rbc business plan template

A simple way to build your business plan

The RBC Business Plan Builder guides you through a series of questions, offering resources and providing a framework for success. This business plan can be completed in as little as 30 minutes. Go at your own pace. Download the document at any time. All information will remain confidential to you.

Use the Business Plan Builder to:

• Describe what your business will do and the needs it will meet.
• Outline your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT).
• List your startup costs and ongoing expenses.
• Describe how you will find and market to customers.

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How to write a business plan

How to write a business plan | cfib.

A business plan is an indispensable road map for your business’ success. While many entrepreneurs only write a plan in hopes of securing financing, smart entrepreneurs invest the time to create a plan that can take their business into the future.

A business plan is a living document, generally planning 3-5 years ahead. It outlines the direction a business intends to take to establish a customer base and start earning profits.

The key elements of a strong business plan include:

• Company Profile:   What is your business’s mission? What product or service do you offer? What is your competitive advantage in the market?
• Market Research:  What are the current trends in your industry? What are the characteristics and traits of your target market and what is the market share opportunity for your business? 
• Sales & Marketing:  What channels will you use to distribute your product? How are you going to reach your customers? Will the web and social media play a role in promoting your goods?
• Operations:   What will you need to run your business (equipment, space, staff, etc)?  Will you handle your own books or hire an accountant?  How will the business be structured – incorporated or sole proprietor?
• Financials:   How much money will you need to get your business off the ground? How will that money be allocated?  When do you expect to start earning money?

Need help developing your business plan - We have the resources to help.

Business Planning Resources

Futurprenuer

Business Plan Essentials: A quick overview of what’s needed

Business Plan Writer : An interactive tool created by Futurpreneur, the Business Plan Writer has been designed to simplify the business planning process. Not only is this tool dynamic, allowing you to customize your plan, it also provides tips & tricks and plenty of examples to guide you as you write.

Mentoring :  Futurpreneur Canada matches entrepreneurs (18 to 39) with a business mentor for six months and provides access to start-up resources, but without the financing. Mentors offer personalized support to help you launch and grow your business.

Other Resources :

• Scotiabank: Interactive Business Plan Writer
• Business Development Bank of Canada: Business Plan Template
• RBC Planning Your Business Site
• TD Online Business Planning Guide
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Business Plan Template for Small Businesses

Business planning can feel complicated. it doesn't have to be. start putting pen to paper today with your free business plan template download..

Available formats:

Downloads: 937,826

Our free template includes:

• Fill-in-the-blanks simplicity

You don't need to be an expert. This template makes business planning easy.

All 100% free. We're here to help you succeed in business, no strings attached.

Why you need a business plan

Writing a business plan can seem like a big task, especially if you’re starting a business for the first time and don’t have a financial background. After all, business plans have changed over the years, and what lenders and investors expect now is different than it was even just 10 years ago.

What hasn’t changed is that writing a business plan will help you:

• Develop a strategy for success
• Reduce the risk of starting a business
• Explore new business ideas
• Attract investors and get funding

Learn more about how you can get value out of your business plan .

What is included in this business plan template?

This template includes definitions, guidance, and examples for every business plan component needed to start, fund, and grow your business.

After downloading the full template, you’ll receive instructions on how to fill out each of the following sections.

Executive summary

The brief summary of your business plan introduces everyone to your business, the problem you solve, and what you’re asking from your readers. It’s the first chapter of your business plan and the last thing you write once you have the details from your full plan.

Problem & solution

More than a simple description of your products and services – here you define the problem you’re solving and the value you provide. It’s also your chance to showcase any initial traction that shows you’re on the right track.

Market analysis and target market

A detailed assessment of the market you intend to enter, including the size and value of the market, potential customer segments, and their buying patterns.

Competition

Show that you know who your competitors are, what advantages you have, and how you’re positioning your business to be competitive.

Marketing & sales

Describe how you’ll reach and sell to potential customers with a detailed sales plan and chosen marketing channels.

What makes your business run? Outline the day-to-day workflows and what needs to be set up for your business to deliver a product or service.

Milestones & metrics

Set goals for your business that include the dates and people responsible for accomplishing them. This is what you’ll use to manage responsibilities, track growth, and execute your larger strategy.

