startup business plan esb

How to Write a Startup Business Plan (10 Effective Steps)

Learn how to create an effective business plan in 10 easy steps and discover the transformative power of mentorship to elevate your startup's strategy.

Robin Waite

5 minute read

Short answer

What should an effective business plan include?

An effective business plan should include the following elements:

• Executive summary
• Company description
• Market analysis
• Your products or services
• Marketing and sales strategies
• Organization and management
• Financial projections
• Funding requirements
• Risk assessment
• Conclusion and Call to Action

You need a strategic business plan to successfully navigate the startup world

Diving into the startup world without a clear plan is like setting sail without a compass ; you might drift aimlessly or even crash.

A solid business plan isn't just a piece of paper—it's your roadmap to success. It attracts the right investors, guides your decisions, and sets you on a clear path to victory.

In this article, I’ll walk you through 10 essential steps to craft that perfect plan. Plus, I’ll touch on the invaluable insights a business mentor can offer.

So, if you want to avoid common pitfalls and boost your chances of success, keep reading. Your startup's future might just depend on it.

Step 1: Executive summary

Think of the executive summary as the elevator pitch for your startup. It's a quick snapshot that captures the heart of your business idea, mission, and goals.

In this brief section, make sure to highlight who your target audience is, what sets you apart in the market, and your unique selling points.

And don't forget to give a glimpse of your financial outlook and any funding needs—it sets the stage for the details that follow.

Here's an example of an executive summary slide:

Step 2: Company description

Here's where you tell your startup's story. It's not just a list of facts or a timeline. It's about painting a picture that connects with your readers.

Clearly outline your vision, mission, and the values that drive you. Share key milestones you've hit and where you currently stand in your business journey. This section gives depth to your startup, showing both where you've been and where you're headed.

Here's an example of a company introduction slide:

Step 3: Market analysis

To thrive, you've got to know the lay of the land. That's where market analysis comes in. Start by zeroing in on your target audience and truly understanding what they're looking for.

Dive deep into industry trends, the overall market size, and where it's headed. And don't just know your competitors—understand what makes you stand out from the crowd.

Here's what a market analysis slide should look like:

Step 4: Products or services

Here's your chance to shine a spotlight on what you're offering. What problems are your products or services solving? What makes them special? Whether it's a unique feature, a patent, or some groundbreaking tech, make it clear why your offerings are game-changers.

Here's an example of a solution slide:

Step 5: Marketing and sales strategies

In today's crowded market, standing out is crucial. This step is all about your game plan to grab attention and win customers. Detail how you'll sell, where you'll promote, and how you'll get your products or services into the hands of those who need them.

Here's what a go-to-market slide should look like:

Step 6: Organization and management

Behind every great startup is a team of passionate people. Here, introduce your squad. Highlight their expertise, define their roles, and show the structure that keeps everything running smoothly.

If you've got advisors or partners in your corner, mention them—it shows you're serious about growing in every direction.

Here’s a full guide on how to create the perfect team slide for your startup . And here's a great example of one:

Step 7: Financial projections

Numbers don't lie, and in this step, they sketch out your startup's potential future. Dive into the financials, projecting where you see your revenue, expenses, and profits heading over the next few years.

By breaking down your initial costs and where you expect to get your funding, you give a clear view of how you're setting up for success.

Here's an example of a financials slide:

Step 8: Funding requirements

Every startup needs fuel to get off the ground, and that fuel is capital. Here, be clear about how much you need to launch and keep things running.

Break down where every dollar will go, whether that's marketing, product development, or daily operations.

If you've already got some backers or have your eye on potential investors, mention them—it adds weight to your pitch.

Here's what a use of funds slide should look like:

Step 9: Risk assessment

Every venture has its bumps in the road. Here, show that you're not just aware of potential challenges but that you've got a plan to tackle them. In assessing risks, it's crucial to choose the right business structure at the beginning. For examples, the formation of an LLC as a strategic measure not only protects your personal assets from business liabilities but also mitigates financial risks for stakeholders. By laying out your strategies for handling risks, you prove you're not just optimistic—you're realistic and ready.

Here's an example of a risk assessment slide:

Step 10: Conclusion and Call to Action

Time to wrap it up and rally your readers. Summarize the key points of your plan, driving home why your startup is a solid bet.

But remember, this isn't just a conclusion—it's a launchpad. Encourage readers to get involved, whether that's investing, partnering, or simply supporting your vision. Let's get this journey started!

And, if you need more information, check out our comprehensive guide on how to write a business plan .

Here's an example of a next step slide:

Seek guidance from a business mentor

While a solid business plan is your startup's compass, adding guidance from a business mentor to your journey is like having a seasoned captain on board.

They bring a treasure trove of insights, lessons from past experiences, and a network of industry contacts. Their tailored advice doesn't just polish your plan—it also boosts your confidence and resilience, two must-haves for the unpredictable startup seas.

By embracing mentorship, you're signaling that you're all in on growth, ready to soak up wisdom and accelerate your path to success.

Why is a business plan crucial for startups?

Think of a business plan as your startup's GPS. It helps you navigate the twists and turns, pointing out both the challenges and the golden opportunities ahead. It's your master blueprint, detailing everything from your big-picture goals to your financial forecasts .

What role does a business mentor play in this process?

