loans and fees for other services. The commercial banking industry in the US has grown 5.6% per year on average between 2018 and 2023.

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How to Create a Fruitful Bank Business Plan- Free PDF Included

Tamana Gupta

 A bank is a type of financial institution that accepts deposits and extracts money from customers' accounts. The banking industry, like other businesses, needed a large capital expenditure to get off the ground.

A business plan for the banking sector is essential for starting and growing banks. Financial institutions need a business plan for banks because their regulations are based on similar ones. So, it should be designed to grab the interest of lenders, stakeholders, and investors.

Business plans for the banking sector must include clear and attainable goals for the future, marketing strategies, timeliness, ways to use the investments and information about the organization. For the company to achieve its objectives, it must project the estimations of the commercial operations that have been planned during the previous three fiscal years and evaluate their viability.

Guidelines for Writing a Business Plan for the Banking Sector

Prepare a thorough banking business plan by going through all the relevant topics in depth. Provide the reasons for starting the firm and the goals that demonstrate the entrepreneur's skill and pique the interest of venture capitalists. Before creating a business plan for the banking industry, there are a few questions that should be adequately addressed. As follows:

What kind of market do you have, and where?

What is the likely range of your industrial expansion?

Who are your intended customers?

What types of regulations will you put in place to lure consumers?

How will you carry out your carefully thought-out policies and take the appropriate measures in response?

So, here are a few of the essential slides that you must incorporate into your business plan to make it stand out.

# Detailed overview of the bank

This slide is to portray organization details including name, incorporation date, web address, start-up investment, services, etc. It also covers the quick pitch and goals and objectives of the bank. 

The company overview is part of your business plan that gives the basics and background of your business. It's the foundation on which you will build the rest of your business plan. You need the reader to be well-informed about your business to entice investors or future customers.

This slide is 100% editable, so download it right now.

Download this Template Now

# Market gap and opportunity of a banking firm

The purpose of this slide is to highlight the market gap and focus on devising solutions to overcome those challenges. It also helps to identify unexplored areas that other businesses in the same space are not serving currently. 

A market gap is an area where there is a need from customers but where businesses do not already fill the void.  A market gap opportunity is a chance to create and offer something currently unavailable. 

So, highlight the market gap along with its solution in the slide to give a glimpse to the investor.

# Description of products and services offered by the bank

This slide is to express the benefits the bank provides to its customers or clients. It includes individual, business, and digital banking services in addition to all kinds of loan services.

Your business plan's section on products and services helps the reader understand why you're in business, what you sell, how you compete with existing options, or how you fill a market gap that no one else is filling.

So, highlight the different services your bank is offering to you.

# Choosing an ideal business location for the bank

This slide portrays an ideal business location for the bank that minimizes the risk of failure. It covers gathering and analyzing data in order to select the optimal location in terms of feasibility, economy, and future sustainability.

Choosing an apt location for your business not only helps you in retaining employees but also makes you more accessible in attracting target customers. 

So, highlight the few things you are considering while choosing the location to make the users of the business plan aware.

# Major restraints hampering growth in the banking industry

The idea behind this slide is to guide stakeholders about the problems prevailing in the industry. It covers various challenges such as technology, meaningful experience, and sustainability. 

However, highlighting the major restraints in a business plan will make you understand the clear-cut challenges that they have to overcome.

# Evaluating client journey through a sales funnel

This slide highlights customer journey mapping to track users' actions and key touch points across levels such as awareness, conversion, loyalty, and retention. It enables organizations to see how well each step of the sales process is working.

A sales funnel is a word used in marketing, to sum up and define the path taken by potential clients from prospecting to purchase.

# Understanding the bank’s operational framework to ensure success

The purpose of this slide is to outline the key objectives and goals of an organization and how to reach them by crafting an operational plan. It keeps teams on track while guiding them in making crucial decisions about the banks’ long-term strategy.

In this slide, you can highlight the 1-YEAR plan, 3-YEAR plan, and 5-YEAR onwards plan to achieve the goals and objectives. 

# Deploying an efficient organizational structure for smooth operations

The purpose of this slide is to craft a successful hierarchical framework for the bank to ensure smooth operations. It includes personal bankers, cashiers, clerks, technical supervisors, etc.

An organizational structure is a system that defines how specific tasks are directed in order to fulfill the goals of an organization.

So, highlight the organizational chart in the slide to make it clear to the audience, how the pattern is being followed in the organization.

# Job roles and responsibilities of each department (contd.)

This slide aims to highlight key job roles and responsibilities of the bank staff to ensure effectiveness and efficiency in the operations. It also helps in avoiding duplication of work. Job responsibilities refer to the duties and tasks of their particular roles.

Companies that identify roles and responsibilities can streamline their hiring processes. It may encourage their employees to perform better and pay closer attention at work. It also helps enhance operational efficiency by removing confusion and redundancy.

# Possible exit options for stakeholders

This bank business plan slide represents exit strategy for stakeholders such as IPO, Mergers, Acquisitions, Private offerings, and Venture Capital. It gives a business owner a way to reduce or liquidate their stake in a business and make a substantial profit if the business is successful.

An exit option is a clause in a business plan or project that enables a corporation to abandon the venture with only minor financial repercussions.

So download this ready-to-use PowerPoint presentation and edit the text as per your requirement.

Wrapping up

You can get all the information you need to understand the market, the industry, and both at once for the bank business plan in this PowerPoint. 

At SlideTeam, a group of researchers and designers work together on projects to create material that satisfies customer requirements. You alter our business plan ppt  to suit a person's unique professional needs.

What is the purpose of a business plan for a bank?

A business plan outlines your growth strategy for the next five years and gives a current picture of your bank. It outlines your company's objectives and your plans for achieving them. Market research is also included to help you with your plans.

Which three business models do banks typically use?

A commercial bank with retail funding, a commercial bank with wholesale funding, and a bank focused on the capital markets are the three business models we identify. While the third type stands out principally due to banks' growing involvement in trading activities, the first two models differ primarily in how banks choose to fund their operations.

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How to write an effective business plan in 11 steps (with workbook)

February 02, 2023 | 14 minute read

Writing a business plan is a powerful way to position your small business for success as you set out to meet your goals. Landmark studies suggest that business founders who write one are 16% more likely to build viable businesses than those who don’t and that entrepreneurs focused on high growth are 7% more likely to have written a business plan. 1 Even better, other research shows that owners who complete business plans are twice as likely to grow their business successfully or obtain capital compared with those who don’t. 2

The best time to write a business plan is typically after you have vetted and researched your business idea. (See How to start a business in 15 steps. ) If conditions change later, you can rewrite the plan, much like how your GPS reroutes you if there is traffic ahead. When you update your plan regularly, everyone on your team, including outside stakeholders such as investors, will know where you are headed.

What is a business plan?

Typically 15-20 pages long, a business plan is a document that explains what your business does, what you want to achieve in the business and the strategy you plan to use to get there. It details the opportunities you are going after, what resources you will need to achieve your goals and how you will define success.

Why are business plans important?

Business plans help you think through barriers and discover opportunities you may have recognized subconsciously but have not yet articulated. A business plan can also help you to attract potential lenders, investors and partners by providing them with evidence that your business has all of the ingredients necessary for success.

What questions should a business plan answer?

Your business plan should explain how your business will grow and succeed. A great plan will provide detailed answers to questions that a banker or investor will have before putting money into the business, such as:

• What products or services do you provide?
• Who is your target customer?
• What are the benefits of your product and service for customers?
• How much will you charge?
• What is the size of the market?
• What are your marketing plans?
• How much competition does the business face in penetrating that market?
• How much experience does the management team have in running businesses like it?
• How do you plan to measure success?
• What do you expect the business’s revenue, costs and profit to be for the first few years?
• How much will it cost to achieve the goals stated in the business plan?
• What is the long-term growth potential of the business? Is the business scalable?
• How will you enable investors to reap the rewards of backing the business? Do you plan to sell the business to a bigger company eventually or take it public as your “exit strategy”?

How to write a business plan in 11 steps

This step-by-step outline will make it easier to write an effective business plan, even if you’re managing the day-to-day demands of starting a new business. Creating a table of contents that lists key sections of the plan with page numbers will make it easy for readers to flip to the sections that interest them most.

• Use our editable workbook to capture notes and organize your thoughts as you review these critical steps. Note: To avoid losing your work, please remember to save this PDF to your desktop before you begin.

1. Executive summary

The executive summary is your opportunity to make a great first impression on investors and bankers. It should be just as engaging as the enthusiastic elevator pitch you might give if you bumped into a potential backer in an elevator.

In three to five paragraphs, you’ll want to explain what your business does, why it will succeed and where it will be in five years. The executive summary should include short descriptions of the following:

• Business concept. What will your business do?
• Goals and vision. What do you expect the business to achieve, both financially and for other key stakeholders, such as the community?
• Product or service. What does your product or service do — and how is it different from those of competitors?
• Target market. Who do you expect to buy your product or service?
• Marketing strategy. How will you tell people about your product or service?
• Current revenue and profits. If your business is pre-revenue, offer sales projections.
• Projected revenue and profits. Provide a realistic look at the next year, as well as the next three years, ideally.
• Financial resources needed. How much money do you need to borrow or raise to fund your plan?
• Management team. Who are the company’s leaders and what relevant experience will they contribute?

