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Bank Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

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Bank Business Plan

Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 500 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans to start and grow their banks.

If you’re unfamiliar with creating a bank business plan, you may think creating one will be a time-consuming and frustrating process. For most entrepreneurs it is, but for you, it won’t be since we’re here to help. We have the experience, resources, and knowledge to help you create a great business plan.

In this article, you will learn some background information on why business planning is important. Then, you will learn how to write a bank business plan step-by-step so you can create your plan today.

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here >

What Is a Business Plan?

A business plan provides a snapshot of your bank as it stands today, and lays out your growth plan for the next five years. It explains your business goals and your strategies for reaching them. It also includes market research to support your plans.

Why You Need a Business Plan

If you’re looking to start a bank or grow your existing bank, you need a business plan. A business plan will help you raise funding, if needed, and plan out the growth of your bank to improve your chances of success. Your bank business plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your company grows and changes.

Sources of Funding for Banks

With regards to funding, the main sources of funding for a bank are personal savings, credit cards, bank loans, and angel investors. When it comes to bank loans, banks will want to review your business plan and gain confidence that you will be able to repay your loan and interest. To acquire this confidence, the loan officer will not only want to ensure that your financials are reasonable, but they will also want to see a professional plan. Such a plan will give them the confidence that you can successfully and professionally operate a business. Personal savings and bank loans are the most common funding paths for banks.  

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How to write a business plan for a bank.

If you want to start a bank or expand your current one, you need a business plan. The guide below details the necessary information for how to write each essential component of your bank business plan.

Executive Summary

Your executive summary provides an introduction to your business plan, but it is normally the last section you write because it provides a summary of each key section of your plan.

The goal of your executive summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the kind of bank you are running and the status. For example, are you a startup, do you have a bank that you would like to grow, or are you operating a chain of banks?

Next, provide an overview of each of the subsequent sections of your plan.

  • Give a brief overview of the bank industry.
  • Discuss the type of bank you are operating.
  • Detail your direct competitors. Give an overview of your target customers.
  • Provide a snapshot of your marketing strategy. Identify the key members of your team.
  • Offer an overview of your financial plan.

Company Overview

In your company overview, you will detail the type of bank you are operating.

For example, you might specialize in one of the following types of banks:

  • Commercial bank : this type of bank tends to concentrate on supporting businesses. Both large corporations and small businesses can turn to commercial banks if they need to open a checking or savings account, borrow money, obtain access to credit or transfer funds to companies in foreign markets.
  • Credit union: this type of bank operates much like a traditional bank (issues loans, provides checking and savings accounts, etc.) but banks are for-profit whereas credit unions are not. Credit unions fall under the direction of their own members. They tend to serve people affiliated with a particular group, such as people living in the same area, low-income members of a community or armed service members. They also tend to charge lower fees and offer lower loan rates.
  • Retail bank: retail banks can be traditional, brick-and-mortar brands that customers can access in-person, online, or through their mobile phones. They also offer general public financial products and services such as bank accounts, loans, credit cards, and insurance.
  • Investment bank: this type of bank manages the trading of stocks, bonds, and other securities between companies and investors. They also advise individuals and corporations who need financial guidance, reorganize companies through mergers and acquisitions, manage investment portfolios or raise money for certain businesses and the federal government.

In addition to explaining the type of bank you will operate, the company overview needs to provide background on the business.

Include answers to questions such as:

  • When and why did you start the business?
  • What milestones have you achieved to date? Milestones could include the number of clients served, the number of clients with positive reviews, reaching X number of clients served, etc.
  • Your legal business Are you incorporated as an S-Corp? An LLC? A sole proprietorship? Explain your legal structure here.

Industry Analysis

In your industry or market analysis, you need to provide an overview of the bank industry.

While this may seem unnecessary, it serves multiple purposes.

First, researching the bank industry educates you. It helps you understand the market in which you are operating.

Secondly, market research can improve your marketing strategy, particularly if your analysis identifies market trends.

The third reason is to prove to readers that you are an expert in your industry. By conducting the research and presenting it in your plan, you achieve just that.

The following questions should be answered in the industry analysis section of your bank business plan:

  • How big is the bank industry (in dollars)?
  • Is the market declining or increasing?
  • Who are the key competitors in the market?
  • Who are the key suppliers in the market?
  • What trends are affecting the industry?
  • What is the industry’s growth forecast over the next 5 – 10 years?
  • What is the relevant market size? That is, how big is the potential target market for your bank? You can extrapolate such a figure by assessing the size of the market in the entire country and then applying that figure to your local population.

Customer Analysis

The customer analysis section of your bank business plan must detail the customers you serve and/or expect to serve.

The following are examples of customer segments: individuals, small businesses, families, and corporations.

As you can imagine, the customer segment(s) you choose will have a great impact on the type of bank you operate. Clearly, corporations would respond to different marketing promotions than individuals, for example.

Try to break out your target customers in terms of their demographic and psychographic profiles. With regards to demographics, including a discussion of the ages, genders, locations, and income levels of the potential customers you seek to serve.

Psychographic profiles explain the wants and needs of your target customers. The more you can recognize and define these needs, the better you will do in attracting and retaining your customers.

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Competitive Analysis

Your competitive analysis should identify the indirect and direct competitors your business faces and then focus on the latter.

Direct competitors are other banks.

Indirect competitors are other options that customers have to purchase from that aren’t directly competing with your product or service. This includes trust accounts, investment companies, or the stock market. You need to mention such competition as well.

For each such competitor, provide an overview of their business and document their strengths and weaknesses. Unless you once worked at your competitors’ businesses, it will be impossible to know everything about them. But you should be able to find out key things about them such as

  • What types of customers do they serve?
  • What type of bank are they?
  • What is their pricing (premium, low, etc.)?
  • What are they good at?
  • What are their weaknesses?

With regards to the last two questions, think about your answers from the customers’ perspective. And don’t be afraid to ask your competitors’ customers what they like most and least about them.

The final part of your competitive analysis section is to document your areas of competitive advantage. For example:

  • Will you provide loans and retirement savings accounts?
  • Will you offer products or services that your competition doesn’t?
  • Will you provide better customer service?
  • Will you offer better pricing?

Think about ways you will outperform your competition and document them in this section of your plan.  

Marketing Plan

Traditionally, a marketing plan includes the four P’s: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. For a bank business plan, your marketing strategy should include the following:

Product : In the product section, you should reiterate the type of bank company that you documented in your company overview. Then, detail the specific products or services you will be offering. For example, will you provide savings accounts, auto loans, mortgage loans, or financial advice?

Price : Document the prices you will offer and how they compare to your competitors. Essentially in the product and price sub-sections of your plan, you are presenting the products and/or services you offer and their prices.

Place : Place refers to the site of your bank. Document where your company is situated and mention how the site will impact your success. For example, is your bank located in a busy retail district, a business district, a standalone office, or purely online? Discuss how your site might be the ideal location for your customers.

Promotions : The final part of your bank marketing plan is where you will document how you will drive potential customers to your location(s). The following are some promotional methods you might consider:

  • Advertise in local papers, radio stations and/or magazines
  • Reach out to websites
  • Distribute flyers
  • Engage in email marketing
  • Advertise on social media platforms
  • Improve the SEO (search engine optimization) on your website for targeted keywords

Operations Plan

While the earlier sections of your business plan explained your goals, your operations plan describes how you will meet them. Your operations plan should have two distinct sections as follows.

Everyday short-term processes include all of the tasks involved in running your bank, including reconciling accounts, customer service, accounting, etc.

Long-term goals are the milestones you hope to achieve. These could include the dates when you expect to sign up your Xth customer, or when you hope to reach $X in revenue. It could also be when you expect to expand your bank to a new city.  

Management Team

To demonstrate your bank’s potential to succeed, a strong management team is essential. Highlight your key players’ backgrounds, emphasizing those skills and experiences that prove their ability to grow a company.

Ideally, you and/or your team members have direct experience in managing banks. If so, highlight this experience and expertise. But also highlight any experience that you think will help your business succeed.

If your team is lacking, consider assembling an advisory board. An advisory board would include 2 to 8 individuals who would act as mentors to your business. They would help answer questions and provide strategic guidance. If needed, look for advisory board members with experience in managing a bank or successfully running a small financial advisory firm.  

Financial Plan

Your financial plan should include your 5-year financial statement broken out both monthly or quarterly for the first year and then annually. Your financial statements include your income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statements.

Income Statement

An income statement is more commonly called a Profit and Loss statement or P&L. It shows your revenue and then subtracts your costs to show whether you turned a profit or not.

In developing your income statement, you need to devise assumptions. For example, will you see 5 clients per day, and/or offer sign up bonuses? And will sales grow by 2% or 10% per year? As you can imagine, your choice of assumptions will greatly impact the financial forecasts for your business. As much as possible, conduct research to try to root your assumptions in reality.

Balance Sheets

Balance sheets show your assets and liabilities. While balance sheets can include much information, try to simplify them to the key items you need to know about. For instance, if you spend $50,000 on building out your bank, this will not give you immediate profits. Rather it is an asset that will hopefully help you generate profits for years to come. Likewise, if a lender writes you a check for $50,000, you don’t need to pay it back immediately. Rather, that is a liability you will pay back over time.

Cash Flow Statement

Your cash flow statement will help determine how much money you need to start or grow your business, and ensure you never run out of money. What most entrepreneurs and business owners don’t realize is that you can turn a profit but run out of money and go bankrupt.

When creating your Income Statement and Balance Sheets be sure to include several of the key costs needed in starting or growing a bank:

  • Cost of furniture and office supplies
  • Payroll or salaries paid to staff
  • Business insurance
  • Other start-up expenses (if you’re a new business) like legal expenses, permits, computer software, and equipment

Attach your full financial projections in the appendix of your plan along with any supporting documents that make your plan more compelling. For example, you might include your bank location lease or a list of accounts and loans you plan to offer.  

Writing a business plan for your bank is a worthwhile endeavor. If you follow the template above, by the time you are done, you will truly be an expert. You will understand the bank industry, your competition, and your customers. You will develop a marketing strategy and will understand what it takes to launch and grow a successful bank.  

Bank Business Plan Template FAQs

What is the easiest way to complete my bank business plan.

Growthink's Ultimate Business Plan Template allows you to quickly and easily write your bank business plan.

How Do You Start a Bank Business?

Starting a bank business is easy with these 14 steps:

  • Choose the Name for Your Bank Business
  • Create Your Bank Business Plan
  • Choose the Legal Structure for Your Bank Business
  • Secure Startup Funding for Your Bank Business (If Needed)
  • Secure a Location for Your Business
  • Register Your Bank Business with the IRS
  • Open a Business Bank Account
  • Get a Business Credit Card
  • Get the Required Business Licenses and Permits
  • Get Business Insurance for Your Bank Business
  • Buy or Lease the Right Bank Business Equipment
  • Develop Your Bank Business Marketing Materials
  • Purchase and Setup the Software Needed to Run Your Bank Business
  • Open for Business

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Since 1999, Growthink has developed business plans for thousands of companies who have gone on to achieve tremendous success.   Click here to see how a Growthink business plan consultant can create your business plan for you.

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Business Plan Template For Small Businesses & Entrepreneurs

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How to get started creating your business plan, a successful business plan can help you focus your goals and take actionable steps toward achieving them. here’s what to consider as you develop your plan..

Regardless of whether or not you’re pitching to investors and lenders, starting a business requires a plan. A business plan gives you direction, helps you qualify your ideas and clarifies the path you intend to take toward your goal.

Four important reasons to write a business plan:

  • Decision-making:  Business plans help you eliminate any gray area by writing specific information down in black and white. Making tough decisions is often one of the hardest and most useful parts of writing a business plan. 
  • A reality check:  The first real challenge after deciding to launch a new venture may be writing the business plan. Through the process, you may realize your business idea is a bit flawed or not yet fully developed. This may feel like extra work, but the effort you put into improving your idea during this step can bolster your chance of future success. 
  • New ideas: Discovering new ideas, different approaches and fresh perspectives are invaluable parts of the business planning process. Working closely with your concept can lead to unexpected insights, shifting your business in the right direction. 
  • Developing an action plan: Your business plan is a tool that will help you outline action items, next steps and future activities. This living, breathing document shows where you are and where you want to be, with the framework you need to get there.

Business plan guide: How to get started

Use this exercise to gather some of the most important information. When you're ready to put an outline together, follow our standard business plan template (PDF) and use this business plan example to use as a guide as you fill in your outline. Once your outline is finalized, you can share it with business partners, investors or banks as a tool to promote your concept.

  • Vision: Your vision statement sets the stage for everything you hope your business will accomplish going forward. Let yourself dream, pinpointing the ideas that will keep you inspired and motivated when you hit a bump in the road. 
  • Mission: A mission statement clarifies the purpose of your business and guides your plan, ultimately answering the question, "Why do you exist?" 
  • Objectives: Use your business objectives to define your goals and priorities. What are you going to accomplish with your business, and in what timeframe? These touchstones will drive your actions and help you stay focused. 
  • Strategies: Your objectives describe what you’re going to do, while your strategies describe how you’re going to do it. Consider your goals here, and identify the different ways you’ll work to reach them. 
  • Startup capital: Determine what your startup expenses will be. Having a clear idea will allow you to figure out where the money is coming from and help you spend what you have in the right areas. 
  • Monthly expenses: What do you estimate your business’ ongoing monthly expenses will be? This may change significantly over time — consider what your expenditure could be immediately after launch, in three months, in six months and in one year. 
  • Monthly income: In order to cover your expenses (and hopefully make a profit), you will need to estimate your income. What are your revenue streams? It's always wise to diversify your income. That way, you won’t be tied to one stream that might not be lucrative as quickly as you need it to be. 
  • Goal-setting and creating an action plan: Once you have all the specifics outlined, it's time to set up the step-by-step action items explained in the companion guide, a standard business plan outline. This process will utilize the hard work you've already done, breaking each step down in a way that you can follow.   

A business plan isn’t necessarily a static document that you create once and then forget about. You can use it as a powerful tool by referencing it to adjust your priorities, stay on track and keep your goals in sight.

Business plan: An outline

Use this exercise to gather important information about your business.

Answer these questions to start your planning process. Your responses will provide important information about your business, which you can use as an overview to develop your plan further.

  • What is your dream? 
  • What do you feel inspired to do or create?
  • What keeps you motivated, even in the face of uncertainty?  
  • Why does this business exist? 
  • What purpose(s) or need(s) does it fulfill for customers?   

Objectives 

  • List the goals of your company, then number them in order of importance. 
  • What will the business accomplish when it’s fully established and successful? 
  • How much time will it take to reach this point?  
  • For each goal or objective listed above, write one or more actions required to complete it.   

Startup capital 

  • List any and all startup expenses that come to mind. 
  • Next to each: 
  • Estimate the cost of any expenses you can. 
  • List the most likely source of the funding. 
  • Circle the high-priority expenses. 
  • Assess whether your available capital is going toward the high-priority items. If not, reconsider the way you will allocate funds.  

Monthly expenses

  • If you can, estimate your business’ ongoing monthly expenses immediately after launch, in three months, in six months and in one year. 
  • If you can’t, what information will you need in order to estimate your expenses?  

Monthly income 

  • What are your revenue streams? Estimate your monthly income accordingly. 
  • Which revenue sources deliver fast or slow returns? Are there other sources you could consider to diversify assets?  
  • After completing your outline, reference your responses as you work through a traditional business plan guide. This next step will allow you to expand and add more detailed information to your plan. 
  • When you’re ready to make your formal plan, reference this companion guide, a standard business plan outline  (PDF). We've also included a  business plan example  to help as you fill in your outline. 

Learn how U.S. Bank can support you and your business needs at usbank.com/small-business.

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Disclosures.

Loan approval is subject to credit approval and program guidelines. Not all loan programs are available in all states for all loan amounts. Interest rates and program terms are subject to change without notice. Mortgage, home equity and credit products are offered by U.S. Bank National Association. Deposit products are offered by U.S. Bank National Association. Member FDIC.

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How To Write a Business Plan for Bank in 9 Steps: Checklist

By henry sheykin, resources on bank.

  • Financial Model
  • Business Plan
  • Value Proposition
  • One-Page Business Plan

Welcome to our blog post on How To Write a Business Plan for a Bank in 9 Steps. In today's digital age, the banking industry is undergoing a significant transformation with the rise of online banking platforms. According to recent statistics, the global digital banking market is projected to reach $22.3 trillion by 2027, with a CAGR of 8.6% from 2020 to 2027. This exponential growth highlights the immense potential for entrepreneurs and aspiring bankers to establish their own digital banking platform.

When it comes to starting a digital banking platform, having a well-designed business plan is crucial for success. A comprehensive business plan not only serves as a roadmap, but also helps attract potential investors and secure necessary funding. In this article, we will guide you through the essential steps to create a compelling business plan that banks will find irresistible.

Step 1: Conduct market research and analysis

Step 2: Determine the target market and customer profile

Step 3: Identify and analyze potential competitors

Step 4: Perform a feasibility study

Step 5: Define the unique value proposition and competitive advantage

Step 6: Develop a comprehensive financial plan

Step 7: Establish strategic goals and objectives

Step 8: Define the organizational structure and management team

Step 9: Obtain necessary licenses and regulatory approvals

In the upcoming sections, we will delve into each step in detail, providing you with valuable insights and practical tips to successfully navigate the process of writing a business plan for a bank.

Building a digital banking platform that offers convenience, security, and financial literacy can revolutionize the banking industry. So, let's dive into the first step - conducting market research and analysis to lay the foundation for your business plan.

Conduct Market Research And Analysis

Conducting thorough market research and analysis is a crucial step in developing a successful business plan for a digital banking platform. This process allows you to gain a deep understanding of the market landscape, identify potential opportunities and challenges, and make informed decisions when it comes to your target market and customer profile.

  • Identify the size and growth potential of the market: Begin by gathering data on the size of the market you intend to enter. This will help you assess the growth potential and determine if it presents a viable opportunity for your digital banking platform.
  • Analyze your target market: Dive deeper into your target market by identifying demographic characteristics, such as age, income, and location. Understanding the needs and preferences of your target market is crucial in developing tailored financial products and services.
  • Assess market trends and competition: Stay updated on the latest market trends and innovations in the digital banking industry. Analyze your potential competitors to understand their strengths, weaknesses, and market positioning. This will help you identify gaps in the market and differentiate your platform.
  • Evaluate customer needs and pain points: Interview potential customers and conduct surveys to gather insights into their financial needs, challenges, and pain points. This information will be invaluable in designing solutions that address their specific requirements.

Tips for Conducting Market Research and Analysis:

  • Utilize both primary and secondary research methods to gather comprehensive market data.
  • Monitor industry reports, publications, and online resources to stay up-to-date with market trends.
  • Consider partnering with market research firms or consultants for a more in-depth analysis.
  • Engage with potential customers through focus groups or online communities to gather qualitative insights.
  • Regularly review and update your market research to adapt to evolving market dynamics.

By conducting thorough market research and analysis, you will be equipped with valuable information to guide your business decisions and develop a compelling business plan for your digital banking platform.

Determine The Target Market And Customer Profile

Identifying and understanding your target market is crucial for the success of your digital banking platform. It allows you to tailor your products, services, and marketing efforts to meet the specific needs and preferences of your customers. Here are the important steps to determine your target market and customer profile:

  • Conduct market research: Start by conducting thorough market research to gather insights and data about the demographics, psychographics, and behavior of potential customers. This will help you understand who your ideal customers are and what they are looking for in a digital banking platform.
  • Segmentation: Once you have collected the necessary information, segment your target market based on criteria such as age, income level, location, and financial goals. This will allow you to create targeted marketing campaigns and develop personalized offerings for each segment.
  • Identify customer needs: Analyze the pain points and challenges faced by your target market. Identify their financial goals and aspirations, and determine how your platform can address their needs effectively.
  • Competitor analysis: Evaluate your competitors' target markets and customer profiles to identify any gaps or opportunities in the market. Differentiate your platform by offering unique features or services that specifically cater to your target market's needs.

Tips for determining the target market and customer profile:

  • Use surveys, interviews, and focus groups to gather firsthand feedback from potential customers. This will give you valuable insights into their preferences, pain points, and expectations.
  • Stay updated with market trends and changes in customer behavior. Continuously monitor and analyze data to ensure your target market profile remains relevant and accurate.
  • Consider utilizing data analytics tools to gain a deeper understanding of your target market. This will help you make data-driven decisions and refine your marketing strategies based on customer preferences.
  • Regularly review and adapt your target market and customer profile as your platform grows and evolves. Customer needs and preferences may change over time, and it is crucial to stay agile and proactive in meeting those changes.

Identify And Analyze Potential Competitors

Identifying and analyzing potential competitors is a crucial step in creating a business plan for a bank. This step helps you assess the competitive landscape and understand the strengths and weaknesses of other players in the market. Here are some key considerations:

  • Research: Conduct thorough research to identify existing banks and financial institutions offering similar services. Look for both traditional brick-and-mortar banks as well as digital banking platforms.
  • Online Presence: Explore their online presence and evaluate their digital banking capabilities. Look for features, functionalities, and user experience that differentiate them.
  • Competitive Advantages: Identify the unique selling propositions (USPs) of your competitors. Determine what sets them apart from others in terms of product offerings, customer service, technology, or any other factors.
  • Customer Reviews: Analyze customer reviews and feedback on various platforms to gain insights into customer satisfaction and grievances. This will help you identify areas where your competitors excel or fall short.
  • Market Share: Determine the market share and customer base of each competitor. This will give you an idea of the scale and reach you need to target.
  • Financial Performance: Analyze the financial performance of your competitors by studying their annual reports, financial statements, and any available data. This will help you understand their growth trajectory and potential vulnerabilities.
  • Look beyond direct competitors and consider indirect ones, such as fintech start-ups or alternative financial service providers.
  • Keep an eye on emerging trends and innovations in the banking industry to stay ahead of your competitors.
  • Consider conducting a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis for each major competitor to gain a deeper understanding of their positioning.

