business plan checklist excel

Create a business plan

You've been dreaming of starting your own business. You've started with some concrete steps, and you're ready to put your proposal together. But how do you start, and how do you know when you have the right information?

How to get it done

Create a business plan with templates in Word:

Start with a template

Download these templates from the Office Templates site to create your plan:

Fill in your Business plan .

Analyze your market with the Business market analysis template .

Detail your financials in a Financial plan .

Divide up the work and track deliverables with this Business plan checklist .

Wrap up with this Business startup checklist .

Need a little help?

Learn how to:

Start a document from a template .

Apply themes to change your plan's look.

Related resources

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Must follow steps for starting a successful business

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Business growth

Business tips

Business startup checklist: How to launch a startup step by step

Here, we'll walk you through all the things you need to launch a startup. And you can download our business startup checklist to keep you on track as you take your first steps as a new business owner .

Checklist for starting a business

1. Write a business plan

A business plan will help you nail down your goals and expectations and give you a roadmap for getting your company off the ground. If you plan to pitch investors or apply for a business loan, you'll need a business plan—most won't even consider a pitch unless there's a business plan attached.

Parts of a business plan

Depending on the complexity of your business idea, a business plan can be as short as a page or as big as a thick, data-packed document. No matter how simple or complex, every business plan should have at least a few key parts:

An executive summary , or a top-level outline of everything in the business plan.

A business description , including your company's structure, industry, value proposition , background information, and both short- and long-term business objectives.

A market analysis that evaluates where your business stands in relation to competitors, target customers, and industry trends.

A description of your products or services.

Financial projections like pricing and sales strategy, profit goals, and investor details.

An operational overview laying out the logistical "how"s of your business, including logistics, distribution, and production plans.

Business planning software

If you have any basic business experience or know-how, you can probably get through writing a business plan on your own, but if you're feeling totally lost or if you just want something to help move you through the steps more efficiently, business plan writing software might be the way to go. 

BizPlan and Enloop are two examples of business plan platforms with reasonable monthly costs. IdeaBuddy is another platform that's meant to be used earlier in the process when you're still fleshing out ideas to help develop and refine your business concept, then guide you toward a formalized plan. 

2. Estimate your startup costs

Calculating your startup costs will help you appeal to investors and estimate when your new business will start to become profitable. 

Types of startup costs

To begin, you'll need to calculate your exact startup costs. These may include:

One-time startup costs: state business registration fees, lease deposits, etc.

Labor costs: your salary plus worker salaries

Overhead costs: monthly office rent, utilities, taxes, computer equipment, production costs 

Spreadsheets are your friend with planning business finances—and we have a set of business budget templates to help you estimate monthly and one-time expenses for your business.

Start saving

Just like homeowners need an emergency fund for when the roof starts leaking, you also need an emergency fund for your new business. How much you need depends on the size of your operation and whether you're keeping your current job or going all-in on your new endeavor. It takes most startups at least a few months (and usually more) to become profitable, so if your startup is going to be your main source of income, you'll need at least a few months of operating expenses plus your own living expenses stashed away.

Find funding

Skip the family loan and second mortgage. Better loan options include the Small Business Association , your local bank, or new types of online lenders .

You might even start a crowdfunding campaign to generate cash—which is also a good way to test out your business idea's viability. Remember, though, that your purpose isn't to raise money. Your purpose is to create a viable business with products or services that genuinely help your customers.

3. Register your business

Before we dive into the details of business registration, a disclaimer: what we're providing here is a basic overview of the general requirements for most businesses in the United States. If you operate internationally or work in some niche industry like long-haul tobacco and airplane fuel shipping , these guidelines are one hundred percent guaranteed not to cover everything you need to know about registering your business. 

Even if your company is fairly small, there may be specific requirements in your state or county that aren't covered here. No matter what, make sure you do your own research with local and state governments or consult with a lawyer to determine the legal requirements that apply to you.

Pick a business structure

Business structures boil down to four main types: sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited liability companies, and corporations. For legal and tax purposes, decide which type you'll operate under—though you can always switch to a different business type as your company grows.

Sole proprietorships: This is the simplest type of business to start and run. It means that you are the company, and all assets and debts of the company are yours too. This also means you'll be personally liable for all business obligations like lawsuits or unpaid debts, so this is the riskiest business structure. 

Partnerships: T hese are like sole proprietorships, except there's more than one owner. Co-owners typically structure their business relationship with partnership operating agreements. Partners split the company's legal and financial obligations and also share in the profits.

Limited Liability Companies and Partnerships (LLCs and LLPs): When you form an LLC or LLP, you work as a "member" of the company, along with any company partners. If the company goes into debt or gets sued, your personal assets are protected. Compared to corporations, there's less paperwork and smaller startup costs.

Corporations: When you incorporate, you create a separate legal entity that owns all of the assets and liabilities for the company. Corporations are usually more attractive to outside investors—you can "go public" with an initial public offering (IPO) and raise money through selling stock in the company. 

Choose a business name

Start by writing down every single name that pops into your head, including the ridiculous names ( bad idea brainstorms work!). This will get your creativity flowing. Plus, you can pull elements that you like from the throwaway names and incorporate them into your more serious ideas.

If you plan to register a trademark on your business's name, keep in mind what can't be trademarked:

Any person's name who hasn't given expressed permission

Swears or other offensive content

Government flags and insignia

Your name also needs to meet the U.S. Trademark Office's requirements for "distinctiveness," which just means your trademark needs to be unique enough to avoid confusion between yourself and other similarly named businesses.

Register your company

All businesses except sole proprietors with no employees must register with the IRS and obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN). This is your company's federal tax identification, which you'll use when paying taxes, opening a bank account, applying for business licenses, and hiring employees. 

You may need to register your business with your state government. Use the Small Business Administration's state lookup tool to find information for your state. Similarly, contact your local government office to find out if additional registrations or permits are necessary.

4. Open accounts and obtain permits

With your business plan in hand, it's time to lay the operational and financial groundwork to get your company off the ground. 

Open a company bank account

Even if you run a sole proprietorship and your business is just you, life will be easier if you have a separate bank account to manage your business finances. If you want to accept credit card payments either online or in person, look into credit card payment processing services .

Get licenses and permits

In certain industries, you'll need licenses and permits in order to operate legally. This usually applies in industries where there's a risk of damage to the customer—think construction, hair salons, and financial consulting. Some municipalities also require home-based businesses to hold a "home occupation permit," so make sure you find out what licenses you need before you open your doors, no matter what industry you're in.

Find out if you need a Sales Tax Permit

If you sell physical products and you operate in a state that collects sales taxes, you likely need to register for a Sales Tax Permit. Most states administer these permits for free or for a nominal fee.

5. Set up a financial accounting system

Money can get complicated very quickly, so you want to have an automated system for financial accounting, budgeting, and documentation before you start making any sales. 

Basic bookkeeping 101

There are a number of bookkeeping records that small business owners need to update on a regular basis to keep their business finances in order. These tasks include:

Income statements

Balance sheets

Cash flow statements

Bills and invoices

Quarterly financial statements

Tax returns

Unless you're very confident in your skills with an Excel spreadsheet, you should invest in accounting software or consider hiring a part-time bookkeeper . Check out Zapier's list of the best accounting software for small businesses for some apps to try out.

Understand your tax liability

Business taxes are very different from employee taxes. The biggest difference is that small businesses are required to file taxes quarterly instead of annually. You need to have enough cash on hand to remit payment to the IRS every three months, which can take some getting used to.

If you have employees, you'll also need to keep in mind that employee taxes are paid to the government by the employer. If you've ever looked at your own pay stubs, you'll know that each includes a record of what taxes were taken out of your paycheck. Those taxes aren't taken by the government directly—they're taken out by the employer, who is then responsible for sending employees' taxes to the IRS.

6. Buy business insurance

As soon as you hire employees, open a physical location, or begin to scale your business, you'll need liability insurance of some sort. General liability insurance covers you in case someone is injured on your property or as a result of your company's activities.

Additional policies that are common for new businesses include:

Professional liability: Covers you in case an error or omission on your part costs your clients money.

Workers' compensation: Covers medical expenses and lost wages for employees who are injured while working. 

Business interruption insurance: Helps replace lost revenue if your business is forced to close temporarily due to a natural disaster or other event.

Property insurance: Covers your physical property, from company equipment to office or warehouse space.

7. Create a management system

For a single-person business, a management system can be as simple as a set of to-do lists for keeping track of budgets and schedules. Larger businesses will need to formalize processes for managing workflows, finances, schedules, team organization, and more.

Management setup

When getting your management system up and running, focus on the essentials. At a minimum, you'll need a structure for managing:

Calendars and scheduling

Customer communications

Budgets, invoices, and other financial documents

Industry-specific KPIs

Purchasing and order fulfillment

If you're starting with a team, you'll also want to put together an organizational chart . Determining each person's responsibilities will help eliminate confusion and oversights.

Invest in branding and marketing

The fun part, of course, comes at the very end of all the operational logistics. Take some time to think through your marketing strategy before launching your business. At a minimum, you'll need to start with a website, a logo, and social media accounts.

Establishing a brand identity

Start by thinking through how you want to come off to others as a brand. Usually, your brand voice will align closely with the industry you're in—financial and legal firms tend to be serious and authoritative, while creative agencies need to be witty and innovative.

Consistency is far more important than trying for fancy, versatile, or expensive branding. A company with a simple, casual tone and one or two brand colors and basic designs will do far better than a company that tries out a different tone with each social post.

List of things needed to start a business

Starting a business doesn't need to be an overwhelming undertaking. With a bit of organizational planning and this business startup checklist , you can get your company up and running quickly. Of course, the more tasks you automate on this list, the smoother everything will run, and the quicker you'll be able to start making sales. Learn more with this small business guide to automation .

Related reading:

Start a business: 22 low-cost business ideas  

9 books every small business owner should read

11 small business advertising ideas for your business

The best free small business software

20 free proposal templates to ace your pitch

This article was originally published in October 2016 by Melanie Pinola and has also had contributions from Amanda Pell. The most recent update was in May 2023.

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Amanda Pell

Amanda is a writer and content strategist who built her career writing on campaigns for brands like Nature Valley, Disney, and the NFL. When she's not knee-deep in research, you'll likely find her hiking with her dog or with her nose in a good book.

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Business Plan Checklist

Whether it’s for a bank, investors, validation, and/or a roadmap, your company needs a written business plan to convert your ideas into an organized, professional document. 

The business plan format will change depending on why you’re writing it and who you’re writing it for. If you’re seeking validation, it’s best to start with a simple one-page pitch. On the other hand, if you’re pursuing funding, you’ll need a professional, formal business plan. 

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here >

  Regardless of the intentions behind your business plan, having a checklist of what needs to be included is helpful to make sure you’re effectively getting your ideas and strategies down on paper. 

As a baseline, your business plan should include these 10 sections:

Executive Summary

• Company Overview

Industry Analysis

• Customer Analysis

Competitive Analysis

Marketing plan, operations plan, management team, financial plan, the essential business plan checklist.

