Business Plan Template

Business Plans Handbook
Business Plan Template

USING THIS TEMPLATE
A business plan carefully spells out a company’s projected course of action over a period of time,
usually the first two to three years after the start-up. In addition, banks, lenders, and other investors
examine the information and financial documentation before deciding whether or not to finance a new
business venture. Therefore, a business plan is an essential tool in obtaining financing and should
describe the business itself in detail as well as all important factors influencing the company, including
the market, industry, competition, operations and management policies, problem solving strategies,
financial resources and needs, and other vital information. The plan enables the business owner to
anticipate costs, plan for difficulties, and take advantage of opportunities, as well as design and
implement strategies that keep the company running as smoothly as possible.
This template has been provided as a model to help you construct your own business plan. Please keep
in mind that there is no single acceptable format for a business plan, and that this template is in no way
comprehensive, but serves as an example.
The business plans provided in this section are fictional and have been used by small business agencies
as models for clients to use in compiling their own business plans.
GENERIC BUSINESS PLAN

Main headings included below are topics that should be covered in a comprehensive business plan.
They include:
Business Summary
Purpose
Provides a brief overview of your business, succinctly highlighting the main ideas of your plan.
Includes
• Topic Headings and Subheadings
• Page Number References
Table of Contents
Purpose
Organized in an Outline Format, the Table of Contents illustrates the selection and arrangement of
information contained in your plan.
151
COPYRIGHT 2018 Gale, Cengage Learning WCN 02-200-210

BUSINESS PLAN TEMPLATE
Includes
• Name and Type of Business • Competition

• Description of Product/Service • Management
• Business History and Development • Financial Information
• Location • Business Strengths and Weaknesses
• Market • Business Growth
Business History and Industry Outlook

Purpose
Examines the conception and subsequent development of your business within an industry specific
context.
Includes
• Start-up Information • Future Plans and Goals

• Owner/Key Personnel Experience • Market Trends and Statistics
• Location • Major Competitors
• Development Problems and • Product/Service Advantages
Solutions • National, Regional, and Local
• Investment/Funding Information Economic Impact
Product/Service
Purpose
Introduces, defines, and details the product and/or service that inspired the information of your
business.
Includes
• Unique Features • Production

• Niche Served • Facilities, Equipment, and Labor
• Market Comparison • Financial Requirements
• Stage of Product/Service • Product/Service Life Cycle
Development • Future Growth
Market Examination
Purpose
Assessment of product/service applications in relation to consumer buying cycles.
Includes
• Target Market • Penetration of the Market

• Consumer Buying Habits • Market Share
• Product/Service Applications • Research and Studies
• Consumer Reactions • Cost
• Market Factors and Trends • Sales Volume and Goals
Competition
Purpose
Analysis of Competitors in the Marketplace.
152 B U S I N E S S P L A N S H A N D B O O K , Volume 43

Includes
Business Plans Handbook

• Competitor Information • Product/Service Strengths and
• Product/Service Comparison Weaknesses
• Market Niche • Future Product/Service Development
Marketing
Purpose
Identifies promotion and sales strategies for your product/service.
Includes
• Product/Service Sales Appeal • Type of Advertising/ Promotion

• Special and Unique Features • Pricing
• Identification of Customers • Competition
• Sales and Marketing Staff • Customer Services
• Sales Cycles
Operations
Purpose
Traces product/service development from production/inception to the market environment.
Includes
• Cost Effective Production Methods • Equipment
• Facility • Labor
• Location • Future Expansion
Administration and Management

Purpose
Offers a statement of your management philosophy with an in-depth focus on processes and
procedures.
Includes
• Management Philosophy • Employee Needs and Compensation
• Structure of Organization • Work Environment
• Reporting System • Management Policies and
• Methods of Communication Procedures
• Employee Skills and Training • Roles and Responsibilities
Key Personnel
Purpose
Describes the unique backgrounds of principle employees involved in business.
Includes
• Owner(s)/Employee Education and • Benefits and Salary

Experience • Duties and Responsibilities
• Positions and Roles • Objectives and Goals
B U S I N E S S P L A N S H A N D B O O K , Volume 43 153

Potential Problems and Solutions

Purpose
Discussion of problem solving strategies that change issues into opportunities.
Includes
• Risks • Economic Impact
• Litigation • Problem Solving Skills
• Future Competition
Financial Information
Purpose
Secures needed funding and assistance through worksheets and projections detailing financial plans,
methods of repayment, and future growth opportunities.
Includes
• Financial Statements • Start-up Costs
• Bank Loans • Projected Income (3 years)
• Methods of Repayment • Projected Cash Flow (3 Years)
• Tax Returns • Projected Balance Statements (3 years)
Appendices
Purpose
Supporting documents used to enhance your business proposal.
Includes
• Photographs of product, equipment, • Operation Schedules
facilities, etc. • Organizational Charts
• Copyright/Trademark Documents • Job Descriptions
• Legal Agreements • Resumes
• Marketing Materials • Additional Financial
• Research and or Studies Documentation
154 B U S I N E S S P L A N S H A N D B O O K , Volume 43

Business Plan Template

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Business Plans Handbook

Business Plan Template

GENERIC BUSINESS PLAN

COPYRIGHT 2018 Gale, Cengage Learning WCN 02-200-210

• Name and Type of Business • Competition

Business History and Industry Outlook

• Start-up Information • Future Plans and Goals

• Unique Features • Production

• Target Market • Penetration of the Market

COPYRIGHT 2018 Gale, Cengage Learning WCN 02-200-210

Business Plans Handbook

• Product/Service Sales Appeal • Type of Advertising/ Promotion

Administration and Management

• Owner(s)/Employee Education and • Benefits and Salary

COPYRIGHT 2018 Gale, Cengage Learning WCN 02-200-210

Potential Problems and Solutions

COPYRIGHT 2018 Gale, Cengage Learning WCN 02-200-210

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