2. Business overview

Here is where you provide a brief history of the business and describe the product(s) or service(s) it offers. Make sure you describe the problem you are attempting to solve, for whom you will solve it (your customers) and how you will solve it. Be sure to describe your business model (such as direct-to-consumer sales through an online store) so readers can envision how you will make sales. Also mention your business structure (such as a sole proprietorship , general partnership, limited partnership or corporation) and why it is advantageous for the business. And be sure to provide context on the state of your industry and where your business will fit into it.

3. Business goals and vision

Explain what you hope to achieve in the business (your vision) as well as its mission and value proposition. Most founders judge success by the size to which they grow the business using measures such as revenue or number of employees. Your goals may not be solely financial. You may also wish to provide jobs or solve a societal problem. If that’s the case, mention those goals as well.

If you are seeking outside funding, explain why you need the money, how you will put it to work to grow the business and how you expect to achieve the goals you have set for the business. Also explain your exit strategy—that is, how you would enable investors to cash out, whether that means selling the business or taking it public.

4. Management and organization

Many investors say they bet on the team behind a business more than the business idea, trusting that talented and experienced people will be capable of bringing sound business concepts to life. With that in mind, make sure to provide short bios of the key members of your management team (including yourself) that emphasize the relevant experience each individual brings, along with their special talents and industry recognition. Many business plans include headshots of the management team with the bios.

Also describe more about how your organization will be structured. Your company may be a sole proprietorship, a limited liability company (LLC) or a corporation in one or more states.

If you will need to hire people for specific roles, this is the place to mention those plans. And if you will rely on outside consultants for certain roles — such as an outsourced CFO — be sure to make a note of it here. Outside backers want to know if you’ve anticipated the staffing you need.

5. Service or product line

A business will only succeed if it sells something people want or need to buy. As you describe the products or services you will offer, make sure to explain what benefits they will provide to your target customers, how they will differ from competing offerings and what the buying cycle will likely be so it is clear that you can actually sell what you are offering. If you have plans to protect your intellectual property through a copyright or patent filing, be sure to mention that. Also explain any research and development work that is underway to show investors the potential for additional revenue streams.

6. Market/industry analysis

Anyone interested in providing financial backing to your business will want to know how big your company can potentially grow so they have an idea of what kind of returns they can expect. In this section, you’ll be able to convey that by explaining to whom you will be selling and how much opportunity there is to reach them. Key details to include are market size; a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis ; a competitive analysis; and customer segmentation. Make it clear how you developed any projections you’ve made by citing interviews or research.

Also describe the current state of the industry. Where is there room for improvement? Are most companies using antiquated processes and technology? If your business is a local one, what is the market in your area like? Do most of the restaurants where you plan to open your café serve mediocre food? What will you do better?

In this section, also list competitors, including their names, websites and social media handles. Describe each source of competition and how your business will address it.

7. Sales and marketing

Explain how you will spread the word to potential customers about what you sell. Will you be using paid online search advertising, social media promotions, traditional direct mail, print advertising in local publications, sponsorship of a local radio or TV show, your own YouTube content or some other method entirely? List all of the methods you will use.

Make sure readers know exactly what the path to a sale will be and why that approach will resonate with customers in your ideal target markets as well as existing customer segments. If you have already begun using the methods you’ve outlined, include data on the results so readers know whether they have been effective.

8. Financials

In a new business, you may not have any past financial data or financial statements to include, but that doesn’t mean you have nothing to share. Preparing a budget and financial plan will help show investors or bankers that you have developed a clear understanding of the financial aspects of running your business. (The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has prepared a guide you can use; SCORE , a nonprofit organization that partners with the SBA, offers a financial projections template to help you look ahead.) For an existing business, you will want to include income statements, profit and loss statements, cash flow statements and balance sheets, ideally going back three years.

Make a list of the specific steps you plan to take to achieve the financial results you have outlined. The steps are generally the most detailed for the first year, given that you may need to revise your plan later as you gather feedback from the marketplace.

Include interactive spreadsheets that contain a detailed financial analysis showing how much it costs your business to produce the goods and services you provide, the profits you will generate, any planned investments and the taxes you will pay. See our startup costs calculator to get started.

9. Financial projections

Creating a detailed sales forecast can help you get outside backers excited about supporting you. A sales forecast is typically a table or simple line graph that shows the projected sales of the company over time with monthly or quarterly details for the next 12 months and a broader projection as much as five years into the future. If you haven’t yet launched the company, turn to your market research to develop estimates. For more information, see “ How to create a sales forecast for your small business. ”

10. Funding request

If you are seeking outside financing such as a loan or equity investment, your potential backers will want to know how much money you need and how you will spend it. Describe the amount you are trying to raise, how you arrived at that number and what type of funding you are seeking (such as debt, equity or a combination of both). If you are contributing some of your own funds, it is worth noting this, as it shows that you have skin in the game.

11. Appendix

This should include any information and supporting documents that will help investors and bankers gain a greater understanding of the potential of your business. Depending on your industry, you might include local permits, licenses, deeds and other legal documents; professional certifications and licenses; media clips; information on patents and other intellectual property; key customer contracts and purchase orders; and other relevant documents.

Some business owners find it helpful to develop a list of key concepts, such as the names of the company’s products and industry terms. This can be helpful if you do business in an industry that may not be familiar to the readers of the business plan.

Tips for creating an effective business plan

Use clear, simple language. It’ll be easier to win people over if your plan is easy to read. Steer clear of industry jargon, and if you must use any phrases the average adult won’t know, be sure to define them.

Emphasize what makes your business unique. Investors and bankers want to know how you will solve a problem or gap in the marketplace differently from anyone else. Make sure you’re conveying your differentiating factors.

Nail the details. An ideal business plan will be detailed and accurate. Make sure that any financial projections you make are realistic and grounded in solid market research. (If you need help in making your calculations, you can get free advice at SCORE.) Seasoned bankers and investors will quickly spot numbers that are overly optimistic.

Take time to polish it. Your final version of the plan should be neat and professional with an attractive layout and copy that has been carefully proofread.

Include professional photos. High-quality shots of your product or place of business can help make it clear why your business stands out.

Updating an existing business plan

Some business owners in rapidly growing businesses update their business plan quarterly. Others do so every six months or every year. When you update your plan make sure you consider these three things:

• Are your goals still current? As you’ve tested your concept, your goals may have changed. The plan should reflect this.
• Have you revised any strategies in response to feedback from the marketplace? You may have found that your offerings resonated with a different customer segment than you expected or that your advertising plan didn’t work and you need to try a different approach. Given that investors will want to see a marketing and advertising plan that works, keeping this section current will ensure you are always ready to meet with one who shows interest.
• Have your staffing needs changed? If you set ambitious goals, you may need help from team members or outside consultants you did not anticipate when you first started the business. Take stock now so you can plan accordingly.

Final thoughts

Most business owners don’t follow their business plans exactly. But writing one will get you off to a much better start than simply opening your doors and hoping for the best, and it will be easier to analyze any aspects of your business that aren’t working later so you can course-correct. Ultimately, it may be one of the best investments you can make in the future of your business.

Business plan FAQs

What are common mistakes when writing a business plan.

The biggest mistake you can make when writing a business plan is creating one before the idea has been properly researched and tested. Not every idea is meant to become a business. Other common mistakes include:

• Not describing your management team in a way that is appealing to investors. Simply cutting and pasting someone’s professional bio into the management section won’t do the trick. You’ll want to highlight the credentials of each team member in a way that is relevant to this business.
• Failing to include financial projections — or including overly optimistic ones. Investors look at a lot of business plans and can tell quickly whether your numbers are accurate or pie in the sky. Have a good small business accountant review your numbers to make sure they are realistic.
• Lack of a clear exit strategy for investors. Investors may want the option to cash out eventually and would want to know how they can go about doing that.
• Slapdash presentation. Make sure to fact-check any industry statistics you cite and that any charts, graphs or images are carefully prepared and easy to read.

What are the different types of business plans?

There are a variety of styles of business plans. Here are three major types:

Traditional business plan. This is a formal document for pitching to investors based on the outline in this article. If your business is a complicated one, the plan may exceed the typical length and stretch to as many as 50 pages.

One-page business plan. This is a simplified version of a formal business plan designed to fit on one page. Typically, each section will be described in bullet points or in a chart format rather than in the narrative style of an executive summary. It can be helpful as a summary document to give to investors — or for internal use. Another variation on the one-page theme is the business model canvas .

Lean plan. This methodology for creating a business plan is ideal for a business that is evolving quickly. It is designed in a way that makes it easy to update on a regular basis. Lean business plans are usually about one page long. The SBA has provided an example of what this type of plan includes on its website.

Is the business plan for a nonprofit different from the plan for other business types?