Identifying and analyzing potential competitors is not only about understanding the competition but also about finding opportunities to differentiate your digital banking platform. By studying your competitors, you can identify gaps in the market and develop strategies that align with your unique value proposition.

Perform A Feasibility Study

A feasibility study is a crucial step in the business planning process. It involves conducting a comprehensive analysis to determine the viability of your digital banking platform. This study will help you assess the potential risks and benefits associated with your business idea and make informed decisions.

During the feasibility study, you should analyze various aspects of your business idea, including the market demand, competition, technological requirements, financial projections, and regulatory landscape. Here are the key steps to perform a feasibility study:

  • Conduct thorough market research to understand the current demand for digital banking services and identify any gaps in the market.
  • Evaluate the potential size of your target market and identify your ideal customer profile to tailor your offerings effectively.
  • Assess the competitive landscape by analyzing existing digital banking platforms, their features, pricing strategies, and customer base.
  • Consider the technological requirements for establishing and maintaining your online banking platform. Ensure that you have access to reliable and secure infrastructure.
  • Develop financial projections and assess the profitability and sustainability of your business model. Consider factors such as revenue streams, operating expenses, and potential return on investment.
  • Study the regulatory environment and identify the licenses and approvals required to operate a digital banking platform in your target market.
  • Engage with industry experts and seek their advice during the feasibility study to gain valuable insights.
  • Consider conducting surveys or focus groups to gather feedback from potential customers and validate your assumptions.
  • Regularly review and update your feasibility study as market conditions and industry trends evolve.

By conducting a thorough feasibility study, you will gain a deeper understanding of the viability and potential of your digital banking platform. This study will serve as a foundation for making informed decisions throughout the business planning process.

Define The Unique Value Proposition And Competitive Advantage

Defining the unique value proposition and competitive advantage of your digital banking platform is crucial in order to differentiate yourself from other financial institutions and attract customers. Your value proposition is the core promise you make to customers about the benefits they will receive by using your platform. Your competitive advantage is what sets you apart from competitors and gives you an edge in the market.

  • Identify Your Unique Selling Points: Determine what makes your platform unique and why customers should choose it over others. Consider features such as advanced security measures, user-friendly interface, personalized financial advice, or innovative banking solutions. These selling points will help you stand out and provide value that your competitors might not offer.
  • Prioritize Customer Needs: Understand your target market's pain points and financial needs. Tailor your offerings and services to address these specific needs. Whether it is offering low-interest rates on loans, providing competitive investment options, or simplifying the account opening process, make sure your value proposition directly addresses the challenges your customers face.
  • Analyze Competitors: Study your competitors' value propositions and competitive advantages. Identify the gaps and areas where you can excel. Look for opportunities to offer a better customer experience, more innovative products, or superior customer service. This analysis will allow you to position your platform as a market leader and attract customers seeking a better banking experience.

Tips for Defining Your Value Proposition and Competitive Advantage:

  • Emphasize the convenience and accessibility of your digital banking platform.
  • Showcase your commitment to security and privacy.
  • Highlight any partnerships or collaborations that add value to your platform.
  • Demonstrate your expertise in financial education and advisory services.
  • Offer unique features such as budgeting tools, financial planning, or rewards programs.

By clearly defining your unique value proposition and competitive advantage, you can effectively market your digital banking platform to potential customers and secure their trust and loyalty. Remember, your value proposition should clearly communicate the benefits customers will gain by choosing your platform and should differentiate you from competitors. Building a strong value proposition will be instrumental in the success of your business plan.

Develop A Comprehensive Financial Plan

Developing a comprehensive financial plan is a crucial step in creating a business plan for a bank. This plan outlines the projected financial performance of your digital banking platform and demonstrates to potential investors and lenders that your business is financially viable.

When developing your financial plan, consider the following:

  • Revenue projections: Estimate the revenue your digital banking platform is expected to generate. This can include income from various sources such as transaction fees, interest on loans, and commissions from financial products.
  • Expense projections: Forecast the expenses associated with running your platform, including personnel costs, technology infrastructure, marketing expenses, and regulatory compliance costs.
  • Capital requirements: Calculate the amount of capital needed to start and operate your digital banking platform. This includes upfront costs such as software development, marketing campaigns, and initial infrastructure investments.
  • Profitability analysis: Assess the profitability of your platform by calculating the net income and profit margin. This analysis helps determine the financial feasibility and sustainability of your business.
  • Cash flow projections: Forecast the cash flow of your digital banking platform, including the inflows from revenue and investment, as well as the outflows from expenses and loan repayments.
  • Funding sources: Identify potential funding sources for your platform, such as bank loans, venture capital investments, or crowdfunding campaigns.
  • Research industry benchmarks and financial ratios to ensure your projections are realistic and market-aligned.
  • Consider the potential impact of external factors such as economic conditions, regulatory changes, and customer behavior on your financial plan.
  • Regularly review and update your financial plan to reflect any changes in your business or market conditions.

By developing a comprehensive financial plan, you can demonstrate to banks and investors that your digital banking platform has a clear pathway to profitability and long-term success.

Establish Strategic Goals And Objectives

Establishing strategic goals and objectives is a crucial step in writing a business plan for a bank. These goals and objectives will serve as a roadmap for your digital banking platform, guiding all your actions and decisions towards a defined direction. It is important to clearly define and articulate these goals and objectives to ensure that everyone in the organization is aligned and working towards a common vision.

When establishing strategic goals and objectives, consider the long-term vision of your digital banking platform . What do you envision your platform to become in the next five or ten years? How do you see it evolving and growing? Define these aspirations into specific goals that are achievable and measurable.

Additionally, it is important to set objectives that are SMART - Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This means that each objective should be clearly defined, quantifiable, realistic, relevant to your business, and have a deadline for completion.

Here are some tips to consider when establishing strategic goals and objectives for your digital banking platform:

  • Take into account market trends and customer demands when defining goals and objectives.
  • Align your goals and objectives with your unique value proposition and competitive advantage.
  • Consider both financial and non-financial objectives, such as customer satisfaction and innovation.
  • Involve key stakeholders in the goal-setting process to ensure buy-in and commitment.
  • Regularly review and update your goals and objectives to adapt to changes in the market and industry.

By establishing clear strategic goals and objectives, you are providing a direction for your digital banking platform to strive towards. These goals will serve as a compass, guiding your decisions and actions as you work towards success in the competitive banking industry.

Define The Organizational Structure And Management Team

Defining the organizational structure and management team is a crucial step in writing a business plan for a bank. This section outlines the key individuals who will be responsible for managing the operations and achieving the strategic goals of the digital banking platform.

To begin, it is important to clearly outline the various departments and positions within the organization. This includes roles such as CEO, CFO, CTO, and COO, as well as departments like finance, technology, operations, and customer service. Clearly defining these roles and responsibilities helps establish a clear chain of command and ensures that all areas of the business are properly managed.

  • Consider including an organizational chart to visually depict the structure of the organization.
  • Provide a brief description of each key management team member's background, skills, and experience.
  • Highlight any unique qualities or expertise that these individuals bring to the table that make them a valuable asset to the organization.
  • Consider including any advisory boards or external consultants that will be involved in decision-making processes.

Furthermore, it is essential to emphasize the qualifications and experience of each member of the management team. This includes their educational background, professional accomplishments, and relevant industry experience. Demonstrating that the team possesses the necessary skills and expertise significantly strengthens the credibility of the business plan and instills confidence in potential investors or lenders.

Lastly, it is important to consider and outline any plans for future expansion or growth. As the digital banking platform evolves, so too may the organizational structure and management team. Clearly articulate the expected growth trajectory and how the team will adapt to the changing needs of the business.

By properly defining the organizational structure and management team, the business plan for a digital banking platform becomes a comprehensive document that demonstrates a solid foundation for success. This section showcases the individuals driving the business forward, while also addressing how the organization will adapt and grow over time.

Obtain Necessary Licenses And Regulatory Approvals

Obtaining the necessary licenses and regulatory approvals is a crucial step in establishing a digital banking platform. Compliance with legal and regulatory requirements ensures that your business operates within the boundaries set by governing authorities. Here are the key steps to take when seeking licenses and approvals:

  • Research Licensing Requirements: Begin by researching the specific licenses and permits required for operating a digital banking platform in your jurisdiction. Different countries and regions may have varying regulations, so it is essential to be well-informed. Consult with legal experts or industry professionals to navigate the complexities of licensing.
  • Submit Applications: Once you have identified the licenses and permits needed for your digital banking platform, prepare and submit the required applications. Be sure to provide accurate and comprehensive information, as any discrepancies or oversights could lead to delays or rejection of your application.
  • Engage with Regulatory Authorities: Throughout the licensing process, it is important to maintain open lines of communication with the relevant regulatory authorities. Address any queries or requests for additional information promptly and transparently. This will help in establishing a positive relationship with the authorities and expediting the approval process.
  • Comply with Regulatory Requirements: As you progress towards obtaining licenses and approvals, ensure that your business fully complies with all relevant regulatory requirements. This may include maintaining appropriate capital adequacy ratios, implementing robust anti-money laundering measures, and adhering to data protection and privacy laws.
  • Seek Legal Counsel: Working with experienced legal counsel specializing in financial regulations can prove invaluable during this process. They can offer guidance, review your compliance efforts, and help navigate any legal complexities that may arise.
  • Stay Updated: Regulatory frameworks and requirements are subject to change, so it is crucial to stay informed about any updates or amendments. Continuously monitor regulatory developments to ensure that your digital banking platform remains compliant.
  • Start the licensing process early: Obtaining licenses and regulatory approvals can be a time-consuming process. Starting early allows for any unexpected delays and ensures you meet your desired launch timeline.
  • Be thorough and accurate: Pay meticulous attention to detail when completing license applications. Provide all necessary documentation and information to avoid unnecessary delays or complications.
  • Engage with industry associations: Connecting with industry associations or peer networks can provide you with valuable insights into navigating the licensing process. Networking with experienced professionals can help you anticipate challenges and streamline the approval process.
  • Maintain ongoing compliance: Obtaining licenses and regulatory approvals is just the first step. Develop robust compliance procedures and internal controls to ensure ongoing adherence to regulatory requirements. Regularly review and update your compliance practices as regulations evolve.

In conclusion, writing a business plan for a bank requires careful research, analysis, and strategic thinking. By following the nine steps outlined in this checklist, you can create a comprehensive and compelling plan that demonstrates the viability of your digital banking platform. From conducting market research to obtaining necessary licenses, each step is crucial in building a strong foundation for your business. Remember to highlight your unique value proposition and competitive advantage, develop a comprehensive financial plan, establish strategic goals, and define your organizational structure. With a well-crafted business plan, you can confidently approach banks and secure the funding needed to bring your digital banking platform to life.

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Business plan

How to write an effective business plan in 11 steps (with workbook)

February 02, 2023 | 14 minute read

Writing a business plan is a powerful way to position your small business for success as you set out to meet your goals. Research suggests that business founders who write one are 16% more likely to build businesses that are viable than those who don’t, and that entrepreneurs focused on high growth are 7% more likely to have written a business plan. HBR. July 14, 2017. Available online at https://hbr.org/2017/07/research-writing-a-business-plan-makes-your-startup-more-likely-to-succeed" data-footnote="sevenpercent" aria-label="Footnote 1"> Footnote [1] Even better, other research shows that owners who complete business plans are twice as likely to grow their business successfully or obtain capital compared to those who don’t. J Grad Med Educ. 2014 Mar;6(1):15-7. doi: 10.4300/JGME-D-13-00081.1. PMID: 24701304; PMCID: PMC3963774. Available online at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3963774/" data-footnote="twiceaslikely" aria-label="Footnote 2"> Footnote [2]

The best time to write a business plan is typically after you have vetted and researched your business idea. (See: How to start a business in 15 steps .) If conditions change later, you can rewrite the plan, much like how your GPS reroutes you if there is traffic ahead. When you update your plan regularly, everyone on your team, including outside stakeholders such as investors, will know where you are headed.

What is a business plan?

Typically 15-20 pages long, a business plan is a document that explains what your business does, what you want to achieve in the business and the strategy you plan to use to get there. It details the opportunities you are going after, what resources you will need to achieve your goals and how you will define success.

Why are business plans important?

Business plans help you think through barriers and discover opportunities you may have recognized subconsciously but have not yet articulated. A business plan can also help you to attract potential lenders, investors and partners by providing them with evidence that your business has all of the ingredients necessary for success.

What questions should a business plan answer?

Your business plan should explain how your business will grow and succeed. A great plan will provide detailed answers to questions that a banker or investor will have before putting money into the business, such as:

  • What products/services do you provide?
  • Who is your target customer?
  • What are the benefits of your product and service for customers?
  • How much will you charge?
  • What is the size of the market?
  • What are your marketing plans?
  • How much competition does the business face in penetrating that market?
  • How much experience does the management team have in running businesses like it?
  • How do you plan to measure success?
  • What do you expect the business’s revenue, costs and profit to be for the first few years?
  • How much will it cost to achieve the goals stated in the business plan?
  • What is the long-term growth potential of the business? Is the business scalable?
  • How will you enable investors to reap the rewards of backing the business? Do you plan to sell the business to a bigger company eventually or take it public as your “exit strategy”?

How to write a business plan in 11 steps

This step-by-step outline will make it easier to write an effective business plan, even if you’re managing the day-to-day demands of starting a new business. Creating a table of contents that lists key sections of the plan, with page numbers, will make it easy for readers to flip to the sections that interest them most.

Use our editable workbook to capture notes and organize your thoughts as you review these critical steps. Note: To avoid losing your work, please remember to save this PDF to your desktop before you begin.

1. Executive summary

The executive summary is your opportunity to make a great first impression on investors and bankers. It should be just as engaging as the enthusiastic elevator pitch you might give if you bumped into a potential backer in an elevator.

In three to five paragraphs, you’ll want to explain what your business does, why it will succeed and where it will be in five years. The executive summary should include short descriptions of the following:

  • Business concept: What will your business do?
  • Goals and vision: What do you expect the business to achieve, both financially and for other key stakeholders, such as the community?
  • Product or service: What does your product or service do — and how is it different from those of competitors?
  • Target market: Who do you expect to buy your product or service?
  • Marketing strategy: How will you tell people about your product or service?
  • Current revenue and profits: If your business is pre-revenue, offer sales projections.
  • Projected revenue and profits: Provide a realistic look at the next year, as well as the next three years, ideally.
  • Financial resources needed: How much money do you need to borrow or raise to fund your plan?
  • Management team: Who are the company’s leaders and what relevant experience will they contribute?

2. Business overview

Here is where you provide a brief history of the business and describe the product(s) or service(s) it offers. Make sure you describe the problem you are attempting to solve, for whom you will solve it (your customers) and how you will solve it. Be sure to describe your business model (such as direct-to-consumer sales through an online store) so readers can envision how you will make sales. Also mention your business structure (such as a sole proprietorship, general partnership, limited partnership or corporation) and why it is advantageous for the business. And be sure to provide context on the state of your industry and where your business will fit into it.

3. Business goals and vision

Explain what you hope to achieve in the business (your vision), as well as its mission and value proposition. Most founders judge success by the size to which they grow the business, using measures such as revenue or number of employees. Your goals may not be solely financial. You may also wish to provide jobs or solve a societal problem. If that’s the case, mention those goals as well.

If you are seeking outside funding, explain why you need the money, how you will put it to work to grow the business and how you expect to achieve the goals you have set for the business. Also explain your exit strategy—that is, how you will enable investors to cash out, whether that means selling the business or taking it public.

4. Management and organization

Many investors say they bet on the team behind a business more than the business idea, trusting that talented and experienced people will be capable of bringing sound business concepts to life. With that in mind, make sure to provide short bios of the key members of your management team (including yourself) that emphasize the relevant experience each individual brings, along with their special talents and industry recognition. Many business plans include headshots of the management team with the bios.

Also describe more about how your organization will be structured. Your company may be a sole proprietorship, a limited liability company (LLC) or a corporation in one or more states.

If you will need to hire people for specific roles, this is the place to mention those plans. And if you will rely on outside consultants for certain roles — such as an outsourced CFO — be sure to make a note of it here. Outside backers want to know if you’ve anticipated the staffing you need.

5. Service or product line

A business will only succeed if it sells something people want or need to buy. As you describe the products or services you will offer, make sure to explain what benefits they will provide to your target customers, how they will differ from competing offerings and what the buying cycle will likely be, so it is clear that you can actually sell what you are offering. If you have plans to protect your intellectual property through a copyright or patent filing, be sure to mention that. Also explain any research and development work that is underway, to show investors the potential for additional revenue streams.

6. Market/industry analysis

Anyone interested in providing financial backing to your business will want to know how big your company can potentially grow, so they have an idea of what kind of returns they can expect. In this section, you’ll be able to convey that by explaining to whom you will be selling and how much opportunity there is to reach them. Key details to include are market size; a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis ; a competitive analysis; and customer segmentation. Make it clear how you developed any projections you’ve made by citing interviews or research.

Also describe the current state of the industry. Where is there room for improvement? Are most companies using antiquated processes and technology? If your business is a local one, what is the market in your area like? Do most of the restaurants where you plan to open your café serve mediocre food? What will you do better?

In this section, also list competitors, including their names, websites and social media handles. Describe each source of competition and how your business will address it.

7. Sales and marketing

Explain how you will spread the word to potential customers about what you sell. Will you be using paid online search advertising, social media promotions, traditional direct mail, print advertising in local publications, sponsorship of a local radio or TV show, your own YouTube content or some other method entirely? List all of the methods you will use.

Make sure readers know exactly what the path to a sale will be and why that approach will resonate with customers in your ideal target markets, as well as existing customer segments. If you have already begun using the methods you’ve outlined, include data on the results so readers know whether they have been effective.

8. Financials

In a new business, you may not have any past financial data or financial statements to include, but that doesn’t mean you have nothing to share. Preparing a budget and financial plan will help show investors or bankers that you have developed a clear understanding of the financial aspects of running your business. (The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has prepared a budget template you can use; SCORE , a nonprofit organization that partners with the SBA, offers a financial planning template to help you look ahead.) For an existing business, you will want to include income statements, profit and loss statements, cash flow statements and balance sheets, ideally going back three years.

Make a list of the specific steps you plan to take to achieve the financial results you have outlined. The steps are generally the most detailed for the first year, given that you may need to revise your plan later as you gather feedback from the marketplace.

Include interactive spreadsheets that contain a detailed financial analysis showing how much it costs your business to produce the goods and services you provide, the profits you will generate, any planned investments and the taxes you will pay. See our Startup costs calculator to get started.

9. Financial projections

Creating a detailed sales forecast can help you get outside backers excited about supporting you. A sales forecast is typically a table or simple line graph that shows the projected sales of the company over time, usually for the next 12 months and as much as five years into the future. If you haven’t yet launched the company, turn to your market research to develop estimates. For more information, see “ How to create a sales forecast for your small business .”

10. Funding request

If you are seeking outside financing such as a loan or equity investment, your potential backers will want to know how much money you need and how you will spend it. Describe the amount you are trying to raise, how you arrived at that number and what type of funding you are seeking (such as debt, equity or a combination of both). If you are contributing some of your own funds, it is worth noting this, as it shows that you have “skin in the game.”

11. Appendix

This should include any information and supporting documents that will help investors and bankers gain a greater understanding of the potential of your business. Depending on your industry, you might include local permits, licenses, deeds and other legal documents; professional certifications and licenses; media clips; information on patents and other intellectual property; key customer contracts and purchase orders; and other relevant documents.

Some business owners find it helpful to develop a list of key concepts, such as the names of the company’s products and industry terms. This can be helpful if you do business in an industry that may not be familiar to the readers of the business plan.

Tips for creating an effective business plan

Use clear, simple language. It’ll be easier to win people over if your plan is easy to read. Steer clear of industry jargon, and if you must use any phrases the average adult won’t know, be sure to define them.

Emphasize what makes your business unique. Investors and bankers want to know how you will solve a problem or gap in the marketplace differently from anyone else. Make sure you’re conveying your differentiating factors.

Nail the details. An ideal business plan will be detailed and accurate. Make sure that any financial projections you make are realistic and grounded in solid market research. (If you need help in making your calculations, you can get free advice at SCORE.) Seasoned bankers and investors will quickly spot numbers that are overly optimistic.

Take time to polish it. Your final version of the plan should be neat and professional, with an attractive layout and copy that has been carefully proofread.

Include professional photos. High-quality shots of your product or place of business can help make it clear why your business stands out.

Updating an existing business plan

Some business owners in rapidly growing businesses update their business plan quarterly. Others do so every six months or every year. When you update your plan make sure you consider these three things:

1. Are your goals still current? As you’ve tested your concept, your goals may have changed. The plan should reflect this.

2. Have you revised any strategies in response to feedback from the marketplace? You may have found that your offerings resonated with a different customer segment than you expected or that your advertising plan didn’t work and you need to try a different approach. Given that investors will want to see a marketing and advertising plan that works, keeping this section current will ensure you are always ready to meet with one who shows interest.

3. Have your staffing needs changed? If you set ambitious goals, you may need help from team members or outside consultants you did not anticipate when you first started the business. Take stock now so you can plan accordingly.

Final thoughts

Most business owners don’t follow their business plans exactly. But writing one will get you off to a much better start than simply opening your doors and hoping for the best, and it will be easier to analyze any aspects of your business that aren’t working later so you can course-correct. Ultimately, it may be one of the best investments you can make in the future of your business.