Company overview and team

Provide a brief rundown of the legal and structural components of your company, including your history, current team, and gaps you need to fill.

Financial plan

Create well-structured and accurate financial statements to help you pitch to investors, land funding, and achieve long-term success. All without the help of a financial advisor or a degree in accounting.

While not required, this last section of your business plan is a great place to drop in additional documents that support and strengthen the rest of your plan.

How do you write a simple business plan?

If you’re exploring a business idea and don’t plan to pursue funding, then you actually don’t need to write a traditional business plan. Instead, opt for a one-page plan , which is far easier to create but just as effective.

To write a simple one-page business plan, follow the same core sections as a traditional plan. But instead of lengthy paragraphs and multiple pages covering each area of your business, stick with single sentences and bulleted lists.

If a one-page plan sounds like a better option, download our free simple business plan template to get started.

Start your business plan today

Whether you're writing a business plan to validate your business idea, secure funding, or grow your existing business – our template will help you achieve your goals.

Business plan template FAQ

What file formats are available for this business plan template?

You can download and use this business plan template as a Google Doc, .docx (Microsoft Word), or PDF.

Can you print out this template?

This is a printable business plan template that can be downloaded and printed no matter which format you choose.

Why should you start with a business plan template?

Starting with a good business plan template (like this one) includes everything you need to get started. It helps you organize your thoughts, and provides guidance, instructions, and examples to create an investor-ready and SBA-approved business plan format. It really speeds up the planning process. Oh, and it's 100% free!

Is writing a business plan easy?

Using a business plan template can make writing a business plan easier. Additionally, if you focus on just getting your information down quickly, with the expectation that you'll revisit and revise your plan, you can speed up and simplify the process .

Can someone write your business plan for you?

If you're still struggling to write your business plan even when using a template, you can look into hiring a professional business plan writer. We even have a free resource to help you ask just the right questions  to make sure you find the right plan writer.

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Create a business plan

Explore the ways tailored advice from TD can help your business, today.

Starting a Business in Canada

Starting a business can be a challenging and rewarding endeavour. With the right planning, resources, and groundwork you'll enjoy a better chance of success.

Find out if your business idea will work

Clarify your idea and get it in writing

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Write a Business Plan

Clarify your idea and get it in writing.

There's a lot of work involved in  writing a business plan  but it prepares you for the even bigger task of starting a business.

It will help refine your idea, outline goals, and make it easier to explain what you hope to accomplish. This comes in handy when you're looking for money.

Download our business plan template  which addresses product and service information, competitive analyses, the financial feasibility of starting up, and more.

Why You Need a Plan

If you're pitching your idea to banks or other financial institutions for a loan, you'll need a  business plan  because people want to see that you've put serious thought into your idea.

Thinking about the details will help you make decisions about your business, and will open you up to new ideas or approaches you might not have considered.

Writing out a business plan will give you an action plan to work with, but if you need help getting started  use our interactive checklist .

Why You Need a Unique Selling Point

One of the most important aspects to consider when writing your business plan is asking  why customers would buy your product or service .

Will it be better quality? Better price? Is it backed by a guarantee? Will it have more features? Will you be able to provide outstanding customer service?

Once you establish what differentiates you from the competition, it's essential to communicate it consistently when you go to market.

Use our interactive checklist  to define your unique selling point.

Determine Demand & Profit Potential

Once you know (or are reasonably sure) that customers are likely to buy your product or service, figure out if you'll be able to make a profit.

Determine what you need in sales to cover costs plus a profit margin. Also ensure you have capacity - the physical ability to work a certain number of hours in a week or produce the required amount of product.

Use our interactive checklist  for more ideas on determining demand and profit including ways to research, test marketing, and future trends.

Tools & Calculators

Download our business plan template.

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Breaking barriers — Spotlighting female entrepreneurs

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Business Plan Template Canada

Embarking on the entrepreneurial journey in Canada requires more than just a groundbreaking idea—it demands a master blueprint that aligns your vision with the realities of the market. This is where a business plan template becomes your most strategic asset. Picture this: a document so finely tuned that it addresses every intricacy of writing a business plan in Canada, impressing not just you but also potential financiers and stakeholders.

Why does this matter?

