A Free Business Plan Template that Will Make You Look Like a Pro!
Wondering how to write a business plan? It's all here! Use the small business plan template below and drill down for a more detailed business plan outline for each section. You'll find it easy to create an effective yet simple business plan. Your plan will have you ready to start, grow and succeed in your new business.
To get started, click on the major section titles that start with roman numerals. Or click any section below the main heading titles. You'll quickly find what you're looking for. Each section starts with a detailed description. Then, you will find a complete overview of what you need to include, mistakes to avoid, and important considerations. Follow the examples in each section. You will learn how to write a business plan that makes you look like a pro!
Free Small Business Plan Outline
The free small business plan template for each section will show you how to create a professional business plan quickly and easily. Whether you need to learn how to write a small business plan for the first time or you just need a refresher, we're confident you'll find what you need right here.
Many people writing a small business plan ask, “What should my business plan include?” The information provided for each section answers those questions and more. You'll find that our simple business plan outline will keep you on track with a complete yet free business plan template that is perfect for almost any type of small business plan.
A successful business must have many ingredients to succeed. Business owners start with a good idea. Next they think about access to capital. That could be a business loan, venture capital or a line of credit. Successful businesses need more. They require disciplined business processes, systems and business software to streamline the business and make it efficient. Having the right team of people to pull it all together is perhaps the most important ingredient. This includes experienced business leaders as well as hands-on people with the right skills and education.
So what is the role of the small business plan? The small business plan pulls all of these things—and more—together. It provides you, the business owner, with a road map that shows how you will succeed.
Choose Any Section and Click to Drill Down
I. Presentation & Organization:
Cover Page
Table of Contents
II. Executive Summary
Elevator Pitch
Current Business Structure
How to Close Your Introduction or Executive Summary
III. Sales & Market Potential
Products and Services
• Description
• Problem Solved or Unmet Need Filled
• Unique Selling Proposition
• Other Differentiators
The Market
• Description of the Market
o Growth Rates and Key Trends
o Target Market (Including Location, if Retail)
o Size of Target Market
• Competition
• Direct Competitors
• Indirect Competitors
Sales and Marketing Plan
• Unique Selling Proposition (repeated)
• Marketing Budget
• How Customers Will Find Out About Your Business
• Who Will Sell
• Pricing
• Sales Forecast / How Fast Will the Sales Come
• Evidence to Support these Projections
IV. Management Team and Operating Plan
Management Team
• Founders and Key Employees
• Professional Advisors
• Hiring Plan
Go-To-Market Plan
• Current Capabilities
• Prioritized Immediate Opportunities
• Go to Market Goals
• When
• Expected Results
Operating Plan
• Headcount
• Facilities and Equipment to Meet Sales Projections
• Critical Requirements
• Confirmation that the Operating Plan Supports Go to Market Plan
SWOT Analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats)
• Internal Strengths
• Internal Weaknesses
• Outside Opportunities
• Outside Threats
V. Financial Information
Financial Projections - Overview
Income Statement
Cash Flow
Balance Sheet
Capitalization and Use of Funds
• Financial Needs
• Structure (Debt, Equity)
• Startup Expenses
• Use of Funds
VI. Exit Strategy, Payback Analysis and Disclaimers
Exit Strategy or Payback Analysis
• How a Loan will be Repaid
• How Equity Investors will Recover Their Investment
Notices and Disclaimers
• Confidentiality
• Forward-Looking Statements
• Not an Offer to Sell or a Solicitation for Securities
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