Business plan FAQs

The biggest mistake you can make when writing a business plan is creating one before the idea has been properly researched and tested. Not every idea is meant to become a business. Other common mistakes include:

  • Not describing your management team in a way that is appealing to investors. Simply cutting and pasting someone’s professional bio into the management section won’t do the trick. You’ll want to highlight the credentials of each team member in a way that is relevant to this business.
  • Failing to include financial projections — or including overly optimistic ones. Investors look at a lot of business plans and can tell quickly whether your numbers are accurate or pie in the sky. Have a good small business accountant review your numbers to make sure they are realistic.
  • Lack of a clear exit strategy for investors. Investors will want to “cash out” eventually and will want to know how they can go about doing that.
  • Slapdash presentation. Make sure to fact-check any industry statistics you cite, and that any charts, graphs or images are carefully prepared and easy to read.

There are a variety of styles of business plans styles. Here are three major types:

Traditional business plan. This is a formal document for pitching to investors based on the outline in this article. If your business is a complicated one, the plan may exceed the typical length and stretch to as many as 50 pages.

One-page business plan. This is a simplified version of a formal business plan, designed to fit on one page. Typically, each section will be described in bullet points or in a chart format, rather than in the narrative style of an executive summary. It can be helpful as a summary document to give to investors — or for internal use. Another variation on the one-page theme is the “ business model canvas .”

Lean plan. This methodology for creating a business plan is ideal for a business that is evolving quickly. It is designed in a way that makes it easy to update on a regular basis. Lean business plans are usually about one page long. The SBA has provided an example of what this type of plan includes on its website.

Many elements of a business plan for a nonprofit are similar to those of a for-profit business. However, because the goal of a nonprofit is achieving its mission — rather than turning a profit—the business plan should emphasize its specific goals on that front and how it will achieve them. Many nonprofits set key performance indicators (KPIs) — numbers that they track to show they are “moving the needle” on their goals.

Nonprofits will generally emphasize their fundraising strategies in their business plans, rather than sales strategies. The funds they raise are the lifeblood of the programs they run.

A strategic plan is different from the type of business plan you’ve read about here in that it emphasizes the long-term goals of the business and how your business will achieve them over the long run. A strong business plan can function as both a business plan and a strategic plan.

A marketing plan is different from a business plan in that it is focused on four main areas of the business: product (what you are selling and how you will differentiate it), price (how much your products or services will cost and why), promotion (how you will get your ideal customer to notice and buy what you are selling) and place (where you will sell your products). A thorough business plan may cover these topics, doing double duty as both a business plan and a marketing plan.

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How To Write A Business Plan for A Bank Loan (3 Key Steps)

Wondering how to create a business plan that will wow your banker.

You're not alone.

Most entrepreneurs see writing a business plan as a gargantuan task – especially if they've never written one before.

Where do you start?

How do you calculate the financials?

How can you be sure you're not making a mistake?

And if you need a business plan for a bank loan, getting this document right is absolutely essential.

So here's what we recommend: simplify the planning process by breaking the work up into manageable, bite–sized steps. That way, you can focus on one section at a time to make sure it's accurate.

Here's a quick overview of the step–by–step process we guide entrepreneurs through when they sign up for LivePlan.

Step 1: Outline The Opportunity

This is the core of your business plan. It should give loan officers a clear understanding of:

  • What problem you're solving
  • How your product or service fits into the current market
  • What sets your business apart from the competition

There are three key parts to this step:

The Problem & Solution

Detail exactly what problem you are solving for your customers. How do their lives improve after you solve that “pain point” for them?

We recommend actually going out and chatting with your target audience first. That way, you can validate that you're solving a real problem for your potential customers.

Be sure to describe your solution in vivid detail. For example, if the problem is that parking downtown is expensive and hard to find, your solution might be a bike rental service with designated pickup and dropoff locations.

Target Market

Who exactly are you selling to? And roughly how many of them are there?

This is crucial information for determining whether or not your business will succeed long–term. Never assume that your target market is “everyone.”

For example, it would be easy for a barber shop to target everyone who needs a haircut. But most likely, it will need to focus on a specific market segment to reach its full business potential. This might include catering to children and families, seniors or business professionals.

Competition

Who are your direct competitors? These are companies that provide similar solutions that aim to solve your customers' pain points.

Then outline what your competitive advantages are. Why should your target market choose you over the other products or services available?

Think you don't have any competition? Think again. Your customers are likely turning to an indirect competitor that is solving their problem with a different type of solution.

For example: A taco stand might compete directly with another taco stand, but indirectly with a nearby hot dog vendor.

Boost your chances of securing a loan

See how LivePlan can help you write a fundable business plan

Step 2: Show how you'll execute

This is where the action happens! Here you'll get into the details of how you'll take advantage of the opportunity you outlined in the previous section. This part demonstrates to banks that you have a strong plan to achieve success.

The three main components of this step include:

Marketing & Sales Plan

There can be a lot of moving parts to this one, depending on your business model.

But most importantly, you'll need to fully explain how you plan to reach your target market and convert those people into customers. A few example of what should be included:

  • Positioning strategy. What makes your business both unique and highly desirable to your target market?
  • Marketing activities. Will you advertise with billboards, online ads or something else entirely?
  • Pricing. What you charge must reflect consumer demand. There are a few models to choose from, including ‘cost–plus pricing’ and ‘value pricing.’

This is the nuts and bolts of your business. It's especially important for brick–and–mortar companies that operate a storefront or have a warehouse.

You may want to explain why your location is important or detail how much space you have available. Plan to work at home? You can also cover your office space and any plans to move outside your house.

Any specialized software or equipment and tools should also be covered here.

Milestones & Metrics

Lenders and investors want to be confident that you know how to turn your business plans into financial success. That's where your milestones come in.

These are planned goals that help you progress your company. For example, if you're launching a new product your milestones may include completing prototypes and figuring out manufacturing.

Metrics are how you will gauge the success of your business. Do you want to generate a certain level of sales? Or keep costs at a certain level? Figuring out which metrics are most important and then tracking them is essential for growth.

Step 3: Detail your financial plan

This is the most crucial – and intimidating – part of any business plan for a bank loan. Your prospective lender will look especially close at this section to determine how likely your business is to succeed.

But the financial section doesn't have to be overwhelming, especially if you break the work into smaller pieces. Here are 3 items that your plan must have:

Simply put, this is your projections for your business finances. It gives you (and the bank) an idea of how much profit your company stands to make. Just a few items you'll need to include:

  • Revenue. List all your products, services and any other ways your business will generate income.
  • Direct costs. Or in other words, what are the costs to make what you sell?
  • Personnel. Salaries and expenses related to what you pay yourself, employees and any contactors.
  • Expenses. Things like rent, utilities, marketing costs and any other regular expenses.

Exactly how will you use any investments, loans or other financing to grow your business? This might include paying for capital expenses like equipment or hiring personnel.

Also detail where all your financing is coming from. Lines of credit, loans or personal savings should be listed here.

Bankers will be giving this section a lot of attention. Here's what you'll need:

  • Profit & Loss. This statement pulls in numbers from your sales forecast and other elements to show whether you're making or losing money.
  • Projected Balance Sheet. This is likely the first thing a loan officer will look at: it covers your liability, capital and assets. It provides an overview of how financially sound your business is.
  • Projected Cash Flow. Essentially, this statement keeps track of how much money you have in the bank at any given point. Loan officers are likely to expect realistic monthly cash flow for the next 12 months.

Don't forget the Executive Summary

The Executive Summary is the first section of your business plan, but we recommend you tackle it last.

It's basically an introduction to your company, summarizing the main points of your plan. Keep it to just one or two pages and be as clear and concise as possible.

Think of it as a quick read designed to get the lender excited about your business.

If you need help writing your plan

Not everyone feels confident writing a business plan themselves, especially if it's needed to secure a bank loan.

And although you don't need an MBA to write one, getting your business plan right often does require quite a bit of work. So if you need help writing your plan, here are two options to consider:

  • Hire a professional business plan writer to do it for you. This is typically the most expensive route, but worth it if you're pursuing $100,000 or more in capital.
  • Sign up for LivePlan. It's business planning software that walks you through a step–by–step process for writing any type of plan. It's an affordable option that also gives you an easy way to track your actuals against your business plan, so you can get the insights you need to grow faster.

LivePlan makes it easy to write a winning business plan

No risk – includes our 35-day money back guarantee.

How to Create a Business Plan for a Bank

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  • Business Planning & Strategy
  • Creating a Business Plan
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Operating Section of the Cash Flow Statement

How to pitch a business plan, how to delete a memorized payee in quicken.

  • How to Obtain Short-Term Financing for a Business
  • An Outline to Pitch an Idea to a Company

Banks generally ask for a business plan when you inquire about financing for your business. Whether you are applying for an SBA loan or just short-term financing for business payroll, banks want extensive information about your company to make an informed decision about granting financing. You will also need to show your business plan if you try to alter the terms of your loan or have fallen behind on business loan payments.

Gather your financial records for the past three years and create a financial report that includes at least a P&L (profit and loss report a.k.a. income statement) for each year. Project your financials for the next three years figured without the money you seek and another projection that includes the funding and payments.

Write a one or two page description of your company--what product or service it produces, how long the company has been in business--and list any assets such as real estate or intellectual property such as patents, trademarks or copyrights.

Describe your target market. List your major customers and any long-term supply or service contracts you have with your customers. How do you market to this target customer? Name your main competition and discuss why customers come to you instead and how your company differs from your competition.

List your management team, with their bios, and your Board of Directors and Board of Advisers along with their bios. Briefly tell what each person brings to benefit your company.

Describe in detail how much money you need, what you will do with that money and how it will affect your company. Create charts and graphs to demonstrate increases in sales or decreases in costs. Make it easy for the banker, a person who knows very little about your company, to understand how the money will be wisely used and how it will directly enable the company to perform better.

Things You Will Need

Accounting records from past three years

Tax returns from past three years

Inventory report

Customer contracts

Vendor contracts

Employee contracts

Facilities, equipment and auto leases

Insurance policies

Your business plan should be divided into the following sections: Company Description, Financing Needs, Products & Services, Revenue Model, Target Market, Marketing Model, Payback Plan, Financial Reports & Notes.

  • If you do not feel you can produce a good business plan, go to your local SCORE or SBA office for help or referrals to consultants who can help you.
  • The most important thing bankers want to know is whether you will be able to pay back the money they loan you. Many entrepreneurs get carried away telling how wonderful the company is and how much they need the money, but they forget to clearly demonstrate how they will be able to make their payments each month.
  • Small Business Administration
  • Service Corps of Retired Executives
  • Dun & Bradstreet, "Bank Loans for Small Businesses"
  • Excel small business finance and accounting templates
  • Your business plan should be divided into the following sections: Company Description, Financing Needs, Products & Services, Revenue Model, Target Market, Marketing Model, Payback Plan, Financial Reports & Notes.

Victoria Duff specializes in entrepreneurial subjects, drawing on her experience as an acclaimed start-up facilitator, venture catalyst and investor relations manager. Since 1995 she has written many articles for e-zines and was a regular columnist for "Digital Coast Reporter" and "Developments Magazine." She holds a Bachelor of Arts in public administration from the University of California at Berkeley.

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How to Write a Successful Business Plan for a Loan

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Table of Contents

What does a loan business plan include?

What lenders look for in a business plan, business plan for loan examples, resources for writing a business plan.

A comprehensive and well-written business plan can be used to persuade lenders that your business is worth investing in and hopefully, improve your chances of getting approved for a small-business loan . Many lenders will ask that you include a business plan along with other documents as part of your loan application.

When writing a business plan for a loan, you’ll want to highlight your abilities, justify your need for capital and prove your ability to repay the debt. 

Here’s everything you need to know to get started.

How much do you need?

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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.

A successful business plan for a loan describes your financial goals and how you’ll achieve them. Although business plan components can vary from company to company, there are a few sections that are typically included in most plans.

These sections will help provide lenders with an overview of your business and explain why they should approve you for a loan.  

Executive summary

The executive summary is used to spark interest in your business. It may include high-level information about you, your products and services, your management team, employees, business location and financial details. Your mission statement can be added here as well.

To help build a lender’s confidence in your business, you can also include a concise overview of your growth plans in this section.

Company overview

The company overview is an area to describe the strengths of your business. If you didn’t explain what problems your business will solve in the executive summary, do it here. 

Highlight any experts on your team and what gives you a competitive advantage. You can also include specific details about your business such as when it was founded, your business entity type and history.

Products and services

Use this section to demonstrate the need for what you’re offering. Describe your products and services and explain how customers will benefit from having them. 

Detail any equipment or materials that you need to provide your goods and services — this may be particularly helpful if you’re looking for equipment or inventory financing . You’ll also want to disclose any patents or copyrights in this section.

Market analysis

Here you can demonstrate that you’ve done your homework and showcase your understanding of your industry, current outlook, trends, target market and competitors.

You can add details about your target market that include where you’ll find customers, ways you plan to market to them and how your products and services will be delivered to them.

» MORE: How to write a market analysis for a business plan

Marketing and sales plan

Your marketing and sales plan provides details on how you intend to attract your customers and build a client base. You can also explain the steps involved in the sale and delivery of your product or service.

At a high level, this section should identify your sales goals and how you plan to achieve them — showing a lender how you’re going to make money to repay potential debt.

Operational plan

The operational plan section covers the physical requirements of operating your business on a day-to-day basis. Depending on your type of business, this may include location, facility requirements, equipment, vehicles, inventory needs and supplies. Production goals, timelines, quality control and customer service details may also be included.

Management team

This section illustrates how your business will be organized. You can list the management team, owners, board of directors and consultants with details about their experience and the role they will play at your company. This is also a good place to include an organizational chart .

From this section, a lender should understand why you and your team are qualified to run a business and why they should feel confident lending you money — even if you’re a startup.

Funding request

In this section, you’ll explain the amount of money you’re requesting from the lender and why you need it. You’ll describe how the funds will be used and how you intend to repay the loan.

You may also discuss any funding requirements you anticipate over the next five years and your strategic financial plans for the future.

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

Financial statements

When you’re writing a business plan for a loan, this is one of the most important sections. The goal is to use your financial statements to prove to a lender that your business is stable and will be able to repay any potential debt. 

In this section, you’ll want to include three to five years of income statements, cash flow statements and balance sheets. It can also be helpful to include an expense analysis, break-even analysis, capital expenditure budgets, projected income statements and projected cash flow statements. If you have collateral that you could put up to secure a loan, you should list it in this section as well.

If you’re a startup that doesn’t have much historical data to provide, you’ll want to include estimated costs, revenue and any other future projections you may have. Graphs and charts can be useful visual aids here.

In general, the more data you can use to show a lender your financial security, the better.

Finally, if necessary, supporting information and documents can be added in an appendix section. This may include credit histories, resumes, letters of reference, product pictures, licenses, permits, contracts and other legal documents.

Lenders will typically evaluate your loan application based on the five C’s — or characteristics — of credit : character, capacity, capital, conditions and collateral. Although your business plan won't contain everything a lender needs to complete its assessment, the document can highlight your strengths in each of these areas.

A lender will assess your character by reviewing your education, business experience and credit history. This assessment may also be extended to board members and your management team. Highlights of your strengths can be worked into the following sections of your business plan:

Executive summary.

Company overview.

Management team.

Capacity centers on your ability to repay the loan. Lenders will be looking at the revenue you plan to generate, your expenses, cash flow and your loan payment plan. This information can be included in the following sections:

Funding request.

Financial statements.

Capital is the amount of money you have invested in your business. Lenders can use it to judge your financial commitment to the business. You can use any of the following sections to highlight your financial commitment:

Operational plan.

Conditions refers to the purpose and market for your products and services. Lenders will be looking for information such as product demand, competition and industry trends. Information for this can be included in the following sections:

Market analysis.

Products and services.

Marketing and sales plan.

Collateral is an asset pledged to a lender to guarantee the repayment of a loan. This can be equipment, inventory, vehicles or something else of value. Use the following sections to include information on assets:

» MORE: How to get a business loan

Writing a business plan for a loan application can be intimidating, especially when you’re just getting started. It may be helpful to use a business plan template or refer to an existing sample as you’re going through the draft process.

Here are a few examples that you may find useful:

Business Plan Outline — Colorado Small Business Development Center

Business Plan Template — Iowa Small Business Development Center

Writing a Business Plan — Maine Small Business Development Center

Business Plan Workbook — Capital One

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U.S. Small Business Administration. The SBA offers a free self-paced course on writing a business plan. The course includes several videos, objectives for you to accomplish, as well as worksheets you can complete.

SCORE. SCORE, a nonprofit organization and resource partner of the SBA, offers free assistance that includes a step-by-step downloadable template to help startups create a business plan, and mentors who can review and refine your plan virtually or in person.

Small Business Development Centers. Similarly, your local SBDC can provide assistance with business planning and finding access to capital. These organizations also have virtual and in-person training courses, as well as opportunities to consult with business experts.

Business plan software. Although many business plan software platforms require a subscription, these tools can be useful if you want a templated approach that can break the process down for you step-by-step. Many of these services include a range of examples and templates, instruction videos and guides, and financial dashboards, among other features. You may also be able to use a free trial before committing to one of these software options.

A loan business plan outlines your business’s objectives, products or services, funding needs and finances. The goal of this document is to convince lenders that they should approve you for a business loan.

Not all lenders will require a business plan, but you’ll likely need one for bank and SBA loans. Even if it isn’t required, however, a lean business plan can be used to bolster your loan application.

Lenders ask for a business plan because they want to know that your business is and will continue to be financially stable. They want to know how you make money, spend money and plan to achieve your financial goals. All of this information allows them to assess whether you’ll be able to repay a loan and decide if they should approve your application.

On a similar note...

How to write a winning business plan

How to write a winning business plan

Business plans are a great way to set out your business goals and how you’re going to reach them. Writing a business plan helps you consider what you do, the market opportunity, the risks and your strategy to succeed.

What is a business plan and why is it important?

A business plan is important so that you know where your business is going and how it’s going to get there. You may need a business plan to inspire confidence from investors, or show lenders that your business has potential. It can also help everyone on your team stay on the same page.

A business plan is always important, and even more so if you’re just starting out . It sets out the destination and the route plan of your business. You could say it’s a bit like a satnav - it helps you know which road to take at a junction.

Your business plan helps you play to win

People think of a business plan as a set of numbers but take it from me, an accountant , that this is probably the least important part of the plan. The numbers are like the scorecard and your business is the game. Your business plan is your strategy for how you’d like to play the game - and win!

What to consider for your business plan

Decide what outcome you want. You probably want to win this game but by how much? Or you may have just been promoted to this league and you need time to build some solid foundations. 2-1 win or £100,000 profit?

Look at your opposition, sometimes called a competitor analysis, to see what they are doing well and where they are leaving gaps. Are there areas of the market that are underserved or that could be better served by you than your competitors?

Team tactics. Can you see where you will sell £500,000 (or how you will score those two goals)? A few big customers or lots of smaller ones? This is the sales plan.

Look at your own team, as well as player wages do you need to recruit or train to get the best out of them? This will have costs that need to be included in the plan.

What other costs do you have? How much will the pitch, court or premises cost you and will you need to invest in any technology to help you win - such as a new scoreboard? Think about what kind of benefits you need to achieve (revenue gains or reduced costs to make the investment worthwhile).

Is this likely to give you the outcome you wanted? Or do you need to review all this again?

Do you have enough cash to pay for everything along the way or do you need to borrow?

How to structure a business plan

Once you have been through this thought process you can start to put your plans into a more formal structure. If you’re applying for loans or other finance it’s important to use the right terminology but, if the plan is only for internal use then it should be presented in a way that you and your team can understand. These are some common sections in business plans.

The overall goal

It’s tempting to start your business plan by explaining how amazing or radical your innovation or business idea is (there’s time for that later). It may be more useful to set the scene for the goal by explaining what real-world needs or problems you’re aiming to solve.

Your overall goal should be tied in to your personal goals. It’s no good building a million pound business that requires you to work 80 hours a week if what you really want is more time with your kids now.

Market analysis

Do some research to find out how much demand there is for your brilliant idea. Talk to your existing and prospective customers and ask questions. How many potential customers are out there? You could use a market research company, but you should still conduct your own research.

If you can use real or verifiable values, so much the better - vague terms like ‘the potential market is huge’ may not be enough to impress potential funders. Look at things like the current size of the market, its dynamics, if it’s growing or changing.

SWOT analysis

Determining the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to your business is a useful way to view the things you do well and those that you need to improve. Identifying threats early allows you to put things in place to minimise or even negate them. Spend a few minutes searching and you’ll find many free examples of SWOT templates.

How much are you going to sell and to whom? It’s normal to spread this over 12 months. Will you sell to other businesses or to individuals? Decide whether you will sell to a few, bigger customers or several, smaller ones. Your approach will depend on your product and the market and will drive a lot of decisions from marketing strategy to recruitment. You’ll find a few sites out there offering free sales plan templates.

Marketing plan

How will you price your product and what promotion do you need to help achieve those sales? How will you attract new customers and how will you keep the ones you have? Who is your ideal customer and how will you reach them? Where do they spend time, is it on Instagram or travel websites?

Staffing plan

What skills do you need to achieve your plan? What will the organisation chart look like? Do you need to recruit or buy in expertise? Remember that flexible working means that you don’t need to recruit full time people if you only need the expertise half the time. Do you need to recruit straight away or part way through the year?

Capital investment

Are there any large costs coming up as you invest in equipment, technology or a new website? How are you expecting to finance them and what benefit do you expect them to deliver?

The numbers

This is what people think of when they think of a business plan but it is the last part of the game plan. Don’t forget to look at profit and loss. Draw up a profit and loss account to reflect all the numbers. If you’re also looking to raise finance with the plan - can you quantify your return on investment? It’s important to focus on your revenue model and if it’s viable in the short, medium and long term. Look at growth forecasts.

Look at the timing of money coming in and out. When will your customers pay for your sales and when will you have to pay your bills? How much money will be tied up in stock? Will you receive VAT from your customers before you have to pay it to HMRC? Are there any big costs that will need to be paid out? When are loan repayments due? Have you got enough cash set aside to pay your tax at the year end?

