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What is a Business Blueprint? 7 Steps to Develop One Enclosed…

what is a business blueprint

Home » How To Entrepreneur Full Library – Articles to help Start or Grow a Business » What is a Business Blueprint? 7 Steps to Develop One Enclosed…

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If you’ve ever asked yourself, “What is a Business Blueprint?”, I can assure you there are many different definitions and strategies for creating one. I want to share with you the blueprint that works for me in hopes it can also work for you.

There is a huge danger when you have too many business growth shortages where supply and demand is not regulated properly.  When the business grows faster than the entrepreneur is responding, it creates a bottleneck of too much work, and an insufficient labor force to handle it.  With this shortage , people get overwhelmed, frustrated, lose their social lives, and over a long period, they may give up.

what is a business blueprint

When I’m asked “What is a Business Blueprint?”, I respond by explaining how it’s the solution to bottlenecks that can exhaust the workers and cause the business to fail.

What is a Business Blueprint Definition?

When building a house, the blueprint is the strategic plan that tells the construction workers and their managers the logistic requirements to build the house, where each part of the facility will be placed, and helps them to maintain order as they build the house.  Similarly, a business blueprint is a strategic plan that tells those operating the business the productivity requirements, the necessary jobs, the milestones, the targets, and the expected outcomes.  A business blueprint is a plan for how you will strategically execute business.

Facts and Stats answering “What is a Business Blueprint?”

Palo Alto did a study that confirmed those who did a business plan were twice as likely to grow their businesses or secure capital.  The study results showed:

2,877 people completed the survey. Of those, 995 had completed a plan.

  • 297 of them (36%) secured a loan
  • 280 of them (36%) secured investment capital
  • 499 of them (64%) had grown their business

1,556 of the 2,877 had not yet completed their plan.

  • 222 of them (18%) secured a loan
  • 219 of them (18%) secured investment capital
  • 501 of them (43%) had grown their business

what is a business blueprint

  • A business is not made successful by the plan alone, there also has to be a mentality that makes it work
  • Business plans allow entrepreneurs to strategically work ON the business rather than solely working IN the business
  • By planning, you make strategic goals that drive you closer to the vision, mission, and purpose of the business, and closer to your overall life plan

What a Business Blueprint is NOT

  • A Business Blueprint is not the business
  • It is not a guarantee the business will work
  • It is not a way around the importance of people and mindset to make a business successful
  • It is not simply verbiage written to appease lenders and investors

The business blueprint should be a composition of documents that tells about the idea you have for a business, how to manifest the idea, who will help you, and milestones on your way.  There are several different business plan templates that help to bring clarity as you document key performance indicators that are necessary to make your business work.

Components of a Business Blueprint

For a business blueprint to be successful, you have to be clear about several things.  The business blueprint is a document that gives the details about the money machine you’ve invented (the business), and how anyone can make it work.  The business blueprint includes the Life Plan, the Organization Chart, the Position Contracts, the Job Prototypes, and the Business Plan.

Your Life Plan

Your Life Plan is the foundation of the business blueprint.  The business is not your life, but it’s a vehicle you use to manifest components of your legacy–this is HUGE!  The life plan “begins with the end in mind” as Stephen Covey would say by having you look at the most important things you want your life to say to the world, and sets milestones for how you can ensure the message and impact is left behind.

Businesses can be huge legacy vehicles to build leaders, cement relationships, transform limiting beliefs, change economic climates, and impact the world with solutions.  If there’s no life plan, the business can become synonymous with the entrepreneur or become stigmatized as “work” only.

Organization Chart

It can seem funny to complete an organization chart without having a sizeable organization, but the organization chart is a crucial component of planning before a bottleneck.  When you do the organization chart before having an organization, it’s simply for planning and future thinking purposes, but it’s so important.  You begin to think about what positions the business would need to operate with peak performance.

Of course, this organization chart will change as you gain more operational knowledge, but it’s important to plan to scale before growth, so you don’t feel “stuck” in a stockpile of work once the lead generation system matures.

You can write down positions and a brief description like:

Chief Operations Officer – Ensures the promises are kept to the customers.  Provides direct oversight to Vice President/Marketing, Vice President/Finance, and Vice President/Operations.

Other common organizational positions are:

  • Sales Manager
  • Vice President/Marketing
  • Vice President/Finance
  • Vice President/Operations
  • Customer Service
  • Marketing Specialist (could be broken into several specifications)
  • Sales Apprentice
  • and so on…

In the beginning, the entrepreneur may wear all of the hats, but it’s important to distinguish what the hats are, so as the workload increases, you can decide which positions are most vital, present the new hire with the operations manual and accountability, replace yourself, and begin prototyping the next position.

Position Contracts

Similar to a job description, a position contract tells you what tasks each position is responsible for, the quality standards, the expected outcomes, who they report to, how the position fits into the company mission and vision, and so on.  Even while you are a small company and wear several of the positions, it’s still important to recognize what tasks you’re responsible for, consistently execute them, and document.  Once your able to hire, you can take the work you’ve done to fill the position, and brief the new hire on where you left off and give them the operations manual.

Job Prototypes

As an entrepreneur who works ON the job, and not just IN the job, you should be documenting how you are doing each task necessary to make the business run.  The compilation of documentation should be kept in your training manuals for your new hires.  The operations manuals will enable you to provide instruction and accountability as a leader to the new hires.  It will also stabilize consistent processes, so your customers know they can expect equivalent quality standards every time they return: regardless of who serves them.

Business Plan

The business plan should tell how your goals and outcomes you want to see to identify that your business systems are working.  It should give details about your Lead Generation System, Lead Conversion System, your Leadership System, your Management System, and your Branding System .

7 Steps for How To Develop a Business Blueprint

To complete a Business Blueprint that can help to guide you in your business, you should follow these 7 steps:

1. Create your life plan

You can download this life plan template here, and use it to gain clarity for how you would like to live your life.  It’s important to put the business in perspective and to understand how it plays into your life.

2. Take time to develop your vision, mission, and purpose statements

Your vision, mission, and purpose statements tell us:

Why you do what you do?

How you do what you do?

and, Where do you see this all going?

It’s very important for creating a viral culture.  People want to know they are investing into something that’s bigger than a simple product or service transaction.

3. Complete your organization charts, job prototypes, and position contracts

Decide who you’ll need to make your business work and begin documenting the tasks they’ll need to perform and the standard you want to see.

4. Create your business plan

Whether a 1-page business plan or a 100-page business plan, it’s important to be clear about what you’re trying to do with your business, the experiments you’re doing, and their outcomes.

5. Compile it all neatly

You can use sheet protectors, binders, or a completely digital setup–whichever is most comfortable for you.  You want to make sure the documents are neat, orderly, and positioned where you can continually reference them.

6. Keep it where you can look over it regularly

You can keep your documents in your home office or wherever it would be most convenient for you to look over them regularly.

7. Continually improve and update your documents

These documents are living documents, they require ongoing revisits and updates as you see what you’re capable of.  You can challenge yourself and those in your organization, you should accept feedback, test, and modify.

Recommended Reading:

Theses are some articles that go further in detail on some of the concepts mentioned in the post:

  • How to Create a Job Prototype
  • How to Create a Training Manual
  • 7 Business Systems Every Business Must Have
  • Why Most Small Businesses Fail
  • 33 Questions that Will Grow Your Business

Last Words answering, “What is a Business Blueprint?”

The goal of this article was to answer the question “What is a Business Blueprint?”.  A business blueprint can be very helpful to provide direction as a business grows.  It also helps entrepreneurs to balance technical activities with strategic activities that enable them to grow successful businesses.

If  you’d like to start or scale your business, check out my free e-course . It’s a framework to grow a business: from idea to enterprise. Check out my free e-course here.

Now, it’s Your Turn…

Have you created a business blueprint?  Have you created a business plan or something similar?  Has it been helpful to you?  Why or why not?

Ready to Take the Next Step to Grow Your Business? If so, Start Here

  • Phase Eight: Build Your Seven Business Systems [Leadership System] , Phase Ten: Scale and Grow

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How to Write a Business Plan, Step by Step

Rosalie Murphy

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

What is a business plan?

1. write an executive summary, 2. describe your company, 3. state your business goals, 4. describe your products and services, 5. do your market research, 6. outline your marketing and sales plan, 7. perform a business financial analysis, 8. make financial projections, 9. summarize how your company operates, 10. add any additional information to an appendix, business plan tips and resources.

A business plan outlines your business’s financial goals and explains how you’ll achieve them over the next three to five years. Here’s a step-by-step guide to writing a business plan that will offer a strong, detailed road map for your business.

Bizee

A business plan is a document that explains what your business does, how it makes money and who its customers are. Internally, writing a business plan should help you clarify your vision and organize your operations. Externally, you can share it with potential lenders and investors to show them you’re on the right track.

Business plans are living documents; it’s OK for them to change over time. Startups may update their business plans often as they figure out who their customers are and what products and services fit them best. Mature companies might only revisit their business plan every few years. Regardless of your business’s age, brush up this document before you apply for a business loan .

» Need help writing? Learn about the best business plan software .

This is your elevator pitch. It should include a mission statement, a brief description of the products or services your business offers and a broad summary of your financial growth plans.

Though the executive summary is the first thing your investors will read, it can be easier to write it last. That way, you can highlight information you’ve identified while writing other sections that go into more detail.

» MORE: How to write an executive summary in 6 steps

Next up is your company description. This should contain basic information like:

Your business’s registered name.

Address of your business location .

Names of key people in the business. Make sure to highlight unique skills or technical expertise among members of your team.

Your company description should also define your business structure — such as a sole proprietorship, partnership or corporation — and include the percent ownership that each owner has and the extent of each owner’s involvement in the company.

