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Planning a business

Assessing your readiness, choosing a business structure, market research and writing a business plan.

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Developing your business idea.

Turning your idea into a profitable business model

Types of business ownership

Determining whether incorporation, partnership or sole proprietorship is right for your business

Writing a business plan

How to write a successful business plan

Business plan template

Download templates and examples of a business plan and financial plan

Choosing a location for your business

What to consider when selecting a commercial space for your business

Researching your target market

Get the demographic data you need to better understand your potential customers and their needs

business plan template for canada

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  • Business planning and strategy

Business plan writer

The interactive Futurpreneur business plan writer is designed to simplify the business planning process by allowing you to customize your plan. We also provide tips & tricks, and plenty of examples to guide you as you write.

Business plan example

Gain valuable insights from Futurpreneur’s Entrepreneur-in-Residence, Dominik Loncar, to learn how to articulate your vision with clarity and impact. We understand that writing a business plan can feel daunting, there’s so many pieces it’s hard to know where to start. So, to help you get started we’ve created a business plan example that includes insights and rationale from Dominik Loncar. He’s our Entrepreneur-in-Residence and he’s reviewed 100s of business plans from entrepreneurs.

Business plan essentials

Never written a business plan before? Fear not! With this crash course, you’ll be provided with an overview of the different components that make up a solid business plan ensuring you’re launch-ready and poised for success.

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Create a business plan

Explore the ways tailored advice from TD can help your business, today.

Starting a Business in Canada

Starting a business can be a challenging and rewarding endeavour. With the right planning, resources, and groundwork you'll enjoy a better chance of success.

Find out if your business idea will work

Clarify your idea and get it in writing

Find the money and manage your cashflow

Think about the legal stuff

TD Business Accounts, lines of credit, and more

Write a Business Plan

business plan template for canada

Clarify your idea and get it in writing.

There's a lot of work involved in  writing a business plan  but it prepares you for the even bigger task of starting a business.

It will help refine your idea, outline goals, and make it easier to explain what you hope to accomplish. This comes in handy when you're looking for money.

Download our business plan template  which addresses product and service information, competitive analyses, the financial feasibility of starting up, and more.

Why You Need a Plan

business plan template for canada

If you're pitching your idea to banks or other financial institutions for a loan, you'll need a  business plan  because people want to see that you've put serious thought into your idea.

Thinking about the details will help you make decisions about your business, and will open you up to new ideas or approaches you might not have considered.

Writing out a business plan will give you an action plan to work with, but if you need help getting started  use our interactive checklist .

Why You Need a Unique Selling Point

business plan template for canada

One of the most important aspects to consider when writing your business plan is asking  why customers would buy your product or service .

Will it be better quality? Better price? Is it backed by a guarantee? Will it have more features? Will you be able to provide outstanding customer service?

Once you establish what differentiates you from the competition, it's essential to communicate it consistently when you go to market.

Use our interactive checklist  to define your unique selling point.

Determine Demand & Profit Potential

business plan template for canada

Once you know (or are reasonably sure) that customers are likely to buy your product or service, figure out if you'll be able to make a profit.

Determine what you need in sales to cover costs plus a profit margin. Also ensure you have capacity - the physical ability to work a certain number of hours in a week or produce the required amount of product.

Use our interactive checklist  for more ideas on determining demand and profit including ways to research, test marketing, and future trends.

Tools & Calculators

Download our business plan template.

Download our start-up costs template.

Figure out your income vs expenses.

Determine your monthly interest and payments.

Products and services to help get you started

Small business bank accounts.

Discover the benefits of a TD Small Business Bank Account to meet your business needs.

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Choose the cash back, travel rewards, or low interest rate credit card that fits your business needs.

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Receiving & Making Payments

Keep your cash flow moving successfully and stay on top of things.

Articles on Starting Your Business

Four Steps to Find Out if Your New Idea Will Work

Four Steps to Find Out if Your New Idea Will Work

Research, validate, talk to industry insiders, and test your idea to ensure it has what it takes to succeed.