How long should the business plan be?

One common question is how long does the plan need to be? Three pages, a 100, something else?

The answer partly depends on if the plan’s for internal or external use. Internally, the plan can be as long as makes sense for its purpose, which could be to inform employees or keep founders on track.

If it’s external, perhaps to help raise funding, you do need enough detail to cover every section and make a compelling argument, but avoid a thick document which may lose your audience’s attention. Try to convey the key takeaways in a clear and simple way - sometimes more information isn’t better.

Don’t forget to write an executive summary to front up your plan. It should be simple, clear and specific. It needs to give a quick sense of what you do - but also why it’s valuable.

How many months or years do you need to plan for?

Business plans are usually completely in detail and fixed for 12 months and then a broader outline for three to five years. If you’re applying for finance then your plan should cover the whole period until the loan is repaid. There is no reason that you can’t update your forecasts as you progress through the year.

As you go through the year, more information will come to light so you will probably reforecast and your actions will evolve. This is the same way that your satnav changes route when you meet traffic or diversions. Both your satnav and your business rely on accurate information.

At the end of the original plan period you can compare what you actually achieved, against your targets. See where you did better and if there are any areas to learn from. Hindsight is a wonderful thing, so use it to plan an even better business in the future.

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how to make business plan for bank

ProfitableVenture

Bank Business Plan [Sample Template]

By: Author Tony Martins Ajaero

Home » Business ideas » Financial Service Industry » Bank

Open a Bank Business

Are you about starting a bank? If YES, here is a complete sample commercial bank business plan template & feasibility report you can use for FREE .

Okay, so we have considered all the requirements for starting a bank . We also took it further by analyzing and drafting a sample bank business marketing plan template backed up by actionable guerrilla marketing ideas for banks. So let’s proceed to the business planning section.

Why Start a Bank?

Starting your own bank is a huge step and needs a good deal of planning and preparation. Extensive information about the founders, the business plan, senior management team, finances, capital adequacy, risk management infrastructure, and other relevant factors must be provided to the appropriate authorities.

There are also a number of legal regulations and requirements that must be fulfilled in order to start your own bank. Some of these requirements are dependent upon the regulations in the niche you wish to establish your bank.

As hard as the task of starting a bank can be, anyone who wishes to start their own bank is able to enjoy the many benefits of making a major investment. Although the process of registering and setting up a bank involves lengthy planning and a relatively complex licensing procedure, once it is completed, the owner is able to conduct financial activity in their chosen niche.

Note that the very first step when starting your bank is to choose the niche and type of activity which you wish to engage in. Before you obtain the necessary licensing from the financial regulatory body, it is very crucial you identify whether you wish to specialize in investment banking or trade finance.

The advantages of owning your own bank are huge and include the potential to make large profits during a short period.

Note that if you know your target market and your target market’s specific requirements, you will be in a better position to provide a range of attractive services. To successfully start and run this business, it is advised you seek the help of a professional consultancy firm.

Through the advice and guidance of expert consultants, you will be able to establish a banking institution in a professional manner. Also have it in mind that any proposed bank must first receive the approval of a federal or state banking charter.

Before granting a charter, the chartering regulator must determine that the applicant bank has a reasonable chance for success and will operate in a safe and sound manner.

Then, the proposed bank must obtain approval for deposit insurance from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Additional approvals are required from the Federal Reserve if, at formation, a holding company would control the new bank or a state-chartered bank would become a member of the Federal Reserve.

A Sample Bank Business Plan Template

1. industry overview.

According to global banking industry reports, part of the broad financial services market, bank credit remain the leading market segment, with around 60% of the overall market in terms of value. Statistics has shown that the EU is the largest regional market, with over 57% of the global market.

Note that the economic recession that began in 2008 affected the industry and resulted in the crash of several financial institutions, which in turn led to the examination of practices and deployment of new guidelines in the banking industry.

But reports have it that the sector is beginning to rebound, and cross-border investment is one area contributing to recovery, with a few big banks dominating certain national markets. Advantages of cross-border practices include economies of scale, though institutions must compete with established domestic banks.

It’s very important to state that in the world retail banking and bank lending sectors, mortgage lending represents the leading market segment, accounting for almost 76% of the overall market in terms of value. Other key segments of the banking industry include private banking and payments business.

Note that in the US banking sector, experts believe that market growth will be driven by cross-border expansion due to the breaking down of obstacles to cross-border investment.

Competition between international banks is also expected to aid market growth along with the introduction of new products, reduction of costs and launching of new services. Report also has it that mobile and internet banking are becoming increasingly intertwined, especially due to the advent and success of smartphones. This provides consumers with convenient access to internet banking.

Have it in mind that the global mobile internet market will continue to drive the expansion of the mobile banking services sector. Report has shown that banking institutions are responding by launching downloadable applications and encouraging consumers to bank online and through mobile devices by rolling out mobile and internet banking services.

2. Executive Summary

Apex Investment Bank, LLC (AIB LLC) is a Portland Oregon based investment bank that will provide investment packages, underwriting, proprietary trading, and investment management for its investors. Our objective at AIB LLC is to create value for owners, employees, and investors through the establishment of an investment bank designed for the Third Generation.

This Generation is explicitly defined in the ground breaking research effort by Lincoln Swan & Co., Inc. and Netley Strategic business Group as a stage in the investment industry requiring a special set of skills for success. We at AIB LLC have leveraged this study, with more other studies, and perhaps most importantly, our own experience in the industry, to define a plan for the success of our clients.

Portland’s location is beneficial for several industries. Relatively low energy cost, accessible resources, north–south and east–west Interstates, international air terminals, large marine shipping facilities, and both west coast intercontinental railroads are all economic advantages.

AIB LLC will be structured as a Limited Liability Company with excellent plans to make use of industry research performed by one of our founding entrepreneurs, Solomon Drane during his professional career in investment management research.

Within the past three years, Solomon Drane has conducted research visits at the investment offices of over 80 companies. He has also held countless meetings with key investment professionals from around the globe either in person or via telephone conference.

We at AIB LLC plan to offer our clients the opportunity to assume minority ownership positions in exchange for contributions to our operating capital and for providing seed assets to establish the investment products described herein.

It is very important to state that this document alone does not create an offer of any type, nor does it give any guarantee, financial, or otherwise. This is a well detailed business plan designed to strategically dictate AIB LLC plans and visions for the next five years. It is open to correction or improvement within or after the specified time.

3. Our Products and Services

We at AIB LLC will provide investment packages and underwrite securities for sale to private investors and the general public among companies that are seeking to raise capital. At the onset of operations, we at AIB LLC will solely seek to sell debt instruments on behalf of our customers.

The standard fee for this service is 8% of the total underwritten instrument. We at AIB LLC will also solicit capital from accredited investors with the purpose of making use of this capital to make investment marketable securities. Our goal is to generate compounded annual returns of 30% to 35% per year on capital invested into our Bank’s portfolio holdings. We also plan to make sure that our management retains a 25% ownership interest at AIB LLC.

4. Our Mission and Vision Statement

  • Our vision at AIB LLC is to develop into a large scale investment bank that will provide underwriting income, advisory income, dividend income, capital appreciation, and interest income to investors.
  • Our mission at AIB LLC is to ensure that investment decisions are implemented quickly and efficiently across all portfolios, to also make sure a trading research and rotation is used to avoid any type of systematic advantage or disadvantage an account may experience.

Our Business Structure

We at AIB LLC understand that the strength of our management team and board of directors is perhaps the most important factor in starting a bank and effectively providing for its future success. We also found out through our detailed research that for a new bank charter to be approved for us, all our senior management team must be experienced bankers with a history of relevant success.

The more reason we made sure our board of directors are made up of individuals with successful careers in business, banking, and other fields, and have representation in the necessary disciplines.

We also understand the role of the board and management as investors and how important they are. Regulators and other investors will look to the investment of these directors and senior officers as an important sign of their commitment to the bank.

We also understand that the typical investment bank is operated on a rigid, strict hierarchy, than most corporate or financial institutions. We have taken our time to analyse our market and what we need that is why we have decided to start with the listed workforce.

Managing director

  • Senior vice president

Vice president

Investment Banking Associate

Investment Banking Analyst

  • Marketing manager
  • Security man

5. Job Roles and Responsibilities

  • Broaden and/or enhance the bank’s industry coverage,
  • Will partner with the firm’s leadership to grow and build the bank
  • Will tirelessly work to deliver superior results to the firms’ clients
  • Participate as a key member of the senior leadership team, contributing to the strategy, growth and success of the firm
  • Lead efforts on sell-side and buy-side acquisition assignments, refinancing, recapitalization and restructuring assignments
  • Interact seamlessly with prospects, clients, acquirors, investors and attorneys on all aspects of a M&A deal and/or capital raise
  • Direct a team of junior bankers to support all elements of deal sourcing and execution.

Senior Vice president

  • Involved in executing and managing equity offerings that will include the drafting and structuring of material, logistics management, issue identification, its analysis and the resolution.
  • Responsible for mergers and acquisitions and manages the creation of buyers list, their contacts, drafting the relevant material, financial analysis and private equity placement.
  • Researches and identify deal opportunities by formulating and issuing factual financial analyses and creating different kinds of financial plans.
  • Involved in pitching or selling the organization’s products and services to new clients and may be involved in other projects as well.
  • May participate in due diligence meetings with non-proprietary or proprietary investment managers and create relevant call reports that include their opinions.
  • May be involved in analyzing the investment products and screening them by making effective use of a variety of investment data and the relevant software applications
  • Monitors the investment products and their performance.
  • Analyses the relevant statistics to evaluate the appropriateness of the product.
  • Manages relationships with the investment management organizations and regularly gets him/her updated by getting valuable information from them.
  • Attends industry conferences and training sessions so as to present innovative ideas to clients
  • Responsible for providing leadership and overseeing the work of the subordinate members.
  • Call on prospective clients such as privately held business owners, publicly traded companies and private equity firms.
  • Conceptualize, organize and deliver new business presentations.
  • Lead transaction implementation across industry groups.
  • Manage, educate and develop banking analysts and associates.
  • Develop marketing and new business presentations.
  • Monitor financial analysis and modeling.
  • Perform and analyze industry research.
  • Create client presentations, proposals, engagement letters term sheets, legal agreements and offer memorandums.
  • Create and foster client relationships.
  • Managing and assisting in the preparation of financial models and business valuations
  • Creating client marketing presentations
  • Attending client meetings
  • Conducting industry and company-specific due diligence related to transactions
  • Drafting memoranda for sale assignments
  • Assisting in the preparation of fairness opinions
  • Attending drafting sessions for equity offerings
  • Creating marketing materials for our equity sales organization
  • Assisting in the development and continued cultivation of client relationships
  • Developing an understanding of the underlying trends that affect equity capital markets.
  • Development of various types of financial models to value debt and equity for mergers, acquisitions, and capital raising transactions.
  • Perform various valuation methods: comparable companies, precedents, and DCF.
  • Develop recommendations for product offerings, private equity transactions, mergers and acquisitions, and valuations.
  • Conduct preparation and review of materials used in the financing of clients, including investment memoranda, management presentations and pitchbooks.
  • Develop relationships with new and existing clients in order to expand the business.
  • Perform due diligence, research, analysis, and documentation of live transactions.
  • Create presentations for client portfolios.

Sales and Marketing director

  • In charge of organizing external research and coordinating all the internal sources of information to retain the organizations’ best customers and attract new ones
  • Expected to understand, prioritizes, and reaches out to new partners, and business opportunities et al
  • Tasked with understanding development opportunities; follows up on development leads and contacts
  • It’s the job of the director to supervise implementation, advocate for the customer’s needs, and communicate with clients
  • Keep all customer contact and information
  • Represents the company in strategic meetings
  • Aid to increase sales and growth for the business
  • Keep note and make sure the toiletries and supplies don’t run out of stock
  • Ensures that both the interior and exterior of the firm are always clean
  • Handles any other duty as assigned by the Vice president

Security guard

  • The security guard is in charge of protecting the firm and its environs
  • Also controls traffic and organize parking
  • He is Tasked with giving security tips when necessary
  • Should also Patrol around the building on a 24 hours basis
  • It’s expected to give security reports weekly

6. SWOT Analysis

We at AIB LLC understand that the very first step of starting a new bank is to build a strong business and strategic plan. We believe that this plan must consider the proposed business of the new bank, its financial and managerial resources and prospects for success, the convenience and needs of the public, and the effect of competition.

This strong business and strategic plan supported by detailed financial projections and appropriate policies and procedures form the basis of successful regulatory applications of a bank charter.

We at AIB LLC hope to establish a lucrative investment bank that will serve the needs of our clients and also bring in profits for our founders. We took time to conduct a detailed SWOT analysis for AIB LLC. The details and results are explained below.

According to our SWOT analysis, our strength at AIB LLC rests on the expertise and experience of our management team. With the experience and discipline of our team, our SWOT analysis predict we can build a robust company profile even before bidding for investment banking contracts from corporate organizations.

As the investment banking industry expands and grows in revenue and market reach, so does the level of competition in the industry. Due to the very low barriers to entry, any individual or business may register itself as an investment bank after completing the proper examinations and filings.

  • Opportunities

The banking sector has become one of the fastest growing business sectors in the U.S. economy. Note that computerized technologies allow financial firms to operate advisory, investment banking, and brokerage services anywhere in the country.

In time past, most financial firms needed to be within a close proximity to Wall Street in order to provide their clients the highest level of service. This is no longer the case as a firm can access almost every facet of the financial markets through Internet connections and specialized trading and investment management software.

According to our SWOT analysis, the risks we will be facing include;

  • Market Risk – A high correlation exists between the growth rate of the investment industry and the performance of equity markets. While evidence suggests an attractive environment for equities in the future, no forecasts can be made with absolute certainty.
  • Performance Risk – It is understood that our products are measured by their performance. Although the goal is to achieve competitive performance over three to five-year time periods, short-term periods may result in underperformance based on the critical measures.
  • Business/Operating Risk – Beyond the third full year of operation, assets under management must produce revenues that will be sufficient to support operations in their entirety. Otherwise our options will be to acquire additional funding or to reduce costs.

7. MARKET ANALYSIS

  • Market Trend

Experts believe this industry will continue to experience growth in all parts of the world especially in developed countries such as united states of America, Canada, United Kingdom , Germany, Australia, South Korea, Japan, China et al.

According to industry data, the industry brings in a whooping sum of $105 billion annually with an annual growth rate projected at -13.0 percent within 2011 and 2016. Although the number of industry activities has not deviated dramatically over the five-year period, the share of revenue that each activity accounts for has undergone substantial volatility.

It is believed that the products and services in the Investment industry differ considerably on a company-by-company basis, largely depending on operator size.

It’s very important to state that small and medium size investment banks target niche industries and small companies and depend more heavily on traditional investment banking activities such as underwriting and financial advisory. Alternatively, major industry players earn a substantial share of revenue from trading activities.

Note that one factor that attract entrepreneurs to the investment banking business despite the huge capital requirements and the high risk is that the venture is profitable. We have made plans to always stay ahead of industry trend and also to get the required certifications and license and also meet the standard capitalization for an investment bank in the United States.

8. Our Target Market

Our target market at AIB LLC will be greatly dependent on the phase of our product in its development cycle. Have it in mind that most of the marketing opportunities will happen beyond the first year of product development. But we remain very certain that some initial opportunities do exist.

For instance, our bank can utilize its transfer agent’s distribution services, which would put the product in a highly visible online platform. Note that extra opportunities include marketing to programs that invest specifically in “emerging managers.”

We at AIB LLC also believe that the high net worth and retail marketplace can be accessed to a limited degree, even in the early stages, through similar innovative opportunities and already-established relationships with clients. Just like manufacturing organizations, investment businesses are expected to develop products to provide to their customers.

Our hallmark product offering will be our well designed Market Equity strategy, an investment product offering based on the evidence supporting investor’s desires to outperform the overall market via a single, diversified vehicle and to avoid the need to create complex investment structures.

Our competitive advantage

Our Competitive Advantage at AIB LLC is specified in the three P’s commonly associated with investment firms: People, Process, and Performance. The first two determine the latter. Although our business plan highlights many areas (market research, financial projections, etc.), we believe there are two areas that will surely determine the level of success achieved by AIB LLC.

We believe that the very first is the people. Bright, energetic, talented, and knowledgeable individuals compose the core of the team we have at AIB LLC. We were able to note from our rigorous research that the most qualified investment professionals are attracted to efficient investment banks that are free from bureaucracy. Process is the second most important element of our bank.

We have made sure cutting-edge research will be provided in support of our portfolio management process. The implementation of our process is maximized by outsourcing virtually all functions not related to portfolio management and research, thereby making full use of the bank’s human capital.

9. SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY

We at AIB LLC understand that the key to marketing an investment product is to create a successful and attractive product, develop a pattern of success, and show that pattern can be repeated in the future. After that, successful products should be aggressively marketed if capacity to manage additional assets exists.

Although a three to five-year period tend to seem like a century compared to the technology world, it is really quite reasonable considering the fact that private equity investors in limited partnership vehicles are generally satisfied with a 10-year waiting period that exists prior to a return of their capital investment.

AIB hallmark investment product will be the AIB Total Market Equity strategy and will be initially offered through an SEC registered mutual fund. Technological advancements also permit for other economically feasible distribution channels such as separately managed portfolios for large account sizes.

Sources of Income

We believe that our primary income at AIB LLC will come from providing our clients with investment packages, securities underwriting and advisory services in regards to mergers and acquisitions. AIB LLC will earn substantial fees for the equity and debt instruments that it underwrites and then resells to the general public.

We also believe that we will engage primarily in debt instruments among middle market companies that will be sold on a best efforts basis. This will place minimal risk on our capital reserve.

We will also earn substantial per hour management and deal fees regarding advisory services for mergers and acquisition operations. We also plan to make investments directly into marketable securities and hedge funds that specialize in specific areas of trading.

Our intention is to develop a number of trading strategies including options trading, LEAPs trading, long position/short position trading, and other methods of trading that will produce small but consistent gains on a weekly and monthly basis.

We plan to engage in a covered call strategy that would allow the fund to assure return on investment for securities that are held for an extended period of time.

10. Sales Forecast

We at AIB LLC expect to turn over approximately 1/3 of our portfolio each year. We strongly believe that this is consistent with an average holding period of three years. Generally, we would love for all holdings to be long-term investments, so we will identify stocks we will be comfortable with if we were “locked in” for three years.

This forces us to look beyond short-term noise in quarter-to-quarter results and focus on the big picture, such as our management’s vision for the future and their probability of executing their plan.

11. Publicity and Advertising Strategy

We understand the importance of creating a good publicity plan that will boost our brand and help us stay consistent in the industry.

That is why we contacted Advertising Experts called Kinks Global, to help us create publicity and advertising strategies that will help us at AIB LLC to attract and keep our target audience interested. Listed below is the summary of strategies detailed by Kinks Global for our Bank.

  • Place adverts on both print (community based newspapers and magazines) and electronic media platforms; we will also advertise AIB LLC on financial magazines, real estate and other relevant financial programs on radio and TV
  • Introduce AIB LLC by sending introductory letters with our business brochure to individuals, households, corporate organizations, schools, players in the real estate sector, and all the people of Alexandria.
  • Advertise AIB LLC in important financial and business related magazines, newspapers, TV and radio stations.
  • Place AIB LLC on yellow pages ads (local directories)
  • Attend important international and local real estate, finance and business expos, seminars, and business fairs et al
  • Encourage word of mouth marketing from loyal and satisfied clients
  • Sponsor relevant community based events / programs
  • Leverage various online platforms to promote the business. This will make it easier for people to enter our website with just a click of the mouse. We will take advantage of the internet and social media platforms such as; Instagram, Facebook , twitter, YouTube, Google + et al to promote our brand
  • Place our billboards at strategic locations
  • Share our fliers and handbills in target areas all around Portland

12. Our Pricing Strategy

Firms in this industry get funds from investors who are interested in investing, and charge them for assisting them in investing their funds over a period of time as agreed by both parties. Even though investment banking is a very risky venture, it is still profitable, hence there is an agreement between the investment bank and the client as it relates to the commission they are expected to make from the deal.

We at AIB LLC plan to charge based on percentage and also a fix consultancy/business administrative fee. We believe that in the coming years and as we progress, that we can decide to improvise or adopt any business process and structure that will guarantee us good return on investment (ROI), efficiency and flexibility.

  • Payment options

We plan to make sure we provide our clients with a wide variety of payment options for our services. We understand the diverse platforms people prefer and we plan to provide a suitable platform that will suit all equally. Listed below are the payment options that we will make available to AIB LLC.

  • Payment through bank transfer
  • Payment through online bank transfer
  • Payment with check
  • Payment with bank draft

13. Startup Expenditure (Budget)

We have noted that banks are expected raise their initial capital from investors after completing regulatory processes before they can open. In the industry, all insured banks must comply with the capital adequacy guidelines of their primary federal regulator.

The guidelines require a bank to demonstrate that it will have enough capital to support its risk profile, operations, and future growth even in the event of unexpected losses.

We believe that new established banks are generally subject to additional criteria that remain in place until the bank’s operations become well established and profitable. We at AIB LLC plan for an effective minimum capital of between $15 million to $25 million.

