1. Executive Summary
This section summarizes your entire business plan. It should be written last, but placed first in the document.
Include:
- Business name and location
- Mission statement
- Brief product or service overview
- Summary of your business goals
- Introduction to your target market
- Key financial highlights (optional)
This is your elevator pitch—clear, compelling, and concise.
2. Business Overview
Describe what your business does and your vision for the future.
Cover:
- Company structure (sole trader, partnership, LTD)
- Founding date and location
- Business model or operations plan
- Short-term and long-term objectives
Explain the purpose and values that drive your company.
3. Market Analysis
Demonstrate your understanding of the industry and target audience.
Include:
- Description of your target market
- Market size and trends
- Customer needs and behaviors
- Competitive landscape (identify key competitors)
Show that your business solves a real problem and has room to grow.
4. Products or Services
Provide details about what you sell or plan to offer.
Mention:
- Key features and benefits
- Unique selling proposition (USP)
- Current development stage (if applicable)
- Pricing strategy
- Lifecycle or future product plans
Help the reader understand how your offerings meet customer needs.
5. Marketing and Sales Strategy
Outline how you’ll attract and retain customers.
Cover:
- Marketing channels (online, offline, social media, email, etc.)
- Branding and promotion tactics
- Sales funnel or customer journey
- Customer service plan
- Partnerships or referral strategies
Focus on practical actions that will drive growth.
6. Operations Plan
Explain how your business will run day to day.
Include:
- Business location
- Technology and tools used
- Suppliers and logistics
- Equipment or facility requirements
- Key operational processes
This shows your ability to execute and manage efficiently.
7. Management and Team
Describe your leadership and supporting team.
Include:
- Founder(s) background
- Key team members and their roles
- Experience and skills relevant to the business
- Advisory board or mentors (if any)
- Recruitment plans
Investors and lenders want to see capable leadership.
8. Financial Plan
Provide a snapshot of your financial expectations and needs.
Cover:
- Startup costs and funding requirements
- Revenue projections
- Cost of goods and expenses
- Break-even analysis
- Cash flow forecasts
- Profit and loss projections (3–5 years)
Be realistic and support figures with assumptions or research.
9. Funding Request (If Applicable)
If you’re seeking financing, specify:
- How much you need
- What it will be used for
- Preferred funding type (loan, investment, grant)
- Expected return for investors (if any)
Make it clear how funding will fuel growth and generate returns.
10. Appendix
Attach any supporting documents such as:
- Resumes
- Market research data
- Legal documents
- Product images or brochures
- Financial spreadsheets
Use this section for details that back up your plan without cluttering the main content.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is a basic business plan template used for?
It helps you outline your business vision, structure, and strategy clearly for personal planning, investors, or lenders.
Q2: How long should a basic business plan be?
Typically 8–15 pages, depending on business complexity.
Q3: Do I need a business plan to start a business?
It’s not legally required, but highly recommended to organize your ideas and increase your chances of success.
Q4: Can I use this business plan template for any industry?
Yes, it’s general and can be customized for any product or service.
Q5: Is a business plan the same as a pitch deck?
No. A business plan is detailed and written, while a pitch deck is a visual summary for presentations.
Q6: How often should I update my business plan?
Review it every 6–12 months or whenever you experience major changes.
Conclusion
A basic business plan template is the foundation of any successful venture. It guides your decisions, helps you communicate your vision, and prepares you to secure funding. Whether you’re launching a new company or refining an existing one, using a clear, structured plan puts your business on the path to success.