format of business plan example

Simple Business Plan Templates

By Joe Weller | April 2, 2020

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In this article, we’ve compiled a variety of simple business plan templates, all of which are free to download in PDF, Word, and Excel formats.

On this page, you’ll find a one-page business plan template , a simple business plan for startups , a small-business plan template , a business plan outline , and more. We also include a business plan sample and the main components of a business plan to help get you started.

Simple Business Plan Template

Download Simple Business Plan Template

This simple business plan template lays out each element of a traditional business plan to assist you as you build your own, and it provides space to add financing information for startups seeking funding. You can use and customize this simple business plan template to fit the needs for organizations of any size.

One-Page Business Plan Template

Download One-Page Business Plan Template

Excel | Word | PDF  | Smartsheet

Use this one-page business plan to document your key ideas in an organized manner. The template can help you create a high-level view of your business plan, and it provides easy scannability for stakeholders. You can use this one-page plan as a reference to build a more detailed blueprint for your business. 

For additional single page plans, take a look at " One-Page Business Plan Templates with a Quick How-To Guide ."

Simple Fill-in-the-Blank Business Plan Template

Download Simple Fill-in-the-Blank Business Plan Template

Use this fill-in-the-blank business plan template to guide you as you build your business plan. Each section comes pre-filled with sample content, with space to add customized verbiage relevant to your product or service.

For additional free, downloadable resources, visit " Free Fill-In-the-Blank Business Plan Templates ."

Simple Business Plan for Startup

‌ Download Startup Business Plan Template — Word

This business plan template is designed with a startup business in mind and contains the essential elements needed to convey key product or service details to investors and stakeholders. Keep all your information organized with this template, which provides space to include an executive summary, a company overview, competitive analysis, a marketing strategy, financial data, and more. For additional resources, visit " Free Startup Business Plan Templates and Examples ."

Simple Small-Business Plan Template

Download Simple Small-Business Plan Template

This template walks you through each component of a small-business plan, including the company background, the introduction of the management team, market analysis, product or service offerings, a financial plan, and more. This template also comes with a built-in table of contents to keep your plan in order, and it can be customized to fit your requirements.

Lean Business Plan Template

Download Lean Business Plan Template

This lean business plan template is a stripped-down version of a traditional business plan that provides only the most essential aspects. Briefly outline your company and industry overview, along with the problem you are solving, as well as your unique value proposition, target market, and key performance metrics. There is also room to list out a timeline of key activities.

Simple Business Plan Outline Template

Download Simple Business Plan Outline Template

Word  | PDF

Use this simple business plan outline as a basis to create your own business plan. This template contains 11 sections, including a title page and a table of contents, which details what each section should cover in a traditional business plan. Simplify or expand this outline to create the foundation for a business plan that fits your business needs.

Simple Business Planning Template with Timeline

Download Simple Business Planning Template with Timeline

Excel | Smartsheet

This template doubles as a project plan and timeline to track progress as you develop your business plan. This business planning template enables you to break down your work into phases and provides room to add key tasks and dates for each activity. Easily fill in the cells according to the start and end dates to create a visual timeline, as well as to ensure your plan stays on track.

Simple Business Plan Rubric Template

Download Simple Business Plan Rubric

Excel | Word | PDF | Smartsheet

Once you complete your business plan, use this business plan rubric template to assess and score each component of your plan. This rubric helps you identify elements of your plan that meet or exceed requirements and pinpoint areas where you need to improve or further elaborate. This template is an invaluable tool to ensure your business plan clearly defines your goals, objectives, and plan of action in order to gain buy-in from potential investors, stakeholders, and partners.

Basic Business Plan Sample

Download Basic Business Plan Sample

This business plan sample serves as an example of a basic business plan that contains all the traditional components. The sample provides a model of what a business plan might look like for a fictional food truck business. Reference this sample as you develop your own business plan.

For additional resources to help support your business planning efforts, check out “ Free Strategic Planning Templates .”

Main Components of a Business Plan

The elements you include in your business plan will depend on your product or service offerings, as well as the size and needs of your business. 

Below are the components of a standard business plan and details you should include in each section:

• Company name and contact information
• Website address
• The name of the company or individual viewing the presentation
• Table of Contents
• Company background and purpose
• Mission and vision statement
• Management team introduction
• Core product and service offerings
• Target customers and segments
• Marketing plan
• Competitive analysis
• Unique value proposition
• Financial plan (and requirements, if applicable)
• Business and industry overview
• Historical timeline of your business
• Offerings and the problem they solve
• Current alternatives
• Competitive advantage
• Market size
• Target market segment(s)
• Projected volume and value of sales compared to competitors
• Differentiation from competitors
• Pricing strategy
• Marketing channels
• Promotional plan
• Distribution methods
• Legal structure of your business
• Names of founders, owners, advisors, etc.
• Management team’s roles, relevant experience, and compensation plan
• Staffing requirements and training plans
• Physical location(s) of your business
• Additional physical requirements (e.g., warehouse, specialized equipment, facilities, etc.)
• Production workflow
• Raw materials and sourcing methods
• Projected income statement
• Projected cash flow statement
• Projected balance sheet
• Break-even analysis
• Charts and graphs
• Market research and competitive analysis
• Information about your industry
• Information about your offerings
• Samples of marketing materials
• Other supporting materials

Tips for Creating a Business Plan

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed at the thought of putting together a business plan. Below, you’ll find top tips to help simplify the process as you develop your own plan. 

• Use a business plan template (you can choose from the variety above), or refer to the previous section to create a standard outline for your plan.
• Modify your outline to reflect the requirements of your specific business. If you use a standard business plan outline, remove sections that aren’t relevant to you or aren’t necessary to run your business.
• Gather all the information you currently have about your business first, and then use that information to fill out each section in your plan outline.
• Use your resources and conduct additional research to fill in the remaining gaps. (Note: It isn’t necessary to fill out your plan in order, but the executive summary needs to be completed last, as it summarizes the key points in your plan.)
• Ensure your plan clearly communicates the relationship between your marketing, sales, and financial objectives.
• Provide details in your plan that illustrate your strategic plan of action, looking forward three to five years.
• Revisit your plan regularly as strategies and objectives evolve.
• What product or service are we offering?
• Who is the product or service for?
• What problem does our product or service offering solve?
• How will we get the product or service to our target customers?
• Why is our product or service better than the alternatives?
• How can we outperform our competitors?
• What is our unique value proposition?
• When will things get done, and who is responsible for doing them?
• If you need to obtain funding, how will you use the funding?
• When are payments due, and when do payments come in?
• What is the ultimate purpose of your business?
• When do you expect to be profitable?

To identify which type of business plan you should write, and for more helpful tips, take a look at our guide to writing a simple business plan .

Benefits of Using a Business Plan Template

Creating a business plan can be very time-consuming, especially if you aren’t sure where to begin. Finding the right template for your business needs can be beneficial for a variety of reasons. 

Using a business plan template — instead of creating your plan from scratch — can benefit you in the following ways:

• Enables you to immediately write down your thoughts and ideas in an organized manner
• Provides structure to help outline your plan
• Saves time and valuable resources
• Helps ensure you don’t miss essential details

Limitations of a Business Plan Template

A business plan template can be convenient, but it has its drawbacks — especially if you use a template that doesn’t fit the specific needs of your business.

Below are some limitations of using a business plan template:

• Each business is unique and needs a business plan that reflects that. A template may not fit your needs.
• A template may restrict collaboration with other team members on different aspects of the plan’s development (sales, marketing, and accounting teams).
• Multiple files containing different versions of the plan may be stored in more than one place.
• You still have to manually create charts and graphs to add to the plan to support your strategy.
• Updates to the plan, spreadsheets, and supporting documents have to be made in multiple places (all documents may not update in real time as changes are made).

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Blog Business

15+ Business Plan Examples to Win Your Next Round of Funding

By Jennifer Gaskin , Jun 09, 2021

“If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail,” according to words of wisdom dubiously attributed to Benjamin Franklin. While there’s no solid evidence that Franklin actually coined this phrase, the sentiment rings true for any business.

Not having a solid plan makes it unlikely you’ll achieve the goals you seek, whether the goals are getting your to-do list done or launching a successful organization.

In the early stages of a company, that means developing things like pitch decks, business plans, one-sheeters and more. With Venngage’s Business Plan Builder , you can easily organize your business plan into a visually appealing format that can help you win over investors, lenders or partners.

Learn more about  how to create a business plan  so you can hit the ground running after reading through this list for inspirational examples of business plans.

START CREATING FOR FREE

Click to jump ahead:

Simple business plan example, startup business plan example, small business plan example, nonprofit business plan example, strategic business plan example, market analysis business plan example, sales business plan example, organization and management business plan example, marketing and sales strategy business plan example, apple business plan example, airbnb business plan example, sequoia capital business plan example.

While your business plan should be supported by thorough and exhaustive research into your market and competitors, the resulting document does not have to be overwhelming for the reader. In fact, if you can boil your business plan down to a few key pages, all the better.

CREATE THIS PLAN TEMPLATE

The simple, bold visual aesthetic of this  business plan template  pairs well with the straightforward approach to the content and various elements of the business plan itself.

Use Venngage’s My Brand Kit  to automatically add your brand colors and fonts to your business plan with just a few clicks.

Return to Table of Contents

An essential startup business plan should include a clear and compelling value proposition, market analysis, competitive analysis, target audience identification, financial projections, and a well-defined marketing and operational strategy.

For a typical startup, the need to appear disruptive in the industry is important. After all, if you’re not offering anything truly new, why would an investor turn their attention toward your organization. That means establishing a problem and the ways in which you solve it right away.

CREATE THIS PRESENTATION TEMPLATE

Whether it’s a full-scale business plan or, in this case, a pitch deck, the ideal way for a startup to make a splash with its plans is to be bold. This successful business plan example is memorable and aspirational.

In the Venngage editor, you can upload images of your business. Add these images to your plans and reports to make them uniquely your own.

All businesses start out small at first, but that doesn’t mean their communications have to be small. One of the best ways to get investors, lenders and talent on board is to show that you’ve done your due diligence.

In this small business plan example, the content is spread over many pages, which is useful in making lengthy, in-depth research feel less like a chore than packing everyone on as few pages as possible.

Organizations that set out to solve problems rather than earning profits also benefit from creating compelling business plans that stir an emotional response in potential donors, benefactors, potential staff members or even media.

CREATE THIS REPORT TEMPLATE

Simplicity is the goal for nonprofits when it comes to business plans, particularly in their early days. Explain the crisis at hand and exactly how your organization will make a difference, which will help donors visualize how their money will be used to help.

Business plans are also helpful for companies that have been around for a while. Whether they’re considering new products to launch or looking for new opportunities, companies can approach business plans from the strategy side of the equation as well.

Strategic business plans or strategy infographics should be highly focused on a single area or problem to be solved rather than taking a holistic approach to the entire business. Expanding scope too much can make a strategy seem too difficult to implement.

Easily share your business plan with Venngage’s multiple download options, including PNG, PNG HD, and as an interactive PDF.

One-page business plan example

For organizations with a simple business model, often a one-page business plan is all that’s needed. This is possible in any industry, but the most common are traditional ones like retail, where few complex concepts need to be explained.

This one-page strategic business plan example could be easily replicated for an organization that offers goods or services across multiple channels or one with three core business areas. It’s a good business plan example for companies whose plans can be easily boiled down to a few bullet points per area.

Especially when entering a saturated market, understanding the landscape and players is crucial to understanding how your organization can fit it—and stand out. That’s why centering your business plan around a market analysis is often a good idea.

In this example, the majority of the content and about half the pages are focused on the market analysis, including competitors, trends, pricing, demographics and more. This successful business plan example ensures the artwork and style used perfectly matches the company’s aesthetic, which further reinforces its position in the market.

You can find more memorable business plan templates to customize in the Venngage editor. Browse Venngage’s  business plan templates  to find plans that work for you and start editing.

Company description business plan example

Depending on the market, focusing on your company story and what makes you different can drive your narrative home with potential investors. By focusing your business plan on a company description, you center yourself and your organization in the minds of your audience.

This abbreviated plan is a good business plan example. It uses most of the content to tell the organization’s story. In addition to background about the company, potential investors or clients can see how this design firm’s process is different from their rivals.

With Venngage Business , you can collaborate with team members in real-time to create a business plan that will be effective when presenting to investors.

Five-year business plan example

For most startups or young companies, showing potential investors or partners exactly how and when the company will become profitable is a key aspect of presenting a business plan. Whether it’s woven into a larger presentation or stands alone, you should be sure to include your five-year business plan so investors know you’re looking far beyond the present.

CREATE THIS PROPOSAL TEMPLATE

With Venngage’s Business Plan Builder , you can customize a schedule like this to quickly illustrate for investors or partners what your revenue targets are for the first three to five years your company is in operation.

The lifeblood of any company is the sales team. These are the energetic folks who bring in new business, develop leads and turn prospects into customers. Focusing your energy on creating a sales business plan would prove to investors that you understand what will make your company money.

In this example sales business plan, several facets of ideal buyers are detailed. These include a perfect customer profile that helps to convey to your audience that customer relationships will be at the heart of your operation.

You can include business infographics in your plan to visualize your goals. And with Venngage’s gallery of images and icons, you can customize the template to better reflect your business ethos.

Company mergers and shakeups are also major reasons for organizations to require strong business planning. Creating new departments, deciding which staff to retain and charting a course forward can be even more complex than starting a business from scratch.

This organization and management business plan focuses on how the company can optimize operations through a few key organizational projects.

Executive summary for business plan example

Executive summaries give your business plan a strong human touch, and they set the tone for what’s to follow. That could mean having your executive leadership team write a personal note or singling out some huge achievements of which you’re particularly proud in a business plan infographic .

In this executive summary for a business plan, a brief note is accompanied by a few notable achievements that signal the organization and leadership team’s authority in the industry.

Marketing and sales are two sides of the same coin, and clever companies know how they play off each other. That’s why centering your business plan around your marketing and sales strategy can pay dividends when it comes time to find investors and potential partners.

This marketing and sales business plan example is the picture of a sleek, modern aesthetic, which is appropriate across many industries and will speak volumes to numbers-obsesses sales and marketing leaders.

Do business plans really help? Well, here’s some math for you; in 1981, Apple had just gone public and was in the midst of marketing an absolute flop , the Apple III computer.  The company’s market cap, or total estimated market value,  could hit $3 trillion this year.

Did this Apple business plan make the difference? No, it’s not possible to attribute the success of Apple entirely to this business plan from July 1981, but this ancient artifact goes to show that even the most groundbreaking companies need to take an honest stock of their situation.

Apple’s 1981 business plan example pdf covers everything from the market landscape for computing to the products that founder Steve Jobs expects to roll out over the next few years, and the advanced analysis contained in the document shows how strategic Jobs and other Apple executives were in those early days.

Inviting strangers to stay in your house for the weekend seemed like a crazy concept before Airbnb became one of the world’s biggest companies. Like all disruptive startups, Airbnb had to create a robust, active system from nothing.

As this Airbnb business plan pitch deck example shows, for companies that are introducing entirely new concepts, it’s helpful not to get too into the weeds. Explain the problem simply and boil down the essence of your solution into a few words; in this case, “A web platform where users can rent out their space” perfectly sums up this popular company.

Sequoia Capital is one of the most successful venture capital firms in the world, backing startups that now have a combined stock market value of more than $1 trillion, according to a Forbes analysis .

For young companies and startups that want to play in the big leagues, tailoring your pitch to something that would appeal to a company like Sequoia Capital is a good idea. That’s why the company has a standard business plan format it recommends .

Using Sequoia Capital’s business plan example means being simple and clear with your content, like the above deck. Note how no slide contains much copy, and even when all slides appear on the screen at once, the text is legible.

In summary: Use Venngage to design business plans that will impress investors

Not every business plan, pitch deck or one-sheeter will net you billions in investment dollars, but every entrepreneur should be adept at crafting impressive, authoritative and informative business plans.

Whether you use one of the inspirational templates shared here or you want to go old school and mimic Apple’s 1981 business plan, using Venngage’s Business Plan Builder helps you bring your company’s vision to life.

The 7 Best Business Plan Examples (2024)

As an aspiring entrepreneur gearing up to start your own business , you likely know the importance of drafting a business plan. However, you might not be entirely sure where to begin or what specific details to include. That’s where examining business plan examples can be beneficial. Sample business plans serve as real-world templates to help you craft your own plan with confidence. They also provide insight into the key sections that make up a business plan, as well as demonstrate how to structure and present your ideas effectively.

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Example business plan

To understand how to write a business plan, let’s study an example structured using a seven-part template. Here’s a quick overview of those parts:

• Executive summary: A quick overview of your business and the contents of your business plan.
• Company description: More info about your company, its goals and mission, and why you started it in the first place.
• Market analysis: Research about the market and industry your business will operate in, including a competitive analysis about the companies you’ll be up against.
• Products and services: A detailed description of what you’ll be selling to your customers.
• Marketing plan: A strategic outline of how you plan to market and promote your business before, during, and after your company launches into the market.
• Logistics and operations plan: An explanation of the systems, processes, and tools that are needed to run your business in the background.
• Financial plan: A map of your short-term (and even long-term) financial goals and the costs to run the business. If you’re looking for funding, this is the place to discuss your request and needs.

7 business plan examples (section by section)

In this section, you’ll find hypothetical and real-world examples of each aspect of a business plan to show you how the whole thing comes together. 