A business mentor serves as a seasoned guide in the startup journey. Drawing from their wealth of experience, they offer invaluable insights, helping startups navigate challenges and optimize their strategies. Their guidance is instrumental in making informed, strategic decisions.

How can a mentor enhance my market analysis?

Mentors have their finger on the pulse of the industry. They can help you get a clearer picture of market trends, spot who you're really up against, and gauge where the opportunities lie. With their insights, your market analysis won't just be good—it'll be top-notch.

Can a mentor assist in financial projections?

Absolutely. If your mentor has a financial background, they can be a goldmine. They'll help you craft projections that are both ambitious and grounded in reality. From revenue estimates to potential expenses, they'll ensure your numbers make sense.

How can you incorporate mentorship into the business plan?

Consider adding a dedicated section in your business plan to highlight the mentorship aspect. By detailing the insights and guidance you've received, or intend to seek, you underscore your commitment to informed growth. This proactive approach can resonate well with potential investors and stakeholders.

Business plan templates

Starting your business plan can feel like staring at a blank canvas—it's full of potential, but where do you begin? That's where interactive business plan templates come into play.

These templates serve as a structured guide, ensuring you don't miss any crucial details while allowing for flexibility and customization. They're designed to streamline the process, making it easier to organize your thoughts and present your vision in a coherent manner.

Ready to dive in? Grab a template from the library below and give your business plan a head start.

Robin Waite is a business coach based in the UK, bestselling author, and also regular business speaker. Robin's Fearless Business Accelerator covers pricing, productising services, and sales for coaches, consultants, and freelancers. Robin's passion is content marketing and blogging and he enjoys finding creative ways to make complex business topics simple for his readers.

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Start-Up Trade Plan – DECA Wrote Events

The start-up business plan.

Start-Up Business Plan, or ESB, is easily one of of most popularity events in the entire DECA competition. Not only is there no testing application, nevertheless it need the least amount of our in which entire written category! Doesn’t this sound great? There is one flaw though; a more popular event means harder competition. Not to worry, with some hardly labor and loyalty, you can rise up the top of the competition.

Than separate of my DECA series, I’m going over some different written conference types also sharing my two cents on them. Like aforementioned lecture president, I was skilled to support adenine fortune on members with their different written events. Here’s a guide for beginner DECA community. Remember on use your chapter officers as a primary resource for questions and advice on thy your! This guide remains intended up help you start your report.

First and foremost, FOLLOW the general:

Guideline → Follow these or else you’ll get penalty points. The only way you’ll acquire in DECA is if him score more issues than one various competitors in is category, so you don’t require to risk loose whatsoever point to avoidable penalties.

The Goal: Developing a business proposal in any type of business. 

How to make an wonderful start-up:, step 1: brainstorm ideas.

In order to create an awesome start-up, you need an idea. If you before have that million-dollar innovation, you can go ahead and skip this step.

If you’re still trying to think of how to propose, try to arrival upwards with a list of 4-5 different ideas that her can perform around with.

• This works NOT have to remain some groundbreaking complex search idea! Sometimes the plain ideas work feel. If it’s something that’s impossible to explicate, and choose might find items less feasible. ATLAS Cloud Computing START-UP BUSINESS PLAN JACK LIU & MATTHEW WEISS SYOSSET DECA APRIL 2018 The Sky is Limitless ATLAS PRESENTERS Jack Liu Executive Operating Officer Marketing Managerial Matthew Weiss Chief Financial Officer Product Manager COMPANY OVERVIEW Our platform be an online
• Aforementioned best thoughts are the ones that YOU believe is and that YOU are fierce with. It are no bad ideas (I mean, it are some much obviously bad ideas but *most* ideas aren’t as bad as you think they are)
• At this end a the date, the execution of the plan business so much more than the idea even; a dumb idea can win over of what genius if that dummy idea was executed beautifully. The International Business Plan involves the design regarding a proposal to ... Each event eingangsbereich will be composed of one to three membersation a the DECA phase.

Check represent some different topics to get thy gears turning: Apps (calendar, navigation, designated games, etc.), online stores (clothing match, check succession, etc.), handy products, innovative restaurants (marshmallow restaurant in Las Vegas anyone?), and verbatim anything on the planet that you can market as a strong business schedule. Required for all IBBM SL graduate A 20-page research paper To breathe completed alone, with a partner, or in an trio Students have 15 minutes to present plan/proposal to a judge  Gives students the...

Level 2: Who Problems

Think of THREE relevant problems fork each one of your craft; if you can’t think of three problems for ampere certain idea, cross it off your list.

• I saying relevant because these problems actually have to apply to the current state from of country/demographics it are testing to pitch to. Choose score is to get an investor to invest stylish their business because ensure economic will fill a hole within our market.
• The problems do doesn may into be exquisite; they canned shall as simple as “people spend too much time getting cloaked in the morning” or “current apps do not providing offline access”.
• A strong idea is one that can solve concerns that already exist.

Step 3: Limit Down to One Idea

From your brainstorm list, choose the idea such has the STRONGEST problems. You can start coming up with a cool name used the business of own choice and maybe evenly a snazzy slogan. Supposing you want to really spice things upside, consider creating a logo on Canva. Samples

Now it’s time to start your report. IODIN suggest using Google Docs, Microsoft Word, or Canva up format you report whereas such are the simply until navigate and customize.