Lastly, write a little about the history of your company and the nature of your business now. This prepares the reader to learn about your goals in the next section.

» MORE: How to write a company overview for a business plan

blueprint for business plan

The third part of a business plan is an objective statement. This section spells out what you’d like to accomplish, both in the near term and over the coming years.

If you’re looking for a business loan or outside investment, you can use this section to explain how the financing will help your business grow and how you plan to achieve those growth targets. The key is to provide a clear explanation of the opportunity your business presents to the lender.

For example, if your business is launching a second product line, you might explain how the loan will help your company launch that new product and how much you think sales will increase over the next three years as a result.

» MORE: How to write a successful business plan for a loan

In this section, go into detail about the products or services you offer or plan to offer.

You should include the following:

An explanation of how your product or service works.

The pricing model for your product or service.

The typical customers you serve.

Your supply chain and order fulfillment strategy.

You can also discuss current or pending trademarks and patents associated with your product or service.

Lenders and investors will want to know what sets your product apart from your competition. In your market analysis section , explain who your competitors are. Discuss what they do well, and point out what you can do better. If you’re serving a different or underserved market, explain that.

Here, you can address how you plan to persuade customers to buy your products or services, or how you will develop customer loyalty that will lead to repeat business.

Include details about your sales and distribution strategies, including the costs involved in selling each product .

» MORE: R e a d our complete guide to small business marketing

If you’re a startup, you may not have much information on your business financials yet. However, if you’re an existing business, you’ll want to include income or profit-and-loss statements, a balance sheet that lists your assets and debts, and a cash flow statement that shows how cash comes into and goes out of the company.

Accounting software may be able to generate these reports for you. It may also help you calculate metrics such as:

Net profit margin: the percentage of revenue you keep as net income.

Current ratio: the measurement of your liquidity and ability to repay debts.

Accounts receivable turnover ratio: a measurement of how frequently you collect on receivables per year.

This is a great place to include charts and graphs that make it easy for those reading your plan to understand the financial health of your business.

This is a critical part of your business plan if you’re seeking financing or investors. It outlines how your business will generate enough profit to repay the loan or how you will earn a decent return for investors.

Here, you’ll provide your business’s monthly or quarterly sales, expenses and profit estimates over at least a three-year period — with the future numbers assuming you’ve obtained a new loan.

Accuracy is key, so carefully analyze your past financial statements before giving projections. Your goals may be aggressive, but they should also be realistic.

NerdWallet’s picks for setting up your business finances:

The best business checking accounts .

The best business credit cards .

The best accounting software .

Before the end of your business plan, summarize how your business is structured and outline each team’s responsibilities. This will help your readers understand who performs each of the functions you’ve described above — making and selling your products or services — and how much each of those functions cost.

If any of your employees have exceptional skills, you may want to include their resumes to help explain the competitive advantage they give you.

Finally, attach any supporting information or additional materials that you couldn’t fit in elsewhere. That might include:

Licenses and permits.

Equipment leases.

Bank statements.

Details of your personal and business credit history, if you’re seeking financing.

If the appendix is long, you may want to consider adding a table of contents at the beginning of this section.

How much do you need?

with Fundera by NerdWallet

We’ll start with a brief questionnaire to better understand the unique needs of your business.

Once we uncover your personalized matches, our team will consult you on the process moving forward.

Here are some tips to write a detailed, convincing business plan:

Avoid over-optimism: If you’re applying for a business bank loan or professional investment, someone will be reading your business plan closely. Providing unreasonable sales estimates can hurt your chances of approval.

Proofread: Spelling, punctuation and grammatical errors can jump off the page and turn off lenders and prospective investors. If writing and editing aren't your strong suit, you may want to hire a professional business plan writer, copy editor or proofreader.

Use free resources: SCORE is a nonprofit association that offers a large network of volunteer business mentors and experts who can help you write or edit your business plan. The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Small Business Development Centers , which provide free business consulting and help with business plan development, can also be a resource.

On a similar note...

Find small-business financing

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How to Build a Detailed Business Plan That Stands Out [Free Template]

AJ Beltis

Updated: March 29, 2022

Published: March 11, 2022

While starting a company may seem easier now than ever before, entrepreneurs have an uphill battle from the moment they start a business. And without a clear, actionable business plan for selling, marketing, finances, and operations, you're almost destined to face significant challenges.

Entrepreneur builds his business plan template

This is why crafting a business plan is an essential step in the entrepreneurial process.

In this post, we'll walk you through the process of filling out your business plan template, like this free, editable version :

free editable One-Page Business Plan PDF  Template

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

We know that when looking at a blank page on a laptop screen, the idea of writing your business plan can seem impossible. However, it's a mandatory step to take if you want to turn your business dreams into a reality.

→ Download Now: Free Business Plan Template

That's why we've crafted a business plan template for you to download and use to build your new company. You can download it here for free . It contains prompts for all of the essential parts of a business plan, all of which are elaborated on, below.

This way, you'll be able to show them how organized and well-thought-out your business idea is, and provide them with answers to whatever questions they may have.

blueprint for business plan

Free Business Plan Template

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

  • 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.

Building a Successful Business Plan

In the next section, we'll cover the components of a business plan , such as an executive summary and company description. But before we get to that, let's talk about key elements that should serve as building blocks for your plan.

For some entrepreneurs, the thought of writing a business plan sounds like a chore — a necessary means to an end. But that's a bad take.

A solid business plan is a blueprint for success . It's key to securing financing, presenting your business, outlining your financial projections, and turning that nugget of a business idea into a reality.

At the core, your business plan should answer two questions: why your business and why now?

Investors want to know why your business is entering the market, i.e. what problem it's solving and how it's different from what's currently out there. They also want to know why now is the right time for your type of product or service.

At a minimum, your plan should:

  • Be more realistic than idealistic: Too often, business plans focus too much on how things could be instead of how they are. While having a vision is important, your plan needs to be rooted in research and data.
  • Legitimize your business idea : If an idea fails on paper, it's a signal to go back to the drawing board. In doing so, you avoid losing precious time or money chasing an unrealistic idea.
  • Position your business for funding: To get your business off the ground, chances are you'll need financial backing. Even with a solid business idea, investors, lenders, and banks still need convincing. An effective business plan will outline how much money you need, where it's going, what targets you will hit, and how you plan to repay any debts.
  • Lay the foundation: Investors focus on risk – if anything looks shaky, it could be a dealbreaker. Ideally, your business plan will lay down the foundation for how you'll operate your business — from operational needs to financial projections and goals.
  • Communicate your needs: It's nearly impossible to communicate your needs if you don't know what they are first. Of course, a business’ needs are always changing — but your plan should give you a well-rounded view of how your business will work in the short and long term.

So back to the question of why and why now – consider three things:

  • Your industry – How does your product or service fit within your industry? Are you targeting a specific niche? Where do you see the industry going in the next five to 10 years?
  • Your target audience – Who are you targeting? What challenges are they facing? How will your product or service help them in their daily lives?
  • Your unique selling proposition (USP) – What sets you apart from your competitors? Is it your product/service features? Your company values? Price?

Once you know the answers to these questions, you'll be equipped to answer the question: why your business and why now.

How to Build a Business Plan

  • Executive Summary
  • Company and Business Description
  • Product and Services Line
  • Market Analysis
  • Marketing Plan
  • Legal Notes
  • Financial Considerations

Featured Resource: Free Business Plan Template

1. cover page.

Your business plan should be prefaced with an eye-catching cover page. This means including a high-resolution image of your company logo, followed by your company's name, address, and phone number.

Since this business plan will likely change hands and be seen by multiple investors, you should also provide your own name, role in the business, and email address on the cover page.

At the bottom of this page, you can also add a confidentiality statement to protect against the disclosure of your business details.

The statement can read as follows: " This document contains confidential and proprietary information created by [your company name]. When receiving this document, you agree to keep its content confidential and may only reproduce and/or share it with express written permission of [your company name] ."

Remember to keep your cover page simple and concise — and save the important details for other sections.

Why it matters: First impressions are everything, and a clean cover page is the first step in the right direction.

Example of a Cover Page

Business Plan Template: Cover Page

2. Executive Summary

The executive summary of your business plan provides a one- to two-page overview of your business and highlights the most crucial pieces of your plan, such as your short-term and long-term goals.

The executive summary is essentially a boiled-down version of your entire business plan, so remember to keep this section to the point and filled only with essential information.

Typically, this brief section includes:

  • A mission statement.
  • The company's history and leadership model.
  • An overview of competitive advantage(s).
  • Financial projections.
  • Company goals.
  • An ask from potential investors.

Why it matters: The executive summary is known as the make-or-break section of a business plan. It influences whether investors turn the page or not — so effectively summarizing your business and the problem it hopes to solve is a must.

Think of the Summary as a written elevator pitch (with more detail). While your business plan provides the nitty-gritty details, your Summary describes — in a compelling but matter-of-fact language — the highlights of your plan. If it's too vague, complicated, or fuzzy, you may need to scrap it and start again.

Example of an Executive Summary Introduction

"The future looks bright for North Side Chicago, particularly the Rock Hill Neighborhood. A number of high-end commercial and residential developments are well on their way, along with two new condo developments in nearby neighborhoods.

While the completion of these developments will increase the population within the neighborhood and stimulate the economy, the area lacks an upscale restaurant where residents and visitors can enjoy fine food and drink. Jay Street Lounge and Restaurant will provide such a place."

3. Company & Business Description

In this section, provide a more thorough description of what your company is and why it exists.

Business Plan Template: Business Description

The bulk of the writing in this section should be about your company's purpose – covering what the business will be selling, identifying the target market, and laying out a path to success.