In the competitive arena of Canadian entrepreneurship, utilizing the best business plan template can make the difference between blending in and standing out. It’s about crafting a narrative that speaks volumes, backed by data-driven insights and a clear path to profitability. A top-tier business planning template doesn’t just suggest potential; it showcases a forecast of triumph in high resolution.

This article will explore the foundational elements of a business template, introduce you to sample business plans tailored for the Canadian market, and provide insights on customizing your plan to reflect the specifics of your industry. 

Prepare to transform your entrepreneurial aspirations into actionable strategies with a business plan that does more than propose—it persuades. Ready to take the first step towards building a business that doesn’t just operate but thrives? Let’s dive in.

Understanding Business Plan Basics

The Key Components of a Business Plan

A typical business plan format comprises several critical components: an executive summary, company description, market analysis, organization and management structure, sales strategies, funding request, financial projections, and an appendix. Each section plays a pivotal role in presenting a comprehensive view of your business.

Tailoring Your Business Plan to the Canadian Market

To resonate with Canadian investors and meet local regulatory requirements, it’s imperative to tailor your business plan model accordingly. This includes a thorough market analysis reflecting Canadian consumer behavior, competition, and an understanding of the economic environment.

Benefits of Using a Business Plan Template

Streamlining the Planning Process

Business planning templates serve as a scaffold for your planning process, ensuring that no essential details are overlooked. They provide a structured format that helps you organize your thoughts and present your business idea clearly and professionally.

Ensuring All Critical Elements are Covered

Template business plans are designed to encompass all necessary elements of a business plan, minimizing the risk of omitting crucial information. This comprehensive coverage not only aids in business planning but also enhances the credibility of your document when presented to stakeholders.

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Where to Find Business Plan Templates in Canada

Canada offers a plethora of resources where entrepreneurs can find free canadian business plan templates . These range from government websites to private financial institutions, each providing tools tailored to different business needs and sectors.

Government and Non-profit Resources for Canadian Entrepreneurs

Canadian entrepreneurs have access to a range of government and non-profit resources that provide comprehensive support for business planning. These organizations offer tools, funding, and guidance specifically designed to foster business growth across various sectors.

• Small Business Centre Ontario (SBC Ontario) At the Small Business Centre Ontario, entrepreneurs can benefit from advisory services, workshops, and seminars. These resources are especially helpful for understanding the nuances of the business environment in Ontario, including assistance with basic business plan templates and compliance with local regulations.
• Community Business Development Corporations (CBDC) CBDCs operate across Canada, offering personalized business advice, training, and financing options to small businesses and entrepreneurs in rural areas. They provide a printable business plan template specifically designed to foster economic growth in less urbanized regions. This template supports business plan development and provides access to capital to help businesses either launch or expand.
• Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) BDC, as a federal Crown corporation, provides not only financial assistance through loans and investments but also extensive advisory services to help Canadian businesses at every stage of their development. Entrepreneurs can access a variety of tools and templates, such as the RBC business plan builder, to effectively outline their business strategies.
• Futurpreneur Canada Futurpreneur Canada is focused on young entrepreneurs, offering mentorship, financing, and resources for Canadians aged 18 to 39 looking to start or expand a business. They provide interactive business planning tools and workshops that help new business owners create thorough and practical business strategies, laying a solid foundation for long-term success.

Major Canadian Banks and Their Resources

Canada’s major banks offer a range of resources to help entrepreneurs draft or refine their business plans, providing tools, advice, and financial products suited for various industries.

• Bank of Montreal (BMO) BMO provides business coaching, free business plan templates, and sector-specific advice, alongside access to business financing which is essential for executing business strategies detailed in the plans.
• RBC Royal Bank RBC provides an interactive tool known as the RBC business plan template, which simplifies the process of creating detailed business plans.They also host seminars and webinars to help entrepreneurs stay informed on market trends and strategies.
• Scotiabank Scotiabank’s Scotia Plan Writer assists in developing robust business plans. This tool is designed to help users with both the business plan layout and content, ensuring that each plan is tailored to the specific needs of the business and industry. 
• National Bank National Bank provides personalized planning sessions and financial modeling tools, aiding in strategic and operational planning to support informed decision-making.
• Farm Credit Canada (FCC) Focusing on the agricultural sector, FCC provides business plans samples and financial services designed for the unique needs of agribusinesses, addressing unique challenges like seasonal production and fluctuating commodity prices.

