start up business plan template australia

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Writing a business plan

A business plan documents your objectives and the strategies and structures you have in place for achieving them.

Your business plan should explain how you will manage all the important aspects of your business, from products and services to operational plans and finances.

Video: Writing a business plan

Watch our video on why you should write a business plan for your new or current business.

Topics include:

why it's important to create and review a business plan
the information to include in your business plan
using a business plan to achieve your business goals
downloading and completing our business plan template.

Use a business plan to:

help you start a new business
help you improve the performance of an existing business
attract funding for an investment
communicate business progress to stakeholders
communicate business goals and objectives to internal staff members
attract potential buyers for the business.

A business plan is a 'living' document, so it should evolve and change—think of it as an operating guide for your business throughout the start-up, operations and succession phases.

Thumbnail of business plan Word template

Download and write a full business plan

Download our free full business plan template and use the guidelines below to write a plan for your business.

There are also other templates available that may better meet your needs—visit business.gov.au .

You should customise your chosen template to suit your business and industry.

We explain below how you can start with a 1-page business plan to ease you into the process of completing the full business plan.

Business plan elements

The elements of your business plan will vary depending on:

what phase your business is in (starting, running, selling)
the industry your business is in
how you choose to use the plan (e.g. for internal development purposes).

Every business plan will be different, but they will generally include similar elements. The sections of our business plan template are listed below—use these as a guide when completing it or as a reference when creating your own.

At the start of your business plan, include the following business details:

business name
date registered
Australian Business Number (ABN)
Australian Company Number (ACN) – if applicable
tax file number (TFN)
business address
contact details
website details
social media details.

Read about choosing a business structure and getting the right licences and registrations .

This section provides an overview of the business concept. It should be attention-grabbing and succinct—the content will be covered in more detail in future sections.

While this is the first section of the plan, it can often help to write it last after the other sections have been finalised.

This helps to ensure that the executive summary covers all the key information within the plan.

It should define:

what your business vision is
what your legal structure is
what products and services you offer
who your customers are
what sets you apart from your competitors
how you will create a market for your products and services
how you will operate
what your financial projections are
how your business or industry will evolve
who owns or manages your business
what your short-term and long-term goals are.

Refer to the corresponding sections in our free business plan template:

2.1 Products and services
2.2 Market analysis
2.3 Industry description and outlook
2.4 SWOT analysis

In this section, you should highlight your business products and services and describe what makes them unique, such as their:

limitations
cost and sale price.

You can also include details of any plans your business has to introduce new products and services.

Your market analysis should describe your target market (e.g. local, international) and target customers.

Add in the research you have done about your industry and the market trends.

In this section, you will also complete a SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats).

Find out more about researching your market:

planning and conducting market and customer research
market research kit .
3.1 Current situation
3.2 Marketing objectives
3.3 Target segments
3.4 Competitor analysis
3.5 Brand positioning
3.6 Marketing programs
3.7 Marketing tactics
3.8 Key actions
3.9 Business controls

A business plan should include a high-level summary of your market research and analysis.

Starting with your current situation, complete your marketing objectives and analysis around your target market and your competitiveness.

Complete your customer and competitor profiles and develop a 1-page brand strategy .

These will help you prepare your marketing plan in section 3 of the template.

Your plan will include marketing tactics and an action plan. You will identify how you will set KPIs and report on your marketing effectiveness.

Learn about:

branding your business
writing a marketing strategy and plan .
4.1 Sales strategies
4.2 Sales analysis and forecast
4.3 Customer management

Explain your sales forecasts and targets in this section, and how you will manage customer records and payments. You should understand what sales strategies will work for you and the best channels to market your products or services .

You will also need to know what your current sales, volume and market share are and what you expect them to be for the next 2 years.

Learn about cash flow, invoices and payments and how to collect and store customer information for help with managing customers.

Regardless of your business or industry, you will need to prepare for operating some of your business online.

Note your digital and customer and data-protection strategies in your business plan. You could also include:

the digital tools and resources that will be used in your business
the people responsible for overseeing the digital strategy within the business
details of any security considerations.

Complete a digital health check and learn how to create a digital strategy for your business .

6.1 Business structure
6.2 Contracts, licences and agreements
6.3 Intellectual property
6.4 Insurance
6.6 Employees
6.7 Financial
6.8 Legal and ethical trading
6.9 Risk management
6.10 Business continuity

In this section, record the legal and risk management considerations for your business.

Describe your business structure and the contracts you have now or could have in the future.

If you have a lease or are considering leasing premises, add the terms and conditions of the lease and any actions you need to take to your plan.

To complete the other legal section, learn about:

legal requirements for businesses
selecting the right business location
business insurance
intellectual property: the basics
legal and ethical selling
your responsibilities as an employer .

Search the Australian Business Licence and Information Service (ABLIS) if you need information about licences that relate to your business.

To identify the risks to your business, your business plan should also:

outline and demonstrate that you have considered the risks to your business (a business risk analysis) and the possible consequences
summarise the plans you have in place for overcoming these risks.

A risk matrix tool or risk management plan can be developed to help you analyse your business risks—read more about identifying and managing business risk .

You will also need to consider business continuity planning to prepare for unexpected situations.

7.1 Location
7.2 Production
7.3 Current performance
7.4 Plant and equipment
7.6 List of major suppliers
7.7 Stock and inventory

This section will cover all you know about how you do things in your business—for example, your standard operating procedures and how to ensure the quality of your products and services.

To better understand your business operations, read about:

business processes, procedures and standards
choosing the right business location
stock control: the basics .
8.1 Management and key personnel
8.3 Training
8.4 Recruitment
8.5 Succession planning

This section helps you note your current workforce structure and plan for the workforce you will have in the future as you grow, and for potentially passing the business to a successor.

Your business plan will detail your business's organisational structure (proposed or actual)—this is often shown as a diagram representing the business hierarchy, different roles within the business and how they relate to one another.

You should also consider succession planning, even if you haven't thought about how you would sell or pass on the business.

workforce planning for small business
training and developing staff
passing a business to a successor .
9.1 Start-up costs
9.2 Profit and loss forecast
9.3 Cash flow forecast
9.4 Balance sheet
9.5 Financial ratios

Your business plan should include your business finance details—there is a separate business finance template you can also complete.

Summarise your key financial details, including:

costs for establishing or operating the business
sales needed to break even
projected cash flow
funding arrangements
payment plans.

You can assess the financial performance of your business using financial ratios .

10.1 Review and update business goals
10.2 Make a schedule to review your actions

The final section of the business plan should include a set of actions to take before you review your business plan next, and check your progress. This should be over a 6–12 month period, based on the business goals outlined in your plan.

Set a regular review date for the actions and the business plan. Assess which actions have been completed, which remain outstanding and which require updating to help your business plan remain relevant.

Read about skills for running a business to consider ways to improve your time management and leadership.

Optional business plan elements

While not essential, the following can supplement your business plan.

Business vision statement and business values

A comprehensive business vision statement defines what your business does and why it is important.

This could be added in more detail in your business plan and referred to in your executive summary. Find out how to create a business vision .

Business values are the principles, beliefs, and standards of behaviour that guide your business. Including this in your plan will better reflect your goals for the business.

Customer journey strategy

This section could include details of your business's key customer service strategies.

Consider mapping out the intended customer journey—the intended path customers will follow when interacting with your business.

Start with a short business plan

A 1-page business plan can be a good place to start your business planning.

It can cover only high-level information about your business value proposition (i.e. why a customer would want to buy your products and services) and business model.

A one-page plan can include details about:

your business vision and values
projected income and expenses
identified business risks
the customer segments you intend to target
the value proposition of your business
channels that could be used to reach your target customers (e.g. direct or online marketing)
your customer service plan
how you will receive payment for products and services
the activities needed to achieve your outcomes
the resources you will need
details of any partners you will use to provide goods and services
the cost structure for your products and services (based on all items as listed in the plan).

You can search online for tools that can help you create this plan—for example, a value proposition canvas or business model canvas .

Once you are satisfied with this short business plan, you can use it as the basis for your full business plan.

Communicating your business plan

Communicating your business plan to your staff and stakeholders is essential for implementing it and achieving your business goals, even when starting out with a small team.

Some practical tips for communicating the plan include:

being mindful of your audience—different communication styles will suit different audiences (e.g. you may be able to communicate more informally with your staff than with your stakeholders, board members or investors)
choosing an appropriate format, time and place—you could hold a staff meeting, schedule a business plan review session and invite all staff and stakeholders to attend, or create an online presentation
using clear, concise and simple language
making time to get feedback from your staff and stakeholders.

Read about skills for running a business for tips on developing your communication skills.

Learn about managing people through change .

Review and update your business plan

You will need to regularly review your business plan to ensure that it is relevant, achievable and up to date with any changes in your business.

Consider reviewing your business plan:

at regular intervals (e.g. quarterly or annually)
after a business SWOT analysis has been completed
when raising capital (e.g. approaching the bank for a loan or pitching to an investor)
before implementing growth strategies or new products
when new staff members are added to the team
when implementing a new organisational structure
before changes in the industry or to legislation
when preparing to sell the business .

To help you review your own plan, ask yourself the following questions:

What will the review schedule be?
Is the plan up to date?
Have the business goals changed?
Is the plan still matched to the business goals?
Are market trends changing?
Have there been major political, environmental, social or technological changes that affect your business?
Have there been significant changes in your finances or need for capital?
Is the plan still 'fit for purpose'?

Business planning resources and tools

The following planning resources and tools below can help you compile and update your business plan to ensure your business is on track to meet its goals.

Small business planning webinar recording
Writing a marketing strategy and plan
Identifying and managing business risk
Business processes, procedures and standards
Plan your business finances
Market and customer research
Choosing and working with business advisers
Networking in business
Ask a mentor – business planning

Learn more about business planning with free, online courses .

Resources for finding licences, permits and codes of conduct

Use the Business Launchpad to discover all your licensing needs, compiled in your own customised guide.

You can also search for licences, permits and codes of practice using the Australian Business Licence and Information Service (ABLIS).

Learn about codes of conduct and codes of practices from:

the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission
WorkCover Queensland .
Last reviewed: 8 Dec 2022
Last updated: 1 Jun 2023

start up business plan template australia

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Free business plan template for small businesses

Create your free professional business plan with our easy-to-use business plan template.