Selling Online and Other Ways to Expand Your Business

Selling Online and Other Ways to Expand Your Business

Marketplaces, subscription models, drop-shipping, and freemium offers are four ways to expand your business online.

Sources of Small Business Funding

Sources of Small Business Funding

Ways to fund your business include: self-financing, partnering with another business, angel investors, grants.

Breaking Barriers — A series on women entrepreneurs

Breaking Barriers — A series on women entrepreneurs

Get inspired with our first article in a series highlighting successful women entrepreneurs who have overcome challenges to build successful businesses.

Breaking barriers — Spotlighting female entrepreneurs

Breaking barriers — Spotlighting female entrepreneurs

Get inspired with our latest article in a series highlighting successful women entrepreneurs.

Celebrate Pride with Florence Gagnon

Celebrate Pride with Florence Gagnon

Her journey was so inspirational it was adapted to the silver screen, but it started with a focus on her local community.

Spotlighting Female Entrepreneurs — Gloria Kim, Gloryous Productions

Spotlighting Female Entrepreneurs — Gloria Kim, Gloryous Productions

A series of articles that highlight various successful women entrepreneurs who bank with TD Small Business Banking. Discover their success.

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Create Your Business Plan

Your business plan is a document that should grow with your business. It should undergo constant revisions as your business evolves and expands.

Navigation:

  • What Your Business Plan Will Do For You
  • Sample Business Plans
  • General Business Planning Help

What Your Business Plan Will Do For You  

  • Be a reality check! It will force you to identify your business strengths and weaknesses.
  • Help you figure out your budget.
  • Provide a clear direction, which can keep you focused and help eliminate stress.
  • Be your timetable for operations
  • Help you coordinate all the diverse activities that go into running your business.
  • Serve as a resume when you seek lenders, suppliers, investors or partners.
  • Ensure you evaluate the market for your product or services and size up the competition.
  • Provide a clear starting point for future business planning.

Sample Business Plans  

Bplans.com This site offers a selection of free sample business plans, as well as articles on business planning. Bplans.com also sells business planning software.

Business Plans Handbook, Gale Publishing This is a database of actual business plans written by North American entrepreneurs seeking financing for their businesses. Includes examples of many start-up business ideas. Access is available through many BC public libraries, made possible by a generous donation from the Sutherland Foundation. Affiliates of UBC can start here .

Center for Business Planning The MOOT CORP® Competition simulated the experience of entrepreneurs pitching investors for funding. Although the competition is no longer held, the business plans presented by MBAs from the best business schools in the world can still be found on the Internet Archive's Wayback Machine.

Templates  

Futurpreneur - Business Plan Writer An interactive, online, tool that allows you to customize your business plan. Includes tips & tricks and can be downloaded to a word, excel or PDF file.

Business Development Canada (BDC) - Business Plan Template This is one of the best downloadable business plan templates. The business plan contains 2 sections, with a glossary and user guide.

Canada Business Site An excellent source for financing, permit, and business planning information. Includes a complete list of useful templates.

SCORE SCORE is a non profit association helping small businesses. Their library includes templates for business plans, SWOT analysis, financial projections and more.

General Business Planning Help  

Small Business BC (SBBC) SBBC is a great place to start for information on BC specific regulations and guidelines, for whatever stage you are in your business development. This is a great post  on the topic.

GoForthInstitute An excellent collection of free resources for entrepreneurs on diverse subjects. Of particular interest are the How-To Guides, templates and samples, and business calculators. They also offer low-cost video training.

Small Business Planner, the US Small Business Administration (SBA) This website includes information and resources that will help you at any stage of the business lifecycle. Watch their series of business planning videos here .

Need information on business research as you write your business plan? Check out our Beginner's Guide to Business Research , or go to our collection of 100+ Industry  Guides for industry-specific research help.

Free business plan template

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  • Try Xero for free

Download a business plan template and start bringing your ideas to life. Choose a one-pager, or multi-pager. Or try Xero accounting software for free.

Business plan template with blank fields for users to fill out.

Download the business plan template

Fill in the form to get a free business plan template as an editable PDF. We’ll send a one-pager and a multi-pager to choose from.

