Business Plan Template
A business plan has a job: prove your idea makes money and you can execute it. This template follows the section order lenders and investors expect (the same structure the U.S. Small Business Administration recommends), with a prompt under each heading so you know exactly what to write. Fill it in top to bottom and you'll have a plan you can actually submit.
Last reviewed 2026-07-08
Template preview
One page, written last. Your business concept, the problem you solve, the market, and what you're asking for (e.g. funding amount). If a reader stops here, they should still 'get it'.
What the business does, the legal structure, where it's based, and the specific problem it solves for a specific customer.
Your target market size, customer segments, competitors, and the gap you fill. Use real numbers and cite sources.
Your team, roles, and an org chart. Highlight the experience that makes you credible to execute.
What you sell, the customer benefit, pricing, and lifecycle/roadmap. Keep it benefit-first, not feature-first.
How you'll reach customers and convert them: channels, positioning, pricing strategy and the sales process.
3–5 years of projected income, cash flow and balance sheet, plus key assumptions. Lenders read this most closely.
How much you need, how you'll use it, and the terms you're seeking. Tie it back to the projections.
Supporting documents: resumes, permits, product images, letters of intent, detailed financial tables.
How to fill in each field
Executive summary
Write it last but place it first. One page, standalone, covering concept, market and the ask.
Common mistake: Writing it first and turning it into a vague mission statement instead of a tight summary.
Market analysis
Quantify the market and name real competitors. Show you understand the landscape.
Common mistake: Claiming 'no competitors' or a huge market with no sourcing — an instant credibility hit.
Financial projections
Include income, cash flow and balance sheet with stated assumptions. Be realistic.
Common mistake: Hockey-stick revenue with no assumptions, or omitting cash flow entirely.
Funding request
State the amount, the use of funds, and the terms — only if you're raising.
Common mistake: A vague 'we need investment' with no number or use-of-funds breakdown.
Related templates & variants
This is the full business plan. Pitching a specific deal to a client or partner? Use the business proposal template instead — it's shorter and sales-focused.
A free business proposal template that wins deals — problem, solution, scope, pricing and acceptance. Download in Word or copy to Google Docs, with a field-by-field guide.
A free business proposal template you can export to PDF — locked, professional and ready to send. Download the editable Word file, fill it in, and save as PDF.
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Frequently asked questions
What should a business plan include?+
The standard sections are: executive summary, company description, market analysis, organization & management, products or services, marketing & sales, financial projections, a funding request (if raising), and an appendix. This template includes all of them.
How long should a business plan be?+
A traditional plan is often 15–30 pages plus appendix; a lean startup plan can be 1–5 pages. Match the depth to your audience — lenders and investors expect the full financials.
What is the difference between a business plan and a business proposal?+
A business plan describes your whole company and its strategy, usually to raise money or guide operations. A business proposal pitches a specific product or project to a specific client to win their business.
Sources & further reading
- Write your business plan (U.S. Small Business Administration)— sba.gov
- What to include in your business plan (U.S. Chamber of Commerce)— uschamber.com
- Key elements of a business plan (Wolters Kluwer)— wolterskluwer.com
We review authoritative guidance when building each template. Links are for reference only.