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Writing a Business Plan
While it may be tempting to put off, creating a business plan is an essential part of starting your own business. Plans and proposals should be put in a clear format making it easy for potential investors to understand. Because every company has a different goal and product or service to offer, there are business plan templates readily available to help you get on the right track. Many of these templates can be adapted for any company. In general, a business plan writing guide will recommend that the following sections be incorporated into your plan.
Executive Summary
The executive summary is the first section that business plans open with, but is often the last section to actually be written as it’s the most difficult to write. The executive summary is a summary of the overall plan that highlights the key points and gives the reader an idea of what lies ahead in the document. It should include areas such as the business opportunity, target market, marketing and sales strategy, competition, the summary of the financial plan, staff members and a summary of how the plan will be implemented. This section needs to be extremely clear, concise and engaging as you don’t want the reader to push your hard work aside.
Company Description
The company description follows the executive summary and should cover all the details about the company itself. For example, if you are writing a business plan for an internet café, you would want to include the name of the company, where the café would be located, who the main team members involved are and why, how large the company is, who the target market for the internet cafe is, what type of business structure the café is, such as LLC, sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation, what the internet café business mission and vision statements are, and what the business’s short-term objectives are.
Services and Products
This is the exciting part of the plan where you get to explain what new and improved services or products you are offering. On top of describing the product or service itself, include in the plan what is currently in the market in this area, what problems there are in this area and how your product is the solution. For example, in a business plan for a food truck, perhaps there are numerous other food trucks in the area, but they are all fast –food style and unhealthy so, you want to introduce fast food that serves only organic and fresh ingredients every day. This is where you can also list your price points and future products or services you anticipate.
Market Analysis
The market analysis section will take time to write and research as a lot of effort and research need to go into it. Here is where you have the opportunity to describe what trends are showing up, what the growth rate in this sector looks like, what the current size of this industry is and who your target audience is. A cleaning business plan, for example, may include how this sector has been growing by 10% every year due to an increase in large businesses being built in the city.
Organization and Management
Marketing and sales are the part of the business plan where you explain how you will attract and retain clients. How are you reaching your target customers and what incentives do you offer that will keep them coming back? For a dry cleaner business plan, perhaps if they refer customers, they will get 10% off their next visit. In addition, you may want to explain what needs to be done in order for the business to be profitable. This is a great way of showing that you are conscious about what clear steps need to be taken to make a business successful.
Financial Projections & Appendix
The financial business plan section can be a tricky one to write as it is based on projections. Usually what is included is the short-term projection, which is a year broken down by month and should include start-up permits, equipment, and licenses that are required. This is followed by a three-year projection broken down by year and many often write a five-year projection, but this does not need to be included in the business plan.
The appendix is the last section and contains all the supporting documents and/or required material. This often includes resumes of those involved in the company, letters of reference, product pictures and credit histories. Keep in mind that your business plan is always in development and should be adjusted regularly as your business grows and changes.
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Your Guide to Writing a Business Plan
If you’re starting a new business, then you need an effective plan. Not only does this enable you to plan your company, but it also gives potential clients an insight into how your business works. A business plan is also vital if you want to attract investors or secure a loan from the bank. Drafting a business plan is a complex process, but it doesn’t have to be. This guide will ensure you create a definite plan to impress investors and clients.
When creating your business plan, there are some essential elements you must include. The Executive Summary provides a description of your business, and what you hope to achieve. People usually write at least one page, but leave their Executive Summary until last.
You’ll also need to detail what your business offers and define your target audience. This makes it easier for people to see whether your company has a chance of succeeding. The opportunity section is also an excellent way for you to see what competitors offer and how you can create a USP to stand out from the competition.
Appealing to Investors
Every business that wants growth and prosperity must ensure they promote themselves to potential investors. Business plans aren’t just about what the business is, but who is part of it too. Detail your current team members and explain what they bring to the company. Investors want to know they’re making a wise investment.