Here, I will explain the different elements you need to include in each section. Use this resource as a business plan questions checklist and mark them off as you go.

Your executive summary should explain the problem you are solving and how you intend to solve it. When reviewing your business plan, address the following:

• The function of your business
• Competitors
• Target customers
• Key financial highlights
• Key members of your team
• Business goals

Essentially, you want to ensure that your executive summary introduces your business in a detailed yet concise form, explaining the key parts of your business and the market.   

Company Overview 

Here, you will give a brief summary of your company as a whole and how it functions. Be certain to include:

• Company history
• Founding members
• Milestones you have achieved
• The legal structure of your business

    Finish Your Business Plan Today!

Your industry analysis will provide a summary of your market research. After doing your research, include answers to the following questions in your business plan:

• How big is the market?
• Where is the market currently: growing or declining? 
• Who are some of the key competitors? 
• What is influencing the industry? 

Customer Analysis 

In your customer analysis, you will explain the audience you are targeting and expect to serve. Be sure to focus on your target customers and the customer needs. It should explain the:

• Demographic profile of your target market
• Customer segments within that market

Your competitive analysis will address your competition in the market. It should have three subsections as follows:

• Direct Competitors: other businesses in your market (example: if you own an ice cream shop, other ice cream shops are direct competitors)
• Indirect Competitors: other businesses that may not specifically be in your business’s market, but provide similar results to that of your company (example: if you own an ice cream shop, grocery stores that sell ice cream are indirect competitors)

For each competitor, identify both their strengths and weaknesses. Be sure to address the following:

• What features do they offer?
• What is their pricing? 
• Who are their customers?
• What are they good at? 
• What are their weaknesses?

Describe your competitive advantages or what your business will do better. Here, provide answers to the following questions:

• Will you offer more or better features?
• Will you ensure better results for your users?
• Will you offer better pricing?
• Will your customer service be more efficient?

Be sure that your competitive analysis describes just how your business will succeed and stand out in its competitive market.   

Your plan should include the following marketing plan sections:

• Product : detail the specific features of your business’s product
• Price : identify your business pricing and if there will be different pricing levels (e.g., free, premium) and what exactly those levels will be
• Place : name where your business will be located
• Promotions : how you will attract customers to your business (social media advertising, pay-per-click advertising, magazine advertising, public relations, etc.)

Here, you will describe how your company will effectively meet the goals you identified in the earlier sections of your business plan. Your operations plan should have two sections:

• Every day short-term processes: all necessary daily operations completed simply for the function of your business (providing customer service, writing code, fixing bugs, etc.)
• Long-term goals: milestones you hope to achieve (reaching $X in sales, having Y amount of employees, etc.)

It is essential to have a strong management team for the function and success of your business. Be sure to include the following:

• Management team: highlight your key players’ backgrounds and describe their skills and talents
• Management team gaps: any experience that you think your business will need in order to succeed 
• Board members 

Your financial plan will document your 5-year financial projections , broken down in monthly or quarterly projections for the first year, and then annually thereafter. Your focus here is to show how much money you need, how much income you will earn, and when you will be profitable. 

Your financial plan should include:

• Profit & Loss statement 
• Cash flow statement
• Balance sheet
• Sales forecast
• Personnel plan
• Break-even analysis

To provide evidence to your numbers, include supporting documentation in your financial plan. 

Your appendix will provide any and all other documentation or information that you believe supports your business plan. If necessary, your appendix can include: 

• Resumes of key management, blurbs on other management members
• Job descriptions/titles
• Copies of forms
• Copies of licenses
• Personal and business tax returns (if applying for a loan)
• Marketing materials 

To ensure that your business plan effectively portrays the mission and potential success of your business, go through this checklist and make sure you have included each concept mentioned. A fill in the blank business plan also includes each of these key sections and can help you quickly and easily complete your business plan.  

Business Plan Checklist FAQs

How do i make a business plan checklist.

We’ve completed the hard work for you! You can download this Business Plan Checklist PDF for quick reference as you complete your business plan.

What are the 10 Components of a Business Plan?

Read our article detailing the 10 Key Components of the Business Plan .

Finish Your Business Plan in Just 1 Day!

Don’t you wish there was a faster, easier way to finish your business plan?

With Growthink’s Ultimate Business Plan Template you can finish your plan in just 8 hours or less!

Click here to finish your business plan today.

Business Planning Checklist Excel Template

Business planning checklist excel template: a comprehensive tool to streamline your plan. this business planning checklist excel template provides a comprehensive guide to planning and managing the key steps and activities necessary to ensure successful business operations. it covers goal setting, budgeting, marketing, financial management, and more. get organized and plan your business operations today.

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• Released Aug 23, 2023
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• File Type Microsoft Excel
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• File Size 17.22 KB
• File SKU 0660
• Tags Business , Strategy , Planning , Excel , Checklist , Template , Tool , Strategic

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Kajal Sethi

Business planning checklist excel template description.

The Business Planning Checklist Excel Template is an invaluable tool for businesses of all sizes. This easy-to-use template helps you create a detailed and comprehensive roadmap for your business success. The template not only provides guidance on the necessary steps to take in order to develop a successful business plan, but it also allows you to easily track and measure progress of your plan over time.

The Business Planning Checklist Excel Template is organized into several sections to help you easily navigate through the template. The first section is the Introduction, which provides a brief overview of the business planning process and the importance of having a well-thought out plan. The second section is the Business Plan Outline, which outlines the various sections of the business plan and provides helpful tips on how to complete each section.

The next section of the template is the Goals & Strategies section. This section outlines the overall objectives of the business and provides you with an opportunity to define the strategies you will take to achieve those objectives. The fourth section is the Financial Forecasting section, which provides you with an opportunity to create a financial projection of your business and identify potential areas of investment. Finally, the fifth section is the Action Plan, which outlines the specific steps and activities that need to be taken to achieve the goals and objectives of your business.

The Business Planning Checklist Excel Template is easy to use and provides you with a comprehensive roadmap to success. With this template, you can easily track progress of your business plan over time and make adjustments as needed. This template is ideal for businesses of all sizes and can help you develop a successful business plan.

Benefits of the Business Planning Checklist Excel Template

• Provides an organized and comprehensive roadmap to success
• Helps you track progress of your business plan over time
• Allows you to make adjustments as needed
• Ideal for businesses of all sizes
• Easy to use and understand

How to Use the Business Planning Checklist Excel Template

• Download the template
• Fill in the various sections of the template
• Create a financial projection of your business
• Outline the action plan to achieve the goals and objectives of your business
• Track progress of your business plan over time
• Make necessary adjustments as needed

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Powerful business plan templates

Plan for the future, no matter what your business plans are or the size of your business with these designs and templates. whether it's just one big project or an entire organization's worth of dreams, these templates will keep you and your company on track from ideation to completion..

Put your ideas to work with simple templates for every business plan

Every successful business took a lot of planning to get there, and these templates will be cornerstones of your future success. Whether you're looking to attract new business, pitch your services or reimagine your company, with these simple, customizable templates at your fingertips you can turn complexity into something tangible. These templates can become marketing assets or simply remain internal touchpoints for your team. And as your dreams change, you'll always have this template to refer to – it's easy to change what exists on paper. If you're a small business, focusing on your niche can help you dominate in your field, and you can forge a plan to figure out exactly what that niche might be and how to target your ideal customer . When it's time to share your vision with stakeholders, craft a presentation that outlines your plan succinctly and with style. Let these templates from Microsoft Designer be your partner in business strategy for years to come.

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A Complete Business Plan Checklist - Key Points to include in your Business Plan and Track Progress

Creating an effective business plan requires addressing specific strategic and tactical questions with a high level of detail.

After you complete writing your business plan, how will you make sure that your business plan is complete and you did not miss any important details?

The best and easy way is to check your business plan with a standard business plan checklist.

Business plan checklist is the list of most important sections of the business plan that you should include into your business plan in the same order.

This checklist will guide you through the step-by-step process of writing an effective and successful business plan for your startup.

Business Plan Checklist

Please check the sections that you have included in your business plan from below list and track your  business plan progress .

Explore our 200+ sample business plans prepared for a wide variety of industries to help you start writing and planning your business plan.

Business plan checklist will also help you to write your business plan table of contents and outline of your business plan.

This business plan checklist is a general guideline for any standard business plan . But you should also keep in mind the purpose of your business plan and include specific details accordingly.

For Example, if you are writing a business plan for a loan from a particular bank, you should learn about their mandatory or specific criteria and must include that details into your business plan.

This business plan checklist prepared here will help you to think through your business and document it in a way that investors and other readers fully understand about your business.

Make your plan in half the time & twice the impact with Upmetrics.

Let's Track Your Business Plan Progress

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Business Plan Excel – Checklist With SWOT

Securing funding.

Use this ‘Business Plan Checklist With SWOT Analysis’ to ensure you have taken care of all the important issues

Quick and Easy to get started… Try it now!

Description

Business plan excel – swot analysis excel.

Assign owners and completion dates to the key activities needed to be performed when preparing a formal business plan. This Business Plan Excel checklist template follows the Strengths, Weakness, Opportunity and Threat (SWOT) analysis framework. To complement your business planning, also take a look at Module 5: My Business Eco-system, plan and raising funds  which covers some of the key components of putting together your business plan.

Building Your Business

…with this Business Plan Excel – Checklist With SWOT Analysis template you will be adding an essential tool to help you get clarity on how you’re going to grow and develop your business.

…with this sleek well designed Business Plan Excel template you don’t need to worry about layout or formulas, as we have taken care of all of this for you.

A Best-Practice Approach

…to ensure you have taken care of all the important issues. Ready for you to start using right away!

All The Help You Need

…is included in this download. Complete with an overview of Key Excel Fundamentals and a Dynamic Navigator to help you find other Excel Tools that can help you Right Now!

…if you’re not 100% satisfied , well give you a full refund, no questions asked!

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Business planning and costing don’t have to be complicated. They aren’t! Investaura is pleased to provide you with this simple Business Plan template in Excel to help you get started.

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Business Startup Checklist—Free Download

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How-To Geek

How to create a checklist in microsoft excel.

You can create a checklist in Microsoft Excel to track items you’re packing, complete your tasks, mark off bills you pay, or double-check items for work.

Quick Links

Access the developer tab, add your list of items in excel, add check boxes for your list items, format your checkboxes, add the remaining checkboxes.

If you're building a spreadsheet to share with others or simply one for your own tracking, using a checklist can make data entry a breeze in Microsoft Excel. Here's how to create a checklist in your spreadsheet and make it look like your own.

Why a checklist? You might use a checklist for tracking items to pack for a trip, products for your company, a holiday gift list, monthly bills, or keeping track of tasks. With a simple check box form control, you can create a checklist for anything you like in Excel.

Before you can use the check box form control in Microsoft Excel, you need to make sure that you have access to the Developer tab . If you don't see this tab at the top of Excel, it takes only a minute to add it.

