Having a good business plan helps set the foundation for your business. It is vital for entrepreneurs to ask themselves essential and critical questions about their business.
We know finding the right approach when creating a business plan can be difficult, but the most important thing is to get started. With that in mind, we’ve curated this list from trusted sources including the U.S. Small Business Administration, Forbes and Score. You’ll find a variety of free templates that fit businesses at all stages.
From competitive analysis to financial projections, a business plan is a roadmap that will guide you through each stage of your company and can help you get funding or attract new business partners.
If you are just starting out, know there is no right or wrong way to write a business plan – the key is to get something on paper.
Here are our top 9 business plan templates. Check them out and find the one that’s the right fit for you.
1. Simple One-Page Business Plan Templates from Oprah.com
If longer multi-page templates look overwhelming, get a simple six-part guide that will help you write a one-page business plan. Oprah.com provides three different sample one-page plans from different businesses to help spur ideas.
If you are looking quickly get the details all on one page – these templates are great examples to better understand what to include in a business plan. Review the completed templates to your advantage, as many of the ideas can inspire o the outline for your own plan.
2. User-Friendly Templates from The Balance Small Business
For a clear understanding of what goes into creating a business plan, get The Balance’s Simple Business Plan Template.
Their comprehensive guide helps you through each section while answering all your questions. They provide the pros and cons of a business plan template, help you decide on simple or detailed, and have a ‘how to use the template’ section so there is no confusion.
Their template is perfect for those looking for a detailed and thorough template that is user friendly at the same time.
3. Trusted Templates From the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
As one of the most trusted and respected small business resources, the U.S Small Business Administration (SBA) provides one of the best and most thorough business plan templates available.
They provide the ‘Traditional business plan’ along with the ‘Lean startup plan’ to meet the needs of small business owners at different stages.
The SBA provides example business plans for each template so you can get an idea of what to do for your own business.
4. Cover Your Bases With a Step-by-Step Guide from Forbes
With many variations of business plans out there, Forbes put together a step-by-step template that covers your bases for exactly what to include in your plan. They provide an easy-to-read and easy-to-understand template to get you started.
Their template includes what you need to complete your business plan and how to take the next steps for your business with confidence.
5. Business Plan Templates for Start-Ups from SCORE
If you want to increase the chances of your business start-up becoming successful, this is the business plan for you.
SCORE is one of the leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to helping small business owners succeed and has created a business plan template that will help you lay the groundwork for your new business.
The template is in-depth and customizable with over 150 questions to answer that will help you create the best business plan for your specific situation.
6. Quick-Focus for Business Growth from Business.Govt.Nz
Business.Govt.Nz provides a straightforward and clear business plan that highlights the key aspects that are needed.
They offer two templates, one for start-ups and a quick-focus template for growing businesses. The guides will help you think about the critical details of your business and outline the steps needed for strategy, funding, and more.
7. The 10 minute Template from Plan Buildr
If you are looking for a brief and simple overview of a business plan, Plan Buildr’s got you covered.
Their template is much less overwhelming and can be completed in just 10 minutes. This business plan template is not comprehensive but it can serve as a good starting point for your first draft.
8. Business Plan Templates with 7 FREE samples from PandaDoc
PandaDoc provides 7 free sample templates. Each template covers a different type of business from restaurants, to coffee shops, to salons and more.
This allows the entrepreneur to see a plan more closely aligned with their own business.
Working off of several business plan samples can be a great starting point if you are hitting a roadblock.
9. Geared towards Getting Financing from CDC Small Business Finance
As a leading small business lender, CDC Small Business Finance helps business owners get access to financing every day. With that knowledge, the loan team has developed outlines to help guide business owners, especially those seeking financing.
In addition, at the end of the template, they have also provided a robust list of resources for small business owners.
The Simple Business Plan helps you create a summary and provides helpful context and directions throughout each section.
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