• Executive summary

Your executive summary offers a high-level overview of the rest of your business plan. You’ll want to include a brief description of your company, market research, competitor analysis, and financial information. 

In this free business plan template, the executive summary is three paragraphs and occupies nearly half the page:

• Company description

You might go more in-depth with your company description and include the following sections:

• Nature of the business. Mention the general category of business you fall under. Are you a manufacturer, wholesaler, or retailer of your products?
• Background information. Talk about your past experiences and skills, and how you’ve combined them to fill in the market. 
• Business structure. This section outlines how you registered your company —as a corporation, sole proprietorship, LLC, or other business type.
• Industry. Which business sector do you operate in? The answer might be technology, merchandising, or another industry.
• Team. Whether you’re the sole full-time employee of your business or you have contractors to support your daily workflow, this is your chance to put them under the spotlight.

You can also repurpose your company description elsewhere, like on your About page, Instagram page, or other properties that ask for a boilerplate description of your business. Hair extensions brand Luxy Hair has a blurb on it’s About page that could easily be repurposed as a company description for its business plan. 

• Market analysis

Market analysis comprises research on product supply and demand, your target market, the competitive landscape, and industry trends. You might do a SWOT analysis to learn where you stand and identify market gaps that you could exploit to establish your footing. Here’s an example of a SWOT analysis for a hypothetical ecommerce business: 

You’ll also want to run a competitive analysis as part of the market analysis component of your business plan. This will show you who you’re up against and give you ideas on how to gain an edge over the competition. 

• Products and services

This part of your business plan describes your product or service, how it will be priced, and the ways it will compete against similar offerings in the market. Don’t go into too much detail here—a few lines are enough to introduce your item to the reader.

• Marketing plan

Potential investors will want to know how you’ll get the word out about your business. So it’s essential to build a marketing plan that highlights the promotion and customer acquisition strategies you’re planning to adopt. 

Most marketing plans focus on the four Ps: product, price, place, and promotion. However, it’s easier when you break it down by the different marketing channels . Mention how you intend to promote your business using blogs, email, social media, and word-of-mouth marketing. 

Here’s an example of a hypothetical marketing plan for a real estate website:

Logistics and operations

This section of your business plan provides information about your production, facilities, equipment, shipping and fulfillment, and inventory.

Financial plan

The financial plan (a.k.a. financial statement) offers a breakdown of your sales, revenue, expenses, profit, and other financial metrics. You’ll want to include all the numbers and concrete data to project your current and projected financial state.

In this business plan example, the financial statement for ecommerce brand Nature’s Candy includes forecasted revenue, expenses, and net profit in graphs.

It then goes deeper into the financials, citing:

• Funding needs
• Project cash-flow statement
• Project profit-and-loss statement
• Projected balance sheet

You can use Shopify’s financial plan template to create your own income statement, cash-flow statement, and balance sheet. 

Types of business plans (and what to write for each)

A one-page business plan is a pared down version of a standard business plan that’s easy for potential investors and partners to understand. You’ll want to include all of these sections, but make sure they’re abbreviated and summarized:

• Logistics and operations plan
• Financials 

A startup business plan is meant to secure outside funding for a new business. Typically, there’s a big focus on the financials, as well as other sections that help determine the viability of your business idea—market analysis, for example. Shopify has a great business plan template for startups that include all the below points:

• Market research: in depth
• Financials: in depth

Internal 

Your internal business plan acts as the enforcer of your company’s vision. It reminds your team of the long-term objective and keeps them strategically aligned toward the same goal. Be sure to include:

• Market research

Feasibility 

A feasibility business plan is essentially a feasibility study that helps you evaluate whether your product or idea is worthy of a full business plan. Include the following sections:

A strategic (or growth) business plan lays out your long-term vision and goals. This means your predictions stretch further into the future, and you aim for greater growth and revenue. While crafting this document, you use all the parts of a usual business plan but add more to each one:

• Products and services: for launch and expansion
• Market analysis: detailed analysis
• Marketing plan: detailed strategy
• Logistics and operations plan: detailed plan
• Financials: detailed projections

Free business plan templates

Now that you’re familiar with what’s included and how to format a business plan, let’s go over a few templates you can fill out or draw inspiration from.

Bplans’ free business plan template

Bplans’ free business plan template focuses a lot on the financial side of running a business. It has many pages just for your financial plan and statements. Once you fill it out, you’ll see exactly where your business stands financially and what you need to do to keep it on track or make it better.

PandaDoc’s free business plan template

PandaDoc’s free business plan template is detailed and guides you through every section, so you don’t have to figure everything out on your own. Filling it out, you’ll grasp the ins and outs of your business and how each part fits together. It’s also handy because it connects to PandaDoc’s e-signature for easy signing, ideal for businesses with partners or a board.

Miro’s Business Model Canvas Template

Miro’s Business Model Canvas Template helps you map out the essentials of your business, like partnerships, core activities, and what makes you different. It’s a collaborative tool for you and your team to learn how everything in your business is linked.

Better business planning equals better business outcomes

Building a business plan is key to establishing a clear direction and strategy for your venture. With a solid plan in hand, you’ll know what steps to take for achieving each of your business goals. Kickstart your business planning and set yourself up for success with a defined roadmap—utilizing the sample business plans above to inform your approach.

Business plan FAQ

What are the 3 main points of a business plan.

• Concept. Explain what your business does and the main idea behind it. This is where you tell people what you plan to achieve with your business.
• Contents. Explain what you’re selling or offering. Point out who you’re selling to and who else is selling something similar. This part concerns your products or services, who will buy them, and who you’re up against.
• Cash flow. Explain how money will move in and out of your business. Discuss the money you need to start and keep the business going, the costs of running your business, and how much money you expect to make.

How do I write a simple business plan?

To create a simple business plan, start with an executive summary that details your business vision and objectives. Follow this with a concise description of your company’s structure, your market analysis, and information about your products or services. Conclude your plan with financial projections that outline your expected revenue, expenses, and profitability.

What is the best format to write a business plan?

The optimal format for a business plan arranges your plan in a clear and structured way, helping potential investors get a quick grasp of what your business is about and what you aim to achieve. Always start with a summary of your plan and finish with the financial details or any extra information at the end.

Want to learn more?

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Home » Employer Resources » Startup Center » The Ultimate Guide to Creating Investor-Friendly Business Plans [Format Guide]

The Ultimate Guide to Creating Investor-Friendly Business Plans [Format Guide]

Are you an aspiring entrepreneur wondering what a business plan should look like and how to create one? A well-structured business plan is an essential part of any successful venture. But it may seem challenging to give shape to your business idea and not miss out on any important details.

In this blog, we’ll discuss the key elements of a business plan and provide you with a useful business plan format with sample statements to help you on your way.

Table of Contents

Business Plan: An Overview

A business plan is a detailed document that outlines the objectives, strategies, and tactics of a business. It is typically used to secure investments, financing, and other forms of support from stakeholders. The document should include information such as descriptions of the company, its products and services, its customers, its marketing and financial plans, and its operational plans. Having a business plan is crucial for any business. It can ensure that everything is taken into account and that the business is well-prepared to succeed.

Business Plan Format with Sample Templates

Writing a business proposal can be tricky. Whether it is a small or large business, there are a few key elements you should consider when discussing a business strategy to enhance your business plan. This section provides sample templates that can help you streamline your unique business proposal.

1. Give an Executive Summary

An executive summary in a business plan is a brief overview that outlines the major points of the plan. It should be concise and engaging so that it captures the attention of potential investors or lenders. The summary should be in paragraphs with comprehensible headings and points. To write an executive summary, you should briefly answer the following questions (not necessarily all):

• What is the mission of your business or your company/organization?
• How did the idea of business come up?
• Who has the highest leadership?
• Which industry does the business belong to?
• What is going to be the employee base?
• What are the business’s products and services?
• What are the competitive advantages of the business in the already existing market/industry?
• What marketing strategy will be used?
• How many different operational teams are going to form?
• What is going to be the location?
• Who are the stakeholders?
• How will you fund the business?
• How much money is required to set up the business?
• What are its future financial targets?

Here is an example of an executive summary of an organic food product start-up.

“[Company Name] is a start-up business venture that specializes in the production and distribution of organic health food products. It was founded by two entrepreneurs who have 10 years of combined experience in the health food industry. The company is located in a major metropolitan area.

Our goal is to become the top provider of organic health food products in our market. We plan to do this by providing high-quality products and services and excellent customer service. We have identified some key competitive advantages that will help us succeed, including our experienced management team, our strong network of suppliers, and our commitment to innovation.”

2. Talk About the Business’s Key Products and Services

In this section, talk about the key products and services that your business plans to offer, along with their value proposition. Here, the term value proposition means why a person will care to buy your product or service. It also uncovers unexplored and potentially marketable opportunities.

Here’s a business proposal example that includes details of key products and services for an organic healthy food product start-up:

“Our business offers organic foods that are healthier and more sustainable. Our value proposition is that our customers can enjoy healthy, farm-fresh foods while feeling good about contributing to the environment. We strive to offer a wide range of products, from organic produce to organic sauces, fruit bars, and snacks.

As dietary habits have evolved, there are a significant number of people who prefer or require gluten-free products due to their health issues. We strive to produce gluten-tolerance-tested, authentic, and trustworthy gluten-free products with delivery and online ordering to make purchasing easier for our customers.”

3. Insight on Competitive Market Analysis

Business planners need to possess comprehensive knowledge of their target industry and market. Having great business analysis skills can help a business planner get a clear understanding of how to compete effectively and gain a foothold in the market. This section should cover the following information:

• Market Size: Describe the size of the industry, the expected growth rate, and the potential earnings it offers.
• Target Audience: Who are the perfect customers for your business? Include details like their age, where they live, and their preferences.
• Competitors: Write about your key competitors’ strengths and weaknesses and how you plan to counter them.
• USP (Unique Selling Point): Cite what distinguishes your product or service from the competition. What’s your marketing plan to set yourself apart from the competition?
• Price and Profit: Share what pricing scheme your business will follow and the estimated profit margin.
• Rules and Regulations: Specify any special rules or laws you must follow in your industry.

An example to describe the market analysis in the business proposal template for an organic healthy food product’s start-up will be like this:

“The health food industry in India is rapidly expanding, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20% and an expected CAGR of 16% by 2026, equivalent to $30 billion. This growth is attributed to the increasing number of health-conscious individuals, who are expected to grow from 100 million to 176 million by 2026. Healthy snacking categories like cookies, fruit snacks, snack bars, and trail mixes are expected to experience significant growth.

Our products and services stand out due to our commitment to quality and reasonable prices. Our experienced management team, strong supplier network, and innovation are key competitive advantages. We aim to market our products to health-conscious consumers seeking organic alternatives to conventional foods, aiming to become the leading organic food supplier.”

4. Target Audience Selection

A business’s success is incomplete without fostering and developing its customer base. “You must know your customers and the customers must know you” – this should be the motto for your business.

After in-depth research on target customers, you can form the right marketing and sales strategies. The best way to identify customers is to understand their problems and needs. Simply put, your business’s products and services must solve their problems and fulfill their wants. Here’s an example to share about the target audience selection for an organic, healthy food product start-up:

“Our target audience is adults aged 18-40 who are health-conscious and interested in organic options. We will focus our marketing and sales efforts on this demographic, as they are likely to be more open to trying new products and more likely to embrace organic alternatives. Our goal is to become the leading organic food supplier for this demographic.”

5. Structure of the Company’s Management and Team

This section of the business plan template will discuss the teams and departments that will make the business run. Briefly outline the roles and responsibilities of a position and create a job posting to hire the right employee.

Here is one way to briefly mention your company’s management team structure:

We will have a CEO, COO, CFO, and other executive positions to manage the company’s operations. Several teams will be involved in running the business, including a customer service team, administration, human resources, sales and marketing team, finance team, operations team, and product development team. Each team would have its own set of roles and responsibilities.”

6. Marketing and Promotional Strategies

This is one of the most crucial parts of your business plan. The right marketing and promotional plans help spread the word about your product or service, increase overall brand awareness, capture market share, and thereby, increase the customer base, sales, and profits. Here is a brief overview of marketing and promotional strategies in your business proposal:

“Our marketing strategy is centered around a multi-faceted approach to engaging with our customers. We will create interesting and relevant content for social media platforms, optimize our website for search engines, collaborate with influencers, run targeted online ads, and send out email campaigns.

Our promotional efforts will include limited-time discounts, loyalty programs, and exclusive events to connect with our customers on a personal level. We plan to expand our outreach through partnerships with complementary businesses and attending industry events. To measure the effectiveness of our strategies, we will leverage analytics tools and gather customer feedback to make necessary adjustments. Our ultimate aim is to build trust and credibility in our brand.”

7. Details of Developing Sales Funnel

The growth strategy of a business depends heavily on its sales funnel strategy. This is because successful sales will lead to revenue growth and business expansion. An example to mention about the sales funnel in the business plan model is:

“Our sales funnel is designed to help our business generate more leads and close more sales. We will start by optimizing our online presence to increase visibility and attract potential customers. From there, we will create content and campaigns to nurture leads and build valuable customer relationships. We will then use analytics and other data-driven tactics to identify qualified prospects and target them with effective messaging and emails. Finally, we plan to use automated tools to manage the sales process from start to finish.”

8. Lay Out Your Financial Plan and Budget

This point of your business proposal will include details of the budget, balance sheet, revenue generation, cost reduction strategies, and other expenses. It should talk about the costs required to cover all business operations, management, and estimated future revenue projections. Here is a template of a business budget.

9. Add Appendix to Provide Additional Details

The appendix to a business proposal template includes extra documents that give more information about the proposal. You can put in any part that needs evidence, facts, or reports. Normally, the appendix can have these documents:

• Market research with charts and data from other sources.
• Licenses, contracts, certificates, or patent papers.
• Maps and plans for expanding the business facility.
• Contact details for team members, board members, and current investors.
• Reports and statements from quality-check experts.
• Financial documents like the balance sheet and the company’s account statements.

Every business needs a one-of-a-kind business plan format. It should contain all the necessary information and documents to give the reader, investors, and stakeholders a comprehensive overview of the proposed business. By taking the time to structure and create a detailed business plan, entrepreneurs, business planners, and analysts can create a clear and concise guide to help them achieve their goals. Executing a successful business plan, therefore, requires skilled professionals. If you are interested in the field of business management and helping businesses make valuable decisions, then look for work from home accounts jobs to contribute.

Have you ever drafted a business plan? Tell us in the comments below!

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Sandipta Banerjee has completed her Master's in English Literature and Language. She has been working in the field of editing and writing for the past five years. She started her writing journey at a very young age with her poems which have now evolved into a poetry blog. She was working as Editorial Head in a US-based publishing house before joining Internshala.

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Didn't find what you are looking for.

The answer is simple.

It’s an informal business plan that can convince you that your idea makes sense to the outside world because you are investing your time, money, and everything into that idea.

To write a business plan, maybe you think you don’t need a step-by-step guide or a sample business plan . After all, some entrepreneurs achieved success without writing a business plan. With great timing, past business experiences, entrepreneurial ambitions, and a little luck, some entrepreneurs build successful businesses without even writing an informal business plan.

But the odds are greater than those entrepreneurs fail.

And that’s why writing a business plan will help you succeed .

The easiest way to simplify the work of writing a business plan is to start with sample business plans.

What is business plan sample?

Why you should refer a business plan example, who should use business plan examples, how to use sample business plans.

What is Business Plan Sample?

That’s why we created business plan examples to help you get started.

Use our 400+ business plan examples written for all industries and write your business plan in half of the time with twice the impact.

• Guidance on what to include in each section.  If you’ve never attended business school, you might never have created a  SWOT analysis   or a balance sheet before. Business templates that give guidance — in plain language — about what to include and how to fill in each section and create a complete and effective plan.
• A business plan is vital to get an investment.  If you’re seeking investment for your business, you’ll need to convince banks and investors why they should invest in your business . Lenders and investors will only risk their time and money if they’re certain that your business will be successful and profitable and they will get a great return on their investment.
• A business plan can help you prioritize.  A complete, well-balanced business plan is one of the most valuable tools in assisting you to reach your long-term goals. It gives your business direction, defines your goals, outlines out strategies to reach your goals, and helps you to manage possible bumps in the way.

Who should use Business Plan Examples?

Well Everyone, who wants to write a business plan should use these sample business plans. These plans apply to almost all industries.

We have created a library of professional sample business plans from a wide variety of industries to help you start writing your business plan with minimum effort.

Use our Upmetrics — business plan software that offers step by step guide to start writing your business plan , especially if you’re writing an informal business plan to get a bank loan or outside investment.

Our extensive sample business plans library includes  business plan templates  and  business plan examples  for almost all business industries.

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

How to use Business Plan Examples to write your own?

Having real-life and industry-specific business plan examples by your side can be incredibly resourceful to help you write a business plan from scratch. 

A well-planned structure helps you outline your plan, while content inspiration helps you set the tone for your business document. 

Let’s dive deep and understand how to use these examples effectively to write your business plan.

1. Use examples as a guide

2. understanding the structure.

Traditional business plans generally follow a similar structure. 

It starts with an executive summary followed by a company description, market analysis, product and services, sales and marketing strategies, operational plan, management team, financial plan, and appendix.

Using an example business plan is the best way to understand the structure and outline your plan. 

