Simple Business Plan Templates

By Joe Weller | April 2, 2020

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In this article, we’ve compiled a variety of simple business plan templates, all of which are free to download in PDF, Word, and Excel formats.

On this page, you’ll find a one-page business plan template , a simple business plan for startups , a small-business plan template , a business plan outline , and more. We also include a business plan sample and the main components of a business plan to help get you started.

Simple Business Plan Template

Simple Business Plan Template

Download Simple Business Plan Template

This simple business plan template lays out each element of a traditional business plan to assist you as you build your own, and it provides space to add financing information for startups seeking funding. You can use and customize this simple business plan template to fit the needs for organizations of any size.

One-Page Business Plan Template

business plan blueprint sample

Download One-Page Business Plan Template

Excel | Word | PDF  | Smartsheet

Use this one-page business plan to document your key ideas in an organized manner. The template can help you create a high-level view of your business plan, and it provides easy scannability for stakeholders. You can use this one-page plan as a reference to build a more detailed blueprint for your business. 

For additional single page plans, take a look at " One-Page Business Plan Templates with a Quick How-To Guide ."

Simple Fill-in-the-Blank Business Plan Template

Simple Fill In The Blank Business Plan Template

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

Use this fill-in-the-blank business plan template to guide you as you build your business plan. Each section comes pre-filled with sample content, with space to add customized verbiage relevant to your product or service.

For additional free, downloadable resources, visit " Free Fill-In-the-Blank Business Plan Templates ."

Simple Business Plan for Startup

Start-Up Business Plan Template

‌ Download Startup Business Plan Template — Word

This business plan template is designed with a startup business in mind and contains the essential elements needed to convey key product or service details to investors and stakeholders. Keep all your information organized with this template, which provides space to include an executive summary, a company overview, competitive analysis, a marketing strategy, financial data, and more. For additional resources, visit " Free Startup Business Plan Templates and Examples ."

Simple Small-Business Plan Template

Small Business Plan Template

Download Simple Small-Business Plan Template

This template walks you through each component of a small-business plan, including the company background, the introduction of the management team, market analysis, product or service offerings, a financial plan, and more. This template also comes with a built-in table of contents to keep your plan in order, and it can be customized to fit your requirements.

Lean Business Plan Template

Lean Business Plan Template

Download Lean Business Plan Template

This lean business plan template is a stripped-down version of a traditional business plan that provides only the most essential aspects. Briefly outline your company and industry overview, along with the problem you are solving, as well as your unique value proposition, target market, and key performance metrics. There is also room to list out a timeline of key activities.

Simple Business Plan Outline Template

Simple Business Plan Outline Template

Download Simple Business Plan Outline Template

Word  | PDF

Use this simple business plan outline as a basis to create your own business plan. This template contains 11 sections, including a title page and a table of contents, which details what each section should cover in a traditional business plan. Simplify or expand this outline to create the foundation for a business plan that fits your business needs.

Simple Business Planning Template with Timeline

Simple Business Planning Template with Timeline

Download Simple Business Planning Template with Timeline

Excel | Smartsheet

This template doubles as a project plan and timeline to track progress as you develop your business plan. This business planning template enables you to break down your work into phases and provides room to add key tasks and dates for each activity. Easily fill in the cells according to the start and end dates to create a visual timeline, as well as to ensure your plan stays on track.

Simple Business Plan Rubric Template

business plan blueprint sample

Download Simple Business Plan Rubric

Excel | Word | PDF | Smartsheet

Once you complete your business plan, use this business plan rubric template to assess and score each component of your plan. This rubric helps you identify elements of your plan that meet or exceed requirements and pinpoint areas where you need to improve or further elaborate. This template is an invaluable tool to ensure your business plan clearly defines your goals, objectives, and plan of action in order to gain buy-in from potential investors, stakeholders, and partners.

Basic Business Plan Sample

Basic Business Plan Sample

Download Basic Business Plan Sample

This business plan sample serves as an example of a basic business plan that contains all the traditional components. The sample provides a model of what a business plan might look like for a fictional food truck business. Reference this sample as you develop your own business plan.

For additional resources to help support your business planning efforts, check out “ Free Strategic Planning Templates .”

Main Components of a Business Plan

The elements you include in your business plan will depend on your product or service offerings, as well as the size and needs of your business. 

Below are the components of a standard business plan and details you should include in each section:

  • Company name and contact information
  • Website address
  • The name of the company or individual viewing the presentation
  • Table of Contents
  • Company background and purpose
  • Mission and vision statement
  • Management team introduction
  • Core product and service offerings
  • Target customers and segments
  • Marketing plan
  • Competitive analysis
  • Unique value proposition
  • Financial plan (and requirements, if applicable)
  • Business and industry overview
  • Historical timeline of your business
  • Offerings and the problem they solve
  • Current alternatives
  • Competitive advantage
  • Market size
  • Target market segment(s)
  • Projected volume and value of sales compared to competitors
  • Differentiation from competitors
  • Pricing strategy
  • Marketing channels
  • Promotional plan
  • Distribution methods
  • Legal structure of your business
  • Names of founders, owners, advisors, etc.
  • Management team’s roles, relevant experience, and compensation plan
  • Staffing requirements and training plans
  • Physical location(s) of your business
  • Additional physical requirements (e.g., warehouse, specialized equipment, facilities, etc.)
  • Production workflow
  • Raw materials and sourcing methods
  • Projected income statement
  • Projected cash flow statement
  • Projected balance sheet
  • Break-even analysis
  • Charts and graphs
  • Market research and competitive analysis
  • Information about your industry
  • Information about your offerings
  • Samples of marketing materials
  • Other supporting materials

Tips for Creating a Business Plan

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed at the thought of putting together a business plan. Below, you’ll find top tips to help simplify the process as you develop your own plan. 

  • Use a business plan template (you can choose from the variety above), or refer to the previous section to create a standard outline for your plan.
  • Modify your outline to reflect the requirements of your specific business. If you use a standard business plan outline, remove sections that aren’t relevant to you or aren’t necessary to run your business.
  • Gather all the information you currently have about your business first, and then use that information to fill out each section in your plan outline.
  • Use your resources and conduct additional research to fill in the remaining gaps. (Note: It isn’t necessary to fill out your plan in order, but the executive summary needs to be completed last, as it summarizes the key points in your plan.)
  • Ensure your plan clearly communicates the relationship between your marketing, sales, and financial objectives.
  • Provide details in your plan that illustrate your strategic plan of action, looking forward three to five years.
  • Revisit your plan regularly as strategies and objectives evolve.
  • What product or service are we offering?
  • Who is the product or service for?
  • What problem does our product or service offering solve?
  • How will we get the product or service to our target customers?
  • Why is our product or service better than the alternatives?
  • How can we outperform our competitors?
  • What is our unique value proposition?
  • When will things get done, and who is responsible for doing them?
  • If you need to obtain funding, how will you use the funding?
  • When are payments due, and when do payments come in?
  • What is the ultimate purpose of your business?
  • When do you expect to be profitable?

To identify which type of business plan you should write, and for more helpful tips, take a look at our guide to writing a simple business plan .

Benefits of Using a Business Plan Template

Creating a business plan can be very time-consuming, especially if you aren’t sure where to begin. Finding the right template for your business needs can be beneficial for a variety of reasons. 

Using a business plan template — instead of creating your plan from scratch — can benefit you in the following ways:

  • Enables you to immediately write down your thoughts and ideas in an organized manner
  • Provides structure to help outline your plan
  • Saves time and valuable resources
  • Helps ensure you don’t miss essential details

Limitations of a Business Plan Template

A business plan template can be convenient, but it has its drawbacks — especially if you use a template that doesn’t fit the specific needs of your business.

Below are some limitations of using a business plan template:

  • Each business is unique and needs a business plan that reflects that. A template may not fit your needs.
  • A template may restrict collaboration with other team members on different aspects of the plan’s development (sales, marketing, and accounting teams).
  • Multiple files containing different versions of the plan may be stored in more than one place.
  • You still have to manually create charts and graphs to add to the plan to support your strategy.
  • Updates to the plan, spreadsheets, and supporting documents have to be made in multiple places (all documents may not update in real time as changes are made).

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How to Write a Business Plan, Step by Step

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

What is a business plan?

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

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

Bizee

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your business’s registered name.

Address of your business location .

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

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

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

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

business plan blueprint sample

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

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

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

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

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

You should include the following:

An explanation of how your product or service works.

The pricing model for your product or service.