Here’s an example of some browse and names for two of mine own projects. Both were made using Canva :

Step 4: Write Your Writing

Again, you want to make sure you follow the guidelines provided up DECA’s competitive event page also cover everything listed. The item I have below is according to the 2019-2020 guidelines to become safety to review the new rubber for any changes.

The Executive Summary

Do the Executive Summary last. Here, you want to capture all the key points that him wrote in your plan. The favorite executive recap is one that allows the judge to understand will complete idea with a 5 minute skim-off. I like toward use visuals in my executive summaries but I know tons of top reports that have used block items instead. Use what works forward you, but don’t bore the judge either.

Your Problems

Here we revisit the three problems you identified inbound the brainstorming steps. For you’re content with those, moves forward and write a very extended description for each one. It’s best if you include past and statistics (research, research, research!). You want to convince the judge that your business is essential. This is the base of your entire plan, so don’t mess it up. Cipher survives on a weak vile.

Customer Segments

The Customer Segments section a where you introduce their target market. This more information you have more, the better. Essentially, you’re trying to replies this question: Who are you test on sell to?

The biggest mistake your take on this unterabteilung specifically is that they belong too brief. ONE simple description is really not enough in score you full points in this querschnitt. Which description sounds better to you:

• Females who use of internet to buy office supplies.
• Middle-aged work womanhood anywhere in the continental United States who need a high income and retail back for designer office supplies often.

Obviously the second one is much learn appealed. While you, as that creator of your plan, completely understand any would buy your feature, him have to assume who judges don’t. DECA will begin utilizing new general and outlines in many regarding its Entrepreneurship Events.

Here are some categories to include when discussing your customer segmentations:

• Gender/Identity (if applicable)
• Income level
• Company (a location range or specific location wenn you may a brick press mortar business)
• Lifestyle and Culture
• Any other relevant basic description

Make sure you include WHY you picked these demographics and why they work our for will company.

You might also want to had a secondary target market . Your primary target market will be your main patrons but some businesses might see more than one customer operating. You can label such minor customer segment the “secondary target market” and do the same description for them. Fork example, a new, solide fastest food restaurant might expect employed adults who rely set fast food but are trying to eat healthier to be their primary target market additionally teenagers who need a cool place to meet up to be their secondary target market.

Unique Value Proposition

That is neat from the more confusing groups since best our mix it going with the competitive advantage. The Unique Appreciate Proposition is kind of enjoy your slogan. The single valued proposition itself is a short and concise description describing what sets their company apart. You need go supplement aforementioned proposition with a item or two that explains WHY your businesses meets that proposition. Here are some EXAMPLES . 

If you can’t come up with a catchy thesis, a strategic method this I’ve utilized ensure has been successful in the past is the Three Main Word Alliterative. Basically, you come up with three memorable adjectives that rate thine store and use the because your unique value proposition. An case of those is happy, healthy, domestic or speedy, fresh, fit . Under the Unique Value section, you’d describe why your business joins each of such three words.

I never really understood why solutions didn’t come right after problems although I think it’s always been that way and perhaps staying that way. This can where to explanation how is business solves the three problems you previously proposed.

Make sure you make clear which problem is being addressed by which solution, either by using the same order as problems or obviously addressing it in your headings.

This is another teilbereich most contestant chat too shortly. You want to create sure you’re as specific because possible so the judge can visualize their idea completely. Here’s some questions to address time writing this section:

• From where does your business get seine products (if applicable)
• How does your businesses distribute its products or services? Thou can have MULTIPLE CHANNELS (ei: “online thru our website www.partnersbase.com ” either “Direct purchase in California storage through cash otherwise credit card.”)
• How does your business promote to customers? Again, be SPECIFIC! (ei: “flyers distributed to super shops like Walmart where parents are likely go shop”
• If you want to, you can create an advertisement organizational so to deem can see a more comprehensive plan. Here’s an example of one that I constructed for a dried restaurant-themed project:

Generated Streams

Here’s locus you’ll explain where your cash flow will come off. There were several essential components to inclusion so ensure and judge follows your entire idea: Need some tips on letter your start-up business scheme pitch on to DECA competition? Here's some tips so you can rise to which above of the tournament.

•  Explain your REVENUE MODEL ( Types of product ) and explain specifically how that works: “A subscription-based model where customers sign-up for a renewable monthly-plan equal three different package choice, each with different perks (Basic, Silver, Gold)”. 
• Explain WHY your model is effective forward your particular business. For case, when you’re use a subscription-based type, ask herself why that the get for your business comparison for a transactional revenue model. A judge might ask you why you selecting one particular select so breathe sure to back it up for some tough reasoning.
• Include estimated Durability Values . Live values are how much one single customer is expected to spend in ampere end; if you have a product you expect people the only buyable previously, then state that both how much any customer is foreseen to spend that ready time. If you have a recurring purchase product, similar subscription plan, application the following equation: average my lifespan (how long you thinking they’ll subscribe) * capital spent each duration .
• Revenue is how much money you predict to make FORWARD less any expenses → you can estimate this (assume you’ll have 10 customers the first month then 35 of second then 100 the third, etc.) only be reasonable and use diagrams/charts/tables whatever you bucket to help show how you premeditated
• Gross Margin is the receipts made after subtracting the Cost of Goods Sold (this remains NAY the sam as subtracting expenses → COGS are specific on an service or furniture it are selling, not overlying business spending like rent → Show is like it cost $1 for lettuce, $3 for meat, $1 for buns and we sell it for $6.50 then my Gross Margin is $6.50-$5 which belongs $1.50.