3. Gaining Inspiration

Reading industry-specific business plan examples can help you gain inspiration for your plan. You can gain insights on presenting your business idea, vision, mission, and values and persuade investors to invest in your idea.

4. Learning Industry-Specific Language

There’s no universal template for business planning that fits all. An industry-specific template can help you learn and understand the business language for your industry and the best way to communicate your message to your investors.

5. Identifying Key Elements

Reading business plan examples of similar businesses can help you identify the key elements and information to include in your plan. You can keep note of these and ensure everything necessary for investors to consider is present in your final draft.

6. Crafting Financial Projections

A financial plan is a critical component of your business plan, and a good business plan example can help you better understand how they project their financials which can be incredibly helpful while forecasting yours.

7. Refining Your Executive Summary

As mentioned earlier, your executive summary is a key factor influencing potential investors and lenders to invest or lend you money. Analyzing free business plan templates can help you optimize your executive summary to make it more brief, persuasive, and attention-grabbing.

8. Realizing What Works and What Doesn’t

Analyzing industry-specific and real-life examples can help you determine what works best and what doesn’t within your industry. Understanding these factors can help you avoid many significant pitfalls.

While business plan examples can be incredibly helpful in writing a plan from scratch, ensure your plan is customized for your business and sends out a unique message. Your business plan must reflect its unique idea, vision, and target market.

Using your Business Plan as a Management Tool

It’s essential to have a business plan, but it’s also crucial to keep it up to date as your business progresses. A business plan is not merely a document that you write once and forget after you get started. It’s a business road map and vision that you should develop as your business progresses and evolves. It’s also important to update your business plan regularly as your business situation and position change.

How Business Plan Software can help you?

We have created Upmetrics — business plan software to simplify the process of business planning.

Our financial forecasting module will create all the essential reports automatically. You just need to enter numbers and the application will do all the math to generate your financial reports. Later you can embed those reports into your business plan.

After completing your business plan, you can download your business plan in PDF or DOC file using Upmetrics. Also, you can share it online with investors or with other important people just by a quick link.

Ready to take the next step?

Now that you have a business idea and you know how to write a business plan, it’s time to go for it . Our business plan software will take you through each step outlined above in more detail so there are no surprises on your journey.

Simplifying Business Planning through AI-Powered Insights.

Founder, CEO & Lead Scientist at Nanolyse Technologies

After trying Upmetrics, I wish to highly recommend this app to anyone who needs to write a business plan flexibly and to a high standard.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is sample business plan, how do i write a business plan.

In business plan writing you will need to write the following sections into your business plan. These sections include an Executive Summary, Company Overview, Problem Analysis, The Solution, Market Analysis, Customer Analysis, Competitive Analysis, SWOT Analysis, Marketing Plan, Operations Plan, and Financial Plan.

Check out our article to learn how you can write these sections in detail for your business plan.

How long should my business plan be?

The length of your business plan depends on the type of plan you choose. There are one-page business plans that offer easy and practical planning. Then you have traditional business plans that usually vary from 20 to 50 pages. It’s worth noting that the quality of your business plan matters more than its length.

Should I hire someone to write my business plan for me?

Absolutely No, You as a business owner know all about your business idea, your business goals, target market and audience, and what you want to achieve by writing your plan. Don’t hire someone who doesn’t know what your readers will want, the reason is that, if you intend to raise funds, you are the best person that understands what investors will look out for in your business plan.

Consultants or  business plan writers  definitely can write a business plan but not better than you.

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Popular Templates

19 Best Sample Business Plans & Examples to Help You Write Your Own

Published: August 21, 2023

Free Business Plan Template

The essential document for starting a business -- custom built for your needs.

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Reading sample business plans is essential when you’re writing your own. As you explore business plan examples from real companies and brands, you’ll learn how to write one that gets your business off on the right foot, convinces investors to provide funding, and confirms your venture is sustainable for the long term.

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But what does a business plan look like? And how do you write one that is viable and convincing? Let's review the ideal business plan formally, then take a look at business plan templates and samples you can use to inspire your own.

Business Plan Format

Ask any successful sports coach how they win so many games, and they’ll tell you they have a unique plan for every single game. The same logic applies to business. If you want to build a thriving company that can pull ahead of the competition, you need to prepare for battle before breaking into a market.

Business plans guide you along the rocky journey of growing a company. Referencing one will keep you on the path toward success. And if your business plan is compelling enough, it can also convince investors to give you funding.

With so much at stake, you might be wondering, "Where do I start? How should I format this?"

Typically, a business plan is a document that will detail how a company will achieve its goals.

• Outline your idea.
• Pitch to investors.
• Secure funding.
• Get to work!

You're all set!

Click this link to access this resource at any time.

Fill out the form to get your free template.

Most business plans include the following sections:

1. Executive Summary

The executive summary is arguably the most important section of the entire business plan. Essentially, it's the overview or introduction, written in a way to grab readers' attention and guide them through the rest of the business plan. This is important, because a business plan can be dozens or hundreds of pages long.

Most executive summaries include:

• Mission statement
• Company history and leadership
• Competitive advantage overview
• Financial projections
• Company goals

Keep in mind you'll cover many of these topics in more detail later on in the business plan. So, keep the executive summary clear and brief, including only the most important takeaways.

Executive Summary Business Plan Examples

This example was created with HubSpot’s business plan template:

And the executive summary below tells potential investors a short story that covers all the most important details this business plan will cover in a succinct and interesting way.

Image Source

Tips for Writing Your Executive Summary

• Clearly define a problem, and explain how your product solves that problem, and show why the market needs your business.
• Be sure to highlight your value proposition, market opportunity, and growth potential.
• Keep it concise and support ideas with data.
• Customize your summary to your audience. For example, emphasize finances and return on investment for venture capitalists.

Check out our tips for writing an effective executive summary for more guidance.

2. Market Opportunity

This is where you'll detail the opportunity in the market. Where is the gap in the current industry, and how will your product fill that gap?

In this section, you might include:

• The size of the market
• Current or potential market share
• Trends in the industry and consumer behavior
• Where the gap is
• What caused the gap
• How you intend to fill it

To get a thorough understanding of the market opportunity, you'll want to conduct a TAM, SAM, and SOM analysis and perform market research on your industry. You may also benefit from creating a SWOT analysis to get some of the insights for this section.

Market Opportunity Business Plan Example

This example uses critical data to underline the size of the potential market and what part of that market this service hopes to capture.

Tips for Writing Your Market Opportunity Section

• Focus on demand and potential for growth.
• Use market research, surveys, and industry trend data to support your market forecast and projections.
• Add a review of regulation shifts, tech advances, and consumer behavior changes.
• Refer to reliable sources.
• Showcase how your business can make the most of this opportunity.

3. Competitive Landscape

Speaking of market share, you'll need to create a section that shares details on who the top competitors are. After all, your customers likely have more than one brand to choose from, and you'll want to understand exactly why they might choose one over another. Performing a competitive analysis can help you uncover:

• Industry trends that other brands may not be utilizing
• Strengths in your competition that may be obstacles to handle
• Weaknesses in your competition that may help you develop selling points
• The unique proposition you bring to the market that may resonate with customers

Competitive Landscape Business Plan Example

The competitive landscape section of the business plan below shows a clear outline of who the top competitors are. It also highlights specific industry knowledge and the importance of location, which shows useful experience in this specific industry. This can help build trust in your ability to execute your business plan.

Tips for Writing Your Competitive Landscape

• Complete in-depth research, then emphasize your most important findings.
• Compare your unique selling proposition (USP) to your direct and indirect competitors.
• Show a clear and realistic plan for product and brand differentiation.
• Look for specific advantages and barriers in the competitive landscape. Then, highlight how that information could impact your business.
• Outline growth opportunities from a competitive perspective.
• Add customer feedback and insights to support your competitive analysis.

4. Target Audience

This section will describe who your customer segments are in detail. What is the demographic and psychographic information of your audience?

If your immediate answer is "everyone," you'll need to dig deeper. Ask yourself:

• What demographics will most likely need/buy your product or service?
• What are the psychographics of this audience? (Desires, triggering events, etc.)
• Why are your offerings valuable to them?

It can be helpful to build a buyer persona to get in the mindset of your ideal customers and be clear on why you're targeting them.

Target Audience Business Plan Example

The example below uses in-depth research to draw conclusions about audience priorities. It also analyzes how to create the right content for this audience.

Tips for Writing Your Target Audience Section

• Include details on the size and growth potential of your target audience.
• Figure out and refine the pain points for your target audience , then show why your product is a useful solution.
• Describe your targeted customer acquisition strategy in detail.
• Share anticipated challenges your business may face in acquiring customers and how you plan to address them.
• Add case studies, testimonials, and other data to support your target audience ideas.
• Remember to consider niche audiences and segments of your target audience in your business plan.

5. Marketing Strategy

Here, you'll discuss how you'll acquire new customers with your marketing strategy. You might consider including information on:

• The brand positioning vision and how you'll cultivate it
• The goal targets you aim to achieve
• The metrics you'll use to measure success
• The channels and distribution tactics you'll use

It can help to already have a marketing plan built out to help you with this part of your business plan.

Marketing Strategy Business Plan Example

This business plan example includes the marketing strategy for the town of Gawler. It offers a comprehensive picture of how it plans to use digital marketing to promote the community.

Tips for Writing Your Marketing Strategy

• Include a section about how you believe your brand vision will appeal to customers.
• Add the budget and resources you'll need to put your plan in place.
• Outline strategies for specific marketing segments.
• Connect strategies to earlier sections like target audience and competitive analysis.
• Review how your marketing strategy will scale with the growth of your business.
• Cover a range of channels and tactics to highlight your ability to adapt your plan in the face of change.

6. Key Features and Benefits

At some point in your business plan, you'll review the key features and benefits of your products and/or services. Laying these out can give readers an idea of how you're positioning yourself in the market and the messaging you're likely to use . It can even help them gain better insight into your business model.

Key Features and Benefits Business Plan Example

The example below outlines products and services for this business, along with why these qualities will attract the audience.

Tips for Writing Your Key Features and Benefits

• Emphasize why and how your product or service offers value to customers.
• Use metrics and testimonials to support the ideas in this section.
• Talk about how your products and services have the potential to scale.
• Think about including a product roadmap.
• Focus on customer needs, and how the features and benefits you are sharing meet those needs.
• Offer proof of concept for your ideas, like case studies or pilot program feedback.
• Proofread this section carefully, and remove any jargon or complex language.

7. Pricing and Revenue

This is where you'll discuss your cost structure and various revenue streams. Your pricing strategy must be solid enough to turn a profit while staying competitive in the industry. For this reason, you might outline:

• The specific pricing breakdowns per product or service
• Why your pricing is higher or lower than your competition's
• (If higher) Why customers would be willing to pay more
• (If lower) How you're able to offer your products or services at a lower cost
• When you expect to break even, what margins do you expect, etc?

Pricing and Revenue Business Plan Example

This business plan example begins with an overview of the business revenue model, then shows proposed pricing for key products.

Tips for Writing Your Pricing and Revenue Section

• Get specific about your pricing strategy. Specifically, how you connect that strategy to customer needs and product value.
• If you are asking a premium price, share unique features or innovations that justify that price point.
• Show how you plan to communicate pricing to customers.
• Create an overview of every revenue stream for your business and how each stream adds to your business model as a whole.
• Share plans to develop new revenue streams in the future.
• Show how and whether pricing will vary by customer segment and how pricing aligns with marketing strategies.
• Restate your value proposition and explain how it aligns with your revenue model.

8. Financials

This section is particularly informative for investors and leadership teams to figure out funding strategies, investment opportunities, and more. According to Forbes , you'll want to include three main things:

• Profit/Loss Statement - This answers the question of whether your business is currently profitable.
• Cash Flow Statement - This details exactly how much cash is incoming and outgoing to give insight into how much cash a business has on hand.
• Balance Sheet - This outlines assets, liabilities, and equity, which gives insight into how much a business is worth.

While some business plans might include more or less information, these are the key details you'll want to include.

Financials Business Plan Example

This balance sheet example shows the level of detail you will need to include in the financials section of your business plan:

Tips for Writing Your Financials Section

• Growth potential is important in this section too. Using your data, create a forecast of financial performance in the next three to five years.
• Include any data that supports your projections to assure investors of the credibility of your proposal.
• Add a break-even analysis to show that your business plan is financially practical. This information can also help you pivot quickly as your business grows.
• Consider adding a section that reviews potential risks and how sensitive your plan is to changes in the market.
• Triple-check all financial information in your plan for accuracy.
• Show how any proposed funding needs align with your plans for growth.

As you create your business plan, keep in mind that each of these sections will be formatted differently. Some may be in paragraph format, while others could be charts or graphs.

Business Plan Types

The formats above apply to most types of business plans. That said, the format and structure of your plan will vary by your goals for that plan. So, we’ve added a quick review of different business plan types. For a more detailed overview, check out this post .

1. Startups

Startup business plans are for proposing new business ideas.

If you’re planning to start a small business, preparing a business plan is crucial. The plan should include all the major factors of your business. You can check out this guide for more detailed business plan inspiration .

2. Feasibility Studies

Feasibility business plans focus on that business's product or service. Feasibility plans are sometimes added to startup business plans. They can also be a new business plan for an already thriving organization.

3. Internal Use

You can use internal business plans to share goals, strategies, or performance updates with stakeholders. Internal business plans are useful for alignment and building support for ambitious goals.

4. Strategic Initiatives

Another business plan that's often for sharing internally is a strategic business plan. This plan covers long-term business objectives that might not have been included in the startup business plan.

5. Business Acquisition or Repositioning

When a business is moving forward with an acquisition or repositioning, it may need extra structure and support. These types of business plans expand on a company's acquisition or repositioning strategy.

Growth sometimes just happens as a business continues operations. But more often, a business needs to create a structure with specific targets to meet set goals for expansion. This business plan type can help a business focus on short-term growth goals and align resources with those goals.

Sample Business Plan Templates

Now that you know what's included and how to format a business plan, let's review some templates.

1. HubSpot's One-Page Business Plan

Download a free, editable one-page business plan template..

The business plan linked above was created here at HubSpot and is perfect for businesses of any size — no matter how many strategies we still have to develop.

Fields such as Company Description, Required Funding, and Implementation Timeline give this one-page business plan a framework for how to build your brand and what tasks to keep track of as you grow. Then, as the business matures, you can expand on your original business plan with a new iteration of the above document.

Why We Like It

This one-page business plan is a fantastic choice for the new business owner who doesn’t have the time or resources to draft a full-blown business plan. It includes all the essential sections in an accessible, bullet-point-friendly format. That way, you can get the broad strokes down before honing in on the details.

2. HubSpot's Downloadable Business Plan Template

We also created a business plan template for entrepreneurs.

The template is designed as a guide and checklist for starting your own business. You’ll learn what to include in each section of your business plan and how to do it. There’s also a list for you to check off when you finish each section of your business plan.

Strong game plans help coaches win games and help businesses rocket to the top of their industries. So if you dedicate the time and effort required to write a workable and convincing business plan, you’ll boost your chances of success and even dominance in your market.

This business plan kit is essential for the budding entrepreneur who needs a more extensive document to share with investors and other stakeholders. It not only includes sections for your executive summary, product line, market analysis, marketing plan, and sales plan, but it also offers hands-on guidance for filling out those sections.

3. LiveFlow’s Financial Planning Template with built-in automation

This free template from LiveFlow aims to make it easy for businesses to create a financial plan and track their progress on a monthly basis. The P&L Budget versus Actual format allows users to track their revenue, cost of sales, operating expenses, operating profit margin, net profit, and more.

The summary dashboard aggregates all of the data put into the financial plan sheet and will automatically update when changes are made. Instead of wasting hours manually importing your data to your spreadsheet, LiveFlow can also help you to automatically connect your accounting and banking data directly to your spreadsheet, so your numbers are always up-to-date.

With the dashboard, you can view your runway, cash balance, burn rate, gross margins, and other metrics. Having a simple way to track everything in one place will make it easier to complete the financials section of your business plan.

This is a fantastic template to track performance and alignment internally and to create a dependable process for documenting financial information across the business. It’s highly versatile and beginner-friendly. It’s especially useful if you don’t have an accountant on the team. (We always recommend you do, but for new businesses, having one might not be possible.)

4. ThoughtCo’s Sample Business Plan

One of the more financially oriented sample business plans in this list, BPlan’s free business plan template dedicates many of its pages to your business’s financial plan and financial statements.

After filling this business plan out, your company will truly understand its financial health and the steps you need to take to maintain or improve it.

We absolutely love this business plan template because of its ease-of-use and hands-on instructions (in addition to its finance-centric components). If you feel overwhelmed by the thought of writing an entire business plan, consider using this template to help you with the process.

6. Upmetrics’ Sample Business Plans

If you are looking for an industry-specific business plan template for your business, Upmetrics has a library of 400+ sample business plans has templates for almost every business type.

This template helps you create a detailed plan without missing out on any critical information. Simply download the sample plan, import it into your editor/doc, and follow the step-by-step instructions to write your plan.

This library of sample business plans is an excellent choice for small business owners with limited resources and no prior business or financial planning experience. The well-structured template has all the essential sections as well as step-by-step instructions to prepare a comprehensive business plan.

7. Harvard Business Review’s "How to Write a Winning Business Plan"

Most sample business plans teach you what to include in your business plan, but this Harvard Business Review article will take your business plan to the next level — it teaches you the why and how behind writing a business plan.