Your current finances and financial forecast are also essential aspects of your business plan. Look at your products, how much you’re selling them for and what kind of profit margin you expect to gain. It’s also vital you detail your outgoings and look at how various economic situations could affect your finances.
Writing a Winning Executive Summary
There are problems in every market, and a successful business solves that problem. If you can show how you’ll be able to offer solutions in your business plan, you’ll appeal to investors. Choose your target audience based on research and ensure you show your research. There are many ways to conduct market research including defining SOMs, SAMs and TAMs.
TAM stands for Total Available Market and comprises everyone you want your product to reach. Your Segmented Addressable Market (SAM) is a specific portion of the market you’ll target. This is important because it shows you’re able to direct your product at the right people and not just everyone. Your SOM (Share of the Market) is what you feel you’ll gain with your product.
How to Determine Pricing
Pricing your product is one of the most challenging things you’ll have to do. There are many things to consider, such as how much it’s worth and making sure you don’t charge unrealistically. Many new businesses believe undercharging is the best way to go, but doing this can undermine your company’s authority and cause fewer people to be interested in investing.
Market-based pricing involves looking at your competitors and evaluating their prices. Which company has the most customers? How does their pricing match others? These are all vital aspects you should consider. Remember, customers expect quality and a fair price, so make sure you combine the two.
Future Goals
Investors and banks want to know that you’ve considered what the future will hold for your company. When you write your business plan, be sure to take into account how you see the company growing, what you’ll do to ensure it thrives and that you understand the potential risks. Banks and investors want to know that you can build a business and are aware of the obstacles you’ll have to overcome.
Starting your own business doesn’t have to be difficult. If you ensure you produce a robust business plan, it can be an exciting process. Your business is part of your future, so start by outlining your goals and look forward to seeing results.
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8-page fill-in-the-blank business plan template.
Need to write a business plan, but do not know where to start? Just fill in the blanks on this business plan template, and you will be good to go.
8-Page Fill-In-The-Blank Business Plan Template PDF 8-Page Fill-In-The-Blank Business Plan Template Word
The fill-in-the-blank business plan template is just eight pages and covers all the basics. There are brief sections for organization of your business, your industry, your mission statement, and your day-to-date operations. There’s also a comprehensive marketing section that includes information about your pricing, your marketing positioning (in terms of price and quality), your competition, and the types of marketing you’ll use to promote your small business. The financial section includes information about your average sale, breakeven points, money needed for startup, and more.
Download the PDF version of the business plan template, and you can fill in the blanks by hand. Download the Word version of the business plan template, and you can type in your answers and have a polished business plan, ready to present to lenders or investors.
Related Small Business Classes Online How To Write A Fill-In-The-Blank Business Plan Why Write A Business Plan
Jennifer Croft Comments Years ago, I was hired by Mi Casa Resource Center For Women in Denver to teach women on welfare how to start and run their own small businesses. Mi Casa didn’t have any curriculum, so I had to build 108 hours of curriculum from scratch, which I then taught at a rate of nine hours per week, over a 12-week period. Most of the curriculum centered around elements that eventually became part of a business plan. I kept retooling the business plan, over and over, until I had it as simple as possible. The result became this 8-page, fill-in-the-blank business plan, which has stood the test of time, with only minor revisions in the marketing section.
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Nonprofit Business Plan Template & Guide [Updated 2023]
Nonprofit business plan template.
A nonprofit business plan is essential to start and grow your nonprofit (non-profit) organization. It helps organizations plan and execute on opportunities. All business plan templates will include a number of sections such as an executive summary, organizational overview, and industry analysis. A business plan template can be a crucial tool for any organization, but especially nonprofits as they are often founded by members with mixed levels of business experience.
How to Write a Nonprofit Business Plan
Growthink’s nonprofit business plan template below is the result of 20+ years of research into the types of business plans that help nonprofit organizations (NPOs) to attract funding and achieve their goals.