The typical customers you serve.

Your supply chain and order fulfillment strategy.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NerdWallet’s picks for setting up your business finances:

The best business checking accounts .

The best business credit cards .

The best accounting software .

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

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

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

Licenses and permits.

Equipment leases.

Bank statements.

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

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

How much do you need?

with Fundera by NerdWallet

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

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

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

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

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

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

On a similar note...

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

AJ Beltis

Updated: March 29, 2022

Published: March 11, 2022

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

Entrepreneur builds his business plan template

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

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

free editable One-Page Business Plan PDF  Template

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

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

→ Download Now: Free Business Plan Template

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

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

business plan blueprint sample

Free Business Plan Template

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

  • Outline your idea.
  • Pitch to investors.
  • Secure funding.
  • Get to work!

You're all set!

Click this link to access this resource at any time.

Building a Successful Business Plan

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

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

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

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

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

At a minimum, your plan should:

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

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

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

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

How to Build a Business Plan

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

Featured Resource: Free Business Plan Template

1. cover page.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Example of a Cover Page

Business Plan Template: Cover Page

2. Executive Summary

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

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

Typically, this brief section includes:

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

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

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

Example of an Executive Summary Introduction

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

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

3. Company & Business Description

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

Business Plan Template: Business Description

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

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

  • Mission statement
  • Core values
  • Team and organizational structure

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

Example of a Values/Mission Statement

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

3. Product & Services Line

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

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

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

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

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

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

Example of a Product/Service Offering

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

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

4. Market Analysis

Business Plan Template: Market Analysis

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

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

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

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

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

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

Example of a Market Analysis

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

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

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

5. Marketing Plan

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

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

business plan blueprint sample

Free Marketing Plan Template

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

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

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

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

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

Example of a Marketing Plan Overview

"Our marketing strategy will focus on three main initiatives:

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

6. Sales Plan

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

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

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

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

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

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

Example of a Sales Plan Overview

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

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

7. Legal Notes

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

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

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

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

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

Example of Legal Notes

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

8. Financial Considerations

Ultimately, investors want to know two things:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Example of Financial Projections

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

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

9. Appendix

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Use a Business Plan Template to Get Started

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

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

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

Business Plan Template

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How to Write a Business Plan in 2023: The Ultimate Guide for Every Entrepreneur

Are you starting a new business or trying to get a loan for your existing venture? If so, you’re going to need to know how to write a business plan. Business plans give entrepreneurs the opportunity to formally analyze and define every aspect of their business idea .

In this post, you’ll learn how to put together a business plan and find the best resources to help you along the way.

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business plan blueprint sample

What is a Business Plan? 

A business plan is a formal document that outlines your business’s goals and how you will achieve those goals. Entrepreneurs who start out with business plans are 16 percent more likely to build successful companies , according to the Harvard Business Review.  Developing a business plan ensures sustainable success, guiding you as you grow your business, legitimizing your venture, and helping you secure funding (among countless other benefits). 

What Are the Main Purposes of a Business Plan?

Most financial institutions and service providers require you to submit a detailed business plan to obtain funding for your business. Online businesses will likely have a low overhead to start, so they may not need funding and therefore may not feel the need to write a business plan. That said, writing a business plan is still a good idea as it can help you secure a drastic increase limit on your credit card as your business grows or open a business account. This varies per bank.

If you’re growing your business, use it to help you raise expansion capital, create a growth strategy, find opportunities, and mitigate risks.Palo Alto software found that companies who make business plans are twice as likely to secure funding . .

→ Click Here to Launch Your Online Business with Shopify

If you’re just starting your business, making a business plan can help you  identify your strengths and weaknesses, communicate your vision to others, and develop accurate forecasts.

business plan format

How to Make a Business Plan: The Prerequisites 

Here are the prerequisites to creating a solid business plan:

  • Establish goals
  • Understand your audience
  • Determine your business plan format
  • Get to writing! 

Establish Goals

There are two key questions to ask here: 

  • What are you hoping to accomplish with your business?
  • What are you hoping to accomplish with your business plan?

Approaching your business plan through that lens will help you focus on the end goal throughout the writing process. These also provide metrics to measure success against. 

Before writing your business plan, gather the content and data needed to inform what goes in it. This includes researching your market and industry – spanning everything from customer research to legalities you’ll need to consider. It’s a lot easier to start with the information already in front of you instead of researching each section individually as you go. 

Turn to guides, samples, and small business plan templates to help. Many countries have an official administration or service dedicated to providing information, resources, and tools to help entrepreneurs and store owners plan, launch, manage, and grow their businesses. 

The following will take you to online business plan guides and templates for specific countries.

  • United States Small Business Administration (SBA) – The “write your business plan page” includes traditional and lean startup business plan formats, three downloadable sample business plans, a template, and a step-by-step build a business plan tool.
  • Australian Government – The “business plan template” page includes a downloadable template, guide, and business plan creation app.
  • UK Government Business and Self-Employed – The “write a business plan” page includes links to a downloadable business plan template and resources from trusted UK businesses. .
  • Canada Business Network – The “writing your business plan” page includes a detailed guide to writing your business plan and links to business plan templates from Canadian business development organizations and banks.

These business resource sites also offer a wealth of valuable information for entrepreneurs including local and regional regulations, structuring, tax obligations, funding programs, market research data, and much more. Visit the sites above or do the following Google searches to find official local business resources in your area:

  • your country government business services
  • your state/province government business services
  • your city government business services

Some Chamber of Commerce websites offer resources for business owners, including business plan guides and templates. Check your local chapter to see if they have any.

Banks that offer business funding also often have a resource section for entrepreneurs. Do a Google search to find banks that offer business funding as well as business plan advice to see the business plans that get funding. If your bank doesn’t offer any advice, search for the largest banks in your area:

  • business plan guide bank name
  • business plan samples bank name
  • business plan template bank name

If you’re looking for more sample business plans, Bplans has over 500 free business plan samples organized by business type as well as a business plan template. Their collection includes 116 business plans for retail and online stores. Shopify also offers business plan templates intended to help small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs identify functional areas of a business they may not have considered.

business plan blueprint sample

Understand Your Audience

Because business plans serve different purposes, you’re not always presenting it to the same audience. It’s important to understand who’s going to be reading your business plan, what you’re trying to convince them to do, and what hesitations they might have. 

That way, you can adapt your business plan accordingly. As such, your audience also determines which type of business plan format you use. Which brings us to our next point…

Which Business Plan Format Should You Use? 

The United States Small Business Administration (SBA) presents two business plan formats: 

  • The traditional business plan format is for entrepreneurs who want to create a detailed plan for themselves or for business funding. 
  • The lean startup business plan format, on the other hand, is for business owners that want to create a condensed, single-page business plan.

If the business plan is just for you and internal folks, draft a lean startup business plan or a customized version of the traditional business plan with only the sections you need. If you need it for business funding or other official purposes, choose the formal business plan and thoroughly complete the required sections while paying extra attention to financial projections.

If your business operates outside the U.S., clarify the preferred format with your bank.

How to Create a Business Plan: Questions to Ask Yourself

As you write a business plan, take time to not only analyze your business idea, but yourself as well. Ask the following questions to help you analyze your business idea along the way:

  • Why do I want to start or expand my business?
  • Do my goals (personal and professional) and values align with my business idea?
  • What income do I need to generate for myself?
  • What education, experience, and skills do I bring to my business?

business plan blueprint sample

How to Write a Business Plan Step by Step

According to the business plan template created by SCORE, Deluxe, and the SBA , a traditional business plan encompasses the following sections. 

  • Executive summary
  • Company description
  • Products & services
  • Market analysis
  • Marketing & sales
  • Management & organization
  • Funding request
  • Financial projections
  • SWOT analysis

Since not everyone is aware of the key details to include in each section, we’ve listed information you can copy to fill in your business plan outline. Here’s how to build a business plan step by step.  

Executive Summary

The Executive Summary is the first part of your business plan, so this is where you need to hook readers in. Every business plan starts this way — even a simple business plan template should kick off with the Executive Summary. Summarize your entire business plan in a single page, highlighting details about your business that will excite potential investors and lenders. 

Explain what your business has to offer, your target market , what separates you from the competition, a little bit about yourself and the core people behind your business, and realistic projections about your business’ success.

While this is the first section of your business plan, write it after you’ve completed the rest of your business plan. It’s a lot easier because you can pull from the sections you’ve already written, and it’s easier to identify the best parts of your business plan to include on the first page.

