Business Plan Templates

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2 Essential Templates For Starting Your Business. Available as an interactive PDF or a Google Docs template.

With this business plan template, you'll be able to:

  • Write a company description that sells your story
  • Plan for the future: lay out goals and metrics for success
  • Describe your product line in detail and plan for how to stand out from competitors
  • Consider any legal formalities that require attention when starting your business
  • Put together necessary financial projections to make a strong start
  • Create your buyer persona and determine your product/marketing fit

business plan template

Build A Business Plan That Works

Available as a one-page interactive PDF and a full template on both Google Docs and Microsoft Word!

Whether you’re starting a business or drafting a formalized document with  your current business goals, it’s important to clearly defi ne the scope of all aspects of the venture — from mission, to target customers, to fi nances, and beyond.

When just starting out, it can be tempting to think of a business plan as simply your company’s name and a description of your product or service. But in reality, planning a business involves thinking through a lot more details.

In this business plan template we’ll guide you through the steps of writing company and product descriptions, setting sales and marketing goals and plans, and thinking through legal and fi nancial logistics. We've included a  plain text, designed , and  completed example version of this template. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do you write a business plan.

A business plan is a formal written document that you can use to identify the purpose of your company, make important decisions about your future and help grow your company. HubSpot's free business plan templates provides guidance to establishing your company mission, customer research, competition, and a business strategy to profitability.

Why do I need to fill out the information requested?

We will always keep your personal information safe..

We ask for your information in exchange for a valuable resource in order to (a) improve your browsing experience by personalizing the HubSpot site to your needs; (b) send information to you that we think may be of interest to you by email or other means; (c) send you marketing communications that we think may be of value to you. You can read more about our privacy policy here .

Where can I get a free business plan template?

HubSpot's Free Business Plan Templates are the best way to create a professional, thorough business plan. The templates include instructions and everything you need to know about starting your company.

Is this really free?

Absolutely.

Just sharing some free knowledge that we hope you’ll find useful. Keep us in mind next time you have marketing questions!

What are the basic format of a business plan?

A business plan is a written document that outlines the company's goals, strategy and implementation. The format of the plan varies depending on the type of organization (e.g., for-profit or nonprofit) and size, but most plans share some common features such as an overview, executive summary, and financial information.

What is the best business plan template?

A great business plan template clearly defines the scope of the venture -- from mission, to target customers, to finances, and beyond. HubSpot's business plan template will guide you through the steps of writing company and product descriptions, setting sales and marketing goals and plans, and thinking through legal and financial logistics.

What is needed to start a business?

If you're thinking about starting a business, you'll need to do some research first. You can't just start a business without doing any market research. Market research will tell you if there's an opportunity to turn your idea into a successful business. After that, write your business plan so that you know how much money and time it will take for the project to succeed. Use HubSpot's free business plan template today!

Set yourself up for success with this business plan template

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Business Plan Template.

While your company’s goals might be crystal clear in your head, going in without a formal business plan could make things tricky. If the idea of creating one seems daunting, don’t worry. With a free business plan template, you can be up and running in no time. 

Discover more about how to create your ideal business plan and download free templates to get started here. 

Download Your Free Business Plan Template. 

Download your own free business plan template and jump right into planning your next venture. You can download a free business plan template with Adobe.  

pdf downloadable simple business plan template

Edit templates using Acrobat.

Explore Adobe’s online PDF editor . Add text, sticky notes, highlights, drawings and more to your PDF with ease. Work smart with Adobe. 

What you'll learn:

•   What is a Business Plan?

•   Why is a Business Plan important?

•   How to Write a Business Plan.

•   Download Your Free Business Plan Template.

What is a Business Plan?

Business plans define core business objectives and the strategies to achieve them, in the form of a written document. They’re key for all types of businesses - whether they’re small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), start-ups or individual entrepreneurs.  

Generally, a straightforward and simple business plan template can be divided into the following five sections: 

  • Executive summary
  • Business description and structure
  • Market analysis and strategies
  • Organisation and management
  • Financial documents.

Why is a Business Plan important? 

A good business plan can be a vital tool, as it can act as a guide through each stage of starting your company. When you’re lost, it can be your compass to get back to the right track and help you and your team realign with the original vision. Think of it as a map pointing you from now to the future.  

It can also be a helpful document for the relevant external parties, such as investors or lenders.  

Here are some key benefits: 

  • Outline and Clarify Goals . Using a business plan template can help you to define and set goals, helping you to easily pitch them when required. It can serve as an excellent touchstone, too. 
  • Identify Issues . By clearly outlining plans ahead of time, you may be able to identify issues early - whether in the planning stage or based on the reality of deliverables versus the plan. 
  • Secure Financing . Being able to confidently lay out your goals, analysis, forecasted spending, personnel requirements and business structure is a great way to build confidence and potentially secure financing. 
  • Measure Progress . By comparing progress against your goals, you can get a sense of a project’s timescale and forecast for any potential disruptions or changes. This means you can stay on track and better adapt to any unknowns. It may help you plan for the future, too. 

How to Write a Business Plan.

Building upon a business plan template may seem daunting - but when you break it down, it’s no more intimidating than planning a trip. Just like a holiday, it requires preparation and organisation, but can be exciting. It’s a chance to see all your ideas come together into something coherent and actionable. 

Important Sections to Include in Your Business Plan Template.

  • Business, Products and Key Objectives . This lets you set an overall scope for your business plan and serves as a fundamental part of your company. 
  • Target Market and Competition . Analysing your target market and competition lets you make informed business decisions and can help to justify your plan. 
  • Sales and Marketing Plans . Detailing your sales and marketing plans can help you to arrange KPIs in the future and show how you’re utilising the data from your market research. 
  • Operational Plans . This section details the day-to-day running of your business, giving an in-depth outline of strategies for specific teams or supply chains. 
  • Personnel Structure . Writing a personnel structure gives you a sense of key responsibilities and requirements within the wider business. This can be an excellent place to take note of the skills that roles might require, what you already have and what you might need. 
  • Financials . Breaking down the operational costs and funding required for your business can help you to set future goals and secure backing if required. 

Having a PDF printable business plan template makes things easier when it comes time to format, print and share it with potential stakeholders. If you want to change the file format of your business plan, you can easily convert PDF to Word   and back again. 