In this portion of your business plan, you can also elaborate on your company's:

  • Mission statement
  • Core values
  • Team and organizational structure

Why it matters: Investors look for great structures and teams in addition to great ideas. This section gives an overview of your businesses' ethos. It's the perfect opportunity to set your business apart from the competition — such as your team's expertise, your unique work culture, and your competitive advantage.

Example of a Values/Mission Statement

"Jay Street Lounge and Restaurant will be the go-to place for people to get a drink or bite in an elegant, upscale atmosphere. The mission is to be North Side's leading restaurant, with the best tasting food and the highest quality service."

3. Product & Services Line

Here's where you'll cover the makeup of your business's product and/or services line. You should provide each product or service's name, its purpose, and a description of how it works (if appropriate). If you own any patents, copyrights, or trademarks, it's essential to include this info too.

Next, add some color to your sales strategy by outlining your pricing model and mark-up amounts.

If you're selling tangible products, you should also explain production and costs, and how you expect these factors to change as you scale.

Why it matters: This section contains the real meat of your business plan. It sets the stage for the problem you hope to solve, your solution, and how your said solution fits in the market.

There's no one-size-fits-all formula for this section. For instance, one plan may delve into its ability to market in a more cost-effective way than the competition, whereas another plan focuses on its key products and their unique features and benefits.

Regardless of your angle, it's critical to convey how your offerings will differ from the competition.

Example of a Product/Service Offering

"The menu at Jay Street Lounge and Restaurant will focus on Moroccan cuisine. The stars of the menu (our specialties) are the Moroccan dishes, such as eggplant zaalouk, seafood bastilla, tagine, and chickpea stew. For those who enjoy American dishes, there will also be a variety of options, from burger sliders and flatbread pizza to grilled steak and salads.

The food at Jay Street will have premium pricing to match its upscale atmosphere. During the summer months, the restaurant will have extra seating on the patio where clients can enjoy a special summer menu. We will be open on all days of the week."

4. Market Analysis

Business Plan Template: Market Analysis

It helps to reference your market research documentation in this section, like a Porter's Five Forces Analysis or a SWOT Analysis ( templates for those are available here ). You can also include them in your appendix.

If your company already has buyer personas, you should include them here as well. If not, you can create them right now using the Make My Persona Tool .

Why it matters: Having an awesome product is, well, awesome — but it isn't enough. Just as important, there must be a market for it.

This section allows you to dig deeper into your market, which segments you want to target, and why. The "why" here is important, since targeting the right segment is critical for the success and growth of your business.

It's easy to get lost (or overwhelmed) in a sea of endless data. For your business plan, narrow your focus by answering the following questions:

  • What is my market? In other words, who are my customers?
  • What segments of the market do I want to target?
  • What's the size of my target market?
  • Is my market likely to grow?
  • How can I increase my market share over time?

Example of a Market Analysis

"Jay Street Lounge and Restaurant will target locals who live and work within the Rock Hill Neighborhood and the greater North Side Chicago area. We will also target the tourists who flock to the many tourist attractions and colleges on the North Side.

We will specifically focus on young to middle-aged adults with an income of $40,000 to $80,000 who are looking for an upscale experience. The general demographics of our target market are women between 20 to 50 years old.

A unique and varied Moroccan-American menu, along with our unique upscale atmosphere, differentiates us from competitors in the area. Jay Street will also set itself apart through its commitment to high-quality food, service, design, and atmosphere."

5. Marketing Plan

Unlike the market analysis section, your marketing plan section should be an explanation of the tactical approach to reaching your aforementioned target audience. List your advertising channels, organic marketing methods, messaging, budget, and any relevant promotional tactics.

If your company has a fully fleshed-out marketing plan, you can attach it in the appendix of your business plan. If not, download this free marketing plan template to outline your strategy.

blueprint for business plan

Free Marketing Plan Template

Outline your company's marketing strategy in one simple, coherent plan.

  • Pre-Sectioned Template
  • Completely Customizable
  • Example Prompts
  • Professionally Designed

Why it matters: Marketing is what puts your product in front of your customers. It's not just advertising — it's an investment in your business.

Throwing money into random marketing channels is a haphazard approach, which is why it's essential to do the legwork to create a solid marketing plan.

Here's some good news — by this point, you should have a solid understanding of your target market. Now, it's time to determine how you'll reach them.

Example of a Marketing Plan Overview

"Our marketing strategy will focus on three main initiatives:

  • Social media marketing. We will grow and expand our Facebook and Instagram following through targeted social media ads.
  • Website initiatives. Our website will attract potential visitors by offering updated menus and a calendar of events.
  • Promotional events. Jay Street will have one special theme night per week to attract new clients."

6. Sales Plan

It doesn't matter if your sales department is an office full of business development representatives (BDR) or a dozen stores with your products on their shelves.

The point is: All sales plans are different, so you should clearly outline yours here. Common talking points include your:

  • Sales team structure, and why this structure was chosen.
  • Sales channels.
  • Sales tools, software, and resources.
  • Prospecting strategy.
  • Sales goals and budget.

Like with your marketing plan, it might make sense to attach your completed sales plan to the appendix of your business plan. You can download a template for building your sales plan here .

Why it matters: Among other things, investors are interested in the scalability of your business — which is why growth strategies are a critical part of your business plan.

Your sales plan should describe your plan to attract customers, retain them (if applicable), and, ultimately, grow your business. Be sure to outline what you plan to do given your existing resources and what results you expect from your work.

Example of a Sales Plan Overview

"The most important goal is to ensure financial success for Jay Street Lounge and Restaurant. We believe we can achieve this by offering excellent food, entertainment, and service to our clients.

We are not a low-cost dining option in the area. Instead, the food will have premium pricing to match its upscale feel. The strategy is to give Jay Street a perception of elegance through its food, entertainment, and excellent service."

7. Legal Notes

Your investors may want to know the legal structure of your business, as that could directly impact the risk of their investments. For example, if you're looking for business partners to engage in a non-corporation or LLC partnership, this means they could be on the line for more than their actual investment.

Because this clarification is often needed, explain if you are and/or plan to become a sole proprietor, partnership, corporation, LLC, or other.

You should also outline the steps you have taken (or will need to take) to operate legally. This includes licenses, permits, registrations, and insurance.

The last thing your investor wants to hear after they've sent you a big chunk of change is that you're operating without proper approval from the local, state, or federal government.

Why it matters: The last thing your investor wants to hear after they've sent you a big chunk of change is that you're operating without proper approval from the local, state, or federal government.

Example of Legal Notes

"Jay Street Lounge and Restaurant is up-to-date on all restaurant licenses and health permits. Our business name and logo are registered trademarks, presenting the possibility of expanding locally."

8. Financial Considerations

Ultimately, investors want to know two things:

  • When they will earn their money back.
  • When they will start seeing returns on their initial investment.

That said, be clear, calculated, and convincing in this section. It should cover:

  • Startup costs.
  • Sales forecasts for the next several months/quarters.
  • Break-even analysis for time and dollars.
  • Projected profit and loss (P&L) statement.

Facts and figures are key here, so be as specific as possible with each line item and projection. In addition, explain the "why" behind each of these sections.

However, keep in mind that information overload is a risk, especially when it comes to data. So, if you have pages upon pages of charts and spreadsheets for this section, distill them into a page or two and include the rest of the sheets in the appendix. This section should only focus on key data points.

Why it matters: One of the most important aspects of becoming "investor ready" is knowing your numbers. More importantly, you need to understand how those numbers will enhance your business.

While it's easy to write a number down on paper, it's more important to understand (and communicate) why you need capital, where it's going, and that your evaluation makes sense.

Example of Financial Projections

"Based on our knowledge and experience in the restaurant industry, we have come up with projections for the business.

Starting with an expenditure of $400,000 in year 1, we forecast sales of $1,500,000 and $2,800,000 for years two and three. We expect to achieve a net profit of 15% by year three."

9. Appendix

A detailed and well-developed business plan can range anywhere from 20 to 50 pages, with some even reaching upward of 80.

In many cases, the appendix is the longest section. Why? Because it includes the supportive materials mentioned in previous sections. To avoid disrupting the flow of the business plan with visuals, charts, and spreadsheets, business owners usually add them in the last section, i.e. the appendix.

Aside from what we've already mentioned – marketing plan, sales plan, department budgets, financial documents – you may also want to attach the following in the appendix:

  • Marketing materials
  • Market research data
  • Licensing documentation
  • Branding assets
  • Floor plans for your location
  • Mockups of your product
  • Renderings of your office space or location design

Adding these pieces to the appendix enriches the reader's understanding of your business and proves you've put the work into your business plan without distracting from the main points throughout the plan.

Why it matters: An appendix helps the reader do their due diligence. It contains everything they need to support your business plan.

Keep in mind, however, that an appendix is typically necessary only if you're seeking financing or looking to attract business partners.

Use a Business Plan Template to Get Started

Writing a business plan shouldn't be an insurmountable roadblock to starting a business. Unfortunately, for all too many, it is.

That's why we recommend using our free business plan template. Pre-filled with detailed section prompts for all of the topics in this blog post, we're confident this template will get your business plan started in the right direction.

Editor's note: This post was originally published in June 2017 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.

Business Plan Template

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2 Essential Templates For Starting Your Business

Marketing software that helps you drive revenue, save time and resources, and measure and optimize your investments — all on one easy-to-use platform

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

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

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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

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

Start-Up Business Plan Template

‌ 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

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

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

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

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

blueprint for business plan

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

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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When teams have clarity into the work getting done, there’s no telling how much more they can accomplish in the same amount of time.  Try Smartsheet for free, today.