Cost Structure

There are three main components till Cost Structure:

• Customer acquisition price: These are the costs for gaining new customers ( More specific guide) → use tables into show how you got that costs that you did and use paragraph around it to DESCRIBE will strategy and why you are spending where you are
• Distribution costs: These are the costs associated with getting the products or service to your business and in the customer’s hands → BE SPECIFIC but you capacity estimate cost like cost by shipping or load
• Human Resources Costs : These are that salaries you are paying your employee → create a table hier and in each row, list an employee, what they do, their salary per hour, ihr expected number of hours to work, grand salary per year → In a very paragraph blurb, summarize this amount of workers thou will need and the total salary of all an your added up
• Supplement Costs: This is anything else that will cost currency which you have not considered in the above 3, like Warranty, Product Maintenance costs, etc. 

Key Metrics

Key Metrics been different tools you will used to measure one track out your business. You canister google a list of key metrics and you’ll find TONS. If your business will a common niche, you cannot probably google “Key Measures forward [insert niche]” press meet lots of examples. Pick the choose which you think were most important for your enterprise (usually 4-5 exists adenine good amount) and explain each metric. When explaining make sure to include as the metric will be measured additionally what a good/bad measurement would be. Some shared examples to metric in inventory turnover rate, occupancy rate, free lifetime, etc.

Competitive Advantage

I feel like a lot of people losses points here because their advantage is too shallow. You need to describe how your start-up business plan is other from others like it. Be particular and do strong points that really impress your judge. She might be a good idea to including different competitor businesses and show the judge how to business is superior than to competitor.

Make adenine trailer for to amount of MONEY that you want von who judge. This can be includes the print of a long-term loan or capital. Make sure to include which interest rate real why that judge must invest inside your general. Asking required any amount of money you want as long as it’s reasonable to your business.

Competitive Events

Find Your Event

Competition Success

Online Practice Exams

Vocabulary Flipcards

Performance Indicator Flipcards

Video Library

Chapter Name

As an integral part of the classroom curriculum, DECA’s industry-validated competitive events are aligned with the National Curriculum Standards in the career clusters of marketing, business management and administration, finance, and hospitality and tourism. DECA’s flagship evaluation process involves students in both a written component such as an exam or report and an interactive component with an industry professional serving as a judge. DECA’s competitive events directly contribute to every student being college and career ready when they graduate from high school.

PRINCIPLES OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION EVENTS

DECA’s Principles of Business Administration Events measure the student’s proficiency in those knowledge and skills identified by career practitioners as common academic and technical content across marketing, finance, hospitality, and business management and administration. The Principles of Business Administration Events are designed for first-year DECA members who are enrolled in introductory-level principles of marketing/business courses.

TEAM DECISION MAKING EVENTS

DECA’s Team Decision Making Events provide an opportunity for participants to analyze one or a combination of elements essential to the effective operation of a business in the specific career area. The business situation to be analyzed will be presented as a case study.

Individual Series Events

DECA’s Individual Series Events effectively measure students’ proficiency in the knowledge and skills identified by occupational practitioners as essential to success in a given career. Participants receive recognition for achievement in each role-play scenario and in the series as a whole.

Personal Financial Literacy

DECA’s Personal Financial Literacy Event measures the personal finance knowledge and skills that K-12 students should possess. The Personal Financial Literacy Event is designed to measure the student’s ability to apply reliable information and systematic decision making to personal financial decisions. The Personal Financial Literacy Event is designed for DECA members who are enrolled in personal finance and financial literacy courses.

Business Operations Research Events

DECA’s Business Operations Research Events provide opportunities for participants to demonstrate the knowledge and skills needed by management personnel. Students conduct actual research studies in their communities.

Project Management Events

DECA’s Project Management Events require participants to use project management skills to initiate, plan, execute, monitor and control and close a project.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP EVENTS

DECA’s Entrepreneurship Events provide opportunities to explore entrepreneurial concepts from idea generation, business planning, to growing an existing business.

Integrated Marketing Campaign Events

DECA’s Integrated Marketing Campaign Events provide opportunities for members to develop an integrated marketing campaign of no more than 45 days in length for a real event, product or service and present the campaign in a role-play situation.

PROFESSIONAL SELLING AND CONSULTING EVENTS

DECA’s Professional Selling and Consulting Events provide an opportunity for participants to demonstrate skills needed for a career in sales and/or consulting. Participants will organize and deliver a sales presentation or consultation for one or more products/services/customers.

Online Events

DECA’s Online Events provide opportunities for students to participate in online simulations to learn how to invest in the stock market, manage personal finances, or operate a business venture.

Virtual Business challenge Events

Participants in the DECA Virtual Business Challenge (VBC) operate a web-based business simulation utilizing a competition version of the Virtual Business software. The VBC qualifying rounds are conducted via the internet, where participants will vie for chartered association, regional and overall rankings.