Follow the links to each section of our nonprofit business plan template:
Next Section: Executive Summary >
Nonprofit Organization Planning Resources & FAQs
Below are answers to the most common questions asked by nonprofits:
Is there a nonprofit business plan template I can download?
Yes. If you’d like to quickly and easily complete your non-profit business plan, download our non-profit business plan template and complete your business plan and financial model in hours.
Where can I download a nonprofit business plan PDF?
You can download our free nonprofit business plan template PDF here . This is a business plan template you can use in PDF format.
What Is a nonprofit business plan?
A non-profit business plan describes your organization as it currently exists (which could be just an idea) and presents a road map for the next three to five years. It lays out your goals, challenges, and plans for meeting your goals. Your business plan should be updated frequently, as it is not meant to be stagnant. It is particularly important to create/update your business plan annually to make sure your nonprofit remains on track towards successfully fulfilling its mission.
A nonprofit business plan template is a tool used to help your nonprofit business quickly develop a roadmap for your business.
Why do you need a business plan for your nonprofit?
A nonprofit business plan serves many purposes. Most importantly, it forces you to think through and perfect your nonprofit’s strategy, it provides a roadmap to follow to grow your nonprofit, and it provides financial and other information major donors and board members need to know before they invest in your organization. Business planning can be a challenge and business plan templates help make this task easier for your team.
What are the types of nonprofit organizations (NPOs)?
There are several types of nonprofits. These are categorized by section 500(c) by the IRS for tax exempt purposes. Listed below, are some of the frequently filed sections:
Corporations formed under Act of Congress. An example is Federal Credit Unions.
Holding corporations for tax exempt organizations. This group holds title to the property for the exempt group.
This is the most popular type of NPO. Examples include educational, literary, charitable, religious, public safety, international and national amateur sports competitions, organizations committed to the prevention of cruelty towards animals or children, etc. Organizations that fall into this category are either a private foundation or a public charity. Examples include Getty Foundation, Red Cross, Easter Seals, etc.
Examples include social welfare groups, civil leagues, employee associations, etc. This category promotes charity, community welfare and recreational/educational goals.
Horticultural, labor and agricultural organizations get classified under this section. These organizations are instructive or educational and work to improve products, working conditions and efficiency.
Examples include real estate boards, business leagues, etc. They work to ameliorate business conditions.
Recreation and social clubs that promote pleasure and activities fall into this category.
Fraternal beneficiary associations and societies belong to this section.
Voluntary Employees’ beneficiary associations which provide benefits, accidents and life payments to members are a part of this section.
When filling in your nonprofit business plan template, include the type of nonprofit business you intend to be.
What are the primary sources of funding for nonprofit business plans?
The primary funding sources for most nonprofit organizations are donors, grants and bank loans. Donors are individuals that provide capital to start and grow your nonprofit. Major donors, as the name implies, write large checks and are often instrumental in launching nonprofits. Grants are given by organizations and others to achieve specific goals and often nonprofits qualify for them. Business loans, particularly for asset purchases like buildings and equipment, are also typically used by nonprofits.
Nonprofit organizations may also sell products or services, work with investors or develop their own investments. The expertise of the non-profit staff, members and board of directors will impact funding options for a nonprofit organization. The non profits mission, resources, goals and vision will all impact the funding sources a nonprofit business will place in it's business plan as well.
What's the difference between business planning and strategic planning for nonprofits?
Business planning is typically done when you start your nonprofit. Your initial business plan hopes to forecast future results and give you the best possible chance for success. Once nonprofits have launched and are operating, many of the unknowns and assumptions are answered and strategic planning is used to help grow the organization. Both business planning and strategic planning are similar processes.
How do you write a nonprofit business plan?
To most quickly write a nonprofit business plan, start with a template that lays out the sections to complete. Answer the questions provided in the template and discuss them with your co-founders if applicable. A template financial model will help you more easily complete your financial forecasts.
What should be included in nonprofit plans?
A nonprofit business plan should include the following information: Executive Summary, Organization Overview, Products, Programs, and Services, Industry Analysis, Customer Analysis, Marketing Plan, Operations Plan, Management Team/Organizational Structure, Financial Plan and Appendix.