Company Description

In the Company Description, share 411 about your business. Include basic details like: 

  • Legal structure (sole proprietor, partnership, corporation, etc.)
  • Business and tax ID numbers
  • When the business started
  • Ownership information
  • Number of employees

Your mission statement , philosophy and values, vision, short- and long-term goals, and milestones along with a brief overview of your industry, market, outlook, and competitors should also be in the Company Description.

Pro tip: These are the details you’ll use each time you create a business profile, whether that's on social media, business directories, or other networks. Keep your information consistent to reduce confusion and instill more confidence in potential customers. 

Products & Services

The Products & Services section details what you plan to sell to customers. For a dropshipping business , this section should explain which trending products you’re going to sell, the pain points your products solve for customers, how you’ll price your products compared to your competitors, expected profit margin, and production and delivery details.

Remember to include any unique selling points for specific products or product groupings, such as low overhead, exclusive agreements with vendors, the ability to obtain products that are in short supply / high demand based on your connections, personalized customer service, or other advantages.

For dropshipping businesses selling hundreds or even thousands of products, detail the main categories of products and the number of products you plan to offer within each category. By doing this, it’s easier to visualize your business offerings as a whole to determine if you need more products in one category to fully flesh out your online store.

Market Analysis

The Market Analysis section of your business plan allows you to share the research you have done to learn about your target audience — the potential buyers of your products. People requesting a business plan will want to know that you have a solid understanding of your industry, the competitive landscape, who’s most likely to become your customers. It’s important to demonstrate that  there’s a large enough market for your product to make it profitable and/or to make a strong return on investment .

To complete the Market Analysis component of your business plan, check out the following resources for industry, market, and local economic research:

  • U.S. Embassy websites in most countries have a business section with information for people who want to sell abroad. Business sections include a basic “getting started” guide, links to economic and data reports, trade events, and additional useful business links for a particular region.
  • IBISWorld is a provider of free and paid industry research and procurement research reports for the United States , United Kingdom , Australia , and New Zealand .  
  • Statista offers free and paid statistics and studies from over 18,000 sources including industry reports, country reports, market studies, outlook reports, and consumer market reports.   

Use these websites and others to learn about the projected growth of your industry and your potential profitability. You can also use social media tools like Facebook Audience Insights to estimate the size of your target market on the largest social network

Another way to research your market and products is through Google Trends . This free tool will allow you to see how often people search for the products your business offers over time. Be sure to explain how your business plans to capitalize on increasing and decreasing search trends accordingly.

Marketing & Sales

Knowing your target market is half the battle. In the Marketing & Sales section, share how you plan to reach and sell products to your target market. Outline the marketing and advertising strategies you intend to use to market your product to potential customers – search marketing , social media marketing , email marketing , and influencer marketing methods .

If you’re unsure how to market your business’ products, analyze your competitors for some inspiration. Discovering your competition’s marketing tactics will help you customize your own strategy for building a customer base and ultimately taking your business to the next level. 

Do a Google search for your competitor’s business name to find the websites, social accounts, and content they’ve created to market their products. Look at the ways your competitor uses each online entity to drive new customers to their website and product pages.

Then come up with a plan to convert a similar audience with your marketing and advertising messages. For dropshipping businesses, conversions will typically take place on your website as people purchase your products and/or by phone if you take orders over the phone. 

Management & Organization

In the Management & Organization piece of your business plan, describe the structure of your business. In terms of legal structure and incorporation, most businesses are classified as sole proprietorships (one owner), partnerships (two or more owners), corporations, or S corporations.

Draft a condensed resume for each of the key members of your business. If you’re a solopreneur , include how your past education and work experience will help you run each aspect of your business. If you have one or more partner(s) and employee(s), include their relevant education and experience as well.

Think of this as a great way to evaluate the strengths of each individual running your business. When self-evaluating, you’ll be able to identify the aspects of your business that’ll be easier to manage and which ones to delegate to freelancers, contractors, employees, and third-party services. This also makes it easier to find the best way to utilize their strengths for business growth.

Funding Request

Chances are, you don’t have a funding request for a startup dropshipping business since the appeal to dropshipping is the low upfront investment . If you’re looking for a loan, however, this would be the section where you outline the dollar amount you need, what you plan to invest in, and how you see the return on your investment.

Another way to use this section is to analyze the investment you have or plan to make when starting or growing your business. This should include everything from the computer you use to run your website to the monthly fee for business services.

Financial Projections

In Financial Projections, share your projected revenue and expenses for the first or next five years of your business. The idea here is to demonstrate that the revenue you’re anticipating will easily lead to a return on any investment, whether from your personal finances or a capital lending service.

business plan blueprint sample

If you’re looking for funding, you’ll need to go into detail with projected income statements, balance sheets, cash flow statements, and capital expenditure budgets. If you aren’t looking for funding, it won’t hurt to create these types of financial projections so you can realistically plan for the future of your business.

The Appendix of your business plan includes any supplemental documents needed throughout the sections of your business plan. These may include, but are not limited to: 

  • Credit histories
  • Product brochures
  • Legal forms
  • Supplier contracts

If you’re submitting your business plan for funding, contact the lender to see what documentation they want included with your funding request.

SWOT Analysis

In addition to the above sections, some business plans also include a SWOT Analysis. This is a one-page summary of your business’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. The strengths and weaknesses you include will be internal, whereas opportunities and threats you include will be external. 

Depending on the revelations of this section, you may or may not want to make a SWOT analysis when submitting your business plan formally unless it is requested.

business plan blueprint sample

Summary: How to Create a Business Plan

As you can see, creating a business plan for your dropshipping business is a great way to validate your business idea , discover your business’s strengths and weaknesses, and make a blueprint for your business's future.

In summary, here are the sections you will need to write for your business plan, step by step:

  • SWOT analysis (Optional)

If you haven’t already, take the time to create a business plan to launch or grow your business in 2023!

Want to Learn More?

  • How to Start a Dropshipping Business
  • How to Register a Business in the USA
  • How to Launch Your Ecommerce Store in Less Than 30 Minutes Flat
  • 30+ Amazing Startup Business Ideas That’ll Make You Money

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550+ Business Plan Samples To Inspire Your Plan

Inspire your own plan with 550+ business plan samples

Use real business plan examples to jump-start your own plan!

Business planning shouldn't be complicated

Don’t start from scratch — get a headstart with 550 real business plan examples

How do you know what elements to include in your business plan, if you’ve never written one before? Looking at real business plan samples can help you visualize what a successful plan looks like, so you know what you’re aiming for before you get started. With LivePlan you’ll have access to over 550 free example business plans to use as a starting point.

Access our full library and browse real sample content for a broad range of businesses. You’ll see how others have written effective executive summaries, planned marketing activities, created financial forecasts , and more. Plus we’ll be right there to walk you through it .

Whether you run a dentist office or dog walking service, you’ll find examples of a business plan for every type of business.

Whether you’re a small- or mid-sized business, freelancer, nonprofit, or still figuring that out, we’ve got you covered.

LivePlan’s library of business plan samples has real business plans from 150 industries and growing. You can see the complete list here .

It’s OK if you can’t find an exact match to your business. You don’t need an exact match for a sample plan to be helpful. Instead, look for a plan that’s closely related to the type of business you’re starting. For example, if you want to start a vegetarian restaurant, a plan for a steakhouse will still be a great match.

While the specifics of your actual business will differ, the elements you’ll want to include in your restaurant’s business plan are similar—and they’re all included in LivePlan .

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Real business plan examples to save you time

Read through as many sample business plans as you like to see how it’s done and get inspired. And if you really want to, you can even copy and paste sections to use in your own plan.

We’ve collected sample plans over more than 20 years, most through generous donations from happy customers who used our software and wanted to share their successful business plan samples with others.

Get LivePlan in your classroom

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

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

Built-in examples and step-by-step help so you won’t get stuck

In addition to complete sample plans, LivePlan includes specific examples for each part of your business plan. Browse through a few examples to get an idea of how other businesses have worded their executive summary, for instance, or other key sections of the business plan. Find an example that works for you and personalize it to fit your business.

You’ll be confident that your numbers are right

In addition to sample business plans, LivePlan includes current industry benchmarks so you can see what the numbers look like for businesses just like yours. Knowing your industry standards helps ensure that your plan is both competitive and realistic.

Download a free sample business plan

Download a free business plan today. You can use it as a template for your own business plan and to see an example of what you’ll find in LivePlan. Download my free business plan .