Create a professional business plan in minutes

Free template.

Our Australian business plan template can save you time & money.

Fully editable

Ready to customise with all requirements like your business details, organisational structure, competitor analaysis and goals.

Easy to use

Simply add the requested data and our template will create a business plan for you.

Download your free business plan template

Business plan template.

Our business plan template is an editable document containing your businesses goals and objectives for the future. It also provides all the key sections you need for a professional business plan including overview of business description, market research, competitive analysis, financial forecasts and much more.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the importance of a business plan.

Writing a business plan gives your business the best chance of success helping you to flesh out your business proposal, outline key business processes and gives an action plan of what you want to achieve over time. While it can seem overwhelming, the time and effort you put in is worth it for your long-term success. Use our free business plan template below to get you started!

What should a business plan include?

A business plan consists of a single document with different sections that represent different aspects of your business. Most business plans include the following:

Business overview
Executive summary
Team & Management
Product & Services
Market Analysis
Competitor Analysis
Marketing & Promotions
Financial Analysis
Future & Goals

How do you write a business plan?

Writing a multi page business plan when you are just starting out can seem overwhelming. The key to getting started is to keep it simple and add to it as you grow. Start with key headings (or use our template) and some bullet points mapping out your business overview, vision, market analysis and financial forecasts.

Tips for writing a business plan?

Check out our page about the 7 Tips for writing a Business Plan >

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How to write a business plan in 12 steps (2024 edition)

Updated 18 April 2024 • 12 min read

This guide breaks down how to write a business plan, step-by-step, detailing what your document needs to include and what you need to think about to make your business plan as persuasive as possible.

What is a business plan?

A business plan is an essential document that can provide immense value for new and existing companies of all sizes. It is an overview that includes an outline of your business, its key objectives and plan for achieving important goals.

This information can be used to communicate strategic actions to internal teams and also attract interest from potential partners and investors . However, writing a business plan can be a lengthy and involved process. For many, using a business plan template can be a good way to get started.

For best results, you’ll need to do a lot of thinking and planning before you start writing your business plan. This way you have all the information and resources you need at your fingertips and won’t be under time pressure to come up with something at the last minute. After all, a well-thought-out business plan can help you avoid generic information and set your company up for success.

Download your free business plan template .

Why write a business plan?

Writing your business plan helps to get your strategy nailed down and onto the page. A plan that stays in your head is probably going to be full of unrealistic assumptions and biases, whereas a strategically thought-out and organised approach forces you to notice your blind spots and find a way forward.

If you’re looking for financing, a bank or investor needs to be persuaded by your business proposal and the opportunity to work with you. Therefore, a well-written business plan can help provide potential financial partners with the confidence that your business can become profitable. Your business plan gives them a comprehensive view of all aspects of your business and details your strategy for achieving your goals.

What are the main sections of a business plan?

Whatever your line of work, your business plan will generally need to provide the following:

An executive summary

A business overview

The market opportunity

Your products/services

How to write a business plan

Make sure you cover each of the following steps when preparing your document:

1. Write an executive summary

This section of your business plan should be 1–2 pages in length and enables potential financiers or partners to get an overview of what your business does and – most importantly — what the opportunity is for them. If they’re interested in the opportunity, they’ll conduct their own due diligence - and this will start with going through your business plan and financials.

It’s a good idea to write your executive summary last, when you’ve clarified your thinking around every section of the document. As an overview section, you don’t want to add any new content that isn’t in your business plan. Aim to keep this summary succinct and engaging by using simple, plain language, as this is much more persuasive than complicated or academic wording.

Use sub-headings and bullet points to help your most important information stand out, especially as busy executives may simply scan your executive summary and use this to decide whether they want to find out more.

What to include in an executive summary?

Make sure you include details on:

What your business does

What the opportunity is

What your unique selling points / differentiators are

How much funding you’re looking for

What the funding will be used for

How you'll succeed

Remember, you’re providing the big picture overview of your business - the detail is in the rest of the document and in the appendices.

2. Write your business overview

This section of your business plan needs to be more than just a list of what your business does. Its purpose is to excite those you’re hoping will work with you or help to fund your business.

Information to address includes:

What's the purpose of your business?

What problem does your business’ product or service solve?

What niche could it fill?

What’s different about your offering?

How are you better than anyone else at what you do?

Consider what your customer value proposition is by deciding what you want to achieve and what your number 1 benefit is for your customer.

3. Identify your USP

Think about what your unique selling points (USP) or differentiators are, and what proof-points you can provide to back them up.

For example, you can use terms like “market-leading” but if you don’t provide any evidence to back up your claims, your reader will take them with a big pinch of salt!

You should certainly reference any awards or endorsements that position you as the best person to provide your product or service, as well as any client testimonials. Make sure you include any education or experience that makes you an expert in your field as well.

4. Describe the market opportunity

Show you understand your industry, market and where you fit in it. While no-one can predict the future, offer up where you think the opportunity is for your business and make sales projections based on that.

For example, imagine your business is selling personalised cookies - there's little competition in your area and you see your market opportunity to create designs for all calendar and holiday events. You expect to increase sales by 30% in one year and 50% in three years, driven primarily by word-of-mouth referrals.

Make sure you also consider macro trends that may create opportunities for you, such as social, environmental, or technological changes that may affect buying behaviour.

5. Include a SWOT analysis

Whatever your business strengths or opportunities, they’ll always be known and unknown weaknesses and threats; there’s no such thing as certainty in business or in life!

However, you can demonstrate that you’ve examined your business through different lenses and have a thorough understanding of it by doing a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis.

Don’t worry about drawing attention to your business’ shortcomings - every opportunity has them and it’ll give investors and partners confidence in you that you won't bury your head in the sand. Naturally, it's important that you specify what you’re going to do to address these weaknesses and counter these threats.

Here are some areas you can think about to get started: reputation, technology, location, experience, staff, overheads, competition, suppliers and price.

6. Present a competitor analysis

Let’s face it, no matter what industry you’re in, or what you’re selling, there’s going to be other businesses offering the same thing. But instead of worrying about the competition, use this as a positive opportunity to up your game and work out the unique advantages you have that will keep you competitive.

Identify your top 3 competitors and analyse what they're doing well and where they’re coming up short. Try to be as objective as possible and identify how to differentiate yourself from them.

You should also look into who the industry leaders are and what the benchmarks are for your industry so that you can set yourself targets for continuous improvement.

7. Create a customer persona

A customer persona is a fictional person who represents your company's ideal customer. Naturally, the persona can be based on a real person - the more you get to know your ideal customer, the more targeted and successful your marketing efforts will be.

To create a customer persona, you need to conduct research into your ideal customer’s age, sex, income, employment, daily activities, interests and hobbies. If you’re feeling unsure about your customer persona, you may need to give your ideal customer further thought and download the customer persona template to get started.

8. Write your marketing strategy

When you’ve created your customer persona, you need to work out how you’re going to reach them. Do they hang out on social media apps, like Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter or LinkedIn? Or are they more used to local, traditional marketing like free local papers or high foot traffic areas?

Once you’ve figured where your audience is likely to hang out, you can outline your strategies for promoting and advertising your products or services in the next 12 months.

Make a list of the marketing channels you’ll use to achieve your advertising strategy and be sure to include your budget. How much can you set aside for advertising? And where are you most likely to see a return on your efforts? Paid ads on Facebook? Half or full paid spreads in an industry magazine? Or even a direct mail out?

For more structured help around this, check out free course: Business 101 | Get social with your business on Facebook .

9. Design your customer retention strategy

Business success relies heavily on the relationship you’re able to build with your customers. What techniques will you use to keep them coming back? Consider the following:

What can your business do to increase the number of repeat customers?

Does your business have a referral or loyalty program?

Do you have a post-purchase follow up in place?

Will you use surveys to track customer satisfaction?

What ways can you continue delivering outstanding service?

Is there a way to continue educating and adding value to your customers?

10. Present your financials

Most people who are looking at investing their time and/or money in your business will want to see your financial statements - your performance to date and your projections over the short and medium term. They'll also want to know how much you’ve received in funding to date and what these other sources of funding are - including your own investment.

Current finances

You need to show how your business has performed financially over the last year, highlighting metrics such as positive cashflow , net profit and assets.

Financial forecasts

You should also provide a balance forecast projecting total assets, total liabilities and net assets over 1, 2 and 3 years, and a profit and loss forecast for the same periods detailing gross profit /net sales, total expenses and net profit/loss. Finally, you should also provide a cash flow forecast month by month over the next year.

It’s also a good idea to speak to an expert like an accountant or bookkeeper about your finances and get advice on how best to present them in this all-important section of your business plan.

11. Detail how much funding is needed

Naturally, you also need to be very clear about how much money you’re looking for and what you plan to do with it. If you’re looking for a loan , you need to detail what it’s for, over what period it’ll be repaid, and what collateral you have to secure it.

12. Propose an exit strategy

Any financial stakeholder in your business will want a return on investment. If you’re pursuing this type of funding, you should include some detail on your proposed exit strategy . For example, do you want to sell the company at some point or go public?

Similarly, you should outline your succession plan so the business can continue to operate if you decide to step away from it. Likewise, you need a plan for what happens if the business loses money and can’t sustain itself. Documenting this means that everyone is on the same page and potential investors have this information upfront.

Frequently asked questions about writing a business plan:

When to write a business plan.

Typically, entrepreneurs write their business plans within the first year of operations. A business plan is a tool that helps business owners refine their strategy, attract partners and financiers, and grow their business.

If a business plan is written too soon, it may lack the substance that comes with time in the market. However, it’s important to note that a business plan isn't a static document - it can and should change as the business evolves.

How long should your business plan be?

There are no hard and fast rules around how long your business plan should be - it just needs to include all the relevant information. Aim for clear, concise sections and build a business plan that is as easy to read and navigate as possible.

Using a business plan template can help you make sure you have everything covered off, while also having a document that looks as professional as possible. Make sure you run a spelling and grammar check too - any sloppy errors can undermine your credibility.

What’s a business plan on a page?

It’s important to write your business plan as it helps to embed your strategy - as well as communicate what you’re about to potential partners or investors. When you have a comprehensive business plan you can easily adapt it to suit different audiences. For example, a full business plan is essential for raising capital but a business plan on a page may be enough for potential partners or employees.

What do venture capitalists look for in a business plan?