Free vs. Paid Business Plan Templates: What’s Best for Your Business?

Accessibility and Cost Efficiency of Free Template

No Financial Commitment: The most apparent advantage of a free business plan template is that they are cost-free, making them accessible to all, regardless of the startup budget. This is particularly beneficial for entrepreneurs who are in the very early stages of conceptualizing their business and are not ready to make financial investments into planning tools.

Ease of Use: A free sample business plan is typically designed with simplicity in mind, to accommodate a broad audience. It can be an excellent way for novice entrepreneurs to get acquainted with the basic structure of a business plan.

Comprehensive Features of Paid Templates

Tailored for Specific Industries: Paid business plans templates are often available for specific industries, providing a more customized structure and content that can be directly relevant to your business. This industry-specific customization can guide you in detailing the parts of your plan that matter most to your potential investors or partners.

Advanced Tools and Support: Purchasing a template for a business plan can also grant you access to advanced business planning tools, such as financial projection software, interactive charts, and expert advice. Support services might include customer service, consultations, and helpful resources that can assist you in crafting a more professional document.

Choosing Wisely for Your Business’s Future

Assessing Your Needs

Evaluate the specific needs of your business plan by considering your industry, the stage of your business, and what you most need help with. For example, if you are in a niche market or need a complex financial section, a paid template might be worth the investment.

Consider Long-Term Benefits

Think about the long-term benefits of investing in a paid template, especially if you anticipate seeking funding or entering competitive markets. A well-structured, detailed business plan can be a crucial factor in securing investments and partnerships.

Trial and Error

If possible, try out free versions or demos of paid templates of business plans to see if they suit your needs before committing to a purchase. This approach can help you avoid spending money on a product that doesn’t meet your expectations.

Ultimately, the choice between free and paid templates should be guided by your business’s specific needs, your proficiency in business planning, and your budget. In many cases, starting with a free template to get a basic draft and later investing in a paid template for more detailed planning and presentation might be an effective strategy.

From Good to Great: Making Superior Business Plans

When choosing a business template in Canada, consider both free business plan forms provided by organizations, banks, and lenders, and weigh them against your specific needs. These resources can serve as a solid starting point for crafting a business plan that aligns with your goals and financial strategies. Ultimately, the right template can propel your business from good to great, helping you secure the necessary support and resources to succeed.

Are you set to turn your business vision into a reality? Don’t navigate the complex waters of Canadian entrepreneurship alone. Reach out to our expert consultants at BSBCON. We specialize in tailoring business plans that not only meet market demands but also exceed your expectations. 

Let us help you elevate your strategy and ensure your business not only launches, but thrives in the competitive market. Contact us today and start your journey to success with a partner who knows how to get you there.

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Business Plans 101: What actually goes in your business plan

Starting your business is an exciting process. Taking a leap of faith and turning your idea into reality is what dreams are made of. To realize those dreams, a business plan is a critical first step. Your business plan is your roadmap to success; it outlines your vision, details your strategy and shows your ability to turn your idea into a successful business.

As you get started, you need to choose your business structure. Like your business plan, your structure speaks to where you see your business going. There are 3 common structures for businesses: 

• Sole proprietorship: The owner is the business
• Partnership: Limited or unlimited
• Incorporation: Limits personal liability

Your business structure reflects the eventual size and scope of your business, so it’s best to define it while writing your business plan. It may be costly or risky to change it in the future, so think it through early. The structure will also impact your taxes, filing patents, and financial and legal liability. To help you understand and decide what structure fits your business type, request a call with a CIBC Business Advisor Opens in a new window. . 

Six sections you need to include in a successful business plan

As you write your business plan and present it to partners, there are 6 essential sections to include that will help open doors and secure resources.

1. Executive summary: A concise pitch that covers the key points of your plan and invites further reading

The executive summary comes first but can be written last. It functions as a short brief of the entire plan, so remember that less is more. Keep your executive summary under two pages. Be sure to feature your financial position and projections. Don’t shy away from outlining funding needs or requests. The sooner you can state your needs and goals, the better.