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👋 Welcome! Are You New Here?

We’re so happy to have you! Here at How to Entrepreneur, our focus is on helping you start or grow a business from idea to full-time income, and from full-time income to enterprise. We know how the business journey can be, and we want to help you grow your business confidently, and with clarity. After you’ve finished checking out the article below, we invite you to  learn more about how we can help here.

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

what is a business blueprint

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

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

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

what is a business blueprint

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

What is a Business Blueprint Definition?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

what is a business blueprint

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

What a Business Blueprint is NOT

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

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

Components of a Business Blueprint

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

Your Life Plan

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

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

Organization Chart

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

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

You can write down positions and a brief description like:

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

Other common organizational positions are:

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

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

Position Contracts

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

Job Prototypes

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

Business Plan

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

7 Steps for How To Develop a Business Blueprint

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

1. Create your life plan

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

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

Your vision, mission, and purpose statements tell us:

Why you do what you do?

How you do what you do?

and, Where do you see this all going?

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

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

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

4. Create your business plan

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

5. Compile it all neatly

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

6. Keep it where you can look over it regularly

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

7. Continually improve and update your documents

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

Recommended Reading:

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

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

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

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

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

Now, it’s Your Turn…

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

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

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How to Write a Food and Beverage Business Plan + Sample Business Plan PDF

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Elon Glucklich

7 min. read

Updated February 17, 2024

Free Download: Sample Food and Beverage Business Plan Templates

The food and beverage sector is booming. Restaurant openings rose 10% in 2023 compared to 2022 — even higher than in pre-pandemic years.

From fine dining to food trucks, farmers to brewers, and wholesalers to coffee makers, there are opportunities across the food and beverage industry. 

But starting a business without covering the basics — your operations plan, marketing tactics, financial strategy, and more — carries huge risks. 

That’s why we recommend you write a business plan.

  • Why write a food and beverage business plan?

Writing a business plan is an easy first step that you can start for free. Plus, businesses that take time to plan are significantly more successful than those that don’t.

Many food and beverage establishments fail because of one of the following:

  • Poor inventory management
  • Underestimated expenses
  • High employee turnover
  • Misjudged the size of their market

Writing a business plan can help you:

  • Develop processes for managing inventory and logistics
  • Understand your cash flows and create a realistic expense budget
  • Budget for competitive employee pay that increases worker retention
  • Analyze your competition and determine how big your market is  

If you’re looking for funding from investors for your business, you’ll definitely need a business plan.

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  • How to write a food and beverage business plan

Many business plans follow a standard format and you can use it as a starting point when writing your own plan. Here’s what that includes:

Executive summary

  • Company summary and funding needs
  • Products and services
  • Marketing plan
  • Management team

Financial plan

For food and beverage companies, you must give extra attention to your market analysis, operations plan, and financial forecasts.

If you’re ready to start, download a free business plan template and fill it out as you read this article.

A sample business plan outline for a food and beverage business.

Every business plan should include an executive summary . It’s a brief outline summarizing the plan, no more than one or two pages.

We recommend that you write the executive summary last after fleshing out the details of your plan. 

Just summarize the vision for your business, describe your offerings and target market , and touch on your management team and financials. Don’t go into tons of detail — just provide a high-level sense of what you want your business to accomplish.

Opportunity: problem and solution

This section of your food and beverage business plan describes the opportunity you hope to capture.

Maybe you’re a farmer looking to diversify your revenue streams by distributing to grocery stores. Or a bar owner with high-end liquor that competitors in the market aren’t serving. 

Whatever your business is, describe the gap in the market and how you aim to fill it.

If you’re operating a more common type of business, like a restaurant , you can probably keep this section short. But it’s useful to document what makes your business unique and it will help focus your sales and marketing efforts later on.

Market analysis

In a field as crowded with competitors as the food and beverage space, a detailed market analysis is essential. 

Your focus should be on identifying the specific customer segments you aim to serve. 

Maybe you’re a butcher with connections to fresh livestock. Will you be more successful selling directly to consumers, or should you focus on selling to grocery stores and markets in your area?

Or, you’re opening  a diner. Should your menu focus on healthy meals or easy-to-make child-friendly options?

These are the types of questions that market research helps you answer. This section should detail the defining characteristics of your target market, including the demographics and preferences of your ideal customer and the size of the market you’re targeting. Market research questions specific to a food and beverage business could include:

  • Business location and characteristics
  • Area income
  • Local food and beverage preferences
  • Existing food and beverage options 

Elaborate on how your food and beverage offerings align with that target market ’s needs. Remember, you can’t please everyone, so focus on a specific group of people or type of person and build out from there.

Marketing and sales

For food and beverage businesses promotions are how you stand out and seize a share of your market.

The marketing and advertising chapter of your business plan is where you’ll detail your strategies for capturing the attention — and loyalty — of the customers you identified as your target market in the previous section.

With so many options for consumers in the food and beverage space, you’ll likely have to rely on multiple marketing channels , including::

  • Advertising on websites, television, and in relevant publications.
  • Content marketing — developing an engaging website and writing blog content that’s search engine optimized to drive traffic to your site.
  • Engaging with your customers on social media.
  • Offering discounts and customer loyalty programs.
  • Appearing at food and beverage industry trade shows and community events.

It doesn’t matter how delicious your recipes are, how fresh your crops are, or how innovative your cocktails are — if you don’t operate efficiently, your business probably won’t last long.

The operations strategy may be the most detailed section of your business plan, especially if you’re writing it for a bank loan or investment. This section describes how you will run your business day to day.

When writing the operations section, describe the following:

Physical space

Whether it’s a restaurant, a farm, or a food transportation business, describe the space you’re operating in, and all of the physical assets and equipment you’ll need to be successful. 

If it’s a sit-down restaurant, consider including a floorplan mockup in your appendix.

Supply chain 

List the suppliers and partners that get your product to customers. Think about the businesses you purchase ingredients from, the warehouses that goods are stored in, and the trucking companies that deliver your products to grocery stores. 

These are your supply chain partners. It’s crucial that you maintain good relationships with them.

Production processes

How long it takes to make your product, and what materials and equipment are required. Documenting how you produce your goods or services demonstrates that you understand the costs of making them. 

You may also uncover ways to produce them more quickly, or at a lesser cost.

Detail how you’ll handle matters of efficiency like order fulfillment, storage, shipping, and returns, as well as customer satisfaction. If you provide delivery services, document how you will handle the process of getting your product to customers’ homes or businesses.

List your staffing needs, training, and experience requirements for key staff. Also, document the management structure of your business. 

This helps ensure that important tasks you don’t have time to monitor are being done and that workers are being supervised.

Describe investments in payment processing systems, inventory management software, and other tools that support sales or operations in your business. Cataloging your technology systems will help you determine where it might make sense to invest in upgrades for efficiency.

Take some time to write a financial plan . Create detailed financial projections, including sales , expenses , and profitability .

If that sounds intimidating, take a deep breath, and remember that financial forecasts are really just best guesses. If you’re running an existing business, you can start with your previous year’s numbers. If you’re starting, make an educated guess about where you hope to be financially a year from now.

Investors will want to see a: 

  • Sales forecast
  • Income statement (also called a profit and loss statement )
  • Cash flow statement
  • Balance sheet 

If you use a tool like LivePlan , you’ll be able to build out your financial forecasts relatively quickly, even if you don’t have experience with business numbers.

Even if you aren’t seeking investment, the financial plan is crucial for understanding the viability of your business. It allows you to adjust your business model based on projected performance, and make informed decisions about where to spend your money.

  • Food and beverage business plan templates and examples

If you want to see how other food and beverage businesses have created their plans, check out our free library of food and beverage business plans . 

You can download all of them in Word format and jump-start your own business plan.

See why 1.2 million entrepreneurs have written their business plans with LivePlan

Content Author: Elon Glucklich

Elon is a marketing specialist at Palo Alto Software, working with consultants, accountants, business instructors and others who use LivePlan at scale. He has a bachelor's degree in journalism and an MBA from the University of Oregon.

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Sample Coffee Shop Business Plan

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Writing a business plan is a crucial step in starting a coffee shop. Not only does it provide structure and guidance for the future, but it also helps to create funding opportunities and attract potential investors. For aspiring coffee shop business owners, having access to a sample coffee shop business plan can be especially helpful in providing direction and gaining insight into how to draft their own coffee shop business plan.