Discover why over 90% of Fortune 100 companies trust Smartsheet to get work done.

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What Is a Business Plan?

Understanding business plans, how to write a business plan, common elements of a business plan, how often should a business plan be updated, the bottom line, business plan: what it is, what's included, and how to write one.

Adam Hayes, Ph.D., CFA, is a financial writer with 15+ years Wall Street experience as a derivatives trader. Besides his extensive derivative trading expertise, Adam is an expert in economics and behavioral finance. Adam received his master's in economics from The New School for Social Research and his Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in sociology. He is a CFA charterholder as well as holding FINRA Series 7, 55 & 63 licenses. He currently researches and teaches economic sociology and the social studies of finance at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem.

blueprint for business plan

A business plan is a document that details a company's goals and how it intends to achieve them. Business plans can be of benefit to both startups and well-established companies. For startups, a business plan can be essential for winning over potential lenders and investors. Established businesses can find one useful for staying on track and not losing sight of their goals. This article explains what an effective business plan needs to include and how to write one.

Key Takeaways

  • A business plan is a document describing a company's business activities and how it plans to achieve its goals.
  • Startup companies use business plans to get off the ground and attract outside investors.
  • For established companies, a business plan can help keep the executive team focused on and working toward the company's short- and long-term objectives.
  • There is no single format that a business plan must follow, but there are certain key elements that most companies will want to include.

Investopedia / Ryan Oakley

Any new business should have a business plan in place prior to beginning operations. In fact, banks and venture capital firms often want to see a business plan before they'll consider making a loan or providing capital to new businesses.

Even if a business isn't looking to raise additional money, a business plan can help it focus on its goals. A 2017 Harvard Business Review article reported that, "Entrepreneurs who write formal plans are 16% more likely to achieve viability than the otherwise identical nonplanning entrepreneurs."

Ideally, a business plan should be reviewed and updated periodically to reflect any goals that have been achieved or that may have changed. An established business that has decided to move in a new direction might create an entirely new business plan for itself.

There are numerous benefits to creating (and sticking to) a well-conceived business plan. These include being able to think through ideas before investing too much money in them and highlighting any potential obstacles to success. A company might also share its business plan with trusted outsiders to get their objective feedback. In addition, a business plan can help keep a company's executive team on the same page about strategic action items and priorities.

Business plans, even among competitors in the same industry, are rarely identical. However, they often have some of the same basic elements, as we describe below.

While it's a good idea to provide as much detail as necessary, it's also important that a business plan be concise enough to hold a reader's attention to the end.

While there are any number of templates that you can use to write a business plan, it's best to try to avoid producing a generic-looking one. Let your plan reflect the unique personality of your business.

Many business plans use some combination of the sections below, with varying levels of detail, depending on the company.

The length of a business plan can vary greatly from business to business. Regardless, it's best to fit the basic information into a 15- to 25-page document. Other crucial elements that take up a lot of space—such as applications for patents—can be referenced in the main document and attached as appendices.

These are some of the most common elements in many business plans:

  • Executive summary: This section introduces the company and includes its mission statement along with relevant information about the company's leadership, employees, operations, and locations.
  • Products and services: Here, the company should describe the products and services it offers or plans to introduce. That might include details on pricing, product lifespan, and unique benefits to the consumer. Other factors that could go into this section include production and manufacturing processes, any relevant patents the company may have, as well as proprietary technology . Information about research and development (R&D) can also be included here.
  • Market analysis: A company needs to have a good handle on the current state of its industry and the existing competition. This section should explain where the company fits in, what types of customers it plans to target, and how easy or difficult it may be to take market share from incumbents.
  • Marketing strategy: This section can describe how the company plans to attract and keep customers, including any anticipated advertising and marketing campaigns. It should also describe the distribution channel or channels it will use to get its products or services to consumers.
  • Financial plans and projections: Established businesses can include financial statements, balance sheets, and other relevant financial information. New businesses can provide financial targets and estimates for the first few years. Your plan might also include any funding requests you're making.

The best business plans aren't generic ones created from easily accessed templates. A company should aim to entice readers with a plan that demonstrates its uniqueness and potential for success.

2 Types of Business Plans

Business plans can take many forms, but they are sometimes divided into two basic categories: traditional and lean startup. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) , the traditional business plan is the more common of the two.

  • Traditional business plans : These plans tend to be much longer than lean startup plans and contain considerably more detail. As a result they require more work on the part of the business, but they can also be more persuasive (and reassuring) to potential investors.
  • Lean startup business plans : These use an abbreviated structure that highlights key elements. These business plans are short—as short as one page—and provide only the most basic detail. If a company wants to use this kind of plan, it should be prepared to provide more detail if an investor or a lender requests it.

Why Do Business Plans Fail?

A business plan is not a surefire recipe for success. The plan may have been unrealistic in its assumptions and projections to begin with. Markets and the overall economy might change in ways that couldn't have been foreseen. A competitor might introduce a revolutionary new product or service. All of this calls for building some flexibility into your plan, so you can pivot to a new course if needed.

How frequently a business plan needs to be revised will depend on the nature of the business. A well-established business might want to review its plan once a year and make changes if necessary. A new or fast-growing business in a fiercely competitive market might want to revise it more often, such as quarterly.

What Does a Lean Startup Business Plan Include?

The lean startup business plan is an option when a company prefers to give a quick explanation of its business. For example, a brand-new company may feel that it doesn't have a lot of information to provide yet.

Sections can include: a value proposition ; the company's major activities and advantages; resources such as staff, intellectual property, and capital; a list of partnerships; customer segments; and revenue sources.

A business plan can be useful to companies of all kinds. But as a company grows and the world around it changes, so too should its business plan. So don't think of your business plan as carved in granite but as a living document designed to evolve with your business.

Harvard Business Review. " Research: Writing a Business Plan Makes Your Startup More Likely to Succeed ."

U.S. Small Business Administration. " Write Your Business Plan ."

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Business Plans: The Ultimate Guide To Building A Good Plan

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When starting a business, a business plan is essential. Whether you are launching an online store or opening a brick-and-mortar shop, having a well-written business plan is crucial to your success.

A business plan is essentially a roadmap that outlines your goals, strategies, and potential hurdles. It not only helps you stay organized but also provides a clear vision of your business to potential investors and stakeholders.

Think of the business plan as a blueprint that guides you towards building a profitable and sustainable business. If you're serious about starting a business, take the time to create a well-crafted business plan.

How a business plan benefits you

A business plan is not just a document for investors or loan officers - a business plan can be an invaluable tool for yourself as well. By taking the time to write out your idea and flesh out the details, you gain a deeper understanding of your business and what it takes to make it a reality.

Plus, having a plan in place helps you stay focused and motivated when the going gets tough, and can save you time and money in the long run.

Don't underestimate the power of a solid business plan. Not only does it benefit your bottom line, but it can also be a source of inspiration and guidance as you navigate the exciting world of entrepreneurship.

Best High-Yield Savings Accounts Of 2024

Best 5% interest savings accounts of 2024, how a business plan benefits the lender.

It's no secret that starting a business requires ample financing. But if you're an entrepreneur, how do you convince lenders to invest in your vision?

The answer is simple: a well-crafted business plan.

Not only does a business plan outline your company's goals and strategies, but it also shows lenders that you've done your homework and have a clear understanding of your market and competitors. By presenting a comprehensive plan, you give lenders the confidence to trust that their investment will yield a return.

A business plan benefits not only the entrepreneur but also the lender, providing a roadmap to success and building a foundation of trust and accountability.

A strong business plan is a key factor that lenders consider when deciding whether to loan you money. It shows them that you have a solid plan in place for repaying the loan and growing your business.

By putting in the effort to create a comprehensive business plan, you’ll be setting your company up for success while also gaining the confidence of potential lenders.

Let’s explore the essential elements of a business plan that should be included:

1. executive summary.

When it comes to crafting a business plan, the executive summary is a critical segment. This section sets the stage for the rest of your plan, acting as a teaser for what’s to come.

The executive summary provides a clear and concise snapshot of your business, highlighting why it’s a worthwhile investment opportunity. If you’re seeking funding from potential investors, this section is your golden ticket, as it is their first impression of your business and your chance to captivate their attention from the onset.

It’s essential to craft an executive summary that’s not only informative but also compelling. Think of it as the ultimate elevator pitch - if you can’t sell your business in a few short paragraphs, investors won’t be sold on your vision.

2. Company description

The company description section of your business plan serves as the foundation for everything that follows. In this section, you'll provide a detailed account of your business's history, including how it came to be and what milestones it has achieved thus far.

You'll also shine a light on your company's unique qualities and competitive advantages, setting the tone for the rest of your plan. Beyond that, you'll outline the legal ins and outs of your company to help investors understand the ownership and management structure.

This section serves as your chance to make a memorable first impression and lay the groundwork for a successful venture.

3. Market analysis

The marketing section of a business plan is a crucial component that serves as a guide to identifying the industry, competition, and target market. This section needs to be thorough and well-researched, taking into consideration factors such as the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats that the business may face.

By taking the time to analyze these factors, businesses are better equipped to develop sound marketing strategies that not only address potential risks, but also capitalize on opportunities for growth.

It’s important to remember that the marketing section of the business plan should be engaging and professional, conveying the business’s goals and objectives in a way that resonates with potential investors and customers alike.

4. Products and services

At the heart of any successful business lies a solid understanding of its products and services. In your business plan, this knowledge is communicated through the products and services section where you can showcase what sets your offerings apart from the competition.

This is where you delve into the specifics of how your products and services meet the needs of your target market and the ways in which you provide value to your customers.