Many elements of a business plan for a nonprofit are similar to those of a for-profit business. However, because the goal of a nonprofit is achieving its mission — rather than turning a profit — the business plan should emphasize its specific goals on that front and how it will achieve them. Many nonprofits set key performance indicators (KPIs) — numbers that they track to show they are moving the needle on their goals.

Nonprofits will generally emphasize their fundraising strategies in their business plans rather than sales strategies. The funds they raise are the lifeblood of the programs they run.

What is the difference between a business plan, a strategic plan and a marketing plan?

A strategic plan is different from the type of business plan you’ve read about here in that it emphasizes the long-term goals of the business and how your business will achieve them over the long run. A strong business plan can function as both a business plan and a strategic plan.

A marketing plan is different from a business plan in that it is focused on four main areas of the business: product (what you are selling and how you will differentiate it), price (how much your products or services will cost and why), promotion (how you will get your ideal customer to notice and buy what you are selling) and place (where you will sell your products). A thorough business plan may cover these topics, doing double duty as both a business plan and a marketing plan.

Explore more

Editable business plan workbook

Starting a new business

1 . Francis J. Green and Christian Hopp. “Research: Writing a Business Plan Makes Your Startup More Likely to Succeed.” HBR. July 14, 2017. Available online at https://hbr.org/2017/07/research-writing-a-business-plan-makes-your-startup-more-likely-to-succeed.

2 . CorpNet, “The Startup Business Plan: Why It’s Important and How You Can Create One,” June 29, 2022.

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Free PDF Business Plan Templates and Samples

By Joe Weller | September 9, 2020

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We’ve gathered the most useful collection of business plan PDF templates and samples, including options for organizations of any size and type.

On this page, you’ll find free PDF templates for a simple business plan , small business plan , startup business plan , and more.

Simple Business Plan PDF Templates

These simple business plan PDF templates are ready to use and customizable to fit the needs of any organization.

Simple Business Plan Template PDF

This template contains a traditional business plan layout to help you map out each aspect, from a company overview to sales projections and a marketing strategy. This template includes a table of contents, as well as space for financing details that startups looking for funding may need to provide. 

Download Simple Business Plan Template - PDF

Lean Business Plan Template PDF

This scannable business plan template allows you to easily identify the most important elements of your plan. Use this template to outline key details pertaining to your business and industry, product or service offerings, target customer segments (and channels to reach them), and to identify sources of revenue. There is also space to include key performance metrics and a timeline of activities. 

Download Lean Business Plan Template - PDF

Simple 30-60-90 Day Business Plan Template PDF

This template is designed to help you develop and implement a 90-day business plan by breaking it down into manageable chunks of time. Use the space provided to detail your main goals and deliverables for each timeframe, and then add the steps necessary to achieve your objectives. Assign task ownership and enter deadlines to ensure your plan stays on track every step of the way.

Download Simple 30-60-90 Day Business Plan Template

PDF | Smartsheet

One-Page Business Plan PDF Templates

The following single page business plan templates are designed to help you download your key ideas on paper, and can be used to create a pitch document to gain buy-in from partners, investors, and stakeholders.

One-Page Business Plan Template PDF

Use this one-page template to summarize each aspect of your business concept in a clear and concise manner. Define the who, what, why, and how of your idea, and use the space at the bottom to create a SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) for your business. 

Download One-Page Business Plan Template

If you’re looking for a specific type of analysis, check out our collection of SWOT templates .

One-Page Lean Business Plan PDF

This one-page business plan template employs the Lean management concept, and encourages you to focus on the key assumptions of your business idea. A Lean plan is not stagnant, so update it as goals and objectives change — the visual timeline at the bottom is ideal for detailing milestones. 

Download One-Page Lean Business Plan Template - PDF

One-Page 30-60-90 Day Business Plan Template

Use this business plan template to identify main goals and outline the necessary activities to achieve those goals in 30, 60, and 90-day increments. Easily customize this template to fit your needs while you track the status of each task and goal to keep your business plan on target. 

Download One-Page 30-60-90 Day Business Plan Template

For additional single page plans, including an example of a one-page business plan , visit " One-Page Business Plan Templates with a Quick How-To Guide ."

Small Business Plan PDF Templates

These business plan templates are useful for small businesses that want to map out a way to meet organizational objectives, including how to structure, operate, and expand their business.

Simple Small Business Plan Template PDF

A small business can use this template to outline each critical component of a business plan. There is space to provide details about product or service offerings, target audience, customer reach strategy, competitive advantage, and more. Plus, there is space at the bottom of the document to include a SWOT analysis. Once complete, you can use the template as a basis to build out a more elaborate plan. 

Download Simple Small Business Plan Template

Fill-In-the-Blank Small Business Plan Template PDF

This fill-in-the-blank template walks you through each section of a business plan. Build upon the fill-in-the-blank content provided in each section to add information about your company, business idea, market analysis, implementation plan, timeline of milestones, and much more.

Download Fill-In-the-Blank Small Business Plan Template - PDF

One-Page Small Business Plan Template PDF

Use this one-page template to create a scannable business plan that highlights the most essential parts of your organization’s strategy. Provide your business overview and management team details at the top, and then outline the target market, market size, competitive offerings, key objectives and success metrics, financial plan, and more.

Download One-Page Business Plan for Small Business - PDF

Startup Business Plan PDF Templates

Startups can use these business plan templates to check the feasibility of their idea, and articulate their vision to potential investors.

Startup Business Plan Template

Use this business plan template to organize and prepare each essential component of your startup plan. Outline key details relevant to your concept and organization, including your mission and vision statement, product or services offered, pricing structure, marketing strategy, financial plan, and more.

‌Download Startup Business Plan Template

Sample 30-60-90 Day Business Plan for Startup

Startups can use this sample 30-60-90 day plan to establish main goals and deliverables spanning a 90-day period. Customize the sample goals, deliverables, and activities provided on this template according to the needs of your business. Then, assign task owners and set due dates to help ensure your 90-day plan stays on track.

‌Download Sample 30-60-90 Day Business Plan for Startup Template 

For additional resources to create your plan, visit “ Free Startup Business Plan Templates and Examples .”

Nonprofit Business Plan PDF Templates

Use these business plan PDF templates to outline your organization’s mission, your plan to make a positive impact in your community, and the steps you will take to achieve your nonprofit’s goals.

Nonprofit Business Plan Template PDF

Use this customizable PDF template to develop a plan that details your organization’s purpose, objectives, and strategy. This template features a table of contents, with room to include your nonprofit’s mission and vision, key team and board members, program offerings, a market and industry analysis, promotional plan, financial plan, and more. This template also contains a visual timeline to display historic and future milestones.

Download Nonprofit Business Plan Template - PDF

One-Page Business Plan for Nonprofit Organization PDF 

This one-page plan serves as a good starting point for established and startup nonprofit organizations to jot down their fundamental goals and objectives. This template contains all the essential aspects of a business plan in a concise and scannable format, including the organizational overview, purpose, promotional plan, key objectives and success metrics, fundraising goals, and more.

Download One-Page Business Plan for Nonprofit Organization Template - PDF

Fill-In-the-Blank Business Plan PDF Templates

Use these fill-in-the-blank templates as a foundation for creating a comprehensive roadmap that aligns your business strategy with your marketing, sales, and financial goals.

Simple Fill-In-the-Blank Business Plan PDF

The fill-in-the-blank template contains all the vital parts of a business plan, with sample content that you can customize to fit your needs. There is room to include an executive summary, business description, market analysis, marketing plan, operations plan, financial statements, and more. 

Download Simple Fill-In-the-Blank Business Plan Template - PDF

Lean Fill-In-the-Blank Business Plan PDF

This business plan is designed with a Lean approach that encourages you to clarify and communicate your business idea in a clear and concise manner. This single page fill-in-the-blank template includes space to provide details about your management team, the problem you're solving, the solution, target customers, cost structure, and revenue streams. Use the timeline at the bottom to produce a visual illustration of key milestones. 

Download Fill-In-the-Blank Lean Business Plan Template - PDF

For additional resources, take a look at " Free Fill-In-the-Blank Business Plan Templates ."

Sample Business Plan PDF Templates

These sample business plan PDF templates can help you to develop an organized, thorough, and professional business plan.

Business Plan Sample 

This business plan example demonstrates a plan for a fictional food truck company. The sample includes all of the elements in a traditional business plan, which makes it a useful starting point for developing a plan specific to your business needs.

Download Basic Business Plan Sample - PDF

Sample Business Plan Outline Template

Use this sample outline as a starting point for your business plan. Shorten or expand the outline depending on your organization’s needs, and use it to develop a table of contents for your finalized plan.

Download Sample Business Plan Outline Template - PDF

Sample Business Financial Plan Template

Use this sample template to develop the financial portion of your business plan. The template provides space to include a financial overview, key assumptions, financial indicators, and business ratios. Complete the break-even analysis and add your financial statements to help prove the viability of your organization’s business plan.

