A Standard Business Plan Outline

by Tim Berry

As I write here about business plan outlines, please remember that your plan should be only as big as what you need to run your business. While everybody should have planning to help run a business, not everyone needs to develop a complete formal business plan suitable for submitting to a potential investor, or bank, or venture contest. So don’t include outline points just because they are on a big list somewhere, or on this list, unless you’re developing a standard business plan that you’ll be showing to somebody else who expects a standard business plan.

And in that case, if you do need a standard plan, then there are predictable contents of a standard business plan. For example, a business plan normally starts with an Executive Summary, which should be concise and interesting. People almost always expect to see sections covering the Company, the Market, the Product, the Management Team, Strategy, Implementation and Financial Analysis.

If you have the main components, the order doesn’t matter that much, but here’s the order I suggest.

Executive Summary: Write this last. It’s just a page or two of highlights.
Company Description: Legal establishment, history, start-up plans, etc.
Product or Service: Describe what you’re selling. Focus on customer benefits.
Market Analysis: You need to know your market, customer needs, where they are, how to reach them, etc.
Strategy and Implementation: Be specific. Include management responsibilities with dates and budgets. Make sure you can track results.
Web Plan Summary: For e-commerce, include discussion of website, development costs, operations, sales and marketing strategies.
Management Team: Describe the organization and the key management team members.
Financial Analysis: Make sure to include at the very least your projected Profit and Loss and Cash Flow tables.

I don’t recommend developing the plan in the same order you present it as a finished document. For example, although the Executive Summary obviously comes as the first section of a business plan, I recommend writing it after everything else is done. It will appear first, but you write it last.

Standard Tables and Charts

There are also some business tables and charts that are normally expected in a standard business plan.

Cash flow is the single most important numerical analysis in a plan, and should never be missing. Most plans will also have Sales Forecast and Profit and Loss statements. I believe they should also have separate Personnel listings, projected Balance sheet, projected Business Ratios, and Market Analysis tables.

I also believe that every plan should include bar charts and pie charts to illustrate the numbers.

Expanded Plan Outline
1.0 Executive Summary
1.1 Objectives
1.2 Mission
1.3 Keys to Success

2.0 Company Summary
2.1 Company Ownership
2.2 Company History (for ongoing companies) or
Start-up Plan (for new companies)
2.3 Company Locations and Facilities

3.0 Products and Services
3.1 Product and Service Description
3.2 Competitive Comparison
3.3 Sales Literature
3.4 Sourcing and Fulfillment
3.5 Technology
3.6 Future Products and Services

4.0 Market Analysis Summary
4.1 Market Segmentation
4.2 Target Market Segment Strategy
4.2.1 Market Needs
4.2.2 Market Trends
4.2.3 Market Growth
4.3 Industry Analysis
4.3.1 Industry Participants
4.3.2 Distribution Patterns
4.3.3 Competition and Buying Patterns
4.3.4 Main Competitors

5.0 Strategy and Implementation Summary
5.1 Strategy Pyramids
5.2 Value Proposition
5.3 Competitive Edge
5.4 Marketing Strategy
5.4.1 Positioning Statements
5.4.2 Pricing Strategy
5.4.3 Promotion Strategy
5.4.4 Distribution Patterns
5.4.5 Marketing Programs
5.5 Sales Strategy
5.5.1 Sales Forecast
5.5.2 Sales Programs
5.6 Strategic Alliances
5.7 Milestones

6.0 Web Plan Summary
6.1 Website Marketing Strategy
6.2 Development Requirements

7.0 Management Summary
7.1 Organizational Structure
7.2 Management Team
7.3 Management Team Gaps
7.4 Personnel Plan

8.0 Financial Plan
8.1 Important Assumptions
8.2 Key Financial Indicators
8.3 Break-even Analysis
8.4 Projected Profit and Loss
8.5 Projected Cash Flow
8.6 Projected Balance Sheet
8.7 Business Ratios
8.8 Long-term Plan

This article was published under Writing a Business Plan. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

72 readers have commented on “A Standard Business Plan Outline”

Ramaano Kenneth said on January 7th, 2008 at 7:40 am:

It have really helped me a lot, I `m currently busi with starting my own company that will take the world by storm and I really need someone who is not scared to invest on me since I don`t have cash.
mitchell said on January 8th, 2008 at 12:11 pm:

what is the first thing you would do to start a business. what are the highlights of making a business plan? im thinking about starting A business.
Sean Serrels said on January 9th, 2008 at 12:36 pm:

Hi Mitchell,

The Small Business Administration has a great tool for people who are preparing to open their own businesses. The Small Business Planner can be found at: http://www.sba.gov/smallbusinessplanner/index.html
It has a great step by step guide on how to prepare for and open a business as well as additional tips on writing your business plan.
Tracy Williams said on January 10th, 2008 at 4:21 pm:

Thanks for this information. The information and the sample plans really continue to boost my energy and excitment over starting my new business venture.
Chelle Parmele said on January 11th, 2008 at 8:24 am:

Tracy,

That’s great. We love to hear about someone excited about Entrepreneurship!

Good luck to you and your new business!
Bplans UK. Business Plan Outline. Sample Business Plans. | Marketing Idea Marketing Resources said on January 12th, 2008 at 6:14 am:

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Trung said on January 12th, 2008 at 8:37 pm:

I’m going to join HSBC young entrepreneur Award and they require a outline limited to 1000 words. If I use your outline model, it will be so long, won’t it ?
DOUGLAS WARUI said on January 19th, 2008 at 2:33 am:

Thank God I found what I was looking for
ashwini said on January 23rd, 2008 at 1:58 am:

how to do business plan for spectacles and eyeware company?

—-
This is a question we get quite a lot Ashwini. “How do you write a plan for __specific type of business___”

We have created the bplans.com website as a resource for people to get the information they need to write their business plans or help in the course of their business.

We don’t write business plans here. We aren’t a consulting company. We write business planning software that walks you through writing your business plan step by step and helps you with the process of planning your business.

On the bplans website you can find resources that will help you in creating a business plan for an eyeware company, but most likely, you won’t find a sample plan for that exactly. You’ll find the tools to write that plan yourself.

I hope this was helpful, and good luck in your venture!
Regan said on January 23rd, 2008 at 10:08 am:

I am seventeen years old and I have a business idea. I am working on forming my business plan. I need someone to financially support me. If you would like more information please email me at regan-joy @ hotmail. com I realize that this may be a long shot but I also know that without faith no one would be successful. If I don’t ask for assistance and just assume that no one will help I may miss out on something great.
Brandi said on January 25th, 2008 at 9:03 am:

thank you so much for this.
Im only 16 but I had to make a business outline for english.
THANK YOU!!!
Rachel Moalosi said on January 30th, 2008 at 3:33 am:

I want to establish a small business which i want to increase to a big business. I have looked into your guide of Business plan and I have learned a lot.
Lucia Charles said on January 31st, 2008 at 4:57 am:

It has been well with the knowledge of a business plan. I have learned much to plan my business strategically for the next five years.

Thank you so much
Debbie Breeden said on February 4th, 2008 at 9:35 am:

Yes, I am looking for a sample business plan for starting my own embroidery/screenprinting business. I have already established this business for 2 years but now I need a business plan to apply for a loan. Can someone send me a sure plan on an already successful business in this field?
Abid Ismial said on February 5th, 2008 at 5:35 am:

I wana prepair a business plan for steel mill. However; i need simple for help if any one help me its will be my pleasure.

Regrads,
Godwin said on February 6th, 2008 at 12:14 pm:

Very good guide i’m doing a business plan course and I found it very helpful I am useing it and its helping a lot very greatful for your site.
Regards and best wishes for the future from Malta
BOATENG ELVIS said on February 9th, 2008 at 2:20 pm:

PLEASE I NEED A SIMPLE SAMPLE OF BUSINESS PLAN.I WISH TO KNOW WHICH FORMAT TO ADOPT TO START WRITING ONE.AM A HEAD OF MY INSTITUTION AND NEED A GUID OF SUCCESSFUL WRITING.
ADEYI DENNIS said on February 14th, 2008 at 8:26 am:

I REALY NEED A BUSINESS PLAN THAT GIVE A CLEAR CUT GUIDE FOR A SMALL BUSINESS I INTENDED TO START.A CUSTOMISED PLAN FOR SMALL ADVERSORY BUSINESS.THANKS
darryl ivey said on February 16th, 2008 at 8:29 am:

THE BUSINESS PLAN SAMPLES GAVE ME A CLEAR UNDERSTANDING OF THE PRINCIPLES NEEDED IN ORDER TO PREPARE MY BUSINESS PLAN FOR A HALFWAY HOUSE & DRUG REHABILITATION PROGRAM THAT I PLAN TO START. THANKS!
Awadh said on February 19th, 2008 at 8:54 am:

Thanks for briefing on business plans.Learned something from you.Surely i will visit again for more information
Dulbs said on February 20th, 2008 at 3:46 pm:

If anyone is interested in speaking their idea please feel free to email me. I am always interested in hearing the newest and best of ideas.
Dulbs said on February 20th, 2008 at 3:46 pm:

My email is dulbs1228 @ yahoo.com
Irineu Monteiro said on February 21st, 2008 at 11:40 am:

Hello.
My namew is Irineu and i am from Cape Verde Islands. i am trying to write a business plan for my final project course in Salkburg Austria and i am also try to make it realBack home. my idea is based on a Bed and Breakfast. . very smal with 8 rooms. can please someone send me some ideas about how to create this.
Oy said on February 25th, 2008 at 8:01 pm:

Thank you for your outline, it really helpful for me. But I have a query that where should I locate SWOT analysis?
Best Regard,
rey boncodin said on February 25th, 2008 at 11:30 pm:

what are the contents of a business plan
Chelle Parmele said on February 26th, 2008 at 8:49 am:

Oy,

If you do a search on the bplans.com website for SWOT you’ll find several articles on the subject.

SWOT

Hope that helps!

‘Chelle Parmele
Palo Alto Software
Chelle Parmele said on February 26th, 2008 at 8:50 am:

Rey,

You can search on the bplans.com website for some examples of complete business plans.

Sample Business Plans

Hope that helps!

‘Chelle Parmele
Palo Alto Software
totala said on February 29th, 2008 at 1:00 am:

I think Careful planning is fundamental to success. The Small Business Planner includes information and resources that will help you at any stage of the business lifecycle.
amankwah kwabena nsiah said on March 3rd, 2008 at 7:14 am:

Thank you for your assistance it has really made my work easier.I wish there were avenues for people to send in their questions on the subjectfor help as to how to prepare a business plan of a specific nature.
BWENGYE RAJABU said on March 3rd, 2008 at 12:00 pm:

Thanks a great deal for your guidelines on writing business plans. This site is 100 times better and educative compared to other publications.

I would be grateful if you could send me a copy or draft of any real life small/medium size business plan for any income generating business in the retail industry.

Thanks.

RAJABU-Business student-netherlands
Daniel B said on March 12th, 2008 at 8:53 am:

what is your business? i May be interested in investing money with you if its worth while!
Chelle Parmele said on March 12th, 2008 at 11:06 am:

There are several resources, some even here on this website.

You can locate the Expert Advice tab at the top of the page or by doing another Google search for forum’s designed to assist people looking for specific help.

There are also consultants you could look into, like Masterplans.
Joe sway Salguero said on March 12th, 2008 at 11:15 am:

Very helpful thanks…
yahya sultan said on March 13th, 2008 at 10:45 pm:

I’m in preparation of a Business Plan for a small scale enterprise for a financial company catering financial products and services.

Any creative and innovative ideas are encouraged for my creation of Business Plan.
shambel said on March 14th, 2008 at 7:50 pm:

Hi Daniel,

Our plan is to stablish profitable development consultancy firm to be based in Ethiopia. We are a pool of professionals from multi-disciplinary team and trying to invest our collective capital in the ever-growing consultancy industry in development field. If you are intersted in joining our team as a consultant, you are welcome.

you can contact me at: shambelgemechu@yahoo.com
Samson said on March 15th, 2008 at 8:00 am:

My instructor gave me an assignmment to prepare a bussines plan after his lecture. It was not easy for me to do the assignment.So,I started to search in the web-site if i would get help.I’m lucky I got it; it is yours’.Thank you!