Right-click anywhere on your Excel ribbon and select "Customize the Ribbon" from the drop-down list. Alternatively, you can click File > Options > Customize Ribbon from the menu.

On the right side of the window, under "Customize the Ribbon," make sure "Main Tabs" is selected. Then in the list below it, check the box next to the "Developer" option.

Click "OK" and then close the Excel Options window.

Related: How to Add the Developer Tab to the Microsoft Office Ribbon

The best way to begin your checklist is to add the list items. Even though you can always add or remove items later, this gives you the start you need to add your checkboxes. And you can, of course, add any row or column headers that you need.

The action part of a checklist is the checkbox. And this is where the Developer tab comes into the mix, so be sure to select that tab. Go to an item on your list and click the cell next to it where you want a checkbox.

In the ""Controls" section of the ribbon, click the "Insert" button. Pick the "Checkbox" option in the "Form Controls" area.

You'll then see your cursor change to crosshairs (like a plus sign). Drag a corner, and when you see your checkbox display, release.

By default, the checkbox will have a label attached to it which you will not need for a basic checklist. Select that text and hit your "Backspace" or "Delete" key. You can then select the checkbox control and drag a corner to resize it if needed.

Once you insert a checkbox, you can make changes to its appearance if you like. Right-click the checkbox control. Make sure that you right-click the actual control and not the cell containing it. Select "Format Control" in the shortcut menu.

You'll see tabs for "Colors and Lines" and "Size," which give you easy ways to color the lines, add a fill color, scale the checkbox, and lock the aspect ratio. Be sure to click "OK" after making your changes.

Checkbox Values and Cell Links

The other tab you may want to work with is the "Control" tab. This one lets you set the value, add a cell link if necessary, and apply 3D shading.

Checkbox Values

By default, a checkbox is unchecked when you insert it. Depending on the type of checklist you create, you might want the boxes checked by default instead. This forces the user to uncheck items they don't want. To do this, mark "Checked" under "Value" in the Control tab and click "OK."

If you plan to use your checklist in conjunction with Microsoft Excel formulas , you'll likely use "Cell Link" on the "Control" tab. When you enter a cell into this box, it will display a True or False value based on the box being checked or unchecked.

Here's an example. Say your checklist has 25 items and you plan to use the COUNTIF function to see how many of the items are checked. You can base your formula off of the True and False values associated with the checked and unchecked boxes.

Related: How to Use the COUNTIF Formula in Microsoft Excel

To use the "Cell Link," simply type the cell reference into the box or click the cell in your spreadsheet to populate it automatically.

Follow the above steps to add checkboxes to your remaining list items. Or for a quicker way, use AutoFill to copy the checkboxes through the cells of your other items.

To use AutoFill, put your cursor on the bottom-right corner of the cell containing the checkbox. When you see the Fill Handle (plus sign), drag to fill the additional cells and release.

For marking off a list of to-dos, making a gift list and checking it twice, or tracking bills you pay each month, creating a checklist in Excel is a great way to go!

And if you like the list idea, how about adding a drop-down list in Microsoft Excel too?

14 Best Excel Templates for Business in 2024 (Free & Premium)

• Last updated March 21, 2024

Fact Checked By Cindy Wong

Let’s talk about Excel templates. These pre-made spreadsheets help you improve productivity quickly. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into the world of Excel templates, equipping you with the knowledge and tools to streamline your tasks, boost productivity, and make informed decisions.

From understanding what Excel spreadsheet templates are to exploring specialized templates for various industries, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re a seasoned Excel user or just starting, our friendly yet professional approach will simplify complex concepts and empower you to harness the full power of Excel templates.

What Are Excel Templates?

We provide a host of spreadsheet templates for our readers. And Excel templates are no exception. These pre-designed spreadsheets created to simplify various tasks and processes. They serve as starting points, offering predefined structures, formulas, and formatting. These templates are designed to save you time and effort by eliminating the need to build spreadsheets from scratch.

Key Features of Excel Spreadsheet Templates

• Structured Layout: Templates come with organized rows and columns tailored to the specific task or use case. For instance, a budget template might include categories for income, expenses, and savings.
• Predefined Formulas and Functions: Excel spreadsheet templates often include formulas and functions that perform calculations automatically. For example, a mortgage calculator template may already have formulas for calculating monthly payments and interest.
• Formatting and Styling: Templates feature consistent design, including fonts, colors, and cell borders. This makes your data visually appealing and easy to read.
• Placeholder Data: Templates often contain placeholder data or instructions to guide you in entering your information. These placeholders help you understand how to use the template effectively.
• Customizability: While templates provide a structured framework, they are highly customizable. You can modify them to suit your specific needs by adding or removing columns, changing labels, or adjusting formulas.

Common Uses of Excel Templates

• Budgeting: Excel templates for budgeting help individuals and businesses manage their finances effectively by tracking income and expenses, projecting future financial goals, and analyzing spending patterns.
• Project Management: Project management templates assist in planning, tracking, and managing projects. They often include Gantt charts, task lists, and progress trackers.
• Data Analysis: Excel offers templates for data analysis, such as pivot tables, allowing you to quickly summarize and analyze large datasets.
• Accounting: Accounting templates help businesses maintain accurate financial records, including ledgers, income statements, and balance sheets.
• Inventory Management: Inventory templates help businesses track stock levels, monitor product sales, and manage inventory turnover.

Types of Excel Templates

Excel spreadsheet templates come in various categories, each designed to address specific needs and tasks. Here are some of the most common types of Excel templates:

Financial Excel Templates

Financial templates are geared towards managing finances, budgeting, and financial analysis. You can make your own cash flow template , or use one that’s already made. Common financial spreadsheets include:

• Budget Templates: These templates help individuals and businesses create and manage budgets, ensuring that income and expenses are balanced. Check out our top budget templates for Google Sheets .
• Financial Models: Financial modeling templates are used for forecasting financial performance, especially in business planning and investment analysis.
• Income Statements: Templates for income statements track revenues and expenses to determine profitability.
• Balance Sheets: These templates provide a snapshot of a company’s financial position by displaying assets, liabilities, and equity.

Project Management Excel Templates

Project management templates are essential for planning, executing, and monitoring projects. For example, we covered our favorite project status report templates . Other common templates include:

• Gantt Charts: Gantt chart templates visually represent project schedules, showing tasks, timelines, and dependencies.
• Project Timelines: These templates offer a simplified view of project milestones and deadlines.
• Task Tracking Templates: Task tracking templates help teams assign, track, and manage tasks to keep projects on schedule.

Data Analysis Excel Templates

Data analysis templates are invaluable for individuals and businesses working with data. Key templates include:

• Pivot Tables: Pivot table templates simplify data summarization and analysis, allowing users to create interactive reports.
• Data Visualization Templates: Templates for charts and graphs help transform raw data into visual representations for easier understanding.
• Statistical Analysis Templates: Statistical analysis templates include tools for performing statistical tests and calculations.

Personal and Business Excel Templates

Personal and business templates cover a wide range of tasks. We have an article that covers payment receipt templates . Other common personal and business spreadsheets include:

• To-Do List Templates: These templates help you stay organized by listing tasks and priorities.
• Invoice Templates: Invoice templates streamline the invoicing process for businesses, including itemized lists and payment tracking.
• Business Plan Templates: Business plan templates provide structured frameworks for creating comprehensive business plans, helping startups and established companies alike.

Whether you’re managing finances, overseeing a project, analyzing data, or organizing personal tasks, Excel templates offer a time-saving solution to enhance your productivity.

Top 14 Excel Templates for Business

Now, let’s delve into the top Excel templates that can significantly boost your productivity across various domains. We’ll explore each template, highlighting its key features and benefits.

Financial Management Excel Templates

1. financial model.

The Financial Model Excel template is a versatile tool designed to help businesses of all sizes and types manage their finances effectively. Whether you’re a business, a startup , or operating in specific niches like SaaS , E-Commerce , or Marketplace , this template offers comprehensive financial projections, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements. It’s essential for budgeting, forecasting, and making informed financial decisions.

• Accurate Projections: Generate precise financial projections for different business scenarios, aiding in strategic planning.
• Scenario Analysis: Easily assess the impact of various decisions on your financial health by running multiple scenarios.
• Investor-Ready: Impress investors and stakeholders with professional financial reports and insights.
• Data Visualization: Utilize charts and graphs to visualize financial trends and make data-driven decisions.

Price: $74-139 (Use code SPoint10 for 10% off)

2. Profit and Loss Statement

The Profit and Loss Statement Excel template is tailored to specific business models, including startups , marketplaces , SaaS , and E-Commerce ventures. It helps you track your revenues, costs, and expenses to calculate your net profit or loss accurately. With clear and customizable categories, you can gain a deep understanding of your business’s financial performance.

• Business-Specific Tracking: Choose a template that aligns with your business model for precise financial insights.
• Expense Categorization: Easily categorize expenses for better cost management and identification of cost-saving opportunities.
• Year-over-Year Comparison: Track your financial performance over time to identify growth trends or areas that need improvement.
• Tax Preparation: Simplify tax preparation by neatly organizing your income and expenses.

Price: $74 (Use code SPoint10 for 10% off)

3. Revenue Forecasting Tool

The Revenue Forecasting Tool Excel template is indispensable for businesses focused on revenue growth. With different versions tailored to Marketplace , SaaS , E-Commerce , and Agency models, it enables you to project your future revenues based on historical data, market trends, and growth strategies. This tool empowers you to set realistic revenue targets and make informed decisions to achieve them.

• Data-Driven Projections: Utilize historical data and market insights to generate accurate revenue forecasts.
• Goal Setting: Set achievable revenue targets and track progress towards your financial goals.
• Scenario Planning: Assess how changes in pricing, marketing, or sales strategies impact revenue.
• Informed Decision-Making: Make strategic decisions backed by comprehensive revenue projections.

Price: $46 (Use code SPoint10 for 10% off)

Budgeting and Tracking Excel Templates

4. zero-based budget template.

Zero-based budgeting is a meticulous approach to budgeting where you allocate every dollar of your income to expenses, savings, or investments. The Zero-Based Budget Excel template simplifies the zero-based budgeting process, ensuring that your budget accurately reflects your financial priorities and goals.

• Financial Clarity: Gain a clear understanding of where your money goes and prioritize spending according to your goals.
• Savings and Investments: Systematically allocate funds for savings, investments, and debt reduction.
• Expense Tracking: Monitor daily expenses to identify areas for potential savings.
• Emergency Fund Planning: Create a buffer for unexpected costs by including an emergency fund category.

Price: $4.99

5. Inventory and Sales Tracking Template

Managing inventory and tracking sales is crucial for businesses, especially those in retail or e-commerce. The Inventory and Sales Tracking Excel template streamlines inventory management, allowing you to efficiently track stock levels, sales, and product performance.