Sharing your business plan as a PDF also allows for easy collaboration, with no subscription required and the ability to add comments, highlights and notes with our free online PDF editor tool .  

Top Tips for Your Business Plan.

Writing a business plan template is easier with these top tips, so you can get off to a smooth start - whatever your project. 

  • Be Realistic . Being realistic about your business plan means you can make informed decisions and will have minimal friction as the project progresses. 
  • Understand Your Market . By demonstrating an understanding of your market, you can better inform decisions and plan. It also makes your vision an easier sell. 
  • Keep it Concise . Don’t waffle on or obscure important facts in jargon. If you want to add additional detail, create an appendix to expand on areas. 
  • Stay Professional . This is key, as your business plan serves as a reference point both for internal operations and potential business. 
  • Review Your Business Plan . During the process of creating a business plan, certain details may change and mistakes can be made. Review your plan to ensure everything is correct and to double-check if anything needs to change with any new information during the process. You can easily edit business plans in PDF with Adobe Acrobat PDF editor online . 

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8 Business Plan Templates You Can Get for Free

Author: Kody Wirth

8 min. read

Updated April 10, 2024

A business plan template can be an excellent tool to simplify the creation of your business plan. 

The pre-set structure helps you organize ideas, covers all critical business information, and saves you time and effort on formatting.

The only issue? There are SO many free business plan templates out there. 

So, which ones are actually worth using? 

To help remove the guesswork, I’ve rounded up some of the best business plan templates you can access right now. 

These are listed in no particular order, and each has its benefits and drawbacks.

What to look for in a business plan template

Not all business plan templates are created equal. As you weigh your options and decide which template(s) you’ll use, be sure to review them with the following criteria in mind:

  • Easy to edit: A template should save you time. That won’t be the case if you have to fuss around figuring out how to edit the document, or even worse, it doesn’t allow you to edit at all.
  • Contains the right sections: A good template should cover all essential sections of a business plan , including the executive summary, product/service description, market/competitive analysis, marketing and sales plan, operations, milestones, and financial projections. 
  • Provides guidance: You should be able to trust that the information in a template is accurate. That means the organization or person who created the template is highly credible, known for producing useful resources, and ideally has some entrepreneurial experience.
  • Software compatibility: Lastly, you want any template to be compatible with the software platforms you use. More than likely, this means it’s available in Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or PDF format at a minimum. 

1. Bplans — A plan with expert guidance

Preview of Bplans' free business plan template download asset.

Since you’re already on Bplans, I have to first mention the templates that we have available. 

Our traditional and one-page templates were created by entrepreneurs and business owners with over 80 years of collective planning experience. We revisit and update them annually to ensure they are approachable, thorough, and aligned with our team’s evolving best practices.  

The templates, available in Word, PDF, or Google Doc formats, include in-depth guidance on what to include in each section, expert tips, and links to additional resources. 

Plus, we have over 550 real-world sample business plans you can use for guidance when filling out your template.

Download: Traditional lender-ready business plan template or a simple one-page plan template .

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2. SBA — Introduction to business plans

pdf downloadable simple business plan template

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers two different business plan templates along with a short planning guide. 

While not incredibly in-depth, it’s enough to help you understand how traditional and lean plans are structured and what information needs to be covered. The templates themselves are more like examples, providing you with a finished product to reference as you write your plan.

The key benefit of using these templates is that they were created by the SBA. While they may provide less guidance, you can be assured that the information and structure meet their expectations.

Explore: The SBA’s planning guide and free templates

3. SCORE — Planning workbook

pdf downloadable simple business plan template

SCORE’s template is more like a workbook. It includes exercises after each section to help you get your ideas down and turn them into a structured plan.

The market research worksheets are especially useful. They provide a clear framework for identifying your target market and analyzing competitors from multiple angles. Plus, they give you an easy way to document all the information you’re collecting.

You will likely have to remove the exercises in this template to make it investor-ready. But it can be worth it if you’re struggling to get past a blank page and want a more interactive planning method.

Download: SCORE’s business plan template

4. PandaDoc — A template with fillable forms

pdf downloadable simple business plan template

PandaDoc’s library offers a variety of industry-specific business plan templates that feature a modern design flair and concise instructions. 

These templates are designed for sharing. They include fillable fields and sections for non-disclosure agreements, which may be necessary when sending a plan to investors.  

But the real benefit is their compatibility with PandaDoc’s platform. Yes, they are free, but if you’re a PandaDoc subscriber, you’ll have far more customization options. 

Out of all their templates, the standard business plan template is the most in-depth. The rest, while still useful, go a bit lighter on guidance in favor of tailoring the plan to a specific industry.

Explore: PandaDoc’s business plan template library  

5. Canva — Pitch with your plan

A sample of the 696 free business plan templates available from Canva. The templates represented here are for a restaurant and two options designed around a minimalist beige aesthetic.

Canva is a great option for building a visually stunning business plan that can be used as a pitch tool. It offers a diverse array of templates built by their in-house team and the larger creative community, meaning the number of options constantly grows.

You will need to verify that the information in the template you choose matches the standard structure of a traditional business plan. 

You should do this with any template, but it’s especially important with any tool that accepts community submissions. While they are likely reviewed and approved, there may still be errors.

Remember, you can only edit these templates within Canva. Luckily, you only need a free subscription, and you may just miss out on some of the visual assets being used. 

To get the most value, it may be best to create a more traditional planning document and transfer that information into Canva. 

Explore: Canva’s business plan gallery

6. ClickUp — The collaborative template

Preview of ClickUp's business plan template within the project management platform. It includes a number of fillable cells to help guide the creation process.

Out of all the project management tools that offer free business plan templates, ClickUp’s is the most approachable.

Rather than throwing you into all the features and expecting you to figure it out—ClickUp provides a thorough startup guide with resource links, images, and videos explaining how to write a plan using the tool. 

There’s also a completed sample plan (structured like an expanded one-page plan) for you to reference and see how the more traditional document can connect to the product management features. You can set goals, target dates, leave comments, and even assign tasks to someone else on your team. 

These features are limited to the ClickUp platform and will not be useful for everyone. They will likely get in the way of writing a plan you can easily share with lenders or investors. 