Venture capitalists invest money into businesses with the goal of achieving a return on their investment within the short to medium term. As a result, they’re looking for an attractive market opportunity, a clear point of differentiation, a strong management team, a proven track record, solid financials and, importantly, an exit opportunity.

Where to go for help or more information?

There are many great resources out there to help you fine-tune your business strategy and write your business plan. The Australian Government has a comprehensive website dedicated to supporting businesses at all stages of their journey.

You can also get help from Business Enterprise Centres , business advisors, accountants and fellow business owners. MYOB also has a list of business advisors who can give you feedback on your business plan, so your venture has the very best chance of success.

Related Guides

How to get a business loan arrow right, how to find investors: a guide for startups arrow right, business models: definitions, types and key components arrow right.

How to write a business plan

Writing a business plan will help nail down your idea and give you a blueprint for executing it.

A person at a desk in their workshop writing a business plan.

What is a business plan?

A business plan describes your product or service, identifies who the customer is, explains why they need your product or service, and shows how you’ll make money from that opportunity.

Why write a business plan

How you write a business plan will depend on what you need it to do. There are a couple of key jobs a business plan can have. It can:

explain a business idea
convince lenders or investors to put money behind that business idea

It doesn’t take a book to do the first job. You can write a business plan that’s short, to the point, and easy to update. That may be all you ever need. But if you’re going for funding, your business plan will need to be a good deal longer and more comprehensive.

Why every business should start with a one-pager

Even if you will eventually write a long business plan, a one-pager is a great place to start. It could take as little as an hour to do your first draft and will make your idea stronger. Writing about customers, competitors, income and expenses will help develop your thinking.

How to write a one-page business plan

You’ll see in the example below that there are nine sections, or things to write about. So give yourself just a small space to write about each. Keeping it short will help you focus on what’s important.

Download a one-page business plan template.

When you need a longer business plan

The greater the risk you’re taking, the more comprehensive your plan should be. For instance, you’ll need to write a long-form business plan if you’re going to fund it with other people’s money. Banks and investors will expect it.

How to write a longer business plan

Long-form business plans touch on all the same things as a one-pager, but they go into more detail and contain fewer assumptions.

Back-of-the-napkin numbers are replaced by forecasts and budgets. And guesstimates for things like costs, market size, customer preferences, and competitor weaknesses need to be backed up with proof. It’s a good idea to involve an accountant or bookkeeper in developing the budgeting and finance sections.

Contents of a business plan:

Executive summary: A short summary of the main points of your business plan. Write it last.
Company overview: Identify your industry, what you’re selling, and how you’ll charge.
Products or services: Include a description of the problem you’re solving for customers.
Market analysis: Describe your target market, and examine the competition.
Risk assessment: Flag potential hurdles (including assumptions that could be proved wrong).
Marketing and sales plan: How will you find customers and make sales? How many sales will there be?
Milestones: What needs to happen and when?
Progress reporting: When and how will you report against the milestones?
Team: Who will be involved in the business? Note their skills and responsibilities.
Budget: Estimate your costs and income (and any debt that you plan to take on).
Finance: Show how you’ll fund the business.

You can also add an appendix with any supporting or background documents.

Make a start by downloading our free business plan template.

How not to write a business plan

Avoid these common business planning mistakes:

Underestimating how much money it will take to get started
Failing to budget for the first few months of operation (before revenues start flowing)
Expecting sales to ramp up too fast
Relying too heavily on one or two customers (or suppliers)
Not including contingencies for unexpected delays or costs

For more information, visit the Australian government page on developing a business plan , which comes complete with templates to help get you started.

Xero does not provide accounting, tax, business or legal advice. This guide has been provided for information purposes only. You should consult your own professional advisors for advice directly relating to your business or before taking action in relation to any of the content provided.

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Thousands of new businesses open every day. If all those people can do it, why not you? Here’s what to do, and when.

Your business idea is clearly inspired. But it helps to check you’re not the only one who thinks so.

It’s time to run some numbers on your business idea. Budgeting and forecasting help with that.

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If you’re starting a business, then you’ll need to get familiar with some accounting basics.

After all the excitement of deciding to start a business, you’ll have some paperwork to do.

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BUSINESS PLAN _________________________________ ____________________ 8 May 2024

Executive Summary

The Ownership The company will be structured as a sole proprietorship.

The Management _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________

The Goals and Objectives _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________

The Product _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________

The Target Market _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________

Pricing Strategy _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________

The Competitors _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________

Business Plan - _________________________________

The Company

Business Sector The owners would like to start a business in the retail sector.

Company Goals and Objectives _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________

Company Ownership Structure The company will be structured as a sole proprietorship.

Ownership Background ____________________ (owner): _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________

Company Management Structure _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________

Organizational Timeline _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________

Company Assets _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________

The Product

Marketing Plan

Pricing _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________

Advertising _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________

Competitor Analysis

Staffing _________________________________ will employ one full-time employee in the initial startup phase.

Last Updated April 8, 2024

What is a Business Plan?

A Business Plan is an important planning tool used by first-time or existing business owners to outline company goals, objectives, and challenges, as well as information regarding internal management, marketing, and finances.

LawDepot's Business Plan template can be used in:

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
New South Wales (NSW)
Northern Territory (NT)
Queensland (QLD)
South Australia (SA)
Tasmania (TAS)
Victoria (VIC)
Western Australia (WA)

A Business Plan can also be called a:

Business Strategy
Business Proposal

What information should I include in my Business Plan?

The information you include in your Business Plan will vary depending on the type of business you own and the type of information you want to include in your plan. Generally, most business plans will layout:

Ownership (i.e., whether you are a sole proprietor, partnership, corporation, etc.)
Management structure (e.g. an explanation of how day-to-day operations of your business are handled)
Goals and objectives
Which products and/or services are offered by your company
Information about your company's products and/or services (such as your pricing strategy, patent or trademark licence details, etc.)
Marketing strategy (e.g. the target market, whether or not you have established customers, etc.)

The information you include in each section typically depends on why you are making your Business Plan.

For instance, if you are creating your plan to send to investors to secure funding, you'll want to spend additional time explaining your goals and objectives as well as the products or services you are planning to sell and how it aligns with your target market.

Alternatively, if you are using your Business Plan as a blueprint to help you achieve a specific goal (like reorganising your business structure so that your company's management processes are more efficient), you'll want to spend time identifying your current management structure, how you plan to change it, and how the success of this goal will be measured.

When is a Business Plan used?

Common situations where a Business Plan may be used include:

An existing company is purchased, and the new owner would like to record key details about the business to determine if operational changes need to be made.
A group of individuals would like to create a start-up and use a Business Plan to present their business idea to potential investors.
A board of directors would like to establish new opportunities for growth for their business, so they create a Business Plan covering the company's target market and the potential sales tactics the company could use to reach that group.
A fast-growing company would like to adjust their company structure, so they create a Business Plan to identify its current organisational hierarchy and how it should change.

How long should my Business Plan be?

The length of your plan will depend on the reason you are creating it, the category of business you operate in, the number of goals and objectives you decide to include, and, in general, how much information you decide to cover.

For example, small companies with only one or two company goals, a few products and employees, and a limited marketing strategy may only need a few pages whereas a midsized company with broader needs, lots of products and employees, and a complex marketing strategy may require several pages for their sales plan.

Do I need a Business Plan to start a business?

Though you do not need a Business Plan to start a business, using a plan is strongly recommended as it will help you organise your business' structure and needs in a clear, easy-to-read format.

Starting a business without a Business Plan in place can get chaotic if important considerations, such as outlining the company's organisational hierarchy, main products or services, or marketing strategy, are neglected, dismissed, or forgotten.

When should I update my Business Plan?

Whenever there is a significant change in your business structure, products, or needs, you should update your Business Plan. A good Business Plan helps guide business owners in achieving a particular goal or keeps them on track by setting out the business' main purpose.

What is a SWOT analysis?

Some business plans will include a SWOT analysis . SWOT stands for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. It is a planning technique used to identify areas where a company does well (strengths), doesn’t do well (weaknesses), could improve on and how (opportunities), and any potential issues with the business or products, such as expected material shortages or a change in consumer practices (threats).

Typically, strengths and weaknesses will deal with internal factors that are within a company's control, such as the organisation of the company, whereas opportunities and threats will consider external factors that are sometimes not in a company’s control, like a growing number of competitors.

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Business plan template

Create a comprehensive business plan with this easy to use business plan template.

Businesses need a strong plan that outlines what you aim to achieve and gives you a roadmap to get there. Creating your own business plan doesn’t have to be difficult, simply set aside some time to work through the various elements.

What to consider when writing a business plan

The template walks you through each stage of a business plan. It will help ensure that nothing gets missed, including essential elements such as:

your profile
your marketing strategy
your business structure.

When you’re writing your business plan , it’s important to:

avoid long words or sentences
use clear and concise language and avoid jargon
identify your audience and keep them in mind when writing
show why you care and let your passion for the business shine through
highlight your unique value proposition
include a realistic detailed financial plan
think carefully through every step of your business start-up
pinpoint weaknesses, identify your strengths and spot opportunities.

Why you should use a business plan template

A business plan template is an essential tool to help you create a clear, concise and comprehensive business plan. It can help you:

secure funding and attract investors
set goals and prioritise
better control your business
helps you seek finance.

Writing a plan can be enjoyable. It will help you highlight the ideas and activities at the core of your business, and force you to get your priorities in order too. It could also show you what success will look like, so you can begin measuring it. Each section of the template comes with brief instructions, so that you get the structure right.

When you’re finished, one of our small business bankers will be happy to go over the plan and provide advice and guidance. You can request a call back online to discuss this further.

Download our business plan template (DOC, 158KB) , opens in new window and read our detailed article on writing your business plan to get started.

Use our business plan template to guide you through writing your business plan.

Other business moments

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How to write a business plan

Follow our helpful guide to writing a comprehensive plan.

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The information contained in this article is correct as of July 2018 and is intended to be of a general nature only. It has been prepared without taking into account any person’s objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this information, NAB recommends that you consider whether it is appropriate for your circumstances. NAB recommends that you seek independent legal, financial, and taxation advice before acting on any information in this article.

Benefits of a business plan

Your business plan outlines:

your vision for the business
the actions that will help you achieve it

When you are starting out, your business plan can help you to secure financing and investment. But your business plan does more than tell others what your plans are. A good business plan can help you test the feasibility of your new business idea, set operational and financial objectives, and make sure your business is manageable and effective.