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Getting started with the business plan template

We’ll send you two types of business plan template – a one-pager and a multi-pager. Choose the one that’s right for you. They come with instructions to help fill them out.

Doing a business plan will improve your idea. It helps you think about your business from different points of view. The process will flag up unseen risks, but also new opportunities. Aside from helping refine your idea, a business plan will move it forward. It’ll give you a concrete set of steps to go from "I should" to "I did".

Are you looking forward to the bookkeeping and accounting that comes with a new business? Na, we didn’t think so. Xero can automate a lot of that stuff away for you.

One-page business plan template

Great for making a start

Helps you pin down the main idea

Easy to update as things evolve

Multi-page business plan template

Ideal for nailing down the details

Required by most investors and lenders

Good if you face big startup costs

Tips to help with your business plan

Don’t obsess over every detail to start with. That will make the plan long and hard to change. Keep it short and concise initially.

Financing your business

Need cash to get going? Check out our finance guide.

How to finance your business

Starting a business

Check out our guide for information about getting started.

How to start a business

Find a bookkeeper or accountant

Accoutnants and bookkeepers can help build financial resilience into your business budgets.

Find a financial advisor near you

Plan on making business fun

Xero does not provide accounting, tax, business or legal advice. This template has been provided for information purposes only. You should consult your own professional advisors for advice directly relating to your business.

Start using Xero for free

Access Xero features for 30 days, then decide which plan best suits your business.

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The importance of your business plan

Perhaps the most important document for any new business is a business plan. Yet too many business owners fail to sit down and prepare or update one.

A business without a plan is adrift. Decisions are made reactively based on the owner’s emotions, rather than prudent research. Employees, vendors, investors and other stakeholders (as well as the owner) are unclear about the direction of the company. That lack of focus results in wasted dollars, energies and resources as the company zigzags along instead of following a well-planned straight line to its goals.

Writing a business plan can seem a daunting task. Many entrepreneurs simply don’t have the time, inclination or the proper tools.

Business planning template

We have developed a template that makes creating your Business Plan easy. And it’s free !

This template guides you through all of the steps required to complete a proper business plan. It has explanations of the terms and definitions. It lets you add your own thoughts and comments.

Once you’ve completed the steps, you’ll have a business plan complete with cover page, contact information, financial tables, product descriptions and marketing details. You can save and print the plan, or send it electronically to anyone.

Use your plan to move your business forward with confidence, to motive your team, or to present to investors or lenders.

Depending on how much research and preparation you’ve already completed, creating your plan won’t consume much time at all. While it’s very easy, don’t worry if you get stuck because help is available throughout the process.

Take your plan to the bank

Once you’ve completed your business plan, you may take it to a Scotiabank  Small Business Advisor . The advisor can review your plan, supply feedback, and, if requested, help you to explore your financing options.

Get feedback on your plan

Asking people to review your plan will make it stronger because you’ll receive valuable feedback. Share it with your accountant, lawyer, financial advisor and trusted businesspeople so they can offer their suggestions to improve your plan. If you are really worried about someone reading your secrets, consider attaching a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) to the plan. An NDA is a legal document that prevents others from sharing your information with unauthorized parties.

Try our free business plan template

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Create a Business Plan

Think of it as a playbook for your goals, priorities and growth opportunities., how to write a business plan.

Creating a business plan can feel like a huge undertaking when you are starting a new business . And while developing one does require careful thought, studies show that entrepreneurs who have a formal plan are often more successful than those who don’t. Keep reading to see how a business plan benefits you and the details you should include.

Prefer to just get started? Start creating your business plan with the RBC Business Plan Builder.

Content in this Article

What is a business plan? Benefits of writing a business plan Information to include in your business plan Create your plan with the RBC Business Plan Builder

What is a Business Plan?