• Real-Time Inventory: Monitor inventory levels in real-time, ensuring you never run out of stock or overstock products.
• Sales Analysis: Analyze sales data to identify top-performing products and optimize your product offerings.
• Cost Control: Keep tabs on inventory costs and prevent financial losses due to mismanagement.
• Data-Driven Decision-Making: Use sales insights to make informed decisions about restocking, promotions, and pricing strategies.

Price: $19.99

6. Capital Expenditure Planning Template

Capital expenditures (CapEx) are essential for businesses looking to grow and invest in assets like equipment, technology, or infrastructure. This free CapEx Excel template simplifies the planning and tracking of capital expenditures, ensuring efficient allocation of resources.

• Streamlined Planning: Plan and prioritize capital expenditures in a structured manner.
• Budget Control: Stay within budget by tracking expenses against planned allocations.
• ROI Assessment: Evaluate each capital expenditure’s return on investment (ROI) to make informed decisions.
• Asset Management: Keep a comprehensive record of your business’s assets and their depreciation.

Price: Free!

Investment and Financial Analysis Excel Templates

7. simple investment template.

The Simple Investment Excel template is perfect for individuals or businesses looking to analyze potential investments. It assists in evaluating the financial feasibility of investments, calculating returns, and making informed investment decisions.

• Investment Evaluation: Assess the attractiveness of various investment opportunities.
• Risk Analysis: Consider the risks associated with each investment and their impact on returns.
• Return Calculations: Calculate potential returns, including net present value (NPV) and internal rate of return (IRR).
• Decision Support: Make well-informed investment choices based on financial analysis.

8. Mortgage Calculator with Amortization Table

Mortgages are a significant financial commitment. This Mortgage Calculator Excel template simplifies mortgage calculations, helping individuals and homeowners understand their loan terms, amortization schedules, and total interest payments.

• Loan Clarity: Understand your mortgage terms, including interest rates, monthly payments, and loan duration.
• Amortization Schedule: View the full amortization schedule, tracking principal and interest payments over time.
• Interest Savings: Explore strategies for paying off your mortgage early to reduce interest costs.
• Financial Planning: Incorporate mortgage payments into your long-term financial planning.

9. CLV vs. CAC Analysis Template

Customer Lifetime Value (CLV) and Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) are critical business metrics. The CLV vs. CAC Analysis Excel template simplifies the calculation and analysis of CLV and CAC, aiding in strategic marketing and growth decisions.

• Customer Profitability: Determine the profitability of acquiring and retaining customers.
• Marketing Efficiency: Evaluate the effectiveness of marketing campaigns by comparing CAC to CLV.
• Retention Strategies: Identify opportunities to increase CLV through customer retention and loyalty programs.
• Data-Driven Marketing: Allocate marketing budgets more efficiently based on CLV and CAC insights.

Data Analysis and Metrics Tracking Excel Templates

10. cohort analysis template.

Cohort analysis is a powerful method for examining user behavior over time. The Cohort Analysis Excel template simplifies the process, helping businesses gain insights into customer retention, engagement, and more.

• User Segmentation: Group users into cohorts based on signup date or other criteria for focused analysis.
• Retention Insights: Identify trends in user retention and pinpoint when users drop off.
• Product Improvement: Use cohort analysis to inform product improvements and marketing strategies.
• Churn Reduction: Develop strategies to reduce customer churn based on cohort analysis findings.

11. MRR Dashboard Template

Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR) is a vital metric for subscription-based businesses. The MRR Dashboard Excel template provides a comprehensive dashboard for tracking MRR, analyzing trends, and making data-driven decisions.

• MRR Overview: Get a real-time overview of your MRR, including new revenue, lost revenue, and net MRR growth.
• Churn Analysis: Identify reasons for churn and implement strategies to reduce it.
• Growth Tracking: Monitor your subscription business’s growth and set goals for MRR expansion.
• Data Visualization: Visualize MRR trends with charts and graphs for easier interpretation.

12. User Engagement Dashboard Template

User engagement is critical for online businesses. The User Engagement Dashboard Excel template provides a user-friendly dashboard for tracking user engagement metrics, analyzing user behavior, and optimizing user experiences.

• Comprehensive Metrics: Track key engagement metrics such as session duration, bounce rate, and conversion rate.
• Segmentation: Analyze user engagement based on demographics, devices, or referral sources.
• Content Performance: Identify high-performing content and optimize the user journey accordingly.
• Conversion Optimization: Implement strategies to improve user engagement and conversion rates based on insights.

Business Planning and Management Excel Templates

13. software license management tool.

The Software License Management Excel tool simplifies the process for businesses managing software licenses. It allows you to track software licenses, renewal dates, and compliance, ensuring efficient software management.

• License Tracking: Easily keep track of all software licenses in use across your organization.
• Renewal Alerts: Identify license renewals timely to prevent interruptions.
• Cost Control: Avoid unnecessary software purchases and optimize license utilization.
• Compliance Assurance: Ensure compliance with software licensing agreements to avoid legal issues.

14. Workforce Planning Tool

Effective workforce planning is crucial for businesses of all sizes. The Workforce Planning Excel template streamlines the process by helping you manage employee information, staffing levels, and workforce optimization.

• Employee Database: Maintain a centralized employee information database, including roles, qualifications, and contact details.
• Staffing Analysis: Analyze staffing levels and plan for hiring, training, or restructuring as needed.
• Cost Projections: Estimate labor costs and budgets for workforce expansion or reduction.
• Scenario Planning: Model various workforce scenarios and their financial implications.

These Excel spreadsheet templates cover a wide range of business and financial needs, making them invaluable tools for improving productivity, making informed decisions, and achieving your goals. Whether you’re a financial analyst, business owner, or simply looking to better manage your finances, Excel templates offer a user-friendly and robust solution.

Best Practices for Excel Templates

Excel spreadsheet templates are powerful tools that can significantly enhance your productivity , but it’s essential to follow best practices to make the most of them. Here are some tips and strategies to help you use Excel templates effectively.

Choose the Right Template

Selecting the appropriate template for your specific task is the first step to success. Consider the following factors when choosing a template:

• Task Complexity: Ensure the template aligns with the complexity of your task. Simple tasks may require basic templates, while more complex tasks need advanced templates.
• Customizability: Look for templates that allow customization. Templates that are too rigid may not suit your unique needs.
• Industry or Use Case: Many templates are designed for specific industries or use cases. For financial tasks, for instance, choose templates tailored to your industry, such as retail, healthcare, or real estate.
• Scalability: If your task may grow in complexity or data volume, opt for a template that can scale with your needs.

Understand Formulas and Functions

Excel templates often come with built-in formulas and functions to automate calculations. To use these templates effectively, it’s crucial to understand how these formulas work.

• Learn the Basics: Familiarize yourself with common Excel functions like SUM, AVERAGE, IF, VLOOKUP, and more. These are the building blocks of many templates.
• Review Formulas: Take time to review the formulas used in the template. Understand how they calculate results and what data they depend on.
• Customize Formulas: If needed, customize formulas to suit your specific requirements. Modify cell references or add new calculations as necessary.

Input Data Accurately

Accurate data input is essential to obtain meaningful results from Excel spreadsheet templates.

• Double-Check Data: Ensure all data entered into the template is accurate and error-free. A slight mistake can lead to significant inaccuracies in calculations.
• Use Data Validation: Implement data validation rules to prevent incorrect data entry. Excel can prompt users when data doesn’t meet specified criteria.
• Consistent Formatting: Maintain consistent formatting throughout the template. This includes date formats, number formats, and currency symbols.
• Document Data Sources: Keep track of your data sources, especially if you’re pulling data from external sources. This documentation can help troubleshoot discrepancies later.

Regularly Save and Backup

Excel templates represent valuable work, so protecting your data is essential.

• Frequent Saving: Save your work regularly to prevent data loss in case of unexpected software crashes or power outages.
• Version Control: Maintain version control by saving different iterations of your template. Use meaningful file names and dates to track changes.
• Backup Files: Implement a backup strategy. Regularly create copies of your Excel files and store them in a secure location, whether it’s a cloud service or an external drive.

Understand Template Limitations

Excel spreadsheet templates have limitations, and it’s essential to be aware of them.

• Data Volume: Excel may not handle very large datasets efficiently. Consider using a database or specialized software for extensive data management.
• Complexity: Templates have limits in terms of complexity. You might need to consider custom software or consulting with a specialist for more advanced or intricate tasks.
• Data Security: Be cautious when handling sensitive or confidential data within Excel. Implement password protection and encryption where necessary.

Customize for Your Needs

While templates provide a structured starting point, don’t hesitate to customize them to better suit your unique requirements.

• Add or Remove Fields: Include additional or remove unnecessary fields to streamline data entry and reporting.
• Format and Styling: Adjust the template’s formatting and styling to match your preferences and branding guidelines.
• Automate Repetitive Tasks: Excel allows you to automate repetitive tasks using macros. Learn how to create and use macros to save time.

Stay Updated and Educated

Excel is a continually evolving software, and staying updated with the latest features and best practices can benefit your productivity.

• Software Updates: Keep your Excel software up-to-date to access new features and security patches.
• Online Resources: Explore online resources, spreadsheet tutorials , and forums to expand your Excel skills and troubleshoot issues.
• Advanced Training: Consider advanced Excel training courses or certifications to become an Excel power user.

By following these best practices, you can harness the full potential of Excel spreadsheet templates, streamline your tasks, and make more informed decisions. Excel templates are versatile tools that can save you time and effort, but mastering them requires a combination of knowledge, practice, and attention to detail.

Get Started with the Financial Spreadsheet Template Bundle

Ready to take control of your finances and make smart financial decisions? Our Financial Spreadsheet Template Bundle is the ultimate solution to simplify financial management, investment analysis, and mortgage planning.

This bundle includes five powerful templates that can help you achieve your financial goals with ease:

• Cryptocurrency Portfolio Tracker: Keep track of your cryptocurrency investments, monitor real-time market prices, and analyze your portfolio’s performance effortlessly.
• Inventory and Sales Tracking Spreadsheet Template: Optimize your business operations with this template. Efficiently manage inventory, track sales, and make data-driven decisions.
• Simple Investment Template: Make informed investment choices by analyzing potential returns and risks. This template simplifies investment planning for beginners and experts alike.
• Extra-Payment Mortgage Calculator: Take control of your mortgage payments and reduce the total interest you pay. This tool helps you plan extra payments to pay off your mortgage faster.
• Mortgage Calculator Spreadsheet with Amortization Table: Understand your mortgage terms, visualize your amortization schedule, and make sound financial decisions regarding homeownership.

Purchasing these templates individually would cost you more than $69, but with the Financial Spreadsheet Template Bundle , you can access all of them at a fraction of the price. Save over 40% off the list price and embark on your journey to financial success today!

Price: $39.99

Excel templates are your secret weapon for accomplishing tasks faster and more efficiently. With the right template at your fingertips, you can conquer financial challenges, manage projects like a pro, and analyze data with ease. The best part? You don’t need to be an Excel expert to reap the benefits. These templates are designed to simplify your life and make complex tasks feel like a breeze.