Download Business Financial Plan Template

PDF  | Smartsheet

For more free, downloadable templates for all aspects of your business, check out “ Free Business Templates for Organizations of All Sizes .”

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Bank Business Plan [Sample Template]

By: Author Tony Martins Ajaero

Home » Business ideas » Financial Service Industry » Bank

Are you about starting a bank? If YES, here is a complete sample commercial bank business plan template & feasibility report you can use for FREE .

Okay, so we have considered all the requirements for starting a bank . We also took it further by analyzing and drafting a sample bank business marketing plan template backed up by actionable guerrilla marketing ideas for banks. So let’s proceed to the business planning section.

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Why Start a Bank?

Starting your own bank is a huge step and needs a good deal of planning and preparation. Extensive information about the founders, the business plan, senior management team, finances, capital adequacy, risk management infrastructure, and other relevant factors must be provided to the appropriate authorities.

There are also a number of legal regulations and requirements that must be fulfilled in order to start your own bank. Some of these requirements are dependent upon the regulations in the niche you wish to establish your bank.

As hard as the task of starting a bank can be, anyone who wishes to start their own bank is able to enjoy the many benefits of making a major investment. Although the process of registering and setting up a bank involves lengthy planning and a relatively complex licensing procedure, once it is completed, the owner is able to conduct financial activity in their chosen niche.

Note that the very first step when starting your bank is to choose the niche and type of activity which you wish to engage in. Before you obtain the necessary licensing from the financial regulatory body, it is very crucial you identify whether you wish to specialize in investment banking or trade finance.

The advantages of owning your own bank are huge and include the potential to make large profits during a short period.

Note that if you know your target market and your target market’s specific requirements, you will be in a better position to provide a range of attractive services. To successfully start and run this business, it is advised you seek the help of a professional consultancy firm.

Through the advice and guidance of expert consultants, you will be able to establish a banking institution in a professional manner. Also have it in mind that any proposed bank must first receive the approval of a federal or state banking charter.

Before granting a charter, the chartering regulator must determine that the applicant bank has a reasonable chance for success and will operate in a safe and sound manner.

Then, the proposed bank must obtain approval for deposit insurance from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Additional approvals are required from the Federal Reserve if, at formation, a holding company would control the new bank or a state-chartered bank would become a member of the Federal Reserve.

A Sample Bank Business Plan Template

1. industry overview.

According to global banking industry reports, part of the broad financial services market, bank credit remain the leading market segment, with around 60% of the overall market in terms of value. Statistics has shown that the EU is the largest regional market, with over 57% of the global market.

Note that the economic recession that began in 2008 affected the industry and resulted in the crash of several financial institutions, which in turn led to the examination of practices and deployment of new guidelines in the banking industry.

But reports have it that the sector is beginning to rebound, and cross-border investment is one area contributing to recovery, with a few big banks dominating certain national markets. Advantages of cross-border practices include economies of scale, though institutions must compete with established domestic banks.

It’s very important to state that in the world retail banking and bank lending sectors, mortgage lending represents the leading market segment, accounting for almost 76% of the overall market in terms of value. Other key segments of the banking industry include private banking and payments business.

Note that in the US banking sector, experts believe that market growth will be driven by cross-border expansion due to the breaking down of obstacles to cross-border investment.

Competition between international banks is also expected to aid market growth along with the introduction of new products, reduction of costs and launching of new services. Report also has it that mobile and internet banking are becoming increasingly intertwined, especially due to the advent and success of smartphones. This provides consumers with convenient access to internet banking.

Have it in mind that the global mobile internet market will continue to drive the expansion of the mobile banking services sector. Report has shown that banking institutions are responding by launching downloadable applications and encouraging consumers to bank online and through mobile devices by rolling out mobile and internet banking services.

2. Executive Summary

Apex Investment Bank, LLC (AIB LLC) is a Portland Oregon based investment bank that will provide investment packages, underwriting, proprietary trading, and investment management for its investors. Our objective at AIB LLC is to create value for owners, employees, and investors through the establishment of an investment bank designed for the Third Generation.

This Generation is explicitly defined in the ground breaking research effort by Lincoln Swan & Co., Inc. and Netley Strategic business Group as a stage in the investment industry requiring a special set of skills for success. We at AIB LLC have leveraged this study, with more other studies, and perhaps most importantly, our own experience in the industry, to define a plan for the success of our clients.

Portland’s location is beneficial for several industries. Relatively low energy cost, accessible resources, north–south and east–west Interstates, international air terminals, large marine shipping facilities, and both west coast intercontinental railroads are all economic advantages.

AIB LLC will be structured as a Limited Liability Company with excellent plans to make use of industry research performed by one of our founding entrepreneurs, Solomon Drane during his professional career in investment management research.

Within the past three years, Solomon Drane has conducted research visits at the investment offices of over 80 companies. He has also held countless meetings with key investment professionals from around the globe either in person or via telephone conference.

We at AIB LLC plan to offer our clients the opportunity to assume minority ownership positions in exchange for contributions to our operating capital and for providing seed assets to establish the investment products described herein.

It is very important to state that this document alone does not create an offer of any type, nor does it give any guarantee, financial, or otherwise. This is a well detailed business plan designed to strategically dictate AIB LLC plans and visions for the next five years. It is open to correction or improvement within or after the specified time.

3. Our Products and Services

We at AIB LLC will provide investment packages and underwrite securities for sale to private investors and the general public among companies that are seeking to raise capital. At the onset of operations, we at AIB LLC will solely seek to sell debt instruments on behalf of our customers.

The standard fee for this service is 8% of the total underwritten instrument. We at AIB LLC will also solicit capital from accredited investors with the purpose of making use of this capital to make investment marketable securities. Our goal is to generate compounded annual returns of 30% to 35% per year on capital invested into our Bank’s portfolio holdings. We also plan to make sure that our management retains a 25% ownership interest at AIB LLC.

4. Our Mission and Vision Statement

• Our vision at AIB LLC is to develop into a large scale investment bank that will provide underwriting income, advisory income, dividend income, capital appreciation, and interest income to investors.
• Our mission at AIB LLC is to ensure that investment decisions are implemented quickly and efficiently across all portfolios, to also make sure a trading research and rotation is used to avoid any type of systematic advantage or disadvantage an account may experience.

Our Business Structure

We at AIB LLC understand that the strength of our management team and board of directors is perhaps the most important factor in starting a bank and effectively providing for its future success. We also found out through our detailed research that for a new bank charter to be approved for us, all our senior management team must be experienced bankers with a history of relevant success.

The more reason we made sure our board of directors are made up of individuals with successful careers in business, banking, and other fields, and have representation in the necessary disciplines.

We also understand the role of the board and management as investors and how important they are. Regulators and other investors will look to the investment of these directors and senior officers as an important sign of their commitment to the bank.

We also understand that the typical investment bank is operated on a rigid, strict hierarchy, than most corporate or financial institutions. We have taken our time to analyse our market and what we need that is why we have decided to start with the listed workforce.

Managing director

• Senior vice president

Vice president

Investment Banking Associate

Investment Banking Analyst

• Marketing manager
• Security man

5. Job Roles and Responsibilities

• Broaden and/or enhance the bank’s industry coverage,
• Will partner with the firm’s leadership to grow and build the bank
• Will tirelessly work to deliver superior results to the firms’ clients
• Participate as a key member of the senior leadership team, contributing to the strategy, growth and success of the firm
• Lead efforts on sell-side and buy-side acquisition assignments, refinancing, recapitalization and restructuring assignments
• Interact seamlessly with prospects, clients, acquirors, investors and attorneys on all aspects of a M&A deal and/or capital raise
• Direct a team of junior bankers to support all elements of deal sourcing and execution.

Senior Vice president

• Involved in executing and managing equity offerings that will include the drafting and structuring of material, logistics management, issue identification, its analysis and the resolution.
• Responsible for mergers and acquisitions and manages the creation of buyers list, their contacts, drafting the relevant material, financial analysis and private equity placement.
• Researches and identify deal opportunities by formulating and issuing factual financial analyses and creating different kinds of financial plans.
• Involved in pitching or selling the organization’s products and services to new clients and may be involved in other projects as well.
• May participate in due diligence meetings with non-proprietary or proprietary investment managers and create relevant call reports that include their opinions.
• May be involved in analyzing the investment products and screening them by making effective use of a variety of investment data and the relevant software applications
• Monitors the investment products and their performance.
• Analyses the relevant statistics to evaluate the appropriateness of the product.
• Manages relationships with the investment management organizations and regularly gets him/her updated by getting valuable information from them.
• Attends industry conferences and training sessions so as to present innovative ideas to clients
• Responsible for providing leadership and overseeing the work of the subordinate members.
• Call on prospective clients such as privately held business owners, publicly traded companies and private equity firms.
• Conceptualize, organize and deliver new business presentations.
• Lead transaction implementation across industry groups.
• Manage, educate and develop banking analysts and associates.
• Develop marketing and new business presentations.
• Monitor financial analysis and modeling.
• Perform and analyze industry research.
• Create client presentations, proposals, engagement letters term sheets, legal agreements and offer memorandums.
• Create and foster client relationships.
• Managing and assisting in the preparation of financial models and business valuations
• Creating client marketing presentations
• Attending client meetings
• Conducting industry and company-specific due diligence related to transactions
• Drafting memoranda for sale assignments
• Assisting in the preparation of fairness opinions
• Attending drafting sessions for equity offerings
• Creating marketing materials for our equity sales organization
• Assisting in the development and continued cultivation of client relationships
• Developing an understanding of the underlying trends that affect equity capital markets.
• Development of various types of financial models to value debt and equity for mergers, acquisitions, and capital raising transactions.
• Perform various valuation methods: comparable companies, precedents, and DCF.
• Develop recommendations for product offerings, private equity transactions, mergers and acquisitions, and valuations.
• Conduct preparation and review of materials used in the financing of clients, including investment memoranda, management presentations and pitchbooks.
• Develop relationships with new and existing clients in order to expand the business.
• Perform due diligence, research, analysis, and documentation of live transactions.
• Create presentations for client portfolios.

