Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Simple Business Plan

By Joe Weller | October 11, 2021

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A business plan is the cornerstone of any successful company, regardless of size or industry. This step-by-step guide provides information on writing a business plan for organizations at any stage, complete with free templates and expert advice. 

Included on this page, you’ll find a step-by-step guide to writing a business plan and a chart to identify which type of business plan you should write . Plus, find information on how a business plan can help grow a business and expert tips on writing one .

What Is a Business Plan?

A business plan is a document that communicates a company’s goals and ambitions, along with the timeline, finances, and methods needed to achieve them. Additionally, it may include a mission statement and details about the specific products or services offered.

A business plan can highlight varying time periods, depending on the stage of your company and its goals. That said, a typical business plan will include the following benchmarks:

  • Product goals and deadlines for each month
  • Monthly financials for the first two years
  • Profit and loss statements for the first three to five years
  • Balance sheet projections for the first three to five years

Startups, entrepreneurs, and small businesses all create business plans to use as a guide as their new company progresses. Larger organizations may also create (and update) a business plan to keep high-level goals, financials, and timelines in check.

While you certainly need to have a formalized outline of your business’s goals and finances, creating a business plan can also help you determine a company’s viability, its profitability (including when it will first turn a profit), and how much money you will need from investors. In turn, a business plan has functional value as well: Not only does outlining goals help keep you accountable on a timeline, it can also attract investors in and of itself and, therefore, act as an effective strategy for growth.

For more information, visit our comprehensive guide to writing a strategic plan or download free strategic plan templates . This page focuses on for-profit business plans, but you can read our article with nonprofit business plan templates .

Business Plan Steps

The specific information in your business plan will vary, depending on the needs and goals of your venture, but a typical plan includes the following ordered elements:

  • Executive summary
  • Description of business
  • Market analysis
  • Competitive analysis
  • Description of organizational management
  • Description of product or services
  • Marketing plan
  • Sales strategy
  • Funding details (or request for funding)
  • Financial projections

If your plan is particularly long or complicated, consider adding a table of contents or an appendix for reference. For an in-depth description of each step listed above, read “ How to Write a Business Plan Step by Step ” below.

Broadly speaking, your audience includes anyone with a vested interest in your organization. They can include potential and existing investors, as well as customers, internal team members, suppliers, and vendors.

Do I Need a Simple or Detailed Plan?

Your business’s stage and intended audience dictates the level of detail your plan needs. Corporations require a thorough business plan — up to 100 pages. Small businesses or startups should have a concise plan focusing on financials and strategy.

How to Choose the Right Plan for Your Business

In order to identify which type of business plan you need to create, ask: “What do we want the plan to do?” Identify function first, and form will follow.

Use the chart below as a guide for what type of business plan to create:

Is the Order of Your Business Plan Important?

There is no set order for a business plan, with the exception of the executive summary, which should always come first. Beyond that, simply ensure that you organize the plan in a way that makes sense and flows naturally.

The Difference Between Traditional and Lean Business Plans

A traditional business plan follows the standard structure — because these plans encourage detail, they tend to require more work upfront and can run dozens of pages. A Lean business plan is less common and focuses on summarizing critical points for each section. These plans take much less work and typically run one page in length.

In general, you should use a traditional model for a legacy company, a large company, or any business that does not adhere to Lean (or another Agile method ). Use Lean if you expect the company to pivot quickly or if you already employ a Lean strategy with other business operations. Additionally, a Lean business plan can suffice if the document is for internal use only. Stick to a traditional version for investors, as they may be more sensitive to sudden changes or a high degree of built-in flexibility in the plan.

How to Write a Business Plan Step by Step

Writing a strong business plan requires research and attention to detail for each section. Below, you’ll find a 10-step guide to researching and defining each element in the plan.

Step 1: Executive Summary

The executive summary will always be the first section of your business plan. The goal is to answer the following questions:

  • What is the vision and mission of the company?
  • What are the company’s short- and long-term goals?

See our  roundup of executive summary examples and templates for samples. Read our executive summary guide to learn more about writing one.

Step 2: Description of Business

The goal of this section is to define the realm, scope, and intent of your venture. To do so, answer the following questions as clearly and concisely as possible:

  • What business are we in?
  • What does our business do?

Step 3: Market Analysis

In this section, provide evidence that you have surveyed and understand the current marketplace, and that your product or service satisfies a niche in the market. To do so, answer these questions:

  • Who is our customer? 
  • What does that customer value?

