How to Create a Business Plan Template

A business plan template helps clarify the process of business-plan writing.

A business plan is an essential tool for any successful business. It is both a map for businesses to follow as well as a reference for any parties seeking more information about the business--for instance, potential investors. Writing a business plan can be an intricate process, but having a strong temple from which to work makes it significantly easier. Writing a business plan template is a detailed, although relatively straightforward, process. Crafting it in such a way that it gives specific direction while still being general enough to serve as a model for multiple businesses is the key.

Instructions

1. Write down all the components you wish you to address. This should include a vision statement, business profile, economic assessment, cash flow assessment and resources. This should also include an executive summary of the plan once it's completed. Find a strong business plan from which to draw--having an example can help significantly.

2. Structure your template in the way an actual business plan would look. Address the components that you find on the first page of a business plan first.

3. Begin with the vision statement and build out from there. There are multiple styles of business plans, but all will contain the five components already addressed. Include a brief description under each category that explains exactly what is expected for each part. For instance, under resources, explain that this includes monetary and material resources as well as immaterial resources such as personnel. Include how many pages each section should be--this number is generally determined by how long it takes to explain that section thoroughly and will vary from plan to plan. But any section that requires research, such as the economic or cash flow assessment, should be a page or more to thoroughly present the information.

4. Explain the executive summary and its function in a brief paragraph. Include a paragraph that addresses the elements a successful business plan has. Explain how each of the sections should answer underlying questions regarding the purpose of the business and the plausibility of the business model.

References

• My Own Business: Business Plan
• Entreprenuer: An Introduction to Business Plans

Resources

• Small Business Resources: Business Plan Template