Sales and Marketing director

• In charge of organizing external research and coordinating all the internal sources of information to retain the organizations’ best customers and attract new ones
• Expected to understand, prioritizes, and reaches out to new partners, and business opportunities et al
• Tasked with understanding development opportunities; follows up on development leads and contacts
• It’s the job of the director to supervise implementation, advocate for the customer’s needs, and communicate with clients
• Keep all customer contact and information
• Represents the company in strategic meetings
• Aid to increase sales and growth for the business
• Keep note and make sure the toiletries and supplies don’t run out of stock
• Ensures that both the interior and exterior of the firm are always clean
• Handles any other duty as assigned by the Vice president

Security guard

• The security guard is in charge of protecting the firm and its environs
• Also controls traffic and organize parking
• He is Tasked with giving security tips when necessary
• Should also Patrol around the building on a 24 hours basis
• It’s expected to give security reports weekly

6. SWOT Analysis

We at AIB LLC understand that the very first step of starting a new bank is to build a strong business and strategic plan. We believe that this plan must consider the proposed business of the new bank, its financial and managerial resources and prospects for success, the convenience and needs of the public, and the effect of competition.

This strong business and strategic plan supported by detailed financial projections and appropriate policies and procedures form the basis of successful regulatory applications of a bank charter.

We at AIB LLC hope to establish a lucrative investment bank that will serve the needs of our clients and also bring in profits for our founders. We took time to conduct a detailed SWOT analysis for AIB LLC. The details and results are explained below.

According to our SWOT analysis, our strength at AIB LLC rests on the expertise and experience of our management team. With the experience and discipline of our team, our SWOT analysis predict we can build a robust company profile even before bidding for investment banking contracts from corporate organizations.

As the investment banking industry expands and grows in revenue and market reach, so does the level of competition in the industry. Due to the very low barriers to entry, any individual or business may register itself as an investment bank after completing the proper examinations and filings.

• Opportunities

The banking sector has become one of the fastest growing business sectors in the U.S. economy. Note that computerized technologies allow financial firms to operate advisory, investment banking, and brokerage services anywhere in the country.

In time past, most financial firms needed to be within a close proximity to Wall Street in order to provide their clients the highest level of service. This is no longer the case as a firm can access almost every facet of the financial markets through Internet connections and specialized trading and investment management software.

According to our SWOT analysis, the risks we will be facing include;

• Market Risk – A high correlation exists between the growth rate of the investment industry and the performance of equity markets. While evidence suggests an attractive environment for equities in the future, no forecasts can be made with absolute certainty.
• Performance Risk – It is understood that our products are measured by their performance. Although the goal is to achieve competitive performance over three to five-year time periods, short-term periods may result in underperformance based on the critical measures.
• Business/Operating Risk – Beyond the third full year of operation, assets under management must produce revenues that will be sufficient to support operations in their entirety. Otherwise our options will be to acquire additional funding or to reduce costs.

7. MARKET ANALYSIS

• Market Trend

Experts believe this industry will continue to experience growth in all parts of the world especially in developed countries such as united states of America, Canada, United Kingdom , Germany, Australia, South Korea, Japan, China et al.

According to industry data, the industry brings in a whooping sum of $105 billion annually with an annual growth rate projected at -13.0 percent within 2011 and 2016. Although the number of industry activities has not deviated dramatically over the five-year period, the share of revenue that each activity accounts for has undergone substantial volatility.

It is believed that the products and services in the Investment industry differ considerably on a company-by-company basis, largely depending on operator size.

It’s very important to state that small and medium size investment banks target niche industries and small companies and depend more heavily on traditional investment banking activities such as underwriting and financial advisory. Alternatively, major industry players earn a substantial share of revenue from trading activities.

Note that one factor that attract entrepreneurs to the investment banking business despite the huge capital requirements and the high risk is that the venture is profitable. We have made plans to always stay ahead of industry trend and also to get the required certifications and license and also meet the standard capitalization for an investment bank in the United States.

8. Our Target Market

Our target market at AIB LLC will be greatly dependent on the phase of our product in its development cycle. Have it in mind that most of the marketing opportunities will happen beyond the first year of product development. But we remain very certain that some initial opportunities do exist.

For instance, our bank can utilize its transfer agent’s distribution services, which would put the product in a highly visible online platform. Note that extra opportunities include marketing to programs that invest specifically in “emerging managers.”

We at AIB LLC also believe that the high net worth and retail marketplace can be accessed to a limited degree, even in the early stages, through similar innovative opportunities and already-established relationships with clients. Just like manufacturing organizations, investment businesses are expected to develop products to provide to their customers.

Our hallmark product offering will be our well designed Market Equity strategy, an investment product offering based on the evidence supporting investor’s desires to outperform the overall market via a single, diversified vehicle and to avoid the need to create complex investment structures.

Our competitive advantage

Our Competitive Advantage at AIB LLC is specified in the three P’s commonly associated with investment firms: People, Process, and Performance. The first two determine the latter. Although our business plan highlights many areas (market research, financial projections, etc.), we believe there are two areas that will surely determine the level of success achieved by AIB LLC.

We believe that the very first is the people. Bright, energetic, talented, and knowledgeable individuals compose the core of the team we have at AIB LLC. We were able to note from our rigorous research that the most qualified investment professionals are attracted to efficient investment banks that are free from bureaucracy. Process is the second most important element of our bank.

We have made sure cutting-edge research will be provided in support of our portfolio management process. The implementation of our process is maximized by outsourcing virtually all functions not related to portfolio management and research, thereby making full use of the bank’s human capital.

9. SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY

We at AIB LLC understand that the key to marketing an investment product is to create a successful and attractive product, develop a pattern of success, and show that pattern can be repeated in the future. After that, successful products should be aggressively marketed if capacity to manage additional assets exists.

Although a three to five-year period tend to seem like a century compared to the technology world, it is really quite reasonable considering the fact that private equity investors in limited partnership vehicles are generally satisfied with a 10-year waiting period that exists prior to a return of their capital investment.

AIB hallmark investment product will be the AIB Total Market Equity strategy and will be initially offered through an SEC registered mutual fund. Technological advancements also permit for other economically feasible distribution channels such as separately managed portfolios for large account sizes.

Sources of Income

We believe that our primary income at AIB LLC will come from providing our clients with investment packages, securities underwriting and advisory services in regards to mergers and acquisitions. AIB LLC will earn substantial fees for the equity and debt instruments that it underwrites and then resells to the general public.

We also believe that we will engage primarily in debt instruments among middle market companies that will be sold on a best efforts basis. This will place minimal risk on our capital reserve.

We will also earn substantial per hour management and deal fees regarding advisory services for mergers and acquisition operations. We also plan to make investments directly into marketable securities and hedge funds that specialize in specific areas of trading.

Our intention is to develop a number of trading strategies including options trading, LEAPs trading, long position/short position trading, and other methods of trading that will produce small but consistent gains on a weekly and monthly basis.

We plan to engage in a covered call strategy that would allow the fund to assure return on investment for securities that are held for an extended period of time.

10. Sales Forecast

We at AIB LLC expect to turn over approximately 1/3 of our portfolio each year. We strongly believe that this is consistent with an average holding period of three years. Generally, we would love for all holdings to be long-term investments, so we will identify stocks we will be comfortable with if we were “locked in” for three years.

This forces us to look beyond short-term noise in quarter-to-quarter results and focus on the big picture, such as our management’s vision for the future and their probability of executing their plan.

11. Publicity and Advertising Strategy

We understand the importance of creating a good publicity plan that will boost our brand and help us stay consistent in the industry.

That is why we contacted Advertising Experts called Kinks Global, to help us create publicity and advertising strategies that will help us at AIB LLC to attract and keep our target audience interested. Listed below is the summary of strategies detailed by Kinks Global for our Bank.