So, whether you’re tracking expenses, planning a project, or diving into data analysis, remember that Excel spreadsheet templates are your trusty companions on the journey to productivity and success. Embrace them, customize them, and watch your tasks transform from daunting to doable. Excel templates are your shortcut to getting things done, and the possibilities are endless. Start using them today and take control of your tasks, one spreadsheet at a time!

Free Multiple Project Tracking Template for Excel (2 Options)

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Free Checklist Templates

After looking at the search data on my site, the one phrase in the top 10 that kept coming up was " checklist ". So, by popular demand, we've created a few different printable checklists along with some checklist templates that you can edit in Excel, Word and Google Sheets.

Update 11/20/23: Good News! Excel is finally adding an in-cell checkbox feature like Google Sheets. This will make to do lists and checklists SO much better and easier.

Check List Templates

To Do and Task Lists

Other List Templates

Creating Checklists in Excel

The main question people have when creating a checklist in Excel is what method to use to create the check box. I've listed the most common methods below, along with an explanation of the uses and pros/cons.

• Cell Borders - This is perhaps that simplest and fastest way to create a checklist from scratch. Just size the column containing the check boxes so that they appear square. It is easy to customize by copying and pasting items, inserting new items, etc. I use this approach in the wedding and camping checklists.
• Special Unicode Characters in Data Validation Lists: ☐, ☑, ✓, ✔ - This may be my favorite approach. You can include special characters like this in a Data Validation drop-down list. This isn't quite as good as clicking once to fill in a checkbox, but it is great for the mobile Excel apps. The only hard part is remembering how to insert a check mark symbol in Excel. For more information, see my article Using Unicode Character Symbols in Excel .
• Parentheses (  ) or Brackets [  ] - This is a very common simple approach for including a checkbox within a text-based file. You'll see this approach used a lot in legal documents and other types of forms. If that's the look you're going for with your checklist, then by all means, go for it.
• Autoshapes (Drawing Objects) - I don't recommend this approach unless you are going for something fancy, like using fluffy clouds in your check list. Moving a bunch of autoshapes around in the spreadsheet can get messy and annoying.
• Checkbox Form Object - Use the checkbox form field only if you are wanting to add interactivity to your checklist. The checkbox form field, found in the Forms toolbar, can link to a cell in the spreadsheet without requiring any Visual Basic programming. The linked cell will be a boolean value TRUE or FALSE. Like the drawing objects, working with a large number of checkboxes can get messy.

Creating a Checklist in Google Sheets

Google Sheets beat Microsoft to the punch and introduced a Checkbox as one of the Data Validation options. You can go to Insert > Checkbox to quickly create one, and you can customize it by going to Data > Data Validation. I've updated most of the Google Sheets versions of my checklists to use that feature. I hope Excel gets smart and introduces a similar feature some day.

Sharing Our Checklists

Our checklists and checklist templates are licensed for personal use only . However, to avoid a bunch of emails, I will also say that I am okay with you doing almost anything with these checklists except posting the checklist (or anything you have created using the checklist template) on the internet or selling it. That includes permission to print and distribute as many paper copies of your checklist as you need. Don't remove the copyright or hyperlinks that I've included in the spreadsheet, though.

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How to Plan a Successful Event: Free Checklist Templates

Event planning can be a stressful business—whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned event planner with years of experience under your belt. You’ve got a lot of logistics to manage, details to keep up with, and guests to wow. 

That’s why it’s so important to have a solid plan and process in place. 

Learn what goes into a good event planning process and how to create an effective event planning checklist, with free templates and examples to help you get started.

What are the stages of the event planning process?

While no two events are alike, the basic steps for planning an event remain the same. Make sure your event planning process covers these 4 stages:

• Planning : As the event planner, this is the heart and soul of what you do and where the bulk of your efforts will be focused. Your goal in this phase is to hammer out all the approvals, logistics, processes, and services needed to proceed with the event. Tasks may include finalizing a budget, assembling your team, developing a guest list, arranging transportation, and setting up the event registration process. 
• Promotion : This stage is all about getting the word out so you’ll have strong attendance at your event. It includes all marketing, PR, and promotional activities. Having a shareable event marketing & promotion plan in place makes coordinating initiatives and keeping everyone in the loop a whole lot easier. 
• Execution : Event execution is less of a phase and more of an onsite to-do list for all the moving pieces that need to come together on event day. Documenting these activities beforehand minimizes event-day stress and helps ensure your event runs smoothly from start to finish (minus the unpredictable mishaps that are bound to happen from time to time).
• Wrap-up and evaluation : Once your event has come and gone, your work isn’t done yet. You’ll need to tie up loose ends, follow up with attendees, and take note of how the event went so you can improve your process the next time around. 

Feel free to go into as much (or as little) detail as you want for each event planning phase when creating your plan. Just be sure to account for these general stages in the overall organization of your plan.

What is an event planning checklist?

An event planning checklist is a document that outlines all the tasks that need to happen and deadlines that need to be met to ensure your event goes off without a hitch. It’s an important tool in any event coordinator’s belt because it allows you to break your plan down and carefully track every detail. 

What should an event planning checklist include?

Putting on an event is no small task. There are tons of details to keep up with—no matter the size of your event. That’s why having a solid event management plan is a must.  

Consider these core activities when creating and organizing your own event planning checklist.

Planning and logistics

This is all about getting the nuts and bolts of your plan in order. Your budget, schedule, and guest list are important factors here. Don’t forget to include less glamorous tasks like shipping and transportation services too, if needed. 

Venue details

Unless you have an existing relationship with a venue, it takes time to land the right location for your event. Keep track of vendor research, RFPs, and quotes until you find a winning venue that’s both on budget and available for your event. 

The vendors you’ll work with will depend on your event type and scale. Common event vendors include caterers/food and beverage, photographers, and florists. You may want to track the entire process—from research to deposit—in your checklist, and note any follow-ups you’ll need to do to ensure everything’s good to go when event day rolls around. 

Furniture and decor

Some venues build furniture and decor into the packages they offer. That makes things easy! But you’ll still want to track the time it takes to choose and order these items. If onsite rentals aren’t an option, set up tasks for renting or procuring items like tables and chairs, linens, and specialty lighting.  

Presenters and entertainment

This is the main attraction that draws guests in! Whether you’re planning for a sales meeting or a talent show, you’ll need to make sure everything is booked and the proper equipment is ready to go. Consider things like A/V services, presenter and/or entertainment schedules, and music (even if it’s just going to be in the background).

Marketing and promotion

What’s the point of an event if no one attends? How you promote your event can make or break turnout, which is often the key indicator of success. Emails, social media, and PR will help you get the word out on the front end. You may also want to distinguish your event with event-specific branding and materials. 

Check out our event marketing & promotion template for a more detailed promo plan.

Registration

Capturing attendee information is critical for finalizing headcount, managing onsite check in, and following up with thank yous, pictures, and/or sales calls after the event. So be sure you have a solid system in place to make registration and follow-up seamless—whether you build your own process or use tools like Eventbrite or Facebook for your event. 

Event schedule

You’ve got a lot of to-dos to keep up with on the big day. Creating an event day checklist helps you keep calm and focus on the most important things. Jot down a list of day-of tasks and reminders, like clients or stakeholders you need to check in with, vendors you need to meet onsite, or items you need to pick up. If any tasks need to happen at a specific time in the event schedule, be sure to make note of that in your plan. 

You can extend a positive experience to your guests even after the event dust settles. Send thank you notes or emails to attendees, settle outstanding payments with vendors, and take time to reflect on what went well and what you can improve for the next event you plan. 

Free event planning templates

We know it’s not easy to build such a detailed event checklist from scratch, so we created 3 free event planning templates to help you coordinate and manage events at any scale. 

Many events follow a similar blueprint, so templatizing your process will help save you a lot of time when you’re planning future events. Just make a copy of your plan, and adjust it to fit your current event.

Use these templates to plan organizational events—such as client meetings, off-site retreats, seminars, or product launches. Or adapt them to charity functions, holiday parties, and more. 

Choose your template based on your need for team collaboration and the level of detail you want to build into your event plan. 

Excel event planning checklist template

Our event planning Excel template is a great starting place to get your plan in order so you can manage and track important tasks and milestones. It features the core activities outlined above and can be used by event planners in any industry.

A couple of quick formatting notes:

• Milestones are listed in the Task Description column with bold and italicized text so it’s easy to spot important project checkpoints. 
• The Progress and Resource Assigned columns feature drop-down lists to speed up data entry. You can edit the options for each drop-down on separate worksheets in the event planning checklist template. 

Automated formulas have also been applied to the following columns for each main task group row:

• Progress : Calculates the average % complete for the task group
• Start date : Pulls in the start date of the first task in the task group
• End date : Pulls in the end date of the last task in the task group
• Estimated hours : Calculates the total sum for the task group
• Actual hours : Calculates the total sum for the task group

Use this spreadsheet to stay on top of all the little details and to-dos. Just keep in mind that it works best for simple events that don’t require complex coordination or cross-functional collaboration.

Download our free event planning template for Excel.

Online event planning checklist for team collaboration

This online event planning checklist is a highly detailed plan that walks you through every step involved in planning and executing a successful event. Use it to schedule out all the nitty-gritty tasks you need to complete before, during, and after your event. That way you can feel confident you’re on track and in control of your event. 

Here are a few signs this event planning checklist is right for you: 

• You’re managing—or primarily responsible for—an event that relies on a team of people to get the work done.
• You need a single place to keep track of all your event documents, communication, and to-dos.
• You’re planning a complex or custom event and need to be able to break large tasks down into smaller components.

TeamGantt’s free checklist template brings event management online so your whole team can collaborate on work together. Build and adjust event plans in minutes with drag and drop scheduling, and switch from gantt chart to task list, Kanban board, or calendar views in a single click.

Using TeamGantt for event project management makes it easy to track progress once work begins and communicate changes to coordinators, marketers, designers, and vendors.

Try TeamGantt's event planning checklist template for free.

Simple event plan template for high-level tracking

If you’re looking for a high-level event plan you can use to map and track key activities, our online event plan template is a great place to start. This template enables you to establish a general timeline for major tasks that need to be accomplished.

Having your event plan laid out in a simple timeline form makes it easy to:

• Keep event stakeholders informed about project status with high-level updates that are easy to digest 
• Streamline communication among your event’s key players so you don’t have to wade through a bunch of different email threads to know what’s coming up next or where your project stands

Use this online template to create a big-picture event plan so everyone knows what needs to happen when and can track progress easily. It’s flexible enough to adapt to any event planning process and can help you start knocking out that to-do list faster.

This template may be particularly helpful if you already have a set of internal documents you use for planning events and simply want a high-level timeline of the process and key deadlines. The bonus is, you can attach or link any internal documents (e.g., budget, event proposals) to your plan to keep everything organized in one place. 

Try TeamGantt's event plan template for free.