How do you start a nonprofit?
The key steps to starting a nonprofit are to choose the name of your organization, write your business plan, incorporate your organization, apply for your IRS and state tax exemptions and get any required licenses and permits you need to operate.
How many nonprofit organizations are in the US?
According to the National Center for Charitable Statistics, there are approximately 1.54 million nonprofits registered in the United States (data pulled from registrations with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)).
Does your action plan and fundraising plan belong in your plan?
Yes, both belong in your plan.
Include your action plan in the operations plan section. Your fundraising plan goes in your financial plan section. Here you will discuss how much money you must raise and from whom you plan to solicit these funds.
Where do you include your mission in your plan?
Your mission statement is extremely important as it lays the foundation for and presents the vision of your nonprofit. You should clearly detail your mission statement in both the executive summary and organizational overview of your nonprofit plan.
What do you include in a nonprofit’s financial projections?
Your financial projections must include an Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Cash Flow Statement. These statements within your business plan show how much money your organization will bring in from donors and customers/clients and how much your organization will spend.
The key purpose of your financial projections is to ensure you have enough money to keep your organization operating. They also can be an important component of your nonprofit business plan template, as donors, your board of directors, and others may review to understand financial requirements of your nonprofit.
How do nonprofit owners get paid?
Nonprofits function like for-profit businesses in that they often have employees who receive salaries. As such, as the owner, founder and/or CEO of a nonprofit, you can give yourself a salary. Many nonprofit CEOs, particularly those running large health, finance and educational organizations earn millions of dollars each year.
How much does it cost to start a nonprofit business?
Nonprofits must complete Form 1023 with the IRS in order to get exemption status. The filing fee for this form is $600. If neither actual nor projected annual income for the organization exceeds $50,000, you can file form Form 1023-EZ which costs just $275.
In addition to the filing fee, there are other costs associated with starting a nonprofit organization based on the type of organization you are developing (for example, if you require buildings and equipment). Gathering information through the business planning process will help you accurately estimate costs for your nonprofit business plan template.
Where can I download a nonprofit business plan template doc?
You can download our free nonprofit business plan template DOC here . This is a nonprofit business plan template you can use in Microsoft DOC format.
Helpful Video Tips for Nonprofit Business Plans
Below are tips to creating select sections of your nonprofit business plan:
Writing the Management Team Section of Your Nonprofit Business Plan
Writing the Operations Section of your Nonprofit Business Plan
Writing the Customer Analysis Section of Your Nonprofit Business Plan
Writing Your Nonprofit Business Plan’s Executive Summary
NONPROFIT BUSINESS PLAN OUTLINE
- Nonprofit Business Plan Home
- 1. Executive Summary
- 2. Organization Overview
- 3. Products, Programs, and Services
- 4. Industry Analysis
- 5. Customer Analysis
- 6. Marketing Plan
- 7. Operations Plan
- 8. Management Team
- 9. Financial Plan
- 10. Appendix
- Nonprofit Business Plan Summary
Non-profit Organization Business Plan 4 Template
Related documents, 2,600+ templates & tools to help you start, run & grow your business, document description, sample of our non-profit organization business plan 4 template:, all the templates you need to plan, start, organize, manage, finance & grow your business, in one place., templates and tools to manage every aspect of your business., 8 business management modules, in 1 place., document types included.
Blank Business Plan Templates
Get a Free Blank Business Plan Template Here at Template.net to Avoid the Trouble of Creating It from Scratch! These Templates Have a Sample Layout and Are Downloadable in a Format of Your Choice Including Pdf Form and Word. Create Your One-Page Small Business Plan Using Our Printable Templates! See more
Want to create a business plan to start your small business to grow and succeed? Are you a startup businessman trying to make a name and a statement in the world of business? It’s time for you to rise and get yourself ready for what’s coming. Try our Ready-Made Blank Business Plan Templates so you may get yourself ready as you set your future goals and vision for your company. They are all 100% customizable, easily editable, and printable. A4 and US sizes are available for you to print. Download our blank business plan premium templates now and begin your journey in the world of business to succeed!