• Place adverts on both print (community based newspapers and magazines) and electronic media platforms; we will also advertise AIB LLC on financial magazines, real estate and other relevant financial programs on radio and TV
• Introduce AIB LLC by sending introductory letters with our business brochure to individuals, households, corporate organizations, schools, players in the real estate sector, and all the people of Alexandria.
• Advertise AIB LLC in important financial and business related magazines, newspapers, TV and radio stations.
• Place AIB LLC on yellow pages ads (local directories)
• Attend important international and local real estate, finance and business expos, seminars, and business fairs et al
• Encourage word of mouth marketing from loyal and satisfied clients
• Sponsor relevant community based events / programs
• Leverage various online platforms to promote the business. This will make it easier for people to enter our website with just a click of the mouse. We will take advantage of the internet and social media platforms such as; Instagram, Facebook , twitter, YouTube, Google + et al to promote our brand
• Place our billboards at strategic locations
• Share our fliers and handbills in target areas all around Portland

12. Our Pricing Strategy

Firms in this industry get funds from investors who are interested in investing, and charge them for assisting them in investing their funds over a period of time as agreed by both parties. Even though investment banking is a very risky venture, it is still profitable, hence there is an agreement between the investment bank and the client as it relates to the commission they are expected to make from the deal.

We at AIB LLC plan to charge based on percentage and also a fix consultancy/business administrative fee. We believe that in the coming years and as we progress, that we can decide to improvise or adopt any business process and structure that will guarantee us good return on investment (ROI), efficiency and flexibility.

• Payment options

We plan to make sure we provide our clients with a wide variety of payment options for our services. We understand the diverse platforms people prefer and we plan to provide a suitable platform that will suit all equally. Listed below are the payment options that we will make available to AIB LLC.

• Payment through bank transfer
• Payment through online bank transfer
• Payment with check
• Payment with bank draft

13. Startup Expenditure (Budget)

We have noted that banks are expected raise their initial capital from investors after completing regulatory processes before they can open. In the industry, all insured banks must comply with the capital adequacy guidelines of their primary federal regulator.

The guidelines require a bank to demonstrate that it will have enough capital to support its risk profile, operations, and future growth even in the event of unexpected losses.

We believe that new established banks are generally subject to additional criteria that remain in place until the bank’s operations become well established and profitable. We at AIB LLC plan for an effective minimum capital of between $15 million to $25 million.

Successful capital generation in these amounts is generally the result of a well formulated and executed plan for developing local and other investors in the bank. We have analyzed our needs and we plan to spend our startup funds judiciously. Outlined below is a detailed financial projection and costing for starting AIB LLC;

• Price of incorporating the Business in the United States of America – $750.
• Our budget for basic insurance policy covers, permits and business license – $200,000
• Acquiring a suitable Office facility opposite the city hall at Portland Delta State (Re – Construction of the facility inclusive) – $75,000
• The budget envisaged for capitalization (working capital) – $30 million
• Budget for settling other legal processes (acquiring business license and all city dues et al) – $2,500
• Equipping the office with suitable and standard equipment(computers, software applications, printers, fax machines, furniture, telephones, filing cabins, safety gadgets and electronics et al) – $10,000
• Purchasing of the required software applications (CRM software, Accounting and Bookkeeping software and Payroll software et al) – $10,500
• Launching AIB LLC official Website – $600
• Our expenditure for paying employees for 3 months plus utility bills – $36, 000
• Other Additional Expenditure (Business cards, Signage, Adverts and Promotions et al) – $4,000
• Miscellaneous: $10,000

With the above detailed cost analysis , we need $349,350 and $30 million working capital to successfully set up AIB LLC.

• Generating Startup Capital for AIB LLC

AIB LLC is a licensed and registered investment bank which is capitalized by five principal investors, Mr Solomon Drane, Mrs Agnes Church, Dr Mel Stanford, Mr Kelvin Cruff and Prof. John Thomas.

Our founders plan to become the very first financiers of the business, although we have plans of selling shares and stocks as the business matures. Due to less constraint in financing, we have outlined the few ways we can acknowledge funding. These ways may include;

• Generate part of the startup capital from the five principal investors
• Agreeing to angel investors
• Apply for business loan from the Federal Reserve Bank (if need be)

Note: AIB LLC has been able to generate an enormous $15 million from its five principal investors, who aligned and individually dished out $3,000,000 each. We have also aligned with angel investors to inject $20 million into AIB LLC, with the hope of making profits and establishing a solid business.

14. Sustainability and Expansion Strategy

Our primary goal of the first full quarter of operation (February- May 2019) is to secure funding from outside sources. Before that, our management team at AIB LLC has a budget of $300,000 to be used for finding investors, forming a legal LLC, and registering the bank and its products with the SEC.

The amount sought from investors will be approximately $20 million, which should see the business through to profitability near the completion of the third year. We at AIB LLC believe that this break-even point equates roughly to an asset under management level of approximately $130 million.

One can easily see that even modest points beyond this break-even level can be highly lucrative. It is also important to note that excess cash will be re-deployed into the business once a level of sustainability in revenue has been reached. Our primary purpose for this type of reinvestment would solely focus on a “second stage” marketing plan to increase distribution.

We also believe that a word of note is also warranted as it relates to the cash flow statement of our bank. Have it in mind that one appealing feature of the investment industry is that collection of fees (i.e. revenues) is highly certain because fees are frequently charged directly to the client’s accounts (or to the mutual fund).

That is the more reason why revenue certainty is very high and is directly related to the amount of assets under management.

Also note that common practice in the investment industry is to bill at each quarter-end. For instance, our annual fee of 1% would be applied to our clients’ accounts five times per year at 0.20%. We at AIB LLC can strongly attest to the fact that economic motivation is great.

Growth rates for the investment industry are projected to range from 25% to 24% in each of the next three years. We believe that the demographic, economic, political and social evidence supporting these projections make this industry one of the most attractive industries due to the high degree of certainty in the estimates.

We at AIB LLC believe that the certainty coupled with the above average growth rate differentiates this opportunity from other venture investments. Also have it in mind that our conservative estimates outline a plan-to-profitability over a period much shorter than typical venture investments that sometimes need up to ten years to make profits.

Check List/Milestone

• Business Name Availability Check : Completed
• Business Incorporation: Completed
• Opening of Corporate Bank Accounts: Completed
• Opening Online Payment Platforms: Completed
• Application and Obtaining Tax Payer’s ID: In Progress
• Application for business license and permit: Completed
• Purchase of Insurance for the Business: Completed
• Conducting feasibility studies: Completed
• Leasing, renovating and equipping our facility: Completed
• Generating part of the start – up capital from the founder: Completed
• Applications for Loan from our Bankers: In Progress
• Writing of Business Plan: Completed
• Drafting of Employee’s Handbook: Completed
• Drafting of Contract Documents: In Progress
• Design of The Company’s Logo: Completed
• Printing of Promotional Materials: Completed
• Recruitment of employees: In Progress
• Purchase of software applications, furniture, office equipment, electronic appliances and facility facelift: In progress
• Creating Official Website for the Company: In Progress
• Creating Awareness for the business (Business PR): In Progress
• Health and Safety and Fire Safety Arrangement: In Progress
• Establishing business relationship with banks, financial lending institutions, vendors and key players in the industry: In Progress

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How to Write a Successful Business Plan for a Loan

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Table of Contents

What does a loan business plan include?

What lenders look for in a business plan, business plan for loan examples, resources for writing a business plan.

A comprehensive and well-written business plan can be used to persuade lenders that your business is worth investing in and hopefully, improve your chances of getting approved for a small-business loan . Many lenders will ask that you include a business plan along with other documents as part of your loan application.

When writing a business plan for a loan, you’ll want to highlight your abilities, justify your need for capital and prove your ability to repay the debt. 

Here’s everything you need to know to get started.

How much do you need?

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We’ll start with a brief questionnaire to better understand the unique needs of your business.

Once we uncover your personalized matches, our team will consult you on the process moving forward.

A successful business plan for a loan describes your financial goals and how you’ll achieve them. Although business plan components can vary from company to company, there are a few sections that are typically included in most plans.

These sections will help provide lenders with an overview of your business and explain why they should approve you for a loan.  

Executive summary

The executive summary is used to spark interest in your business. It may include high-level information about you, your products and services, your management team, employees, business location and financial details. Your mission statement can be added here as well.

To help build a lender’s confidence in your business, you can also include a concise overview of your growth plans in this section.

Company overview

The company overview is an area to describe the strengths of your business. If you didn’t explain what problems your business will solve in the executive summary, do it here. 

Highlight any experts on your team and what gives you a competitive advantage. You can also include specific details about your business such as when it was founded, your business entity type and history.

Products and services

Use this section to demonstrate the need for what you’re offering. Describe your products and services and explain how customers will benefit from having them. 

Detail any equipment or materials that you need to provide your goods and services — this may be particularly helpful if you’re looking for equipment or inventory financing . You’ll also want to disclose any patents or copyrights in this section.

Market analysis

Here you can demonstrate that you’ve done your homework and showcase your understanding of your industry, current outlook, trends, target market and competitors.

You can add details about your target market that include where you’ll find customers, ways you plan to market to them and how your products and services will be delivered to them.