You will need to revisit your business plan regularly as your business evolves and the business environment changes. These changes could include increased competition, advances in technology or the expectations of your customers.

What to include in your business plan

A clearly written business plan should include:

the vision and direction of your business – where are you now and where do you want to be?
a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis – a good business plan won't only identify ways to make your business idea work, it can also help you identify reasons why your idea might not work so you can address them before you invest time and money
a force field analysis – for each issue identified in your SWOT analysis, identify the positives and negatives of each issue and the actions you will take to address the issue

Write your business plan

Whether your business is just starting out, you're looking to sustain or you're looking to grow, our guide to writing a business plan can help you clarify your goals, figure out your barriers and come up with a plan of action.

Video: How to write a business plan in 8 steps

View transcript.

Whether you're planning to start a business or have been running it for years, business planning is the key to your success. A business plan helps you get finance, gives you control and direction and helps you set priorities.

Step 1: Define your vision

When you start a business, you have a clear goal to achieve this vision. After some time, the clarity of your vision may become blurry. Writing down your vision will help you define it for your staff to identify with your mission. Where are you now? Where do you want your business to be in the future?

Step 2: Set your goals

Make your goals and objectives realistic. Plan your short-term, mid-term, and long-term goals, including choosing your location; the number of customers you plan to reach and your customer demographics; your sales targets - revenue and profit margins; what you will outsource; your required staff numbers; and your growth strategy. Planning this strategy will help realise your dream and make your business thrive.

Step 3: Define your unique selling proposition

What makes you different from your competitors? Highlight the characteristics that make your business stand out from your competitors. Is there demand for your range of products or services? What can your business offer to increase demand?

Step 4: Research your market

Who are your competitors? What product range or services do they offer? Where are the gaps? Where is demand greater than supply and for which products or services? What are the current and future industry trends? How do you leverage these opportunities?

Conduct a SWOT analysis to explore the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats faced by your business; Think of all possible scenarios. List the issues and conduct a Force Field Analysis for each. This will help you determine clear actions to implement in order to address them.

Step 5: Know your customer

Do your research and define your target audience. Customers are spoilt by choice, so find out their buying habits. What does your ideal customer want? Get their feedback. Who are you targeting by age, gender, behavioural patterns or location? Find your niche.

Step 6: Set your marketing goals

Consider the product range and stock quantities to output or warehouse. Create a product development strategy. What is the price you should set to achieve your desired revenue? How will you handle distribution and delivery? What tools will you use for promotion?

Step 7: Define your marketing strategy

Include your chosen social media channels and engagement. How and where will you advertise - search engine marketing, print, radio or other media? Will you attend industry, trade or networking events?

Step 8: Talk to your accountant

Do your sums - are your financial goals and propositions realistic? How can you improve cash flow? How can you achieve your goals? Good business planning is a three-stage process:

You PLAN for the future.
You TRACK your progress.
And you LEARN from your experience.

One of the most important things to remember is that a business plan is a living document. Just as your business evolves over time, so too should your plans. Set reminders in your calendar to revisit your plan every 3, 6 or 12 months. It's important to revise your goals according to your current status as changes occur over time. Make planning part of your business. It doesn't have to be onerous and it doesn't have to be done in solitude. Make it fun, get creative, and include others in your process.

For more information on business planning, visit business.vic.gov.au where you can access tools, workshops and resources to help you plan for your success.

Create your one-page action plan

A one-page action plan is an overview of the current situation, where you want to be and what you need to do to get there. It's also a practical way to record the outcomes of the planning process.

A one-page action plan has the following elements:

'Now' analysis – Summarise your current situation and issues in 4 or 5 points.
'Where' analysis – What is your vision? What is your competitive advantage? What are your key objectives?
Strategies – What are the 3 or 4 key strategies you need to work on over the next 12 months? You can draw these from the SWOT analysis in your business plan.
Action plans – List about 3 or 4 of the most important actions to complete to help achieve your strategies. You can draw these from the analysis of your key issues and strategies in your business plan.
Timing – State when you aim to achieve the result and who is responsible for each task. These should be in priority order and are critical for accountability.

Get help in person

If you’re a first time business owner then you might need help working out how to action some of the steps you want to take. This might mean talking to an accountant, other business owners, a mentor, business coach or joining an industry group or your local chamber of commerce.

There's plenty of support available in Victoria to help you upskill and put you on the right track:

Try one of our mentoring services or workshops .
Get free advice and speak to subject matter experts with the Small Business Bus .

Call us today! 1300 171 534

[email protected]

If you’re in the early stages of putting together a business plan, having access to reliable, accurate and practical resources is essential. At the Business Plan Company, we want to inspire business owners to get their ideas off the ground. In our resources section, you’ll find a catalogue of helpful Australian business plan templates and examples you can use for your own business planning.

We have a number of free resources available to download, including a small business plan template, startup costs template and projections template. We also have a range of templates tailored to specific business models and industries, so you can achieve a more targeted approach to your business plan.

If you are having a go at putting together your own small business plan or startup business plan, have a look at our business plan examples and use our business plan template to help guide you through the process.

Make your mark in your industry with The Business Plan Company

Give yourself and your business the upper hand by partnering with The Business Plan Company. We have 17 years of experience crafting captivating and professional business plans that successfully convey your ideas, goals and ambitions. To learn more about our business plan services, contact us today.

Business Plans - Free Samples and Examples

Basic Business Plan - Cafe/Restaurant

Small Business Plan - Cafe/Restaurant

Business Plan

Financials, projections and startup costs templates.

Monthly Projections

Annual Projections

Monthly Projections - Salon

Monthly Projections - Restaurant

Startup Costs Estimate

At The Business Plan Company, we understand how challenging it can be to access accurate and industry-relevant resources when it comes to putting together an effective business plan. In our resources section, you’ll find a range of free Australian business plan templates, examples and a stack of financial, projections and start-up costs templates.

Whether you own a café, run a salon or an agency, you’ll find an Australian business plan template right for your business and its goals. We’ve also curated a series of YouTube videos that detail how to write a persuasive business plan.

Absolutely. We believe every business stands to walk away learning something new once they’ve gone through our catalogue of Australian business plan examples and templates. We also offer more laser-focused templates and resources for businesses across specific industries, including hospitality and service-based businesses, like salons.

However, if you would like more tailored business plan templates, get in touch with us, and we’ll work with you to find a more suitable solution.

No, business owners do not need any unique software to access our Australian business plan templates. Once you have found the template you would like to use, simply input your email address, and the document will appear as a PDF, which you can download to your desktop.

Yes, all our available-to-download Australian business plan examples under the Financials, Projections and Startup Costs Templates section can be used for your business’s financial forecasting and planning. Simply download the right template and start filling in the gaps.

Yes, while our Australian business plan templates are fairly generic and applicable to a range of businesses, we do offer more tailored templates for specific businesses such as cafés, restaurants, salons and start-ups. Our templates also vary in detail, as business owners can access basic and standard Australian business plan templates.

No, all our Australian business plan templates are completely free to download and use.

Putting together a business plan can be challenging, which is why The Business Plan Company is here to guide you through the process. Our team of business plan consultants can work with you to create a compelling and comprehensive business plan — simply get in touch with us to get started.

Please input your email address

Call us on 1300 171 534 to find out how we can help your business.

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Starting a business

How to write a business plan

6-minute read

You've got a great idea and you're keen to get started. But for the best chance of success it's important to put together a detailed business plan that describes and establishes key aspects of your new enterprise.

What we'll cover

Why you should write a business plan
The key elements of a strong business plan
Where to get a business plan template
How to take payments in your business.

Key take-outs

A good business plan helps you prioritise efforts, control outcomes, and establish business credibility
Include details about your products or services, market, business structure, ownership, marketing, operations and finance
Use your business plan to list and monitor ongoing action items as your business develops
Review and refine your business plan regularly.

Why do I need a business plan?

Every business owner knows that part of the challenge is juggling all the elements and demands that have to be considered, as well as regulatory requirements. You have to become an instant expert on areas that may be outside your expertise, such as commercial property, business insurance, advertising, marketing and employment law, plus much more.

A good business plan helps you separate out each aspect of your business, so you can focus on one factor at a time, rather than all at once. Other reasons to engage in this type of planning process are:

Helps you prioritise your efforts Stepping back from the granular details of starting and running a new business gives you time to reflect on the big picture, considering the things that will really matter to your future customers. That in turn will inform the priorities you need to focus on.
Gives you more control of outcomes The discipline of working through a plan – and constantly refining it over time – will encourage you to think about the factors that’ll most influence your likelihood of success. What’s working? And what isn’t?
Supports you if you’re seeking finance Banks and other lenders – or potential investors – will expect to see a solid business plan to reassure them that your new enterprise is well run.

What needs to go into a business plan?

Every business is different, so there’s no definitive business plan structure – but here are some key elements you should consider for inclusion. It’s important to think of your plan as a living, breathing document that evolves over time as you build your business and gain knowledge, insights and experience along the way.

1. Executive Summary

Leave drafting this brief overview until last. It should summarise and define all other elements of the business plan, and cover:

Your business vision and mission statement
Differentiation from similar businesses
Target market
Company description and operating model
Business ownership and management
Expansion plans
Short-term and long-term goals.

2. Business and market analysis

Here’s where you talk about what type of business you’re starting and how it’ll fit into the local and broader market. Include things such as:

Style of business and the products and services you plan to offer
Any competitive advantage you have
Market research and competitor analysis
Industry trends
SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis of your business idea.

3. Marketing strategy

However great your business idea is, you can’t just start trading and hope for the best. In this section of your business plan give some thought to:

Marketing budgets – launch and ongoing
Marketing objectives – what you hope to achieve in the short and long term
Target markets – there may be different sectors you can target
Brand position – the name and personality of your business
Value proposition – such as competitively priced or prestige
Digital optimisation – website and social media marketing
Key marketing mediums – from leaflet drops to broadcast.

4. Business structure and legal

You’ll need to choose a business structure (e.g., sole trader, partnership, company), which will generally reflect ownership and your desired level of liability. Other aspects to refer to in your business plan include:

Any licences you’ll need in order to operate
Your responsibilities as an employer.