2. Business concept: Describe your business and talk about your vision

Describing the “what” of your business, like detailed product or service information, can be straightforward. Outlining your vision and mission statements are important to defining the “why” behind your business. Work through these values to help investors understand the story and motivation beyond your business model, product or service.

3. S.W.O.T. analysis: Detail the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats

The S.W.O.T. framework is used across businesses of all sizes, types and tenures. Strong analyses are detailed yet candid. Exceptional S.W.O.T. analyses include industry and business data to support business goals. Follow the acronym in order. Find your strengths to boost confidence in your business plan. Outline weaknesses as areas of opportunities. If you have natural competitors, attempt a S.W.O.T. analysis on them and include it in your plan.

4. Operations and management: Explain your ownership style, suppliers, location(s), and any other useful information

Go deep on the details and attributes of your business that may be of interest to a potential partner or investor. Consider including information from the following list:

• owner background
• staff and advisors
• suppliers and inventory
• manufacturing processes
• delivery and distribution
• taxes and regulations
• operational risk and solutions 

What you choose to include will depend on your business type.

5. Marketing: Include the “4 Ps” of marketing

Everyone from potential employees to investors will want to know how customers are going to discover and acquire your product or service. A basic business plan should cover your “4 Ps” of marketing: product, price, place and promotion. An exceptional plan adds even more details like market research, industry trends, target markets and competitor insights.

6. Financial projections: Include information from your advisory team

This part of your plan is critical. Cash flow projections are very important, especially during the first 12 months of your new business. Three essential components to brainstorm and include in your plan are cash flow projection, sales pipeline and forecast, and opening balance sheet. Your projections should be vetted by experts, so assemble a strong advisory team to validate your information.

To create a tailored plan for your business needs and help you achieve your goals, meet with us opens in a new window. . We’re here to help. Talk to a CIBC Business Advisor today by calling 1-866-992-7223 . Opens your phone app.

Written By Lauren Rabindranath

Lauren Rabindranath is a copywriter and communications consultant based in Toronto, Ontario, who works with clients across industries. Working with CIBC Business Banking, Lauren supports content development for online platforms, relating her personal experience as an entrepreneur to CIBC’s tailored services.

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Business Plan Template and Cash Flow Forecasting Tool

Coming up with an idea for a business is only the first step. A well-structured business plan will help communicate what you plan to do, and how you plan to do it. Start by downloading Small Business BC’s Business Plan Template and Cash Flow Forecasting tool.

As part of a healthy and robust business plan, you’ll need to estimate the cash inflow and outflow from your business over time on monthly basis. Small Business BC’s cash flow forecasting tool is the first step to understanding your true businesses viability.

Our Business Plan Template Allows You to:

• Map sales forecasts that consolidate multiple product or service offerings
• Project costs and expenses using common line items
• Coordinate marketing and advertising activities, and
• Determine an optimal amount financing request for your business sustainability

Download our Business Plan Template and Cash Flow Forecasting Tool by completing the form below.

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10 Free Business Plan Templates in Word, Excel, & ClickUp

Praburam Srinivasan

Growth Marketing Manager

February 13, 2024

Turning your vision into a clear and coherent business plan can be confusing and tough. 

Hours of brainstorming and facing an intimidating blank page can raise more questions than answers. Are you covering everything? What should go where? How do you keep each section thorough but brief?

If these questions have kept you up at night and slowed your progress, know you’re not alone. That’s why we’ve put together the top 10 business plan templates in Word, Excel, and ClickUp—to provide answers, clarity, and a structured framework to work with. This way, you’re sure to capture all the relevant information without wasting time. 

And the best part? Business planning becomes a little less “ugh!” and a lot more “aha!” 🤩

What is a Business Plan Template?

What makes a good business plan template, 1. clickup business plan template, 2. clickup sales plan template, 3. clickup business development action plan template, 4. clickup business roadmap template, 5. clickup business continuity plan template, 6. clickup lean business plan template, 7. clickup small business action plan template, 8. clickup strategic business roadmap template , 9. microsoft word business plan template by microsoft, 10. excel business plan template by vertex42.

A business plan template is a structured framework for entrepreneurs and business executives who want to create business plans. It comes with pre-arranged sections and headings that cover key elements like the executive summary , business overview, target customers, unique value proposition, marketing plans, and financial statements.  