» MORE: How to write a market analysis for a business plan

Marketing and sales plan

Your marketing and sales plan provides details on how you intend to attract your customers and build a client base. You can also explain the steps involved in the sale and delivery of your product or service.

At a high level, this section should identify your sales goals and how you plan to achieve them — showing a lender how you’re going to make money to repay potential debt.

Operational plan

The operational plan section covers the physical requirements of operating your business on a day-to-day basis. Depending on your type of business, this may include location, facility requirements, equipment, vehicles, inventory needs and supplies. Production goals, timelines, quality control and customer service details may also be included.

Management team

This section illustrates how your business will be organized. You can list the management team, owners, board of directors and consultants with details about their experience and the role they will play at your company. This is also a good place to include an organizational chart .

From this section, a lender should understand why you and your team are qualified to run a business and why they should feel confident lending you money — even if you’re a startup.

Funding request

In this section, you’ll explain the amount of money you’re requesting from the lender and why you need it. You’ll describe how the funds will be used and how you intend to repay the loan.

You may also discuss any funding requirements you anticipate over the next five years and your strategic financial plans for the future.

» Need help writing? Learn about the best business plan software .

Financial statements

When you’re writing a business plan for a loan, this is one of the most important sections. The goal is to use your financial statements to prove to a lender that your business is stable and will be able to repay any potential debt. 

In this section, you’ll want to include three to five years of income statements, cash flow statements and balance sheets. It can also be helpful to include an expense analysis, break-even analysis, capital expenditure budgets, projected income statements and projected cash flow statements. If you have collateral that you could put up to secure a loan, you should list it in this section as well.

If you’re a startup that doesn’t have much historical data to provide, you’ll want to include estimated costs, revenue and any other future projections you may have. Graphs and charts can be useful visual aids here.

In general, the more data you can use to show a lender your financial security, the better.

Finally, if necessary, supporting information and documents can be added in an appendix section. This may include credit histories, resumes, letters of reference, product pictures, licenses, permits, contracts and other legal documents.

Lenders will typically evaluate your loan application based on the five C’s — or characteristics — of credit : character, capacity, capital, conditions and collateral. Although your business plan won't contain everything a lender needs to complete its assessment, the document can highlight your strengths in each of these areas.

A lender will assess your character by reviewing your education, business experience and credit history. This assessment may also be extended to board members and your management team. Highlights of your strengths can be worked into the following sections of your business plan:

Executive summary.

Company overview.

Management team.

Capacity centers on your ability to repay the loan. Lenders will be looking at the revenue you plan to generate, your expenses, cash flow and your loan payment plan. This information can be included in the following sections:

Funding request.

Financial statements.

Capital is the amount of money you have invested in your business. Lenders can use it to judge your financial commitment to the business. You can use any of the following sections to highlight your financial commitment:

Operational plan.

Conditions refers to the purpose and market for your products and services. Lenders will be looking for information such as product demand, competition and industry trends. Information for this can be included in the following sections:

Market analysis.

Products and services.

Marketing and sales plan.

Collateral is an asset pledged to a lender to guarantee the repayment of a loan. This can be equipment, inventory, vehicles or something else of value. Use the following sections to include information on assets:

» MORE: How to get a business loan

Writing a business plan for a loan application can be intimidating, especially when you’re just getting started. It may be helpful to use a business plan template or refer to an existing sample as you’re going through the draft process.

Here are a few examples that you may find useful:

Business Plan Outline — Colorado Small Business Development Center

Business Plan Template — Iowa Small Business Development Center

Writing a Business Plan — Maine Small Business Development Center

Business Plan Workbook — Capital One

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U.S. Small Business Administration. The SBA offers a free self-paced course on writing a business plan. The course includes several videos, objectives for you to accomplish, as well as worksheets you can complete.

SCORE. SCORE, a nonprofit organization and resource partner of the SBA, offers free assistance that includes a step-by-step downloadable template to help startups create a business plan, and mentors who can review and refine your plan virtually or in person.

Small Business Development Centers. Similarly, your local SBDC can provide assistance with business planning and finding access to capital. These organizations also have virtual and in-person training courses, as well as opportunities to consult with business experts.

Business plan software. Although many business plan software platforms require a subscription, these tools can be useful if you want a templated approach that can break the process down for you step-by-step. Many of these services include a range of examples and templates, instruction videos and guides, and financial dashboards, among other features. You may also be able to use a free trial before committing to one of these software options.

A loan business plan outlines your business’s objectives, products or services, funding needs and finances. The goal of this document is to convince lenders that they should approve you for a business loan.

Not all lenders will require a business plan, but you’ll likely need one for bank and SBA loans. Even if it isn’t required, however, a lean business plan can be used to bolster your loan application.

Lenders ask for a business plan because they want to know that your business is and will continue to be financially stable. They want to know how you make money, spend money and plan to achieve your financial goals. All of this information allows them to assess whether you’ll be able to repay a loan and decide if they should approve your application.

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How to Write a Business Plan for Loan with Free Template

A business plan for bank loan is instrumental in getting a loan and funding for your business. When you approach the lenders or investors with a proper business plan , you increase your chances of getting a loan for your business plan. 

Wondering how to write a business plan for a loan that could get you approved? Read our guide on the topic, check the business plan sample for bank loan, and use our business plan for loan template to make a killer business plan.

Get our affordable business plan writing services now!

Why do you need business plan for bank loan.

A business plan clears your mind about business, helps you prepare for it, and makes you a good candidate for loans, funding, and investments. In short, writing a business plan for a loan is worth it. 

For Later: To learn more about how to write a business plan specifically for a bank loan, check out our bank ready business plan .

A Business Plan Helps You Get Loans and Funding 

When you present your business idea before investors and lenders (or anyone else you are looking to for funding), you look serious with a business plan. 

You may not need a book in the name of a business plan but you need to present your business idea in a convincing way.

When they know your business idea is sound and you can return the loan, they will be inclined to give you a loan. 

A Business Plan Increases Your Chances of Business Success

A research on the impact of business planning shows that the businesses that start with proper planning have more chances of success. 

A business plan helps both the new firms and the established firms. 

A Business Plan Helps you Grow Strategically 

A business plan is a road-map for your business growth, whether you use it as a roadmap or not. When you put effort into making a business plan, you set priorities, establish goals, create a strategy for achieving those goals, and set a time frame for achieving those goals. 

A Business Plan Helps You Measure Business Growth 

The market conditions will never be exactly the same as you had expected in the business plan. 

Here, your business plan will help you compare planning against actual developments. You can see if you are going in the right direction as you planned or you need to change course.

Maybe you need to make a new business plan as your business might take a different shape than you expected.

What is included business plan for bank loan?

A business plan starts with an executive summary that briefly describes the business idea and ends with the appendix that includes lengthy financial documents or other reference materials. 

These are the parts of a business plan. 

• Executive Summary
• Business Overview 
• Business Objectives and Goals
• Competitor Analysis 
• Market Analysis  
• Product and Services
• Operational Plan 
• Business Structure and Management
• Financial Analysis
• Marketing and Sales

Process of Writing a Business Plan for a Bank Loan

Let’s see what you will write in each of the above-listed sections of the business plan for loan.

Executive Summary: Write this section after you have completed the business plan. Briefly discuss your business idea and its parts. 

Business Overview: Include basic details about your business like business name, address, year established, etc. 

Business Objectives and Goals: Discuss what are the short-term and long-term business goals and how do you plan to achieve them. 

Competitor Analysis: Conduct an analysis of your direct and indirect competitors. A SWOT analysis of your competitors can help you identify opportunities for creating your competitive advantage. 

Market Analysis: Discuss market conditions in your industry. Is your target industry seeing a growth trend or a decline? What are the driving factors for growth in your industry?

Product and Services: Introduce the products and services of your business, how your product or service works, how you will price them, and what is your sales and distribution strategy for your products or services. 

Operational Plan: Explain your operation plan and discuss how you plan to run your business. The operation plan will discuss organizational structure, team working, and almost all aspects of business operations. 

Business Structure and Management: Introduce business managers and key employees here. Also briefly discuss the legal structure of your business like if you are C-corp, S-corp, LLC , etc. 

Financial Analysis: Discuss initial business costs, running cost, business break even cost, the amount of funding you need and how you will spend that funding. Also create a financial forecast for your business. 

Marketing and Sales: This section will include the marketing and sales plan for your products or services.

Try to make it detailed so that the bank or your lender can understand how you will make your business profitable and if you will have solid capacity to pay back the loans. 

Appendix: Anything you didn’t or couldn’t mention in the previous business plan sections will go here. For example, you can include extended financial reports, research about your industry, detailed CVs of your team and management, etc. 

Download Free Example Business Plan for Loan

Make business plan for loan quick and easy, use this business plan template for loan. 

How to create a business plan for a loan with a Free Template?

A template is an easy and straightforward way to write a business plan. A template gives you step by step instructions on what each business section is about and how to write it. 

Wisebusinessplans offers business plan for bank loan template that guides you with questions in every section of the business. Simply answer the questions in each section and your business plan will be ready in no time. 