Put simply, a business plan is a document that explains to others your vision for your business, the gap in the market your business will fill and the steps you will take to succeed. Creating a business plan is a crucial task for any business, and one which requires you to be thoughtful about the direction of your business, consider the goals most important to you, and how you will go about achieving them. A solid business plan will give you the confidence that you will find success, and may even reveal some gaps and risks. In fact, studies show entrepreneurs who start with a written business plan are more successful than those who don’t. Whether you’re creating a roadmap to follow as a new business owner, need a pitch to attract investors or a document to engage stakeholders, a business plan is a living document you’ll want to update regularly as your business, goals and circumstances evolve. While some business owners consider writing a business plan an overwhelming step, it doesn’t have to be. Creating the best business plan ever is a matter of breaking it down into individual steps — and then taking them one at a time.

Benefits of Writing a Business Plan

Writing a business plan can help you in several ways—here are just a few of the biggest benefits:

  • Provides a roadmap. A business plan requires you to be thoughtful about the direction of your business, consider the goals most important to you and how you will achieve them. Think of it as your step-by-step guide for success!
  • Reveals gaps or risks you need to address. By looking at your business critically, you’ll be able to identify your strengths as well as areas where you may be vulnerable.
  • Shows potential investors, stakeholders or lenders that you’re serious. Attract and engage those who may be interested in your business with all the important information they need to know.

Information to Include in Your Business Plan

Create an executive summary Describe the current business environment Outline your marketing and pricing strategies Describe how your business will operate Detail your financing and cash flow needs Describe your team (even if it’s just you) Identify risks and how you’ll protect your business Write a conclusion Include your contact information

Create an Executive Summary

After your cover page and table of contents, include an executive summary. Since this is the first thing readers will see, it should be clear, grab their attention and identify what your business does.

What to include:

  • Your industry, target market and how your business is different from the competition
  • Your business structure (sole proprietorship, corporation, etc.)
  • What stage your business is in
  • Your experience and credentials, as well as your team’s, if applicable
  • Financial projections for the business (or performance to date, if you’re already operating)

Tip: Write your executive summary last and keep it to one page. While it’s structurally the first section, it will summarize everything else in your plan.

Describe the Current Business Environment

This should be a detailed history and summary of your business, identifying the product(s) or service(s) you’re offering and how you will solve a problem or need in the market. Be sure to include any pre-market research or testing you’ve conducted that speaks to the viability of your idea.

When you’re starting a business , your bank and potential investors don’t have historical data to review. Your plan must clearly convey your strategy, competencies and the reasons your venture will succeed. (If your business is already established, you’ll want to cover where you started and how you got here.)

  • Where you want your business to go—and how you’ll get there. What are your goals? How will you generate sales?
  • What your business does. What needs does your business fulfill? Where will you sell your products or services?
  • Your business set up. How is your business structured ? Are there other owners or shareholders?
  • How you know your business will work. What market research or testing have you done? Are there trends?

Tip: Revisit your business idea by asking yourself these 7 key questions or use our business idea checklist to see the steps you may need to take to get to opening day.

Outline Your Marketing and Pricing Strategies

This is your opportunity to explain how you’re going to get customers to buy your products or services. This section involves identifying your ideal customers, your pricing strategy and more.

  • Your products, service and unique selling proposition. What are the features of your product or service and what makes it unique compared to what your competitors offer? How will you draw customers away from competitors?

Tip: Completing a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis may help you write this section. Download a FREE SWOT Analysis Template

  • Your pricing strategy. How will your pricing be competitive, but still allow you to make a profit? See our factsheet: Pricing and Costing Accurately
  • Your sales and delivery strategy. How will you will generate sales? Will you sell directly to customers or through other businesses? How much will it cost to produce and ship your product?
  • Advertising and promotion strategy. Which advertising and promotion tactics (website, digital marketing, social media, email) will reach your audience most effectively?

Tip: Choose a few channels to do well instead of pursuing all of them at once. That way, you’ll be better able to direct your focus and monitor your progress.

Describe How Your Business Will Operate

The operations section of your business plan should describe what’s physically necessary for your business, as well as any partners who help keep things running smoothly.