Step 4: Competitive Analysis

In many cases, a business plan proposes not a brand-new (or even market-disrupting) venture, but a more competitive version — whether via features, pricing, integrations, etc. — than what is currently available. In this section, answer the following questions to show that your product or service stands to outpace competitors:

  • Who is the competition? 
  • What do they do best? 
  • What is our unique value proposition?

Step 5: Description of Organizational Management

In this section, write an overview of the team members and other key personnel who are integral to success. List roles and responsibilities, and if possible, note the hierarchy or team structure.

Step 6: Description of Products or Services

In this section, clearly define your product or service, as well as all the effort and resources that go into producing it. The strength of your product largely defines the success of your business, so it’s imperative that you take time to test and refine the product before launching into marketing, sales, or funding details.

Questions to answer in this section are as follows:

  • What is the product or service?
  • How do we produce it, and what resources are necessary for production?

Step 7: Marketing Plan

In this section, define the marketing strategy for your product or service. This doesn’t need to be as fleshed out as a full marketing plan , but it should answer basic questions, such as the following:

  • Who is the target market (if different from existing customer base)?
  • What channels will you use to reach your target market?
  • What resources does your marketing strategy require, and do you have access to them?
  • If possible, do you have a rough estimate of timeline and budget?
  • How will you measure success?

Step 8: Sales Plan

Write an overview of the sales strategy, including the priorities of each cycle, steps to achieve these goals, and metrics for success. For the purposes of a business plan, this section does not need to be a comprehensive, in-depth sales plan , but can simply outline the high-level objectives and strategies of your sales efforts. 

Start by answering the following questions:

  • What is the sales strategy?
  • What are the tools and tactics you will use to achieve your goals?
  • What are the potential obstacles, and how will you overcome them?
  • What is the timeline for sales and turning a profit?
  • What are the metrics of success?

Step 9: Funding Details (or Request for Funding)

This section is one of the most critical parts of your business plan, particularly if you are sharing it with investors. You do not need to provide a full financial plan, but you should be able to answer the following questions:

  • How much capital do you currently have? How much capital do you need?
  • How will you grow the team (onboarding, team structure, training and development)?
  • What are your physical needs and constraints (space, equipment, etc.)?

Step 10: Financial Projections

Apart from the fundraising analysis, investors like to see thought-out financial projections for the future. As discussed earlier, depending on the scope and stage of your business, this could be anywhere from one to five years. 

While these projections won’t be exact — and will need to be somewhat flexible — you should be able to gauge the following:

  • How and when will the company first generate a profit?
  • How will the company maintain profit thereafter?

Business Plan Template

Business Plan Template

Download Business Plan Template

Microsoft Excel | Smartsheet

This basic business plan template has space for all the traditional elements: an executive summary, product or service details, target audience, marketing and sales strategies, etc. In the finances sections, input your baseline numbers, and the template will automatically calculate projections for sales forecasting, financial statements, and more.

For templates tailored to more specific needs, visit this business plan template roundup or download a fill-in-the-blank business plan template to make things easy. 

If you are looking for a particular template by file type, visit our pages dedicated exclusively to Microsoft Excel , Microsoft Word , and Adobe PDF business plan templates.

How to Write a Simple Business Plan

A simple business plan is a streamlined, lightweight version of the large, traditional model. As opposed to a one-page business plan , which communicates high-level information for quick overviews (such as a stakeholder presentation), a simple business plan can exceed one page.

Below are the steps for creating a generic simple business plan, which are reflected in the template below .

  • Write the Executive Summary This section is the same as in the traditional business plan — simply offer an overview of what’s in the business plan, the prospect or core offering, and the short- and long-term goals of the company. 
  • Add a Company Overview Document the larger company mission and vision. 
  • Provide the Problem and Solution In straightforward terms, define the problem you are attempting to solve with your product or service and how your company will attempt to do it. Think of this section as the gap in the market you are attempting to close.
  • Identify the Target Market Who is your company (and its products or services) attempting to reach? If possible, briefly define your buyer personas .
  • Write About the Competition In this section, demonstrate your knowledge of the market by listing the current competitors and outlining your competitive advantage.
  • Describe Your Product or Service Offerings Get down to brass tacks and define your product or service. What exactly are you selling?
  • Outline Your Marketing Tactics Without getting into too much detail, describe your planned marketing initiatives.
  • Add a Timeline and the Metrics You Will Use to Measure Success Offer a rough timeline, including milestones and key performance indicators (KPIs) that you will use to measure your progress.
  • Include Your Financial Forecasts Write an overview of your financial plan that demonstrates you have done your research and adequate modeling. You can also list key assumptions that go into this forecasting. 
  • Identify Your Financing Needs This section is where you will make your funding request. Based on everything in the business plan, list your proposed sources of funding, as well as how you will use it.