But this is a great option if you’re looking for a template that makes internal collaboration more fluid and keeps all your information in one place.

Sign Up: Get a free trial of ClickUp and explore their template library

7. Smartsheet — A wide variety of templates

A preview of the Smartsheet business plan template. It provides a preview of the cover page, directory, and small views of the remaining template pages.

I’m including Smartsheet’s library of templates on this list because of the sheer number of options they provide. 

They have a simple business plan template, a one-page plan, a fill-in-the-blank template, a plan outline, a plan grading rubric, and even an Excel-built project plan. All are perfectly usable and vary in visual style, depth of instructions, and the available format.

Honestly, the only drawback (which is also the core benefit) is that the amount of templates can be overwhelming. If you’re already uncertain which plan option is right for you, the lengthy list they provide may not provide much clarity.

At the same time, it can be a great resource if you want a one-stop shop to view multiple plan types.

Explore: Smartsheet’s business plan template library  

8. ReferralRock affiliate marketing business plan

Preview of the ReferralRock affiliate marketing business plan template. It just represents the cover page of the full template.

I’m adding ReferralRock’s template to this list due to its specificity. 

It’s not your standard business plan template. The plan is tailored with specific sections and guidance around launching an affiliate marketing business. 

Most of the template is dedicated to defining how to choose affiliates, set commissions, create legal agreements, and track performance.

So, if you plan on starting an affiliate marketing business or program, this template will provide more specific guidance. Just know that you will likely need to reference additional resources when writing the non-industry sections of your plan.

Download: ReferralRock affiliate marketing business plan template

Does it matter what business plan template you use?

The short answer is no. As long as the structure is correct, it saves you time, and it helps you write your business plan , then any template will work. 

What it ultimately comes down to, is what sort of value you hope to get from the template. 

  • Do you need more guidance? 
  • A simple way to structure your plan? 
  • An option that works with a specific tool?
  • A way to make your plan more visually interesting?

Hopefully, this list has helped you hone in on an option that meets one (or several) of these needs. Still, it may be worth downloading a few of these templates to determine the right fit. 

And really, what matters most is that you spend time writing a business plan . It will help you avoid early mistakes, determine if you have a viable business, and fully consider what it will take to get up and running. 

If you need additional guidance, check out our library of planning resources . We cover everything from plan formats , to how to write a business plan, and even how to use it as a management tool . 

If you don’t want to waste time researching other templates, you can download our one-page or traditional business plan template and jump right into the planning process.

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

Content Author: Kody Wirth

Kody Wirth is a content writer and SEO specialist for Palo Alto Software—the creator's of Bplans and LivePlan. He has 3+ years experience covering small business topics and runs a part-time content writing service in his spare time.

Start stronger by writing a quick business plan. Check out LivePlan

Table of Contents

  • Qualities of a good template
  • ReferralRock
  • Does the template matter?

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Simple Business Plan Templates

Strategic Plan Template - PDF Templates

Strategic Plan Template

Focus on the future and keep your company moving forward with Jotform’s Strategic Plan Template. Simply fill in the attached form with your company overview, delve deeper with a SWOT analysis, and finish off by determining your strategic goals, actions, and financial plans. Our fully-customizable template converts submitted information into polished PDFs, which you can download, print, or share instantly.

Single Page Business Plan - PDF Templates

Single Page Business Plan

Get down to business with a customizable Single-Page Business Plan template from Jotform. Customize your plan in minutes. No coding. Drag and drop to build.

Operational Plan Template - PDF Templates

Operational Plan Template

This Operational Plan Sample is structured with important details for your organization. It comes ready to print, but you can simply edit the fields by putting your own organization information.

Marketing Brief Template - PDF Templates

Marketing Brief Template

Managing a marketing campaign or promotion is a challenging task. You need to have a marketing plan in order to execute the campaign smoothly with the time and budget provided. Creating a Marketing Brief is very beneficial because it summarizes the marketing strategy for a specific campaign.If you are in the advertising agency or part of the marketing department, then this Marketing Creative Brief Template is for you. This well-designed template contains the client information, project information, and the marketing materials that will be used. The project details explain the project title, description, objectives, target audience, budget overview, advertising guidelines, and competitors.

Glamping Business Plan Template - PDF Templates

Glamping Business Plan Template

Grab the attention of the investors by using this Glamping Business Plan Template. This business plan is simple yet effective because it contains all the necessary details when building a successful business.

Lean Business Model Canvas Template - PDF Templates

Lean Business Model Canvas Template

See your business from a new perspective with Jotform’s Lean Business Model Canvas Template. Simply fill in a short form with problems your business could solve, how they are currently being solved in the market, and how your company can uniquely work to solve these problems. Our template instantly converts the information into polished PDFs you can download or print for your next big meeting.Our Lean Business Model Canvas Template already looks professional, but you can personalize it further to match your business. Jotform PDF Editor lets you rearrange form fields or add your company logo at the touch of a button! By instantly converting your business model into an accessible PDF format, our Lean Business Model Canvas Template can help you see the bigger picture and determine how to take your business to the next level.

SOP Template - PDF Templates

SOP Template

Create a process to organize your employees in managing specific cases or scenarios by using this SOP Template. This template is commonly used in any organization whether it is a small, medium, or large group.

Creative Brief Template - PDF Templates

Creative Brief Template

A Creative Brief is used in advertising, branding, and marketing industries. In order to have a strong and outstanding creative campaign, you need to have a game plan to follow. This serves as a guideline that will help in making decisions related to the campaign.This Creative Brief Template PDF discusses the project details like the project name, due date, and project description. The marketing materials that will be used are listed in the document which includes its specifications like the dimension size, the medium that will be used, and the quantity. This is the best Creative Brief Template you can use for your next creative marketing campaign.

Business Model Canvas Template - PDF Templates

Business Model Canvas Template

Our Business Model Canvas Template includes nine segments which are key partners, key activities, value proposition, customer relations, customer segments, key resources, channels, cost structure, and pricing model.

Blog Post Outline Template - PDF Templates

Blog Post Outline Template

Use this Blog Post Outline Template for your blog content in order to get more visitors, followers, shares, and impressions. This template will definitely help your ranking in search engines.