5. Operating plan

Here you can detail how you plan to operate on a day-to-day basis, covering areas such as:

Sales channels (how and where you’ll be operating)
Suppliers (how and where you’ll source any supplies or products you need)
Vehicles and equipment (buy or lease)
How you’ll take payments (see a section on this later)
Management team (day-to-day)
Roles and staffing levels (full-time versus part-time and casual)
Contingency plans (for downturn periods, staff issues, weather, etc.).

6. Financial plan

If you need a business loan to support your business, lenders will want to see your business plan, including details of:

Start-up costs
Operating expenses including labour costs
Profit and loss forecast
Cash flow statement and forecast
Financial projections and ratios
Results and balance sheets (once you’re trading).

7. Action plan

This will likely be the most dynamic section of your business plan. It’s where you review and update business goals and note lessons learned and actions required in response to trading activity and market fluctuations.

List the actions you plan to take before you review your business plan next; and note down any ongoing actions that have yet to be completed.

Where can I get a business plan template?

A search online will reveal numerous downloadable business plan templates. Accounting software services such as MYOB and Xero publish templates online too.

To save you looking further, the Australian Government’s Business website has a free business plan template you can download in Microsoft Word format. Or you could simply create your own template using the headings listed in this article.

How should I take payments in my new business?

The methods you’ll use to take payments should be detailed in your operating plan. Will you be getting paid remotely, face to face, or online? Or any combination of those? One of the keys to getting paid fast is to make it as simple as possible for customers to pay you. So, it’s a good idea to choose options that help them pay you the way they want to.

Getting paid on invoice: I f your customers will be making bank-to-bank payments, you can just give them the BSB and account number of your bank account. However, if you’d rather not share your bank account details, you can ask customers to pay into your account using PayID ®, meaning you’ll only need to provide the unique number you’ve registered for the service – which could be your mobile number or ABN.
Face-to-face payments: Depending on the nature of your business, you may want to take credit card and digital wallet payments with an EFTPOS machine ; in which case you’ll need to decide if you want an EFTPOS terminal that integrates with your point of sale (POS) system . Or for ultimate flexibility and portability, you can download and apply for the EFTPOS Air app to your compatible smartphone, which once finalised would allow you to take secure payments using your mobile alone. EFTPOS Air also features point of sale capabilities, so you can build menus of products or services on it.
Online payments: If you’re building an eCommerce website using an off-the-shelf platform, it may already incorporate a payment gateway. But if you’re looking for your own way of accepting card payments online or by phone, you may wish to consider one of the eCommerce solutions provided by Westpac.

The prospect of launching a new business is exciting and you’ll be keen to get started as soon as possible. It pays to invest time in detailing the mechanics of your business. A comprehensive business plan will set you off on a solid path to a successful enterprise, well prepared for the challenges ahead.

4 key steps when setting up a business

ABN, GST, TFN - setting up a business can be a minefield of confusing acronyms. Here’s what they all mean, plus four key steps to help set up your business.

Business basics for sole traders

Here are some of the first things you should think about to get your business off on the right foot.

6 ways to get your invoices paid faster

When your customers pay their invoices on time, you create stronger cash flow in your business.

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Things you should know

The information in this article is general in nature; does not take your objectives, financial situation or needs into account; and does not constitute financial or taxation advice. Consider its appropriateness to these factors; and we recommend you seek independent professional advice about your specific circumstances before making any decisions.

PayID is a registered trademark of NPP Australia Limited.

Free Startup Business Plan Templates and Examples

By Joe Weller | May 6, 2020

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In this article, we’ve rounded up a variety of the top, professionally designed startup business plan templates, all of which are free to download in PDF, Word, and Excel formats.

Included on this page, you’ll find a one-page startup business plan template , a business plan outline template for startups , a startup business planning template with a timeline , and a sample startup business plan .

Startup Business Plan Template

Download Startup Business Plan Template - Word

Word | Smartsheet

This startup business plan template contains the essential components you need to convey your business idea and strategy to investors and stakeholders, but you can customize this template to fit your needs. The template provides room to include an executive summary, a financial overview, a marketing strategy, details on product or service offerings, and more.

One-Page Startup Business Plan Template

One Page Business Plan For Start Up Template

Download One-Page Startup Business Plan Template

Excel | Word | PDF

This one-page business plan is ideal for startup companies that want to document and organize key business concepts. The template offers an easy-to-scan layout that’s ideal for investors and stakeholders. Use this plan to create a high-level view of your business idea and as a reference as you flesh out a more detailed roadmap for your business.

For additional resources, visit " Free One-Page Business Plan Templates with a Quick How-To Guide ."

Simple Fill-In-the-Blank Business Plan Template for Startups

Download Simple Fill-in-the-Blank Business Plan Template for Startups

This comprehensive fill-in-the-blank business plan template is designed to guide entrepreneurs through the process of building a startup business plan. This template comes with a customizable cover page and table of contents, and each section includes sample content that you can modify to fit the needs of your business. For more fill-in business templates, read our "Free Fill-In-the-Blank Business Plan Templates" article.

Lean Business Plan Template for Startups

Lean Business Plan Templates for Startups

Download Lean Business Plan Template for Startups

This Lean business plan template takes a traditional business plan outline and extracts the most essential elements. Use this template to outline your company and industry overview, convey the problem you are solving, identify customer segments, highlight key performance metrics, and list a timeline of key activities.

Business Plan Outline Template for Startups

Download Business Plan Outline Template for Startups

You can use this business plan outline as a basis to create your own business plan. This template contains all the elements of a traditional business plan, including a title page, a table of contents, and information on what to include in each section. Simplify or expand this outline based on the size and needs of your startup business.

Startup Business Planning Template with Timeline

Simple Business Planning Template with Timeline

Download Startup Business Planning Template with Timeline

Excel | Smartsheet

As you create your business plan, this business planning template doubles as a schedule and timeline to track the progress of key activities. This template enables you to break down your plan into phases and provides space to include key tasks and dates for each task. For a visual timeline, shade in the cells according to each task’s start and end dates. The timeline ensures that your plan stays on track.

Business Plan Rubric Template for Startups

Download Business Plan Rubric Template for Startups

Excel | Word | PDF | Smartsheet

If you’re starting a business and want to keep all your ducks in a row, use this rubric to evaluate and score each aspect of your startup business plan. You can tailor this template to the needs of your specific business, and can also highlight areas of your plan that require improvement or expansion. Use this template as a tool to make sure your plan is clear, articulate, and organized. A sharp, insightful, well thought-out plan will definitely get the attention of potential investors and partners.

For additional resources to help support your business planning efforts, check out “Free Startup Plan, Budget, and Cost Templates.”

What’s the Best Business Plan Template for Startups?

The template you choose for your startup business depends on a number of factors, including the size and specific needs of your company. Moreover, as your business grows and your objectives change, you will need to adjust your plan (and possibly your choice of template) accordingly.

Some entrepreneurs find it useful to use a Lean business plan template design in order to jot down a business concept and see if it’s feasible before pursuing it further. Typically one to three pages, a Lean business plan template encourages you to highlight core ideas and strategic activities and remain focused on key points.

Other entrepreneurs prefer a template with a more traditional business plan design, which allows you to go into greater detail and ensure you include every detail. A traditional plan can range from 10 to 100 pages and cover both the high-level and granular particulars of your overall concept, objectives, and strategy.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution, but the following section outlines the minimum that your business plan template should include in order to gain buy-in from potential investors.

What to Include in a Startup Business Plan

Whether you choose to use a template to develop your startup business plan or decide to write one from scratch, you need to include the following elements:

An overview of your company and the industry in which it operates
The problem you are solving and the proposed solution
A description of your product or service offerings, including key features
The existing alternatives that customers use and your competitive advantage
The target customer segments and the channels you will use to reach them
The cost structure and revenue streams associated with your business
A financial plan, including sales and revenue projections (ideally 3-5 years)
If applicable, the financial requirements to get your business running, including how you will source and allocate funds

Each of the following sections provides an example of a business plan that you can use for reference as you develop your own.

One-Page Lean Business Plan Example

This Lean business plan example displays a visually appealing and scannable one-page illustration of a business plan. It conveys the key strategies you need to meet your main objectives. Each element of this concise plan provides stakeholders and potential investors with links to resources that support and expand upon the plan’s details, and it can also serve as an investor pitch deck.

Startup Business Plan Sample

This business plan sample contains all the aspects of a standard business plan. Using a fictional food truck business as the basis for a startup business plan, this sample will give you all the ideas you need to make your plan outstanding.

Download Startup Business Plan Sample - PDF

When the time comes that you need more space to lay out your goals and strategies, choose from our variety of free simple business plan templates . You can learn how to write a successful simple business plan here .

Visit this free non-profit business plan template roundup or of you are looking for a business plan template by file type, visit our pages dedicated specifically to Microsoft Excel , Microsoft Word , and Adobe PDF business plan templates. Read our articles offering free 30-60-90-day business plan templates to find more tailored options.

Top 10 Tips to Create a Startup Business Plan

Putting together a business plan can be overwhelming and time consuming, especially if you aren’t sure where to begin. Below, we share tips you can use to help simplify the process of developing a startup business plan of your own.

Use a business plan template, or begin with a business plan outline that provides all the elements of a standard plan to get your ideas down on paper in a structured manner. (You can choose from the selection of templates above.)
Remove sections from your outline that aren’t relevant or that aren’t necessary to launch and operate your business.
Compile the data you have gathered on your business and industry, including research on your target market and product or service offerings, details on the competitive landscape, and a financial plan that anticipates the next three to five years. Use that information to fill in the sections of your plan outline.
Get input and feedback from team members (e.g., finance, marketing, sales) and subject matter experts to ensure that the information you’ve included in the plan is accurate.
Make certain that the objectives of your plan align with marketing, sales, and financial goals to ensure that all team members are moving in the same direction.
Although this section of the plan comes first, write the executive summary last to provide an overview of the key points in your business plan.
Prepare a pitch deck for potential clients, partners, or investors with whom you plan to meet in order to share vital information about your business, including what sets you apart and the direction you are headed.
Who are the founders and management executives, and what relevant experience do they bring to the table?
What is the problem you are solving, and how is your solution better than what currently exists?
What’s the size of the market, and how much market share do you plan to capture?
What are the trends in your market, and how are you applying them to your business?
Who are your direct competitors, and what is your competitive advantage?
What are the key features of your product or service that set it apart from alternative offerings, and what features do you plan to add in the future?
What are the potential risks associated with your business, and how do you plan to address them?
How much money do you need to get your business running, and how do you plan to source it?
With the money you source, how do you plan to use it to scale your business?
What are the key performance metrics associated with your business, and how will you know when you’re successful?
Revisit and modify your plan on a regular basis as your goals and strategies evolve.
Use a work collaboration tool that keeps key information across teams in one place, allows you to track plan progress, and captures updates in real time.