You'll also want to highlight your pricing strategy and any intellectual property rights that add unique value to your business. By bringing these essential components of your business to life, you'll ensure that your business plan demonstrates a clear understanding of what your company is all about.

5. Competitive analysis

As an entrepreneur, it's important to recognize that no matter what product or service you're offering, there will always be competition out there. That's why your business plan should highlight what sets you apart from your competitors in the competitive analysis section .

Take some time to reflect on your unique selling proposition. Maybe you provide a more personalized experience for your customers, or maybe you use higher quality materials in your products. Whatever it may be, make sure to convey it in a clear and concise manner.

By doing so, you'll demonstrate to investors and potential customers alike that you have a clear understanding of what sets your business apart from the pack.

6. Strategy and implementation plans

When it comes to starting a business, having a solid plan of attack is essential. That's why the strategy and implementation plan section of your business plan is so important. This is where you get to showcase your vision for success and demonstrate just how you plan to achieve it.

Whether it's outlining your marketing strategies, detailing your management structure, or simply laying out your timeline for growth, this section offers you the opportunity to put your best foot forward and show investors, partners, and potential clients that you mean business.

Don't hold back. Be bold, be thorough, and above all, be confident in your plan.

If your strategy is solid and your implementation is top-notch, the opportunities are endless.

7. Financial projections

Don’t underestimate the importance of the financial projection section. In this section of your business plan, you will dive into the details of your financial projections, including your revenue, expenses, and cash flow.

But this section isn't just about crunching numbers . It's about showing potential investors that your business is not only financially viable but has the potential to succeed. And with a break-even analysis and a profit and loss statement, you'll give those investors a comprehensive look at what your business can achieve.

8. Closing statement

The closing statement is your final chance to convey the enthusiasm and passion you have for your vision while demonstrating your business acumen. A successful closing statement should be concise, professional, and leave the reader feeling excited and eager to learn more about your business.

Whether you want to leave the reader with a call to action, highlight your competitive advantages, or simply express your gratitude for their time and consideration, your closing statement is an integral part of the business plan.

As you craft your final words, remember that they can make all the difference and leave a lasting impression on potential partners, investors, and other stakeholders.

The bottom line is that building a business plan takes time and effort, but it’s well worth it. A well-crafted plan can help you secure funding, set goals, and measure progress. Remember to tailor your plan to your specific needs and be realistic in your projections. With a strong business plan in place, you’ll be better equipped to make informed decisions and achieve success in your endeavors.

Melissa Houston, CPA is the author of Cash Confident: An Entrepreneur’s Guide to Creating a Profitable Business . She is the founder of She Means Profit, which is a podcast and blog . As a Finance Strategist for small business owners, Melissa helps successful business owners increase their profit margins so that they keep more money in their pocket and increase their net worth.

The opinions expressed in this article are not intended to replace any professional or expert accounting and/or tax advice whatsoever.

Melissa Houston

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How to Create a Start-up Blueprint

Your operations plan: a start-up blueprint for running your business.

Operations management is a key component of almost every business plan. It’s a start-up blueprint for running your business, and help you anticipate and plan for contingencies.

Consider the “4 M’s” in Your Start-up Blueprint

Operations management can be broken doen into the 4 M’s, each with its own sub-components:

  • Money:  budget, cash flow, financial systems, point-of-sale systems, banking, taxes, and audit
  • Methods:  policies and procedures
  • Machines:  equipment, property, leases, insurance, repair and maintenance, and capital replacement
  • Manpower:  human resources, whether employees or contractors

Your start-up blueprint affects all aspects of planning and running your business, from time management to budgeting. The following components should be considered when developing your operations plan.

  • Budget.  The budget for your policies and procedures in your operations plan should be written and revised as you consider each aspect of your business operations. Try to be as accurate as possible in your budget, even though most of your numbers will initially be estimates.
  • Day-to-day operations. Describe how you will run your business. In general, what will your business do from day-to-day? How will these activities be done? Who will do them? It’s vital to consider these questions when crafting your start-up blueprint.
  • Industry standards and regulations.  Are there any that affect your day-to-day operations? Would it benefit your organization to be certified in any way (Organic, ISO 2000, industry association certification)?
  • Quality of service standards.  Are you setting any? If so, how will you monitor and maintain these standards?
  • Environmental standards/social responsibility guidelines.  Are you setting these types of standards for your business? Are they part of your marketing efforts?
  • Facility.  How does your facility fit into your operations plan? Everything from the access and size of your storage area(s) to the hours of operation, to the location of fire exits, needs to be considered. Ensure you are compliant with business licences, your lease, and zoning bylaws.
  • Equipment/vehicles. Do you or your staff require training or certification to operate any required equipment and/or vehicles? Do you have the space required to store your equipment and/or vehicles? What power consumption do they require? Do you have or need to create safety policies and procedures?
  • Telecommunications.  Some small businesses start with a single cell phone, while others need an automated phone tree system.
  • Inventory/supplies/procurement.  Do you have space to store and stock your inventory? Do you require fixtures, display racks, or shelving? Do you have insurance to cover any potential loss or damage to your inventory? Does your inventory require any specific environmental conditions, such as temperature or humidity?
  • Information management and technology.  Are you able to assess, procure, configure, and operate the computers, software programs, point-of-sale systems, or other information technology required in the operation of your business? Do you need outside expertise to assist you? Do you have a plan for what to do if and when something doesn’t function properly?
  • Utilities.  How are your utilities integrated into your lease? How often do you pay these? Do you have a contingency plan if prices increase suddenly?
  • Insurance.  Ensure you are covered in the event of loss of property, breakdown of equipment, liability (directors/key personnel), or interruption of business.
  • Security.  How will you protect your staff and money? Is security included in your lease agreement?
  • Suppliers.  Who are they, who deals with them, and what are their fulfillment timelines? Do you have alternative suppliers or backup plans if your regular suppliers are not able to provide the materials you need to produce your products and/or services?
  • Customers.  Who are they? What is your relationship with them? How will you communicate with them? How will you deliver your products and/or services to them?
  • Staff/management.  Explain how you will recruit, retain, and motivate employees, if and when required. How will you manage their schedules, and will you have a contingency plan in the event that employees are unable to work? How will you monitor and conduct performance planning? How will you plan for vacations? Are there any union issues that you need to be aware of and accountable to? Refer to our Human Resources–Starting section for more information.

Buying a Business

You wouldn’t buy a complex machine without an instruction manual; you wouldn’t buy a business without an operations plan.

If you’re considering buying a business, reading the operations plan and understanding the commitment required to run the business should be a key part of your purchase decision.

Business development experts will tell you that the success of a business that has been sold is, in large part, due to the ability of the new owner to understand how the business has operated successfully in the past.

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What is a Business Blueprint and How to Develop One?

This post may contain affiliate links and I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase using these links – at no extra cost for you. Please read my disclaimer here .

The business blueprint is a document that summarizes all the key information about your business idea . It's for everyone, who plans to launch a new company, but it's especially important for people who are looking for investors to fund their company and even more importantly, if it’s an online business . 

A business plan can also be treated as a project management tool for those who have succeeded in launching the company and now need to keep track of all changes to avoid losing their competitive advantage. It's especially important for SMEs—small and medium-sized businesses-- as they often lack the financial resources that large companies have due to their size.

So, a project management tool or a business plan is what comes most in handy when running a new venture.

A business plan helps you identify all risks and opportunities of the venture.

What is a Business Blueprint

Step 6: Your Marketing Strategy. After that comes a marketing strategy where you need to describe how exactly people will learn about the new product or service (the main idea is to attract attention not only by providing them with valuable information but also by telling them how they can buy it). Keep in mind that if you plan to use one or more third-party suppliers, then they should also be mentioned here. This section should include a list of all current promotional tools used to attract potential customers, who are the main distributors/sellers in different geographical locations, and how people can buy your product/service depending on their location (online shop vs. physical store, etc.). Don't forget to mention what kind of marketing techniques will be used to promote it among possible clients in this part as well.

Step 7: Finance. Financial plan is the next section which answers several key questions- "How much money is required to launch this project?" "How long will it pay off?" etc. Be very detailed when writing down financial reports- provide necessary information about where exactly the money is coming from, how it's being spent, the main expenses, etc. Also, provide short-term and long-term projections of revenues if possible.

Step 8: The last part should describe all necessary procedures   that will be used in order to launch this project successfully without any problems or obstacles. It's a good idea to include here some basic safety rules that employees need to follow.

How to develop a business plan

Why? First of all, this way, you won't waste more time on thinking things through once the project is already operational (it takes much more effort to introduce changes/find new solutions than to make those changes until they work). 

Secondly, creating a business blueprint is an important objective in itself because it forces you to think things through and see your ideas from a different perspective which allows you to find possible flaws and deal with them as early as possible.

Any other purpose of a business blueprint?

A business blueprint should describe everything about your idea; from what problem it solves all the way to the list of products/services that will be offered. You should provide as much detail as possible without forgetting about deadlines and costs associated with every step you take. 

For the easy perception of information, you can create a useful video and turn the text into a video . This will allow listeners to better perceive information.

Also, remember that the business blueprint is not a one-time project, and it should be updated on a regular basis (at least once every quarter). So, don't make it too complicated and provide all important information in the simplest way possible (use charts and diagrams if they seem appropriate).

Must you have a business plan?

A business plan isn't created just for the sake of it. The main idea of creating a business plan is to have an objective look at your ideas from an outsider's perspective. 

As mentioned above, being forced to think things through from different angles makes you see potential problems or obstacles as early as possible, which allows you to solve them before they become serious. In other words, writing down all the details about your idea strengthens your confidence in its success because you have done everything necessary for this. 