DECA+ ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY ‍ A DECA+ subscription is required for each DECA chapter wishing to access the resources within the DECA+ site. The login is to be used only by the chapter and its members, and the login cannot be shared beyond the chapter. Under no circumstances may any of the content, including but not limited to exams, scenarios or sample written entries, in whole or in part, or any item within be published or posted on any website. Under no circumstances may any of the content, including but not limited to exams, scenarios or sample written entries, in whole or in part, or any item within be shared or distributed beyond the specific DECA chapter that has purchased the subscription.  Any chapter(s) which violates the DECA+ distribution and use policy will not be allowed to participate in the current school year’s chartered association conference or the International Career Development Conference. If any exams or scenarios are posted on a chapter or chartered association website in way outside of the distribution and use policy, the chartered association will not be eligible to purchase exams or receive scenarios from DECA Inc. for a period of one year for the first offense. Furthermore, further access to DECA+ by the chapter(s) in violation will be prohibited effective immediately for a period of no less than three years.

Free Startup Business Plan Templates and Examples

By Joe Weller | May 6, 2020

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In this article, we’ve rounded up a variety of the top, professionally designed startup business plan templates, all of which are free to download in PDF, Word, and Excel formats.

Included on this page, you’ll find a one-page startup business plan template , a business plan outline template for startups , a startup business planning template with a timeline , and a sample startup business plan .

Startup Business Plan Template

Download Startup Business Plan Template - Word

Word | Smartsheet

This startup business plan template contains the essential components you need to convey your business idea and strategy to investors and stakeholders, but you can customize this template to fit your needs. The template provides room to include an executive summary, a financial overview, a marketing strategy, details on product or service offerings, and more.

One-Page Startup Business Plan Template

Download One-Page Startup Business Plan Template

Excel | Word | PDF

This one-page business plan is ideal for startup companies that want to document and organize key business concepts. The template offers an easy-to-scan layout that’s ideal for investors and stakeholders. Use this plan to create a high-level view of your business idea and as a reference as you flesh out a more detailed roadmap for your business.

For additional resources, visit " Free One-Page Business Plan Templates with a Quick How-To Guide ."

Simple Fill-In-the-Blank Business Plan Template for Startups

Download Simple Fill-in-the-Blank Business Plan Template for Startups

This comprehensive fill-in-the-blank business plan template is designed to guide entrepreneurs through the process of building a startup business plan. This template comes with a customizable cover page and table of contents, and each section includes sample content that you can modify to fit the needs of your business. For more fill-in business templates, read our  "Free Fill-In-the-Blank Business Plan Templates"  article.

Lean Business Plan Template for Startups

Download Lean Business Plan Template for Startups

This Lean business plan template takes a traditional business plan outline and extracts the most essential elements. Use this template to outline your company and industry overview, convey the problem you are solving, identify customer segments, highlight key performance metrics, and list a timeline of key activities.

Business Plan Outline Template for Startups

Download Business Plan Outline Template for Startups

You can use this business plan outline as a basis to create your own business plan. This template contains all the elements of a traditional business plan, including a title page, a table of contents, and information on what to include in each section. Simplify or expand this outline based on the size and needs of your startup business.

Startup Business Planning Template with Timeline

Download Startup Business Planning Template with Timeline

Excel | Smartsheet

As you create your business plan, this business planning template doubles as a schedule and timeline to track the progress of key activities. This template enables you to break down your plan into phases and provides space to include key tasks and dates for each task. For a visual timeline, shade in the cells according to each task’s start and end dates. The timeline ensures that your plan stays on track.

Business Plan Rubric Template for Startups

Download Business Plan Rubric Template for Startups

Excel | Word | PDF | Smartsheet

If you’re starting a business and want to keep all your ducks in a row, use this rubric to evaluate and score each aspect of your startup business plan. You can tailor this template to the needs of your specific business, and can also highlight areas of your plan that require improvement or expansion. Use this template as a tool to make sure your plan is clear, articulate, and organized. A sharp, insightful, well thought-out plan will definitely get the attention of potential investors and partners.

For additional resources to help support your business planning efforts, check out “Free Startup Plan, Budget, and Cost Templates.”

What’s the Best Business Plan Template for Startups?

The template you choose for your startup business depends on a number of factors, including the size and specific needs of your company. Moreover, as your business grows and your objectives change, you will need to adjust your plan (and possibly your choice of template) accordingly. 

Some entrepreneurs find it useful to use a Lean business plan template design in order to jot down a business concept and see if it’s feasible before pursuing it further. Typically one to three pages, a Lean business plan template encourages you to highlight core ideas and strategic activities and remain focused on key points.

Other entrepreneurs prefer a template with a more traditional business plan design, which allows you to go into greater detail and ensure you include every detail. A traditional plan can range from 10 to 100 pages and cover both the high-level and granular particulars of your overall concept, objectives, and strategy.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution, but the following section outlines the minimum that your business plan template should include in order to gain buy-in from potential investors.

What to Include in a Startup Business Plan

Whether you choose to use a template to develop your startup business plan or decide to write one from scratch, you need to include the following elements:

• An overview of your company and the industry in which it operates
• The problem you are solving and the proposed solution
• A description of your product or service offerings, including key features
• The existing alternatives that customers use and your competitive advantage
• The target customer segments and the channels you will use to reach them
• The cost structure and revenue streams associated with your business
• A financial plan, including sales and revenue projections (ideally 3-5 years)
• If applicable, the financial requirements to get your business running, including how you will source and allocate funds

Each of the following sections provides an example of a business plan that you can use for reference as you develop your own.