What Is A Blank Business Plan
A business plan is your mission and vision for your company to reach its peak of succession. It is everything you want and plans your company to be in the next five to ten years. A businessman’s vision is for their company to succeed and prosper sales and productivity-wise. It applies in any layout of professions given in the world of business. It can be a medical pharmacy, a fitness gym, a coffee shop, a bakery, a food truck business, or even a spa and salon. You want to have a good company plan for your company to prosper and profit. Make that your main agenda.
How To Create A Blank Business Plan
Based on the Panel Study Of Entrepreneurial Dynamics II, they tracked a representative sample of more 1000 would-be US entrepreneurs over six years, covering 2005 up to 2011. Entrepreneurs grow more in number as they establish their business and spread all across for the world to notice. After knowing this, we hope to get your hopes up even more as we give you these essential tips on making your modern business plan a reality.
1. Have A Purpose
When making your business plan, you want to have a purpose in doing that business. It has to be something that is genuinely in line with what you vision your business to be. If you plan on making a fitness business plan , then the goal and purpose should be related to fitness. Don’t sway away from your main agenda because that will lead to a disadvantage towards your business plan.
2. Make A Profile
Once you have the purpose of your basic plan for your business, its time to make a profile. Write about your organization and describe the product and services you offer in the industry for marketing. You want to set an establishment for your business and work hard for it if you're going to succeed in the world of business.
3. Formulate A Strategy
Adding a strategy is one of the critical movements in formulating your product business plan . Introduce new products, extend and regain the market for existing products, enter new territories for the company, boost sales for a particular product, and cross-selling are some strategies you may apply in developing your business.
4. Make It Adaptable
You want to use adaptability to your strategic plan if you want your business to profit. For your business to reach that stage, you have to enter your audience if you want your products and services to sell in the marketing world. You want to connect to their interests, so you can convince them to buy your product.
5. Never Stop Caring
As soon as you finish your sample business plan always have a soft spot to remember why you are doing this. You must have a connection to whatever business you plan to build based on your personal passions in life. If you love coffee so much, then run a business by running a coffee shop. If you love music, create a studio business to produce music based on the genres you like. Passion can be expressed in many ways and always take that to heart. Always be passionate personal and business-wise.
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Preparing a financial plan for your business is important if you plan to pursue business finance options such as loans, according to Inc. Business finance companies look at the short-term viability as well as the long-term potential of a bu...
While it may be tempting to put off, creating a business plan is an essential part of starting your own business. Plans and proposals should be put in a clear format making it easy for potential investors to understand.
If you’re starting a new business, then you need an effective plan. Not only does this enable you to plan your company, but it also gives potential clients an insight into how your business works. A business plan is also vital if you want t...
How Do You Fill Out a Business Plan? · Determine the Purpose of Your Business Plan: Are you creating a strategic roadmap for your business?
Projected financial data in this plan shows. within a __(Timeframe)__ time period. __(Organization Name)__ is a nonprofit organization established as a __(NPO
Use this free fill-in-the-blank business plan template to write a business plan for your small business! We offer free classes, worksheets, and resources.
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A fill-in-the-blank business plan template is a document that allows you to quickly write a business plan. Among other things, it includes an introduction
Nonprofit Organization Planning Resources & FAQs. Below are answers to the most common questions asked by nonprofits: Is there a nonprofit business plan
Oct 25, 2020 - Download free, fill-in-the-blank business plan templates in PDF and Word formats, and learn how to fill out a business plan.
3. If you're unsure of an answer or detail in a certain section, leave it blank for now. Why Write a Business Plan
Simply fill-in-the-blanks & print.
Get a Free Blank Business Plan Template Here at Template.net to Avoid the Trouble of Creating It from Scratch! These Templates Have a Sample Layout and Are