With the guidance of Stanley Rich and Richard Gumpert, co-authors of " Business Plans That Win: Lessons From the MIT Enterprise Forum ", you'll learn how to write a convincing business plan that emphasizes the market demand for your product or service. You’ll also learn the financial benefits investors can reap from putting money into your venture rather than trying to sell them on how great your product or service is.

This business plan guide focuses less on the individual parts of a business plan, and more on the overarching goal of writing one. For that reason, it’s one of our favorites to supplement any template you choose to use. Harvard Business Review’s guide is instrumental for both new and seasoned business owners.

8. HubSpot’s Complete Guide to Starting a Business

If you’re an entrepreneur, you know writing a business plan is one of the most challenging first steps to starting a business. Fortunately, with HubSpot's comprehensive guide to starting a business, you'll learn how to map out all the details by understanding what to include in your business plan and why it’s important to include them. The guide also fleshes out an entire sample business plan for you.

If you need further guidance on starting a business, HubSpot's guide can teach you how to make your business legal, choose and register your business name, and fund your business. It will also give small business tax information and includes marketing, sales, and service tips.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of starting a business, in addition to writing your business plan, with a high level of exactitude and detail. So if you’re in the midst of starting your business, this is an excellent guide for you. It also offers other resources you might need, such as market analysis templates.

9. Panda Doc’s Free Business Plan Template

PandaDoc’s free business plan template is one of the more detailed and fleshed-out sample business plans on this list. It describes what you should include in each section, so you don't have to come up with everything from scratch.

Once you fill it out, you’ll fully understand your business’ nitty-gritty details and how all of its moving parts should work together to contribute to its success.

This template has two things we love: comprehensiveness and in-depth instructions. Plus, it’s synced with PandaDoc’s e-signature software so that you and other stakeholders can sign it with ease. For that reason, we especially love it for those starting a business with a partner or with a board of directors.

10. Small Business Administration Free Business Plan Template

The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers several free business plan templates that can be used to inspire your own plan. Before you get started, you can decide what type of business plan you need — a traditional or lean start-up plan.

Then, you can review the format for both of those plans and view examples of what they might look like.

We love both of the SBA’s templates because of their versatility. You can choose between two options and use the existing content in the templates to flesh out your own plan. Plus, if needed, you can get a free business counselor to help you along the way.

Top Business Plan Examples

Here are some completed business plan samples to get an idea of how to customize a plan for your business. We’ve chosen different types of business plan ideas to expand your imagination. Some are extensive, while others are fairly simple.

Take a look.

1. LiveFlow

One of the major business expenses is marketing. How you handle your marketing reflects your company’s revenue. We included this business plan to show you how you can ensure your marketing team is aligned with your overall business plan to get results. The plan also shows you how to track even the smallest metrics of your campaigns, like ROI and payback periods instead of just focusing on big metrics like gross and revenue.

Fintech startup, LiveFlow, allows users to sync real-time data from its accounting services, payment platforms, and banks into custom reports. This eliminates the task of pulling reports together manually, saving teams time and helping automate workflows.

When it came to including marketing strategy in its business plan, LiveFlow created a separate marketing profit and loss statement (P&L) to track how well the company was doing with its marketing initiatives. This is a great approach, allowing businesses to focus on where their marketing dollars are making the most impact.

"Using this framework over a traditional marketing plan will help you set a profitable marketing strategy taking things like CAC, LTV, Payback period, and P&L into consideration," explains LiveFlow co-founder, Lasse Kalkar .

Having this information handy will enable you to build out your business plan’s marketing section with confidence. LiveFlow has shared the template here . You can test it for yourself.

2. Lula Body

Sometimes all you need is a solid mission statement and core values to guide you on how to go about everything. You do this by creating a business plan revolving around how to fulfill your statement best. For example, Patagonia is an eco-friendly company, so their plan discusses how to make the best environmentally friendly products without causing harm.

A good mission statement should not only resonate with consumers but should also serve as a core value compass for employees as well.

Outdoor clothing retailer, Patagonia, has one of the most compelling mission statements we’ve seen:

"Together, let’s prioritise purpose over profit and protect this wondrous planet, our only home."

It reels you in from the start, and the environmentally friendly theme continues throughout the rest of the statement.

This mission goes on to explain that they are out to "Build the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, and use business to protect nature."

Their mission statement is compelling and detailed, with each section outlining how they will accomplish their goal.

4. Vesta Home Automation

This is the kind of business plan you need when applying for business funds. It clearly illustrates the expected future of the company and how the business has been coming along over the years.

This executive summary for a smart home device startup is part of a business plan created by students at Mount Royal University . While it lacks some of the sleek visuals of the templates above, its executive summary does a great job of demonstrating how invested they are in the business.

Right away, they mention they’ve invested $200,000 into the company already, which shows investors they have skin in the game and aren’t just looking for someone else to foot the bill.

5. NALB Creative Center

This fictional business plan for an art supply store includes everything one might need in a business plan: an executive summary, a company summary, a list of services, a market analysis summary, and more. Due to its comprehensiveness, it’s an excellent example to follow if you’re opening a brick-and-mortar store and need to get external funding to start your business .

One of its most notable sections is its market analysis summary, which includes an overview of the population growth in the business’ target geographical area, as well as a breakdown of the types of potential customers they expect to welcome at the store. This sort of granular insight is essential for understanding and communicating your business’s growth potential. Plus, it lays a strong foundation for creating relevant and useful buyer personas .

It’s essential to keep this information up-to-date as your market and target buyer changes. For that reason, you should carry out market research as often as possible to ensure that you’re targeting the correct audience and sharing accurate information with your investors.

6. Curriculum Companion Suites (CSS)

If you’re looking for a SaaS business plan example, look no further than this business plan for a fictional educational software company called Curriculum Companion Suites. Like the business plan for the NALB Creative Center, it includes plenty of information for prospective investors and other key stakeholders in the business.

One of the most notable features of this business plan is the executive summary, which includes an overview of the product, market, and mission. The first two are essential for software companies because the product offering is so often at the forefront of the company’s strategy. Without that information being immediately available to investors and executives, then you risk writing an unfocused business plan.

It’s also essential to front-load your company’s mission if it explains your "Why?" In other words, why do you do what you do, and why should stakeholders care? This is an important section to include if you feel that your mission will drive interest in the business and its offerings.

7. Culina Sample Business Plan

Culina's sample business plan is an excellent example of how to lay out your business plan so that it flows naturally, engages readers, and provides the critical information investors and stakeholders need. You can also use this template as a guide while you're gathering important details. After looking at this sample, you'll have a better understanding of the data and research you need to do for your own business plan.

8. Plum Sample Business Plan

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How to Write a Business Plan [Complete Guide]

Last Updated on – Aug 8, 2023 @ 3:22 pm

Preparing to write your business plan? You’re already one step ahead of other entrepreneurs who don’t see its value.

A well-thought-out and well-written plan for starting and running your business helps you focus on what you need to do to make your business idea work. It can also boost your chance of getting investments and loans to finance your business .

Did you know that half of small businesses fail in their first four years? Planning is such a crucial step to reducing the risks of managing an enterprise. Turn your business idea from something abstract and uncertain into a successful venture. It starts with drafting a good business plan.

Here’s your definitive guide to writing a business plan that speaks for itself.

What is a Business Plan?

A business plan is a written document that details what a business is, what direction it will take, and how you’ll get it there.

Practically speaking, the business plan evaluates your business’ viability. As the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) puts it , the document allows entrepreneurs to find out whether or not their business idea will bring in more money than how much it costs to start and run it.

More than just a document, the business plan helps business owners to figure out the key aspects of an enterprise, including the following:

• Business goals and strategies to meet them
• Competitive edge and how to leverage it
• Potential problems and how to solve them
• Funding required to start the business
• Equipment, facilities, and manpower needed for operations

Who Needs a Business Plan and What Is It Used For?

Every aspiring entrepreneur who will spend a great amount of money, time, and energy to earn a profit needs a business plan.

Business planning is a crucial part of starting an entrepreneurial journey, no matter how small or big a business is. Never skip this step—as they say, failing to plan is planning to fail.

Here are some examples of business types that benefit much from business planning:

Founders of startup businesses seek funds to begin their new venture. Business plans help them persuade investors and lenders to provide the funding they need.

For startups, a business plan explains the nature of the new venture, how it will achieve its goals, and why the founders are the best people to lead the company. The startup business plan should also specify the capital needed to jumpstart the new business.

Related: Fast-Growing Startups in the Philippines

Existing Businesses

Not only do startups gain advantage from a business plan—existing enterprises need it, too.

But business plans for growing businesses serve a different purpose. Usually, a business plan helps a middle-stage business raise funds for additional facilities, equipment, manpower, and others needed for expansion. This document also defines strategies for growth and allocates resources based on strategic priorities.

Growing businesses also use business plans to communicate their vision to various stakeholders such as customers, business partners, potential investors and lenders, employees, and suppliers.

For such needs, a business plan for existing businesses lays out the goals, strategies, metrics to evaluate success, responsibilities, and resource allocation.

Social Enterprises

Social enterprises may not be as profit-driven as other business types, but that doesn’t mean they need business planning any less.

A social enterprise needs to prepare a business plan to achieve its social objectives and keep empowering the communities it’s supporting. This document is what government agencies and donor agencies require and evaluate when approving grants for funding a social project .

A social enterprise business plan determines the social issue that a business idea will solve, its beneficiaries, products or services, target market, and sales projections, among many others.

Non-Profit Organizations/NGOs

Like social enterprises, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) can also use business plans to source funds for their campaigns and projects.

A nonprofit business plan discusses the problems an NGO is trying to solve through a certain project, as well as how it will do that and how much resources are needed.

It also helps the organization and its board members to prepare for risks by making projections on how likely the activities will push through and how the current sources of funds will continue to yield a certain level of revenue. Most importantly, the business plan defines the Plan B if the original plan ends up failing.

Business Plan Format and Its Components

How does a business plan exactly look like? There’s no recommended universal format for business plans. Ideally, yours is customized according to the nature of your business and what you’re going to use the plan for.

However, all business plans have sections in common. Here’s a quick walkthrough of the six components that make up a business plan.

1. Executive Summary

Like an abstract of a college thesis or a foreword of a book, the executive summary is meant to provide a brief overview of the document. It presents the highlights of a business plan in a page or two.

The executive summary the first thing that readers see, so keep it short yet engaging and compelling enough to make them want to view more details in your plan.

2. Company Profile

The company profile is your chance to introduce yourself and your business to people outside your company. It’s also called the company summary, company information, business description, and business profile.

This section quickly answers the five Ws and one H of your business: who, what, when, where, why, and how.

Think of it as your business calling card. Being the shortest section of the business plan, the company profile provides a quick overview of the business—who the owner and founder is, management team, business goals, business address, product or service, and what makes it unique.

3. Operations Plan

The operations plan explains how you’ll run your business, focusing on the different aspects of manufacturing your product. This section includes the following information, among many others:

• Type of business (sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation , or non-profit)
• How the product is made or the service completed
• Necessary materials, equipment, and facilities to manufacture the product or complete the service
• Any subcontractors needed
• Quality control system

4. Organizational Plan

Your people should play a major role in your business plan, just as how they’re important to your business success . The organizational plan includes a chart that shows how your company is structured according to key departments or functions such as administration, production/manufacturing, marketing, and finance. This organizational chart not only presents the levels of authority in a company but also clarifies who is responsible for which people and function.

Aside from the organizational chart, the organizational plan also includes these details:

• Number of employees to hire
• Responsibilities of each job role
• Qualifications of workers who will perform each role
• Salaries and benefits per job assignment

5. Marketing Plan

The marketing plan and the succeeding chapters are the heart and soul of your business plan, explaining the things that will make your business work. This section details how you plan to promote your product or service in the market.

Specifically, the marketing plan covers the following:

• How the product or service will work and how it will benefit customers
• Target market and its profile
• Strategies for packaging, advertising, public relations, and distribution
• Competitive advantage

6. Financial Plan

A critical section in your business plan, the financial plan helps you assess how much money you’ll need to start or grow your enterprise and identify your funding sources to get your business off the ground and sustain its operations. This is where you’ll provide financial estimates that cover at least one year of running your business.

Investors and lenders specifically look for these financial details in business plans:

• How much you’re going to borrow, what you’ll use the loan for, and how you’ll pay it back
• How much profit you’re expecting to make (through an income statement and balance sheet)
• How you can finance your business operations (through a cash flow statement)
• Whether to keep the business going or close it down to cut losses (through a break-even analysis)

Related: How to Write a Business Proposal

Should You Use a Business Plan Template?

Business plan templates identify what information to put into each section and how it should be structured.

They provide instructions to guide entrepreneurs through the process. This way, nothing is missed out while writing the plan.

Thus, using a business plan template is a great idea, especially if this is your first time to prepare a plan for starting or growing your enterprise.

Helpful as it as may be, a business plan template doesn’t make business planning 100% effortless. While it provides the outline that makes writing the plan easy and quick, you still need to do your homework.

For example, a template won’t compute the financial projections for you—it’s a task you have to complete either on your own or with the help of a professional.

So before you use a business plan template, manage your expectations first and be prepared to do a lot of math!

8 Free Business Plan Templates

Yes, you read it right—you can download free online business plan templates. Some of these templates are designed for a specific niche, while others offer sample business plans for a wide range of business categories and industries.

Start off by choosing any of these free templates that suit your business planning needs.

1. Business Plan Format by the DTI

DTI has a wealth of useful information for micro, small, and medium businesses in the Philippines. Of course, it’s free to access since it comes from the government.

On the DTI website, simply look for the Business Planning section and download the business plan format in a PDF file. This document not only lists down all the information to be included in every section of a business plan, but it also provides guide questions per section—making business planning easier for first-timers.

If you want a more detailed discussion of what should go into each component of your business plan plus sample scenarios, check the DTI’s Negosyo Center e-book that fleshes out things for small business owners.

2. Simple Business Plan Template by The Balance Small Business 

The Balance is an online resource for small business owners. It has a free business plan template that’s simple and easy to understand for beginners, with instructions on how to use it. Broken down into sections, the simple business plan template tells you what to include in each component of the plan.

Simply copy the free template and paste it into a word document or spreadsheet. From there, you can start drafting your business plan with the template as a guide.

3. Free Sample Business Plans by Bplans

This website features a collection of over 500 free business plan samples for various industries, including restaurants, e-commerce, real estate, services, nonprofit, and manufacturing.

Under each category are links to many sample business plans for specific types of business. Each sample comes with a plan outline, too. For example, under the Services category, you’ll find sample plans for businesses like auto repair shops, advertising agencies, catering companies, health spas, photography studios, and more.

4. Business Plan Samples by LivePlan

More than 500 free sample business plans are available at the LivePlan website, so you’re likely to find one that suits your business best. The samples allow users to know how other businesses structured and worded each component of their business plans. You can copy and paste the sections into your own plan.

To download a full business plan sample, you’ll have to sign up by submitting your name and email address through the website.

5. Business Plan Templates by PandaDoc

PandaDoc offers free business plan templates for NGOs, startups, restaurants, cafes, bakeries, hotels, and salons. These documents can be downloaded in PDF format.

But if you want a customizable template, you can download the PandaDoc template for a 14-day free trial. This template allows you to edit the document, choose a theme that matches your branding, and add pictures and videos.

The website also has free templates for executive summaries and business letters.

6. The One-Page Business Plan by The $100 Startup

If your business has a simple concept, then a one-page business plan template is ideal to use. This downloadable PDF file is a very simple outline made up of a few sections with questions that you have to answer in just a short sentence or two.

7. Business Plans by Microsoft

Microsoft provides a broad selection of templates for its users, including business plan templates in Word, business plan presentations in PowerPoint, and business plan checklists in Excel.

• Sample business plan template (Word) – Provides the steps in writing a complete business plan
• Business plan presentation template (PowerPoint) – Consists of slides for different sections of a business plan that highlight the key points for viewers
• Business plan checklist template (Excel) – Enumerates the important things to do when writing a business plan, using the Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, and Threat (SWOT) analysis framework

The advantage of using a template from Microsoft is having a professional-looking document, slideshow presentation, or spreadsheet. No need to do the formatting by yourself because the template is already formatted. All you have to do is enter the necessary information into the template to complete your business plan.

8. Social Business Plan Guidelines by the Ateneo de Manila

This free business plan format for social entrepreneurs comes from the Ateneo de Manila University’s John Gokongwei School of Management. In a glimpse, it provides the basic information you need to plan a social enterprise.

It also has more detailed business plan guidelines you can refer to. Simply click the link to the word document at the bottommost part of the page.

Related: 11 Best MBA Programs & Schools in the Philippines

How to Write a Business Plan

An outstanding business plan covers everything your stakeholders need to know about your business. So don’t just wing it—put a lot of thought into this critical document.

Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of drafting a business plan, whether you’ll use a template or not.

1. Brainstorm about your business idea

You may have a very promising business idea, but it won’t fly unless you develop it into a clear-cut concept.

Brainstorm with your team about everything you can think of about starting and running the business. Then list them all down.

Be as creative as possible. No need to be too critical at this point.

While brainstorming, aim to answer these key questions:

• Why do you want to start the business? What has inspired you to go for it?
• What product or service do you plan to sell?
• Who will be your target customers? What are their problems that you’re hoping to solve through your product or service? How will you promote your offerings to them?
• What will be your business branding ? How will you position your brand in the industry?
• What is your competitive advantage? What makes your business unique?
• Where do you see your business within a year?