Successful capital generation in these amounts is generally the result of a well formulated and executed plan for developing local and other investors in the bank. We have analyzed our needs and we plan to spend our startup funds judiciously. Outlined below is a detailed financial projection and costing for starting AIB LLC;

  • Price of incorporating the Business in the United States of America – $750.
  • Our budget for basic insurance policy covers, permits and business license – $200,000
  • Acquiring a suitable Office facility opposite the city hall at Portland Delta State (Re – Construction of the facility inclusive) – $75,000
  • The budget envisaged for capitalization (working capital) – $30 million
  • Budget for settling other legal processes (acquiring business license and all city dues et al) – $2,500
  • Equipping the office with suitable and standard equipment(computers, software applications, printers, fax machines, furniture, telephones, filing cabins, safety gadgets and electronics et al) – $10,000
  • Purchasing of the required software applications (CRM software, Accounting and Bookkeeping software and Payroll software et al) – $10,500
  • Launching AIB LLC official Website – $600
  • Our expenditure for paying employees for 3 months plus utility bills – $36, 000
  • Other Additional Expenditure (Business cards, Signage, Adverts and Promotions et al) – $4,000
  • Miscellaneous: $10,000

With the above detailed cost analysis , we need $349,350 and $30 million working capital to successfully set up AIB LLC.

  • Generating Startup Capital for AIB LLC

AIB LLC is a licensed and registered investment bank which is capitalized by five principal investors, Mr Solomon Drane, Mrs Agnes Church, Dr Mel Stanford, Mr Kelvin Cruff and Prof. John Thomas.

Our founders plan to become the very first financiers of the business, although we have plans of selling shares and stocks as the business matures. Due to less constraint in financing, we have outlined the few ways we can acknowledge funding. These ways may include;

  • Generate part of the startup capital from the five principal investors
  • Agreeing to angel investors
  • Apply for business loan from the Federal Reserve Bank (if need be)

Note: AIB LLC has been able to generate an enormous $15 million from its five principal investors, who aligned and individually dished out $3,000,000 each. We have also aligned with angel investors to inject $20 million into AIB LLC, with the hope of making profits and establishing a solid business.

14. Sustainability and Expansion Strategy

Our primary goal of the first full quarter of operation (February- May 2019) is to secure funding from outside sources. Before that, our management team at AIB LLC has a budget of $300,000 to be used for finding investors, forming a legal LLC, and registering the bank and its products with the SEC.

The amount sought from investors will be approximately $20 million, which should see the business through to profitability near the completion of the third year. We at AIB LLC believe that this break-even point equates roughly to an asset under management level of approximately $130 million.

One can easily see that even modest points beyond this break-even level can be highly lucrative. It is also important to note that excess cash will be re-deployed into the business once a level of sustainability in revenue has been reached. Our primary purpose for this type of reinvestment would solely focus on a “second stage” marketing plan to increase distribution.

We also believe that a word of note is also warranted as it relates to the cash flow statement of our bank. Have it in mind that one appealing feature of the investment industry is that collection of fees (i.e. revenues) is highly certain because fees are frequently charged directly to the client’s accounts (or to the mutual fund).

That is the more reason why revenue certainty is very high and is directly related to the amount of assets under management.

Also note that common practice in the investment industry is to bill at each quarter-end. For instance, our annual fee of 1% would be applied to our clients’ accounts five times per year at 0.20%. We at AIB LLC can strongly attest to the fact that economic motivation is great.

Growth rates for the investment industry are projected to range from 25% to 24% in each of the next three years. We believe that the demographic, economic, political and social evidence supporting these projections make this industry one of the most attractive industries due to the high degree of certainty in the estimates.

We at AIB LLC believe that the certainty coupled with the above average growth rate differentiates this opportunity from other venture investments. Also have it in mind that our conservative estimates outline a plan-to-profitability over a period much shorter than typical venture investments that sometimes need up to ten years to make profits.

Check List/Milestone

  • Business Name Availability Check : Completed
  • Business Incorporation: Completed
  • Opening of Corporate Bank Accounts: Completed
  • Opening Online Payment Platforms: Completed
  • Application and Obtaining Tax Payer’s ID: In Progress
  • Application for business license and permit: Completed
  • Purchase of Insurance for the Business: Completed
  • Conducting feasibility studies: Completed
  • Leasing, renovating and equipping our facility: Completed
  • Generating part of the start – up capital from the founder: Completed
  • Applications for Loan from our Bankers: In Progress
  • Writing of Business Plan: Completed
  • Drafting of Employee’s Handbook: Completed
  • Drafting of Contract Documents: In Progress
  • Design of The Company’s Logo: Completed
  • Printing of Promotional Materials: Completed
  • Recruitment of employees: In Progress
  • Purchase of software applications, furniture, office equipment, electronic appliances and facility facelift: In progress
  • Creating Official Website for the Company: In Progress
  • Creating Awareness for the business (Business PR): In Progress
  • Health and Safety and Fire Safety Arrangement: In Progress
  • Establishing business relationship with banks, financial lending institutions, vendors and key players in the industry: In Progress

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How to Create a Compelling Business Plan

A business plan is more than simply a tool for securing the funding you need. It’s a statement of purpose. And if built with care, a business plan can ultimately be your roadmap for growth and evolution.

A business plan is more than simply a tool for securing the funding you need.

It’s a statement of purpose. And if built with care, a business plan can ultimately be your roadmap for growth and evolution.

The following guide is designed to help founders, fledgling and seasoned alike, take business planning to the next level with what truly adds value: short- and long-term goals, a clear-eyed vision, and precise financials.

Keep Information clear, factual—and realistic

A well-executed business plan will walk the reader through the reasons why the business has a great chance to succeed, while also demonstrating a full awareness of potential obstacles and approaches to tackling them.

Here are a few important things to think about before you begin to write:

  • Your audience. If a key objective of the plan is to secure financing for your business, you’ll need to present a convincing, detailed account of anticipated expenditures as well as the size of the loan you’re seeking.
  • Your purpose. Not a professional writer? Don’t sweat it! Your readers—particularly financial professionals—look for straightforward writing and realistic outlooks, not pumped-up marketing.
  • Your endgame. It takes time and careful thought to bring together critical information about your industry, operations, marketing and financials into one compelling package. Attention to detail is extremely important, but don’t lose sight of the bigger story you are working to tell.

Elevate the basics

Now that your eyes are firmly on the prize, let’s talk structure.

Your business plan should include several main elements, including:

  • Executive summary
  • Company description
  • Market overview
  • Products and services
  • Marketing and sales efforts
  • Financial outlook
  • Operations and resources, if needed

The executive summary should concisely describe the nature of your business and its customers. You should also discuss the kinds of products and/or services you’ll offer, and what your vision is for the company’s future.

Remember, you’re setting the tone for your entire presentation, so be sure to touch on the essential factors—including why your venture has a strong likelihood of success.

Keep it at a high level here. You can explore topics more in depth further on.

Company description is comprised of a mission statement (can you summarize your business’ mission in one clear sentence?), a description of the specific expertise of key partners and employees (you may want to include resumes of key team members in your appendix), and legal structure —i.e., whether your business is a sole proprietorship, LLC, S corporation.

From here you can move on to the market overview —that all-important section in which you demonstrate a thorough knowledge of your market and your competitors.

Be sure to touch on the following areas:

  • An analysis of your industry , including potential headwinds for your business. Can you cite specific trends? How big is your potential market?
  • A detailed picture of your target customers , including as much specificity as possible.
  • Your value proposition or, in other words, a convincing thesis on why you believe you can enter this market and succeed. What problems are you solving? What trends are you taking advantage of? What will you be doing differently from your competitors?
  • Do any local or federal regulations pertain to your business? If so, how do you plan to achieve compliance?

This naturally leads to a discussion of products and/or services offered and subsequent pricing. Describe the lifecycle of your products if there is one. Also consider your approach to intellectual property (IP) – mention any measures taken to trademark your company name, register a domain name for the web, or protect proprietary information.

At this point, the product and the business likely sounds great, but what about marketing and sales? Be sure to address how you intend to reach—and retain—your customers. It’s also good to mention core communication strategies, and how your sales force will operate if you plan to have one.

This is a critical area of your plan and will inform a forward-thinking financial outlook that paints a picture of your company’s projected revenues and expenditures for the next one to five years.

To qualify for funding, your numbers must be well-researched and presented, so include forecasts and breakdowns of income, cash flow, and capital expenditures. For the first year, break these numbers down by each quarter or month. If your business is already established offer balance sheets and income and cash flow statements for the past several years.

As a corollary describe how your company’s launch will be funded , including your own resources, those of any co-owners and investors—as well as how much you’re seeking in a business loan and how this money will be applied, of course.

Finally, you’ll want to include an appendix for any specifically required information, documentation and supporting materials.

Depending on the nature of your business, your plan may benefit from including sections on operations and resources .

Regarding the former, if your company’s success will depend on many moving operational parts, discuss how you’ll organize and run your business.

The latter, meanwhile, will cover how you’ll meet your business’ essential needs in terms of staffing, equipment and other material requirements.

Critical feedback is your best friend

You’ve pulled together a draft of your research, ideas, and goals. Now it’s time to seek out critical feedback from your associates.

Have you covered timelines, tasks, deadlines, and budgets? What’s missing? If you’re applying for a Small Business Loan or other financing, your numbers will need to pass muster with financial professionals, so better to receive the news of an informational gap or confusing section from an associate than amidst a high-stakes presentation.

Keep in mind that while loan officers and/or investors will be looking for accurate metrics, they’ll also likely take a keen interest in other positive qualitative attributes—for example: descriptions that reflect your honesty and willingness to dig into potential challenges and downsides as well as the factors that will support your success. These professionals can also be a great resource in letting you know if any projections or conclusions should be reconsidered.

Though honing your vision and securing the financing you need will be just the beginning, your business plan can also serve as a highly useful working document you’ll continue to revisit as you strive to stay on target and make necessary course corrections as needed in the years ahead.

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HOW TO WRITE A BANK BUSINESS PLAN: Simple Steps & All You Need (+ Template)

  • by Kenechukwu Muoghalu
  • August 13, 2023
  • No comments
  • 6 minute read

how to write a bank business plan

Table of Contents Hide

What is a bank business plan, why do i need a bank business plan, #1. executive summary, #2. company overview, #3. customer analysis, #4. competitive analysis, #5. marketing plan, #6. operations plan, #7. management team, #8. financial plan, #9. appendix, bank business plan template, would you want to finish your bank’s business plan as quickly as possible, what is the easiest way to complete my bank business plan, how do banks make money, can an individual own a bank.

Opening a new bank is a cool investment that requires a stipulated level of attention and responsibilities for growth to take place. However, how can you start up a financial facility without a business plan? How do you intend to nurture the goals and growth of your bank business? Every investment needs a business plan and that is why this article has every little detail on what you need to know about this plan. You will also have access to a free template checklist and basic steps on how to write a bank business plan.

We also have a ready-made bank business plan for your comfort, just in case you wish to skip all procedures and get hold of your plan today. 

A bank business plan is a document that provides a snapshot of your bank and lays out its future growth plan. Not just that, it also explains your business goals and gives strategies that can help you attain them. It is more like a road map for success, and without the road map, you cannot get to your desired destination. 

It is also important to note that only a well-detailed and articulated bank business plan can achieve its potential purposes. Your bank’s business plan should also be updated annually to accommodate new changes in your business. 

The essence of a bank business plan can vary from one business owner to another. One can start up a business plan to attract investors or lenders to aid them in raising funds because, like other businesses, the banking industry also requires capital investment on a large scale to start its operations. 

Most of the time, you will need a bank business plan to map out the goals and growth of your bank and excessively improve your chances of success. You can also need a bank business plan for a combination of both reasons. A banking industry business plan plays an important role in the initiation and expansion of banks. Moreover, a business plan for banks is also required by the financial institutions. 

To write a winning bank business plan, you need to understand some basic steps on how to construct a comprehensive and well-detailed plan. Writing a plan comes with some procedures, and you can only yield results in your company when these procedures are followed. Let’s analyze what these procedures entail. 

Simple Steps on How to Write a Bank Business Plan

The executive summary of your bank’s business plan should be an introduction to your business. It is usually the first to appear on the plan but the last to write. This is because you will need some information from other sections. This section should be interesting to your readers. Don’t fail to explain the kind of bank you run, which can be either a startup or a chain of banks. 

Also one of the steps in how to write this section of your bank business plan is to include an overview of your competitors and your financial plan. 

There are different types of banks that one can invest in, and in your company overview, you will need to detail the type of bank you are operating. 

  • Commercial Bank

A commercial bank is built to support both large corporations and small businesses. They can open a savings account, and lend money or trust funds to companies in foreign markets. 

  • Retail Bank

Retail banks are normally traditional banks that customers can access online or in person. They also offer loans and insurance. 

  • Investment Bank

This bank normally trades in stocks that are mostly between companies and investors. They can offer advice to individuals and corporations who need financial guidance. 

  • Credit Union

Credit unions are basically like traditional banks, but they are different because they’re not profit-oriented. Regardless, they perform basic operations like loans and providing savings accounts. 

When you indicate the type of bank that suits you, then you will proceed to give a brief introduction of your company. Tell your readers why you started this business and the things you have achieved. 

This is where you include the details of the customers you will be offering your services to. Your customers might be individuals, small businesses, families, or big corporations. It is important to note that each customer will be following the type of bank you run. You will also need to research your customers and try to meet your target audience. 

This is where you need to mention your competitors which can be either direct or indirect. Direct competitors are other banks, and indirect competitors are other options that your potential customers can purchase from. It can be trust accounts, investment companies, or even the stock market. They are not directly competing with your products. 

You will need to list those competitors and give a brief description of their weaknesses and strengths. Then at the end of this section, you can provide how the services you offer are unique from your competitors.

As a financial facility, your marketing strategy should include your products, price, place, and promotions. In the product section, just talk about the type of bank you run, and state the prices of the products you offer as well. The place should be the location of your bank and how that site will impact your success. The promotion is meant to explain how you will attract potential customers to your company, which can be either an advertisement, websites, flyers, or social media platforms. 

The operation plan should explain how you intend to meet the goals of your business. It should cover both the short-term and long-term processes. You should include how you intend to reshape your company within that time frame. 

Just like the name implies, this section should be all about your strong management team. Highlight your key players by including their backgrounds, skills, and experiences that prove that they are capable enough to grow a company. It is a bonus if your management team has had direct experience in managing banks. If your team is lacking, you can consider assembling an advisory board. 

A financial plan should include your 5-year financial statement. It should also cover your income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statements. An income statement should contain your profit and loss statement. A balance sheet will cover your assets and liabilities, while a cash flow statement will determine how much money you need to start and grow your business to avoid going bankrupt. 

In the appendix section, you can include any information that can make your bank business plan more compelling. You can attach your financial projections to a list of loans you plan to give. 

Having learned how to effectively write a bank business plan, you will also need to practice the use of a template. A bank business plan template is essential when starting a bank business. It is with this template checklist that you will understand the full processes that are involved with starting a bank business. So, before you proceed with your investment, you need to keep these steps in check.

  • Know the business 
  • Write a business plan
  • Raise Capital
  • Choose a business name
  • Get a license 
  • Attract customers 

Don’t you wish there was an easier way to finish your bank’s business plan? Understandably, creating a business plan can be overwhelming, but there is a way around it. At BusinessYield Consult, we specialize in creating business plans for entrepreneurs like you. 

That is why we have composed a unique, ready-made bank business plan for your comfort. Now you won’t have to spend hours trying to get over a section of your business plan. 

All you need to do is to grab a copy of your bank business plan now! 

A business plan is essential in every company, whether a big or small business. It tends to bring some changes into every business and also helps you manage that business effectively. Although sometimes creating one for yourself might be a bit daunting, when you follow the steps above, you can come up with a successful bank business plan that will boost the growth of your company.

If you need an easier way to complete your business plan without having to go through the long process of writing one yourself, then you can try our ready-made bank business plan . 

Banks mainly make money by borrowing money from depositors and then compensating them with an interest rate. Then that same bank will lend the money to borrowers and charge them a high-interest rate. It is from that profit that their profit comes.

Yes. There is a possibility of individual ownership but most times individuals commonly buy shares of bank stock which can be directly from the bank or fund managers. 

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Business plans for bank & sba loans, when it comes to bank and small business administration (sba) loans for startups and acquisitions, a business plan is the cornerstone of your funding eligibility..

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Strategize. Secure. Succeed.

Unlocking business potential with sba-backed loans, bank & sba loans offer a powerful springboard for budding entrepreneurs and established businesses to launch and grow ventures. .

Starting a business journey is a monumental step, and the right financial backing can make all the difference . Securing a business loan, especially one guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA), comes with its set of stringent standards . Central to these requirements is the necessity of a comprehensive business plan . At Masterplans, we recognize the significance of this document and the rigorous standards it must adhere to, ensuring your business is set on a path to success .

“ I’m out there trying to find real estate and sign leases and hire management teams. I don’t have time to write the business plan myself.

Masterplans presented me with an expert piece of work that displayed everything i'm trying to accomplish in the next five years.”.

Travis Grappo, Restauranteur & Masterplans business plan client

Travis Grappo Owner/Operator, Oak House

Why Business Owners Trust Masterplans

With 18,000+ business plans crafted across diverse industries, here's why savvy entrepreneurs consistently choose to partner with us when they seek bank funding..

Expert Business Plans

Experience & Expertise

For over two decades, Masterplans has had the privilege of turning the dreams of founders into reality by crafting business plans ready for both traditional bank lending and the SBA loan application process. 

Award-Winning Firm

Award-Winning Excellence

Our reputation as an award-winning firm is built on our unwavering commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. We take immense pride in the feedback from lenders who consider our business plans the best they've ever seen.

Proven Track Record

Proven Track Record

Our approach is grounded in enterprise-level research and analysis from pay-to-access platforms like IBISWorld, Esri, and Statista, ensuring your plan is a tool to obtain business financing and a practical roadmap to achieve your goals.

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Navigate the intricacies of the commercial loan process with confidence, we turn complexity into clarity, saving you time and headaches..

The banking landscape, with its maze of requirements, can be overwhelming and intimidating, especially for those venturing into the SBA loan process for the first time.

With Masterplans by your side, you're not navigating this terrain alone. You benefit from two decades of experience to ensure that you are prepared for your loan interview. Our understanding of the nuances of underwriting eliminates potential headaches, saving you invaluable time, and providing you with a clear path to loan approval.

Download Sample Business Plans ›

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Key Sections a Bank & SBA Business Plan

Your business plan is structured so loan officers and underwriters can easily find what they need, while ensuring a cohesive, consistent, and comprehensive overview of your venture..

Executive Summary

Executive Summary

You never get a second chance to make a great first impression. An Executive Summary provides a concise yet compelling snapshot of your venture , ensuring lenders immediately grasp its potential and viability. Integral to this is clearly stating your startup costs and the specific reasons why. The Executive Summary should stand on its own, but more than that, it should leave the banker wanting to learn more.

Company Overview

Company Overview

This company description provides a comprehensive overview of your business, highlighting its unique business model, products and services, and competitive advantage. It underscores your business's unique value proposition , its position within the market, and, critically, details of the sources and uses of funds during the startup, expansion, or acquisition phase.

Market Analysis

Market Analysis

To secure a bank loan, your business plan must demonstrate deep understanding of your local market and offer a thorough industry analysis to gauge your projections within that context . Masterplans employs industry-leading market research tools , such as Statista, IBISWorld, and Esri's Business Analyst, to ensure that you grasp the broader industry trends as well as the dynamics of your specific target market.

Strategy & Implementation

Strategy & Implementation

The "Strategy & Implementation Summary" provides a detailed roadmap of pragmatic steps and tactics essential for reaching your business goals. Included is a synopsis of your marketing plan, meticulously crafted to convey how your business will attract your target customer .

Management Summary

Management Team

At the heart of a business's potential to service a loan is the capability of the business owner and managers. By spotlighting the hands-on professional experience and industry knowledge that prepares them to run and manage the business effectively, Masterplans ensures that a potential lender will have confidence in the leadership's ability to drive consistent performance.

Financial Projections

Financial Projections

Masterplans builds a custom five-year financial projection, which includes an income statement, cash flow statement , and balance sheets that are grounded in solid assumptions and drivers. This approach ensures bankers see a realistic and reliable revenue projection , ensuring key metrics like the Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) are met.

“It was obvious that everyone who worked on the business plan put in a lot of effort and took pride in what they did.

It read so fluidly. every page led into the next, and it was easy for the bank to find the information they needed.”.

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Peter Schellinger Owner/Operator, Diversified Land Management

Banks don't fund

Make SBA Lenders Compete for you

We put you in the driver’s seat, rather than being just another loan applicant, transform yourself into a sought-after client, making banks compete for your business..

A bank-ready business plan from Masterplans not only showcases your company's potential, but also outlines potential risks and offers strategies to address them , reassuring lenders of your proactive approach.

Our team of business plan writers provide small business owners with the leverage to attract multiple lenders, ensuring you get the best possible terms. With Masterplans, you're not just obtaining a loan; collaborating with us means delving into strategic planning that not only secures loan terms to set you up for success, but also ensures you're fully prepared to capitalize on it .

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For over 21 years, we've been privileged to collaborate with clients spanning every industry. below are just a few of the 18,000+ business plan projects we've worked on..

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Team Member Spotlight

Christina hersey, with over a decade of experience as a business plan writer, christina helps clients understand and exceed the stringent requirements of banks and the sba..

Christina's clients frequently commend her uncanny ability to "get into their head," a talent she seamlessly integrates into her role as Team Lead. She's fluent in English, Greek, and Spanish. Her dedication to excellence ensures that every business plan is not only compliant but also compelling, positioning entrepreneurs for success.

Meet The Team ›

Business plans for sba & bank loans faqs,  we've compiled a list of frequently asked questions to provide clarity on our service and process. if you don't find the answer to your specific question here, please don't hesitate to contact us ., how is the cost of a business plan for bank and sba loans determined.

Our pricing is influenced by several factors including industry type, plan length and scope, variables like multiple physical locations, the intended audience, and your timeframe.

Our bank-ready business plans typically range from $1,800 to $5,100, based on complexity and the team members required. This fee covers an in-depth discovery process, detailed research, professional writing and editing, and advanced financial modeling. We are happy to provide a complete scope of work for your project, free of charge, in as little as 24 hours. Simply contact us to set up an appointment.