Download our Ultimate Coffee Shop Business Plan Template

Having a thorough business plan in place is critical for any successful coffee shop venture. It will serve as the foundation for your operations, setting out the goals and objectives that will help guide your decisions and actions. A well-written business plan can give you clarity on realistic financial projections and help you secure financing from lenders or investors. A coffee shop business plan example can be a great resource to draw upon when creating your own plan, making sure that all the key components are included in your document.

The coffee shop business plan sample below will give you an idea of what one should look like. It is not as comprehensive and successful in raising capital for your coffee shop as Growthink’s Ultimate Coffee Shop Business Plan Template , but it can help you write a coffee shop business plan of your own.

Example – BeanBrews Corner

Table of contents, executive summary, company overview, industry analysis, customer analysis, competitive analysis, marketing plan, operations plan, management team, financial plan.

At BeanBrews Corner, we’re proud to introduce our community-focused coffee shop located in the heart of the city’s bustling downtown area. Our mission is to serve high-quality, artisanal coffee and a selection of gourmet pastries and sandwiches, catering to both the early morning rush and the leisurely afternoon crowd. Our establishment is not just about serving great coffee; it’s a place where patrons can feel at home, whether they’re grabbing a quick takeaway or settling in for a few hours of work or relaxation. With our prime location and commitment to excellence in every cup, BeanBrews Corner aims to become a beloved staple in our local community, offering a warm, welcoming atmosphere that coffee lovers will cherish.

Our journey at BeanBrews Corner has been marked by several key success factors and accomplishments. Our focus on high-quality ingredients, coupled with our staff’s expertise in coffee brewing, has allowed us to offer a distinctive selection of coffee blends and drinks that stand out in the market. Our location has also played a crucial role in our success, providing us with high foot traffic and visibility. To date, we’ve successfully fostered a loyal customer base through our exceptional service and inviting atmosphere. Additionally, our engagement with the local community through events and partnerships has strengthened our brand presence and contributed significantly to our growth.

The coffee shop industry is experiencing a period of robust growth, driven by increasing consumer demand for specialty coffee and a rising culture of coffee appreciation. This industry is characterized by its high competitiveness and the importance of location, product quality, and brand differentiation. There is a significant trend toward sustainability and ethical sourcing of coffee beans, as well as an increasing preference for unique and customizable coffee experiences. Given these trends, BeanBrews Corner is positioned to thrive by focusing on quality, sustainability, and creating a unique customer experience that resonates with the values and preferences of today’s coffee enthusiasts.

Our target customers range from busy professionals seeking a quick coffee fix to students and remote workers looking for a cozy place to spend several hours. We also cater to coffee aficionados who appreciate the art of coffee making and seek unique blends and brewing techniques. Recognizing the diverse needs of our clientele, we’ve designed our product offerings and store layout to create a welcoming environment for everyone. Our approach to customer service is tailored to make every visit memorable, ensuring that BeanBrews Corner becomes a preferred destination for a wide range of coffee lovers in our community.

Java Joe’s: A chain with a wide selection of coffee and quick service. The Grind: Known for its cozy atmosphere and strong community engagement. Café Artisan: Focuses on high-end, specialty coffee offerings.

Our competitive advantages lie in our commitment to quality, our prime location, and our strong community ties. Unlike our competitors, we balance the convenience of quick service with the experience of enjoying artisanal coffee in a welcoming environment, making us a go-to spot for a broad customer base.

Our product line includes a wide variety of artisanal coffees, gourmet pastries, and sandwiches, with a focus on quality and uniqueness. Our pricing strategy is competitive, aimed at offering value for premium products. To promote BeanBrews Corner, we leverage social media, local events, and word-of-mouth, emphasizing our community involvement and unique offerings. We plan to introduce loyalty programs and seasonal promotions to encourage repeat business and attract new customers.

At BeanBrews Corner, our daily operations are centered around ensuring excellence in every aspect of our service. This includes meticulous inventory management, strict quality control, outstanding customer service, maintaining cleanliness and hygiene, efficient order fulfillment, effective financial management, strategic staff management, proactive marketing and promotion efforts, attentive feedback collection, and responsible energy and resource management. Our operational milestones include achieving consistent customer satisfaction, expanding our product offerings, and implementing sustainable practices across all operations.

Our management team at BeanBrews Corner brings together individuals with a passion for coffee and a wealth of experience in the hospitality industry. Led by our founder, a seasoned barista and entrepreneur, our team includes experts in operations, marketing, and customer service. Together, we share a commitment to creating an unrivaled coffee experience for our customers, fostering a positive work environment for our staff, and contributing to our community’s vibrancy. Our collective expertise and dedication are the driving forces behind our success and growth.

Welcome to BeanBrews Corner, a fresh and vibrant coffee shop nestled in the heart of Charlotte, NC. As a local coffee shop, we pride ourselves on filling a much-needed gap in the area—a high-quality, local coffee experience. Our passion for coffee, combined with a commitment to our community, drives us to serve not just a drink, but an experience.

At BeanBrews Corner, our menu boasts a wide range of offerings designed to cater to diverse tastes and preferences. Our coffee beverages stand out for their quality and variety, ensuring every coffee lover finds their perfect cup with us. For those who prefer a different kind of warm comfort, our tea selection offers both classic favorites and unique blends. But we don’t stop at drinks; our pastries and bakery items are the perfect companions to our beverages, made fresh daily. For those looking for something more substantial, we offer a selection of sandwiches and snacks, ideal for a quick lunch or a leisurely afternoon treat. And for those special occasions or simply to indulge, our specialty drinks provide a unique BeanBrews Corner experience.

Our location in Charlotte, NC, is no accident. We chose this vibrant city to be close to our customers, understanding their needs and being part of the community we serve. It’s not just about serving coffee; it’s about creating a space where people can gather, share, and connect.

BeanBrews Corner’s potential for success is rooted deeply in several key factors. Our founder brings invaluable experience, having previously run a successful coffee shop. This experience guides our vision and operations, ensuring we understand the intricacies of creating a beloved coffee destination. Furthermore, our commitment to quality sets us apart; we confidently claim to make better coffee than our competition, supported by our extensive variety of coffee and tea options. This combination of experience, quality, and variety positions us uniquely in the market, ready to become a favorite among the coffee-loving community of Charlotte.

Since our founding on January 6, 2024, we’ve made significant strides as a Limited Liability Company. Our journey began with the essentials: developing a company name that resonates with our vision, designing a logo that reflects our brand, and securing a great location that meets the needs of our customers and our business. These accomplishments are just the beginning of our story—one that we are excited to continue writing with our community in Charlotte.

The Coffee Shop industry in the United States is currently a thriving market, with an estimated size of over $45 billion. This figure reflects the growing popularity of coffee culture and the increasing demand for specialty coffee beverages among consumers. With a steady increase in coffee consumption over the years, the industry is expected to continue its growth trend in the coming years.

One of the key trends in the Coffee Shop industry is the shift towards customization and personalization. Consumers are looking for unique and personalized experiences when it comes to their coffee choices, driving the demand for specialty coffee shops like BeanBrews Corner. With a focus on providing high-quality, customizable coffee options, BeanBrews Corner is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend and attract a loyal customer base in Charlotte, NC.

Furthermore, the increasing preference for convenient, on-the-go coffee options has also been a driving force in the industry. With more consumers opting for quick and efficient coffee solutions, BeanBrews Corner can leverage this trend by offering fast service and grab-and-go options for busy customers. By aligning its offerings with the current market trends, BeanBrews Corner can establish itself as a competitive player in the Coffee Shop industry in Charlotte, NC.

Below is a description of our target customers and their core needs.

Target Customers

BeanBrews Corner will target a diverse range of customers, with local residents forming the core of its clientele. These individuals, seeking convenience along with quality coffee and a comfortable space to relax or work in, will find BeanBrews Corner especially appealing. The shop will tailor its offerings to meet the preferences and needs of this group, ensuring a steady flow of patrons from the surrounding neighborhoods.

Commuters and professionals working in or near Charlotte will also constitute a significant customer segment for BeanBrews Corner. The shop will provide a quick and efficient service for those in need of a morning coffee fix or a casual meeting spot. By offering Wi-Fi and work-friendly spaces, BeanBrews Corner will cater to the demands of this busy demographic, establishing itself as a go-to spot for both convenience and quality.

Moreover, BeanBrews Corner will also attract students and young adults looking for a cozy place to study, socialize, or enjoy artisan coffee. This segment values atmosphere as much as the quality of the coffee, and thus, the shop will create a welcoming and vibrant environment. Special promotions and events aimed at this demographic will further ensure their loyalty and frequent visits.