Simple Business Plan Template

Simple Business Plan Template

Download Simple Business Plan Template

Microsoft Excel |  Microsoft Word | Adobe PDF  | Smartsheet

Use this simple business plan template to outline each aspect of your organization, including information about financing and opportunities to seek out further funding. This template is completely customizable to fit the needs of any business, whether it’s a startup or large company.

Read our article offering free simple business plan templates or free 30-60-90-day business plan templates to find more tailored options. You can also explore our collection of one page business templates . 

How to Write a Business Plan for a Lean Startup

A Lean startup business plan is a more Agile approach to a traditional version. The plan focuses more on activities, processes, and relationships (and maintains flexibility in all aspects), rather than on concrete deliverables and timelines.

While there is some overlap between a traditional and a Lean business plan, you can write a Lean plan by following the steps below:

  • Add Your Value Proposition Take a streamlined approach to describing your product or service. What is the unique value your startup aims to deliver to customers? Make sure the team is aligned on the core offering and that you can state it in clear, simple language.
  • List Your Key Partners List any other businesses you will work with to realize your vision, including external vendors, suppliers, and partners. This section demonstrates that you have thoughtfully considered the resources you can provide internally, identified areas for external assistance, and conducted research to find alternatives.
  • Note the Key Activities Describe the key activities of your business, including sourcing, production, marketing, distribution channels, and customer relationships.
  • Include Your Key Resources List the critical resources — including personnel, equipment, space, and intellectual property — that will enable you to deliver your unique value.
  • Identify Your Customer Relationships and Channels In this section, document how you will reach and build relationships with customers. Provide a high-level map of the customer experience from start to finish, including the spaces in which you will interact with the customer (online, retail, etc.). 
  • Detail Your Marketing Channels Describe the marketing methods and communication platforms you will use to identify and nurture your relationships with customers. These could be email, advertising, social media, etc.
  • Explain the Cost Structure This section is especially necessary in the early stages of a business. Will you prioritize maximizing value or keeping costs low? List the foundational startup costs and how you will move toward profit over time.
  • Share Your Revenue Streams Over time, how will the company make money? Include both the direct product or service purchase, as well as secondary sources of revenue, such as subscriptions, selling advertising space, fundraising, etc.

Lean Business Plan Template for Startups

Lean Business Plan Templates for Startups

Download Lean Business Plan Template for Startups

Microsoft Word | Adobe PDF

Startup leaders can use this Lean business plan template to relay the most critical information from a traditional plan. You’ll find all the sections listed above, including spaces for industry and product overviews, cost structure and sources of revenue, and key metrics, and a timeline. The template is completely customizable, so you can edit it to suit the objectives of your Lean startups.

See our wide variety of  startup business plan templates for more options.

How to Write a Business Plan for a Loan

A business plan for a loan, often called a loan proposal , includes many of the same aspects of a traditional business plan, as well as additional financial documents, such as a credit history, a loan request, and a loan repayment plan.

In addition, you may be asked to include personal and business financial statements, a form of collateral, and equity investment information.

Download free financial templates to support your business plan.

Tips for Writing a Business Plan

Outside of including all the key details in your business plan, you have several options to elevate the document for the highest chance of winning funding and other resources. Follow these tips from experts:.

  • Keep It Simple: Avner Brodsky , the Co-Founder and CEO of Lezgo Limited, an online marketing company, uses the acronym KISS (keep it short and simple) as a variation on this idea. “The business plan is not a college thesis,” he says. “Just focus on providing the essential information.”
  • Do Adequate Research: Michael Dean, the Co-Founder of Pool Research , encourages business leaders to “invest time in research, both internal and external (market, finance, legal etc.). Avoid being overly ambitious or presumptive. Instead, keep everything objective, balanced, and accurate.” Your plan needs to stand on its own, and you must have the data to back up any claims or forecasting you make. As Brodsky explains, “Your business needs to be grounded on the realities of the market in your chosen location. Get the most recent data from authoritative sources so that the figures are vetted by experts and are reliable.”
  • Set Clear Goals: Make sure your plan includes clear, time-based goals. “Short-term goals are key to momentum growth and are especially important to identify for new businesses,” advises Dean.
  • Know (and Address) Your Weaknesses: “This awareness sets you up to overcome your weak points much quicker than waiting for them to arise,” shares Dean. Brodsky recommends performing a full SWOT analysis to identify your weaknesses, too. “Your business will fare better with self-knowledge, which will help you better define the mission of your business, as well as the strategies you will choose to achieve your objectives,” he adds.
  • Seek Peer or Mentor Review: “Ask for feedback on your drafts and for areas to improve,” advises Brodsky. “When your mind is filled with dreams for your business, sometimes it is an outsider who can tell you what you’re missing and will save your business from being a product of whimsy.”