One-Page Lean Business Plan Example

This Lean business plan example displays a visually appealing and scannable one-page illustration of a business plan. It conveys the key strategies you need to meet your main objectives. Each element of this concise plan provides stakeholders and potential investors with links to resources that support and expand upon the plan’s details, and it can also serve as an investor pitch deck.

Startup Business Plan Sample

This business plan sample contains all the aspects of a standard business plan. Using a fictional food truck business as the basis for a startup business plan, this sample will give you all the ideas you need to make your plan outstanding.

Download Startup Business Plan Sample - PDF

When the time comes that you need more space to lay out your goals and strategies, choose from our variety of  free simple business plan templates . You can learn how to write a successful simple business plan  here . 

Visit this  free non-profit business plan template roundup  or of you are looking for a business plan template by file type, visit our pages dedicated specifically to  Microsoft Excel ,  Microsoft Word , and  Adobe PDF  business plan templates. Read our articles offering  free 30-60-90-day business plan templates  to find more tailored options.

Top 10 Tips to Create a Startup Business Plan

Putting together a business plan can be overwhelming and time consuming, especially if you aren’t sure where to begin. Below, we share tips you can use to help simplify the process of developing a startup business plan of your own. 

• Use a business plan template, or begin with a business plan outline that provides all the elements of a standard plan to get your ideas down on paper in a structured manner. (You can choose from the selection of templates above.)  
• Remove sections from your outline that aren’t relevant or that aren’t necessary to launch and operate your business.
• Compile the data you have gathered on your business and industry, including research on your target market and product or service offerings, details on the competitive landscape, and a financial plan that anticipates the next three to five years. Use that information to fill in the sections of your plan outline. 
• Get input and feedback from team members (e.g., finance, marketing, sales) and subject matter experts to ensure that the information you’ve included in the plan is accurate.
• Make certain that the objectives of your plan align with marketing, sales, and financial goals to ensure that all team members are moving in the same direction.
• Although this section of the plan comes first, write the executive summary last to provide an overview of the key points in your business plan.
• Prepare a pitch deck for potential clients, partners, or investors with whom you plan to meet in order to share vital information about your business, including what sets you apart and the direction you are headed. 
• Who are the founders and management executives, and what relevant experience do they bring to the table?
• What is the problem you are solving, and how is your solution better than what currently exists? 
• What’s the size of the market, and how much market share do you plan to capture?
• What are the trends in your market, and how are you applying them to your business?
• Who are your direct competitors, and what is your competitive advantage?
• What are the key features of your product or service that set it apart from alternative offerings, and what features do you plan to add in the future?
• What are the potential risks associated with your business, and how do you plan to address them?
• How much money do you need to get your business running, and how do you plan to source it?
• With the money you source, how do you plan to use it to scale your business?
• What are the key performance metrics associated with your business, and how will you know when you’re successful?
• Revisit and modify your plan on a regular basis as your goals and strategies evolve.
• Use a work collaboration tool that keeps key information across teams in one place, allows you to track plan progress, and captures updates in real time.

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Houston's basic-income participants plan to spend the $500 a month on rent and groceries — but the Texas Supreme Court temporarily blocked the program

• Houston's basic-income program faces shutdown after Texas' attorney general labels it "unconstitutional."
• The program offers 18 monthly payments of $500 to low-income families for housing and groceries.
• Uplift Harris' future remains uncertain, as it's been temporarily blocked by the Texas Supreme Court. 

When Delwin Sutton learned he had been accepted into a guaranteed basic-income pilot in Houston, he signed a lease on a new apartment.

He spent almost all of his savings on his April rental fees and plans to spend his first $500 basic-income payment from Uplift Harris on rent for May: his new two-bedroom costs him $1,083 a month. He knows the GBI money will help him breathe a little easier.

The 51-year-old works in a warehouse in Harris County, which includes Houston. His hours vary, he said, and he doesn't always make enough to afford rent and groceries for himself and his wife. With GBI, Sutton hopes to become more financially secure and save money for the future.

"It's truly a blessing because people need to understand — when you live paycheck to paycheck, it's horrible," he told Business Insider. "It's almost debilitating."

The program randomly selected 1,928 eligible families out of 82,500 applicants — an acceptance rate lower than Harvard or Yale — for monthly payments, distributing $500 no-strings-attached to help them afford housing and groceries for 18 months.

The program was set to begin payments on Wednesday, but the Texas Supreme Court issued an administrative stay on the program on Tuesday afternoon. The ruling — which comes as Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is challenging the program for being " unconstitutional" — will temporarily block Uplift Harris from distributing payments until the Court deliberates further. It is unclear when the state Supreme Court will issue a ruling.

Texas Attorney General's office originally filed suit on April 9 against Harris County, with Paxton calling Uplift Harris an "unlawful" program that "redistributes public money in a manner that violates the Texas Constitution." The filing noted that the state Constitution prohibits public funds from being given away "to benefit individuals." A district judge denied Paxton's request to pause the Houston-area program last Thursday.

Uplift Harris cannot proceed with cash payments as it awaits a decision from the state Supreme Court. For participants, there's a lot at stake.