For more information about what is included in our engagements, please see our pricing page .

How many pages is an bank-ready business plan?

The ideal length of a bank/SBA-loan business plan is precisely as long as it needs to be, and not a page more. While most bank-ready business plans fall within the 30-45 page range, with around 15 pages dedicated to financial statements, it's essential to remember that quality isn't determined by page count. Evaluating a business plan's merit based solely on its length misses the true value and depth of its content. 

You can see some examples of our bank-ready business plans here .

How long will my business plan project take?

Our projects kick off within 24 hours of receiving payment. From there, the timeline largely depends on your pace and preferences. Some clients prefer a more deliberate and procedural approach, while others are working against tight deadlines. Typically, we can deliver a complete first draft of the business plan within two weeks. We offer both 45-day and 90-day engagement timelines, ensuring ample time to integrate your feedback and steer the direction of the project.

You can learn more about our process and timeline here.

Do you guarantee funding, or accept payment after funding?

Our primary goal is to provide a top-notch business plan that positions clients in the best light for lenders. There are too many other factors involved for us to guarantee funding. We do, however, guarantee that if your bank loan is turned down on the basis of the business plan, we will refund your money in full. (Note: In over 20 years of business plan writing, this has never happened. Not once.)

As far as payments go, all terms are discussed upfront, and payment after funding is not a typical arrangement.

Will you help find funding?

While we specialize in crafting bank-ready business plans, we are not a certified SBA loan broker, which means we don't facilitate the SBA loan application process directly in exchange for a fee. However, over our 21-year tenure, we've fostered relationships with both regional and national banks. As a result, we are often able to make introductions where appropriate.

For those specifically interested in SBA loans, many clients find success working with preferred SBA lenders in your local market. We recommend using the SBA's Lender Match tool to find suitable lenders. You can access this resource at SBA Lender Match .

What experience do I need for an SBA loan?

Experience is a crucial factor when it comes to securing a loan for your business. Most lenders, including those offering SBA-backed loans, require applicants to have a certain level of experience in the industry or business they intend to operate; for example, the SBA typically requires a small business owner to have a minimum of five years of relevant experience. This experience can be in a management or operational role within the industry. If you lack direct industry experience but have other strong qualifications, such as a solid track record in a management or supervisory role in another field, you may still be considered for a loan.

The aim of this requirement is to ensure that you have the necessary expertise to manage and grow a successful enterprise. Lenders view this experience as a strong indicator of your ability to repay the loan and operate a viable business.

For more details on what's required for an SBA-backed loan, you can refer to our comprehensive guide on SBA loans .

Will a bank or the SBA fully-fund my business?

In many instances, SBA loans necessitate collateral as a form of security for the lender. Most SBA loans will require a down payment of 20%, and having assets that can be used as collateral can enhance your loan application. Additionally, demonstrating a personal investment in your business showcases commitment and responsibility, further augmenting your eligibility.

How important is my credit score when presenting my business plan to lenders or investors?

Your credit score plays a pivotal role when seeking financing, especially from traditional lenders like banks. It serves as a numerical summary of your financial reliability based on your past borrowing and repayment behaviors.

Most banks have minimum credit score requirements, often setting a threshold at or above 600. It's common for lenders to have a benchmark of 620. A higher score not only increases your likelihood of securing financing but can also secure more favorable terms for the loan.

Can a bank business plan be used to find an investor?

Generally, the expectations and objectives of investors differ from those of bank lenders. Banks tend to prioritize funding small businesses that foster local job creation, adopting a naturally conservative approach. In contrast, investors typically search for ventures with potential for rapid scaling and significant earnings, inherently embracing greater risk.

However, there are unique scenarios, especially when real estate plays a role , where an investor might be included in the capital stack. In such instances, we are well-equipped and eager to assist in presenting these cases effectively.

Do you use a standard "business plan template" or an "SBA business plan template" when developing plans for clients?

Every business is distinct, and consequently, every business plan we develop is uniquely tailored to that enterprise. While we don't rely on a specific "business plan template" or "SBA business plan template," our vast experience allows us to craft plans with efficiency. By building on our accumulated knowledge, we ensure both customization and efficiency in our deliverables.

Talk With An Expert Today

Leverage over two decades of experience by scheduling a free , no-obligation, 30-minute consultation with  one of our business plan experts..

Masterplans is the top reviewed, top rewarded business plan company

The Latest from the Masterplans Blog

Are you looking for quick tips and advice on business planning and entrepreneurship.

Our latest blog posts offer valuable insights that cover a range of essential topics – from the art of refining a business idea and how to write business plans for banks, to the qualifications and requirements of SBA lending.

How to Write a Management Summary for Your Business Plan

Entrepreneurs are often celebrated for their uncanny ability to understand others – their customers, the market, and the ever-evolving global landscape. However, sometimes the most...

Understanding Venture Debt vs Venture Capital

Despite growth in sectors like artificial intelligence, venture capital funding has seen better days. After peaking at $347.5 billion in 2021, there was a 30% decline in equity...

Going Beyond Writing: The Multifaceted Role of Business Plan Consultants

Most people think of a professional business plan company primarily as a "business plan writer." However, here at Masterplans, we choose to approach this role more broadly and...

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business plan for bank loan with a Free Template

How to Write a Business Plan for Loan with Free Template

A business plan for bank loan is instrumental in getting a loan and funding for your business. When you approach the lenders or investors with a proper business plan , you increase your chances of getting a loan for your business plan. 

  • A Business Plan Helps You Get Loans and Funding

A Business Plan Increases Your Chances of Business Success

  • A Business Plan Helps you Grow Strategically
  • A Business Plan Helps You Measure Business Growth

Process of Writing a Business Plan for a Bank Loan

How to create a business plan for a loan with a free template.

Wondering how to write a business plan for a loan that could get you approved? Read our guide on the topic, check the business plan sample for bank loan, and use our business plan for loan template to make a killer business plan.

Get our affordable business plan writing services now!

Why do you need business plan for bank loan.

A business plan clears your mind about business, helps you prepare for it, and makes you a good candidate for loans, funding, and investments. In short, writing a business plan for a loan is worth it. 

For Later: To learn more about how to write a business plan specifically for a bank loan, check out our bank ready business plan .

A Business Plan Helps You Get Loans and Funding 

When you present your business idea before investors and lenders (or anyone else you are looking to for funding), you look serious with a business plan. 

You may not need a book in the name of a business plan but you need to present your business idea in a convincing way.

When they know your business idea is sound and you can return the loan, they will be inclined to give you a loan. 

A research on the impact of business planning shows that the businesses that start with proper planning have more chances of success. 

A business plan helps both the new firms and the established firms. 

A Business Plan Helps you Grow Strategically 

A business plan is a road-map for your business growth, whether you use it as a roadmap or not. When you put effort into making a business plan, you set priorities, establish goals, create a strategy for achieving those goals, and set a time frame for achieving those goals. 

A Business Plan Helps You Measure Business Growth 

The market conditions will never be exactly the same as you had expected in the business plan. 

Here, your business plan will help you compare planning against actual developments. You can see if you are going in the right direction as you planned or you need to change course.

Maybe you need to make a new business plan as your business might take a different shape than you expected.

What is included business plan for bank loan?

A business plan starts with an executive summary that briefly describes the business idea and ends with the appendix that includes lengthy financial documents or other reference materials. 

These are the parts of a business plan. 

  • Executive Summary
  • Business Overview 
  • Business Objectives and Goals
  • Competitor Analysis 
  • Market Analysis  
  • Product and Services
  • Operational Plan 
  • Business Structure and Management
  • Financial Analysis
  • Marketing and Sales

Writing a Business Plan for bank Loan

Let’s see what you will write in each of the above-listed sections of the business plan for loan.

Executive Summary: Write this section after you have completed the business plan. Briefly discuss your business idea and its parts. 

Business Overview: Include basic details about your business like business name, address, year established, etc. 

Business Objectives and Goals: Discuss what are the short-term and long-term business goals and how do you plan to achieve them. 

Competitor Analysis: Conduct an analysis of your direct and indirect competitors. A SWOT analysis of your competitors can help you identify opportunities for creating your competitive advantage. 

Market Analysis: Discuss market conditions in your industry. Is your target industry seeing a growth trend or a decline? What are the driving factors for growth in your industry?

Product and Services: Introduce the products and services of your business, how your product or service works, how you will price them, and what is your sales and distribution strategy for your products or services. 

Operational Plan: Explain your operation plan and discuss how you plan to run your business. The operation plan will discuss organizational structure, team working, and almost all aspects of business operations. 

Business Structure and Management: Introduce business managers and key employees here. Also briefly discuss the legal structure of your business like if you are C-corp, S-corp, LLC , etc. 

Financial Analysis: Discuss initial business costs, running cost, business break even cost, the amount of funding you need and how you will spend that funding. Also create a financial forecast for your business. 

Marketing and Sales: This section will include the marketing and sales plan for your products or services.

Try to make it detailed so that the bank or your lender can understand how you will make your business profitable and if you will have solid capacity to pay back the loans. 

Appendix: Anything you didn’t or couldn’t mention in the previous business plan sections will go here. For example, you can include extended financial reports, research about your industry, detailed CVs of your team and management, etc. 

Download Free Example Business Plan for Loan

Make business plan for loan quick and easy, use this business plan template for loan. 

A template is an easy and straightforward way to write a business plan. A template gives you step by step instructions on what each business section is about and how to write it. 

Wisebusinessplans offers business plan for bank loan template that guides you with questions in every section of the business. Simply answer the questions in each section and your business plan will be ready in no time. 

These are the steps to writing a business plan for small business loan with a template: 

Collection Business Information : Make business information available, keep business documentation at hand as you will need to use data from these documents. 

Write Business Plan : Proceed with writing the business plan. You will not stop until you reach financial analysis. 

Prepare Financial Projections : When you are applying for a debt, the lender will most closely look at your financial projections. Take your time to write financial projections. Make sure you sound convincing.

Also, don’t bury information in the spreadsheets or too much data. State inference you draw from the data first, include necessary financial projections in the business plan and put the rest of them into the business plan appendix. 

Proofread and Revise : Business plan is a thorough document. It is highly likely to leave some holes in the first draft. Proofread your business plan at least once to check for language and factual mistakes. You also come up with a new and better way of saying something. 

Get Second Opinion : Engage a trusted friend, or family member, or an advisor and get their opinion on your business plan. Their unique perspective will force you to improve it,

Sample Of Business Plan For Loan And Funding 

Want to see a sample on the quest of ‘how to make a business plan for a loan’, check the link below.This  business plan for bank loan example will help you see how an actual business plan for a bank looks like and what is the end-product you are working towards. 

Business Plan for Loan

Get this simple business plan template and make better business plan

 A business plan is essential when applying for a loan as it provides lenders with a comprehensive understanding of your business, including its objectives, financial projections, market analysis, and operational strategies. It demonstrates your preparedness and increases the likelihood of securing funding.

To write a business plan for a loan, start by outlining your executive summary, company description, market analysis, products or services, marketing and sales strategies, organizational structure, financial projections, and appendices. Utilizing a free business plan template can help guide you through the process.

 Free business plan templates are widely available online. You can search for reputable websites or organizations that offer templates specifically designed for writing business plans for loans. These templates typically provide a structured format and guidance to ensure you include all the necessary components.

The financial projections section of your business plan should include a sales forecast, cash flow statement, profit and loss statement, and balance sheet. It is important to provide realistic estimates based on thorough market research and a detailed understanding of your business’s financial performance.

Absolutely. Seeking assistance or feedback when writing your business plan for a loan is highly recommended. You can consult with business advisors, mentors, or industry experts who can provide valuable insights and help ensure your business plan is comprehensive, well-structured, and compelling to potential lenders.

Want to write a business plan?

Hire our professional business plan writers now!

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Create a Business Plan

Think of it as a playbook for your goals, priorities and growth opportunities., how to write a business plan.

Creating a business plan can feel like a huge undertaking when you are starting a new business . And while developing one does require careful thought, studies show that entrepreneurs who have a formal plan are often more successful than those who don’t. Keep reading to see how a business plan benefits you and the details you should include.

Prefer to just get started? Start creating your business plan with the RBC Business Plan Builder.

Content in this Article

What is a business plan? Benefits of writing a business plan Information to include in your business plan Create your plan with the RBC Business Plan Builder

What is a Business Plan?

Put simply, a business plan is a document that explains to others your vision for your business, the gap in the market your business will fill and the steps you will take to succeed. Creating a business plan is a crucial task for any business, and one which requires you to be thoughtful about the direction of your business, consider the goals most important to you, and how you will go about achieving them. A solid business plan will give you the confidence that you will find success, and may even reveal some gaps and risks. In fact, studies show entrepreneurs who start with a written business plan are more successful than those who don’t. Whether you’re creating a roadmap to follow as a new business owner, need a pitch to attract investors or a document to engage stakeholders, a business plan is a living document you’ll want to update regularly as your business, goals and circumstances evolve. While some business owners consider writing a business plan an overwhelming step, it doesn’t have to be. Creating the best business plan ever is a matter of breaking it down into individual steps — and then taking them one at a time.

Benefits of Writing a Business Plan

Writing a business plan can help you in several ways—here are just a few of the biggest benefits:

  • Provides a roadmap. A business plan requires you to be thoughtful about the direction of your business, consider the goals most important to you and how you will achieve them. Think of it as your step-by-step guide for success!
  • Reveals gaps or risks you need to address. By looking at your business critically, you’ll be able to identify your strengths as well as areas where you may be vulnerable.
  • Shows potential investors, stakeholders or lenders that you’re serious. Attract and engage those who may be interested in your business with all the important information they need to know.

Information to Include in Your Business Plan

Create an executive summary Describe the current business environment Outline your marketing and pricing strategies Describe how your business will operate Detail your financing and cash flow needs Describe your team (even if it’s just you) Identify risks and how you’ll protect your business Write a conclusion Include your contact information

Create an Executive Summary

After your cover page and table of contents, include an executive summary. Since this is the first thing readers will see, it should be clear, grab their attention and identify what your business does.

What to include:

  • Your industry, target market and how your business is different from the competition
  • Your business structure (sole proprietorship, corporation, etc.)
  • What stage your business is in
  • Your experience and credentials, as well as your team’s, if applicable
  • Financial projections for the business (or performance to date, if you’re already operating)

Tip: Write your executive summary last and keep it to one page. While it’s structurally the first section, it will summarize everything else in your plan.

Describe the Current Business Environment

This should be a detailed history and summary of your business, identifying the product(s) or service(s) you’re offering and how you will solve a problem or need in the market. Be sure to include any pre-market research or testing you’ve conducted that speaks to the viability of your idea.

When you’re starting a business , your bank and potential investors don’t have historical data to review. Your plan must clearly convey your strategy, competencies and the reasons your venture will succeed. (If your business is already established, you’ll want to cover where you started and how you got here.)

  • Where you want your business to go—and how you’ll get there. What are your goals? How will you generate sales?
  • What your business does. What needs does your business fulfill? Where will you sell your products or services?
  • Your business set up. How is your business structured ? Are there other owners or shareholders?
  • How you know your business will work. What market research or testing have you done? Are there trends?

Tip: Revisit your business idea by asking yourself these 7 key questions or use our business idea checklist to see the steps you may need to take to get to opening day.

Outline Your Marketing and Pricing Strategies

This is your opportunity to explain how you’re going to get customers to buy your products or services. This section involves identifying your ideal customers, your pricing strategy and more.

  • Your products, service and unique selling proposition. What are the features of your product or service and what makes it unique compared to what your competitors offer? How will you draw customers away from competitors?

Tip: Completing a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis may help you write this section. Download a FREE SWOT Analysis Template

  • Your pricing strategy. How will your pricing be competitive, but still allow you to make a profit? See our factsheet: Pricing and Costing Accurately
  • Your sales and delivery strategy. How will you will generate sales? Will you sell directly to customers or through other businesses? How much will it cost to produce and ship your product?
  • Advertising and promotion strategy. Which advertising and promotion tactics (website, digital marketing, social media, email) will reach your audience most effectively?

Tip: Choose a few channels to do well instead of pursuing all of them at once. That way, you’ll be better able to direct your focus and monitor your progress.

Describe How Your Business Will Operate

The operations section of your business plan should describe what’s physically necessary for your business, as well as any partners who help keep things running smoothly.

This section contains four main categories:

  • Your stage of development. This should highlight what you’ve done to date to get the business operational, then follow up with an explanation of what still needs to be done.
  • The production process. This lays out the details of your day-to-day operations, manufacturing details, inventory, costs, outsourcing and more.
  • Getting products and services to customers. What is your supply chain and distribution strategy?
  • Partners and allies. Who are the people and organizations that support you? Who are key suppliers and vendors?

how to make business plan for bank

Third-party groups may be able to help you in your journey. For example, Futurpreneur serves entrepreneurs age 18-39 who want access to business resources, financing and mentoring.

Detail Your Financing and Cash Flow Needs

Use this section to determine how strong your business is financially. Be realistic about expenses and projected income so you can properly assess your financial health early on and make sure you have enough cash for the first year.

  • Startup costs. What are your one-time and ongoing expenses? How will you cover the costs? Learn more with our factsheet: Deciding How Much Money You Need to Start or use our Startup Costs Calculator .
  • Profit margin and break-even point. How will you make a profit and calculate margins? What is your break-even point? Suggested reading: The Difference Between Cash Flow and Profit
  • Balance sheet. What assets, liabilities and capital do you have at this point in time?
  • Financing. What are your sources of financing —savings, loans, grants? What are your repayment terms, if any?
  • Cash flow forecast. What is your 12-month cash flow forecast? Estimate it now: Cash Flow Forecast Template

Describe Your Team (Even if It’s Just You)

This section should describe your current team as well as anyone you might need to hire to round out your company.

  • Skills and strengths. What skills do you and/or your team have that are critical to the business?
  • Management style and structure. How will you manage your team? Who will employees report to?

Identify Risks and How You’ll Protect Your Business

Every business comes with some risk, so it’s better to be prepared for them now rather than be surprised later. Use this section to explore potential risks and how you’ll protect your business.

  • Obstacles your business may face. How could the economy, your competition, supply chain or another circumstance affect your business? How do you plan to minimize and handle these and other risks?
  • How you’ll protect against losing market share (new competition). Do you have any agreements or vendors you’ll rely on?
  • How you’ll prevent critical data loss. Outline what you will do to reduce the impact of data loss, such as backing up all computer data regularly, using cloud providers, employee rules on installing software and other policies.
  • How you’ll protect intellectual assets. Will employees sign confidentiality agreements to protect processes, trade secrets and other intellectual property? See How Intellectual Property (IP) in Canada Works .
  • Compliance requirements. What rules, regulations and licenses will you need to comply with to operate?
  • Insurance needs. Does your industry require specific coverage, such as professional liability or other insurance?

Write a Conclusion

This is the last thing readers will see, so you want it to be strong. Use your conclusion to reinforce your goals and objectives. If you need financing, clearly state the amount you need and how it will be used. As with your executive summary, your conclusion should be succinct, clear and leave a positive impression.

Include Your Contact Information

Potential investors and lenders need to know how to reach you. Don’t forget to include your business name, contact information, website and social media presence in your plan.

Create Your Plan with the RBC Business Plan Template

This comprehensive template will guide you through a series of questions, resources and tips to help you write your plan. Best of all, you can go at your own pace and come back to work on it anytime.

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See How an Advisor Can Help You

RBC business advisors can help your company at every stage—from starting up to simplifying operations and funding growth. An RBC business advisor will work with you to:

  • Understand your vision and business goals
  • Set up the right financial products and solutions
  • Explore options to effectively manage cash flow, pay employees and get paid
  • Connect you to a suite of business advice and solutions that go beyond traditional banking

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29 Best Banks for Small Business Owners in 2024

By Meaghan O'Neill , Kelsey Mulvey , and Lila Allen

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All products featured on Architectural Digest are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Running a business comes with plenty of fiscal responsibilities. Fortunately, opening an account with one of the best banks for small business can help with everything from administering payroll to budgeting for office supplies—even if numbers aren’t your forte. For an entrepreneur, opening a bank account for business might seem like a hassle, but separating personal and professional finances is a move that will pay off. Setting up a small business bank account makes it easy to spot paid bills, expenses, and payments received; plus, you can establish business line of credit , which is important if you want to apply for a business credit card or a small business loan . (A 2018 Nav survey found that 70% of small business owners without a professional checking account were denied by lenders.)

While many small business bank accounts have similarities, they can have nuances that may be better suited for your company’s needs. Ultimately, you’ll want to consider your company’s average account balance and number of transactions as well as logistical factors, like location, customer service, and mobile banking. While finding the right bank account for business can be challenging, AD PRO has assembled the tips below to help, as well as a list of the ultimate small business bank accounts.

Understanding small business bank account basics

Unless you have a background in banking services, researching small business bank accounts may feel overwhelming—but understanding the basics will help you make the best decisions for your company. Before you start your search for the best small business banking programs, consider a few of these FAQs.

What is a business checking account?

Think of a business checking account as the primary destination for all your company’s finances. When you open a business checking account, you can use it to pay invoices, bills, and employees, withdraw cash, and even receive payments from credit cards. So, how is that different from the checking account you already have? The main difference between a business checking account and a personal one is its intended purpose. Though you might be able to move funds into or out of it, a personal account isn’t set up with work in mind, and may have certain limitations. Meanwhile, a small business bank account is designed to support you as your business grows, which means you may be able to issue debit cards for employees or link finances up with your favorite bookkeeping software.

Since a business checking account is essential for most small businesses, you’ll want to open one immediately. But if you have even a small cash reserve, there’s value in opening a savings account too. Doing so can boost your line of credit, earn interest, and help you maintain minimum balance requirements.

How do you open a business bank account?