This section contains four main categories:

  • Your stage of development. This should highlight what you’ve done to date to get the business operational, then follow up with an explanation of what still needs to be done.
  • The production process. This lays out the details of your day-to-day operations, manufacturing details, inventory, costs, outsourcing and more.
  • Getting products and services to customers. What is your supply chain and distribution strategy?
  • Partners and allies. Who are the people and organizations that support you? Who are key suppliers and vendors?

business plan template for canada

Third-party groups may be able to help you in your journey. For example, Futurpreneur serves entrepreneurs age 18-39 who want access to business resources, financing and mentoring.

Detail Your Financing and Cash Flow Needs

Use this section to determine how strong your business is financially. Be realistic about expenses and projected income so you can properly assess your financial health early on and make sure you have enough cash for the first year.

  • Startup costs. What are your one-time and ongoing expenses? How will you cover the costs? Learn more with our factsheet: Deciding How Much Money You Need to Start or use our Startup Costs Calculator .
  • Profit margin and break-even point. How will you make a profit and calculate margins? What is your break-even point? Suggested reading: The Difference Between Cash Flow and Profit
  • Balance sheet. What assets, liabilities and capital do you have at this point in time?
  • Financing. What are your sources of financing —savings, loans, grants? What are your repayment terms, if any?
  • Cash flow forecast. What is your 12-month cash flow forecast? Estimate it now: Cash Flow Forecast Template

Describe Your Team (Even if It’s Just You)

This section should describe your current team as well as anyone you might need to hire to round out your company.

  • Skills and strengths. What skills do you and/or your team have that are critical to the business?
  • Management style and structure. How will you manage your team? Who will employees report to?

Identify Risks and How You’ll Protect Your Business

Every business comes with some risk, so it’s better to be prepared for them now rather than be surprised later. Use this section to explore potential risks and how you’ll protect your business.

  • Obstacles your business may face. How could the economy, your competition, supply chain or another circumstance affect your business? How do you plan to minimize and handle these and other risks?
  • How you’ll protect against losing market share (new competition). Do you have any agreements or vendors you’ll rely on?
  • How you’ll prevent critical data loss. Outline what you will do to reduce the impact of data loss, such as backing up all computer data regularly, using cloud providers, employee rules on installing software and other policies.
  • How you’ll protect intellectual assets. Will employees sign confidentiality agreements to protect processes, trade secrets and other intellectual property? See How Intellectual Property (IP) in Canada Works .
  • Compliance requirements. What rules, regulations and licenses will you need to comply with to operate?
  • Insurance needs. Does your industry require specific coverage, such as professional liability or other insurance?

Write a Conclusion

This is the last thing readers will see, so you want it to be strong. Use your conclusion to reinforce your goals and objectives. If you need financing, clearly state the amount you need and how it will be used. As with your executive summary, your conclusion should be succinct, clear and leave a positive impression.

Include Your Contact Information

Potential investors and lenders need to know how to reach you. Don’t forget to include your business name, contact information, website and social media presence in your plan.

Create Your Plan with the RBC Business Plan Template

This comprehensive template will guide you through a series of questions, resources and tips to help you write your plan. Best of all, you can go at your own pace and come back to work on it anytime.

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  • Set up the right financial products and solutions
  • Explore options to effectively manage cash flow, pay employees and get paid
  • Connect you to a suite of business advice and solutions that go beyond traditional banking

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Business Plan Template Canada

Embarking on the entrepreneurial journey in Canada requires more than just a groundbreaking idea—it demands a master blueprint that aligns your vision with the realities of the market. This is where a business plan template becomes your most strategic asset. Picture this: a document so finely tuned that it addresses every intricacy of writing a business plan in Canada, impressing not just you but also potential financiers and stakeholders.

Why does this matter?

In the competitive arena of Canadian entrepreneurship, utilizing the best business plan template can make the difference between blending in and standing out. It’s about crafting a narrative that speaks volumes, backed by data-driven insights and a clear path to profitability. A top-tier business planning template doesn’t just suggest potential; it showcases a forecast of triumph in high resolution.

This article will explore the foundational elements of a business template, introduce you to sample business plans tailored for the Canadian market, and provide insights on customizing your plan to reflect the specifics of your industry. 