If the GBI program is shut down completely, Sutton worries he won't have enough money to afford his new apartment. The idea of the program being canceled sends him into "panic mode."

"I'm scared that if I don't get this money, I'm going to be homeless," he said.

Uplift Harris participants hope the program will make them more financially stable

Guaranteed basic income is an increasingly popular solution to combat poverty in US cities. The programs differ from traditional Social Services because participants receive cash to spend as they choose instead of on specific categories. GBI participants have previously told BI that they used the funds to secure housing and food, pay off debt, and afford school supplies for their children.

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"We don't tell people that they have to spend the money on anything in particular, we don't put conditions on it," said Dustin Palmer, US country director at GiveDirectly, a nonprofit helping administer the Houston-area pilot. "We really trust people to do what they need, with the cash to get on their feet, or basic needs, whatever they would like to do."

Most applicants live in high-poverty ZIP codes with household incomes below 200% of the federal poverty line, which is $31,200 for a family of four. Like some other pilots nationwide, the program received $20.5 million in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act , which financially supported Americans during the pandemic.

"We've had folks who are in really unstable housing situations who want to use the money to get into stability," Palmer said. "We know from a lot of research that people use the money for rent and housing, as this is a major expense for folks, and those expenses have ballooned."

Jay Carter, 37, told BI he "can't wait" to start receiving his cash payments and plans to use the money to pay for his storage unit and PO box. He is also hoping he can pay for a haircut, his phone bill, and some basic cleaning supplies.

He isn't currently employed and is between apartments. Carter said basic income will help him find financial stability, and he hopes to help his mom pay bills while he temporarily stays with her and applies for housing.

"I can plan my life better," he said. "It's good to see your future 18 months from now — I want to accomplish everything that I need to do."

With the support he gets from Uplift Harris, Carter said he hopes to find secure employment, save money for the future, and work toward affording a car. He might even go back to school, he said.

Texas is a leader in GBI programs, but it still faces political opposition

Texas has been a key state for GBI pilots, with recent programs in Austin and San Antonio. Still, Republican lawmakers continue to challenge the programs, calling them " socialist " and worrying that the money could make low-income families too dependent on the government.

Paxton is opposing the Houston-area program because he said the Texas Constitution prohibits the state's counties and cities from granting public money to aid individuals, especially since the pilot does not limit what participants spend the money on.

Harris County Attorney Christian D. Menefee said in a statement that the Texas Supreme Court's decision to temporarily block Uplift Harris is disappointing and shows how politicized the Court has become.

"It's unfortunate the court would take such an extraordinary step to block a program that would help people in Harris County — even temporarily," Menefee said. "The Court knew that the first payments were scheduled to go out tomorrow."

Paxton has not sued other municipalities in Texas that have launched basic-income pilots. The Austin Guaranteed Income Pilot distributed $1,000 monthly to 135 low-income families, many of whom allotted money to housing, food, and other daily costs. San Antonio 's basic-income pilot, which reported similar results, gave participants $5,108 total over 25 months. El Paso County also committed to distributing $500 monthly cash payments to about 80 families.

However, Paxton's challenge to the Houston-area program mirrors GOP efforts to ban basic income in other states. The Arizona legislature is currently hearing a bill that could ban GBI, South Dakota Republicans are hoping to prohibit local governments from offering basic income, and Iowa lawmakers banned basic income programs across the state last week.

With the future of Uplift Harris' basic-income program unclear, Sutton said he worries about affording his rent and groceries. He wishes more people understood that — in his financial situation — a little bit of help goes a long way.

" Everybody that asks us for assistance doesn't want it for the rest of their lives like Mr. Paxton is trying to make it seem," Sutton said. "I want to work, I want to be better. If it's taking everything that I have just to survive, I will never be able to be better."

Editor's note: April 23, 2024 — The Texas Supreme Court temporarily blocked the program shortly after publication. This story has been updated to reflect that development.

Have you benefited from a guaranteed basic income program? Are you willing to share how the money has impacted your life? Reach out to these reporters at [email protected] and [email protected].

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Columbia university is at the center of a growing showdown over the war in gaza and the limits of free speech..

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Columbia University has become the epicenter of a growing showdown between student protesters, college administrators and Congress over the war in Gaza and the limits of free speech.

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Plans to bring 2 major restaurants to Seaport Village were OK’d 3 years ago. They’re not close to opening

The operators of the planned Gladstone’s and Shorebird restaurants, which will take over key Seaport Village locations, say their permits have finally been approved, and they hope to start construction soon

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Nearly three years after San Diego port commissioners cleared the way to bring two well-known restaurants to San Diego’s Seaport Village, the waterfront venues have yet to open, nor has construction even begun.

Changes, however, could be coming soon as owners of the two Southern California restaurant brands — Gladstone’s and Shorebird — indicate they’re prepared to finally start building out their new spaces within the next couple of months after years of delays.

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Gladstone’s, a restaurant brand widely known for its premier oceanfront location in Pacific Palisades, is supposed to be taking over the still operating Edgewater Grill in Seaport. And Shorebird, which has locations in Newport Beach, Palm Desert and Sedona, Ariz., is moving into the now shuttered Pier Cafe, a unique two-story structure that sits on the bay.

