Business Plan Template for Small Businesses

Why use our business plan templates?

Writing a business plan from scratch isn’t an easy feat, especially when you’re doing it for the first time. After all, there are so many aspects to consider. Where do you even start writing? What are the key elements that investors or lenders want to see? And much more. But with our business plan templates, you can make the process less overwhelming, faster, and a lot easier whether you’re just starting out or scaling an existing firm. Here’s what makes them so helpful:

• No Expertise Needed: Confused how to begin? Just fill-in-the-blanks and you’re good to go—no stressing over formatting or what to include.
• Customizable Formats: You can easily edit or modify these templates to fit your business needs and preferences.
• Professional Layouts: Designed with an SBA-lender-approved structure to impress investors and lenders.
• Step-by-Step Instructions: Each section involves clear instructions and guidance to walk you through the process.
• Completely Free: Yes, you heard it right—these templates are 100% free to download and use.

In short, these templates are designed to guide you through every step of the way.

What sections are included in the free business plan template?

Our downloadable templates cover all the essential details you’ll need to create a complete, professional-looking business plan. And most importantly, a good business plan template ensures you don’t miss or skip any critical information that potential lenders and investors need to know. Here’s a quick rundown of the sections you’ll typically find in our free templates:

1. Executive Summary

A brief overview of your entire business plan, presenting readers your business idea and what makes it unique. Though it’s an introductory part, it’s written at the end once the full plan is ready because it summarizes:

• Business concept and mission
• Problems you intend to solve
• Type of services or products you’ll offer
• Target market opportunities
• Marketing tactics
• Financial projections

2. Company Overview

Introduces your beloved company in more detail by outlining its core values and future goals. This section also details the structural components of your company, including:

• Location and legal structure
• Business model type
• Key owners
• Background history
• Goals and objectives

3. Market Analysis and Competition

An in-depth look at the market you’re going to enter, who you wish to serve, as well as the top competitors. Here’s what it covers:

• Market size and growth potential
• Your target audience
• Competitive analysis
• Emerging trends
• Regulatory requirements

3. Products & Services

It’s the essence of what problems you intend to address and the kind of solution you wish to offer to your customers. It includes solid details of:

• Products and services you’ll offer
• Pricing strategy
• Intellectual property or patents
• Potential future offerings

4. Marketing and Sales Strategies

This is all about showing readers your effective sales plan and the chosen marketing channels, highlighting how you’ll promote your business and generate sales.

• Unique value propositions
• Marketing plan
• Sales and distribution channels
• Customer retention strategy

5. Operations Plan

A detailed description of what makes your business run smoothly. So, it’s your chance to give stakeholders a clear picture of how your business will function on a daily basis, illustrating:

• Daily operations
• Key milestones
• Partners and resources
• Equipment & tools used

6. Organization and Management Team

This section talks about yourself (as a business owner) and your experienced management team. It emphasizes each member’s roles, responsibilities, educational qualifications, expertise, as well as professional background.

7. Financial Plan

A thorough breakdown of your business’s historical financial state and future financial projections with accurate numbers. This will help you pitch investors and secure enough funding. In general, this section must enclose a few critical financial statements, like:

• Profit and loss statement (income statement)
• Balance sheet
• Cash flow statement
• Funding needs (if any)
• Exit strategy

8. Appendix

Well, this last section of a business plan is not mandatory. But it lets you place supporting documents or additional information that supports and strengthens the rest of your plan.

Write Your Business Plan Using Upmetrics

Now, putting together your business plan doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Just download one of these ready-made templates as per your industry-specific needs and you’re on your way to creating a solid plan. But if you’re feeling stuck with details or seeking more assistance, try using our business planning software—Upmetrics to get a headstart! With its advanced features and AI capabilities, it helps you develop a successful business plan that wins investors.