1. Why You Need a Business Plan Template
A solid business plan helps you:
- Define your mission and goals
- Present your business to investors or lenders
- Guide day-to-day operations
- Track performance and plan for growth
- Clarify your market and financial position
2. What a Business Plan Template Should Include
A well-rounded business plan generally covers:
- Executive Summary
- Business Description
- Market Research
- Products and Services
- Marketing and Sales Plan
- Operations and Logistics
- Management and Team
- Financial Forecasts
- Funding Requirements
- Appendix
3. Template for Business Plans: Section-by-Section
Executive Summary
- Business name, address, and structure
- Vision, mission, and short business summary
- Brief on products/services
- Highlights of financial goals and funding needs
Business Description
- Company history (if applicable)
- Legal structure (sole trader, limited company)
- Business model and target market
- Location and unique value proposition
Market Research
- Industry overview and trends
- Target audience demographics
- Competitor analysis
- Market gap and how your business fills it
Products and Services
- Detailed descriptions
- Benefits and USPs
- Pricing strategy
- Future development or service expansion
Marketing and Sales Plan
- Promotion channels (digital, print, events)
- Branding and messaging
- Customer acquisition and retention
- Sales targets and conversion strategy
Operations and Logistics
- Business premises or delivery model
- Key suppliers and equipment
- Technology and systems used
- Workflow or process breakdown
Management and Team
- Founders’ bios and skills
- Staff structure and responsibilities
- Advisors or consultants (if any)
- Training and hiring plans
Financial Forecasts
- Start-up costs
- 12-month cash flow forecast
- 3-year profit and loss forecast
- Break-even analysis
- Balance sheet projections
Funding Requirements
- Total funding needed and why
- Breakdown of how funds will be spent
- Existing funding (if any)
- Preferred funding method (loan, investment, grant)
Appendix
- Licences and legal documents
- Product images or technical info
- Market research surveys
- CVs of team members
- Contracts or letters of intent
4. How to Use This Template
- Copy it into a Word or Google Doc
- Replace placeholders with your business info
- Keep it concise and professional
- Tailor each section to your industry
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this template for business plans suitable for loans or grants?
Yes, it includes key financial and planning sections lenders and grant bodies require.
Can I customise the template for my sector?
Absolutely—adapt the content to fit your specific business type and goals.
How many pages should a business plan be?
Usually 10–20 pages, depending on detail and use case.
Is it OK to use estimates in forecasts?
Yes, but base them on research and include realistic assumptions.
Should I update my business plan?
Yes—review and revise it regularly, especially during major changes.
Can a sole trader use this plan?
Definitely—it’s suitable for sole traders, partnerships, or limited companies.
Conclusion
Using a clear, structured template for business plans gives you a strong foundation for launching or growing your venture. Whether you’re applying for funding or refining your strategy, this format keeps your planning professional and focused.