A good business plan template helps with thorough planning, clear documentation, and practical implementation. Here’s what to look for:

• Comprehensive structure: A good template comes with all the relevant sections to outline a business strategy, such as executive summary, market research and analysis, and financial projections 
• Clarity and guidance: A good template is easy to follow. It has brief instructions or prompts for each section, guiding you to think deeply about your business and ensuring you don’t skip important details
• Clean design: Aesthetics matter. Choose a template that’s not just functional but also professionally designed. This ensures your plan is presentable to stakeholders, partners, and potential investors
• Flexibility : Your template should easily accommodate changes without hassle, like adding or removing sections, changing content and style, and rearranging parts 🛠️ 

While a template provides the structure, it’s the information you feed it that brings it to life. These pointers will help you pick a template that aligns with your business needs and clearly showcases your vision.

10 Business Plan Templates to Use in 2024

Preparing for business success in 2024 (and beyond) requires a comprehensive and organized business plan. We’ve handpicked the best templates to help you guide your team, attract investors, and secure funding. Let’s check them out.

If you’re looking to replace a traditional business plan document, then ClickUp’s Business Plan Template is for you!

This one-page business plan template, designed in ClickUp Docs , is neatly broken down into the following sections:

• Company description : Overview, mission, vision, and team
• Market analysis : Problem, solution, target market, competition, and competitive advantage
• Sales and marketing strategy : Products/services and marketing channels
• Operational plan : Location and facilities, equipment and tools, manpower, and financial forecasts
• Milestones and metrics: Targets and KPIs

Customize the template with your company logo and contact details, and easily navigate to different sections using the collapsible table of contents. The mini prompts under each section guide you on what to include—with suggestions on how to present the data (e.g., bullet lists, pictures, charts, and tables). 

You can share the document with anyone via URL and collaborate in real time. And when the business plan is ready, you have the option to print it or export it to PDF, HTML, or Markdown.

But that’s not all. This template is equipped with basic and enterprise project management features to streamline the business plan creation process . The Topics List view has a list of all the different sections and subsections of the template and allows you to assign it to a team member, set a due date, and attach relevant documents and references.

Switch from List to Board view to track and update task statuses according to the following: To Do, In Progress, Needs Revision, and Complete. 

This template is a comprehensive toolkit for documenting the different sections of your business plan and streamlining the creation process to ensure it’s completed on time. 🗓️

If you’re looking for a tool to kickstart or update your sales plan, ClickUp’s Sales Plan Template has got you covered. This sales plan template features a project summary list with tasks to help you craft a comprehensive and effective sales strategy. Some of these tasks include:

• Determine sales objectives and goals
• Draft positioning statement
• Perform competitive analysis
• Draft ideal customer persona
• Create a lead generation strategy

Assign each task to a specific individual or team, set priority levels , and add due dates. Specify what section of the sales plan each task belongs to (e.g., executive summary, revenue goals, team structure, etc.), deliverable type (such as document, task, or meeting), and approval state (like pending, needs revisions, and approved).

And in ClickUp style, you can switch to multiple views: List for a list of all tasks, Board for visual task management, Timeline for an overview of task durations, and Gantt to get a view of task dependencies. 

This simple business plan template is perfect for any type of business looking to create a winning sales strategy while clarifying team roles and keeping tasks organized. ✨

Thinking about scaling your business’s reach and operations but unsure where or how to start? It can be overwhelming, no doubt—you need a clear vision, measurable goals, and an actionable plan that every member of your team can rally behind. 

Thankfully, ClickUp’s Business Development Action Plan Template is designed to use automations to simplify this process so every step toward your business growth is clear, trackable, and actionable.

Start by assessing your current situation and deciding on your main growth goal. Are you aiming to increase revenue, tap into new markets, or introduce new products or services? With ClickUp Whiteboards or Docs, brainstorm and collaborate with your team on this decision.

Set and track your short- and long-term growth goals with ClickUp’s Goals , break them down into smaller targets, and assign these targets to team members, complete with due dates. Add these targets to a new ClickUp Dashboard to track real-time progress and celebrate small wins. 🎉

Whether you’re a startup or small business owner looking to hit your next major milestone or an established business exploring new avenues, this template keeps your team aligned, engaged, and informed every step of the way.

