If your business is a partnership or requires multiple employees, you may need a more robust business plan. Similarly, a one-page plan will not be sufficient if you are in need of debt or equity financing and wish to impress financial institutions or potential investors. Lenders and investors will require you to provide more in-depth information in the plan such as:
Your relevant industry background, business, and management experience A more thorough description of your target market, proof of sufficient demand for your products or services, and how you will meet that demand and turn a profit Thorough analysis of the competition and how you will compete in the marketplace Detailed, realistic financial projections, including projected income statements, cash flow projections, and breakeven analysis An in-depth operating section with details on facilities, leases, equipment, and staffing.
Step-by-step guidance on how to write a business plan can lead you through each section of a full-sized plan. Keep in mind that a business plan is a living document and you can always start with a one-page plan and enlarge it with additional detail as required. You may be able to articulate the business overview, vision, objectives, and concise action items in a single page, but you might want more detail in the financial and marketing sections. For example, you might want to add an extra page to your pricing strategy section for income and cash flow statements and another for breakeven analysis in advertising and promotion.
Structure of a Business Plan
A one-page business plan needs to provide concise answers to several basic questions that must be addressed such as:
What is the need for your product or service? What is your competition and how will you differentiate yourself in the marketplace? How will you make money, for example, in terms of sales versus expenses? How will you market your business? How will you get started? What are your capital requirements?
How to Use the Templates
The sample templates can be copied into a Word, Excel or similar office document by selecting the text and using copy/paste—using Windows, outline the text to be selected with the mouse, and hit CTRL-C to copy and CTRL-V to paste.
One-Page Business Plan Template for a Service Business
This template is suitable for freelance businesses that provide services, such as consultants, graphic designers, landscapers, and delivery services. For a one-page plan, the answers to questions should be one or two sentences. What are you building? What do you see this business becoming in x years? How do you plan to grow the business and to what degree? For example, will you hire employees, open up branch outlets, or take the business public? What services will you provide? What is your target market—who will buy your services? How will your service offerings address the needs of customers, for example, what is your unique selling proposition? How much will you charge for your services? Briefly describe how your pricing will be competitive enough to attract customers but be high enough to generate a profit after subtracting expenses. What are the most efficient ways to market your services? For example, will you market them via a business website, email, social media, or newspapers? Will you use sales promotional methods such as pricing discounts for new customers? What marketing materials will be used—business cards, flyers, or brochures? Capture 20% of the local market share by year end Gain five steady customers in the first six months of operation Earn a net income of $50,000 for the first fiscal year List any obstacles or concerns, for example: Winter season or poor spring weather reduces demand for landscaping services. By “date” a fully-equipped home office will be completed. By “date” business licenses and insurance acquired. By “date” purchase of delivery van negotiated with dealer. By “date” launch business website with description of services and price list. By “date” social media marketing plan in place and potential customers connected via Facebook and LinkedIn. By “date” subscribed to cloud-based accounting software and setup customer invoice templates. Describe possible solutions for any potential obstacles: If landscaping services cannot be delivered due to bad weather, look into providing other services such as snow clearing or tree pruning. What is your grand plan and what do you see this business becoming? How do you plan to grow the business and to what degree? For example, do you plan to hire employees, open up a second restaurant or manufacturing plant, purchase new equipment and machinery to increase productivity, or go public and sell shares on a stock exchange? What products will you be selling? What is your target market—who will buy your products? How will your product offerings address the needs of customers? How will you sell your products—online or storefront? How will you deliver your products? For example, will they be shipped, sold over the counter, or delivered personally? How much will you charge for your products? Briefly describe how your product quality and competitive pricing will lure customers from rival businesses but be sufficient to generate a profit after subtracting manufacturing costs and expenses. How will you advertise your products to attract customers? For example through a storefront, business website, email, social media, or newspapers. Will you use sales promotional methods such as free samples, product demonstrations, and price discounts? What marketing materials will be used—business cards, flyers,or brochures? Sell 500 units of product by year end. Gain two major customers within the first six months of operation. Have an average 50% occupancy rate in your restaurant within three months of opening. Earn a net income of $30,000 for the first fiscal year, and $50,000 by the third fiscal year. List any obstacles that may prevent you from achieving your objectives, for example: Suppliers not able to deliver sufficient product Construction delays involving renovations on the premises By “date” business premises chosen and lease signed By “date” renovations to business premises completed By “date” contracts with suppliers and wholesalers negotiated and signed By “date” qualified employee hired By “date” purchase of delivery van negotiated with dealer By “date” launch business website with description of products and price list By “date” social media marketing plan in place and potential customers connected via Facebook and LinkedIn By “date” point of sale system acquired, customized, and installed By “date” products acquired and stocked By “date” employee training completed By “date” premises open for business List any obstacles or concerns and how you intend to overcome them. For example: In case wholesale supplier A is unable to deliver sufficient product, sign contracts with backup suppliers. Be prepared to delay opening if renovations to the premises are not completed on time, or open and continue construction after business hours.