2. Validate your business idea

Research on the specifics of your business idea—paying special attention to your product or service, target market, and competitors.

According to entrepreneurship experts, it’s best to spend twice as much time on this step as spending the time to the actual drafting of the business plan.

Here are some ways to validate your business idea:

• Read studies and research to find information and trends about your industry .
• Conduct market research to gather insights from industry leaders, potential customers, and suppliers . You can do this through surveys, focus group discussions, and one-on-one interviews with your stakeholders.
• Collect data about your competitors , especially the product or service they offer and how they reach their customers. Consider buying from them or visiting their store to get a feel of their products and customer experience.

Gather all relevant information and analyze your findings to assess whether the business idea is feasible or not. You may need to tweak your business idea based on your evaluation of its feasibility.

3. Define the purpose of your business plan

It’s extremely difficult to carry out anything if you aren’t sure about why you’re doing it in the first place. Without a clear purpose, you’re like driving a car without knowing where you’re headed to.

When it comes to writing your business plan, you should have its purpose in mind from the get-go. It can be one or more of the following:

• Create a roadmap to provide the directions the business must take to achieve your goals and overcome challenges. This is ideal for bootstrapping or self-funding startups.
• Seek investments and loans to finance a business. If this is your purpose for making a business plan, it should be compelling enough to attract investors and lenders.
• Set your targets, budget, timelines, and milestones. When you put them all in writing, it’s so much easier to evaluate and measure your business’ actual performance versus your goals.
• Communicate your vision and strategic priorities with the management team. With this purpose, your business plan must establish specific goals for your managers so that they have something to commit to, you can track progress, and get them to follow through on their commitments. Also, having a business plan for this purpose ensures that everybody involved in running your business is on the same page.
• Minimize risks. Running a business in itself involves a lot of risks, and it gets riskier with a poorly researched business idea. A business plan can help entrepreneurs mitigate them by organizing activities and preparing for contingencies.

4. Create an outline for the executive summary

The first section of any business plan is the executive summary. You don’t have to draft it yet at this point, but it helps to write an outline for it before you proceed with the rest of the sections.

In a sentence or two, describe these key aspects of your business:

• Product or service
• Target market
• Competitors
• Unique value proposition (how you set your business apart from the competition)
• Management team
• Short-term and long-term business goals
• Possible sources of revenue

5. Describe your business

The next step is to write your company profile. Get your readers to become familiar with your business and realize why they should be interested in it.

If you have no idea what specifically goes into this crucial business plan section, you can check the company profiles of businesses in your industry. Usually, you can find them on their websites at the About Us or About the Company page. Take note of the information included and how they’re written.

Here are the must-haves of a great company profile:

• Brief history of the company
• Mission and vision
• Product or service lineup
• Target market and audience
• How the business will address the customers’ pain points
• What makes the business unique

6. Provide details about your operations and organizational structure

Anyone who will read your business plan needs to know what they should expect when they deal with you. They need to see a solid plan for your operations and the people who make up your team. So give your operations plan and organizational plan a careful thought.

For your operations plan, choose carefully the right legal structure for your business. Will you be a sole proprietor? Or will you partner with someone or form a corporation? Your choice will have an impact not only on your business operations but also on the taxes you’ll pay and your personal liability .  

As for the organizational plan, it’s where you put your organizational chart that shows a glimpse of the hierarchy within your organization. You can easily create this chart in Microsoft Word, Excel, or PowerPoint.

Also introduce the people who comprise your management team—their relevant experience, qualifications, and expertise . The organizational plan must also include information of the support personnel, as well as who reports to whom and who manages whom.

If you’ll be outsourcing some of your business functions, add them to your organizational plan, too. These may include consultants , accountants , lawyers , logistics specialists, and IT specialists. This way, you’re showing that you’re planning to fill in any expertise and skill gaps in your in-house team.

Also Read: Business Process Outsourcing to the Philippines [Complete Guide]

7. Compose your marketing plan

Make this section of your business plan as comprehensive and detailed as possible. You’d want to prove that you’ll take a strategic and aggressive approach to reach your target customers and promote your brand and product or service to them.

Divide your marketing plan into five subsections: objectives, product/service description, target market profile, competition profile, and promotional activities.

A. Objectives

Zero in on the what and the why of your marketing activities. Under the marketing objectives section, list down all your goals and the strategies you’ll implement to meet them.

Your marketing goals can be any of the following:

• Raise brand awareness
• Introduce a new product or service
• Regain or get more customers for an existing product or service
• Secure long-term contracts with your ideal clients
• Increase sales in a certain market, product, or price point
• Improve product manufacturing or product/service delivery
• Increase prices without affecting sales

B. Product/Service Description

Describe each product or service you’ll offer, including its features and benefits. You can use storytelling , images, charts, tables, or any visual element that best illustrates how each item will work to the benefit of your target customers.

C. Target Market Profile

Present as much relevant data as you can about your potential customers. Make sure to include the following:

• Demographic profile: age range, gender, income level, education, interests, etc.
• Buying behaviors
• Factors that influence their buying decisions: purchasing power, personal preferences, economic conditions, marketing campaigns, social factors (such as peer pressure and social media influencers ), cultural factors, etc.

D. Competition Profile

Your marketing plan must focus not only on your own business but also those of your competitors. List down the similar products or services that they offer to your target customers.

Also, provide an assessment of your competitors’ performance. Which areas are they doing well? How can you improve on their strengths and weaknesses? How can your business stand out? Is it your more competitive pricing? Better customer service? Superior product quality?

To come up with a good competition profile, take the time to research about your competitors. When interviewing your target customers, ask them about the brands they use or businesses they deal with.

You can also do an online search of your competitors. For example, if you’ll run a pet supplies store in Pasig, search for “pet stores Pasig” on Google. The search engine results page may show you the different stores that sell the same products as the ones you plan to offer. Read customer reviews online to get deeper insights on how these businesses serve their clients.

Consider doing a “secret shopping” in your competitor’s store. This way, you can experience firsthand how they treat their customers and how they market and sell their products or services. You might even be able to get information about their product lineup and pricing.

E. Promotional Activities

The last subsection of your marketing plan must discuss how you’ll promote your brand and products or services and connect with customers. Also, be ready to allocate budget for each marketing activity you identify in your plan.

Create a list of marketing activities you plan to implement. Will you reach your audience through SEO (organic online search), paid advertising, and/or social media? Or will you go the traditional route through print and TV advertising or joining expos, exhibits, and trade shows? The right choice depends on the nature of your business and the type of audience you’re trying to reach.

8. Develop your financial plan

The financial plan is the section where you’ll crunch the numbers. Unless you’re really good at math, it’s best to hire an accountant or business consultant who will work with you to develop a foolproof financial plan.

Put simply, a financial plan explains how a business will spend money and make more money. It also estimates the amount of time it will take for the business to earn a profit.

Here are the specifics of a good financial plan:

• Total capital requirement
• Business financing plan and any loan requirement
• Collateral to put up for a business loan
• Schedule for loan repayment
• Financial statements : cash flow statement, income statement/profit and loss statement, and balance sheet
• Break-even analysis
• Return on investment (ROI)
• Financial analysis

Ultimately, these financial projections answer the question, “Is your business financially feasible?”

9. Back up your business plan with supporting documents

Books and theses have an appendix section at the end that provides additional resources. Your business plan should have one, too. This final section consists of documents, surveys, studies, charts, tables, images, and other elements that provide supporting data.

Depending on the information you’ve presented in the other sections of the plan, your appendix may include these things:

• Market research data and findings
• Resumes of the management team
• Relevant financial documents
• Lease agreements
• Bank statements
• Licenses and permits

10. Review and refine your business plan

Your business plan is almost done at this point. Now all you have to do is go over the document once more to ensure you’ve covered everything and nothing crucial is left out.

Check your final draft and be sure it has the following:

• Sound business idea – If you’ve done Step 2 properly (validating business idea), you can be confident that you have a sound business idea.
• Comprehensive and in-depth look into your business in a professional format
• Thorough understanding of your target customers , their behaviors, interests, and needs
• Competent management team – The people who make up your team must possess the skills and expertise that complement yours.
• Business focus or specialization

Aside from yourself, ask a business partner, proofreader, and accountant or financial expert to review your business plan and spot any errors and inconsistencies. You’d want to make sure that it looks professional and is accurate.

11. Write the executive summary

Lastly, get back to the outline you created in Step 4 and write it based on your final draft. Make sure to craft an engaging executive summary that hooks people into reading the rest of the plan.

6 Actionable Tips on Writing a Business Plan

Anyone can write a business plan—but it takes more than great writing skills to create an exceptional one.

Here are some tips to help you prepare an effective business plan that goes beyond the ordinary.

1. Write with your audience in mind

When drafting your business plan, you’re writing not for yourself but for people who will play key roles in starting and running your enterprise. This is why it’s important that you know whom you’re writing for and keep them in mind while preparing your business plan.

If you think you can’t create a plan that caters to all your audience groups, consider having different versions of the document. For example, you can come up with a business plan for investors, another for lenders, one for employees, and so on. But keep the data consistent across all versions.

To write a business plan that suits a particular audience, you have to use the right language, highlight the parts that interest them, and adjust the format accordingly.

A. Use the Right Language

One of the most important rules in business writing: use the language that your target audience easily understands. If you’re writing for engineers, finance people, or lawyers, your language can be technical—meaning you can use jargons and terminologies familiar to them.

However, if you’re writing for investors who barely have technical knowledge, tweak your language in simple terms that are easy to grasp and appreciate.

Likewise, if you’re writing a business plan to communicate internally with managers and employees your company’s direction and strategies, it’s best to use more casual language than you would when writing for high-level, external stakeholders.

B. Appeal to Your Audience’s Interests

It also helps to understand what interests your audience because they will influence how you’ll write your business plan.

Your management team, for instance, will be interested in knowing your business goals and strategies so that they can help you steer the company in the right direction.

Investors and lenders look at the business plan differently—they’ll be more interested in your financial statements to determine your financial health, like if your business is worth investing in or has the ability to pay back a loan.

C. Adopt a Suitable Business Plan Format

There’s no one-size-fits-all format for business plans because it depends mainly on your audience, aside from the nature of your business.

Let’s say you’ll set up a restaurant, and you’re drafting a business plan to apply for a business loan. To convince lenders that your business is viable, details such as your restaurant’s location and possible renovations are crucial.

Meanwhile, if you’re writing the plan for potential big-time investors, you’ll take a different approach. A good restaurant business plan focuses on the business aspects that will lead to growth and profitability (Remember that investors are interested in how they’ll make money from partnering with you).

2. Keep it concise

How long should a business plan be? According to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) , it depends on various factors such as the specific audience it’s written for and the nature of a business. The SBA cites surveys that found the ideal length to be at least 25 to 100 pages.

Sounds a lot? If you have a simple business idea and you’re writing a business plan for busy people who don’t have time to pore over hundreds of pages, then one page up to 20 pages should be fine.

However, you may need to provide more explanation (which will take up more pages in your business plan) if you’re planning to build a new kind of business, and a risky one at that.

The size of your business also affects the length of your business plan. Business plans for small businesses need not exceed 30 pages. Corporate business plans are expected to be longer.

What matters more than length is how concise your business plan is. Meaning, it provides all the necessary information—including solid research and analysis—using the fewest words possible. No place for wordiness here!

3. Document everything related to your business

Support your claims in the business plan with solid facts and proof. Investors, for instance, need an assurance that they won’t lose their investment when they trust you with their money. This is where documenting your business thoroughly plays a crucial role.

What kinds of documentation can you include in your business plan?

• Industry forecast or projections
• Licensing agreements
• Location strategy
• Prototype of your product or service
• Survey and FGD results
• Resumes of your management team

4. Show your passion and dedication to your business

Although business plans have straightforward, matter-of-fact content, you can still establish an emotional connection with your readers through your plan. After all, your readers are humans with feelings and motivations.

No need to be dramatic about it—you can show your passion and dedication while still sounding professional in your business plan. Write about the mistakes you’ve had (like a failed business in the past), what you’ve learned from the experience, the values you hold, and the problems of your customers you want to solve through your product or service.

5. Know your competition and how you’ll stand out

Your business won’t be the single player in your industry. Other businesses in the same niche have started way ahead of you, and some new ones will also compete for business in the future.

Write your business plan in such a way that you know your competitors so well. Identify all of them and what makes your business unique compared with the rest without belittling them.

6. Be realistic and conservative in all your estimates

In any aspect of your business, it’s better to underpromise and overdeliver than the other way around. This also holds true when writing a business plan. You wouldn’t want to set unrealistic expectations that will lead to disappointments and worse, losses, when you fail to deliver on your promise.

There’s no place for too much optimism in your business plan. Your budget allocation, timelines, capital requirements, sales and revenue targets, and financial projections must be reasonable, realistic, and conservative. These will lend credibility to your business plan and yourself as an entrepreneur. Because there are a lot of factors beyond your control, always assume that things will get completed longer and cost more ( consider inflation over time! ).

This is where your research prior to writing the draft comes extremely helpful. You have something solid and factual to benchmark against. For example, if your analysis based on the facts you’ve gathered indicates that you’ll be able to get 40% share off the market in your first year of operations, consider making your estimates a bit more conservative and attainable.

Related: The Ultimate Guide to Business Valuation in the Philippines

10 Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Business Plan

Now, let’s explore the mistakes entrepreneurs often commit when writing a business plan. Listing them all down here to let you know what to avoid.

1. Prioritizing Form Over Substance

Spend most of your time and energy on building solid research and facts rather than obsessing about which font type or background color will look best for your document.

2. Overthinking

Many entrepreneurs take too long to complete their business plans because they worry too much about it. Don’t get intimidated by business planning—you don’t have to be an expert or a degree holder in business management or business administration to be able to write an outstanding business plan. Overthinking will just lead to analysis paralysis and get nothing done.

As long as you know your business well and are passionate about it, then writing a business plan won’t be as difficult as you think, especially if you’re using a template.

3. Submitting the Document Without Proofreading It

If your business plan is filled with typos and grammatical errors, readers will get distracted even if you’re presenting substantial information. It may also give your audience an impression that you’re careless—and who wants to deal with a person who isn’t professional and careful enough?

Even if it costs you money, pay a professional proofreader to check your work and correct any errors so that the message you wanted to convey through your business plan will get across.

4. Making Empty Claims

Any statement that isn’t sufficiently supported by solid research or documentation has to go. For example, if you want to claim to be the top player in your industry but you don’t have any evidence to back it up, rethink about including it in your business plan.

5. Writing an Overly Long and Wordy Plan

Make sure that everything you put into your business plan is relevant and serves your purpose. Otherwise, remove unnecessary statements that just add fluff to the document.

Also, don’t waste your readers’ time by using too many words—including highfalutin ones. Remember, your goal is to make your audience understand your business, not to impress them with beautiful or complex prose.

6. Using Too Many Superlatives

Even if you really feel that your business, business idea, or projection is incredible, amazing, the best, great, fantastic, or one of a kind, avoid using these superlatives because they aren’t appropriate for formal documents like a business plan.

7. Doing the Financial Projections on Your Own

Unless you’re an accountant yourself, it’s best that you get a professional to do the job for you. It will save you time and the headache of dealing with numbers and formatting your financial plan properly.

8. Overestimating Your Projections

The business plan is not a place to make impossible promises—while they look good on paper, you might run into trouble fulfilling them. To avoid this mistake, always do your research. Find out how other businesses do it and what the typical timeframes and financial projections are before you come up with your estimates.

9. Long-Term Business Planning

As much as possible, limit your projections to only a year. A lot of things can happen and make your business different from how you initially planned it. Stick with your short-term or one-year targets and estimates, then just tweak your business plan as time goes by.

10. Including Unfounded Rumors About Your Competitors

Not only do rumors make your business plan look unprofessional, but they also distract your readers from your intended message, which is to highlight what makes your business different from the competition. Avoid including details based only on hearsay. Everything in your plan must be backed up by solid, quantifiable facts.

Key Takeaway

A business plan is more than just a document that you prepare once and will never look at again. Rather, it’s a strategic tool that you should use from time to time to guide your business operations, get the buy-in of your stakeholders, and grow your business over time.

Once you’re done with writing your business plan, make the most of it for your business. Use it and modify it as often as needed!

Ready and confident to start writing your business plan? Share your thoughts and questions below!

Other Useful Business Resources from Grit PH:

• How to Sell a Business in the Philippines

About Venus Zoleta

Venus Zoleta is an experienced writer and editor, specializing in personal finance and digital marketing.

She has been a regular columnist for some of the biggest business & finance publications in the Philippines, such as MoneyMax.ph and Filipiknow.net.

Hoping to retire early, she started investing and bought a home in her early 20s. This crazy cat mom eats ramen like there's no tomorrow.