ClickUp’s Business Roadmap Template is your go-to for mapping out major strategies and initiatives in areas like revenue growth, brand awareness, community engagement, and customer satisfaction. 

Use the List view to populate tasks under each initiative. With Custom Fields, you can capture which business category (e.g., Product, Operations, Sales & Marketing, etc.) tasks fall under and which quarter they’re slated for. You can also link to relevant documents and resources and evaluate tasks by effort and impact to ensure the most critical tasks get the attention they deserve. 👀

Depending on your focus, this template provides different views to show just what you need. For example, the All Initiatives per Quarter view lets you focus on what’s ahead by seeing tasks that need completion within a specific quarter. This ensures timely execution and helps in aligning resources effectively for the short term.

This template is ideal for business executives and management teams who need to coordinate multiple short- and long-term initiatives and business strategies.

In business, unexpected threats to operations can arise at any moment. Whether it’s economic turbulence, a global health crisis, or supply chain interruptions, every company needs to be ready. ClickUp’s Business Continuity Plan Template lets you prepare proactively for these unforeseen challenges.

The template organizes tasks into three main categories:

• Priorities: Tasks that need immediate attention
• Continuity coverage: Tasks that must continue despite challenges
• Guiding principles: Resources and protocols to ensure smooth operations

The Board view makes it easy to visualize all the tasks under each of these categories. And the Priorities List sorts tasks by those that are overdue, the upcoming ones, and then the ones due later.

In times of uncertainty, being prepared is your best strategy. This template helps your business not just survive but thrive in challenging situations, keeping your customers, employees, and investors satisfied. 🤝

Looking to execute your business plan the “lean” way? Use ClickUp’s Lean Business Plan Template . It’s designed to help you optimize resource usage and cut unnecessary steps—giving you better results with less effort.

In the Plan Summary List view, list all the tasks that need to get done. Add specific details like who’s doing each task, when it’s due, and which part of the Business Model Canvas (BMC) it falls under. The By Priority view sorts this list based on priorities like Urgent, High, Normal, and Low. This makes it easy to spot the most important tasks and tackle them first.

Additionally, the Board view gives you an overview of task progression from start to finish. And the BMC view rearranges these tasks based on the various BMC components. 

Each task can further be broken down into subtasks and multiple checklists to ensure all related action items are executed. ✔️

This template is an invaluable resource for startups and large enterprises looking to maximize process efficiencies and results in a streamlined and cost-effective way.

The Small Business Action Plan Template by ClickUp is tailor-made for small businesses looking to transform their business ideas and goals into actionable steps and, eventually, into reality. 

It provides a simple and organized framework for creating, assigning, prioritizing, and tracking tasks. And in effect, it ensures that goals are not just set but achieved. Through the native dashboard and goal-setting features, you can monitor task progress and how they move you closer to achieving your goals.

Thanks to ClickUp’s robust communication features like chat, comments, and @mentions, it’s easy to get every team member on the same page and quickly address questions or concerns.

Use this action plan template to hit your business goals by streamlining your internal processes and aligning team efforts.

For larger businesses and scaling enterprises, getting different departments to work together toward a big goal can be challenging. The ClickUp Strategic Business Roadmap Template makes it easier by giving you a clear plan to follow.

This template is packaged in a folder and split into different lists for each department in your business, like Sales, Product, Marketing, and Enablement. This way, every team can focus on their tasks while collectively contributing to the bigger goal.

There are multiple viewing options available for team members. These include:

• Progress Board: Visualize tasks that are on track, those at risk, and those behind
• Gantt view: Get an overview of project timelines and dependencies
• Team view: See what each team member is working on so you can balance workloads for maximum productivity

While this template may feel overwhelming at first, the getting started guide offers a step-by-step breakdown to help you navigate it with ease. And like all ClickUp templates, you can easily customize it to suit your business needs and preferences.