Customer Needs

BeanBrews Corner provides high-quality coffee that meets the expectations of residents with a discerning taste. Customers can savor an array of expertly crafted beverages, ensuring that their desire for premium coffee is fully satisfied. This commitment to excellence sets the foundation for a loyal customer base that values superior taste and quality.

In addition to serving top-tier coffee, BeanBrews Corner creates a welcoming atmosphere where individuals and groups can gather, work, or relax. The shop offers comfortable seating and complimentary Wi-Fi, catering to the needs of remote workers, students, and casual meet-ups. This environment encourages customers to spend time enjoying their coffee, fostering a sense of community and belonging.

BeanBrews Corner understands the importance of convenience for its customers. The coffee shop provides options for quick service, including online ordering and a mobile app for fast pick-ups. This ensures that even the busiest customers can enjoy their favorite beverages without significant delays, meeting the modern need for efficiency and time management.

BeanBrews Corner’s competitors include the following companies:

Summit Coffee – SouthPark:

Summit Coffee – SouthPark offers a wide variety of coffee blends and specialty drinks, as well as a selection of baked goods and light bites. Their price points cater to the mid-range consumer, providing a balance between affordability and premium quality. The revenue generated by Summit Coffee – SouthPark signifies a strong presence in the Charlotte market, with growth reflecting a loyal customer base and effective marketing strategies.

Summit Coffee – SouthPark operates primarily in the SouthPark area, serving a diverse clientele that includes young professionals, families, and students. Their key strength lies in their commitment to sustainability and community involvement, which resonates well with their customer segment. However, their location, while advantageous for reaching a specific demographic, may limit their geographical reach compared to competitors with multiple outlets.

Mugs Coffee:

Mugs Coffee is known for its cozy atmosphere and a broad selection of coffee and tea options, alongside a variety of sandwiches, pastries, and vegan options. They position themselves at a competitive price point, appealing to budget-conscious consumers without compromising on quality. The revenue of Mugs Coffee suggests a steady flow of regular customers and a positive reception in the local market.

With its location in a bustling neighborhood, Mugs Coffee attracts a mix of students, freelancers, and local residents looking for a comfortable place to work or relax. One of their key strengths is the welcoming environment and free Wi-Fi, making it a popular spot for work and study. A potential weakness for Mugs Coffee is the limited seating capacity, which can deter larger groups or peak-hour customers.

Thousand Hills Coffee:

Thousand Hills Coffee prides itself on its direct trade coffee, offering a premium range of single-origin coffees and artisanal blends. Their price points are on the higher end, targeting coffee connoisseurs and those willing to pay a premium for ethically sourced beans. The revenue trends for Thousand Hills Coffee indicate a niche but growing market share, benefiting from the increasing consumer interest in sustainable and ethical consumption.

Thousand Hills Coffee serves the greater Charlotte area, with a particular focus on the upscale market segment, including professionals and ethically conscious consumers. Their key strength is their commitment to quality and ethical sourcing, which distinguishes them from competitors. However, their premium pricing and niche focus could limit their appeal to a broader audience, potentially impacting their market reach.

Competitive Advantages

At BeanBrews Corner, our commitment to quality sets us apart in the vibrant Charlotte coffee scene. We pride ourselves on making better coffee than our competition, a claim rooted in our meticulous selection of beans and our perfected brewing techniques. Our baristas are artisans, trained in the craft of coffee making, ensuring each cup exceeds our customers’ expectations. This dedication to quality is not just a promise but a reality that can be tasted in every sip. Our customers come back not just for the coffee, but for the assurance of excellence that comes with every visit.

Furthermore, our variety is unmatched. We offer an extensive range of coffee and tea varieties, catering to the diverse preferences of our community. Whether a customer seeks the comfort of a classic espresso or the adventure of trying a new, exotic blend, we have something to satisfy every palate. This extensive selection allows us to provide a unique experience for each customer, making BeanBrews Corner a destination for both coffee aficionados and casual drinkers alike. Our variety extends beyond beverages; our cozy, welcoming space is designed to suit a range of needs, from a quiet spot for studying to a comfortable venue for social gatherings.

In addition to our superior coffee and wide variety, our location offers an added advantage. Situated in a convenient spot in Charlotte, we are easily accessible to both locals and visitors, making us a popular choice for anyone in search of quality coffee in a comfortable setting. This strategic location, combined with our commitment to excellence and variety, positions BeanBrews Corner as a leading coffee shop in the area, inviting more customers to discover the unique experience we offer.

Our marketing plan, included below, details our products/services, pricing and promotions plan.

Products and Services

At BeanBrews Corner, customers can indulge in a variety of meticulously crafted coffee beverages. The coffee menu encompasses everything from the classic espresso to more contemporary concoctions, ensuring there’s something for every coffee enthusiast. With an average price point of $3 for a basic coffee to around $5 for more intricate beverages, patrons can enjoy high-quality coffee without breaking the bank.

Aside from coffee, BeanBrews Corner offers a broad selection of teas to cater to non-coffee drinkers or those simply in the mood for something different. From traditional black and green teas to herbal and fruit-infused blends, the tea selection is designed to satisfy a wide range of palates. Prices for tea beverages are generally in the range of $2 to $4, making it an affordable option for tea lovers.

Complementing the beverage options, BeanBrews Corner also boasts an assortment of pastries and bakery items. Whether customers are in the mood for a sweet treat or a savory snack, the bakery section offers fresh, daily-made options including croissants, muffins, and scones, with prices averaging between $2 and $5. These bakery items are perfect for pairing with a cup of coffee or tea.

For those seeking a more substantial meal, the coffee shop also serves a variety of sandwiches and snacks. From gourmet sandwiches to wraps and salads, there’s something to satisfy any appetite. These menu items are ideal for lunch breaks or a quick, healthy snack, with prices ranging from $5 to $8, offering both value and quality.

Last but not least, BeanBrews Corner prides itself on its specialty drinks menu, which includes a range of unique and seasonal beverages. These specialty drinks are a testament to the creativity and passion of the baristas, showcasing flavors and combinations that can’t be found elsewhere. With an average price of $4 to $6, these specialty drinks offer a unique experience for those looking to try something new and exciting.

In summary, BeanBrews Corner caters to a wide range of tastes and preferences with its extensive menu of coffee and tea beverages, pastries, sandwiches, and specialty drinks. With its focus on quality, affordability, and variety, it’s the perfect spot for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious beverage or snack in a welcoming atmosphere.

Promotions Plan

BeanBrews Corner embraces a comprehensive promotional strategy to attract a vibrant customer base. At the heart of its efforts lies a robust online marketing campaign. The coffee shop leverages social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to engage with potential customers. By posting captivating content, including high-quality images of their coffee and pastries, BeanBrews Corner will build a strong online presence. Moreover, the shop will utilize targeted ads to reach coffee enthusiasts within Charlotte, NC, ensuring that their marketing efforts resonate with the local community.

In addition to online marketing, BeanBrews Corner will implement several other promotional tactics. The coffee shop will initiate a loyalty program to encourage repeat business. Customers will accumulate points with every purchase, which they can redeem for discounts or free items. This program not only incentivizes frequent visits but also fosters a sense of belonging among customers.

Furthermore, BeanBrews Corner will harness the power of local partnerships. By collaborating with nearby businesses and community organizations, the shop will gain exposure to a broader audience. These partnerships could include coffee pop-ups at local events or offering exclusive discounts to employees of partner organizations. Such collaborations will bolster BeanBrews Corner’s visibility and reputation within the community.

Email marketing will also play a crucial role in BeanBrews Corner’s promotional efforts. By collecting email addresses both in-store and online, the shop will send out regular newsletters. These newsletters will feature new products, special promotions, and upcoming events, keeping customers informed and engaged.

To cap off its promotional strategy, BeanBrews Corner will host a grand opening event. This event will not only serve as a celebration of the shop’s launch but also as an opportunity to showcase its offerings to the community. Live music, free samples, and special deals will attract a large crowd, generating buzz and excitement around the brand.

In summary, BeanBrews Corner employs a multifaceted promotional strategy encompassing online marketing, loyalty programs, local partnerships, email marketing, and a grand opening event. By executing these tactics, BeanBrews Corner will attract and retain a loyal customer base, establishing itself as a cherished destination for coffee lovers in Charlotte, NC.