Education: University of the Philippines (B.A. Journalism) Focus: Personal Finance, Personal Development, and Entrepreneurship

Reader Interactions

March 3, 2020 at 10:00 am

I like it, and i want to learn more about for business

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Hello Ms. Venus, Rise Against Hunger Philippines, N.G.O. , branching out into a new high ways… and i am newly hired as a social enterprise development officer… whose main tasks to launch a product line; an up-cycled tarpaulin bags.. manufactured by a group of community women (skills training’s, coordinated by life coached; aiming w-holistic transformation and sustainability program.. . with such a big tasks, i need a step by step guides, and if possible a coach for i cannot do it alone… thank you, henry reandino chua

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How to Write a SWOT Analysis for a Business Plan

• March 21, 2024
• Business Plan , How to Write

Navigating the complexities of business requires a clear understanding of your strategic position, and a SWOT analysis is an essential tool to help you achieve this clarity. It’s a straightforward method that breaks down into Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats, providing a snapshot of where your business stands and guiding your future strategic moves.

With this guide, you’ll learn how to leverage your advantages, address challenges, seize new opportunities, and guard against potential threats. Let’s dive into the process together and set a strong foundation for your business’s strategic planning. Let’s dive in!

What is a SWOT Analysis?

A SWOT analysis is a strategic planning tool used to identify and understand the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats related to business competition or project planning. This method helps organizations in assessing both internal and external factors that could impact their objectives.

• Strengths : Positive attributes internal to the organization and within its control. Strengths are resources and capabilities that can be used as a basis for developing a competitive advantage.
• Weaknesses : Factors that are within an organization’s control but detract from its ability to attain the desired goal. These are areas the business needs to improve to remain competitive.
• Opportunities : External chances to improve performance in the environment. Opportunities reflect the potential you can leverage to grow your business or project.
• Threats : External challenges to the business’s performance or project’s success. Threats might stem from various sources, such as economic downturns, increased competition, or changes in regulatory landscapes.

Why Use a SWOT Analysis?

We use a SWOT analysis for several important reasons in business and strategic planning:

• Strategic Overview : It provides a concise and comprehensive overview of the current strategic position of the business or project. By examining internal and external factors, stakeholders can get a clear picture of their situation.
• Decision Making : SWOT analysis aids in decision-making by highlighting the strengths to leverage, weaknesses to address, opportunities to pursue, and threats to mitigate. It helps in prioritizing actions based on the analysis.
• Opportunity Identification : SWOT analysis is instrumental in identifying new opportunities for growth and expansion. Opportunities might come from market trends , economic shifts, or changes in technology.
• Risk Management : By identifying threats, organizations can develop strategies to address or mitigate these risks before they become significant issues. It’s a proactive approach to managing potential external challenges.
• Resource Allocation : Understanding the organization’s strengths and weaknesses helps in the effective allocation of resources. Resources can be directed to areas where they are needed most or where they will have the highest impact.
• Competitive Advantage : It helps businesses identify unique features and capabilities that give them a competitive edge in the market. Recognizing these strengths can guide marketing strategies and business development.

How to Write a SWOT Analysis

Writing a strength in a SWOT analysis involves identifying and articulating the internal attributes and resources of a business or project that contribute to its success and competitive advantage. Here’s how to effectively write a strength in a SWOT analysis:

• Identify Internal Positive Attributes : Focus on internal factors that are within the control of the business. These can include resources, skills, or other advantages relative to competitors. Consider areas like strong brand reputation, proprietary technology, skilled workforce, financial resources, strategic location, and efficient processes.
• Be Specific and Relevant : General statements like “we have a good team” are less helpful than specific ones like “our team includes industry-recognized experts in X field.” The more precise you are, the more actionable your analysis will be. Ensure that the strengths are directly relevant to achieving the business’s goals and objectives.
• Use Quantifiable Data When Possible : Whenever you can, back up your strengths with quantifiable data. For example, “a customer satisfaction rate of 95%” or “a 20% lower production cost than industry average” provides concrete evidence of your strengths.
• Compare to Competitors : Strengths are often relative to the competition. Identify areas where your business outperforms competitors or fills a gap in the market. This might involve superior product quality, a unique service model, or a more extensive distribution network.

Example: Instead of simply stating “Experienced management team” as a strength, you could write: “Our management team has over 50 years of combined experience in the tech industry, including a track record of successful product launches and market expansions. This depth of experience provides us with strategic insights and operational expertise that have consistently resulted in market share growth and above-industry-average profitability.”

Writing a weakness in a SWOT analysis involves acknowledging and detailing the internal factors that limit or challenge your business or project’s ability to achieve its goals. Here’s a structured approach to effectively articulate weaknesses in a SWOT analysis:

• Identify Internal Limitations : Focus on internal attributes that are within the control of the organization but currently act as disadvantages. Weaknesses might include insufficient resources, lack of expertise, outdated technology, poor location, limited product range, or inefficiencies in processes.
• Be Specific and Honest : It’s important to be honest and specific about your organization’s weaknesses. Vague statements won’t help in addressing these issues. For instance, rather than saying “we need to improve our marketing,” specify “our current marketing strategy does not effectively reach our target demographic of 18-25-year-olds on digital platforms.”
• Use Internal Comparisons and Feedback : Compare your performance, processes, and resources against your own past performance or industry benchmarks. Utilize customer feedback, employee insights, and performance data to identify areas of weakness.
• Keep it Constructive : While it’s crucial to be honest about weaknesses, frame them in a way that focuses on potential for improvement. Consider each weakness as an area for development and growth.

Example: Instead of a broad statement like “Inadequate online presence,” a more effective description would be: “Our business currently lacks a robust online presence, reflected in our outdated website and minimal engagement on key social media platforms. This limits our ability to attract younger demographics who predominantly discover and interact with brands online. Improving our online visibility and engagement could enhance brand awareness and customer acquisition.”

Opportunities

Writing opportunities in a SWOT analysis involves identifying and articulating external factors that your business or project could exploit to its advantage. Opportunities are elements in the environment that, if leveraged effectively, could provide a pathway for growth, improvement, or competitive advantage. Here’s how to systematically approach writing opportunities in your SWOT analysis:

• Spot External Trends : Focus on the trends and changes outside your organization that could be beneficial. These might include technological advancements, shifts in consumer behavior, market gaps, regulatory changes, or economic trends.
• Be Relevant and Actionable : Ensure that the opportunities you identify are relevant to your business and actionable. They should align with your business’s strengths and capabilities, allowing you to take practical steps toward capitalizing on them.
• Use Market Research : Base your identification of opportunities on solid market research. Understand your target market , industry trends, and the competitive landscape to pinpoint where the real opportunities lie.
• Detail Potential Benefits : Clearly articulate how each opportunity could benefit your business. Whether it’s entering a new market, launching a new product line, or adopting new technology, explain the potential impact on your business growth and success.

Example: Rather than vaguely stating “New market segments,” a more strategic description of an opportunity could be: “With increasing consumer interest in sustainable living, there’s a growing market segment for eco-friendly products. Our business’s strong commitment to sustainability and existing lineup of environmentally friendly products positions us well to capture this emerging market. Expanding our product range to include more items that cater to eco-conscious consumers can tap into this trend, potentially opening up new revenue streams and enhancing our brand’s reputation as a leader in sustainability.”

Writing threats in a SWOT analysis involves identifying external challenges that could pose risks to your business or project’s success. These are factors outside your control that have the potential to harm your operations, financial performance, or strategic positioning. Addressing threats effectively in a SWOT analysis requires a focused approach:

• Identify External Challenges : Start by pinpointing the external factors that could negatively impact your business. This can include new competitors entering the market, changes in consumer preferences, technological advancements that render your product less desirable, regulatory changes, or economic downturns.
• Be Precise and Realistic : Clearly define each threat in specific terms, avoiding vague descriptions. Being realistic about the level of risk each threat poses is crucial; not every external challenge is a dire threat, but understanding the potential impact is key for strategic planning.
• Assess the Impact : For each threat identified, evaluate how it could impact your business. Consider the worst-case scenario and more likely outcomes to gauge the potential severity of the threat. This helps in prioritizing which threats need immediate attention and strategic response.
• Use Reliable Sources : Base your identification of threats on solid, reliable information. This might include industry reports, economic forecasts, and news sources that provide insights into market dynamics and external conditions.
• Consider Your Weaknesses : Link potential threats to your identified weaknesses. Understanding how external threats could exploit your vulnerabilities offers valuable insights for fortifying your business against these challenges.

Example: Instead of broadly stating “Economic uncertainty,” a more actionable description of a threat would be: “The looming economic downturn poses a significant threat to discretionary consumer spending. Given our business’s reliance on non-essential luxury products, a reduction in consumer spending could directly impact sales. This economic uncertainty requires us to diversify our product offerings and identify more value-oriented options to maintain customer engagement and spending during tighter economic conditions.”

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Sample Wellness Business Plan

Writing a business plan is a crucial step in starting a wellness center. Not only does it provide structure and guidance for the future, but it also helps to create funding opportunities and attract potential investors. For aspiring wellness center owners, having access to a sample wellness business plan can be especially helpful in providing direction and gaining insight into how to draft their own wellness business plan.

Download our Ultimate Wellness Business Plan Template

Having a thorough business plan in place is critical for any successful wellness center venture. It will serve as the foundation for your operations, setting out the goals and objectives that will help guide your decisions and actions. A well-written business plan can give you clarity on realistic financial projections and help you secure financing from lenders or investors. A wellness business plan example can be a great resource to draw upon when creating your own plan, making sure that all the key components are included in your document.

The wellness business plan sample below will give you an idea of what one should look like. It is not as comprehensive and successful in raising capital for your wellness center as Growthink’s Ultimate Wellness Business Plan Template , but it can help you write a wellness business plan of your own.

Example – WellbeingOasis

Table of contents, executive summary, company overview, industry analysis, customer analysis, competitive analysis, marketing plan, operations plan, management team, financial plan.

Welcome to WellbeingOasis, a premier wellness center located in the vibrant community of Saint Paul, MN. We are dedicated to providing a unique oasis of wellbeing, offering a comprehensive range of services aimed at enhancing peace, health, and rejuvenation for our customers. Our services span from spa treatments and therapies, fitness and exercise programs, nutritional counseling, to mindfulness and stress management sessions, alongside alternative and holistic therapies. Our strategic location not only makes our services conveniently accessible but also underscores our commitment to being an integral part of and serving the local community. We take pride in our mission to offer a sanctuary of wellness that caters to every aspect of our customers’ wellbeing.

At WellbeingOasis, our foundation for success is solid, anchored by our founder’s vast experience in the wellness industry. This experience brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our operations, ensuring that we offer superior spa treatments, fitness programs, and wellness therapies. Since our inception on January 4, 2024, we have made significant strides, including the creation of a unique and memorable logo, securing a prime location, and embedding our mission and values into our company name, WellbeingOasis. These accomplishments signify the beginning of our journey towards becoming a leader in the wellness industry in Saint Paul, MN.

The wellness industry in the United States, currently valued at over $4.2 trillion and growing at an annual rate of 5-10%, represents one of the largest and fastest-expanding sectors. This growth is driven by a rising consumer focus on health and wellbeing, alongside an increasing demand for holistic and alternative healthcare solutions. Trends such as preventative healthcare, personalized wellness solutions, and the integration of mindfulness practices and technology in wellness programs play to WellbeingOasis’s strengths. Our focus on personalized wellness plans and holistic health services aligns perfectly with these industry trends, positioning us to capitalize on the growing market and establish ourselves as a wellness leader in Saint Paul and beyond.

Our primary target at WellbeingOasis is the diverse local residents of Saint Paul, ranging from young adults seeking fitness and stress relief to older residents focused on maintaining health and vitality. Additionally, we aim to cater to the corporate sector by offering wellness programs designed to improve employee health and productivity. The student population from nearby colleges and universities also represents a key customer segment, with tailored packages designed to meet their unique wellness needs. By addressing the varied wellness needs and preferences of these groups, WellbeingOasis aims to be the go-to wellness center in Saint Paul, MN.

WellbeingOasis faces competition from The Wellness Center, Center for Integrative Healing, and Awaken For Wellness, each offering a range of wellness services in Saint Paul, MN. Despite the varied strengths of these competitors, WellbeingOasis distinguishes itself through superior spa treatments, fitness programs, and wellness therapies. Our personalized approach to each customer, combined with our serene wellness center atmosphere and innovative therapies, sets us apart. This commitment to quality, alongside our comprehensive wellness experience, fosters a strong connection with our community, ensuring a loyal customer base.

WellbeingOasis will engage in a robust marketing plan, utilizing a mix of traditional and digital platforms to promote our comprehensive wellness services. Our offerings, ranging from spa treatments and personalized fitness programs to nutritional counseling and stress management sessions, are priced to cater to a broad audience. Online marketing, including SEO, social media campaigns, and targeted email marketing, will serve as the backbone of our promotional efforts. Community engagement through local events and partnerships, alongside a referral program and strategic public relations, will enhance our brand visibility. Targeted advertising campaigns, both online and in local print media, are planned to keep WellbeingOasis top-of-mind for those seeking wellness services, ensuring we attract and retain a diverse clientele.

To ensure the successful day-to-day running of WellbeingOasis, we will manage appointments and consultations through an online booking system, maintain a clean and welcoming environment, and ensure all staff are fully trained in wellness practices and customer service. Regular inventory management, high-quality service delivery, effective financial operations, and active community engagement will be key operational processes. Additionally, we aim to secure a prime location, obtain necessary permits, and build out our wellness center to reflect our brand’s values. Hiring skilled staff and launching with a strong marketing campaign are also on our immediate agenda, alongside implementing technology solutions to streamline operations.

Leading WellbeingOasis is CEO Evan Graham, whose extensive experience and successful track record in the wellness industry equip him with the skills necessary to drive our center’s success. Evan’s strategic vision, passion for health and wellness, and leadership abilities are central to our operations and our mission to provide a transformative wellness journey for our clients.

Welcome to WellbeingOasis, a pioneering Wellness center nestled in the heart of Saint Paul, MN. We are committed to filling the void in our local community by offering a high-quality wellness center like no other. Our mission is to provide an oasis of wellbeing where our customers can find peace, health, and rejuvenation.

At WellbeingOasis, our offerings are tailored to cover every aspect of wellness. Our services include a range of spa treatments and therapies designed to relax and rejuvenate the body and mind. For those looking to enhance their physical health, we offer fitness and exercise programs led by experienced instructors. Nutrition is a cornerstone of wellbeing, and our nutritional counseling and diet planning services are here to guide you towards healthier eating habits. To complement our physical wellness services, we provide mindfulness and stress management sessions, along with alternative and holistic therapies for a well-rounded approach to your health.

Our location in Saint Paul, MN is not just a matter of convenience; it represents our commitment to serving the local community and providing a haven of wellness right at their doorstep. We are proud to be part of this vibrant community and look forward to becoming a cornerstone in the local wellness landscape.

WellbeingOasis stands on solid ground, poised for success. Our founder brings invaluable experience from previously running a successful wellness center, ensuring that WellbeingOasis benefits from a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Moreover, our commitment to offering superior spa treatments, fitness programs, and wellness therapies sets us apart from the competition, allowing us to provide an unparalleled wellness experience.

Since our founding on January 4, 2024, as a Limited Liability Company, we have achieved several milestones that lay the foundation for our success. We have crafted a unique and memorable logo that embodies our mission and values. Our company name, WellbeingOasis, is a testament to our commitment to providing a sanctuary of wellness. Additionally, we have secured a prime location that is accessible and welcoming to our customers. These accomplishments are just the beginning of our journey to becoming a leader in the wellness industry in Saint Paul, MN.

The wellness industry in the United States is currently estimated to be worth over $4.2 trillion, making it one of the largest and fastest-growing sectors in the country. With an annual growth rate of 5-10%, the market is expected to continue expanding in the coming years. This growth can be attributed to an increasing awareness and emphasis on health and wellbeing among consumers, as well as a growing demand for holistic and alternative healthcare solutions.

One of the key trends driving the wellness industry is the shift towards preventative healthcare and personalized wellness solutions. Consumers are increasingly seeking out products and services that help them maintain their health and wellbeing, rather than simply treating illnesses after they occur. This trend bodes well for WellbeingOasis, as a new wellness center in Saint Paul, MN, that focuses on providing personalized wellness plans and holistic health services to its customers.

Another trend in the wellness industry is the growing popularity of mindfulness practices, such as meditation and yoga, as well as the use of technology to track and monitor health and wellness goals. WellbeingOasis can capitalize on these trends by offering mindfulness classes and workshops, as well as incorporating technology into its wellness programs to help customers track their progress and achieve their health goals. By staying ahead of these industry trends, WellbeingOasis can position itself as a leader in the wellness market and attract a loyal customer base in Saint Paul and beyond.

Below is a description of our target customers and their core needs.

Target Customers

WellbeingOasis will target local residents as its primary customer base, focusing on individuals seeking to enhance their physical and mental wellness. This group is expected to include a wide range of demographics, from young adults looking for fitness and stress relief solutions to older residents interested in maintaining their health and vitality. The diversity within the local population means that WellbeingOasis will tailor its services to meet a broad array of wellness needs and preferences.

Additionally, WellbeingOasis will also reach out to the corporate sector within Saint Paul, offering wellness programs designed to improve employee health and productivity. Businesses are increasingly recognizing the value of investing in employee wellbeing, which presents a significant opportunity for WellbeingOasis. Services such as on-site fitness classes, wellness workshops, and stress management sessions are expected to be particularly appealing to this segment.

Another important customer segment that WellbeingOasis will target comprises students from nearby colleges and universities. This demographic is often in need of affordable, accessible wellness services to cope with the stresses of academic life. WellbeingOasis will offer special packages and programs tailored to meet the unique needs of the student population, focusing on flexibility and affordability.