Event plan examples and best practices

Your event management plan is your roadmap to a successful event. Here are some practical examples of how you can use TeamGantt’s different features and views to plan and manage events more easily.

Build and track your big-picture event plan in Gantt view

Just because your event plan acts as a checklist doesn’t mean you can’t see how tasks stack up over time. Using a gantt chart to plan your event gives you the best of both worlds: a detailed task list and a visual project timeline.

Group activities by type or phase, and set the expected duration for each task you need to accomplish. That way your team and stakeholders have a clear picture of what’s happening when so you can ensure your event plan stays on track.

Rearrange timelines easily with drag and drop scheduling 

Plans change, but you shouldn’t have to spend hours making and communicating schedule updates. In TeamGantt, adjusting your timeline is as simple as dragging and dropping tasks into their new rightful place. If anyone’s assigned to a task that gets moved, they’ll automatically get notified of the change.

Ask your team to update progress along the way

This saves you from having to constantly chase down updates. Encourage team members to make updating the percent complete a daily habit so everyone always has a current picture of how much work’s been done. Tasks that are 100% complete can be officially checked off your team’s to-do list!

Add dependencies to connect related event tasks

Sometimes one task needs to happen before the next can begin (like hiring a caterer before deciding on a menu). Dependencies ensure tasks always happen in the right order, even if you move things around. 

Use task checklists to break event to-dos down even further

Want to get granular with tasks without cluttering up your gantt chart? Task checklists enable you to account for the tiniest to-do and make sure it gets crossed off your list. This is a great way to capture all your event-day tasks and mark them as complete as you go. 

Store team conversations and event files directly in your plan

With TeamGantt, your important files and conversations can live in a single place. Attach documents such as quotes, proposals, budget spreadsheets, vendor contact info, and more! Use comments to communicate updates and collaborate with team members on all the hard work that goes into an event. 

Review the status of your event plan in meetings with List view

At TeamGantt, we’re a little biased toward gantt charts—but we know they’re not for everyone. That’s where our List view comes in handy. Viewing your project as a simple list may be helpful for status meetings with your team, boss, or other stakeholders.

Identify potential project bottlenecks in Calendar view

Calendar view enables you to turn your event checklist into a calendar in one click. That makes it easy to see what’s coming down the pike and evaluate how tasks are stacking up on any particular day, week, or month. Use this view to get ahead of task conflicts before they put you in a time crunch.

Manage your daily event to-do list in My Tasks view

This simple view makes it clear to see what you need to work on each day. It pulls in all the tasks you’re assigned to across projects, which can be super-helpful if you’re running multiple events. No more digging through emails or Excel spreadsheets to plan your daily to-do list!

Create a free & flexible plan for your event!

Ready to start planning your next event? Use our event plan template or event planning checklist in TeamGantt, and save time on project setup!

Customizing the template is quick and easy, thanks to TeamGantt’s drag and drop simplicity. And since everything’s online, your whole team can collaborate on activities in real time.

Sign up for a free TeamGantt account today to plan your next event faster!

30 day money back guarantee

11 Best Excel Checklist Template Sites (2024) [FREE]

1. introduction, 1.1 importance of excel checklist template site.

If you’re frequently working on projects, be it personal, academic, or professional, you know that staying organized is key to timely delivery and a high-quality output. One tool that can greatly aid in maintaining optimum productivity is an Excel Checklist. These are ideal for standardizing repetitive processes, ensuring all critical steps are adhered to, managing complex projects, and effectively tracking progress. The right Excel Checklist template can save you time, simplify complex tasks, increase efficiency, and minimize human error.

A plethora of Excel Checklist Template Sites are available online, offering varied options depending on users’ distinct needs such as task management, event planning, project management, among others. This underscores the growing importance of these platforms in today’s digital era where increased productivity and time-efficiency are determining factors for success.

1.2 Objectives of this Comparison

With a multitude of service providers offering different features, choosing the most suitable Excel Checklist Template Site can become a daunting task. This article aims to alleviate such challenges by providing an objective comparison review of leading Excel Checklist Template Sites.

Each site will be evaluated on its unique features, including available templates, ease of use, customization options, and potential drawbacks. This comparison aims to provide a comprehensive overview to help users identify the service that best fits their needs, whether it be for business operations, project tracking, event planning, or daily task management.

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2. Vertex42 Free Checklist Templates

Vertex42, a recognized provider of a wide range of spreadsheet templates, offers a comprehensive variety of free Excel Checklist Templates. The available templates range from basic list formats to more advanced options that include formatted categories, priority sections, and progress tracking. Vertex42 utilizes the flexibility of Excel, allowing for simplicity in design, ease of use, and customization to fit different user’s needs.

• Rich Variety: Vertex42 provides a diverse collection of templates, covering numerous themes and purposes, offering suitable options for various project types.
• Customizability: The provided templates are fully editable, allowing users to modify aspects like color schemes, fonts, and more to meet their specific requirements.
• User-friendly: The design of the templates is simple and the site is easy to navigate, making it accessible to users of varying digital proficiency levels.
• Limited Design: While the simplicity of Vertex42’s design is an advantage for usability, some users might find it less visually appealing compared to other sites offering more modern and colorful templates.
• Lack of guidance: Vertex42 does not offer as much instructional support or examples as some of the other providers, which might make it a less straightforward choice for first-time Excel users.

3. Smartsheet Free Task List and Checklist Templates

Smartsheet is known for offering an extensive range of versatile, free Excel task list and checklist templates. Catering to various purposes, their templates facilitate projects and operations management, making it an ideal choice for business, academic, and personal use. Smartsheet’s templates feature advanced functionalities, such as task prioritization and progress indicators, enhancing your tracking and management capability.

• Robust Selection: Smartsheet provides an extensive library of diverse templates, suitable for a range of distinct tasks and styles.
• Advanced Features: Smartsheet templates come with additional features such as timeline creators and automatic reminder setups to aid task management.
• Integration Capabilities: Smartsheet templates can be easily integrated with other tools, enabling a seamless workflow.
• Complexity: The advanced features provided by Smartsheet can sometimes make the site less intuitive for beginners or non-tech-savvy users.
• Sign-Up Requirement: To access the templates, users are required to sign up on the Smartsheet platform, which could be perceived as an inconvenience by some users.

4. Microsoft Lists

Officiated by Microsoft, Microsoft Lists offers an array of list and checklist templates specifically designed for compatibility with Microsoft Excel. These readily available templates are expansive, extending from daily task lists to complex project checklists. Microsoft Lists integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft Office applications, which enables smoother workflows and transitions, chiefly for users who regularly use these applications.

• Integration: By being a Microsoft product, Lists ties in smoothly with other Microsoft applications like Excel, Word, and Teams for efficient workflow.
• Functionality: Microsoft Lists offers efficient functionality including sharing and co-authoring capabilities, a strong selling point for team-based projects.
• Diversity: The service provides an extensive range of templates to choose from, catering to a variety of tasks and project types.
• Subscription Required: To access and make full use of Microsoft Lists, an Office 365 subscription is required, which might discourage potential users.
• Usability: Due to the broad possibilities of customization and integration, complete newcomers might find the service somewhat overwhelming and challenging to navigate.

5. TrumpExcel Excel To Do List Template

TrumpExcel is an online platform esteemed for its comprehensive Excel tutorials and free templates. It offers a free ‘To Do List’ template that is suitable for tracking both simple tasks and comprehensive projects. Users can sequentially order tasks, set priority levels, mark status, and indicate completion levels, delivered in a clean and straightforward Excel spreadsheet format.

• Simplicity: The To Do List template is designed to be simple and easy to use, making it a great choice for beginners or those who prefer a minimalist approach.
• Tutorial Support: TrumpExcel provides accompanying online tutorials, making it easier for users to understand how to utilize their templates effectively.
• Free to Use: The template is available for free download without any need for subscription or signing up.
• Limited Variety: The site primarily offers a single ‘To Do List’ template which might lack variety and flexibility for more complex projects or users seeking a different design or layout.
• No Extras: The template lacks advanced features like automatic reminders, collaboration tools, or integration options.

6. Spreadsheet 123 List, Checklists and Log Templates

Spreadsheet 123 is an online platform that specializes in providing a variety of Excel templates. The checklist and log templates section offers a variety of templates, ranging from simple to-do lists to more complex log tracking documents. The templates at Spreadsheet 123 are segmented into different categories, thereby making it simpler for users to locate suitable ones for their specific tasks.

• Range of Templates: Spreadsheet 123 offers a large variety of checklist and log templates, catering to a wide range of needs such as event planning, cleaning schedules, and even health-related templates.
• Use-Specific Categories: The templates are neatly categorized based on use, enhancing usability and accessibility for first-time visitors or less tech-savvy users.
• Free and Paid Options: The site offers both free and paid versions, providing flexibility for users depending on their needs and budgets.
• Design: Some of the templates may seem outdated in design due to the platform’s traditional approach to Excel templating.
• Limited Customization: Users may find limited scope for customization in some templates, which could be a disadvantage for users seeking high levels of personalization.

7. Template.net Task And Checklist Template

Template.net is a consolidated template platform offering a broad spectrum of templates including, but not limited to, Excel-based task and checklist templates. These templates feature professional designs and are suitable for various projects, ranging from business operations to personal task management. Each template is ready-to-use, and with a few adjustments, can cater to a wide array of tasks and use-cases.

• Professional Designs: Template.net features quality templates with professional aesthetics, making it suitable for businesses and formal use.
• Versatility: The platform covers a wide range of template options for various tasks, events, and functions, providing versatility for users.
• Additional Resources: Alongside checklist templates, Template.net offers complementary template types like project timelines or gantt charts , facilitating comprehensive project management.
• Subscription for Premium Content: While the site does offer free templates, the more specialized content and features come at an additional cost, requiring a subscription.
• Interface: The website may initially overwhelm new visitors due to the volume of templates and categories.

8. TeamGantt Excel Task Checklist Template

TeamGantt is an online platform known for its project management solutions. Their Excel Task Checklist Template is a free and simple document that helps users to keep track of project tasks. The template features designated columns for task names, categories, start and end dates, and task duration, aiding in a comprehensive view of each project phase.

• Integration with TeamGantt Software: The template integrates seamlessly with TeamGantt’s online Gantt chart software, providing advanced features like task dependencies and progress tracking.
• Easy to Use: The template is designed to be basic and user-friendly, suited even for beginners or those not very well-versed with Excel.
• Free Availability: The checklist template is available for free, making it accessible for a range of users and budgets.
• Limited Features: The template does not come with advanced functionalities found in some platforms, such as automated reminders or progress percentage calculations.
• One Design: TeamGantt provides just one design of checklist template which may limit customization for users looking for different styles or formats.

9. Clockify Free To-Do List Templates

Clockify, a renowned time tracking software, provides free dynamic To-Do List Templates to help users manage tasks effectively. The templates are designed to offer a structured and organized view of tasks including columns for task priority, status, deadlines, and assignees. This creates an efficient means to keep up with both individual and team workloads and deadlines.