Our Operations Plan details:

  • The key day-to-day processes that our business performs to serve our customers
  • The key business milestones that our company expects to accomplish as we grow

Key Operational Processes

To ensure the success of BeanBrews Corner, there are several key day-to-day operational processes that we will perform.

  • Inventory Management: We continuously monitor our stock levels to ensure we have all necessary ingredients and supplies, such as coffee beans, milk, and paper cups. This enables us to serve our customers without delay.
  • Quality Control: Daily checks are performed on our coffee machines and grinders to maintain the highest quality of coffee. We also taste our coffee throughout the day to ensure consistency in flavor.
  • Customer Service: Our staff engages with customers in a friendly and helpful manner, taking orders accurately and providing recommendations when asked. We ensure a welcoming atmosphere for all customers.
  • Cleanliness and Hygiene: Regular cleaning schedules are maintained throughout the day to ensure the shop, including the kitchen and seating areas, is clean and hygienic. This also includes sanitizing surfaces and equipment regularly.
  • Order Fulfillment: We efficiently manage the queue and prepare orders promptly while ensuring that every coffee served meets our quality standards. This minimizes wait times and improves customer satisfaction.
  • Financial Management: Daily sales are tracked, and expenses are monitored to manage the shop’s budget effectively. This includes performing cash handling duties and preparing deposits.
  • Staff Management: We schedule staff shifts to ensure adequate coverage during peak hours and manage the workload effectively. Staff training sessions are also conducted regularly to improve service quality.
  • Marketing and Promotion: We engage with our customers on social media platforms to promote our daily specials and upcoming events. This helps in building a community around our brand and attracting new customers.
  • Feedback Collection: We encourage customers to provide feedback on their experience and suggestions for improvement. This information is used to make necessary adjustments to our service and offerings.
  • Energy and Resource Management: We implement measures to reduce energy consumption and waste, such as using energy-efficient appliances and recycling, to ensure our operations are sustainable.

BeanBrews Corner expects to complete the following milestones in the coming months in order to ensure its success:

  • Securing a Prime Location : Identify and secure a lease for a location that is visible, accessible, and situated in a high-traffic area within Charlotte, NC, to ensure a steady flow of potential customers.
  • Obtaining Permits and Licenses : Successfully navigate the local regulatory environment to obtain all necessary permits and licenses required to legally operate a coffee shop in Charlotte, NC. This includes health department permits, business licenses, and any other local requirements.
  • Building Out the Coffee Shop : Complete the interior design, purchase, and installation of all necessary equipment and furniture to create a welcoming and efficient space for customers. This also includes ensuring the space meets all health and safety standards.
  • Hiring and Training Staff : Recruit, hire, and thoroughly train a team of baristas and support staff who are passionate about coffee and customer service. This team will be crucial in creating a positive customer experience and building a loyal customer base.
  • Marketing and Promotional Activities : Implement a strategic marketing plan that includes a grand opening event, social media campaigns, and local community engagement to generate buzz and attract customers to the shop.
  • Launch Our Coffee Shop : Officially open BeanBrews Corner to the public, ensuring that all operational, staffing, and marketing elements are in place for a successful launch.
  • Establishing Supplier Relationships : Secure relationships with high-quality coffee bean suppliers, local bakeries, and other necessary vendors to ensure a consistent and premium product offering.
  • Implementing a Customer Loyalty Program : Develop and launch a loyalty program or system to encourage repeat business and build a dedicated customer base.
  • Monitoring and Adapting Operations : Regularly review operational efficiency, customer feedback, and financial performance to identify areas for improvement and adapt strategies accordingly.
  • Get to $15,000/Month in Revenue : Reach the critical financial milestone of generating $15,000 in monthly revenue, which indicates a growing customer base and operational success. This will involve continuously optimizing the menu, pricing strategies, and marketing efforts to increase sales.

BeanBrews Corner management team, which includes the following members, has the experience and expertise to successfully execute on our business plan:

Benjamin Taylor, CEO

With an impressive track record in the coffee shop industry, Benjamin Taylor brings a wealth of experience to his role as CEO of BeanBrews Corner. His previous success in running a coffee shop demonstrates his deep understanding of the business, from operations to customer satisfaction. Benjamin’s leadership skills, combined with his passion for coffee and commitment to excellence, make him uniquely qualified to lead BeanBrews Corner towards lasting success. His experience not only in managing day-to-day operations but also in strategic planning and execution, places BeanBrews Corner in capable hands.

To achieve our growth goals, BeanBrews Corner requires a strategic investment in marketing, product development, and further establishment of our community presence. This investment will support our expansion plans, including enhancing our existing location, extending our product range, and implementing innovative marketing strategies to attract a broader customer base. Our financial strategy is designed to ensure sustainable growth while maintaining our commitment to quality and community engagement.

Financial Statements

Balance sheet.

[insert balance sheet]

Income Statement

[insert income statement]

Cash Flow Statement

[insert cash flow statement]

Coffee Shop Business Plan Example PDF

Download our Coffee Shop Business Plan PDF here. This is a free coffee shop business plan example to help you get started on your own coffee shop plan.  

How to Finish Your Coffee Shop Business Plan in 1 Day!

Don’t you wish there was a faster, easier way to finish your coffee shop business plan?

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

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business plan blueprint sample

Create a form in Word that users can complete or print

In Word, you can create a form that others can fill out and save or print.  To do this, you will start with baseline content in a document, potentially via a form template.  Then you can add content controls for elements such as check boxes, text boxes, date pickers, and drop-down lists. Optionally, these content controls can be linked to database information.  Following are the recommended action steps in sequence.  

Show the Developer tab

In Word, be sure you have the Developer tab displayed in the ribbon.  (See how here:  Show the developer tab .)

Open a template or a blank document on which to base the form

You can start with a template or just start from scratch with a blank document.

Start with a form template

Go to File > New .

In the  Search for online templates  field, type  Forms or the kind of form you want. Then press Enter .

In the displayed results, right-click any item, then select  Create. 

Start with a blank document 

Select Blank document .

Add content to the form

Go to the  Developer  tab Controls section where you can choose controls to add to your document or form. Hover over any icon therein to see what control type it represents. The various control types are described below. You can set properties on a control once it has been inserted.

To delete a content control, right-click it, then select Remove content control  in the pop-up menu. 

Note:  You can print a form that was created via content controls. However, the boxes around the content controls will not print.

Insert a text control

The rich text content control enables users to format text (e.g., bold, italic) and type multiple paragraphs. To limit these capabilities, use the plain text content control . 

Click or tap where you want to insert the control.

Rich text control button

To learn about setting specific properties on these controls, see Set or change properties for content controls .

Insert a picture control

A picture control is most often used for templates, but you can also add a picture control to a form.

Picture control button

Insert a building block control

Use a building block control  when you want users to choose a specific block of text. These are helpful when you need to add different boilerplate text depending on the document's specific purpose. You can create rich text content controls for each version of the boilerplate text, and then use a building block control as the container for the rich text content controls.

building block gallery control

Select Developer and content controls for the building block.

Developer tab showing content controls

Insert a combo box or a drop-down list

In a combo box, users can select from a list of choices that you provide or they can type in their own information. In a drop-down list, users can only select from the list of choices.

combo box button

Select the content control, and then select Properties .

To create a list of choices, select Add under Drop-Down List Properties .

Type a choice in Display Name , such as Yes , No , or Maybe .

Repeat this step until all of the choices are in the drop-down list.

Fill in any other properties that you want.

Note:  If you select the Contents cannot be edited check box, users won’t be able to click a choice.

Insert a date picker

Click or tap where you want to insert the date picker control.

Date picker button

Insert a check box

Click or tap where you want to insert the check box control.

Check box button

Use the legacy form controls

Legacy form controls are for compatibility with older versions of Word and consist of legacy form and Active X controls.

Click or tap where you want to insert a legacy control.

Legacy control button

Select the Legacy Form control or Active X Control that you want to include.

Set or change properties for content controls

Each content control has properties that you can set or change. For example, the Date Picker control offers options for the format you want to use to display the date.

Select the content control that you want to change.

Go to Developer > Properties .

Controls Properties  button

Change the properties that you want.

Add protection to a form

If you want to limit how much others can edit or format a form, use the Restrict Editing command:

Open the form that you want to lock or protect.

Select Developer > Restrict Editing .

Restrict editing button

After selecting restrictions, select Yes, Start Enforcing Protection .

Restrict editing panel

Advanced Tip:

If you want to protect only parts of the document, separate the document into sections and only protect the sections you want.