Customer Needs

Customers seeking a holistic approach to wellness find a sanctuary at WellbeingOasis, where high-quality spa treatments are just the beginning. They expect not only to indulge in luxurious pampering but also to achieve tangible improvements in their physical and mental wellbeing. This desire encompasses everything from rejuvenating facials and massages to detoxifying body treatments, meeting a wide range of personal care needs.

Beyond the spa, WellbeingOasis offers a comprehensive suite of fitness and wellness programs designed to cater to individual health goals. Whether customers are looking to start a new fitness journey, maintain their current fitness level, or find innovative ways to stay active, they can find personalized support and guidance. The integration of these programs into their lifestyle helps them achieve a balanced approach to health and fitness.

Recognizing the modern challenge of managing stress, WellbeingOasis places a strong emphasis on stress management techniques. Customers can access a variety of resources and workshops aimed at teaching effective strategies for coping with stress. This not only improves their overall quality of life but also empowers them to handle daily pressures with resilience and calm, fulfilling a critical need in today’s fast-paced world.

WellbeingOasis’s competitors include the following companies:

The Wellness Center offers a comprehensive range of services aimed at holistic health, including yoga, meditation classes, massage therapy, and nutritional counseling. Their price points vary depending on the service, with individual sessions starting from an affordable range for basic yoga classes to higher rates for specialized therapy sessions. The Wellness Center generates significant revenue through its membership programs, individual service fees, and wellness product sales. Located in the heart of Saint Paul, MN, it serves a diverse customer segment, ranging from young professionals seeking stress relief to older adults looking for pain management solutions. The Wellness Center’s key strengths include its wide variety of services and a strong, loyal customer base. However, its weakness lies in the high price point for some of its more specialized services, which may limit accessibility for some potential customers.

Center for Integrative Healing focuses on providing alternative medicine solutions such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, and herbal medicine. Prices for services are set at a premium, reflecting the specialized nature of the treatments offered. This center’s revenue streams primarily come from service fees, with additional income from workshops and educational programs. It operates in several locations across Saint Paul, MN, catering to individuals seeking alternatives to traditional medical treatments. The customer base largely includes middle-aged adults facing chronic health issues. The Center for Integrative Healing’s strengths are its expertise in alternative medicine and a strong reputation for patient care. A notable weakness is the higher cost barrier for treatments, which may deter those with limited budgets.

Awaken For Wellness is known for its unique approach to wellness, offering services like infrared sauna, float therapy, and holistic health coaching. Service prices are mid-range, making them accessible to a broad audience. The business generates revenue through both membership models and pay-per-service options. With a prime location in Saint Paul, MN, Awaken For Wellness attracts a varied clientele, including health enthusiasts, athletes, and individuals looking for relaxation and mental health support. The key strength of Awaken For Wellness is its innovative service offering, which distinguishes it from traditional wellness centers. However, its weakness is the reliance on technology-based services, which may not appeal to customers seeking more personal, hands-on healing experiences.

Competitive Advantages

At WellbeingOasis, we pride ourselves on offering superior spa treatments, fitness programs, and wellness therapies compared to our competitors. Our commitment to quality is evident in the personalized approach we take with each customer, ensuring that their individual needs and wellness goals are met with the utmost care and professionalism. We understand that each person’s journey to wellbeing is unique, and our diverse range of services reflects this. From rejuvenating spa treatments that utilize the latest in skincare technology to bespoke fitness programs designed by our team of expert trainers, we provide an unparalleled experience that caters to the holistic health of our clients.

In addition to our exceptional services, our competitive advantage lies in the serene and inviting atmosphere of our wellness center. We have meticulously designed every aspect of our space to promote relaxation and tranquility, creating an oasis in the heart of the city. This commitment to creating a harmonious environment extends to our customer service, where our staff demonstrates genuine care and attentiveness to ensure a memorable experience for every visitor. Furthermore, our innovative wellness therapies, which integrate traditional techniques with cutting-edge research, set us apart in the wellness industry. By offering a comprehensive wellness experience that exceeds expectations, we establish a strong connection with our community, fostering a loyal customer base and encouraging a lifestyle of health and wellbeing.

Our marketing plan, included below, details our products/services, pricing and promotions plan.

Products and Services

At WellbeingOasis, customers can immerse themselves in a comprehensive wellness experience designed to cater to every aspect of their health and happiness. From rejuvenating spa treatments to personalized fitness programs, their offerings are meticulously crafted to promote holistic well-being. Each service is delivered with the utmost care, ensuring a serene and transformative journey for all who walk through their doors.

Spa Treatments and Therapies are a cornerstone of the WellbeingOasis experience, providing an escape to tranquility and relaxation. Clients can indulge in a variety of services including massages, facials, and body wraps. The average price for these luxurious treatments ranges from $50 to $120, depending on the type and duration of the therapy. These sessions are not just about pampering; they are designed to relieve stress, improve circulation, and enhance overall skin health.

Fitness and Exercise Programs at WellbeingOasis go beyond the conventional gym experience. Tailored to individual needs and goals, these programs include personal training, yoga, Pilates, and group exercise classes. With prices averaging between $20 for a single class to $150 for a package of personalized sessions, clients can expect to find the motivation and support they need to achieve their fitness objectives in a nurturing and stimulating environment.

Nutritional Counseling and Diet Planning are essential components of the holistic approach at WellbeingOasis. For an average price of $100 per consultation, certified nutritionists work closely with clients to develop customized eating plans that support their wellness goals, whether it’s weight loss, improved digestion, or enhanced overall health. These plans are grounded in the science of nutrition, tailored to individual lifestyles, and designed to be both delicious and nourishing.

Mindfulness and Stress Management sessions are designed to equip clients with the tools they need to lead a balanced and peaceful life. Through practices such as meditation, guided imagery, and breathing exercises, clients learn to manage stress effectively. Sessions are priced at an average of $60, offering a valuable investment in mental and emotional well-being.

Alternative and Holistic Therapies at WellbeingOasis include a range of treatments such as acupuncture, reflexology, and aromatherapy. Priced on average around $75 per session, these therapies offer a natural and effective way to address various health concerns, from chronic pain to anxiety, providing clients with a sense of harmony and balance.

WellbeingOasis is committed to fostering a culture of health and wellness, where every service is an opportunity to nurture the mind, body, and spirit. With a focus on quality, personalization, and holistic care, clients can expect a transformative wellness journey tailored just for them.

Promotions Plan

WellbeingOasis will utilize a comprehensive suite of promotional methods to attract customers in Saint Paul, MN, focusing on both traditional and digital platforms to ensure a wide-reaching impact. Among these strategies, online marketing stands as a cornerstone, leveraging the power of the internet to connect with a broad audience. This approach will encompass a variety of techniques, including search engine optimization (SEO), social media campaigns, and targeted email marketing, designed to engage potential customers and draw them towards WellbeingOasis’s wellness services.

Moreover, WellbeingOasis will embrace the local essence of Saint Paul by participating in community events and partnering with other local businesses. This will not only increase brand visibility but also establish WellbeingOasis as a community-centric wellness hub. Engaging with the community through workshops, wellness fairs, and local sponsorships will provide a tangible presence that complements online marketing efforts.

Customer referrals will also play a crucial role in promotional activities. WellbeingOasis will implement a referral program that rewards existing customers for bringing in new clients. This method capitalizes on word-of-mouth marketing, which remains one of the most trusted and effective forms of promotion. By incentivizing satisfied customers to share their positive experiences, WellbeingOasis expects to build a loyal customer base that grows organically.

Additionally, WellbeingOasis will employ strategic public relations tactics, including press releases and media outreach, to garner attention from local news outlets and wellness blogs. Highlighting unique services, special events, or community contributions through these channels will help raise awareness and establish WellbeingOasis as a thought leader in the wellness industry.

Finally, targeted advertising campaigns, both online and in local print media, will ensure that WellbeingOasis remains top-of-mind for those seeking wellness services in Saint Paul. By carefully segmenting the market and tailoring messages to resonate with specific audiences, WellbeingOasis expects to efficiently convert interest into engagement and, ultimately, loyalty.

In summary, WellbeingOasis will deploy a multifaceted promotional strategy that integrates online marketing with community engagement, customer referrals, public relations, and targeted advertising. This comprehensive approach is designed to not only attract customers but also to embed WellbeingOasis within the fabric of the Saint Paul community, fostering long-term relationships and sustaining growth.

Our Operations Plan details:

• The key day-to-day processes that our business performs to serve our customers
• The key business milestones that our company expects to accomplish as we grow

Key Operational Processes

To ensure the success of WellbeingOasis, there are several key day-to-day operational processes that we will perform.

• Manage appointments and consultations efficiently to ensure clients can access our services with ease and convenience. This includes the use of an online booking system for real-time scheduling and adjustments.
• Maintain a clean, welcoming, and serene environment within the facility to enhance the overall customer experience. Regular cleaning and maintenance checks will be conducted to meet and exceed health and safety standards.
• Ensure all staff are fully trained and possess up-to-date knowledge on wellness practices, customer service, and safety protocols. Continuous education and training sessions will be part of our operational routine.
• Stock and manage inventory of wellness products and supplies to ensure they are available for client treatments and retail without interruption. This involves regular inventory checks and establishing relationships with reliable suppliers.
• Implement and monitor high-quality service delivery standards to guarantee client satisfaction. This includes gathering client feedback systematically to understand their needs and preferences better.
• Manage financial operations effectively, including billing, accounting, and budgeting, to ensure the business remains profitable and financially healthy. This will involve regular financial reporting and analysis.
• Engage in active marketing and community involvement to build brand awareness and attract new clients. This includes maintaining an active social media presence, attending local events, and offering wellness workshops.
• Ensure compliance with all local health and business regulations to avoid any legal issues that could disrupt operations. This includes staying informed about changes in regulations and implementing necessary adjustments promptly.
• Develop and maintain a responsive customer service system to address client inquiries, complaints, and feedback swiftly. This will help in building strong customer relationships and encouraging repeat business.
• Utilize technology and software solutions to streamline operations, from client management systems to financial tracking tools, to enhance efficiency and accuracy in our operational processes.

WellbeingOasis expects to complete the following milestones in the coming months in order to ensure its success:

• Secure a prime location in Saint Paul, MN : Identifying and securing a lease or purchase for a facility that is accessible and appealing to the target demographic is crucial. This should be a place that is easily reachable, has good visibility, and is in an area with a demographic that values wellness services.
• Obtain necessary permits and licenses : Navigate the regulatory environment to ensure all necessary permits and licenses for operation are acquired. This includes health and safety permits, business licenses, and any specific permits required for the services offered (e.g., massage therapy licenses).
• Build out and equip the wellness center : Design and construct the interior of the wellness center to reflect the brand’s values of tranquility and rejuvenation. This includes purchasing necessary equipment for wellness services such as yoga mats, massage tables, or sauna rooms, ensuring the space is conducive to a variety of wellness activities.
• Hire and train staff : Recruit skilled personnel who are passionate about wellness and customer service. This includes wellness coaches, massage therapists, yoga instructors, and support staff. Providing comprehensive training will ensure high-quality services and customer satisfaction.
• Launch our wellness center : Officially open the wellness center to the public with a strong marketing campaign that leverages social media, local press, and community events to generate buzz and attract initial customers.
• Implement an online booking and management system : Adopt technology solutions for scheduling, customer management, and feedback to streamline operations, enhance the customer experience, and gather valuable data for service improvement.
• Develop strategic partnerships : Form alliances with local businesses, health professionals, and community organizations to cross-promote services, expand the customer base, and integrate into the local wellness ecosystem.
• Achieve operational efficiency : Continuously optimize operational processes to reduce costs and improve service quality. This includes efficient use of resources, minimizing waste, and effective staff scheduling.
• Reach $15,000/month in revenue : Through effective marketing, exceptional service delivery, and customer retention strategies, steadily grow the customer base and service offerings to reach the revenue target of $15,000 per month, ensuring sustainability and profitability.
• Establish a strong online presence and community engagement : Create and maintain an engaging online presence through a professional website, active social media channels, and a blog. This will help in building a community around the brand, attracting new customers, and retaining existing ones by providing valuable content and interactive platforms.

WellbeingOasis management team, which includes the following members, has the experience and expertise to successfully execute on our business plan:

Evan Graham, CEO

Evan Graham brings to WellbeingOasis a proven track record of accomplishment and leadership in the wellness industry. With his extensive experience in managing a wellness center, Evan has demonstrated his ability to drive success and foster a nurturing environment for both clients and employees. His leadership style is characterized by a commitment to excellence and a deep understanding of the wellness market, making him uniquely qualified to guide WellbeingOasis towards achieving its mission. Evan’s strategic vision and passion for health and wellness are at the core of WellbeingOasis’s operations, setting the stage for lasting success and impact in the lives of those they serve.

To achieve our growth goals, WellbeingOasis requires $317,000 in funding. This investment will be allocated towards both capital and non-capital needs, including location buildout, equipment, initial marketing, and operating expenses. These funds will support us in establishing a fully equipped, staffed, and marketed wellness center, setting the stage for sustainable profitability and success in the wellness industry.

Financial Statements

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Income Statement

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Wellness Business Plan Example PDF

Download our Wellness Business Plan PDF here. This is a free wellness business plan example to help you get started on your own wellness center plan.  

How to Finish Your Wellness Business Plan in 1 Day!

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

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

How To Start A Grocery Delivery Business (With FREE Business Plan Template)

• Market potential : Rapid growth is expected in online grocery delivery, with ample opportunities for small businesses.
• Business models : Options range from gig services and partnering with local stores or wholesalers, to connecting with farmers and offering personal shopper services.
• Key strategies : Success hinges on product quality, superior customer service, efficient delivery, and strategic marketing.
• Foundation steps : Write a detailed business plan, set up your administrative and legal framework, and invest in essential equipment and technology.
• Growth : Use a mix of traditional and digital marketing to attract customers, and focus on operational efficiency and customer satisfaction to expand.

Demand for online grocery shopping is growing steadily, with no signs of slowing down. Statista estimates that the number of people using online grocery delivery services will pass 2 billion by 2028 — and global revenue will surpass a trillion dollars by 2026 . That’s a lot of revenue to go around! 

Even though large retailers like Walmart and on-demand apps like Instacart dominate the market, there is plenty of room for smaller companies who can find the right niche and serve it well.  

In this article we’ll discuss the different types of grocery delivery business and how to get started. We’ll also look at startup costs, profitability and the pros and cons of starting a small business focussed on grocery delivery. 

💡If you’re already done your homework and just want to start planning, go ahead and use our free grocery delivery business plan template .

Choose your type of grocery delivery business

There’s a variety of ways to offer grocery delivery services, each with a different delivery model and different up-front investment needs. So the first step is to decide what niche you’d like to fill, and how much time and money you’re able to commit.

Online grocery delivery businesses tend to get all the attention, but this is one kind of business where you can do a lot offline. Here are five business ideas to start with:

1. Join a gig service

The simplest option is to sign up with a grocery delivery app like Instacart, DoorDash, GrubHub, Uber Eats,  or whatever the local equivalent is in your country. 

This has the advantage of being quick and easy to do if you don’t have startup funds. All you need is a mobile app and some kind of vehicle. But earnings can be limited, especially if you’re dependent on tips — and most of the upside goes to the app. It could be a good way to get an on-the-ground sense of the target market, though.

2. Partner with a local grocery store

Partnering with a local grocery store has the potential to create a rewarding symbiotic relationship. The store has the supplier connections, the inventory, and the knowledge of what works in the local market. You could provide a delivery service that brings in new customers and increases their turnover, while building a good small business for yourself. You could kick-start this partnership with some simple marketing tools like in-store fliers and posters.

Think carefully about how order management would work. This is a business that doesn’t necessarily need to be online, which could save a fortune in app development and fees to faraway third parties. The demographics of your target market are important here. For example, many older customers don’t want, or can’t afford, the latest phones with fancy apps. Providing a simple phone-based ordering system could fill a real gap in the market, while providing a customer experience with the personal, human touch that many people crave.

Delivery scheduling will be important to making this business profitable. Delivering one order at a time will probably be too expensive – working a day or two ahead to schedule multiple deliveries in a single round will make the difference. 

You’ll also need to work out how much to charge in delivery fees and how to share the revenue. An arrangement that works for everyone could be the basis of a sustainable business. 

3. Deal directly with a wholesaler or fresh produce market

Working with a wholesaler or market is another good option that can give you access to a huge range of products at competitive prices. This could mean you’re able to offer your customers better deals, fresher produce, and a more diverse range of items than they might find in a regular store.

Start by pinpointing which wholesalers or markets align with your business values and customer needs. Are you aiming to deliver organic produce? Bulk pantry items? Ethnic foods that are hard to come by? Once you've nailed down your niche, approach wholesalers with a clear proposal. Show them how your delivery service can bridge the gap between their bulk offerings and customers craving convenience.

Ordering from wholesalers typically means buying in larger quantities, so you'll need a plan for storage and inventory management. This might require renting space or managing a rotating stock to keep everything fresh.

The financial side will be crucial here, too. Since you're buying in bulk and likely at lower prices, you'll need to work out pricing that covers your costs, remains attractive to customers, and still turns a profit. It's a balancing act, but get it right, and you're on your way to a thriving delivery service that stands out with quality and value.