Successfully Implement Your Startup Business Plan with Real-Time Work Management in Smartsheet

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How to Create Business Plan in 2024: Examples & Free Template

This is the ultimate guide to creating a comprehensive and effective plan for your new venture. In today’s dynamic business landscape, having a well-crafted business plan is an important first step to securing funding, attracting partners, and navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship.

This guide has been designed to help you create a winning plan that stands out in the ever-evolving marketplace. U sing real-world examples and a free downloadable template, it will walk you through each step of the process.

Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or launching your very first startup, the guide will give you the insights, tools, and confidence you need to create a solid foundation for your business.

What is a Business Plan?

A business plan is a strategic document that outlines an organization’s goals, objectives, and the steps required to achieve them. It serves as a roadmap as you start a business , guiding the company’s direction and growth while identifying potential obstacles and opportunities.

Typically, a business plan covers areas such as market analysis, financial projections, marketing strategies, and organizational structure. It not only helps in securing funding from investors and lenders but also provides clarity and focus to the management team.

A well-crafted business plan is a very important part of your business startup checklist because it fosters informed decision-making and long-term success.

Why You Should Write a Business Plan

Understanding the importance of a business plan in today’s competitive environment is crucial for entrepreneurs and business owners. Here are five compelling reasons to write a business plan in 2024:

Attract Investors and Secure Funding : A well-written business plan demonstrates your venture’s potential and profitability, making it easier to attract investors and secure the necessary funding for growth and development. It provides a detailed overview of your business model, target market, financial projections, and growth strategies, instilling confidence in potential investors and lenders that your company is a worthy investment.
Clarify Business Objectives and Strategies : Crafting a business plan forces you to think critically about your goals and the strategies you’ll employ to achieve them, providing a clear roadmap for success. This process helps you refine your vision and prioritize the most critical objectives, ensuring that your efforts are focused on achieving the desired results.
Identify Potential Risks and Opportunities : Analyzing the market, competition, and industry trends within your business plan helps identify potential risks and uncover untapped opportunities for growth and expansion. This insight enables you to develop proactive strategies to mitigate risks and capitalize on opportunities, positioning your business for long-term success.
Improve Decision-Making : A business plan serves as a reference point so you can make informed decisions that align with your company’s overall objectives and long-term vision. By consistently referring to your plan and adjusting it as needed, you can ensure that your business remains on track and adapts to changes in the market, industry, or internal operations.
Foster Team Alignment and Communication : A shared business plan helps ensure that all team members are on the same page, promoting clear communication, collaboration, and a unified approach to achieving the company’s goals. By involving your team in the planning process and regularly reviewing the plan together, you can foster a sense of ownership, commitment, and accountability that drives success.

What are the Different Types of Business Plans?

In today’s fast-paced business world, having a well-structured roadmap is more important than ever. A traditional business plan provides a comprehensive overview of your company’s goals and strategies, helping you make informed decisions and achieve long-term success. There are various types of business plans, each designed to suit different needs and purposes. Let’s explore the main types:

Startup Business Plan: Tailored for new ventures, a startup business plan outlines the company’s mission, objectives, target market, competition, marketing strategies, and financial projections. It helps entrepreneurs clarify their vision, secure funding from investors, and create a roadmap for their business’s future. Additionally, this plan identifies potential challenges and opportunities, which are crucial for making informed decisions and adapting to changing market conditions.
Internal Business Plan: This type of plan is intended for internal use, focusing on strategies, milestones, deadlines, and resource allocation. It serves as a management tool for guiding the company’s growth, evaluating its progress, and ensuring that all departments are aligned with the overall vision. The internal business plan also helps identify areas of improvement, fosters collaboration among team members, and provides a reference point for measuring performance.
Strategic Business Plan: A strategic business plan outlines long-term goals and the steps to achieve them, providing a clear roadmap for the company’s direction. It typically includes a SWOT analysis, market research, and competitive analysis. This plan allows businesses to align their resources with their objectives, anticipate changes in the market, and develop contingency plans. By focusing on the big picture, a strategic business plan fosters long-term success and stability.
Feasibility Business Plan: This plan is designed to assess the viability of a business idea, examining factors such as market demand, competition, and financial projections. It is often used to decide whether or not to pursue a particular venture. By conducting a thorough feasibility analysis, entrepreneurs can avoid investing time and resources into an unviable business concept. This plan also helps refine the business idea, identify potential obstacles, and determine the necessary resources for success.
Growth Business Plan: Also known as an expansion plan, a growth business plan focuses on strategies for scaling up an existing business. It includes market analysis, new product or service offerings, and financial projections to support expansion plans. This type of plan is essential for businesses looking to enter new markets, increase their customer base, or launch new products or services. By outlining clear growth strategies, the plan helps ensure that expansion efforts are well-coordinated and sustainable.
Operational Business Plan: This type of plan outlines the company’s day-to-day operations, detailing the processes, procedures, and organizational structure. It is an essential tool for managing resources, streamlining workflows, and ensuring smooth operations. The operational business plan also helps identify inefficiencies, implement best practices, and establish a strong foundation for future growth. By providing a clear understanding of daily operations, this plan enables businesses to optimize their resources and enhance productivity.
Lean Business Plan: A lean business plan is a simplified, agile version of a traditional plan, focusing on key elements such as value proposition, customer segments, revenue streams, and cost structure. It is perfect for startups looking for a flexible, adaptable planning approach. The lean business plan allows for rapid iteration and continuous improvement, enabling businesses to pivot and adapt to changing market conditions. This streamlined approach is particularly beneficial for businesses in fast-paced or uncertain industries.
One-Page Business Plan: As the name suggests, a one-page business plan is a concise summary of your company’s key objectives, strategies, and milestones. It serves as a quick reference guide and is ideal for pitching to potential investors or partners. This plan helps keep teams focused on essential goals and priorities, fosters clear communication, and provides a snapshot of the company’s progress. While not as comprehensive as other plans, a one-page business plan is an effective tool for maintaining clarity and direction.
Nonprofit Business Plan: Specifically designed for nonprofit organizations, this plan outlines the mission, goals, target audience, fundraising strategies, and budget allocation. It helps secure grants and donations while ensuring the organization stays on track with its objectives. The nonprofit business plan also helps attract volunteers, board members, and community support. By demonstrating the organization’s impact and plans for the future, this plan is essential for maintaining transparency, accountability, and long-term sustainability within the nonprofit sector.
Franchise Business Plan: For entrepreneurs seeking to open a franchise, this type of plan focuses on the franchisor’s requirements, as well as the franchisee’s goals, strategies, and financial projections. It is crucial for securing a franchise agreement and ensuring the business’s success within the franchise system. This plan outlines the franchisee’s commitment to brand standards, marketing efforts, and operational procedures, while also addressing local market conditions and opportunities. By creating a solid franchise business plan, entrepreneurs can demonstrate their ability to effectively manage and grow their franchise, increasing the likelihood of a successful partnership with the franchisor.

How to Write a Business Plan

Embarking on the journey of creating a successful business requires a solid foundation, and a well-crafted business plan is the cornerstone. Here is the process of writing a comprehensive business plan and the main parts of a winning business plan . From setting objectives to conducting market research, this guide will have everything you need.

Executive Summary

The Executive Summary serves as the gateway to your business plan, offering a snapshot of your venture’s core aspects. This section should captivate and inform, succinctly summarizing the essence of your plan.

It’s crucial to include a clear mission statement, a brief description of your primary products or services, an overview of your target market, and key financial projections or achievements.

Think of it as an elevator pitch in written form: it should be compelling enough to engage potential investors or stakeholders and provide them with a clear understanding of what your business is about, its goals, and why it’s a promising investment.

Example: EcoTech is a technology company specializing in eco-friendly and sustainable products designed to reduce energy consumption and minimize waste. Our mission is to create innovative solutions that contribute to a cleaner, greener environment.

Our target market includes environmentally conscious consumers and businesses seeking to reduce their carbon footprint. We project a 200% increase in revenue within the first three years of operation.

Overview and Business Objectives

In the Overview and Business Objectives section, outline your business’s core goals and the strategic approaches you plan to use to achieve them. This section should set forth clear, specific objectives that are attainable and time-bound, providing a roadmap for your business’s growth and success.

It’s important to detail how these objectives align with your company’s overall mission and vision. Discuss the milestones you aim to achieve and the timeframe you’ve set for these accomplishments.

This part of the plan demonstrates to investors and stakeholders your vision for growth and the practical steps you’ll take to get there.

Example: EcoTech’s primary objective is to become a market leader in sustainable technology products within the next five years. Our key objectives include:

Introducing three new products within the first two years of operation.
Achieving annual revenue growth of 30%.
Expanding our customer base to over 10,000 clients by the end of the third year.

Company Description

The Company Description section is your opportunity to delve into the details of your business. Provide a comprehensive overview that includes your company’s history, its mission statement, and its vision for the future.

Highlight your unique selling proposition (USP) – what makes your business stand out in the market. Explain the problems your company solves and how it benefits your customers.

Include information about the company’s founders, their expertise, and why they are suited to lead the business to success. This section should paint a vivid picture of your business, its values, and its place in the industry.

Example: Founded in 2023, EcoTech is committed to developing cutting-edge sustainable technology products that benefit both the environment and our customers. Our unique combination of innovative solutions and eco-friendly design sets us apart from the competition. We envision a future where technology and sustainability go hand in hand, leading to a greener planet.

Define Your Target Market

Defining Your Target Market is critical for tailoring your business strategy effectively. This section should describe your ideal customer base in detail, including demographic information (such as age, gender, income level, and location) and psychographic data (like interests, values, and lifestyle).

Elucidate on the specific needs or pain points of your target audience and how your product or service addresses these. This information will help you know your target market and develop targeted marketing strategies.