Once you find a bank that suits your small business needs, you’ll want to apply for an account promptly. Be ready to provide personal information like your social security number, mailing address, and a copy of your passport or driver’s license. Banks will also require you to submit your business’s name, address, an employer identification number (EIN), and any documentation to support the fact that your company is legitimate and you are the owner.

Some institutions may require deposits to open business bank accounts, but often that fee can be $100 or less. (If you opt for an option with no minimum opening balance, make sure to read the fine print to ensure you’re not compensating in monthly maintenance fees.) Some banks offer a sign-up bonus as a perk for opening an account; however, it’s important to prioritize whichever business checking account will be a good fit in the long run.

In most cases, you can quickly sign up for a business checking account online; however, approval may take a few business days.

How to choose a business bank account

No two companies are alike, which means your best small business banking match might be different from the rest of your network. But, if this is your very first time setting up a small business account, you may not even know what to look for in the first place.

Selecting the right small business bank account is a decision that should not be taken lightly. While some small business owners might want investing advice or great customer service, others might prioritize local knowledge or online convenience. To help, here are a few factors to consider.

Contrary to popular belief, a “free” business account isn’t always free. Although business banking accounts typically have higher fees than personal ones, some banks offer checking accounts with no monthly fees. However, account holders may need to maintain a minimum daily or monthly balance, or limit transactions to avoid fees. That said, free and low-cost accounts do exist. Read the fine print and choose wisely.

Unlike personal checking accounts, business bank accounts usually have limitations on monthly transactions (which include deposits, withdrawals, transfers, and electronic payments). Ranges vary, so it’s helpful to know where your small business falls on the spectrum, as well as the fees for exceeding the limit. There may also be a maximum to how many transactions you can make while still qualifying for a free account. Before applying, consider how your business operates on a monthly basis.

Many banks offer better rates to those small businesses that keep their balances above a certain amount, for either a daily or monthly average. Consider what yours will be and plan accordingly.

Today, you can have a small business account without ever stepping foot in a branch. For entrepreneurs who track their finances through websites or mobile apps—or complete most transactions online—going digital might be the right move. But if you deal with lots of cash, prefer human interaction, or want to build a rapport with a professional who understands your region or local economy, you’ll want to use a bank account with a physical branch nearby.

If you use QuickBooks, payroll software, or another accounting tool, you may want to work with a bank that allows you to integrate the data from your software. It’ll be a lot more efficient to balance your books if withdrawals automatically show up in QuickBooks. If you use PayPal or Square, you may find it helpful to have those transactions show up in your checking account too.

Small or large? As the business owner, the choice is yours. Having a close relationship with someone who works at a local bank (or a local branch of a national bank) can have its benefits. That person may have the ability to adjust fees or give you more wiggle room on a small business loan application. The downside of smaller banks is that information isn’t always clearly spelled out online, you may have to open an account in person, and the online banking tools may be lacking. By contrast, larger banks are likelier to outline fine print online and allow you to open an account digitally.

If you like the bank you use for personal finances, and it has a business checking account option that matches your needs, there’s nothing wrong with opening an account there. Being able to access information from multiple accounts through one location, website, or mobile app is a nice bonus.

With so many options, it’s easy to select a bank account for business that caters to your needs. But first, consider where your business will be a few years down the road. If you’re looking to scale up, you might want to consider a program with more monthly transactions than you currently need. Or, if you want to add an e-commerce element to your business plan, you might want to explore accounts with merchant services.

Should you join a credit union?

A business bank account is one way to manage your professional finances, but it’s not the only option. Some small business owners might find themselves drawn to a credit union, which is typically a cooperative, member-owned organization. The main difference between the two is that a bank is a for-profit financial institution, and a credit union is generally a nonprofit service. Additionally, small business owners will have to become a member of a credit union to use their services, while a bank only requires an account.

Although many credit unions might offer similar services—such as administering loans as well as setting up checking and saving accounts—they might have fewer features than a typical bank.

The best banks for small businesses

There are more than 4,100 commercial banks in the US offering thousands of business checking account options. What busy entrepreneur has time to sort through it all? Instead, read the list below for the best banks for small businesses.

This business bank account allows up to 100 transactions per fee period at no charge and cash deposits up to $5,000 per month. Although this account has a $10 monthly service fee, it can be avoided with a $500 daily balance. With a minimum opening deposit of just $25, this solution is excellent for a small business with limited cash-flow activity. The Initiate Business Checking account might be the simplest of Wells Fargo’s offerings, but it still offers a zero-liability debit card protection as well as fraud monitoring. And, as with all Wells Fargo business checking accounts, small business owners can apply online or in person, then send deposits and required documents later.

Sole proprietors with a lot of clients will find a lot to love about the Bluevine Business Checking account. Unlike larger banks, Bluevine has unlimited transactions as well as no monthly service fees or minimum balances with its standard plan. What’s more, account holders can access over 128,500 ATMs and retailers to deposit or withdraw cash. You’ll have some peace of mind knowing Bluevine does not charge overdraft fees. Small business owners can also earn up to 4.25% APY on balances up to $3 million, with $3 million in FDIC protection. And, to make your banking even easier, sync up your Bluevine business checking account with payment platforms like Venmo and Square, or accounting tools like QuickBooks Online.

At Comerica, a small $50 deposit can grant you a no-interest account without a monthly maintenance fee or minimum balance requirement. You can also waive your activity fees with deposits up to $2,500 per month, or 75 or fewer transactions. Comerica can sync with QuickBooks, making it possible to send digital payments or keep tabs on your accounting. Plus, as your business grows, you can upgrade to another account using the same account number. Comerica is not a nation-wide chain, but it does have locations in several states (though fees and conditions will vary).

If your business bank account needs are fairly simple, and you require few monthly transactions, Truist Simple Business Checking account could be a good option. With no monthly maintenance fee or minimum balance requirement, this small business bank account can be a great option for entrepreneurs who are just starting out. The account includes 50 transactions and $2,000 in cash processing per month. Stipulations and rules are laid out in further detail on its website.

With no monthly account maintenance fee for the first three months and a digital cash flow platform that helps you operate your business finances, this competitive account may be a good fit if you need checking but not a lot of transactions (150 or fewer per month). Once the $12 monthly fee kicks in, avoid it by maintaining a $500 average monthly collected balance.

With 250 transactions and $20,000 in cash deposits per pay period, Wells Fargo’s Navigate Business Checking account can be a great option for entrepreneurs whose businesses are growing quickly. Avoid the $25 monthly service fee by keeping a $10,000 minimum daily balance or $15,000 in combined balances across Wells Fargo accounts. (You can also make qualifying transactions from a linked payroll services account.) Small business owners with a Navigate Business Checking account pay no fees for incoming wire transfers, overdraft protection transfers, stop payments, cashier’s checks, or money orders. Plus, receive two complimentary outgoing domestic wire transfers and two non-Wells Fargo ATM cash withdrawals per fee period. Applying requires a minimum opening deposit of $25.

For a monthly maintenance fee-free checking account with no minimum balance, consider a First Citizens’ basic business bank account. The bank offers free transactions for up to 100 items and $5,000 each month. First Citizens has a robust digital banking program, but if you want to handle your finances in person, visit 500-plus branches in states such as California, North Carolina, Virginia, and more. At a minimum deposit of $100, this bank account for business is a little pricier upfront than some other affordable options, but there’s definitely a payoff with its perks.

This Bank of America account is great for the growing small business. Avoid the $16 monthly fee by spending $250 on net-qualified debit card purchases, maintaining a combined monthly average balance of $5,000, or becoming a Preferred Rewards Business member. Not only is Bank of America’s small business account equipped with small fraud protection and security—giving you some extra peace of mind—but it’s also linked to Zelle so you can easily send and receive money. Bank of America also has a handful of tools like Cash Flow Monitor and mobile check deposit so you can stay dialed into your day-to-day finances. You can apply online, but note that Bank of America outlets don’t exist everywhere.

This straightforward business checking account offers unlimited debit card purchases and transactions within the Chase ATM network, plus up to $5,000 in free cash deposits per statement cycle. The $15-per-month fee is waived when you maintain a $2,000 minimum daily balance or link a Chase private checking account. Apply online, or visit one of Chase’s many US locations to get started. Plus, earn $300 when you open a Business Complete Checking account with qualifying activities.

Conduct up to 300 transactions per month and deposit up to $5,000 in cash with Comerica’s Small Business Checking account, which waives monthly fees with monthly balances of $7,500 or more. Fees and conditions vary by location, so ask a Comerica representative before you apply. Like the company’s Basic Business Checking account, you’ll receive a year of bill-pay service free. This platform also offers specialized services such as an automated bill payment schedule and payroll activities.

This basic business checking account is ideal for businesses that make fewer than 250 transactions and less than $5,000 or $10,000 (depending on the state) in deposits. Maintain the minimum monthly balance of $5,000 to avoid the monthly fee of $15. One caveat: You must apply at a physical branch, but, once you have your small business account, you can receive text and email notifications and stay up-to-date with the brand’s mobile app.

With Business Advantage, you’ll pay no fees for stop payments, incoming wire transfers, or electronic deposits. You’ll also receive up to 500 transactions per month. Though fees are comparatively steep at $29.95 per cycle, you can avoid them in a number of flexible ways, such as spending with a business credit card or maintaining a monthly balance of $15,000. Bank of America also offers merchant and payroll services.

U.S. Bank’s Gold Business Checking Package can manage cash flow with 300 free transactions and $10,000 cash deposits (or 100 free cash transactions) per statement cycle. Small business owners can also get a 50% discount on their first check order up to $100. U.S. Bank offers overdraft protection and an EZ-Switch Kit to help you conveniently transfer a new business account. And, thanks to U.S. Bank’s SinglePoint Essentials, you can keep tabs on check, wire, and ACH accounts in one place.

Best for larger organizations with high transaction volume and complex cash management needs. After opening with a deposit of $25 or more, you’ll have up to 250 free transactions per statement period, with no fees for stop payments, cashier’s checks, wire transfers, or money orders. This offering is supported by Wells Fargo’s Commercial Electronic Office, which offers treasury insights, customized reports, ACH origination, and other online banking services.

If your small business has up to 500 basic transactions monthly and averages a monthly balance of at least $10,000, this business bank account may be for you. You’ll skip the account’s $30 monthly fee if you meet the minimum balance, and you can deposit up to $20,000 each month. And, thanks to CitiBusiness’s Safety Check, your small business checking account will cover overdrafts by transferring funds for your linked savings account or credit line.

With this PNC business bank account, there’s no charge for up to 500 combined transactions per month. Though the $22 monthly maintenance fee is waived for the first three statement cycles, this small business bank account offers more opportunities to offset that regular charge than the company’s Business Checking option. There’s also cash-flow insight and analysis and a business debit card no charge. Earn cash back on everyday expenses with PNC’s Purchase Payback program, and the bank’s Quick Switch Kit makes it easy to change banks.

If your business is expanding quickly, this Citizens account—which offers 500 free check transactions per statement period—may give you a nice boost. Waive the monthly $25 fee by maintaining a $10,000 average daily balance or $35,000 monthly combined balance. Apply for an account in person at one of the bank’s 1,000-plus branch locations.

The Enhanced option of Capital One’s small business banking platform has online banking options like bill pay and mobile banking, as well as perks like unlimited free domestic wires and no-fee digital transactions. Account holders can also send out up to five domestic wires each month for no charge. The $35 monthly fee can be waived with a $25,000 minimum 30- or 90-day average balance. And like other Capital One banking offerings, accounts are FDIC-insured.

A standout among online-only business bank accounts, Novo offers free business checking with no hidden fees. (It will even refund up to $7 in ATM fees each month.) Novo also no longer requires a minimum balance to open an account. ACH transfers are a breeze, but if you need to issue a physical check, they’ve also got you covered. Digital entrepreneurs will appreciate Novo’s easy-to-understand analysis and human-powered customer service department, and, as a digital native, this bank also takes integration seriously, interfacing with Shopify, Stripe, Amazon, and Xero.

If you are a small business owner without a lot of cash to spare, Varo’s proactive platform might be for you. The online bank prides itself on having no hidden costs, as well as waiving monthly maintenance fees, required minimum balance, foreign transaction fees, and ATM fees within the Allpoint network. Depending on the timing, Varo claims that its direct deposit feature can help you get paid up to two days earlier than other banks. And if you want to focus on growing your business’s wealth, opt into Varo’s Save Your Change and Save Your Pay programs.

Designed for small businesses with moderate account activity, Axos Bank charges no monthly maintenance fees and offers unlimited domestic ATM fee reimbursements. You’ll get your first set of 50 checks free, QuickBooks compatibility, up to 60 items per month through Axos’s Remote Deposit Anywhere program. Not only does this small business bank account require no initial deposit or minimum balance requirements, new business owners are currently also eligible for a $400 welcome bonus.

Created exclusively for sole proprietors and single-owner LLCs, EverBank’s Small Business Checking Account offers no monthly maintenance fees and competitive APYs on balances. Opening a business checking account through EverBank (formerly TIAA Bank) isn’t cheap—it requires a $1,500 deposit—but you will be reimbursed for up to $15 in ATM fees, and you’ll receive overdraft protection. Other services include domestic and foreign wire transfers, comprehensive bill pay solutions, ACH transfers, and thorough financial reporting and analysis.

If you’re a growing business with some cash reserves, this Axos business bank account offers competitive interest rates and no monthly maintenance fee with an average daily balance of $5,000 (it’s $10 monthly). Like the bank’s Basic Business Checking account, you’ll receive unlimited domestic ATM fee reimbursements and your first 50 checks free. With the account you’ll also get up to 60 remote deposits per month.

Among regional options, Citizens Bank Clearly Better Business Checking offering is one of the best small business bank accounts in its field, with no maintenance fees and no minimum monthly balance. This small business account includes coverage of 200 check transactions per statement period. Apply in person at one of the bank’s 1,000-plus branches throughout New England, the Mid-Atlantic, and Midwest.

TD is a great option for the small business owner who wants a local bank and has moderate to high monthly transaction volume (meaning up to 500 of them) and cash deposits up to $5,000. Though monthly maintenance fees are $25, they can be waived by meeting a $1,500 minimum balance and a personal checking account can be bundled to meet the requirement. It’s also an ideal choice for those doing regular business in Canada as it’s a subsidiary of the Canadian Toronto-Dominion Bank. One downside: You might be charged a small fee when you use non-TD ATMs.

Start-ups and sole proprietors located in the Southeast with light transaction volume who want great customer service may find just what they’re looking for at Bank OZK. This Little Rock, Arkansas, establishment offers small business bank accounts with 250 combined transactions per statement cycle (there’s a fee of 50 cents after that). Skip the $10 monthly service fee by maintaining a daily balance of $500 or more. Only $100 is required to open this non-interest-bearing account, but you will need to visit a physical branch to apply.

Located in Florida, New York, and New Jersey, Popular Bank’s Popular Checking account is a good fit for small businesses with moderate transaction volume earning up to $250,000 per year. The account includes up to 100 items per month at no cost as well as $5,000 in monthly cash deposits. (It’s 35 cents per hundred dollars deposited after.) Plus, this business checking account will waive the monthly $15 fee with an average monthly balance of $5,000 or more.

Veterans and military service members (as well as their immediate family) who join this national credit union and sign up for the Business Plus Checking program have access to 50 free non-electronic transactions per month (a fee of 25 cents per item applies after that), a competitive dividend rate (earned daily), and a 0.01% APY. This specific tier also has a low $8 monthly maintenance fee. While this program is a great deal for sole proprietors, it allows for unlimited signers, making this a solid option for smaller startup too.

With no minimum balance requirement and no monthly service charge, American First offers its members an astounding 1,000 free monthly transactions and up to $10,000 cash deposits per month through its Totally Free Business Checking account. You’ll also get a free detailed analysis of your account activity, which makes it even easier to keep tabs on your finances. Bring your completed application into an American First Credit Union branch to open your small business account, with just $50 as an opening deposit. Though there are only a few American First branches—all located in California—you can conduct routine transactions at any of 5,000 cooperative credit unions across the nation and have access to 30,000 no-fee ATMs.

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I'm a financial planner — I have 4 tips for my business owner clients looking to open a business bank account

Our experts choose the best products and services to help make smart decisions with your money ( here's how ). In some cases, we receive a commission from our partners ; however, our opinions are our own. Terms apply to offers listed on this page.

  • Legally protecting yourself in case of an audit is the No. 1 reason to use a business bank account.
  • Different banks will offer different levels of convenience, and they'll come with different fees.
  • Fraud detection and other security features are especially important for protecting your business.

Insider Today

When starting a business, it can be overwhelming thinking about all the things you need to do and consider. However, it is essential that you do not overlook the value of opening a business bank account — usually both a business checking account and a high-yield business savings account .

As a CPA and financial planner, one of the first things I tell all my business owner clients to do is to keep their personal and business transactions separate. While there are a multitude of reasons you should have a separate bank account for your business, legal protection is certainly the most important.

If you experience an audit, it is important to have an easy way to track your business expenses and income. When business finances are commingled with personal finances, it becomes nearly impossible to provide a clear financial trail.

When choosing a business bank account, there are several important factors to consider. Here are four things I tell my business owner clients to consider when choosing a business bank account.

1. Access to banking services and customer service

When it comes to running a business, a variety of banking services can help you effectively manage your business finances. Beyond just opening a business bank account, you want to ensure that the financial institution you choose can provide access to services such as a checking account, savings account, business loans , wire transfers, fraud prevention services, a notary, checkbooks, business credit cards , online and mobile banking, and bill payment services.

If you want more one-on-one attention from a banker, consider opening an account with your local bank or credit union. You may also prefer a physical branch if you plan to make daily deposits or withdrawals of cash or checks.

This may be more challenging to do with an online bank. Many online banks may offer deposits and withdrawals, but their ATM network may not be as large as a well-known brick-and-mortar bank. For this reason, some small business owners open an account at their local bank where they have their personal accounts and know the level of customer service they will receive.

Consider opening your business checking and savings accounts at different financial institutions so that you can have access to both better banking services at a physical branch and higher interest rates at an online bank.

2. Terms and fees (including minimum balance)

The fees associated with business bank accounts can vary widely depending on the financial institution. Some of the most common fees to be aware of include monthly maintenance fees, overdraft fees , wire transfer fees, minimum balance fees, and ATM fees.

You may find that online banks charge fewer fees than brick-and-mortar banks, but you must consider this in conjunction with the other features.

Seek an account with reasonable fees that can accommodate your business.

3. Ease of paying contractors

Some business bank accounts, especially online accounts, offer free invoicing and bookkeeping software/features.

If you use accounting software (such as QuickBooks) to manage your business finances, accessing a business bank account that offers integration features may be desirable. Trust me, this will make your or your accountant's life much easier.

In addition, some accounts allow integrations with payroll and tax preparation software. This will help to make the process of paying contractors with 1099s more seamless.

4. The bank's security offerings

One of the most important things you should consider when choosing a business bank account is security. There are certain features that you want to look for to make sure your account is protected.

First, you want to make sure that the bank you choose is FDIC-insured (or NCUA-insured if a credit union). In addition, you want to make sure that the institution has additional layers of security such as multi-factor authentication and fraud detection services, which include account monitoring and alerts for suspicious activity.

Ensure that whatever bank you choose offers the best security features to protect your business from fraud.

When choosing a bank account, consider all the various banking features offered by different financial institutions to find the one that best suits your business's financial needs. Also, remember that your decision is not permanent. It is easy to switch banks if necessary.

Watch: The 3 most important things you need to know about starting a business

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How to Write a Successful Digital Bank Business Plan (+ Template)

Business-Plan-3

Creating a business plan is essential for any business, but it can be especially helpful for digital bank businesses that want to improve their strategy or raise funding.

A well-crafted business plan outlines the vision for your company, but also documents a step-by-step roadmap of how you will accomplish it. To create an effective business plan, you must first understand the components essential to its success.

This article provides an overview of the critical elements every digital bank business owner should include in their business plan.

Download the Ultimate Business Plan Template

What is a Digital Bank Business Plan?

A digital bank business plan is a formal written document describing your company’s business strategy and feasibility. It documents the reasons you will be successful, your areas of competitive advantage, and it includes information about your team members. Your business plan is a critical document that will convince investors and lenders (if needed) that you are positioned to become a successful venture.

Why Write a Digital Bank Business Plan?

A digital bank business plan is required for banks and investors. The document is a clear and concise guide to your business idea and the steps you will take to make it profitable.

Entrepreneurs can also use this as a roadmap when starting their new company or venture, especially if they are inexperienced in starting a business.

Writing an Effective Digital Bank Business Plan

The following are the critical components of a successful digital bank business plan:

Executive Summary

The executive summary of a digital bank business plan is a one- to two-page overview of your entire business plan. It should summarize the main points, which will be presented in full in the rest of your business plan.

  • Start with a one-line description of your digital bank company
  • Provide a summary of the key points in each section of your business plan, which includes information about your company’s management team, industry analysis, competitive analysis, and financial forecast, among others.

Company Description

This section should include a brief history of your company. Include a short description of how your company started and provide a timeline of milestones your company has achieved.

You may not have a long company history if you are just starting your digital bank business. Instead, you can include information about your professional experience in this industry and how and why you conceived your new venture. If you have worked for a similar company or been involved in an entrepreneurial venture before starting your digital bank firm, mention this.

You will also include information about your chosen digital bank business model and how, if applicable, it is different from other companies in your industry.

Industry Analysis

The industry or market analysis is an important component of a digital bank business plan. Conduct thorough market research to determine industry trends and document the size of your market. 

Questions to answer include:

  • What part of the digital bank industry are you targeting?
  • How big is the market?
  • What trends are happening in the industry right now (and if applicable, how do these trends support your company’s success)?

You should also include sources for your information, such as published research reports and expert opinions.

