Almost everyone agrees that a written business plan is an important tool for success. Yet too many small business owners put off the project because they fear the complexity of the planning process. Online tools or business plan templates can be useful but often involve some type of fee or require purchase of a related service so this might undermine their usefulness.
What if you could complete a business plan free of charge in about 30 minutes? This business plan template is meant simply as a free and easy tool that can be completed in about half an hour. Just add a few sentences to each of the functional planning categories numbered 1 through 7. Revisit and refine your plan from time to time later as you accumulate new business experience. That’s it! You’ll be well on your way to enjoying the benefits of a solid written business plan.
Download a copy of the business plan template in PDF format
1.Customer Problem / Your Solution
What will you sell?
Who will buy it?
How will your product help people?
2.Business Model
What will you charge?
How will you get paid?
What barriers to entry prevent my business from being overrun with competition?
How else will you make money from this project?
3.Target Market
Who is your customer?
How many of them are there?
What is your competitive advantage?
Why will a customer choose you over a competitor?
4.Marketing and Sales
How will customers hear of your business?
How can you encourage referrals?
5.Management Team
Who will carry out these key activities?
6.Financial Summary
How will you know when the business is a success?
What level of sales revenue?
What number of customers?
7.Potential Obstacles
What potential obstacles or challenges do you anticipate?
What funding is required?
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