Example: Our target market comprises environmentally conscious consumers and businesses looking for innovative solutions to reduce their carbon footprint. Our ideal customers are those who prioritize sustainability and are willing to invest in eco-friendly products.

Market Analysis

The Market Analysis section requires thorough research and a keen understanding of the industry. It involves examining the current trends within your industry, understanding the needs and preferences of your customers, and analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of your competitors.

This analysis will enable you to spot market opportunities and anticipate potential challenges. Include data and statistics to back up your claims, and use graphs or charts to illustrate market trends.

This section should demonstrate that you have a deep understanding of the market in which you operate and that your business is well-positioned to capitalize on its opportunities.

Example: The market for eco-friendly technology products has experienced significant growth in recent years, with an estimated annual growth rate of 10%. As consumers become increasingly aware of environmental issues, the demand for sustainable solutions continues to rise.

Our research indicates a gap in the market for high-quality, innovative eco-friendly technology products that cater to both individual and business clients.

SWOT Analysis

A SWOT analysis in your business plan offers a comprehensive examination of your company’s internal and external factors. By assessing Strengths, you showcase what your business does best and where your capabilities lie.

Weaknesses involve an honest introspection of areas where your business may be lacking or could improve. Opportunities can be external factors that your business could capitalize on, such as market gaps or emerging trends.

Threats include external challenges your business may face, like competition or market changes. This analysis is crucial for strategic planning, as it helps in recognizing and leveraging your strengths, addressing weaknesses, seizing opportunities, and preparing for potential threats.

Including a SWOT analysis demonstrates to stakeholders that you have a balanced and realistic understanding of your business in its operational context.

Innovative and eco-friendly product offerings.
Strong commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Skilled and experienced team with expertise in technology and sustainability.

Weaknesses:

Limited brand recognition compared to established competitors.
Reliance on third-party manufacturers for product development.

Opportunities:

Growing consumer interest in sustainable products.
Partnerships with environmentally-focused organizations and influencers.
Expansion into international markets.
Intense competition from established technology companies.
Regulatory changes could impact the sustainable technology market.

Competitive Analysis

In this section, you’ll analyze your competitors in-depth, examining their products, services, market positioning, and pricing strategies. Understanding your competition allows you to identify gaps in the market and tailor your offerings to outperform them.

By conducting a thorough competitive analysis, you can gain insights into your competitors’ strengths and weaknesses, enabling you to develop strategies to differentiate your business and gain a competitive advantage in the marketplace.

Example: Key competitors include:

GreenTech: A well-known brand offering eco-friendly technology products, but with a narrower focus on energy-saving devices.

EarthSolutions: A direct competitor specializing in sustainable technology, but with a limited product range and higher prices.

By offering a diverse product portfolio, competitive pricing, and continuous innovation, we believe we can capture a significant share of the growing sustainable technology market.

Organization and Management Team

Provide an overview of your company’s organizational structure, including key roles and responsibilities. Introduce your management team, highlighting their expertise and experience to demonstrate that your team is capable of executing the business plan successfully.

Showcasing your team’s background, skills, and accomplishments instills confidence in investors and other stakeholders, proving that your business has the leadership and talent necessary to achieve its objectives and manage growth effectively.

Example: EcoTech’s organizational structure comprises the following key roles: CEO, CTO, CFO, Sales Director, Marketing Director, and R&D Manager. Our management team has extensive experience in technology, sustainability, and business development, ensuring that we are well-equipped to execute our business plan successfully.

Products and Services Offered

Describe the products or services your business offers, focusing on their unique features and benefits. Explain how your offerings solve customer pain points and why they will choose your products or services over the competition.

This section should emphasize the value you provide to customers, demonstrating that your business has a deep understanding of customer needs and is well-positioned to deliver innovative solutions that address those needs and set your company apart from competitors.

Example: EcoTech offers a range of eco-friendly technology products, including energy-efficient lighting solutions, solar chargers, and smart home devices that optimize energy usage. Our products are designed to help customers reduce energy consumption, minimize waste, and contribute to a cleaner environment.

Marketing and Sales Strategy

In this section, articulate your comprehensive strategy for reaching your target market and driving sales. Detail the specific marketing channels you plan to use, such as social media, email marketing, SEO, or traditional advertising.

Describe the nature of your advertising campaigns and promotional activities, explaining how they will capture the attention of your target audience and convey the value of your products or services. Outline your sales strategy, including your sales process, team structure, and sales targets.

Discuss how these marketing and sales efforts will work together to attract and retain customers, generate leads, and ultimately contribute to achieving your business’s revenue goals.

This section is critical to convey to investors and stakeholders that you have a well-thought-out approach to market your business effectively and drive sales growth.

Example: Our marketing strategy includes digital advertising, content marketing, social media promotion, and influencer partnerships. We will also attend trade shows and conferences to showcase our products and connect with potential clients. Our sales strategy involves both direct sales and partnerships with retail stores, as well as online sales through our website and e-commerce platforms.

Logistics and Operations Plan

The Logistics and Operations Plan is a critical component that outlines the inner workings of your business. It encompasses the management of your supply chain, detailing how you acquire raw materials and manage vendor relationships.

Inventory control is another crucial aspect, where you explain strategies for inventory management to ensure efficiency and reduce wastage. The section should also describe your production processes, emphasizing scalability and adaptability to meet changing market demands.

Quality control measures are essential to maintain product standards and customer satisfaction. This plan assures investors and stakeholders of your operational competency and readiness to meet business demands.

Highlighting your commitment to operational efficiency and customer satisfaction underlines your business’s capability to maintain smooth, effective operations even as it scales.

Example: EcoTech partners with reliable third-party manufacturers to produce our eco-friendly technology products. Our operations involve maintaining strong relationships with suppliers, ensuring quality control, and managing inventory.

We also prioritize efficient distribution through various channels, including online platforms and retail partners, to deliver products to our customers in a timely manner.

Financial Projections Plan

In the Financial Projections Plan, lay out a clear and realistic financial future for your business. This should include detailed projections for revenue, costs, and profitability over the next three to five years.

Ground these projections in solid assumptions based on your market analysis, industry benchmarks, and realistic growth scenarios. Break down revenue streams and include an analysis of the cost of goods sold, operating expenses, and potential investments.

This section should also discuss your break-even analysis, cash flow projections, and any assumptions about external funding requirements.

By presenting a thorough and data-backed financial forecast, you instill confidence in potential investors and lenders, showcasing your business’s potential for profitability and financial stability.

This forward-looking financial plan is crucial for demonstrating that you have a firm grasp of the financial nuances of your business and are prepared to manage its financial health effectively.

Example: Over the next three years, we expect to see significant growth in revenue, driven by new product launches and market expansion. Our financial projections include:

Year 1: $1.5 million in revenue, with a net profit of $200,000.
Year 2: $3 million in revenue, with a net profit of $500,000.
Year 3: $4.5 million in revenue, with a net profit of $1 million.

These projections are based on realistic market analysis, growth rates, and product pricing.

Income Statement

The income statement , also known as the profit and loss statement, provides a summary of your company’s revenues and expenses over a specified period. It helps you track your business’s financial performance and identify trends, ensuring you stay on track to achieve your financial goals.

Regularly reviewing and analyzing your income statement allows you to monitor the health of your business, evaluate the effectiveness of your strategies, and make data-driven decisions to optimize profitability and growth.

Example: The income statement for EcoTech’s first year of operation is as follows:

Revenue: $1,500,000
Cost of Goods Sold: $800,000
Gross Profit: $700,000
Operating Expenses: $450,000
Net Income: $250,000

This statement highlights our company’s profitability and overall financial health during the first year of operation.

Cash Flow Statement

A cash flow statement is a crucial part of a financial business plan that shows the inflows and outflows of cash within your business. It helps you monitor your company’s liquidity, ensuring you have enough cash on hand to cover operating expenses, pay debts, and invest in growth opportunities.

By including a cash flow statement in your business plan, you demonstrate your ability to manage your company’s finances effectively.

Example: The cash flow statement for EcoTech’s first year of operation is as follows:

Operating Activities:

Depreciation: $10,000
Changes in Working Capital: -$50,000
Net Cash from Operating Activities: $210,000

Investing Activities:

Capital Expenditures: -$100,000
Net Cash from Investing Activities: -$100,000

Financing Activities:

Proceeds from Loans: $150,000
Loan Repayments: -$50,000
Net Cash from Financing Activities: $100,000
Net Increase in Cash: $210,000

This statement demonstrates EcoTech’s ability to generate positive cash flow from operations, maintain sufficient liquidity, and invest in growth opportunities.

Tips on Writing a Business Plan

1. Be clear and concise: Keep your language simple and straightforward. Avoid jargon and overly technical terms. A clear and concise business plan is easier for investors and stakeholders to understand and demonstrates your ability to communicate effectively.

2. Conduct thorough research: Before writing your business plan, gather as much information as possible about your industry, competitors, and target market. Use reliable sources and industry reports to inform your analysis and make data-driven decisions.

3. Set realistic goals: Your business plan should outline achievable objectives that are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). Setting realistic goals demonstrates your understanding of the market and increases the likelihood of success.

4. Focus on your unique selling proposition (USP): Clearly articulate what sets your business apart from the competition. Emphasize your USP throughout your business plan to showcase your company’s value and potential for success.

5. Be flexible and adaptable: A business plan is a living document that should evolve as your business grows and changes. Be prepared to update and revise your plan as you gather new information and learn from your experiences.

6. Use visuals to enhance understanding: Include charts, graphs, and other visuals to help convey complex data and ideas. Visuals can make your business plan more engaging and easier to digest, especially for those who prefer visual learning.

7. Seek feedback from trusted sources: Share your business plan with mentors, industry experts, or colleagues and ask for their feedback. Their insights can help you identify areas for improvement and strengthen your plan before presenting it to potential investors or partners.

FREE Business Plan Template

To help you get started on your business plan, we have created a template that includes all the essential components discussed in the “How to Write a Business Plan” section. This easy-to-use template will guide you through each step of the process, ensuring you don’t miss any critical details.