Gym Business Plan Template - PDF Templates

Gym Business Plan Template

Be successful in the gym business that you're building by securing funding or a loan with the help of this Gym Business Plan Template. This PDF can be printed and given to investors or loan applications.

Meeting Minutes Template - PDF Templates

Meeting Minutes Template

Set goals, plan your actions, and update your team members by tracking the team meetings by using this Meeting Minutes Template. This PDF template will surely help the team in terms of planning and productivity.

Memorandum of Understanding Template - PDF Templates

Memorandum of Understanding Template

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Pressure Washing Estimate Template - PDF Templates

Pressure Washing Estimate Template

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Business Hours Template - PDF Templates

Business Hours Template

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Scope of Work Template - PDF Templates

Scope of Work Template

Establish the responsibilities of the service provider by using this Scope of Work Template. This document will show the list of work and tasks that should be performed by the service provider.

Custom Sales Funnel Plan - PDF Templates

Custom Sales Funnel Plan

Curriculum Vitae - PDF Templates

Curriculum Vitae

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Preliminary Notice Template - PDF Templates

Preliminary Notice Template

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Credit Analysis - PDF Templates

Credit Analysis

Retainer Agreement - PDF Templates

Retainer Agreement

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Business Plan Financial Template - PDF Templates

Business Plan Financial Template

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Transaction Summary - PDF Templates

Transaction Summary

Code of Conduct Template - PDF Templates

Code of Conduct Template

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About Simple Business Plan Templates

Plans, strategies, roadmaps – Businesses rely on these things to gain perspective on what’s about to happen. Milestones laid down in strategic and careful planning for growth and expansion, visions of where the company’s headed 10 years from now, goals that should meet timelines, all these require a smart, prudent and calculated planning.

Whether you’re a startup, an SMB, or close to a Fortune 500, a solid business plan is crucial. And of course, writing business plans is a huge task. But, what if you needed something that requires input from others though? Say, an online form or a PDF template where responses from your colleagues and managers matter? Well, here’s a collection of PDF templates for business planning.

These are beautifully designed templates, specifically tailored for businesses and companies who don’t know where to start. The hard part was already done and that’s designing the template. These will serve as boilerplates for whatever milestone your business needs. You won’t need to worry on building something from scratch, you just need to focus on the content. Some of these templates will contain or collect executive summaries, opportunities, expectations, execution, financial plans, forecasts, the whole nine yards.

Business plan templates help give a clear vision of what lies ahead. They help you get things organized, planned out, and help you check off items from your to-do list more efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions

1) what are the seven parts of a business plan.

  • Executive summary. This is an overview of your business plan. The executive summary should include your company’s offerings, mission, goals, and projections. Think of it as the elevator pitch for your business plan. If you can’t get investors interested here, it’s unlikely they’ll want to keep reading.
  • Company description and history. Describe your business’s legal structure and history in addition to what you do. If you just started this business, you may replace company history with your leadership team’s experience. The purpose of this section is to explain the company structure and build confidence in the people running the company.
  • Products and services. Talk about what your company offers, whether that’s products, services, or a combination of the two. Describe your products and services in detail. Explain what makes your offering unique, what your profit margins are, what kind of demand you’re seeing for it, etc.
  • Market and competitor research. Investors want to know if there’s demand for your offering. Describe the target market and how your product or service benefits potential customers. Include projections of where the industry is headed over the next few years. Additionally, detail your competitors and how saturated the market is.
  • Sales and marketing strategy. This part of the business plan explains how you’ll promote your product. Outline elements such as your ideal customer profile (ICP) as well as your marketing channels, budget, and methods.
  • Operations and logistics. Explain how you’ll source materials if you sell products as well as the technology you need to deliver such products and services. Also, provide details about your team, like how many people you’ll need and how you’ll manage employees.
  • Financial plan and projections. It’s crucial to prove that your business will be financially viable. For this, you’ll need revenue and expense projections. Many investors want to see sample account statements, balance sheets, and cash flow projections.

2) How do you write a business plan?

Your business plan should be a realistic roadmap that helps you build a successful company. When writing it, take a balanced approach so that you’re not blind to the potential pitfalls and risks. You’ll draft each of the seven sections previously discussed.

Tackling these sections can be overwhelming, so some people like to start with a one-page business plan that includes short paragraphs for each element. Another way to give yourself a head start is by working from a business plan template. Once you have a good start, you can expand each section to make a compelling case for your business.

3) Can I write a business plan myself?

Yes, you can. However, depending on your writing experience and goals, you may want outside help. If the business plan is for internal use with the purpose of improving business functions, you’ll likely be OK tackling it alone. But if you’re trying to secure funding from a bank or investors, a professional business plan writer can give you a leg up.

Even if you decide to do it yourself, have a trusted friend or business mentor review your plan and provide feedback. An objective point of view will help you refine your work.

4) What are the four types of business plans?

  • One-page or mini business plan. The one-page option is a great way to improve the focus of your business plan and highlight the essential elements. It can be an effective way to workshop your company’s plan or quickly give others a rundown of your entire business.
  • Traditional business plan. The traditional business plan is more in-depth than its one-page counterpart and will be more thorough in each section (often, plans exceed 40 pages). For example, it may contain detailed financials, branding samples, and competitive research documents.
  • Business model canvas (BMC). The business model canvas is a more visual representation of your business architecture. It includes sections for infrastructure, offering, customers, finances, etc. Many businesses find the BMC appealing since it can be summarized in a single page.
  • Strategic business plan. The strategic business plan can have different purposes, like proving feasibility, discussing planning operations, or projecting growth. It will outline the company’s goals, its strategy for reaching them, and the company structure. The main difference between this and the traditional plan is its focus on specific strategic initiatives.

5) What are the common mistakes in business plans?

  • Poor writing. Sloppy writing may suggest that you’re not serious about your business or you lack the needed professionalism.
  • Unrealistic expectations. While you should be optimistic about your business, if your financial projections reflect your hopes more than reality, people may hesitate to back your business.
  • Lack of supporting documentation. People reviewing your business plan want to see how you back up your claims. You can include research docs, sample financials, and estimates to make your case.
  • Failing to define the target audience. For a successful marketing plan, you need to define your target audience. Investors and financial institutions need to see if you’re confident about who you’re selling to.
  • Unbalanced. It’s important to lay out the risks and potential upsides. This analysis shows investors that you’re considering the whole picture regarding your business.