To do this, choose Select Sections in the Restrict Editing panel. For more info on sections, see Insert a section break .

Sections selector on Resrict sections panel

If the developer tab isn't displayed in the ribbon, see Show the Developer tab .

Open a template or use a blank document

To create a form in Word that others can fill out, start with a template or document and add content controls. Content controls include things like check boxes, text boxes, and drop-down lists. If you’re familiar with databases, these content controls can even be linked to data.

Go to File > New from Template .

New from template option

In Search, type form .

Double-click the template you want to use.

Select File > Save As , and pick a location to save the form.

In Save As , type a file name and then select Save .

Start with a blank document

Go to File > New Document .

New document option

Go to File > Save As .

Go to Developer , and then choose the controls that you want to add to the document or form. To remove a content control, select the control and press Delete. You can set Options on controls once inserted. From Options, you can add entry and exit macros to run when users interact with the controls, as well as list items for combo boxes, .

Adding content controls to your form

In the document, click or tap where you want to add a content control.

On Developer , select Text Box , Check Box , or Combo Box .

Developer tab with content controls

To set specific properties for the control, select Options , and set .

Repeat steps 1 through 3 for each control that you want to add.

Set options

Options let you set common settings, as well as control specific settings. Select a control and then select Options to set up or make changes.

Set common properties.

Select Macro to Run on lets you choose a recorded or custom macro to run on Entry or Exit from the field.

Bookmark Set a unique name or bookmark for each control.

Calculate on exit This forces Word to run or refresh any calculations, such as total price when the user exits the field.

Add Help Text Give hints or instructions for each field.

OK Saves settings and exits the panel.

Cancel Forgets changes and exits the panel.

Set specific properties for a Text box

Type Select form Regular text, Number, Date, Current Date, Current Time, or Calculation.

Default text sets optional instructional text that's displayed in the text box before the user types in the field. Set Text box enabled to allow the user to enter text into the field.

Maximum length sets the length of text that a user can enter. The default is Unlimited .

Text format can set whether text automatically formats to Uppercase , Lowercase , First capital, or Title case .

Text box enabled Lets the user enter text into a field. If there is default text, user text replaces it.

Set specific properties for a Check box .

Default Value Choose between Not checked or checked as default.

Checkbox size Set a size Exactly or Auto to change size as needed.

Check box enabled Lets the user check or clear the text box.

Set specific properties for a Combo box

Drop-down item Type in strings for the list box items. Press + or Enter to add an item to the list.

Items in drop-down list Shows your current list. Select an item and use the up or down arrows to change the order, Press - to remove a selected item.

Drop-down enabled Lets the user open the combo box and make selections.

Protect the form

Go to Developer > Protect Form .

Protect form button on the Developer tab

Note:  To unprotect the form and continue editing, select Protect Form again.

Save and close the form.

Test the form (optional)

If you want, you can test the form before you distribute it.

Protect the form.

Reopen the form, fill it out as the user would, and then save a copy.

Creating fillable forms isn’t available in Word for the web.

You can create the form with the desktop version of Word with the instructions in Create a fillable form .

When you save the document and reopen it in Word for the web, you’ll see the changes you made.

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More From Forbes

Don’t ask for an nda right away — do this instead when pitching.

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Are you confident that you understand the benefits of signing an NDA?

There is confusion among product developers about when and why to use a non-disclosure agreement (NDA). Also known as a confidentiality agreement, an NDA is a legal contract that is designed to keep specific information from becoming public. People who are new to entrepreneurship assume that signing an NDA means their intellectual property is protected. And while NDAs can be used to help protect an idea — by inserting language that stipulates no reverse-engineering, for example — that’s hardly a given.

I’ve been pitching companies my ideas for new products for decades. In this article, I explain my strategy for asking for an NDA to be signed, including when and how. To be clear, I am not an attorney and this is not legal advice. (For any and all of your needs concerning NDAs, consult with a member of the legal profession.)

Let’s get into it.

What Is An NDA?

An NDA is designed to prevent information from becoming public. There are different types of non-disclosure agreements. A mutual NDA is one in which two or more parties are sharing confidential information, such as intellectual property (including trade secrets) or research findings, financial insights, and negotiations, for example. When an inventor pitches an idea for licensing consideration, typically the information they want to keep from becoming public is their product or invention — their intellectual property.

When I don’t want the other party to disclose confidential information that could impact the intellectual property that I’m filing, I ask for a one-way NDA.

Typically, an NDA has a time limit. Three to five years is common.

Best High-Yield Savings Accounts Of 2024

Best 5% interest savings accounts of 2024, why sign an nda.

Is signing an NDA mandatory before sharing an idea? No. My motivation for asking for an NDA is to avoid publicly disclosing my idea. Everyone who is filing intellectual property needs to understand the concept of public disclosure , because of how it impacts your ability to obtain intellectual property.

In the United States, after you disclose your idea publicly, you have the next 12 months to file a patent application. Common examples of public disclosure include showing your idea at a trade show, on a website, via social media, in printed publications, or even by selling the invention. Here’s the key: You can avoid committing public disclosure by signing an NDA before sharing your idea with others. When you avoid public disclosing your idea, you give yourself the option of re-filing a provisional patent application (PPA). That’s a big benefit.

Important note: Most companies will not sign your NDA. So, expect to sign theirs. Review the contract very carefully to ensure you agree to the terms.

When And How To Ask For An NDA

Is it concerning and suspicious when a company you’d like to pitch won’t sign an NDA? No, I think it’s perfectly reasonable. You haven’t given them a reason — an incentive — to sign an NDA. Companies take a risk when they sign an NDA and don’t know exactly what we’re going to be talking about. So, stop asking for an NDA right off the bat.

Here’s what to do instead.

Before you share your idea, make sure to file the appropriate intellectual property. For me, most of the time that means a provisional patent application (PPA). I add value to my PPA by including workarounds and variations. (More patent application strategy here and here .)

Then, when I reach out to potential licensees, I share the benefit of my invention without disclosing any of the intellectual property on which I filed. Selling the benefit first is a lure to help me gauge their interest. Because if they aren’t interested in the benefit of my idea, they aren’t going to be interested in the details. If and when the company requests more technical information, that’s the perfect time to ask them to sign an NDA.

This is what international trade secrets expert, IP Hall Of Famer, and attorney Jim Pooley refers to as “progressive incremental disclosure.” There’s a conundrum, he points out, when you’re up against someone who doesn’t want to sign an NDA and you need to encourage them to do so without spilling what it is that you want to keep confidential.

So, here’s what he tells people to do.

“Tease the recipient with information about whatever it is that you have that doesn't have to be kept secret. So, for example, you can tell them what the output is and be very precise about it in a way that will be enticing to the person,” he explains. “You sort of peel back the various layers of sensitivity going down towards the kernel of what's really innovative. You can get people to the point where they'll say, okay, boy, that sounds really interesting and to get any farther, I'm going to have to sign an NDA.”

(This strategy won't work with certain classes of people, like venture capitalists, he added, who are famous for never signing NDAs.)

Basically, what you’re trying to do is build trust as you approach each other. Imagine a middle school dance, Pooley said, with girls and boys lined up on opposite ends of the gymnasium floor, slowly figuring out how to engage by reading each other’s body language until the point where they’re holding hands and dancing. The process of getting an NDA signed is not that different.

Does Signing An NDA Protect Your Idea?

My sense is that a lot of inventors believe NDAs are a tool to protect our ideas from being stolen. They can be, but they aren’t inherently. You would need to include additional language in the NDA that pertains to preventing reverse-engineering.

In my experience, it’s difficult for others to sign an NDA with that type of language at the very beginning of your relationship. In fact, very rarely do I see this type of language in the NDAs I receive. (If you can get it inserted, more power to you.) NDAs that include language regarding reverse-engineering are becoming more common, Pooley said. “But it is an aggressive ask depending on the circumstances,” he added.

NDAs help set a professional tone. I highly recommend having a legal professional draft an NDA that addresses all of your needs. Pooley laments that NDAs are often treated as a form to fill out, when in reality they are a contract — and “contracts have consequences.” A lot of the terms can vary, including the definition and breadth of the confidential information.

There’s no doubt that strategies for protecting ideas while engaging in open innovation can become very complex. It all depends on the type of industry and who you’re dealing with. Seek the counsel of someone who has experienced the power of NDAs not only from a legal perspective, but also a business perspective, to help you navigate these waters successfully.

Stephen Key

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