• Time Tracking Integration: As a time tracking tool, Clockify’s templates are optimized for time-tracking and provide unique time-related fields in their task lists.
• Team Collaboration: The templates are designed with team collaboration in mind, with the ability to assign tasks and status updates.
• Free to Use: The templates are readily available for use at no cost without necessity for subscription.
• Limited Customization: The structure of Clockify’s templates is quite fixed and does not offer much customization for users who might need more flexibility in their task lists.
• Design Aesthetics: The design of the templates is rather basic, users seeking a more visually appealing or modern template might find Clockify’s offerings lacking.

10. HubSpot Project Checklist Template for Excel, PDF

HubSpot, a leading CRM platform, provides both Excel and PDF versions of a Project Checklist Template as part of its business templates collection. HubSpot’s comprehensive template is detailed and thoroughly planned, aiding in planning, organizing, and tracking tasks for any kind of project or event.

• Detail Oriented: HubSpot’s templates are designed to capture every minor detail of your project, ensuring a thorough approach in task tracking.
• Excel and PDF Options: The availability of both Excel and PDF checklist templates allows for flexibility in how users choose to utilize them.
• Complementary Resources: HubSpot offers a range of other business templates and advice on task management, making it a handy resource for users.
• Rigidity: The level of detail and specificity in HubSpot’s task list might make it inflexible for users who want simple or customizable task lists.
• Sign-Up Required: Accessing the template requires users to fill out a form with contact information, which might be a deterrent for some users.

11. 101 Planners Checklist Template Word And Excel

101 Planners is an online planning and organization tool that offers numerous templates including Word and Excel checklist templates. The platform is geared towards personal and lifestyle planning and their templates reflect this focus. Templates on offer range from daily to-do lists and habit trackers to wedding planning lists, essentially catering to personal planning needs.

• Targeted at Personal Planning: 101 Planners is one of the few platforms with templates specifically designed for personal and lifestyle planning, making it a unique offering in this comparison.
• Diverse Templates: The website hosts a wide variety of templates catering to different tasks and events, enhancing user choice.
• Usability: The templates are simple and straightforward, making them user-friendly and ideal for beginners or individuals looking for fuss-free solutions.
• Limited Business Focus: As the platform primarily caters to personal planning, it may lack the complex project management features needed by businesses or larger projects.
• Download Process: Each template needs to be downloaded individually, which could become time-consuming if multiple templates are required.

12. TemplateLab To Do List & Checklist Templates

TemplateLab is known for its vast collection of various templates and forms, and this includes an extensive collection of To Do List and Checklist Templates. These templates cater to numerous needs, with designs for daily, weekly, and monthly task lists. They also feature event-specific checklists for endeavors like event planning, project management and more.

• Wide Assortment: TemplateLab’s range spans across different categories, providing a large selection of templates catering to varied usage needs.
• Free Access: All templates provided by TemplateLab are free to download and use without any need for subscription.
• Status Marking: The templates include unique features like status marking and priority indicators, that enhance tracking and organization capabilities.
• Non-flexible Format: The checklist templates are often available only in PDF format, which may limit customization potential.
• Design Aesthetics: The site hosts many basic designs for their templates, and users looking for modern, visually appealing designs might not find them adequate.

13. Summary

13.1 overall comparison table, 13.2 recommended template site based on various needs.

Each of the template providers analyzed above serve different use cases and user needs. For those requiring straightforward and basic templates, TrumpExcel and TeamGantt would suffice. Clockify is a solid choice for time-tracking needs, while HubSpot is commendable for detailed project management tracking. For personal and lifestyle planning, 101 Planners excels, and TemplateLab offers a wide assortment of free templates. Businesses and those needing professional-grade options would do well with Template.net and Smartsheet. Finally, Microsoft Lists and Vertex42 are recommended for those ingrained in the Microsoft ecosystem and preferring straight-forward Excel templates.

14. Conclusion

14.1 final thoughts and takeaways for choosing an excel checklist template site.

Excel Checklist Templates are incredibly useful tools to elevate productivity by organizing and sub-setting tasks efficiently. The choice of the right template site largely depends on the user’s specific requirements, technical expertise level, and their comfort with varying levels of customization.

Platforms touched upon in this analysis each have unique merits, hence, users are encouraged to explore them based on their individual needs. Whether you are a project manager needing advanced task tracking or a homemaker scheduling daily chores, there’s a template out there to make the task easier. Bear in mind, no single platform is universally the best. Rather, the best platform for you is one that meets your specific needs effectively and efficiently. Hence, invest time in trying a few out and understanding your own needs better – It can greatly optimize your productivity and organization in the long run.

Author Introduction:

Vera Chen is a data recovery expert in DataNumen, which provides a wide range of products, including a powerful Access fix tool.

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ISO 22301 Business Continuity Simplified: Fortify Your Business Against Disruption

By Andy Marker | June 22, 2020 (updated September 15, 2022)

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In this article, you’ll find expert tips and implementation guides, and you'll learn how ISO 22301 can buffer your business against disasters. 

Included on this page, you’ll find an International Standards Organization (ISO) 22301 audit checklist template , a simplified ISO 22301 cheat-sheet , and an ISO 22301 self-assessment checklist , as well as examples of ISO 22301 in action and an ISO 22301 quick-start guide .

What Is ISO 22301?

ISO 22301 is a global standard for business continuity planning requirements to help organizations protect themselves against disruptions. The most current version is 22301:2019, Security and resilience - Business continuity management systems - Requirements.

The requirements in ISO 22301 address disruptive incidents that can be natural or human-made, widespread or local, intentional or unintentional, such as a snowstorm, a broken water main, an epidemic, a data breach, or a phishing attack. Large or small, for- and nonprofit organizations alike can use ISO 22301.

The Business Manager’s Quick-Start Guide to ISO 22301

The ISO 22301 standard can provide benefits for your business continuity planning, even if your organization chooses not to pursue certification, or the review process that confirms your business continuity system meets all ISO 22301 requirements. 

"Certification is nice, but not required,” says Mart Rovers of InterProm. “First, seek compliance. That way, you know that your business continuity management practices are in better shape." You can start to create a solid business continuity plan with just a few simple steps, which you can also download as this ISO 22301 Quick-Start Guide .

• Check If You Already Have Continuity Plans: Find out if your organization already has business continuity plans. Search through your document management system and ask management or long-time employees. Organizations sometimes create and quickly forget about resources, or store responses locally in an informal system.  As Andrew Nichols of the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center suggests, if your organization already implements other ISO standards, such as ISO 9001 or ISO 27000, you can leverage some of the common requirement elements for your 22301 plan.
• Identify Missing Components: Conduct a gap analysis of existing policies and processes to see what business continuity resources you need. According to Mart Rovers, one way to conduct a self-assessment is to copy into a spreadsheet each phrase of the ISO 22301 standard that contains the word "shall." Then, determine gaps between your company and the standard. "Use the standard as your guide to establishing a coherent set of practices to address business continuity management for your organization," says Rovers. You can also use Smartsheet's ISO 22301 Self-Assessment Checklist and ISO 22301 Simplified Cheatsheet for your gap analysis.
• Keep It Simple: Having binders full of perfectly formatted procedures won’t help in an emergency. Create easy-to-follow guidelines and checklists and, more importantly, build "muscle memory" in your employees through training and drills. That way, in a panic, people understand what to do without having to be told.
• Make Your Plan a Living Document: Ticking off items on an audit checklist doesn't mean you’re prepared. Frequently read, revise, and practice your plan to keep it relevant and to train new staff.

• Communicate Your Plan to Staff and Other Stakeholders: Even the most well-written plan is useless if the people who can benefit from it don't know about it. Inform everyone covered by the plan that it exists, including your supply chain and other outside stakeholders.

ISO 22301 Requirements

The ISO 22301 standard offers a framework for planning, testing, and monitoring a business continuity management system (BCMS). The ISO 22301 document contains 10 sections, which introduce the standard and definitions, as well as actionable requirements of the standard. 

As with other ISO requirement documents, ISO 22301 describes only what organizations must do to reach minimum proficiency — it does not prescribe how to achieve these standards. Each organization must consider its distinct conditions and obligations to find the best way to follow the requirements.

Here is an overview of the clauses in ISO 22301 that impact an organization most: 

• Clause 4, Context: Your organization must understand what it is, what it does, and what outputs and processes it must sustain. You must also determine who has a stake in the continuity of your operations — in other words, the interested parties. For example, customers have a stake in your organization continuing to function.
• Clause 5, Leadership: Few organizational initiatives thrive without the sustained support and championship of top management. Management must commit to a business continuity plan and make available any resources — human, financial, or otherwise — to ensure its success. 
• Clause 6, Planning: To plan for sustainability, you must understand what disruptions could potentially occur and how these incidents affect the business — in other words, potential risks and their impact. Set measurable business continuity objectives to guarantee the minimum viable products or services, as well as compliance with any legal or regulatory requirements. 
• Clause 7, Support: No program can advance without resources and support. Decide what personnel, roles, and teams you need for threat response and how you can best enhance their effectiveness. Create internal and external communication procedures for reference, and communicate the continuity plan to all necessary parties before and during a crisis. Establish a document management system for key continuity documents, such as procedures.
• Clause 8, Operation: Conduct your risk assessment and business impact analysis , and plan your disruption recovery approach. Implement the recovery plan with detailed procedures, and test it regularly to verify that it works. Make sure people can find the procedures (and other documents) they need, and revise your plan as necessary.
• Clause 9, Evaluation: Establish a process to regularly measure and assess your continuity policies and procedures and their execution. Review and revise your plan and documents to ensure they are effective and relevant
• Clause 10, Improvement: Seek continual improvement in all functional and operational areas, including through periodic management reviews. Improvements in day-to-day activities help bolster the organization in times of disruption. When processes veer from the standard or fail to conform with ISO and quality management standards, implement corrective action.

Key Definitions Related to ISO 22301

Some of the following key terms and concepts originate with ISO, some with ISO 22301, and some with business continuity and risk management:

• Context: The purpose and character of the organization and the environment in which it operates. This includes internal and external influences that shape the business continuity management system.
• Disruptive Incident: A disruptive incident is an event that stops or slows the everyday work of an organization. Examples of disruptive incidents include earthquakes, internet stoppages, broken fans in a data center, or food poisoning in a cafeteria. 
• Interested Parties: Interested parties are stakeholders in the successful operation and outcomes of your business continuity plan. They can include customers, employees, suppliers, or regulatory officials.
• Leadership: In ISO 22301, leadership refers to top management or the person or people who run the organization and champion the business continuity effort. 
• Maximum Acceptable Outage (MAO): The length of time an activity or process can be unavailable or ineffective before the health and survival of the organization are threatened. 
• Minimum Business Continuity Objective (MBCO) : The lowest level of products or services that is acceptable for a business to offer during a disruption.
• Recovery Timeframe Objectives (RTO): This refers to the prioritization of key activities and the timing that makes those activities operational.