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Startup Business Plan Template for Word, PDF

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Template Highlights

  • There are ten sections, including the executive summary, introduction to your company, a market analysis, the problem you want to solve, your innovative/disruptive/other -ive word solution, who's on your team, the sales & marketing strategy, your financial plan, your implementation plan, a conclusion, and any additional resources
  • The instructions are specific and easy to follow, so all you have to do is fill in the blanks. Bonus: thinking about these things will prepare you for meetings with potential investors, customers, and employees as well
  • Some of the sections don't apply to your startup? Delete 'em. Want to add a section that's not there? Add it. You can even customize the branding and color scheme
  • Download it as a PDF or Word file
  • Print it, email it, send it to your parents so they can frame it

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Startup Business Plan Template

The term “startup” has become a familiar part of the business lexicon and is often used to describe fast-growing, entrepreneur-led companies in the technology sector. Actually, a startup is any business enterprise that has recently been established. If you are in the early stages of starting a business, one of the first steps you will need to take is to create a business plan.

This simple template was designed to help someone new to the business world to easily put together a professional plan describing a new venture. Keep your startup plan short. As your business matures, you can adapt the plan to include additional detail.

You can create different iterations of it for different audiences. The bank will want more financial information, but a new employee might be more interested in your company’s mission statement and your plan for selling the product or service.

Executive Summary

An executive summary is a crucial part of any business plan. It should come first in your document. The executive summary gives the reader, who may be a very busy bank executive, a chance to understand your business in a quick, one-page read.

In no more than a short paragraph for each point, summarize the sections of your business plan:

• Give your elevator pitch and briefly describe your company

• Summarize the market research you have done

• Present the problem you are aiming to solve

• Describe how your product or service solves the problem

• Introduce key management

• Provide a synopsis of your sales and marketing plan

• Explain your financial plan

Close your executive summary with a clear explanation of your project, why it is needed, and how it will benefit future customers and investors.

HubSpot Tip: Write this section last, after you have written all of the other sections. It should summarize your entire business plan in about a page.

About the Company

Describe what makes your company different. This section should convince readers that your business idea is important and that the product or service that you will offer is needed.

Present your company’s name, location, type of business, ownership, and significant assets.

Describe your company’s mission: What is your reason for existence? Describe the values on which you are founding the company.

List the company’s goals and objectives and explain how you fit into the industry.

HubSpot Tip: Keep this section brief. The remainder of the document allows space for you to go into more detail about your business.

Market Analysis

Before writing your business plan, you need to conduct research on the market and industry you are planning to enter. Based on that research, you should describe your industry, the opportunities it offers, and the growth it is experiencing.

Describe the key environmental trends in your industry. What are the barriers to entry (e.g., high production or marketing costs, tariff barriers, regulatory challenges, extensive training)? How is the industry progressing? What is changing?

You should also define your target customers. Who will buy your product or service?

Who are your major competitors? Identify and describe them.

Identify what defines your product or service in the marketplace. What distinctive competencies or offerings do you provide that other companies do not?

HubSpot Tip: Note the key factors for success in this industry, and focus on proving that your company has them.

The Problem

Describe the need in the market that your business idea will fill. How did this need arise and why has it not been filled yet? Explain how you identified the need and how your product or service will meet it.

HubSpot Tip: Keep this section short, as the focus should be on your solution, which you will describe in the next part of the business plan.

Our Solution

Describe the products or services your business will provide. Include your value proposition - describe how your service/product is attractive to customers.

You should also include a description of the features and benefits of your product or service to your customer. Consider capturing this in a simple table like the one below.

Product/Service Feature

Benefit to the Customer

HubSpot Tip: You can include photos or brochures of your products, but consider putting them in an appendix so that they do not interrupt the message in your narrative.

Organizational Structure

Since your company is just starting, it is likely that you do not have many people on your staff. Describe the key operations and management roles in your company, and provide brief biographical sketches of your leadership. The aim is to show to readers that your team has the skills and qualifications to implement what you have outlined in the business plan.

If you receive advice from a board of directors or any high-level external advisors, mention them in this section.

HubSpot Tip: The biographical sketches should include the educational credentials, relevant experience, and related accomplishments of your leaders. Consider personalizing your plan by including headshots of your staff.

Sales and Marketing Strategy

In this section, you should describe how you will promote your new product or service. Begin by identifying challenges with entering the market and explain how you will overcome them. You can use a table like the one below to outline the barriers and your solutions.

Market Barrier/Challenge

Justify the following choices you have made:

• Location – Does it bring cost savings? Is it close to your customer base?

• Pricing Strategy – How will it entice customers to buy your products or services? How will it lead to profits for your business and investors?

• Promotion Plan - Will you use print, radio, television, or social media? Will you hire a marketing manager?

Note the budget for your marketing strategy and tell the reader how you will obtain the funding for this important aspect of your business. If you plan to use consultants or an advertising agency, include these costs in your budget.

HubSpot Tip: Consider including a few mockups of your company’s logos, branding, or marketing materials in an appendix.

Financial Plan

Describe the cost structure and financial aspects of the business. Explain the kind and amount of investment that you need, what you will use the money for, and how you envision your business becoming profitable.

To give readers a peek into your company’s projected financial future, you should include as much of the following financial information as possible. Remember, your business plan is a living document, so even if you do not have all of this information at the startup stage, you can add it as your business matures.

• Cash flow projection – An estimate of how much money you expect to flow in and out of your business.

• Capitalization plan – Lists the sources and uses of capital that your business plans to amass.

• Break-even analysis – A determination of what you need to sell in order to cover the costs of doing business.

• Income statement – Also known as a profit and loss statement (P&L), it shows the company’s revenues and expenses over a period of time.

• Balance sheet – A statement of the assets, liabilities, and capital of a business at a point in time.

Financial documentation is often long, so you should reference them here and include copies in an appendix.

HubSpot Tip: Not everyone is an expert in finance, but it plays an important role in starting a business. Unless you have an accounting background, consider seeking assistance on this section of your plan.

Implementation Plan

Tell the reader how you will implement your business plan. Consider including a timeline like the one below to illustrate the steps in the process to getting your business up and running. Customize it with your dates and the specific steps you will take.

