One of the most common questions about business plans is, “What should my business plan include?” Future business owners also want to know where to start, and how they’ll know when their plan is finished. The outline of a business plan below will answer these questions.
Business Plan Outline
- Cover Page
- Table of Contents
Section 1: Introduction and Overview
- Introduction, or Elevator Pitch
- Objective (purpose for submitting the plan)
- Statement of Confidence
- Business Structure
Section 2: Products and Services
- Description
- Problem Solved or Unmet Need Filled
- Unique Selling Proposition
- Other Differentiators
Section 3: The Market
- Description of the Market
- Growth Rates and Key Trends
- Target Market (Including Location, if Retail)
- Size of Target Market
- Competition
- Direct Competitors
- Indirect Competitors
Section 4: SWOT Analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats)
- Internal Strengths
- Internal Weaknesses
- Outside Opportunities
- Outside Threats
Section 5: Sales and Marketing Plan
- Unique Selling Proposition (summarized and repeated)
- Marketing Budget
- How Customers Will Find Out About Your Business
- Who Will Sell
- Pricing
- Sales Forecast / How Fast Will the Sales Come
- Evidence to Support these Projections
Section 6: Management Team
- Founders and Key Employees
- Board Members
- Professional Advisors
- Hiring Plan
Section 7: Go-To-Market Plan
- Current Capabilities
- Prioritized Immediate Opportunities
- Go to Market Goals
- Timing
- Expected Results
Section 8: Operating Plan
- Headcount
- Facilities and Equipment to Meet Sales Projections
- Critical Requirements
- Confirmation that the Operating Plan Supports Go to Market Plan
Section 9: Financial Projections
- Assumptions
- Income Statement
- Balance Sheet
- Cash Flow
Section 10: Capitalization and Use of Funds
- Financial Needs
- Structure (Debt, Equity)
- Startup Expenses
- Use of Funds
Section 11: Exit Strategy or Payback Analysis
- How a Loan will be Repaid
- How Equity Investors will Recover Their Investment
Section 12: Notices and Disclaimers
- Confidentiality
- Forward-Looking Statements
- Not an Offer to Sell or a Solicitation for Securities
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Want a great business plan template you can complete in just one day?
Click GET STARTED to access our great fill in the blank business plan. Our template is in-depth and covers all the details you need to develop a foundation for many businesses of various industries. We are so confident you will like this plan that we even offer a full money back guarantee.