What are the common errors in the formulation of a business plan?

Formulating a business plan isn't always easy because it implies thinking under pressure, considering all possible scenarios. That's why people tend to forget about something or provide inaccurate/incomplete info, which leads to further problems later on. 

To avoid making similar mistakes, make sure you don't overcomplicate things. Just keep everything as simple as possible and include only key points in your business plan that should help you achieve the project's main goal.

Here are the ten mistakes you shouldn't make when formulating your business plan;

1. Not doing enough research: You need to find out everything about competitors' products/services before creating a new product because it's the only way to allocate marketing funds most effectively

2. Forgetting about the importance of marketing: Even if your product is something extraordinary, it won't be sold if nobody knows about its existence. So always try to spend some time on marketing activities no matter what type of project you're creating

3. Forgetting to include budgets: Remember that your business plan should contain information about all the expenses that will be made during the project because it's the only way you can eventually calculate profits.

4. Getting carried away with details: It's important to know: what, why, and when you're doing something but don't get too deep into things- especially early on because it makes the whole process much more complicated than it should be.

5. Creating an attractive product without proper planning: Creating a product is the easy part- making sure it works as intended and that you're able to fix bugs when they appear requires considerably more effort

6. Being too optimistic: It's always easier to write about how things will go rather than think about all the possible obstacles that can occur during the development of your idea. That's why it's always better to be pessimistic because even if something goes wrong with your project, it won't be such a big surprise for you

7. Failing to think of all possible means of promotion/promoting it ineffectively: Most people tend to forget that promoting a product is never about creating one ad and hoping for the best. Successful promotion requires consistent work on several fronts simultaneously; otherwise, you won't reach the maximum audience and gain potential customers no matter how great your product is.

8. Ignoring customer satisfaction leads to unsatisfied clients and low sales eventually: No matter how great your product is, if you fail to satisfy your customers, they won't be coming back.

9. Obsessing over the idea itself, neglecting practicalities for its implementation: Many people have great ideas, but they don’t think about all the details required to implement them. That's why creating a business plan is always better than just coming up with an idea for something- especially if it involves complicated procedures because you're still thinking about how things will be done even the idea isn't the final one.

10. Tackling more tasks at once than you can, ignoring deadlines, etc.: Just like getting carried away with details, it's also easy to get over-enthusiastic thinking about what you're able to achieve in a short period of time and try to achieve too much at once. So always remember that it's better to start small, achieve something, and then work on your next project instead of trying out lots of things simultaneously, which can lead to failure because there is no guarantee that everything will go the way you planned.

With that in mind, make sure all the important points are included in your business plan; otherwise, any minor detail that’s ignored can lead to very complicated problems. Write all of them down too and show your business plan to different people who have experience with creating something similar- this should help you detect any potential problems that might seem impossible to fix on your own.

Tips on how to get started with creating your blueprint today!

Remember that your blueprint should include all the aspects related to your product or service. So don't forget about market research, budget plans, the organizational structure of your company, etc.

Tips on how to get started with creating your blueprint today

About the author 

Charles Normandin

Charles Normandin is a gifted blogger who writes unique articles for top publications. He is a professional in writing unique essay writing service reviews and can also fluently speak 3 languages. He likes to volunteer, draw, and climb rocks. Meet him on Twitter @Charles60104524.

Nevada SBDC

BUSINESS PLANS: The Blueprint, The Action Plan, The Capital Plan What is the PURPOSE of your plan?

By Carlos Mejia Castillo

Perhaps now, more than ever before, the importance of Planning in Small Business is at the forefront of sustainability factors. Today’s successful entrepreneurs have done yesterday’s hard work: setting goals, designing action plans to reach them, and building plans for growth based on measurable metrics. Every business owner has different goals and priorities that drive the purpose of their business plan. Let’s dive into a few of the most common requests for planning that I receive from my clients at the Nevada SBDC, and some important factors to consider.

#1: An entrepreneur with a money-making idea, but not sure where to start

In this scenario, the business plan is essentially a roadmap that specifies the processes necessary to establish your business – defining the actions, tasks, and steps that can be measured to assess progress and success. I call this type of business plan the “Blueprint”. By definition, a blueprint is a drawing up of a plan or model. The blueprint perspective allows you to see all the pieces needed to assemble your business before you begin. One of the most challenging parts of being an entrepreneur is feeling confident in making choices about strategy and direction. Separating emotion from business sensibility in the form of measurable plans helps many new entrepreneurs fight their anxieties and stay focused on their goals. The Blueprint provides realistic expectations for a new business owner in the practical form: Startup expenses, licenses and permits required, time management, and profitability all measure against the expectation of sales and success.

#2: An established business or a seasoned plan that is ready for launch

In this case, the focus is less on the feasibility of the business concept and more on the steps to take and metrics to measure that ensures the business meets pre-established projections and goals. I call this type of business plan the “Action Plan”. By definition, an action plan is a proposed strategy or steps toward an outcome. Action Plans can focus on any goals important to the business. These commonly center around increasing sales, entering new markets or identifying acquisition targets, reducing the cost of goods sold, improving production processes, and employee performance improvement, among other considerations. Goals are broken down into portions to be achieved over specified periods, to allow for accountability and to verify that the plan is working. Evolving Action Plans allow changes based on outcomes measured at benchmark periods; if the expected outcomes for an action do not result, the owner might consider adjusting the plan. A system of accountability connects outcomes to daily actions, making it easier for an owner to make smart, nimble decisions about what’s best for business. Use the “Action Plan” to outline your goals and metrics, define specific daily/weekly actions and how they are expected to meet the goals and metrics, and ultimately compare the goals to actual performance.

#3: A business that is seeking capital (money) to either launch or to grow

As you might have guessed, I call this the “Capital Plan”. This is really a combination of the “Blueprint” and “Action” plans. Think of it simply as this: If your neighbor asked to borrow $200 to buy a lawnmower to help him start his neighborhood landscaping business, you’ll want to know when he’ll pay you back and whether his business will make him enough money to pay you back in the promised time. For such a straightforward business, the math is pretty simple; at $10 per yard, he has to mow twenty yards to make back the money he’d owe you. The action plan is nearly as simple; assign a timeline to the goal of repayment, determine how many yards per week must be mowed, and precisely how the business will market to and sign up the required number of customers to meet the business goal. Performance projections are important no matter what kind of business you are planning for; from lawn mowing services to ice cream shops, businesses need goals and plans to meet them if they wish to be successful. Perhaps the most tedious section, the financial projections of a business plan, showcase the expected revenue and performance based on the Action Plan. The fundamental financial documents for an existing business are the Profit and Loss Statement (Income Statement), Balance Sheet, and Statement of Cash Flows. Lenders and Investors to your business will expect these financials to accompany any funding requests. In the case of a startup or pre-revenue venture, past financial performance will not apply but your projections should follow the same standardized financial statement format. Make sure to keep projected numbers based on the actions described in your business plan to make it easily understandable for any reader. Also, be sure to include any market data you use in your assumptions.

Ultimately, most successful businesses will create, carry out, and modify multiple versions of each of these business plans as their businesses grow and evolve. This past year, many successful business owners who have been following the same plan for years have had to suddenly adjust; “pivot” is the phrase of the moment. Whether I am working with a new entrepreneur or an established local icon adjusting to the shock of COVID-19, I always emphasize the importance of planning for success. I’d like to invite local business owners to reach out to our team at the Nevada SBDC for guidance and advice on how to plan for growth and other goals. Our services are no-cost and confidential and available to businesses across Nevada.

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550+ Business Plan Examples to Launch Your Business

550+ Free Sample Business Plans

Need help writing your business plan? Explore over 550 industry-specific business plan examples for inspiration. Go even further with LivePlan , which harnesses AI-assisted writing features and SBA-approved plan examples to get you funded.

Find your business plan example

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Business plan template: There's an easier way to get your business plan done.

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Finish your plan faster with step-by-step guidance, financial wizards, and a proven format.

IT, Staffing & Customer Service

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Real Estate & Rentals

Real Estate & Rentals Business Plans

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Retail & Ecommerce

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Transportation, Travel & Logistics

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View all sample business plans

Example business plan format

Before you start exploring our library of business plan examples, it's worth taking the time to understand the traditional business plan format . You'll find that the plans in this library and most investor-approved business plans will include the following sections:

Executive summary

The executive summary is an overview of your business and your plans. It comes first in your plan and is ideally only one to two pages. You should also plan to write this section last after you've written your full business plan.

Your executive summary should include a summary of the problem you are solving, a description of your product or service, an overview of your target market, a brief description of your team, a summary of your financials, and your funding requirements (if you are raising money).

Products & services

The products & services chapter of your business plan is where the real meat of your plan lives. It includes information about the problem that you're solving, your solution, and any traction that proves that it truly meets the need you identified.

This is your chance to explain why you're in business and that people care about what you offer. It needs to go beyond a simple product or service description and get to the heart of why your business works and benefits your customers.

Market analysis

Conducting a market analysis ensures that you fully understand the market that you're entering and who you'll be selling to. This section is where you will showcase all of the information about your potential customers. You'll cover your target market as well as information about the growth of your market and your industry. Focus on outlining why the market you're entering is viable and creating a realistic persona for your ideal customer base.

Competition

Part of defining your opportunity is determining what your competitive advantage may be. To do this effectively you need to get to know your competitors just as well as your target customers. Every business will have competition, if you don't then you're either in a very young industry or there's a good reason no one is pursuing this specific venture.

To succeed, you want to be sure you know who your competitors are, how they operate, necessary financial benchmarks, and how you're business will be positioned. Start by identifying who your competitors are or will be during your market research. Then leverage competitive analysis tools like the competitive matrix and positioning map to solidify where your business stands in relation to the competition.