HubSpot Tip: Set reasonable deadlines that you are able to meet, but that show your initiative and eagerness to realize your new venture.

In a few sentences, summarize the main point that you would like the reader to understand about your business. This can vary based on the target audience. For example, if you are presenting your plan to a bank to ask for a loan, this section should focus on your financial viability and why the bank should choose to finance your business.

Describe the next steps, and provide detailed contact information so that the reader can get in touch with you easily.

HubSpot Tip: Your conclusion should incite the reader to act. Make it easy for them by including all of the information they need to move forward.

Want to provide additional detail but need to avoid making your business plan too long? You can insert documents in the Appendices and reference them in the text. In this way, you can provide more information without breaking up the flow of your business plan text.

HubSpot Tip: Consider including examples of your marketing materials, a map of the business location, background research, images of your products, resumes of company leaders, or financial documents in the appendices of your business plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Construction Contractor Business Plan PDF Example

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  • May 10, 2024
  • Business Plan

the business plan template for a construction contractor

Creating a comprehensive business plan is crucial for launching and running a successful construction contractor business. This plan serves as your roadmap, detailing your vision, operational strategies, and financial plan. It helps establish your construction contractor business’s identity, navigate the competitive market, and secure funding for growth.

This article not only breaks down the critical components of a construction contractor business plan, but also provides an example of a business plan to help you craft your own.

Whether you’re an experienced entrepreneur or new to the service industry, this guide, complete with a business plan example, lays the groundwork for turning your construction contractor business concept into reality. Let’s dive in!

Our construction contractor business plan is meticulously structured to include all essential aspects necessary for a robust strategy. It outlines the company’s operations, marketing strategy , market environment, competitors, management team, and financial projections.

  • Executive Summary : Presents an overview of your construction contractor business concept, including market analysis , management structure, and financial strategies.
  • Company Information: Describes the company’s foundation, areas of expertise in the construction industry, and the operational standards that define the business.
  • Services : Details the comprehensive range of construction services offered, from residential building to commercial projects, including any specialized services such as eco-friendly constructions or renovations.
  • Target Market : Outlines the specific demographic and geographic segments the company aims to serve, emphasizing any particular needs of these markets like affordability, durability, or luxury finishes.
  • Key Stats: Provides statistics on the construction industry’s size and growth trends relevant to your market area.
  • Key Trends: Identifies significant trends affecting the construction sector.
  • Key Competitors : Evaluates primary competitors in the area and outlines your competitive advantages.
  • SWOT : Conducts a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats analysis.
  • Marketing Plan : Outlines effective strategies for attracting and retaining clients.
  • Timeline : Lists key milestones and objectives from the start-up through the initial years of operation.
  • Management: Shares information about the management team, detailing who manages the company and their respective roles.
  • Financial Plan: Forecasts the company’s 5-year financial performance, including revenue, profits, and significant expenses.

the business plan template for a construction contractor business

Construction Contractor Business Plan

pdf downloadable simple business plan template

Fully editable 30+ slides Powerpoint presentation business plan template.

Download an expert-built 30+ slides Powerpoint business plan template

Executive Summary

The Executive Summary introduces your construction contractor’s business plan, offering a concise overview of your company and its services. It should detail your market positioning, the range of construction and remodeling services you offer, its location, size, and an outline of day-to-day operations.

This section should also explore how your construction business will integrate into the local market, including the number of direct competitors within the area, identifying who they are, along with your company’s unique selling points that differentiate it from these competitors.

Furthermore, you should include information about the management and co-founding team, detailing their roles and contributions to the company’s success. Additionally, a summary of your financial projections, including revenue and profits over the next five years, should be presented here to provide a clear picture of your construction business’s financial plan.

Make sure to cover here _ Business Overview _ Market Overview _ Management Team _ Financial Plan

Construction Contractor Business Plan  exec summary

Dive deeper into Executive Summary

Business Overview

For a construction contractor, the Business Overview section can be concisely divided into 3 main slides:

Company Information & Location

Our construction company specializes in handling diverse projects, including residential, commercial, and industrial builds. Located strategically near major transport hubs, our headquarters offer easy access to key construction sites, providing logistical benefits and enhanced service delivery to our clientele.

Services & Specialization

We offer a comprehensive range of services from general contracting to specialized projects like energy-efficient constructions. Our expertise in custom designs and turnkey solutions sets us apart in the industry, ensuring high-quality project management and client satisfaction.

Target Market

Our target market includes homeowners, real estate developers, and public sector contracts. We cater to clients seeking reliable, high-quality construction services, with a focus on innovation and efficiency to meet the unique needs of each segment, ensuring we are the go-to contractor for diverse construction demands.

Make sure to cover here _ Company Information & Information _ Services & Specialization _ Target Market

pdf downloadable simple business plan template

Market Overview

Industry size & growth.

In the Market Overview of your construction contractor business plan, start by examining the size of the construction industry and its growth potential. This analysis is crucial for understanding the market’s scope and identifying expansion opportunities.

Key Market Trends

Proceed to discuss recent market trends , such as the increasing consumer interest in sustainable building practices, energy-efficient homes, and smart technology integration in construction. For example, highlight the demand for green building certifications and the rising popularity of renovations that focus on improving energy efficiency.

Key Competitors

Then, consider the competitive landscape, which includes a range of construction firms from large-scale contractors to local small businesses, as well as the trend toward DIY home improvements. For example, emphasize what makes your company distinctive, whether it’s through advanced project management techniques, specialization in sustainable construction, or exceptional client relations.

Make sure to cover here _ Industry size & growth _ Key competitors _ Key market trends

Construction Contractor Business Plan  market overview

Dive deeper into Key competitors

First, conduct a SWOT analysis for the construction contractor , highlighting Strengths (such as advanced project management skills and a wide array of building services), Weaknesses (including dependency on the economic cycle and market competition), Opportunities (for example, growing trends in sustainable construction and smart home technologies), and Threats (such as potential economic recessions that may reduce investment in new construction projects).

Marketing Plan

Next, develop a marketing strategy that outlines how to attract and retain clients through targeted advertising, promotional discounts, strong online presence, and community involvement. Focus on showcasing your company’s unique capabilities and successful project completions to build trust and credibility in the market.