Prepare to transform your entrepreneurial aspirations into actionable strategies with a business plan that does more than propose—it persuades. Ready to take the first step towards building a business that doesn’t just operate but thrives? Let’s dive in.

Understanding Business Plan Basics

The Key Components of a Business Plan

A typical business plan format comprises several critical components: an executive summary, company description, market analysis, organization and management structure, sales strategies, funding request, financial projections, and an appendix. Each section plays a pivotal role in presenting a comprehensive view of your business.

Tailoring Your Business Plan to the Canadian Market

To resonate with Canadian investors and meet local regulatory requirements, it’s imperative to tailor your business plan model accordingly. This includes a thorough market analysis reflecting Canadian consumer behavior, competition, and an understanding of the economic environment.

Benefits of Using a Business Plan Template

Streamlining the Planning Process

Business planning templates serve as a scaffold for your planning process, ensuring that no essential details are overlooked. They provide a structured format that helps you organize your thoughts and present your business idea clearly and professionally.

Ensuring All Critical Elements are Covered

Template business plans are designed to encompass all necessary elements of a business plan, minimizing the risk of omitting crucial information. This comprehensive coverage not only aids in business planning but also enhances the credibility of your document when presented to stakeholders.

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Where to Find Business Plan Templates in Canada

Canada offers a plethora of resources where entrepreneurs can find free canadian business plan templates . These range from government websites to private financial institutions, each providing tools tailored to different business needs and sectors.

Government and Non-profit Resources for Canadian Entrepreneurs

Canadian entrepreneurs have access to a range of government and non-profit resources that provide comprehensive support for business planning. These organizations offer tools, funding, and guidance specifically designed to foster business growth across various sectors.

  • Small Business Centre Ontario (SBC Ontario) At the Small Business Centre Ontario, entrepreneurs can benefit from advisory services, workshops, and seminars. These resources are especially helpful for understanding the nuances of the business environment in Ontario, including assistance with basic business plan templates and compliance with local regulations.
  • Community Business Development Corporations (CBDC) CBDCs operate across Canada, offering personalized business advice, training, and financing options to small businesses and entrepreneurs in rural areas. They provide a printable business plan template specifically designed to foster economic growth in less urbanized regions. This template supports business plan development and provides access to capital to help businesses either launch or expand.
  • Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) BDC, as a federal Crown corporation, provides not only financial assistance through loans and investments but also extensive advisory services to help Canadian businesses at every stage of their development. Entrepreneurs can access a variety of tools and templates, such as the RBC business plan builder, to effectively outline their business strategies.
  • Futurpreneur Canada Futurpreneur Canada is focused on young entrepreneurs, offering mentorship, financing, and resources for Canadians aged 18 to 39 looking to start or expand a business. They provide interactive business planning tools and workshops that help new business owners create thorough and practical business strategies, laying a solid foundation for long-term success.

Major Canadian Banks and Their Resources

Canada’s major banks offer a range of resources to help entrepreneurs draft or refine their business plans, providing tools, advice, and financial products suited for various industries.

  • Bank of Montreal (BMO) BMO provides business coaching, free business plan templates, and sector-specific advice, alongside access to business financing which is essential for executing business strategies detailed in the plans.
  • RBC Royal Bank RBC provides an interactive tool known as the RBC business plan template, which simplifies the process of creating detailed business plans.They also host seminars and webinars to help entrepreneurs stay informed on market trends and strategies.
  • Scotiabank Scotiabank’s Scotia Plan Writer assists in developing robust business plans. This tool is designed to help users with both the business plan layout and content, ensuring that each plan is tailored to the specific needs of the business and industry. 
  • National Bank National Bank provides personalized planning sessions and financial modeling tools, aiding in strategic and operational planning to support informed decision-making.
  • Farm Credit Canada (FCC) Focusing on the agricultural sector, FCC provides business plans samples and financial services designed for the unique needs of agribusinesses, addressing unique challenges like seasonal production and fluctuating commodity prices.

Free vs. Paid Business Plan Templates: What’s Best for Your Business?