I want to have samples; so would you please send it tom through my e-mail address.
» BUSINESS PLANS : A Collection of Articles for How to Outline and Write a Business Plan for Freelancers Starting a Small Business - Blog for Freelancers and the Self-Employed said on March 16th, 2008 at 11:17 am:

[…] Business Plan Outline […]
Kanya Yoshihiro said on March 16th, 2008 at 9:04 pm:

I just started an LLC and my biggest hang-up in writing my business plan is my financial forecast. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
kanya said on March 16th, 2008 at 9:25 pm:

this was the worst thing i ever bought never again
Lyny’s Weblog said on March 16th, 2008 at 10:36 pm:

[…] Business Plan Outline […]
Erik said on March 17th, 2008 at 5:57 am:

Hi you all.

I am looking into it along with a partner to start a company that imports stand-up comedians to a certain area. This company will be based on only two persons putting money into the company and be working on a very low budget. I have been looking over the sample plans but none of them seem to fit to what I am looking at. Is there anybody out there who could point me in the right direction on how to make my business plan for such a small agency? It would be great if you knew of a good template that I could go by. Any help would be great.
Thanks and good luck to you all out there.
Nicole said on March 17th, 2008 at 8:36 am:

Samson,

There are many free sample business plans available here at bplans.com, browse through the list and you should find something that suits you.
A standard outline for a business plan - Business Place blog said on March 18th, 2008 at 2:51 pm:

[…] This article was written by Tim Berry of Bplans.com […]
» BUSINESS PLANS: Business Plan Examples, Samples, Templates, Software and Tools - Blog for Freelancers and the Self-Employed said on March 18th, 2008 at 8:34 pm:

[…] A Standard Business Plan Outline […]
John Lewis Mealer said on March 22nd, 2008 at 4:45 pm:

All Things Better Constructed is searching for investors. In order to continue to develop, produce
and market our many American designed “Green” devices that are certain to shake the very
foundations of the established rules, we need investors to think like us. Share our success!
We dare to break the rules of engagement by taking the lead in non-petroleum and non-electric
powered full sized vehicles that will out run and out last modern manufactured cars and trucks!

We dare to break the rules of engagement by presenting a viable and affordable “Green”
heating and cooling source for homes across America. The stranglehold by the
electric and gas companies will finally be released so we can all breathe easier.

We dare to offer an ecologically sound method of building inexpensive yet,
extremely rugged houses in kit form to provide quickly constructed
homes in times of disasters as well as for luxury living for the first
time home buyer, pro builder or realty investor. Our kit homes
exceed building codes and remain standing when others fail.

These are three options to be selected individually or
as one over-all plan. The options are yours.
Expert opinions in marketing and production
are always welcome and often needed.

A Stronger America
is a Stronger World,
Own a Piece
of What Matters Most.

John Lewis Mealer
Danker said on March 23rd, 2008 at 8:03 pm:

This is more of a question than a comment. The business plan outline is very helpful, but … it’s usually conceived for those who want to start a new business. My question is for advice on what to do with a business plan for revitalizing a dormant business in the tourist industry in Indonesia. Here are the particulars: an Indonesian firm owns two big river boats that used to take tourists (mostly from Europe and Japan) on river explorations. That has stopped because of financial mismanagement. I now have the opportunity to revive this business, but it needs investment for rehabilitating the boats, reviving the market, adjusting what is and can be offered to tourists, etc. I have no own capital, but the expertise to run something like this. It needs investment which can be in the form of direct investment or a loan from a bank. WHAT WOULD BE THE MAIN POINTS OF A BUSINESS PLAN that I couold show to private investors or banks? I can be reached at dschaareman@yahoo.com
Sechaba Fesi said on March 25th, 2008 at 1:52 am:

I want to start a bussines of PPE supplier and general labour broker. I would like to have a good bussines plan which will lead me to successful company, I am presently working as technician
SIMON SAANDO said on March 25th, 2008 at 6:43 am:

i found your information helpful to my project work and would like to see a sample of a business plan.
rohit said on March 26th, 2008 at 12:57 am:

i liked how it is given but i will be glad enough if some one mails me a sample business plan on rohitb_imdr@yahoo.co.in
Jake Weatherly said on April 1st, 2008 at 9:59 am:

The outline is completely customizable in business plan pro. You can add topics, delete topics, rename topics and move topics.
You might also find some of our resources on writing a business plan for a competition to be helpful. Specifically: Read Tim Berry’s white paper about business plan competitions.
Thank you for your question.

Jake Weatherly
Palo Alto Software
Customer Care
Casi Deatherage said on April 1st, 2008 at 10:27 am:

We do have a complete list of the 500 sample plans available within our sample business plan library. You can do a keyword search for your type of business from this link. This will let you know if there is a sample plan similar to what you are trying to create available for your reference.

What is important is that Business Plan Pro will work to develop your own plan for your specific business, and it includes all 500 sample plans as a source for inspiration.

Here’s a similar plan that might work: Custom Printed T-Shirts Business Plan

Thank you for your question.

Jake Weatherly
Palo Alto Software
Director or Customer Experience
Jake Weatherly said on April 1st, 2008 at 10:59 am:

We have a whole library of complete sample plans and each plan has its own unique business plan outline.

Jake Weatherly
Palo Alto Software
Director of Customer Experience
nangolison Benego said on April 2nd, 2008 at 3:09 am:

business plan is a guiding principal to the entrepreneur because it explains the journey of the organisation from the day of start and how it will carry on with its activities.
with the recent competition organisational running needs to be systematic and this can be done with help of the business plan.
in order for the organisation to succeed,its like some body traveling and he needs vehcle for traveling and so applies to entrepreneur he needs the vehicle which is the business plan
nangolison Benego said on April 2nd, 2008 at 3:12 am:

please this is good but i would like to enquire of what business plan is recquired for an NGO and can i have a sample
kimg said on April 4th, 2008 at 1:10 am:

print 2 copies
A Friend said on April 4th, 2008 at 12:21 pm:

Regan, in everything that you say do and think… Seek God. He put that idea in you before you knew who you were. He set it to bubble deep down in your belly where you feel that you must get it out. You see it just as if it were right in front of you and you were getting it done, today. I’m glad you’ve come to find that you have been impregnated with a gift, a treasure, and potential. However Regan, you must carry it the full term or you will abort. Be anxious for nothing, but in EVERYTHING, with prayer and supplication let your request be made kknown unto God. Then will you have peace and understanding in that special something within. Wait and SEEK GOD. Have faith and be blessed.

Congratulations.
T. Jones said on April 4th, 2008 at 4:41 pm:

Hello Daniel.

I am currently in the process of writing a business plan myself for a marketing and distribution company. If you are interested, my email is ae_inc45@yahoo.com.
Oli Loftus said on April 5th, 2008 at 2:01 am:

Hi, excellent article about business plans, I’m currently starting a new business and writing the business plan is one of the starting points for me to secure investment. Also the fact that you say that you don’t necessarily need to follow the structure reassures me, as I won’t be needing to but felt a little unsure about doing so.

Thanks again!
Casi Deatherage said on April 7th, 2008 at 10:18 am:

Hello Danker,
Calculating the value of your business is vital if you are trying to find investors, apply for a loan, or sell your business to a potential buyer. The Premier Edition of Business Plan Pro includes detailed valuation tools that can help you determine a solid business valuation and create a professional investment offering. Showcase the true value of your business with more advanced spreadsheets that describe the sources and uses of cash for any new or existing business.
Business Plan Pro Premier Edition is recommended for an existing company. The premier edition has advanced financials and can can forecast out up to ten years and in detail for up to two years. Make sure you maximize the full value of your business by using this option, which is only available in the Premier Edition.

Hope that helps!