Finally, create a detailed timeline that outlines critical milestones for the construction business’s project completions, marketing initiatives, client relationship building, and expansion objectives, ensuring the business progresses with clear direction and purpose.

Make sure to cover here _ SWOT _ Marketing Plan _ Timeline

Construction Contractor Business Plan  strategy

Dive deeper into SWOT

Dive deeper into Marketing Plan

The Management section focuses on the construction contractor business’s management and their direct roles in daily operations and strategic direction. This part is crucial for understanding who is responsible for making key decisions and driving the construction contractor business toward its financial and operational goals.

For your construction contractor business plan, list the core team members, their specific responsibilities, and how their expertise supports the business.

Construction Contractor Business Plan  management

Financial Plan

The Financial Plan section is a comprehensive analysis of your financial projections for revenue, expenses, and profitability. It lays out your construction contractor business’s approach to securing funding, managing cash flow, and achieving breakeven.

This section typically includes detailed forecasts for the first 5 years of operation, highlighting expected revenue, operating costs and capital expenditures.

For your construction contractor business plan, provide a snapshot of your financial statement (profit and loss, balance sheet, cash flow statement), as well as your key assumptions (e.g. number of customers and prices, expenses, etc.).

Make sure to cover here _ Profit and Loss _ Cash Flow Statement _ Balance Sheet _ Use of Funds

Construction Contractor Business Plan  financial plan

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Free Scenario Analysis Templates

By Courtney Patterson | March 31, 2024

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We’ve compiled the most insightful scenario analysis templates for strategic planners, business analysts, project managers, and executive decision-makers. Utilize these templates to guide your strategic foresight and long-term planning.  Included on this page, you’ll find a  scenario analysis presentation template , a  financial scenario analysis template , an  operational risk scenario analysis template , and more. You’ll also learn about the different  types of scenario analysis templates — including when to use each — and  how to do a scenario analysis .

Excel Simple Scenario Analysis Spreadsheet Template

Simple Scenario Analysis Spreadsheet Template EXAMPLE

Download the Sample Simple Scenario Analysis Spreadsheet Template for Excel  

Download the Blank Simple Scenario Analysis Spreadsheet Template for Excel  

When to Use This Template:  This simple scenario analysis spreadsheet template, with or without sample data, is ideal when you need a quick assessment of straightforward scenarios. It's perfect for team leaders and small business owners who are in the early stages of project planning or dealing with time-sensitive, smaller-scale projects.  Notable Template Features:  This template stands out for its user-friendly design and focus on the essential elements of a scenario analysis — without overcomplicating the process. Key features include easy-to-fill sections for scenario description, impact assessment, and outcome visualization, making it an accessible tool for quick decision-making.  Explore these free scenario planning templates and examples to systematically evaluate and prepare for potential futures, enhancing your strategic decision-making process.

Simple Scenario Analysis Presentation Template

Simple Scenario Analysis Presentation Template

Download a Sample Simple Scenario Analysis Template for 

PowerPoint | Google Slides  

Download a Blank Simple Scenario Analysis Template for 

When to Use This Template:  Opt for this simple scenario analysis presentation template when you need to communicate straightforward scenario analyses to your team or stakeholders. With or without sample data, the template is particularly useful for team leaders and small business owners who must present basic scenario outcomes clearly during meetings or strategy sessions.  Notable Template Features:  This template offers a streamlined format perfect for presentations. Key features include intuitive slide layouts for outlining scenarios and their impacts, along with visual aids to enhance understanding. The template is designed to convey scenario analysis effectively without overwhelming your audience.

Business Analysis Scenario Template

Business Analysis Scenario Template Example

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Download a Blank Business Analysis Scenario Template for 

When to Use This Template: Employ this business analysis scenario template with or without sample data to present a detailed assessment of complex business scenarios, such as shifts in market dynamics or competitive landscapes, to your team or stakeholders. It's particularly useful for business analysts and corporate strategists who need to convey business environment analyses during strategic planning meetings or executive briefings.  Notable Template Features: This template features comprehensive slide layouts that facilitate a clear, thorough exploration of various business scenarios. Its standout attributes include dedicated sections for detailing market trends, competitive analysis, and strategic implications, complemented by engaging visual elements.  To prioritize tasks and projects efficiently, download one of these  free priority matrix templates , tailored to help you align your focus with your most impactful activities.

Financial Scenario Analysis Template

Financial Scenario Analysis Template Example

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Excel | Google Sheets

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When to Use This Template:  Utilize this financial scenario analysis template with or without sample data when you need to examine the impact of different market conditions or economic trends on your company's financial standing. It's particularly beneficial for financial analysts and CFOs engaged in critical financial planning and forecasting.  Notable Template Features:  This template is equipped with detailed slides to help you develop diverse financial outcomes. It features specialized sections for analyzing changes in revenue, costs, and profitability under different scenarios, with graphical elements to represent financial data. The design facilitates clear communication of complex financial forecasts, making it a valuable tool for presentations. 

Operational Risk Scenario Analysis Template

Operational Risk Scenario Analysis Template Example

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When to Use This Template:  This operational risk scenario analysis template with or without sample data is best for risk managers and operations managers who need to identify and assess risks that could disrupt daily operations. It’s an essential tool during risk assessment meetings or operational planning sessions.  Notable Template Features:  This template is designed to help you systematically outline and analyze operational risks. It includes sections for assessing the likelihood and potential impact of each risk, as well as for planning mitigation strategies. The template’s structured format aids in creating actionable contingency plans, making it an indispensable tool for comprehensive operational risk management.  To plan for your team's future needs, explore these  free workforce planning templates , designed to help your organization strategically manage and optimize its human resources.

Scenario Analysis Axis Template

Scenario Analysis Axis Template Example

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Microsoft Word | PowerPoint

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When to Use This Template:  Turn to this scenario analysis axis template when you need a visual tool to compare and contrast different scenarios. With or without sample data, the template is particularly useful for strategic planners and project managers who need to present options to stakeholders and evaluate them based on factors such as risk and reward.  Notable Template Features:  This template stands out for its two-dimensional axis system, which enables users to plot scenarios intuitively. It allows you to compare different outcomes based on key variables, enhancing the clarity of strategic discussions. Its straightforward visual design facilitates deeper understanding and more informed decision-making in complex project environments.  Utilize one of these  free decision matrix templates to streamline your decision-making process, ensuring your team effectively evaluates and prioritizes options based on critical criteria.