The template is divided into the following sections:

Mission statement
Business Overview
Key products or services
Target market
Financial highlights
Company goals
Strategies to achieve goals
Measurable, time-bound objectives
Company History
Mission and vision
Unique selling proposition
Demographics
Psychographics
Pain points
Industry trends
Customer needs
Competitor strengths and weaknesses
Opportunities
Competitor products and services
Market positioning
Pricing strategies
Organizational structure
Key roles and responsibilities
Management team backgrounds
Product or service features
Competitive advantages
Marketing channels
Advertising campaigns
Promotional activities
Sales strategies
Supply chain management
Inventory control
Production processes
Quality control measures
Projected revenue
Assumptions
Cash inflows
Cash outflows
Net cash flow

Using Business Plan Software

Creating a comprehensive business plan can be intimidating, but business plan software can streamline the process and help you produce a professional document. These tools offer a number of benefits, including guided step-by-step instructions, financial projections, and industry-specific templates. Here are the top 5 business plan software options available to help you craft a great business plan.

1. LivePlan

LivePlan is a popular choice for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive features. It offers over 500 sample plans, financial forecasting tools, and the ability to track your progress against key performance indicators. With LivePlan, you can create visually appealing, professional business plans that will impress investors and stakeholders.

2. Upmetrics

Upmetrics provides a simple and intuitive platform for creating a well-structured business plan. It features customizable templates, financial forecasting tools, and collaboration capabilities, allowing you to work with team members and advisors. Upmetrics also offers a library of resources to guide you through the business planning process.

Bizplan is designed to simplify the business planning process with a drag-and-drop builder and modular sections. It offers financial forecasting tools, progress tracking, and a visually appealing interface. With Bizplan, you can create a business plan that is both easy to understand and visually engaging.

Enloop is a robust business plan software that automatically generates a tailored plan based on your inputs. It provides industry-specific templates, financial forecasting, and a unique performance score that updates as you make changes to your plan. Enloop also offers a free version, making it accessible for businesses on a budget.

5. Tarkenton GoSmallBiz

Developed by NFL Hall of Famer Fran Tarkenton, GoSmallBiz is tailored for small businesses and startups. It features a guided business plan builder, customizable templates, and financial projection tools. GoSmallBiz also offers additional resources, such as CRM tools and legal document templates, to support your business beyond the planning stage.

Business Plan FAQs

What is a good business plan.

A good business plan is a well-researched, clear, and concise document that outlines a company’s goals, strategies, target market, competitive advantages, and financial projections. It should be adaptable to change and provide a roadmap for achieving success.

What are the 3 main purposes of a business plan?

The three main purposes of a business plan are to guide the company’s strategy, attract investment, and evaluate performance against objectives. Here’s a closer look at each of these:

It outlines the company’s purpose and core values to ensure that all activities align with its mission and vision.
It provides an in-depth analysis of the market, including trends, customer needs, and competition, helping the company tailor its products and services to meet market demands.
It defines the company’s marketing and sales strategies, guiding how the company will attract and retain customers.
It describes the company’s organizational structure and management team, outlining roles and responsibilities to ensure effective operation and leadership.
It sets measurable, time-bound objectives, allowing the company to plan its activities effectively and make strategic decisions to achieve these goals.
It provides a comprehensive overview of the company and its business model, demonstrating its uniqueness and potential for success.
It presents the company’s financial projections, showing its potential for profitability and return on investment.
It demonstrates the company’s understanding of the market, including its target customers and competition, convincing investors that the company is capable of gaining a significant market share.
It showcases the management team’s expertise and experience, instilling confidence in investors that the team is capable of executing the business plan successfully.
It establishes clear, measurable objectives that serve as performance benchmarks.
It provides a basis for regular performance reviews, allowing the company to monitor its progress and identify areas for improvement.
It enables the company to assess the effectiveness of its strategies and make adjustments as needed to achieve its objectives.
It helps the company identify potential risks and challenges, enabling it to develop contingency plans and manage risks effectively.
It provides a mechanism for evaluating the company’s financial performance, including revenue, expenses, profitability, and cash flow.

Can I write a business plan by myself?

Yes, you can write a business plan by yourself, but it can be helpful to consult with mentors, colleagues, or industry experts to gather feedback and insights. There are also many creative business plan templates and business plan examples available online, including those above.

We also have examples for specific industries, including a using food truck business plan , salon business plan , farm business plan , daycare business plan , and restaurant business plan .

Is it possible to create a one-page business plan?

Yes, a one-page business plan is a condensed version that highlights the most essential elements, including the company’s mission, target market, unique selling proposition, and financial goals.

How long should a business plan be?

A typical business plan ranges from 20 to 50 pages, but the length may vary depending on the complexity and needs of the business.

What is a business plan outline?

A business plan outline is a structured framework that organizes the content of a business plan into sections, such as the executive summary, company description, market analysis, and financial projections.

What are the 5 most common business plan mistakes?

The five most common business plan mistakes include inadequate research, unrealistic financial projections, lack of focus on the unique selling proposition, poor organization and structure, and failure to update the plan as circumstances change.

What questions should be asked in a business plan?

A business plan should address questions such as: What problem does the business solve? Who is the specific target market ? What is the unique selling proposition? What are the company’s objectives? How will it achieve those objectives?

What’s the difference between a business plan and a strategic plan?

A business plan focuses on the overall vision, goals, and tactics of a company, while a strategic plan outlines the specific strategies, action steps, and performance measures necessary to achieve the company’s objectives.

How is business planning for a nonprofit different?

Nonprofit business planning focuses on the organization’s mission, social impact, and resource management, rather than profit generation. The financial section typically includes funding sources, expenses, and projected budgets for programs and operations.

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This article, “ How to Create Business Plan in 2024: Examples & Free Template ” was first published on Small Business Trends

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Business plan template.

Having a well prepared business plan before starting your business can help you refine your idea, gain a deeper understanding of your market and have a clear direction for your business. Our guide to using the business plan template will help you when using this resource.

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Develop your business plan
Download a detailed business plan template . ... There are a number of government services available to help you plan, start or grow your business. These services can provide general advice, workshops, seminars and networking events, and can even match you with a mentor or business coach. ... Australian Business Licence and Information Service ...
Writing a business plan
Download our free full business plan template and use the guidelines below to write a plan for your business. You should customise your chosen template to suit your business and industry. We explain below how you can start with a 1-page business plan to ease you into the process of completing the full business plan.
Business Plan Templates
Access Xero features for 30 days, then decide which plan best suits your business. Safe and secure. Cancel any time. 24/7 online support. Start your free trial. Or compare all plans. Get the ball rolling with our free business plan templates and tips. Choose from a multi-page template, or a one-pager to help flesh out your idea.
Free business plan template for small businesses
Business plan template. Our business plan template is an editable document containing your businesses goals and objectives for the future. It also provides all the key sections you need for a professional business plan including overview of business description, market research, competitive analysis, financial forecasts and much more. Name *.
How to write a business plan in 12 steps (2024 edition)
Make sure you cover each of the following steps when preparing your document: 1. Write an executive summary. This section of your business plan should be 1-2 pages in length and enables potential financiers or partners to get an overview of what your business does and - most importantly — what the opportunity is for them.
Write a Business Plan
Make a start by downloading our free business plan template. How not to write a business plan. ... For more information, visit the Australian government page on developing a business plan, ... Learn how to start a business, from ideation to launch. Fill out the form to receive this guide as a PDF.
Business Plan Template
A Business Plan is an important planning tool used by first-time or existing business owners to outline company goals, objectives, and challenges, as well as information regarding internal management, marketing, and finances. LawDepot's Business Plan template can be used in: Australian Capital Territory (ACT) New South Wales (NSW)
How to use the business plan template
A business plan template is an essential tool to help you create a clear, concise and comprehensive business plan. It can help you: secure funding and attract investors. set goals and prioritise. better control your business. helps you seek finance. Writing a plan can be enjoyable. It will help you highlight the ideas and activities at the core ...
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 ...
Write a business plan
Plan your short-term, mid-term, and long-term goals, including choosing your location; the number of customers you plan to reach and your customer demographics; your sales targets - revenue and profit margins; what you will outsource; your required staff numbers; and your growth strategy. Planning this strategy will help realise your dream and ...
Examples & Templates
In our resources section, you'll find a range of free Australian business plan templates, examples and a stack of financial, projections and start-up costs templates. Whether you own a café, run a salon or an agency, you'll find an Australian business plan template right for your business and its goals. We've also curated a series of ...
Business planning
If you can't quite find the right information our business advisers are here to discuss any business questions or concerns. Call us on 133 140. Book an online or phone appointment. Chat to us online. Find out what your business plan should include and download our free template to help you get started.
Business plan tool
This tool can be used by anyone thinking about starting a business or already running a business. It will help you to: evaluate a new business idea. set some goals for the year ahead. keep your business on track. Start now.
Writing a business plan
Most business plans will include: Executive summary - a short overview of your plan. It's usually written last. Business profile - a quick overview of your business. Includes what your business will do and where it will operate. Vision - describes what you want your business to look like in the future. The steps you take to bring this ...
How To Write A Business Plan In Australia
SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis of your business idea. 3. Marketing strategy. However great your business idea is, you can't just start trading and hope for the best. In this section of your business plan give some thought to: Marketing budgets - launch and ongoing.
Free to edit and print startup business plan templates
To help you organize such big ideas into a presentable document, Canva has prepared free business plan startup templates that you can easily edit. Select from our wide assortment of styles ranging from creative to corporate. Pick a business plan startup template that best matches the spirit of your company. Each template has multiple pages and ...
Free Startup Business Plan Templates
Download Startup Business Plan Template - Word. Word | Smartsheet. This startup business plan template contains the essential components you need to convey your business idea and strategy to investors and stakeholders, but you can customize this template to fit your needs. The template provides room to include an executive summary, a financial ...
How to Create Business Plan in 2024: Examples & Free Template
Our financial projections include: Year 1: $1.5 million in revenue, with a net profit of $200,000. Year 2: $3 million in revenue, with a net profit of $500,000. Year 3: $4.5 million in revenue, with a net profit of $1 million. These projections are based on realistic market analysis, growth rates, and product pricing.
Business plan template
Business plan template. Having a well prepared business plan before starting your business can help you refine your idea, gain a deeper understanding of your market and have a clear direction for your business. Our guide to using the business plan template will help you when using this resource. Download file. 169KB.
Calculate the start-up costs of your business
Follow these steps to calculate your start-up costs. 1. Research expenses. Before you start your business, you should conduct market research on your potential industry. This will help you to make sure that your product or service will be profitable. You'll need to gather information on your market, potential customers and cost of production.