Microsoft’s 20-page traditional business plan template simplifies the process of drafting comprehensive business plans. It’s made up of different sections, including:

• Executive summary : Highlights, objectives, mission statement, and keys to success
• Description of business: Company ownership and legal structure, hours of operation, products and services, suppliers, financial plans, etc.
• Marketing: Market analysis, market segmentation, competition, and pricing
• Appendix: Start-up expenses, cash flow statements, income statements, sales forecast, milestones, break-even analysis, etc.

The table of contents makes it easy to move to different sections of the document. And the text placeholders under each section provide clarity on the specific details required—making the process easier for users who may not be familiar with certain business terminology.

No business template roundup is complete without an Excel template. This business plan template lets you work on your business financials in Excel. It comes with customizable tables, formulas, and charts to help you look at the following areas:

• Highlight charts
• Market analysis
• Start-up assets and expenses
• Sales forecasts
• Profit and loss
• Balance sheet
• Cash flow projections
• Break-even analysis

This Excel template is especially useful when you want to create a clear and visual financial section for your business plan document—an essential element for attracting investors and lenders. However, there might be a steep learning curve to using this template if you’re not familiar with business financial planning and using Excel.

Try a Free Business Plan Template in ClickUp

Launching and running a successful business requires a well-thought-out and carefully crafted business plan. However, the business planning process doesn’t have to be complicated, boring, or take up too much time. Use any of the above 10 free business plan formats to simplify and speed up the process.

ClickUp templates go beyond offering a solid foundation to build your business plans. They come with extensive project management features to turn your vision into reality. And that’s not all— ClickUp’s template library offers over 1,000 additional templates to help manage various aspects of your business, from decision-making to product development to resource management .

Sign up for ClickUp’s Free Forever Plan today to fast-track your business’s growth! 🏆

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Business Plan Template

BDC’s free business plan template is part of a kit put together to help you define who you are, describe your business, and document how you will be profitable.

Your business plan is not only a necessity when seeking financing for your project, it is a recognized management tool that outlines exactly what your company will do and how it plans to succeed.

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Rock My Business: A three-part workshop series

Our Rock My Business workshops can help you transform your dream into a thriving business. Register today for the free, three-part Rock My Business series, delivered by Futurpreneur with the support of Futurpreneur Foundation and RBC Future Launch.

Supported by RBC Future Launch

RBC Rock My Business Startup Awards

Eight entrepreneurs, $10,000 each.

Futurpreneur Foundation and RBC want to help you launch your startup by awarding eight young, aspiring entrepreneurs $10,000 to take their small businesses to the next level!

Each year, the following prizes of $10,000 each are awarded:

• One Emerging Entrepreneur Award for an entrepreneur aged 30-39
• One Emerging Black Entrepreneur Award for a Black entrepreneur aged 18-39
• One Emerging Indigenous Entrepreneur Award for an Indigenous entrepreneur aged 18-39
• Five Youth Entrepreneur Awards for entrepreneurs aged 18-29

Register for our upcoming workshops for the chance to apply for the RBC Rock My Business Startup Awards 2024!

To be considered for the 2024 awards, please ensure you meet all the following eligibility requirements:

• Between 18 – 39 years of age.*
• Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
• Successful completion of BOTH the Rock My Business Plan and Rock My Cash Flow workshops between July 10, 2023 and May 31, 2024.
• Successful submission of a completed business plan and cash flow statement by June 14, 2024 (following the guidelines and templates provided in the How to Apply to the RBC Rock my Business Start-Up Awards information session). Please note that the Business Plan and Cash Flow template for the Award submission is NOT the same as the Futurpreneur template. Applications received in the wrong template will not be reviewed.
• The award cannot be used to repay existing debt; you must highlight how the award will be applied to startup costs.
• Have not received a Futurpreneur Canada startup loan before June 14, 2023.
• Open to pre-launch businesses (pre-revenue) and part-time or “side hustle” businesses (a business to which you devote fewer than 30 hours a week and from which you earn less than $20k in sales per year); those operating a full-time business prior to June 14, 2023 are not eligible.
• Ineligible businesses include those operating in the following sectors: tobacco, cannabis, gambling, gaming, firearms.

*Applicants must be within the age bracket for the award on September 5, 2024. For the Youth Entrepreneur Awards, applicants must be between 18 – 29 years of age.

Are you next? Get $10,000 for your business!

Timothy Cho

Oven Theory | Mississauga, ON

Business Continuity Plan