Casi Deatherage
Palo Alto Software
Customer Care
A Standard Business Plan Outline - Business Plan Help & Small Business | Marketing Idea said on April 7th, 2008 at 11:06 pm:

[…] As I write here about business plan outlines, please remember that your plan should be only as big as what you need to run your business. While everybody should read continue […]
tiffany said on April 8th, 2008 at 2:56 pm:

This is good but i would like to see more samples to help me construct mine a little better…
John S. Brown, Sr. said on April 13th, 2008 at 5:59 am:

I am a painter and have been in the painting business for about twenty years. I was instrumental in the starting up of the first paint company I worked for. The steps were very basic and we made a lot money…. The tools of the traid were purchased and we advertised our serviceses by canvesing neighborhoods and leaving our business cards. Now I would like to start this buissness for myself and I neeed to know how to write an effective business plan and/or a proposal to acquire more funds to start up. I have purchased some of my equipment and a van, however, I still have some very cost oriented obsticals to overcome and I need some help. Anyone who has been in this business knows that the painting business is very lucrative and can be rewarding on many levles. I am not only good at what I do, I also like it. Is there really help out there for the minority start-up businessman?
sharon fisher said on April 14th, 2008 at 4:40 pm:

Im starting my own buisness, but right now I dont have
the capital to fund my project.
it will be a beauty supply based buisness and the
area I found to run it will be perfect for this project
it has other buisnesses being built in this area,
and the customer potential is great.
megan said on April 16th, 2008 at 5:11 am:

bam!!1!
YaSin Baker said on April 17th, 2008 at 7:39 pm:

I would like to know what a sample business plan looks like for an employment agency (temporary to direct hire). I also need to know what documentation is needed to start a business like this. A checklist would be sufficient, if at all possible. Thank you in advance for any consideration.
Ryan said on April 18th, 2008 at 5:52 am:

this didnt help at all!
Scott said on April 18th, 2008 at 8:58 pm:

Sharon,

Here is a great resource for getting the capital you need to start your business. Another great resource can be your bank. Ask them about a small business loan.

How to Get the Financing for Your New Small Business: Innovative Solutions From the Experts Who Do It Everyday.

Author: Fullen, S
Casi Deatherage said on April 24th, 2008 at 2:22 pm:

Hello John S. Brown, Sr.,

Busines Plan Pro does a great job of helping you write a business plan for start-up funding.

Best regards,

Casi Deatherage
Palo Alto Software
Customer Care
Casi Deatherage said on April 24th, 2008 at 2:27 pm:

Dear Sharon Fisher,

We have resources built into Business Plan Pro to help you get funding. For example, some businesses choose to start by bringing in investors for start-up funding, while others go to a bank for a business loan. Business Plan Pro has resources built in for both approaches (the SBA loan application for bank loans, the Venture capital Database for investment sources).

Best regards,

Casi Deatherage
Palo Alto Software
Customer Care
sameer .ahmad rather said on April 27th, 2008 at 8:18 pm:

i am want to establish to our own buisness in kashmir . plese suggest what plan suit for me .when i have not such fiancial position to develop a big buisness .
Syed Raza Abdulkhader said on April 30th, 2008 at 8:36 am:

I want to set up a business of providing my clients with a door to door service of automobile Oil / Lub change while they are relaxed at home or office.

Can some one help me with a Business / Marketing Plan. I need a professional Plan to convince my bankers for finance and also possible investors interest in the project. SOS srabdulkhader@gmail.com
Casi Deatherage said on May 1st, 2008 at 8:35 am:

Hello Syed,
Honestly, you may not find a sample plan that will exactly match your business model. You may find several that are close or related. What is important is that we include sample plans as idea generators and examples, not as plans that you can actually print and turn in to a bank.

All sample plans included are real plans. You may use them as a starting point, but even if one exactly matches your type of business, it will still have different start-up costs, location, management team and market research information.

What is important is that Business Plan Pro will work to develop your own plan, for your specific business. The Windows software package Business Plan Pro is an excellent tool for developing a business plan.

I hope this was helpful!

Casi Deatherage
Palo Alto Software
Customer Care

A Standard Business Plan Outline

by Tim Berry

72 readers have commented on “A Standard Business Plan Outline”

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