Marketing & sales

The marketing and sales plan section of your business plan details how you plan to reach your target market segments. You'll address how you plan on selling to those target markets, what your pricing plan is, and what types of activities and partnerships you need to make your business a success.

The operations section covers the day-to-day workflows for your business to deliver your product or service. What's included here fully depends on the type of business. Typically you can expect to add details on your business location, sourcing and fulfillment, use of technology, and any partnerships or agreements that are in place.

Milestones & metrics

The milestones section is where you lay out strategic milestones to reach your business goals.

A good milestone clearly lays out the parameters of the task at hand and sets expectations for its execution. You'll want to include a description of the task, a proposed due date, who is responsible, and eventually a budget that's attached. You don't need extensive project planning in this section, just key milestones that you want to hit and when you plan to hit them.

You should also discuss key metrics, which are the numbers you will track to determine your success. Some common data points worth tracking include conversion rates, customer acquisition costs, profit, etc.

Company & team

Use this section to describe your current team and who you need to hire. If you intend to pursue funding, you'll need to highlight the relevant experience of your team members. Basically, this is where you prove that this is the right team to successfully start and grow the business. You will also need to provide a quick overview of your legal structure and history if you're already up and running.

Financial projections

Your financial plan should include a sales and revenue forecast, profit and loss statement, cash flow statement, and a balance sheet. You may not have established financials of any kind at this stage. Not to worry, rather than getting all of the details ironed out, focus on making projections and strategic forecasts for your business. You can always update your financial statements as you begin operations and start bringing in actual accounting data.

Now, if you intend to pitch to investors or submit a loan application, you'll also need a "use of funds" report in this section. This outlines how you intend to leverage any funding for your business and how much you're looking to acquire. Like the rest of your financials, this can always be updated later on.

The appendix isn't a required element of your business plan. However, it is a useful place to add any charts, tables, definitions, legal notes, or other critical information that supports your plan. These are often lengthier or out-of-place information that simply didn't work naturally into the structure of your plan. You'll notice that in these business plan examples, the appendix mainly includes extended financial statements.

Types of business plans explained

While all business plans cover similar categories, the style and function fully depend on how you intend to use your plan. To get the most out of your plan, it's best to find a format that suits your needs. Here are a few common business plan types worth considering.

Traditional business plan

The tried-and-true traditional business plan is a formal document meant to be used for external purposes. Typically this is the type of plan you'll need when applying for funding or pitching to investors. It can also be used when training or hiring employees, working with vendors, or in any other situation where the full details of your business must be understood by another individual.

Business model canvas

The business model canvas is a one-page template designed to demystify the business planning process. It removes the need for a traditional, copy-heavy business plan, in favor of a single-page outline that can help you and outside parties better explore your business idea.

The structure ditches a linear format in favor of a cell-based template. It encourages you to build connections between every element of your business. It's faster to write out and update, and much easier for you, your team, and anyone else to visualize your business operations.

One-page business plan

The true middle ground between the business model canvas and a traditional business plan is the one-page business plan . This format is a simplified version of the traditional plan that focuses on the core aspects of your business.

By starting with a one-page plan , you give yourself a minimal document to build from. You'll typically stick with bullet points and single sentences making it much easier to elaborate or expand sections into a longer-form business plan.

Growth planning

Growth planning is more than a specific type of business plan. It's a methodology. It takes the simplicity and styling of the one-page business plan and turns it into a process for you to continuously plan, forecast, review, and refine based on your performance.

It holds all of the benefits of the single-page plan, including the potential to complete it in as little as 27 minutes . However, it's even easier to convert into a more detailed plan thanks to how heavily it's tied to your financials. The overall goal of growth planning isn't to just produce documents that you use once and shelve. Instead, the growth planning process helps you build a healthier company that thrives in times of growth and remain stable through times of crisis.

It's faster, keeps your plan concise, and ensures that your plan is always up-to-date.

Download a free sample business plan template

Ready to start writing your own plan but aren't sure where to start? Download our free business plan template that's been updated for 2024.

This simple, modern, investor-approved business plan template is designed to make planning easy. It's a proven format that has helped over 1 million businesses write business plans for bank loans, funding pitches, business expansion, and even business sales. It includes additional instructions for how to write each section and is formatted to be SBA-lender approved. All you need to do is fill in the blanks.

How to use an example business plan to help you write your own

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How do you know what elements need to be included in your business plan, especially if you've never written one before? Looking at examples can help you visualize what a full, traditional plan looks like, so you know what you're aiming for before you get started. Here's how to get the most out of a sample business plan.

Choose a business plan example from a similar type of company

You don't need to find an example business plan that's an exact fit for your business. Your business location, target market, and even your particular product or service may not match up exactly with the plans in our gallery. But, you don't need an exact match for it to be helpful. Instead, look for a plan that's related to the type of business you're starting.

For example, if you want to start a vegetarian restaurant, a plan for a steakhouse can be a great match. While the specifics of your actual startup will differ, the elements you'd want to include in your restaurant's business plan are likely to be very similar.

Use a business plan example as a guide

Every startup and small business is unique, so you'll want to avoid copying an example business plan word for word. It just won't be as helpful, since each business is unique. You want your plan to be a useful tool for starting a business —and getting funding if you need it.

One of the key benefits of writing a business plan is simply going through the process. When you sit down to write, you'll naturally think through important pieces, like your startup costs, your target market , and any market analysis or research you'll need to do to be successful.

You'll also look at where you stand among your competition (and everyone has competition), and lay out your goals and the milestones you'll need to meet. Looking at an example business plan's financials section can be helpful because you can see what should be included, but take them with a grain of salt. Don't assume that financial projections for a sample company will fit your own small business.

If you're looking for more resources to help you get started, our business planning guide is a good place to start. You can also download our free business plan template , or get started right away with LivePlan .

Think of business planning as a process, instead of a document

Think about business planning as something you do often , rather than a document you create once and never look at again. If you take the time to write a plan that really fits your own company, it will be a better, more useful tool to grow your business. It should also make it easier to share your vision and strategy so everyone on your team is on the same page.

Adjust your plan regularly to use it as a business management tool

Keep in mind that businesses that use their plan as a management tool to help run their business grow 30 percent faster than those businesses that don't. For that to be true for your company, you'll think of a part of your business planning process as tracking your actual results against your financial forecast on a regular basis.

If things are going well, your plan will help you think about how you can re-invest in your business. If you find that you're not meeting goals, you might need to adjust your budgets or your sales forecast. Either way, tracking your progress compared to your plan can help you adjust quickly when you identify challenges and opportunities—it's one of the most powerful things you can do to grow your business.

Prepare to pitch your business

If you're planning to pitch your business to investors or seek out any funding, you'll need a pitch deck to accompany your business plan. A pitch deck is designed to inform people about your business. You want your pitch deck to be short and easy to follow, so it's best to keep your presentation under 20 slides.

Your pitch deck and pitch presentation are likely some of the first things that an investor will see to learn more about your company. So, you need to be informative and pique their interest. Luckily, just like you can leverage an example business plan template to write your plan, we also have a gallery of over 50 pitch decks for you to reference.

With this gallery, you have the option to view specific industry pitches or get inspired by real-world pitch deck examples. Or for a modern pitch solution that helps you create a business plan and pitch deck side-by-side, you may want to check out LivePlan . It will help you build everything needed for outside investment and to better manage your business.

Get LivePlan in your classroom

Are you an educator looking for real-world business plan examples for your students? With LivePlan, you give your students access to industry-best business plans and help them set goals and track metrics with spreadsheet-free financial forecasts. All of this within a single tool that includes additional instructional resources that work seamlessly alongside your current classroom setup.

With LivePlan, it's not just a classroom project. It's your students planning for their futures. Click here to learn more about business planning for students .

Ready to get started?

Now that you know how to use an example business plan to help you write a plan for your business, it's time to find the right one.

Use the search bar below to get started and find the right match for your business idea.

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WordPress pricing in 2024: Is it worth the cost?

Cat McAlpine

Sierra Campbell

Sierra Campbell

“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.

Published 7:27 a.m. UTC Feb. 22, 2024

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WordPress is a well-known web hosting service employed by large enterprises like Time, Disney and CNN. But for individuals and smaller businesses, WordPress can also be an excellent option, offering a free plan and five different paid tiers with varying features and highlights.

The free option provides some monetization options for your site, like gated content and paid subscribers. Higher tiers offer benefits like customization of templates, the ability to add plugins, centralized site management and increased storage.

But which option is best suited for you, and is it worth the cost? Read on as we take a deep dive into WordPress pricing, comparing its tiers and value.

Who is WordPress best for?

WordPress’ best features are available at its higher tiers, most notably its large and varying library of plugins that allow for advanced customization. WordPress is best suited for businesses that want to develop their own custom website, whether or not they plan to provide e-commerce. 

Web developers will find that WordPress provides a staging site, real-time backups and advanced security measures. For those looking to host e-commerce sites, WordPress is also an excellent option, with a large suite of international e-commerce features available in the Entrepreneur plan.

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Via Squarespace’s website

WordPress pricing overview

WordPress provides five separate payment tiers before the Enterprise level, ranging from free to $45 per month when billed annually. The Free plan includes several tools to support revenue but also takes the largest fee out of each transaction. 

Beyond the Free plan, every paid tier includes a free year of domain hosting and added complexity and depth of features. 

WordPress offers its Free plan with its most basic features available. Choose from any of the available themes to build unlimited pages and manage your site with unlimited users. You can use the free version of the platform for e-commerce, but WordPress will take a hefty 10% and a processing fee from each transaction. 