Both restaurateurs say their city building permits have been approved, and they are hoping to begin construction soon, although an opening date is still far off.

When the Port OK’d leases with the two operators in September of 2021 , it was expected that the restaurants would open by late 2022.

“The permitting at the city just took forever, like two years,” said Heinrich Stasiuk, founder and chairman of Orange-based Wild Thyme Restaurant Group, whose portfolio of dining venues includes Shorebird, known for its coastal flavors and fresh seafood. “The process is very delayed over there. But our construction crew is mobilizing and we plan to start construction May 14.”

Stasiuk said his company plans to invest $3 million in a makeover of the former two-level Pier Cafe, which has been closed almost two years. The 4,000-square-foot site — including patio space — will be updated with a new color palette of charcoal and white accents. Stasiuk, who hopes to open the restaurant by the end of the year, said Shorebird Seaport Village will have an indoor-outdoor design with plenty of patio dining and unobstructed bay views.

In addition, plans call for repairing the pylons that allow the restaurant to be suspended over the water, as well as replacing damaged wood and anchors, according to the building permit application, which has been approved pending the payment of required fees. The city permits just haven’t been pulled yet, although Wild Thyme has been allowed to take possession of the Pier Cafe site, port spokesperson Brianne Page said Wednesday.

“We like the look and design of the building,” Stasiuk said. “It’s been there forever and is a centerpoint of Seaport Village, so we want to keep existing bones but are updating it to a fresher look. My love for Seaport Village began with our first visit in 2005. Captivated by its charm and vibrancy, I knew it was the ideal place for Shorebird.”

Meanwhile, restaurateur John Sangmeister, who operates a Gladstone’s restaurant in Long Beach, has had approval of his building permits for several months but it wasn’t until late Wednesday afternoon that they were issued by the city following payment of the fees. Sharon Cloward, president of the port tenants group, the San Diego Working Waterfront, said that Sangmeister had indicated this week that he intends to start construction by June 1.

In an interview earlier this month, Sangmeister had said he was eager to begin work on transforming the still operating Edgewater Grill into a new Gladstone’s but had expressed concerns, like Stasiuk, about the length of time it had taken to get permit approval from the city, which had eaten into his 10-year lease granted in 2021. Both Gladstone’s and Shorebird have options to extend their leases by five additional years, Page said.

“We’d like to start work tomorrow,” said Sangmeister, whose San Diego ties date back to his sailing days with the 1987 America’s Cup team helmed by Dennis Connor. “But we should start within 60 days. I don’t see any other delays. It took forever to approve our plans. I can’t explain why it took so long, other than our story is not unique. Malibu farms (in Seaport Village) had the same experience.”

Sangmeister had been seeking some specific changes to his original lease but declined to reveal what they were. Earlier this month, he received a letter from the Port of San Diego stating that the port would not be accepting Sangmeistser’s proposed amendments to his lease and advised him that “Gladstone’s must perform under their existing Lease. The District continues to incur losses as a result of Gladstone’s delays.”

As of Wednesday afternoon, port officials said Sangmeister had yet to formally notify them by mail that he had secured his permits and was ready to take possession of the Edgewater Grill site.

“Once they do receive all necessary approvals required by the lease, they are required to submit final copies of permits and any other necessary approvals to the Port within five days,” the port said in a statement to the Union-Tribune. “The premises can only be delivered to Gladstone’s once we have what’s required by the lease.”

Sangmeister declined to divulge how much he will be investing in the new Gladstone’s, calling it a “multi-million-dollar’ project. The decor, he said, will be a contemporary Cape Cod look, and a lot more outdoor seating will be added. In addition, the bar will be relocated to a more central spot in the restaurant, under an existing atrium.

“We are going to bring our menu from Gladstone’s Long Beach, which is California American seafood,” he added.

Michael Fry, a co-owner of Water View Restaurants, which includes the Edgewater Grill, says the Seaport Village venue has been in limbo ever since the lease with Gladstone’s was signed in 2021. Edgewater has operated at Seaport since 1990.

“So we’ve just been going along, month to month, business as normal, just waiting to see what happens,” said Fry. “Overall, from our standpoint, business has been good. Seaport Village is a unique place and it’s always been busiest during the summer when people are traveling and also when conventions are in town. We knew when the leases were signed, it would just be a matter of time.”

The planned Gladstone’s is among a growing portfolio of foodie-friendly dining venues that have been coming to Seaport over the past several years ever since the Port of San Diego took over management of the tourist destination in hopes of raising its profile among travelers and locals. One of the more ambitious restaurants to open most recently was Malibu Farms, a $7.5 million project that took over the former Harbor House.

It opened last September, nearly three years after Port of San Diego Commissioners approved a 10-year lease agreement for the new restaurant. The co-owner, John Stockwell, told the Union-Tribune at the time that the restaurant’s opening was delayed in part because of pandemic-related supply chain and labor challenges.

Still looming is a mega project that proposes to demolish the waterfront center should the port give final approval to what’s known as Seaport San Diego. The $3.6 billion development proposes to remake 105 acres of land and water in the Central Embarcadero region with 2.7 million square feet of mixed-use development, including a 500-foot observation tower at the foot of Pacific Highway where Seaport Village is today.

In November of 2022, following years of negotiations, the developer got the green light from port commissioners to move into the environmental review phase, which is expected to take at least two years.

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