Benefits of ISO 22301 and Business Continuity Management System

If teams are already overwhelmed with their workload, they may not like to think about disasters. Furthermore, organizations might think that ISO standards include difficult jargon and that pursuing a continuity plan adds unnecessary work. However, management systems practitioners suggest that continuity preparations produce substantial gains.

“I think it's a truism that many organizations can benefit from the principles and some of the practices of resiliency and contingency planning,” says Andrew Nichols, Quality Program Manager at the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center .

As an example of the benefits that risk analysis and preparation can yield, Nichols relates his experience of visiting a small northeastern town during a widespread winter power outage. The whole town was closed, with the exception of one restaurant that had a generator. 

“They had a line of people out the door every mealtime because nowhere else was capable,” Nichols remembers. “Somebody had the foresight to think about the loss of power. And that organization cleaned up financially because they were able to provide what the customers needed.” 

Consider these specific benefits to using ISO 22301 business continuity planning:

• Protect against and recover from disruptive incidents.
• Identify and control current and future threats.
• Improve your risk management planning efforts.
• Prevent large-scale damage.
• Become proactive in preventing problems and recovering from incidents, rather than reactive to damage and disruption.
• Reduce downtime and increase recovery time.
• Keep important activities running during disruption.
• Deliver quality products consistently. 
• Provide dependable service. 
• Prove you’re a reputable supplier.
• Prove your resilience to all stakeholders.

Experts also assert that ISO 22301 can be a simple and effective continuity tool. “All these ISO standards, they’re like hidden gems because of how fast they can get you up to speed without having to reinvent the wheel,” says Mart Rovers, President of IT consulting firm InterProm . 

“I cannot emphasize enough how within reach this standard is. Anytime people hear the word ‘ISO,’ they think, ‘Oh, that's for large organizations. Oh, that's way too formal. It's too much. It's overkill.’ I understand where this is coming from because the word ‘standard’ itself is scary for many organizations. However, the size of organization really doesn't matter. The things you should be doing in ISO 22301, you can do at a smaller scale,” says Rovers. 

Some also hesitate at the thought of certification. Both Nichols and Rovers stress that certification is not necessary for every enterprise. Although certification may be a condition of doing business for some companies, those who don’t need certification can still gain advantages from following ISO 22301. 

In weighing the pros and cons of ISO certification, Rovers suggests buying a copy of ISO 22301 , and then copying and pasting each sentence that contains the word “shall” into a spreadsheet (these sentences represent the requirements you must follow). From the spreadsheet, consider whether full ISO adoption and certification are too complicated for your organization. Regardless of your decision, you can always use the spreadsheet to conduct a self-audit.

ISO 22301 in Action

The following image provides a small sample of the possible outcomes to business continuity management.

How a Management System Helps Business Continuity

For those familiar with other ISO standards, the management system component of ISO 22301 might be a new concept. Rovers describes management systems as follows: 

“The best way to explain a management system is to imagine opening up an old watch. It has these spinning wheels, these gears. In the case of an ISO standard, you're looking at a number of requirements to put that watch together with all these spinning wheels. That watch is a coherent system. You take out one of those gears, and then the watch fails. 

“A management system for continuity follows the same idea — every requirement that the standard asks for represents one of those gears. And every requirement serves a distinct purpose (otherwise, it would not be a requirement). If you don't meet a particular requirement, the watch, so to speak, may not function as it could or should. These ISO requirements are not just there to keep you busy.”

ISO 22301 and PDCA

Each segment of the PDCA (plan-do-check-act) cycle for continuous improvement corresponds to at least one ISO 22301 clause. Organizations can use ISO 22301 to test continuity procedures, review outcomes, and implement updates or fix problems in a continuous cycle that leads to an increasingly resilient business continuity system.

ISO 22301 and Maturity Models

A maturity model measures an organization’s ability to pursue continuous improvement in key areas. ISO 22301 does not have a maturity model.

As Rovers explains, “It was never the intent of ISO 22301 to be a maturity model. You either meet all the requirements of the standard, or you don’t. You could say that by not meeting the requirements of the standard, you’re not mature. Or better said, your business continuity management practices are not mature.”

BCM Lifecycle ISO 22301

The business continuity management (BCM) lifecycle represents industry best practices and some of the core requirements of ISO 22301. These practices offer a solid foundation for resilience, while offering flexibility to adapt to changes in the organization. 

Guided by leadership, these are the key activities for the lifecycle:

• Conduct a business impact analysis and risk assessment.
• Establish a business continuity strategy.
• Establish and implement business continuity procedures.
• Exercise and test the procedures regularly before a disruption occurs.

ISO 22301 Audit Checklist Template (Excel)

Use this detailed checklist to determine if your business continuity plan aligns with ISO 22301 standards. You can use the template whether you’re applying for certification or simply pursuing a continuity management plan. 

Download ISO 22301 Audit Checklist Template

Excel  | Smartsheet

ISO 22301 Self-Assessment Checklist

This self-assessment checklist is divided into sections that correspond to clauses in ISO 22301. Use it to confirm whether your business continuity system meets the requirements for leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation, and continual improvement.

Download ISO 22301 Self-Assessment Checklist Template

Excel | Word |  PDF

ISO 22301 Implementation Guide

This guide states the essential information from ISO 22301 in plain English. For best results, read it with the full standard, which is currently available for free online to support the COVID-19 response. 

Download ISO 22301 Implementation Guide Template

Excel | Word | PDF

ISO 22301 Simplified Cheat-Sheet

Use this simplified cheat-sheet to understand the basic elements of creating a business continuity plan. The template walks you through the process of determining critical aspects of your organization, writing the recovery plan, and exercising the plan to ensure proficiency. 

Download ISO 22301 Simplified Cheat-Sheet Template

ISO 22301 Business Continuity Policy Template

A business continuity policy describes the processes and procedures an organization needs in order to function well daily, including in times of disruption and crisis. This policy template includes space for BCMS objectives, a leadership description, a policy outline, and any certification details.

Download ISO 22301 Business Continuity Policy Template

ISO 22301 Business Continuity Template

Use this template to create a business continuity plan. Describe the results of your risk analysis and business impact analysis, detail your disaster recovery and continuity procedures, and list key contacts and important assets. 

Download ISO 22301 Business Continuity Template

Word |  PDF

ISO 22301 Business Continuity Sample

The Community Nonprofit Center of New York made available this business continuity template to support the response to coronavirus. Find space to detail responses to minimal and critical emergencies, a risk matrix template, and lists for information about insurance, critical assets, and responses to disruptive events.

For other most useful free, downloadable business continuity plan (BCP) templates please read our  "Free Business Continuity Plan Templates"  article.

Disaster Recovery Plan Templates

After you perform a risk analysis and business impact analysis, consider writing a disaster recovery plan. Disaster recovery plan templates , available in different formats, provide an easy-to-use structure for documenting continuity plans. Download templates specialized for IT, payroll, small businesses, and more.

To learn about the difference between recovery plans and continuity plans, visit our "Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery: Their Differences and How They Work Together" article.

ISO 22301 Versus ISO 27301

ISO 27301 provides requirements that organizations use to ensure their information and communications technology (ICT) continuity, security, and readiness to survive a disruption. The standard is often staged with ISO 22301 because both are based on similar management system approaches.

The full name of this standard is ISO 27301 - Information Technology - Security Techniques . Originally published in 2011, it is soon to be revised.

“Both [ISO 27301 and ISO 22301] ask for top management involvement and commitment, both ask that you have the right resources, that you have documentation management, that you do performance evaluations, and that you make improvements,” explains Rovers. 

They differ in the focus of the risk assessment: ISO 27001 addresses security, whereas ISO 22301 addresses business continuity. “Each area has different risks, but the approach to the risk management assessment and mitigation follows the same steps. There's enormous overlap.”

IT security continuity has significant relevance in the remote work environment. For example, while using your work laptop at home or signed into the work network, what happens when someone innocently plugs in a thumb drive that infects your laptop and corrupts the network? Both ISO 22301 and ISO 27001 work together to prevent such incidents and mitigate problems that occur.

For additional resources, visit " Free ISO 27001 Checklists and Templates ."

General Requirements Across Management System Standards

Some ISO requirements are commonly stated across the management system standards, which include ISO 22301; ISO 9001 , Quality Management; ISO 20000, IT Service Management; and ISO 27001, Information Security. Examples of common requirements include establishing objectives for the business continuity management system as appropriate to the organization, obtaining management’s commitment to supporting the system, implementing a documentation management system, conducting internal audits, and pursuing continual improvement. This functional overlap enables organizations to undertake combined audits for these standards.

Historical Foundations of ISO 22301

The concept of business continuity was borne out of the IT boom of the 1980s and 1990s. Public and private organizations realized the need to ensure continuity of service and key supplies and to mitigate the effects of disruptive events. The first formal standard reflecting these concerns was the United Kingdom’s British Standard (also known as BS) 25999, which introduced the management system concept to the business continuity discipline. 

In 2012, the global standards body ISO released ISO 22301:2012 as the first international standard for business continuity. Based on the contributions and comments of continuity professionals from assorted industries in over 60 countries, ISO 22301 superseded BS 25999. 

ISO’s consensus-based standards, such as 22301, cover practices and industries ranging from quality management, IT service, and food safety to environmental safety and information security. ISO standards aim to increase the quality and safety of many products and services, including most common household items, appliances, and cars. Although large enterprises and manufacturers usually follow ISO requirements and guidelines, organizations of all sizes and types can benefit from ISO principles. 

For ISO 22301, the standard provides a consistent BCMS framework and a universal language among organizations for communicating about continuity and aligning processes.

When they get certified in ISO 22301 and other ISO standards, organizations can demonstrate to management, legislators, regulators, customers, and other stakeholders that they follow good practices. For ISO certification, organizations need third-party verification that they comply with all requirements of a standard. 

“Certification shows you have some level of competence,” explains Rovers. “It shows you take the standard seriously. For organizations buying your goods or services, it can be a compelling reason to choose you.”

Guidance Documents for ISO 22301

For in-depth discussions of aspects of the 22301 standard, ISO offers a series of guidance documents. To those considering pursuing ISO 22301 certification, these documents provide additional insight:

• ISO 22313 - Security and resilience — Business continuity management systems — Guidance on the use of ISO 22301
• ISO 22316 - Security and resilience — Organizational resilience — Principles and attributes
• ISO 22317 - Societal security — Business continuity management systems — Guidelines for business impact analysis (BIA)
• ISO 22318 - Societal security — Business continuity management systems — Guidelines for supply chain continuity
• ISO 22330 - Security and resilience — Business continuity management systems — Guidelines for people aspects of business continuity
• ISO 22331 - Security and resilience — Business continuity management systems — Guidelines for business continuity strategy

What Is the Latest Version of ISO 22301?

The requirement document ISO 22301:2019, Security and resilience - Business continuity management systems - Requirements , was released on October 31, 2019. The update from the original 2012 version reflects changes in management system approaches and clarifies specifications around clause 8.

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