The Free plan includes some minor features to support monetization, like gated content, paid subscribers, donations and tips. Visitor stats, contact forms and limited shares of social media are also included. If you want a custom domain, though, you’ll have to pay for it.

The Free plan is a good option if you want to start an e-commerce business but don’t have much up-front capital. WordPress’ Free plan also suits users who are exploring different website hosting options or need a straightforward website to host something like a portfolio or blog. 

Starter plan

The Starter plan includes everything offered in the Free plan. The greatest value of the Starter plan is the ad-free user experience and the addition of a custom domain, free for one year. This feature is the same for all tiers above Starter. If you’re looking for a professional touch to your website but aren’t ready for a big investment, the Starter Plan is best for you. 

Additionally, at this level, WordPress’ commission fee goes down to 8% per transaction and it provides email support. The upgrade from the Free plan to the Starter plan boasts the least amount of features for any upgrade, so if you’re looking for a more robust website, you’ll need to turn to the higher tiers. Luckily, the Starter plan is still relatively affordable at $9 per month.

Explorer plan

Including the features of the lower tiers, the Explorer plan is $18 per month. Its most notable feature is the ability to customize themes with color and font choices and a reduced 4% commission fee for transactions. This plan also allows for 4K video hosting, advanced site analytics and a site activity log, improving your website management experience.

At this level, users have access to better support as well, with live chat. For the more casual user, this tier is the best overall value. The Explorer plan includes customization and premium themes, some limited monetization options with a lower commission fee and unlimited shares to social media. 

These features can all support a growing business, expanding your brand awareness and developing a unique website catered to your tastes. If you’re sold on using WordPress to host your site, this is where we recommend you start. 

Creator plan

WordPress markets the Creator plan as the best option for devs. With all the features of the lower tiers, the highlight of the creator plan is its ability to utilize plugins and its heightened security features. For companies looking to develop a fully custom website, this is the best option, starting at $40 per month.

Plugins are WordPress’ best overall feature, allowing you to customize the way your site functions on both the front and backends. It’s what they’re known for, and the more than 58,000 plugins available for WordPress are a testament to the feature. 

The Creator plan also has unlimited bandwidth, Web Application Firewalls (WAF), a free staging site, centralized site management and a 2% commission fee. Developers can rest assured that the Creator plan has real-time backups, one-click restores and integrated SEO tools.

Entrepreneur plan

The Entrepreneur plan is the best option for websites looking to host large-scale, international business. In addition to all the features available at lower tiers, the Entrepreneur plan includes premium store themes, unlimited products, tools to help manage stock and order quantities, loyalty programs, shipping integrations and a 0% commission fee. This is the final tier before the Enterprise level and is priced at $70 per month. 

Additional costs

Additional storage for your website is available at the Creator and Entrepreneur levels for a fee. Upgrading to 100 GB adds an additional $50.00 per month. For 150 GB of storage, expect to pay an extra $83.33 monthly. 150 GB is the cap on WordPress’ storage. However, you can only add extra storage if you are paying for your plan annually, not monthly.

Also, keep in mind the additional cost of buying a domain once your free year is over. 

Bottom line: Is WordPress worth it?

If you’re willing to pay for the mid- or upper-tiers, then WordPress can be a great solution for your website. However, with advertisements and no customization, the lower tier options don’t provide a user experience or product comparable to competitors like Squarespace or Square. 

E-commerce is best supported at the highest payment tier, while lower tiers have limited features and high commission fees. For businesses with a web developer already on staff and looking to develop their own custom site, WordPress is an affordable and popular solution. 

With its expansive library of plug-ins and automatic updates, WordPress is one of the best choices on the market for professionally hosting your website. For those looking for more user-friendly building tools that enable attractive, personal websites, it’s best to look for other options.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

There are five monthly payment tiers that range from $0 to $45 per month when billed annually. Each payment tier comes with different features, so review them carefully before deciding what you need and how much it will cost you.

Yes, you can start a WordPress website for free, and your site will always be available.

It depends. If you choose any of the paid plans with WordPress, you get a free domain for one year. After that, you’ll have to pay for it. The free version of the website does not offer this feature.

It depends on your skill set. WordPress has pre-built templates and advanced customization capabilities with HTML and plug-ins, making it a good option for those new to web building or experienced web developers. For those finding themselves wanting easy customization with a drag-and-drop style builder, WordPress may be more difficult to use.

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Cat McAlpine

Cat McAlpine is a writer and marketer based in Columbus, OH. She uses her expertise to support small businesses and arts organizations in her city.

Sierra Campbell is a small business editor for USA Today Blueprint. She specializes in writing, editing and fact-checking content centered around helping businesses. She has worked as a digital content and show producer for several local TV stations, an editor for U.S. News & World Report and a freelance writer and editor for many companies. Sierra prides herself in delivering accurate and up-to-date information to readers. Her expertise includes credit card processing companies, e-commerce platforms, payroll software, accounting software and virtual private networks (VPNs). She also owns Editing by Sierra, where she offers editing services to writers of all backgrounds, including self-published and traditionally published authors.

How to start a small business: A step-by-step guide

How to start a small business: A step-by-step guide

Business Eric Rosenberg

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Happiness researcher: The exact blueprint that will help you achieve your biggest career goal

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Whether it's starting a business or mastering an ambitious skill, having big career goals can be exciting but overwhelming. How do you successfully achieve them while navigating the demands and responsibilities of daily life?

I know the feeling. My dream was to write a book. It took me over 10 years, but this spring, I'm finally publishing my first book: " New Happy ."

As a researcher in the science of happiness, I was lucky: I was able to learn the secrets that helped me make my journey a little easier.

Here's the exact blueprint I used:

1. Identify your 'what' and 'why'

My "what" was writing a book, and my "why" was to help people find greater happiness.

One study that inspired me studied scientists who were striving to achieve extremely long-term objectives, like finding cancer treatments and seeking out extraterrestrial life. They knew that their dreams might not be achieved in their lifetime, yet felt the strong drive to pursue them regardless.

Their motivation came from having a clear vision of what it would look like to achieve their dream, and knowing how that achievement would positively impact their field, future generations, and the broader world.

2. Break your dream into short-term goals 

A decade ago, I was working as a management consultant. I had no experience as a writer and no training in the field I was passionate about.

I often hear from other people who are in a similar position. Their dream involves so much change that it overwhelms them and prevents them from taking action. 

To get unstuck, break your dream into short-term goals . These should take you between one to three months to achieve. Bit by bit, you close the gap between here and there. 

3. Change the way you think of yourself 

I started calling myself a writer well before I had ever published anything. This small shift inspired me to adopt new habits, like waking up early to write. It strengthened my determination to write a book. 

If you want to open a business, start thinking of yourself as an entrepreneur. It will inspire you to invest time in educating yourself on business fundamentals, pay attention to what influences your purchasing decisions, and analyze the companies around you to identify what they could improve. 

4. Create a sustainable plan 

Do you usually watch television or scroll social media in the evenings? Perhaps, one day a week, you could use that time to work towards your goal.

It's far more effective to make a smaller time commitment that you can stay consistent with. During the time it took me to write my book, I had five different jobs, went to graduate school, started a business, navigated major personal challenges, and saw the world upended by a global pandemic.

Each of those different seasons of my life came with its own unique set of challenges. So as your life shifts, revisit your balance and evaluate whether or not it's working for you. And if it isn't, ask what needs to change. 

5. Celebrate progress, not achievement 

Researchers say that the single biggest driver of daily motivation is the feeling of making progress. It gives you a burst of positive emotions and inspire you to show up again tomorrow. 

When I was writing my book, I would start every writing session by identifying a small win I could achieve that day, like choosing the scientific studies I wanted to review or identifying the pages I wanted to polish. 

When you're done, take a moment to celebrate and bask in your progress.

6. Treat yourself with compassion 

I grew up believing that the best way to motivate myself was through self-criticism. I thought that if I beat myself up for my mistakes and setbacks, it would help me to do a better job next time.

But self-criticism actually makes it harder to achieve your goals. It's more effective to treat yourself with self-compassion.

Here are some ways to do that:

  • When you have a setback, remind yourself that it's okay to feel upset about it. 
  • When you feel discouraged, reach out and ask for support from a loved one. 
  • When you feel tired, allow yourself to take breaks and recover. 

7. Ask for help when you need it

Looking back, one truth stands out more than any other: I would never have achieved my goal without the support of other people. 

At every turn, I leaned on others: the family members who reviewed my grad school application essay, the friends who liked my first posts on social media, the mentors who coached me through tough situations, and my partner who read every draft of my book. 

It taught me that any personal achievement is never just personal — it is also communal. No one can do anything meaningful alone. 

My advice:  

  • When you feel stuck, consider who you know that might have been in a similar situation and ask them their perspective. 
  • When you are frustrated, talk to someone who benefits from your work — their perspective will remind you why you're doing it. 
  • When you feel discouraged, ask for a pep talk from someone in your life who can remind you of how far you've come. 

Your dreams matter, and these seven science-backed strategies will help you to achieve them and experience happiness along the way.

Stephanie Harrison  is the founder of  The New Happy , an organization advancing a new philosophy of happiness. She is an expert in happiness, speaker, designer, and author of the forthcoming book " New Happy ," published by Penguin Random House. Follow her on  Instagram ,  TikTok  and  LinkedIn .

Want to land your dream job in 2024?  Take CNBC's new online course  How to Ace Your Job Interview  to learn what hiring managers are really looking for, body language techniques, what to say and not to say, and the best way to talk about pay.

Parenting expert: 5 signs your kid will be successful

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VIDEO

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COMMENTS

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