Customer Analysis

This section should include a list of your target audience(s) with demographic and psychographic profiles (e.g., age, gender, income level, profession, job titles, interests). You will need to provide a profile of each customer segment separately, including their needs and wants.

For example, a digital bank business’ customers may include:

  • Small businesses that need online banking solutions
  • Start-ups and tech companies that are looking for innovative ways to manage their finances
  • Freelancers and consultants who need a simple way to get paid and track expenses

You can include information about how your customers decide to buy from you and what keeps them buying from you.

Develop a strategy for targeting those customers who are most likely to buy from you, as well as those that might be influenced to buy your products or digital bank services with the right marketing.

Competitive Analysis

The competitive analysis helps you determine how your product or service will differ from competitors, and what your unique selling proposition (USP) might be that will set you apart in this industry.

For each competitor, list their strengths and weaknesses. Next, determine your areas of competitive advantage; that is, in what ways are you different from and ideally better than your competitors.

Below are sample competitive advantages your digital bank business may have:

  • 24/7 customer service
  • Higher deposit limits
  • More locations
  • Better mobile app

Marketing Plan

This part of the business plan is where you determine and document your marketing plan. . Your plan should be laid out, including the following 4 Ps.

  • Product/Service : Detail your product/service offerings here. Document their features and benefits.
  • Price : Document your pricing strategy here. In addition to stating the prices for your products/services, mention how your pricing compares to your competition.
  • Place : Where will your customers find you? What channels of distribution (e.g., partnerships) will you use to reach them if applicable?
  • Promotion : How will you reach your target customers? For example, you may use social media, write blog posts, create an email marketing campaign, use pay-per-click advertising, or launch a direct mail campaign. Or you may promote your digital bank business via a PR or influencer marketing campaign.

Operations Plan

This part of your digital bank business plan should include the following information:

  • How will you deliver your product/service to customers? For example, will you do it in person or over the phone?
  • What infrastructure, equipment, and resources are needed to operate successfully? How can you meet those requirements within budget constraints?

You also need to include your company’s business policies in the operations plan. You will want to establish policies related to everything from customer service to pricing, to the overall brand image you are trying to present.

Finally, and most importantly, your Operations Plan will outline the milestones your company hopes to achieve within the next five years. Create a chart that shows the key milestone(s) you hope to achieve each quarter for the next four quarters, and then each year for the following four years. Examples of milestones for a digital bank business include reaching $X in sales. Other examples include expanding to new markets, developing new products and services, and hiring new personnel.

Management Team

List your team members here, including their names and titles, as well as their expertise and experience relevant to your specific digital bank industry. Include brief biography sketches for each team member.

Particularly if you are seeking funding, the goal of this section is to convince investors and lenders that your team has the expertise and experience to execute on your plan. If you are missing key team members, document the roles and responsibilities, you plan to hire for in the future.

Financial Plan

Here, you will include a summary of your complete and detailed financial plan (your full financial projections go in the Appendix). 

This includes the following three financial statements:

Income Statement

Your income statement should include:

  • Revenue : how much revenue you generate.
  • Cost of Goods Sold : These are your direct costs associated with generating revenue. This includes labor costs, as well as the cost of any equipment and supplies used to deliver the product/service offering.
  • Net Income (or loss) : Once expenses and revenue are totaled and deducted from each other, this is the net income or loss.

Sample Income Statement for a Startup Digital Bank Firm

Balance sheet.

Include a balance sheet that shows your assets, liabilities, and equity. Your balance sheet should include:

  • Assets : All of the things you own (including cash).
  • Liabilities : This is what you owe against your company’s assets, such as accounts payable or loans.
  • Equity : The worth of your business after all liabilities and assets are totaled and deducted from each other.

Sample Balance Sheet for a Startup Digital Bank Firm

Cash flow statement.

Include a cash flow statement showing how much cash comes in, how much cash goes out and a net cash flow for each year. The cash flow statement should include ash flow from:

  • Investments

Below is a sample of a projected cash flow statement for a startup digital bank business.

Sample Cash Flow Statement for a Startup Digital Bank Firm

Finally, you will also want to include an appendix section which will include:

  • Your complete financial projections
  • A complete list of your company’s business policies and procedures related to the rest of the business plan (marketing, operations, etc.)
  • Any other documentation which supports what you included in the body of your business plan.

Create Your Digital Bank Business Plan

Writing a good business plan gives you the advantage of being fully prepared to launch and/or grow your digital bank company. It not only outlines your business vision but also provides a step-by-step process of how you are going to accomplish it.

Now that you know how to write a business plan for your digital bank, you can get started on putting together your own.  

Finish Your Business Plan in 1 Day!

Wish there was a faster, easier way to finish your business plan?

With our Ultimate Business Plan Template you can finish your plan in just 8 hours or less!

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New York governor seeks to quell business owners’ fears after Trump ruling

Kathy Hochul says law-abiding businesspeople have ‘nothing to worry about’ after question on state’s commercial climate

The New York governor has told business owners in her state that there is “nothing to worry about” after Donald Trump was fined $355m and temporarily banned from engaging in commerce in the state when he lost his civil fraud trial on Friday.

In an interview on the New York radio show the Cats Roundtable with the supermarket billionaire John Catsimatidis, Kathy Hochul sought to quell fears in some quarters that the penalties handed to Trump for engaging in fraudulent business practices could chill the state’s commercial climate.

Asked if businesspeople should be worried that if prosecutors could “do that to the former president, they can do that to anybody”, Hochul said: “Law-abiding and rule-following New Yorkers who are businesspeople have nothing to worry about because they’re very different than Donald Trump and his behavior.”

She added that the fraud case against Trump resulted from “really an extraordinary, unusual circumstance”.

Hochul’s comments were directed at some New York business leaders who said they were concerned that the attorney general Letitia James ’s case against Trump could deter businesses and investment from coming to the state. Hochul noted James’s case demonstrated how Trump and some allies obtained favorable bank loans and insurance rates with inflated real estate values.

The governor said most New York business owners were “honest people, and they’re not trying to hide their assets and they’re following the rules”.

Hochul said most business owners would not merit state intervention.

“This judge determined that Donald Trump did not follow the rules,” Hochul added. “He was prosecuted and truly, the governor of the state of New York does not have a say in the size of a fine, and we want to make sure that we don’t have that level of interference.”

Trump, who denied wrongdoing in the case and maintained there were no victims, now has 30 days to come up with a non-recoverable $35m to secure a bond – a third-party guarantee – against his real estate holdings to show that he can pay the full fine if his appeals fail.

Alternatively, he could put the $355m into an escrow account but would get the money back if he wins on appeal.

Either way, the ruling is a blow to the developer-politician whose sense of self is tied to financial success. And James has said Trump is actually in line to pay more than $463m when interest is taken into account.

In September, Trump’s former lawyer Christopher Kise argued in court that the decision against the ex-president would cause “irreparable impact on numerous companies”. It would also threaten 1,000 employees within the Trump empire, Kise maintained.

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But the judge, Arthur Engoron, who found the former president liable for fraud and assessed the fine and three-year disqualification from doing business in New York, dropped an earlier ruling to dissolve all the companies that Trump owns in the state that could have led to a liquidation.

“This is a venial sin, not a mortal sin,” Engoron wrote in a 92-page ruling that allowed the Trump businesses to keep operating and appointed two overseers to monitor “major activities that could lead to fraud”.

Engoron said he could renew his call for “restructuring and potential dissolution” based on “substantial evidence”.

Trump has lashed out at the ruling, vowing to appeal and calling James and Engoron “corrupt”.

But James said on Friday: “This long-running fraud was intentional, egregious, illegal.” She added: “There cannot be different rules for different people in this country, and former presidents are no exception.”

This article was amended on 18 February 2024 to correct a misspelling. An earlier version referred to “venal” rather than “venial” sin.

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IR-2024-45, Feb. 21, 2024

WASHINGTON — During the busiest time of the tax filing season, the Internal Revenue Service kicked off its 2024 Tax Time Guide series to help remind taxpayers of key items they’ll need to file a 2023 tax return.

As part of its four-part, weekly Tax Time Guide series, the IRS continues to provide new and updated resources to help taxpayers file an accurate tax return. Taxpayers can count on IRS.gov for updated resources and tools along with a special free help page available around the clock. Taxpayers are also encouraged to read Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax (For Individuals) for additional guidance.

Essentials to filing an accurate tax return

The deadline this tax season for filing Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return , or 1040-SR, U.S. Tax Return for Seniors , is April 15, 2024. However, those who live in Maine or Massachusetts will have until April 17, 2024, to file due to official holidays observed in those states.

Taxpayers are advised to wait until they receive all their proper tax documents before filing their tax returns. Filing without all the necessary documents could lead to mistakes and potential delays.

It’s important for taxpayers to carefully review their documents for any inaccuracies or missing information. If any issues are found, taxpayers should contact the payer immediately to request a correction or confirm that the payer has their current mailing or email address on file.

Creating an IRS Online Account can provide taxpayers with secure access to information about their federal tax account, including payment history, tax records and other important information.

Having organized tax records can make the process of preparing a complete and accurate tax return easier and may also help taxpayers identify any overlooked deductions or credits .

Taxpayers who have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number or ITIN may need to renew it if it has expired and is required for a U.S. federal tax return. If an expiring or expired ITIN is not renewed, the IRS can still accept the tax return, but it may result in processing delays or delays in credits owed.

Changes to credits and deductions for tax year 2023

Standard deduction amount increased. For 2023, the standard deduction amount has been increased for all filers. The amounts are:

  • Single or married filing separately — $13,850.
  • Head of household — $20,800.
  • Married filing jointly or qualifying surviving spouse — $27,700.

Additional child tax credit amount increased. The maximum additional child tax credit amount has increased to $1,600 for each qualifying child.

Child tax credit enhancements. Many changes to the Child tax credit (CTC) that had been implemented by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 have expired.

However, the IRS continues to closely monitor legislation being considered by Congress affecting the Child Tax Credit. The IRS reminds taxpayers eligible for the Child Tax Credit that they should not wait to file their 2023 tax return this filing season. If Congress changes the CTC guidelines, the IRS will automatically make adjustments for those who have already filed so no additional action will be needed by those eligible taxpayers.

Under current law, for tax year 2023, the following currently apply:

  • The enhanced credit allowed for qualifying children under age 6 and children under age 18 has expired. For 2023, the initial amount of the CTC is $2,000 for each qualifying child. The credit amount begins to phase out where AGI income exceeds $200,000 ($400,000 in the case of a joint return). The amount of the CTC that can be claimed as a refundable credit is limited as it was in 2020 except that the maximum ACTC amount for each qualifying child increased to $1,500.
  • The increased age allowance for a qualifying child has expired. A child must be under age 17 at the end of 2023 to be a qualifying child.

Changes to the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The enhancements for taxpayers without a qualifying child implemented by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 will not apply for tax year 2023. To claim the EITC without a qualifying child in 2023, taxpayers must be at least age 25 but under age 65 at the end of 2023. If a taxpayer is married filing a joint return, one spouse must be at least age 25 but under age 65 at the end of 2023.

Taxpayers may find more information on Child tax credits in the Instructions for Schedule 8812 (Form 1040) .

New Clean Vehicle Credit. The credit for new qualified plug-in electric drive motor vehicles has changed. This credit is now known as the Clean Vehicle Credit. The maximum amount of the credit and some of the requirements to claim the credit have changed. The credit is reported on Form 8936, Qualified Plug-In Electric Drive Motor Vehicle Credit , and on Form 1040, Schedule 3.

More information on these and other credit and deduction changes for tax year 2023 may be found in the Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax (For Individuals) , taxpayer guide.

1099-K reporting requirements have not changed for tax year 2023

Following feedback from taxpayers, tax professionals and payment processors, and to reduce taxpayer confusion, the IRS recently released Notice 2023-74 announcing a delay of the new $600 reporting threshold for tax year 2023 on Form 1099-K, Payment Card and Third-Party Network Transactions . The previous reporting thresholds will remain in place for 2023.

The IRS has published a fact sheet with further information to assist taxpayers concerning changes to 1099-K reporting requirements for tax year 2023.

Form 1099-K reporting requirements

Taxpayers who take direct payment by credit, debit or gift cards for selling goods or providing services by customers or clients should get a Form 1099-K from their payment processor or payment settlement entity no matter how many payments they got or how much they were for.

If they used a payment app or online marketplace and received over $20,000 from over 200 transactions,

the payment app or online marketplace is required to send a Form 1099-K. However, they can send a Form 1099-K with lower amounts. Whether or not the taxpayer receives a Form 1099-K, they must still report any income on their tax return.

What’s taxable? It’s the profit from these activities that’s taxable income. The Form 1099-K shows the gross or total amount of payments received. Taxpayers can use it and other records to figure out the actual taxes they owe on any profits. Remember that all income, no matter the amount, is taxable unless the tax law says it isn’t – even if taxpayers don’t get a Form 1099-K.

What’s not taxable? Taxpayers shouldn’t receive a Form 1099-K for personal payments, including money received as a gift and for repayment of shared expenses. That money isn’t taxable. To prevent getting an inaccurate Form 1099-K, note those payments as “personal,” if possible.

Good recordkeeping is key. Be sure to keep good records because it helps when it’s time to file a tax return. It’s a good idea to keep business and personal transactions separate to make it easier to figure out what a taxpayer owes.

For details on what to do if a taxpayer gets a Form 1099-K in error or the information on their form is incorrect, visit IRS.gov/1099k  or find frequently asked questions at Form 1099-K FAQs .

Direct File pilot program provides a new option this year for some

The IRS launched the Direct File pilot program during the 2024 tax season. The pilot will give eligible taxpayers an option to prepare and electronically file their 2023 tax returns, for free, directly with the IRS.

The Direct File pilot program will be offered to eligible taxpayers in 12 pilot states who have relatively simple tax returns reporting only certain types of income and claiming limited credits and deductions. The 12 states currently participating in the Direct File pilot program are Arizona, California, Florida, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington state and Wyoming. Taxpayers can check their eligibility at directfile.irs.gov .

The Direct File pilot is currently in the internal testing phase and will be more widely available in mid-March. Taxpayers can get the latest news about the pilot at Direct File pilot news and sign up to be notified when Direct File is open to new users.

Finally, for comprehensive information on all these and other changes for tax year 2023, taxpayers and tax professionals are encouraged to read the Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax (For Individuals) , taxpayer guide, as well as visit other topics of taxpayer interest on IRS.gov.

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IMAGES

  1. Bank Business Plan Template

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  2. How to Create a Fruitful Bank Business Plan- Free PDF Included

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  3. Businessplan Für Die Bank Muster

    how to make business plan for bank

  4. FREE How to Build a Business Plan That Actually Works [ 9+ Samples ]

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  5. Importance of a Business Plan for Bank Loan

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  6. Simple Business Plan Template For Startup Founders

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  1. New Business Plan

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  3. BUSINESS PLAN PRESENTATION //Business plan presentation discussion //How to make business plan

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  5. व्यावसायिक योजना कसरी बनाउने// how to make business plan// project work

  6. Business Idea

COMMENTS

  1. Bank Business Plan Template [Updated 2024]

    Executive Summary Your executive summary provides an introduction to your business plan, but it is normally the last section you write because it provides a summary of each key section of your plan. The goal of your executive summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the kind of bank you are running and the status.

  2. How To Write A Successful Bank Business Plan + Template

    Executive Summary The executive summary of a bank business plan is a one- to two-page overview of your entire business plan. It should summarize the main points, which will be presented in full in the rest of your business plan. Start with a one-line description of your bank company

  3. 10 Steps for Crafting an Effective Business Plan for Your Bank

    Enter your corporate email address A Checklist for Creating Your Bank's Business Plan Here are 10 steps for building an annual business plan that has consensus, is effective, and aligns with your bank's long-term goals. 1. Define Clear Objectives Before committing to a business plan, it's essential to define the objectives.

  4. How to start a business plan

    Startup capital: Determine what your startup expenses will be. Having a clear idea will allow you to figure out where the money is coming from and help you spend what you have in the right areas. Monthly expenses: What do you estimate your business' ongoing monthly expenses will be?

  5. How To Write A Business Plan (2024 Guide)

    Describe Your Services or Products. The business plan should have a section that explains the services or products that you're offering. This is the part where you can also describe how they fit ...

  6. PDF Getting started on your business plan: A workbook

    1. Business overview Use this section to tell your audience what your business is about. What product(s) or service(s) does it offer? What problem are you attempting to solve and for whom? How will you solve it? What business model (such as brick-and-mortar retail or direct-to-consumer sales through an online store) will you use to make sales?

  7. How To Write A Commercial Bank Business Plan + Template

    Industry Analysis The industry or market analysis is a crucial component of a commercial bank business plan. Conduct thorough market research to determine industry trends and document the size of your market. Questions to answer include: What part of the commercial bank industry are you targeting? How big is the market?

  8. How To Write a Business Plan for Bank in 9 Steps: Checklist

    In this article, we will guide you through the essential steps to create a compelling business plan that banks will find irresistible. Step 1: Conduct market research and analysis. Step 2: Determine the target market and customer profile. Step 3: Identify and analyze potential competitors. Step 4: Perform a feasibility study.

  9. How to Write a Business Plan for a Small Business

    Traditional business plan. This is a formal document for pitching to investors based on the outline in this article. If your business is a complicated one, the plan may exceed the typical length and stretch to as many as 50 pages. One-page business plan. This is a simplified version of a formal business plan, designed to fit on one page.

  10. Write your business plan

    Content Business plans help you run your business A good business plan guides you through each stage of starting and managing your business. You'll use your business plan as a roadmap for how to structure, run, and grow your new business. It's a way to think through the key elements of your business.

  11. How To Write A Business Plan for A Bank Loan (3 Key Steps)

    Step 1: Outline The Opportunity This is the core of your business plan. It should give loan officers a clear understanding of: What problem you're solving How your product or service fits into the current market What sets your business apart from the competition There are three key parts to this step: The Problem & Solution

  12. How to Create a Business Plan for a Bank

    Your business plan should be divided into the following sections: Company Description, Financing Needs, Products & Services, Revenue Model, Target Market, Marketing Model, Payback Plan,...

  13. Business Plan: What it Is, How to Write One

    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....

  14. How to Write a Business Plan for a Loan

    See Your Loan Options 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...

  15. How to write a winning business plan

    The overall goal. It's tempting to start your business plan by explaining how amazing or radical your innovation or business idea is (there's time for that later). It may be more useful to set the scene for the goal by explaining what real-world needs or problems you're aiming to solve. Your overall goal should be tied in to your personal ...

  16. Bank Business Plan [Sample Template]

    A Sample Bank Business Plan Template. 1. Industry Overview. According to global banking industry reports, part of the broad financial services market, bank credit remain the leading market segment, with around 60% of the overall market in terms of value. Statistics has shown that the EU is the largest regional market, with over 57% of the ...

  17. How to Create a Compelling Business Plan

    The following guide is designed to help founders, fledgling and seasoned alike, take business planning to the next level with what truly adds value: short- and long-term goals, a clear-eyed vision, and precise financials. A well-executed business plan will walk the reader through the reasons why the business has a great chance to succeed, while ...

  18. How To Write A Successful Business Plan For A Loan

    1 OnDeck Learn More Via Ondeck's Website Loan amounts $2,000 to $250,000 Monthly fees Varies by loan term Minimum credit score of at least 660 FICO at the time of application 2 American Express...

  19. HOW TO WRITE A BANK BUSINESS PLAN: Simple Steps & All You Need (+ Template)

    Also one of the steps in how to write this section of your bank business plan is to include an overview of your competitors and your financial plan. #2. Company Overview. There are different types of banks that one can invest in, and in your company overview, you will need to detail the type of bank you are operating. Commercial Bank.

  20. Business Plans for Bank & SBA Loans » Masterplans

    The ideal length of a bank/SBA-loan business plan is precisely as long as it needs to be, and not a page more. While most bank-ready business plans fall within the 30-45 page range, with around 15 pages dedicated to financial statements, it's essential to remember that quality isn't determined by page count. Evaluating a business plan's merit ...

  21. No.1 Business Plan for Bank Loan with a Free Template

    These are the steps to writing a business plan for small business loan with a template: Collection Business Information: Make business information available, keep business documentation at hand as you will need to use data from these documents. Write Business Plan: Proceed with writing the business plan.

  22. Create a Business Plan

    Create an executive summary. Describe the current business environment. Outline your marketing and pricing strategies. Describe how your business will operate. Detail your financing and cash flow needs. Describe your team (even if it's just you) Identify risks and how you'll protect your business. Write a conclusion.

  23. 29 Best Banks for Small Business Owners in 2024

    Some institutions may require deposits to open business bank accounts, but often that fee can be $100 or less. (If you opt for an option with no minimum opening balance, make sure to read the fine ...

  24. Tips From a Financial Planner for Opening a Business Bank Account

    Beyond just opening a business bank account, you want to ensure that the financial institution you choose can provide access to services such as a checking account, savings account, business loans ...

  25. How To Write A Digital Bank Business Plan + Template

    Start with a one-line description of your digital bank company Provide a summary of the key points in each section of your business plan, which includes information about your company's management team, industry analysis, competitive analysis, and financial forecast, among others. Company Description

  26. New York governor seeks to quell business owners' fears after Trump

    The New York governor has told business owners in her state that there is "nothing to worry about" after Donald Trump was fined $355m and temporarily banned from engaging in commerce in the ...

  27. Tax Time Guide 2024: What to know before completing a tax return

    Having organized tax records can make the process of preparing a complete and accurate tax return easier and may also help taxpayers identify any overlooked deductions or credits. Taxpayers who have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number or ITIN may need to renew it if it has expired and is required for a U.S. federal tax return. If an ...

  28. Trump's civil fraud verdict appeal may hinge on 'no victims' defense

    In one instance, the bank adjusted Trump's net worth down to $2.6 billion from the $4.9 billion he reported, Williams said, adding that such a revision was "not unusual or atypical."

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