Case Study: Marché Second Life

You could get really creative with this model. For example, Routific customer Marché Second Life rescues “ugly” foods, shipping excess and odd-looking produce as well as specialty items like sausages, cheese, and coffee directly to consumer doorsteps across Montreal. They’re reducing food waste, saving money for consumers and building a great business all at the same time!

4. Connect to farmers

Hooking up with local farmers can plant the seeds for a flourishing grocery delivery business that’s all about fresh, local, and sustainable. Imagine delivering the kind of produce that hasn’t spent days in transit, still has the morning dew on it — AND supports the local economy. This kind of partnership could give your business a green edge that's both eco-friendly and customer-pleasing.

Get to know the farmers in your area and find out who’s open to partnering for a delivery service. They might be selling the freshest fruits and veggies, dairy, eggs, and even meats, but not getting the reach they want. Your delivery service can be the link that gets their farm-fresh goods into the kitchens of more locals.

When you pitch your idea to farmers, emphasize the mutual perks. You’ll be getting the good stuff straight from the source, and they'll get their products to a wider audience without having to manage deliveries themselves. Plus, your customers will love knowing that their groceries are coming from just down the road — it's a wholesome story that sells itself.

Case Study: Walden Local

Walden Local is a great example of a fruitful partnership with local farmers. Their direct-to-consumer farm share program enables customers to sign up for monthly or bi-monthly deliveries of 100% grass-fed beef, pasture-raised pork, lamb, chicken, and wild-caught fish — all raised locally in New England and New York.

5. Work directly with customers

For a personal touch, consider offering services as a personal grocery shopper or concierge. This model is about more than just delivering groceries; it's about curating shopping experiences tailored to each customer. Whether it’s tracking down specialty items, ensuring that the avocados are perfectly ripe, or even coordinating with other local services for a one-stop delivery, your attention to detail could set you apart.

This hands-on approach may appeal to customers who are looking for something a bit more bespoke than the standard grocery delivery — think busy professionals, individuals with specific dietary needs, or folks who simply value their time too much to spend it wandering up and down store aisles with a shopping list.

To make this work, you’ll have to be willing to adjust your schedule at short notice and be on the ball with your communication skills, maybe getting texts or calls about last-minute dinner party needs or particular preferences. You’ll become a trusted part of your customers' routines, the go-to person when they need to make sure everything is just right.

Your pricing strategy here needs to reflect the premium service you’re offering. While you won't need a massive marketing budget (word-of-mouth will likely be your best friend), you will need to ensure your time and efforts are well-compensated. Building solid relationships with customers and consistently exceeding their expectations is key to making this personal approach profitable.

______________

As you can see, there’s no shortage of ideas. To choose the model that’s best for you, consider:

• Your existing knowledge, skills, and preferences
• How much you have available to invest 
• Whether you want to employ other people
• The demographics and culture of your town, city, neighborhood or other local area.

Make your grocery delivery business stand out

You want to be remembered for all the right reasons — that batch of strawberries that tasted like sunshine, or the way you replaced a bruised apple without being asked. 

Here are some ways to ensure your business not only stands out, but also becomes the go-to choice for your customers:

Product quality

This is one of the most challenging things about operating a grocery delivery business: you’re dealing with perishable products most of the time, and quality is the cornerstone of your business. Whether it's the crunch of a carrot or the scent of freshly baked bread, what you deliver has to inspire delight every single time. To ensure consistent high quality you can:

• Build relationships with great suppliers who understand that you won't accept anything less than the best. If you're sourcing from farmers or wholesalers, make regular visits to check on quality and freshness. Your customers trust you to bring the market's best to their doorsteps, so make sure you're doing just that. And if your suppliers also feel they’re benefitting from doing business with you, they’re more likely to alert you when there’s something special on offer. 
• Treat your produce tenderly . Cooler boxes, padding, dollies – invest in whatever it takes to handle your products with the greatest possible care. You’ll be the last person to handle them before they reach the customer's doorstep, so the quality is on you. 

Customer service

Your customer service can make or break your business. Be there for your customers, always ready to listen and respond. Whether it's through a friendly chat on the phone or a quick resolution of an issue, show them that you value their business. 

If you make a mistake — and let's face it, everyone does — own up to it and make it right. Sometimes, how you handle a slip-up can leave a more lasting impression than the slip-up itself.

As you grow, keep talking to your customers and listening to what they say. They’re the best source of info on how your business is doing and what you could do better. Maybe they’d appreciate a wider range of delivery times or they’re looking for new grocery items. These insights can guide your growth and help you and your partners adapt to changing needs

Personalized experience

Get to know your customers. Not their whole life story (unless they want to share and you really want to know), but what they like and what they need. Use this knowledge to tailor their shopping experience. Suggest new products they might like or remind them when it’s time to restock on their regular items. A little personalization goes a long way and shows your customers that they’re not just another order number to you.

Efficient delivery

In the delivery business, timing is everything. Find the sweet spot between being as quick as possible and still maintaining quality. And invest in a route optimization app! It will help you plan much shorter, more efficient routes – which means more deliveries per route, less time on the road and lower costs. 

💡 Routific is made for local delivery businesses – and it’s free to try for 7 days. Get your free trial now .  

And of course, let's not forget marketing. Use social media, local advertising, and word-of-mouth to tell your story. Share customer testimonials, behind-the-scenes glimpses of your operations, and highlight special products. Build a brand that feels like a neighbor, not just a delivery service.

Write your business plan

Any successful business starts with a great business plan. There are plenty of online and offline resources to help you with this. In the U.S., the Small Business Administration has a great website at sba.gov . Your local library or chamber of commerce are also both great places to find detailed, relevant local advice. 

Very broadly, though, you’ll want to choose a business name, conduct a market analysis of your target audience, and figure out how much you’ll need to spend on startup costs to make your business a reality. Additionally, you’ll want to include a timeline for when you plan to launch, and a marketing plan.

Having a well-thought-out business plan will help you stay organized and focused on the tasks that need to be completed before opening day. If you're not sure what that looks like, you can always search for templates of business plans online or hire a professional to help you create one.

If drafting from scratch feels daunting, online templates or professional services can offer a structured starting point. Or you can use our free template! (We have a detailed step-by-step guide on how to fill it out too.)

Research your market

Know your customers, and know your competition. Who are you serving, and who are you up against? Doing some solid market research to understand these will guide your service's unique angle.

Choose your financial model

Bearing in mind the type of grocery delivery service you want to start, consider how you’ll make money:

• Subscription models promise steady income, while on-demand services offer flexibility.
• What markups will you add?
• Will you charge a delivery fee? How much?

How much does it cost to start a delivery business?

The cost of starting a delivery business depends on several factors, such as the size and scope of your services, the type of equipment you plan to use, and any fees associated with obtaining the necessary permits or licenses. In general, getting started costs anywhere from $100-$20,000 .

Get your admin set up

There’s a lot of groundwork to lay. The good news is that if you invest the time to create a solid administrative base, you probably won’t have to think about it again:

1. Business structure

Depending on your liability preferences and the tax implications where you live, you can choose between a few different ways to structure your business:

• Sole proprietorship
• Partnership
• Limited liability company (LLC)
• Corporation. 

Each model has its pros and cons, affecting everything from paperwork to how much of your assets are on the line. This is one area where it’s well worth seeking professional advice. Look for a local accountant who specializes in entrepreneurs, or find a local bank or agency that supports small business development — most cities will have one.

2. Legal and financial must-haves

• Tax registration : You never want to get on the wrong side of the tax authorities! Secure your Employer Identification Number (EIN) via the IRS for tax purposes (or whatever the equivalent is in your country).
• Business bank account : Keep your finances tidy with a separate account for your business. Shop around different banks to find one with favorable terms and necessary features, like an easy way to take credit card payments. And talk to friends and trusted advisers about their experiences.
• Insurance : Protect your business with the right mix of general liability, commercial auto, cargo, and workers' compensation insurance, depending on your operation's specifics.
• Licenses and permits : Ensure compliance with local regulations by obtaining the necessary paperwork to legally operate.

Equipment and systems

Start lean with just the essentials — a dependable delivery vehicle, basic moving equipment, and technology like a smartphone and a delivery management system. 

A simple online presence with a domain name and website is enough to get started. You’ll also need an order management system. An online shopping platform like Shopify or Wix is a good place to start — they offer most of the functionalities a new business will need.  Check out our article on the best e-commerce platforms for small business to learn more. 

Finally, don't forget practical items like coolers for fresh deliveries!

Delivery scheduling and delivery management 

Smart delivery scheduling and delivery management could make or break the profitability of your business. Last mile delivery is notoriously difficult and expensive so this can get really complicated, really fast. You need to balance things like driver availability, customer delivery window preferences, traffic, weather, and route density. Pen-and-paper planning works for a lot of things, but not for route planning. 

A good delivery management system should enable you to:

• Offer custom delivery time windows
• Automatically create optimized delivery routes with accurate ETAs
• Send routes directly to driver’s mobile phones
• Track the day’s delivery progress in real time
• Support photo and signature proof of delivery
• Automate sending notifications to your customers, so they know when to expect their deliveries

Check out Routific’s free trial to see how easy it can be with the right tools.

Marketing and client acquisition

• Get visible: Use social media and a straightforward website to connect with your potential customers, and do some basic research on local SEO to boost your online presence. And depending on your target market, don’t underestimate the power of good old-fashioned posters and flyers.
• Referral programs: Word-of-mouth is powerful. Encourage happy customers to spread the word with incentives like discounts, free extras or even exposure for their own businesses. This can help to deepen your community roots.
• Local partnerships: Even if you’re not working directly with a local grocery store, wholesaler, or farmer, think about what other mutually beneficial collaborations you could offer to other local business owners. For example: If you have a focus on fresh, healthy produce, maybe local gyms, trainers, or health practitioners would be interested. If you’re serving seniors, check out community centers and doctor’s offices. Offering low-hassle snacks and lunches? Busy parents would probably love to know. Be as creative as possible in broadening your customer base.

Build your team

Who’s going to be on your team? Even if you’re the only employee to start with, you’ll need an accountant, an internet service provider, a designer, a packaging supplier, produce suppliers, etc. 

As you grow, you’re likely to need contract and then full-time drivers, and possibly a planner/dispatcher. Recruit and train a dedicated team, setting clear expectations and fostering a positive work culture. 

Launch and grow your food delivery business

With everything in place, you're ready to roll out your delivery service. Focus on delivering exceptional experiences, adapting to feedback, and gradually expanding your reach.

Good luck on your journey to creating a standout grocery delivery business. With careful planning, a customer-focused approach, and a commitment to quality and service, you're well on your way to success.

Pros and cons of starting a grocery delivery service 

1. low cost of entry.

Because there is not much that you have to purchase to operate a grocery delivery business it is easy to get started without putting a lot on the line. This allows you to enter or exit the business at your discretion without a lot of upfront concern or investment.

2. High market demand

In the modern world, especially after the pandemic, the need for on-demand delivery services has spiked in both cities and suburbs alike. This gives small businesses a chance to heavily capitalize on the opportunity and quickly gain a large consumer base without a lot of effort.

3. Straightforward business model 

Unlike other businesses, there are not a lot of complexities attached to delivering groceries to households. It is as simple as it gets which means that there is relatively less to learn to get a boatload of loyal customers under your belt within a short period of time. 

Disadvantages

1. high competition .

Given the low cost of entry, there is a great chance of encountering a high number of competitors looking to have a piece of the pie. In such a fiercely competitive atmosphere many business owners get discouraged and bail on the industry altogether.

2. Thin profit margins

Unless you get the products that you deliver from a grocery wholesaler, the profit margins are very thin given the simple nature of the industry. These thin margins really push the patience of most business owners and make the business option unviable for many that enter it. 

3. Heavy workload

To fulfill customer orders you not only need to be very punctual and responsible in your dealing but also have to take care of any aspects that may cause customer dissatisfaction. The job is also physically demanding and requires you to be on top of your physical health to be efficient.

Frequently Asked Questions

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How to Write a Bar Business Plan + Free Sample Plan PDF

Elon Glucklich

6 min. read

Updated March 17, 2024

Free Downloads: Sample Bar and Brewery Business Plan Templates

From sports bars to neighborhood pubs to upscale cocktail bars—drinking establishments are one of the oldest and most enduring types of businesses.

And the industry is projected to grow nearly 2.5% between 2023 and 2030, leaving plenty of opportunity for new businesses..

But competition in the bar industry can be fierce. You need to know your clientele, competitors, and how you’ll stand out if you want to succeed. Not to mention mapping out all the details of your financials and operations. 

Luckily, you can cover all of that (and more) by writing a business plan.

• What should you include in a bar business plan?

These are the typical sections to consider including in your bar business plan.

• Executive Summary
• Market Analysis
• Marketing and Sales Strategy 
• Operations Plan
• Business Overview

Financial plan

The sections you need will vary depending on why you’re writing a business plan and what you intend to do with it . 

Suppose it’s to manage your operations and not something you expect anyone outside of the business to read. In that case, consider keeping it to a few pages and skipping sections like the executive summary.

If you’re applying for a loan, then you’ll need a more formal plan that includes all the sections listed above.

Check out our step-by-step guide to writing a full business plan for more details.

• The 6 elements of an effective bar business plan

Executive summary

Your executive summary is a short, high-level overview of your entire plan. 

The summary should give readers a sense of what factors will make your bar successful. That could include securing a high-visibility location, partnering with a chef who will oversee meal preparation, or negotiating deals with brewers to get their beers in your bar.

If you’re seeking a bank loan for your bar, the lender will read your executive summary first. In all likelihood, they won’t read any further unless the executive summary grabs their attention. 

So, make it clear and convincing.

Market analysis

The market analysis may be the most important part of your entire business plan. 

It’s where you carefully research and document:

• Who your target customers are
• What they want
• What other establishments they may consider

Start by identifying the size of your market . Focus on the number of potential customers above the legal drinking age in your area. Then, segment these customers based on demographics such as age, income level, and lifestyle preferences. 

Then look into who you will be competing with. List and research other bars as well as indirect competition from restaurants, clubs, and even grocery stores that sell beer or home entertainment options.

Here are a few examples of what this process will look like:

Bar customer segmentation

If you find there are a lot of college students and younger adults near your bar location, you should cater your offerings to their tastes. But if you’re near office buildings or event venues, you may want to focus on older customers with more disposable income.

Will you offer a more diverse drink menu, better food, or a unique theme? Explain how these factors will set your bar apart and attract customers. Or, if your area lacks a certain type of bar, such as a sports bar or a high-end cocktail lounge, describe how filling this gap in the market will serve as your competitive advantage.

Marketing and sales strategy

Your market analysis gives you insights into potential customers. Your marketing and sales strategy is where you use those insights to get those customers in your door.

As you looked around at your competitive landscape, maybe you gained some insight into how your ideal customers discover new bars — through social media, online reviews, local event listings, or word-of-mouth.

Start by developing marketing strategies that are tailored to those channels . Consider tactics like:

• Creating engaging social media content showcasing your unique drinks, events and ambiance.
• Partnering with local businesses or events to increase visibility.
• Introducing special promotions to encourage repeat visits and attract new customers.
• Hosting themed nights or events to create buzz and attract specific customer segments.

In your business plan, document how you will implement these efforts and the resources required. 

Operations plan

The operations section of your business plan is where you detail the day-to-day requirements for running the bar smoothly. Start by describing your physical space and key equipment, such as:

• Beverage dispensing systems
• Glassware and utensils

Specify the types and number of each that you’ll need. Then you can address staffing needs, describing the roles of bartenders, servers, and support staff. Document in your plan that you’ll have a staffing strategy to cover peak hours.

You should also cover inventory management. Describe how you’ll stock alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, ingredients for cocktails and food. Be sure to spend time discussing supply chains for sourcing these ingredients.

Document the types of technology you’re using, like point-of-sale systems, inventory tracking, or customer reservation platforms. 

Finally, ensure that your operations plan demonstrates how you will comply with any licensing, health and safety regulations and that you have a plan for ensuring responsible customer behavior.

Business overview

The overview should fill in any gaps the reader may have, including:

• The name of your bar
• When it was founded (if it’s an existing business)
• The inspiration behind the business

You should include the background and qualifications of key team members here. Include their experience in the bar industry and any other experience that’s relevant to their position.

If you’re running an existing bar, discuss previous achievements like revenue milestones, recognitions, or community events you’ve hosted.

You don’t need a deep financial background to run a successful business. But it’s important to develop projections for how you expect the bar to perform. If you’re starting a new bar, consider that you’ll need to pay upfront costs like equipment, supplies, licenses and rent.

Then there are the ongoing costs like employee salaries, marketing, and continuing to keep your shelves stocked.

Making educated guesses about the future will help you determine what’s working, and where you should make adjustments as you run your business.

Include sales and expense forecasts in your plan. The financial section also should include a cash flow statement , income statement , and balance sheet .

Remember, no one knows exactly how the future will pan out — these projections are your baseline for how you think the business will do, and you’ll adjust them over time as you update your plan with actual results.

• Bar business plan templates and examples

To see how other bar businesses have created their plans, browse our free library of bar and brewery business plans . You can also check out our full selection of food and beverage business plans , or our entire library of over 550 business plans across industries.

Download as many as you want in PDF or Word format to help you write your own business plan.

See why 1.2 million entrepreneurs have written their business plans with LivePlan

Elon is a marketing specialist at Palo Alto Software, working with consultants, accountants, business instructors and others who use LivePlan at scale. He has a bachelor's degree in journalism and an MBA from the University of Oregon.

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