These are the steps to writing a business plan for small business loan with a template: 

Collection Business Information : Make business information available, keep business documentation at hand as you will need to use data from these documents. 

Write Business Plan : Proceed with writing the business plan. You will not stop until you reach financial analysis. 

Prepare Financial Projections : When you are applying for a debt, the lender will most closely look at your financial projections. Take your time to write financial projections. Make sure you sound convincing.

Also, don’t bury information in the spreadsheets or too much data. State inference you draw from the data first, include necessary financial projections in the business plan and put the rest of them into the business plan appendix. 

Proofread and Revise : Business plan is a thorough document. It is highly likely to leave some holes in the first draft. Proofread your business plan at least once to check for language and factual mistakes. You also come up with a new and better way of saying something. 

Get Second Opinion : Engage a trusted friend, or family member, or an advisor and get their opinion on your business plan. Their unique perspective will force you to improve it,

Sample Of Business Plan For Loan And Funding 

Want to see a sample on the quest of ‘how to make a business plan for a loan’, check the link below.This  business plan for bank loan example will help you see how an actual business plan for a bank looks like and what is the end-product you are working towards. 

Business Plan for Loan

Get this simple business plan template and make better business plan

 A business plan is essential when applying for a loan as it provides lenders with a comprehensive understanding of your business, including its objectives, financial projections, market analysis, and operational strategies. It demonstrates your preparedness and increases the likelihood of securing funding.

To write a business plan for a loan, start by outlining your executive summary, company description, market analysis, products or services, marketing and sales strategies, organizational structure, financial projections, and appendices. Utilizing a free business plan template can help guide you through the process.

 Free business plan templates are widely available online. You can search for reputable websites or organizations that offer templates specifically designed for writing business plans for loans. These templates typically provide a structured format and guidance to ensure you include all the necessary components.

The financial projections section of your business plan should include a sales forecast, cash flow statement, profit and loss statement, and balance sheet. It is important to provide realistic estimates based on thorough market research and a detailed understanding of your business’s financial performance.

Absolutely. Seeking assistance or feedback when writing your business plan for a loan is highly recommended. You can consult with business advisors, mentors, or industry experts who can provide valuable insights and help ensure your business plan is comprehensive, well-structured, and compelling to potential lenders.

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How to Write a Successful Digital Bank Business Plan (+ Template)

Creating a business plan is essential for any business, but it can be especially helpful for digital bank businesses that want to improve their strategy or raise funding.

A well-crafted business plan outlines the vision for your company, but also documents a step-by-step roadmap of how you will accomplish it. To create an effective business plan, you must first understand the components essential to its success.

This article provides an overview of the critical elements every digital bank business owner should include in their business plan.

Download the Ultimate Business Plan Template

What is a Digital Bank Business Plan?

A digital bank business plan is a formal written document describing your company’s business strategy and feasibility. It documents the reasons you will be successful, your areas of competitive advantage, and it includes information about your team members. Your business plan is a critical document that will convince investors and lenders (if needed) that you are positioned to become a successful venture.

Why Write a Digital Bank Business Plan?

A digital bank business plan is required for banks and investors. The document is a clear and concise guide to your business idea and the steps you will take to make it profitable.

Entrepreneurs can also use this as a roadmap when starting their new company or venture, especially if they are inexperienced in starting a business.

Writing an Effective Digital Bank Business Plan

The following are the critical components of a successful digital bank business plan:

Executive Summary

The executive summary of a digital bank business plan is a one- to two-page overview of your entire business plan. It should summarize the main points, which will be presented in full in the rest of your business plan.

• Start with a one-line description of your digital bank company
• Provide a summary of the key points in each section of your business plan, which includes information about your company’s management team, industry analysis, competitive analysis, and financial forecast, among others.

Company Description

This section should include a brief history of your company. Include a short description of how your company started and provide a timeline of milestones your company has achieved.

You may not have a long company history if you are just starting your digital bank business. Instead, you can include information about your professional experience in this industry and how and why you conceived your new venture. If you have worked for a similar company or been involved in an entrepreneurial venture before starting your digital bank firm, mention this.

You will also include information about your chosen digital bank business model and how, if applicable, it is different from other companies in your industry.

Industry Analysis

The industry or market analysis is an important component of a digital bank business plan. Conduct thorough market research to determine industry trends and document the size of your market. 

Questions to answer include:

• What part of the digital bank industry are you targeting?
• How big is the market?
• What trends are happening in the industry right now (and if applicable, how do these trends support your company’s success)?

You should also include sources for your information, such as published research reports and expert opinions.

Customer Analysis

This section should include a list of your target audience(s) with demographic and psychographic profiles (e.g., age, gender, income level, profession, job titles, interests). You will need to provide a profile of each customer segment separately, including their needs and wants.

For example, a digital bank business’ customers may include:

• Small businesses that need online banking solutions
• Start-ups and tech companies that are looking for innovative ways to manage their finances
• Freelancers and consultants who need a simple way to get paid and track expenses

You can include information about how your customers decide to buy from you and what keeps them buying from you.

Develop a strategy for targeting those customers who are most likely to buy from you, as well as those that might be influenced to buy your products or digital bank services with the right marketing.

Competitive Analysis

The competitive analysis helps you determine how your product or service will differ from competitors, and what your unique selling proposition (USP) might be that will set you apart in this industry.

For each competitor, list their strengths and weaknesses. Next, determine your areas of competitive advantage; that is, in what ways are you different from and ideally better than your competitors.

Below are sample competitive advantages your digital bank business may have:

• 24/7 customer service
• Higher deposit limits
• More locations
• Better mobile app

Marketing Plan

This part of the business plan is where you determine and document your marketing plan. . Your plan should be laid out, including the following 4 Ps.

• Product/Service : Detail your product/service offerings here. Document their features and benefits.
• Price : Document your pricing strategy here. In addition to stating the prices for your products/services, mention how your pricing compares to your competition.
• Place : Where will your customers find you? What channels of distribution (e.g., partnerships) will you use to reach them if applicable?
• Promotion : How will you reach your target customers? For example, you may use social media, write blog posts, create an email marketing campaign, use pay-per-click advertising, or launch a direct mail campaign. Or you may promote your digital bank business via a PR or influencer marketing campaign.

Operations Plan

This part of your digital bank business plan should include the following information:

• How will you deliver your product/service to customers? For example, will you do it in person or over the phone?
• What infrastructure, equipment, and resources are needed to operate successfully? How can you meet those requirements within budget constraints?

You also need to include your company’s business policies in the operations plan. You will want to establish policies related to everything from customer service to pricing, to the overall brand image you are trying to present.

Finally, and most importantly, your Operations Plan will outline the milestones your company hopes to achieve within the next five years. Create a chart that shows the key milestone(s) you hope to achieve each quarter for the next four quarters, and then each year for the following four years. Examples of milestones for a digital bank business include reaching $X in sales. Other examples include expanding to new markets, developing new products and services, and hiring new personnel.

Management Team

List your team members here, including their names and titles, as well as their expertise and experience relevant to your specific digital bank industry. Include brief biography sketches for each team member.

Particularly if you are seeking funding, the goal of this section is to convince investors and lenders that your team has the expertise and experience to execute on your plan. If you are missing key team members, document the roles and responsibilities, you plan to hire for in the future.

Financial Plan

Here, you will include a summary of your complete and detailed financial plan (your full financial projections go in the Appendix). 

This includes the following three financial statements:

Income Statement

Your income statement should include:

• Revenue : how much revenue you generate.
• Cost of Goods Sold : These are your direct costs associated with generating revenue. This includes labor costs, as well as the cost of any equipment and supplies used to deliver the product/service offering.
• Net Income (or loss) : Once expenses and revenue are totaled and deducted from each other, this is the net income or loss.

Sample Income Statement for a Startup Digital Bank Firm

Balance Sheet

Include a balance sheet that shows your assets, liabilities, and equity. Your balance sheet should include:

• Assets : All of the things you own (including cash).
• Liabilities : This is what you owe against your company’s assets, such as accounts payable or loans.
• Equity : The worth of your business after all liabilities and assets are totaled and deducted from each other.

Sample Balance Sheet for a Startup Digital Bank Firm

Cash Flow Statement

Include a cash flow statement showing how much cash comes in, how much cash goes out and a net cash flow for each year. The cash flow statement should include ash flow from:

• Investments

Below is a sample of a projected cash flow statement for a startup digital bank business.

Sample Cash Flow Statement for a Startup Digital Bank Firm

Finally, you will also want to include an appendix section which will include:

• Your complete financial projections
• A complete list of your company’s business policies and procedures related to the rest of the business plan (marketing, operations, etc.)
• Any other documentation which supports what you included in the body of your business plan.

Create Your Digital Bank Business Plan

Writing a good business plan gives you the advantage of being fully prepared to launch and/or grow your digital bank company. It not only outlines your business vision but also provides a step-by-step process of how you are going to accomplish it.

Now that you know how to write a business plan for your digital bank, you can get started on putting together your own.  

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