Accessibility and Cost Efficiency of Free Template

No Financial Commitment: The most apparent advantage of a free business plan template is that they are cost-free, making them accessible to all, regardless of the startup budget. This is particularly beneficial for entrepreneurs who are in the very early stages of conceptualizing their business and are not ready to make financial investments into planning tools.

Ease of Use: A free sample business plan is typically designed with simplicity in mind, to accommodate a broad audience. It can be an excellent way for novice entrepreneurs to get acquainted with the basic structure of a business plan.

Comprehensive Features of Paid Templates

Tailored for Specific Industries: Paid business plans templates are often available for specific industries, providing a more customized structure and content that can be directly relevant to your business. This industry-specific customization can guide you in detailing the parts of your plan that matter most to your potential investors or partners.

Advanced Tools and Support: Purchasing a template for a business plan can also grant you access to advanced business planning tools, such as financial projection software, interactive charts, and expert advice. Support services might include customer service, consultations, and helpful resources that can assist you in crafting a more professional document.

Choosing Wisely for Your Business’s Future

Assessing Your Needs

Evaluate the specific needs of your business plan by considering your industry, the stage of your business, and what you most need help with. For example, if you are in a niche market or need a complex financial section, a paid template might be worth the investment.

Consider Long-Term Benefits

Think about the long-term benefits of investing in a paid template, especially if you anticipate seeking funding or entering competitive markets. A well-structured, detailed business plan can be a crucial factor in securing investments and partnerships.

Trial and Error

If possible, try out free versions or demos of paid templates of business plans to see if they suit your needs before committing to a purchase. This approach can help you avoid spending money on a product that doesn’t meet your expectations.

Ultimately, the choice between free and paid templates should be guided by your business’s specific needs, your proficiency in business planning, and your budget. In many cases, starting with a free template to get a basic draft and later investing in a paid template for more detailed planning and presentation might be an effective strategy.

From Good to Great: Making Superior Business Plans

When choosing a business template in Canada, consider both free business plan forms provided by organizations, banks, and lenders, and weigh them against your specific needs. These resources can serve as a solid starting point for crafting a business plan that aligns with your goals and financial strategies. Ultimately, the right template can propel your business from good to great, helping you secure the necessary support and resources to succeed.

Are you set to turn your business vision into a reality? Don’t navigate the complex waters of Canadian entrepreneurship alone. Reach out to our expert consultants at BSBCON. We specialize in tailoring business plans that not only meet market demands but also exceed your expectations. 

Let us help you elevate your strategy and ensure your business not only launches, but thrives in the competitive market. Contact us today and start your journey to success with a partner who knows how to get you there.

How can we help you?

Get in touch with us or visit our office

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2. Prepare business plan

A business plan explains your business idea, short and long-term business goals and what resources are available to start and operate your business. 

A business plan explains your business idea, short and long-term business goals and what resources are available to start and operate your business. If you need help writing a business plan:

  • contact your local Small Business Enterprise Centre or, if you are a technology or innovation company, a Regional Innovation Centre
  • check available online resources, such as BDC , Futurpreneur , or BPlans for sample business plans talk to your local bank to see what tools they have to help you start your business

business plan template for canada

Business Plan Tools for Producers

A business plan is like a road map. It helps you define your ag operation’s core objectives and build a detailed plan for how to achieve them. 

Free business plan bundle for farmers

We want to help make writing your business plan easier. The FCC business plan bundle was designed specifically for farm operations and anyone involved in Canadian agriculture.

The bundle includes:

Business plan guide with instructions and resources

Blank business plan template

Sample business plan

Why you need a business plan

There's a lot involved in writing a business plan, but it’s a worthwhile investment. It can help secure financing from a lender, attract investment or act as an internal guide, keeping your management team focused on the same goals.

Related business plan tools

Analyzing cash flow drivers

Assessing your liquidity

Assessing your management ability

Building and sensitizing financial projections

Creating an organizational chart/job description

Financial Asset Analysis

Foundational financial ratios

Net worth template

FCC Knowledge Newsletter

Bringing our best business management content to your inbox.

Get a clear picture of your finances.

COMMENTS

  1. Planning a business

    Find out how to write a business plan and access templates, sample business plans, market research information and statistics.