Analysis Scenario Planning Template

Analysis Scenario Planning Template

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Excel | PowerPoint  

When to Use This Template:  This analysis scenario planning template is ideal for senior executives and strategic planners when crafting long-term strategies. It is particularly valuable in strategy sessions focused on mapping out the future direction of the business, taking into account diverse potential scenarios that could unfold.  Notable Template Features:  This template is tailored to facilitate the exploration of scenarios with the potential to affect the business's long-term trajectory. It helps senior decision-makers visualize various scenarios and their impacts to understand the full range of possible outcomes. The layout is structured to encourage comprehensive and forward-thinking strategy development, making it a key asset for high-level strategic planning. 

Scenario Analysis XY Axis Template

Example Scenario Analysis XY Axis Template

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When to Use This Template:  Data analysts and strategic planners, in particular, should select this scenario analysis XY axis template for in-depth comparative analysis. This template, with or without sample data, is an effective tool for examining scenarios based on specific, distinct variables, enhancing the depth of strategic insights and risk assessments.  Notable Template Features:  Characterized by its dual-axis system, this template compares scenarios based on two key variables. Its design offers clear visual representations that aid in understanding complex strategic relationships and risks. The template is especially beneficial for translating sophisticated data into accessible, actionable insights. 

Types of Scenario Analysis Templates

The types of scenario analysis templates that businesses use vary, depending on their needs. They include simple templates for quick assessments and specialized templates focusing on financial outcomes, what-if situations, and long-term planning. These tools help businesses make strategic decisions.  Here's a breakdown of the different types of scenario analysis templates:  

  • Simple Scenario Analysis Template: This user-friendly template assists in basic scenario planning, suitable for small-scale or introductory assessments.
  • Simple Scenario Analysis Presentation Template: Formulated to effectively communicate and visualize the potential impacts of straightforward future scenarios, this template aids in decision-making and strategic planning discussions.  
  • What-If Scenario Analysis Template: Focusing on hypothetical situations, this template enables businesses to walk through various possible futures and their impacts.  
  • Business Analysis Scenario Template: Tailored for comprehensive scenario planning in business contexts, this detailed template incorporates market, competitive, and strategic factors.  
  • Financial Scenario Analysis Template: An essential tool for financial analysts and CFOs, this template examines how different scenarios impact revenue, costs, and the overall financial health of the business.  
  • Operational Risk Scenario Analysis Template: This template helps users identify and analyze risks to business operations under various scenarios.  
  • Scenario Analysis Axis Template: With a two-axis layout to plot and compare different scenarios, this template is often used for visual and comparative analysis.  
  • Analysis Scenario Planning Template:  Designed for long-term strategic planning, this template helps businesses prepare for and adapt to future scenarios.  
  • Scenario Analysis XY Axis Template:  For nuanced comparative analysis, this template plots scenarios according to two distinct variables that might be scaled differently, such as risk versus reward. 

Each type of scenario analysis template serves a unique purpose, from straightforward assessments to complex strategic planning, helping businesses prepare for various outcomes.

How to Do a Scenario Analysis

Perform a scenario analysis by developing a range of possible events and using a template to understand their impacts on your business. A scenario analysis template enables you to organize your data, visualize different outcomes, and make rational decisions. Scenario analysis is a strategic planning method used to make flexible long-term plans. Here's how to conduct a scenario analysis:  

  • Define Objectives Start by clarifying what you want to achieve with the scenario analysis. This could be understanding the impact of a new product launch, market expansion, or changes in the regulatory environment on your business.
  • Identify Key Drivers for Change Determine the external forces that could impact your objectives. These might include technological advancements, economic trends, legislative changes, or social dynamics. 
  • Gather Data  Collect relevant data on each key driver. This includes historical data, current trends, and expert forecasts. The quality of your scenario analysis depends significantly on the accuracy and relevancy of the data you use.
  • Develop Scenarios Using the identified drivers, construct a range of plausible future scenarios. Typically, you should create at least three: one positive (optimistic), one negative (pessimistic), and one neutral (most likely) scenario.

Use a Template to Capture Your Findings  Use a template, such as this article’s simple scenario analysis spreadsheet template to structure your findings. A template helps you organize your scenarios, drivers, and data into a clear format that enables you to visualize different outcomes. It can display key metrics on an easy-to-read dashboard to help with your analysis. 

Spreadsheet Template Dashboard

Enter Your Data  In the template’s Scenario Analysis Data Table , enter your data and select the corresponding scenario condition from the drop-down menu to populate the charts in the Scenario Analysis Dashboard section. 

Simple Scenario Analysis Spreadsheet Template Data Table

Analyze Impacts  For each scenario, evaluate the potential impacts on your business by checking the Calculations section of the template. Consider how each scenario could affect your strategic objectives, operations, financial performance, and competitive position.  

Simple Analysis Template Calculations.png

  • Develop Strategies and Contingency Plans Based on the analysis, devise strategies that would succeed across multiple scenarios. Prepare contingency plans for specific scenarios to mitigate risks or capitalize on opportunities.
  • Monitor and Update Scenario analysis is not a one-time activity. Regularly monitor the external environment for signs that a particular scenario might be unfolding. Update your scenarios and plans as necessary to remain aligned with the changing landscape.

By following these steps and utilizing a structured template, you can perform a comprehensive scenario analysis that helps your business navigate uncertainties with greater confidence and strategic agility.

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The Smartsheet platform makes it easy to plan, capture, manage, and report on work from anywhere, helping your team be more effective and get more done. Report on key metrics and get real-time visibility into work as it happens with roll-up reports, dashboards, and automated workflows built to keep your team connected and informed. 

When teams have clarity into the work getting done, there’s no telling how much more they can accomplish in the same amount of time.  Try Smartsheet for free, today.

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  7. Free Business Plan Template [Updated for 2022]

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  10. Simple Business Plan Template (2024)

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    A business plan template sets out the company information, goals, future objectives and strategies for a (starting) business.

  17. Manufacturing Business Plan PDF Example

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  18. Real Estate Agency Business Plan PDF Example

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  19. Construction Contractor Business Plan PDF Example

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