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    Sample pages from How to Write a Business Plan: Your Template in 10 Steps. Note: Review your mission statement often to make sure it matches your company purpose as it evolves. A statement that doesn't fit your core values or what you actually do can undermine your marketing efforts and credibility. 3.

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    4. Financials. Include a cash flow forecast, usually broken down on a monthly basis and presented as a spreadsheet. Also add your financial statements (balance sheet, income statement, cash flow statement and statement of retained earnings). And if you're a new business, list start-up costs.

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    Once you've got your audience in mind, you can start your business plan, which should include: 1. Executive summary. Even though it appears first in the official plan, write this section last so you can condense essential ideas from the other nine sections. For now, leave it as a placeholder.

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    Write a Business Plan. Clarify your idea and get it in writing. There's a lot of work involved in writing a business plan but it prepares you for the even bigger task of starting a business. It will help refine your idea, outline goals, and make it easier to explain what you hope to accomplish. This comes in handy when you're looking for money.

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    An interactive, online, tool that allows you to customize your business plan. Includes tips & tricks and can be downloaded to a word, excel or PDF file. Business Development Canada (BDC) - Business Plan Template This is one of the best downloadable business plan templates. The business plan contains 2 sections, with a glossary and user guide.

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    Invest in the future of your business by taking the time to create or update your business plan using our free template. Mon Jul 12 2021 20:18:00 GMT+0000 The importance of your business plan. Perhaps the most important document for any new business is a business plan. Yet too many business owners fail to sit down and prepare or update one.

  12. How to Start a Business in Canada

    How to register as a corporation. To register as a corporation, you will need to take the following steps: Incorporate your business through federal incorporation or provincial/territorial incorporation. Get a federal business number and corporation income tax account from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

  13. Best Small Business Plan Template For 2024 in Canada

    Keep in mind these are only rough guidelines, because there's really no "wrong" way to fill out a business plan template. That said, there are a few best practices you may find helpful. Leave the executive summary and business overview until the end. The executive summary is a high-level overview of your entire plan.

  14. Free Business Plan Template for Small Businesses (2024)

    Our free business plan template includes seven key elements typically found in the traditional business plan format: 1. Executive summary. This is a one-page summary of your whole plan, typically written after the rest of the plan is completed. The description section of your executive summary will also cover your management team, business ...

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    Create Your Plan with the RBC Business Plan Template. This comprehensive template will guide you through a series of questions, resources and tips to help you write your plan. Best of all, you can go at your own pace and come back to work on it anytime. Start Your Business Plan.

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    Use this business continuity plan template to minimize the risk that an emergency could pose to your operations. Learn more. Business model canvas tool. Download this free, one-page model to map out your business activities and plan your business growth. Learn more. Business proposal template.

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    706 templates. Create a blank Business Plan. Beige Aesthetic Modern Business Plan A4 Document. Document by Rise & Roar Design. Green Professional Strategic Business Plan Executive Summary. Document by Antler. Startup Business Plan. Document by Maea Studio. Blue White Corporate Business Plan Cover Document.

  19. 2. Prepare business plan

    2. Prepare business plan. A business plan explains your business idea, short and long-term business goals and what resources are available to start and operate your business. If you need help writing a business plan: contact your local Small Business Enterprise Centre or, if you are a technology or innovation company, a Regional Innovation Centre.

  20. Free downloadable business plan template

    We want to help make writing your business plan easier. The FCC business plan bundle was designed specifically for farm operations and anyone involved in Canadian agriculture. The bundle includes: Bundle includes: Word documents and pdfs. By accessing, downloading, and using the FCC Business Tool Template, you acknowledge and agree that any use ...

  21. Free Business Plan

    There are seven steps to creating your plan, covering all the different aspects of your business and how they interact. While some of the information is optional, most of it can be useful. The more detailed and in-depth your Business Plan is, the more helpful it'll be. 1. State the industry your business operates in.

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    Get your free simple business plan template. Write an effective business plan in 6 steps. Business plans are vital in helping you establish your goals and define the means by which they can be ...