Outside of these more practical tips, the language you use is also important and may make or break your business plan.

Shaun Heng, VP of Operations at Coin Market Cap , gives the following advice on the writing, “Your business plan is your sales pitch to an investor. And as with any sales pitch, you need to strike the right tone and hit a few emotional chords. This is a little tricky in a business plan, because you also need to be formal and matter-of-fact. But you can still impress by weaving in descriptive language and saying things in a more elegant way.

“A great way to do this is by expanding your vocabulary, avoiding word repetition, and using business language. Instead of saying that something ‘will bring in as many customers as possible,’ try saying ‘will garner the largest possible market segment.’ Elevate your writing with precise descriptive words and you'll impress even the busiest investor.”

Additionally, Dean recommends that you “stay consistent and concise by keeping your tone and style steady throughout, and your language clear and precise. Include only what is 100 percent necessary.”

Resources for Writing a Business Plan

While a template provides a great outline of what to include in a business plan, a live document or more robust program can provide additional functionality, visibility, and real-time updates. The U.S. Small Business Association also curates resources for writing a business plan.

Additionally, you can use business plan software to house data, attach documentation, and share information with stakeholders. Popular options include LivePlan, Enloop, BizPlanner, PlanGuru, and iPlanner.

How a Business Plan Helps to Grow Your Business

A business plan — both the exercise of creating one and the document — can grow your business by helping you to refine your product, target audience, sales plan, identify opportunities, secure funding, and build new partnerships. 

Outside of these immediate returns, writing a business plan is a useful exercise in that it forces you to research the market, which prompts you to forge your unique value proposition and identify ways to beat the competition. Doing so will also help you build (and keep you accountable to) attainable financial and product milestones. And down the line, it will serve as a welcome guide as hurdles inevitably arise.

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Business Plan Table of Contents

Your business plan table of contents will outline your plan.

A business plan is expected to be compelling, well-organized, and presented in a logical sequence. Following this business plan table of contents will ensure your document hits the mark! Remember that your business plan does not have to be a formal document, but it should speak to all the objectives critical to your success.

A business plan table of contents like the one below will put you on a straight course to starting and finishing your business plan quickly and with confidence that you’re doing it right. In fact, you should consider this business plan table of contents to be your business plan outline for your entire plan, even if you are starting with just an executive summary .

Understand the Standard Format 

Then use one of the customized templates provided.

Customizing a business plan’s table of contents to a specific industry is crucial for several reasons. First, it ensures that the plan addresses the unique challenges, opportunities, and competitive dynamics inherent in that industry. Every industry has its nuances; for example, a tech startup might need to focus heavily on innovation and scalability, while a restaurant must emphasize menu design and customer experience. A tailored table of contents ensures that these critical elements are not overlooked.

Customization facilitates more effective communication with stakeholders, such as investors, partners, and employees. Stakeholders are often familiar with industry-specific benchmarks and expectations. A customized plan demonstrates that the founders deeply understand their industry and are serious about addressing its specific requirements.

A tailored plan helps in setting realistic goals and strategies that are relevant to the industry. For instance, a service industry business would focus on customer satisfaction metrics, while a manufacturing business would emphasize production efficiency and supply chain management.

Finally, customizing the table of contents for industry-specific needs allows founders to identify and mitigate risks unique to their industry. This foresight not only prepares the business for potential challenges but also instills confidence in potential investors and partners, showing that the founders have a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to succeed in their industry.

The examples below are already fine-tuned to the needs of top industries for startup businesses. Click any of the labels to jump to the example on this page.

Follow a Straightforward Format

The information and structure found on this page will help you think about and convey your business idea in a format that investors understand. It’s not just for investors!

Following all the major sections of this page will help you crystallize your thinking about your business in a holistic way that will serve you well, even if you’re not seeking funding. From your market analysis, marketing plan to your financial plan and cash flow statement, you’ll learn to think about your business in depth, on terms important to your success!

Does your business plan really need a table of contents? In short, yes! That’s why we have included this section as a guideline or template. You should always include a table of contents with your business plan unless you are presenting only Executive Summary that is 2 – 5 pages in length.

Make Your Plan Easy to Read and Understand

Keep in mind that a business plan is often not read from front to back, in order. Different people will have different specific interests. A table of contents lets readers quickly find the information that is most important to them.

Including a table of contents is both a courtesy and a way to help bankers and potential investors make efficient use of your business plan. If it’s well organized and includes a table of contents, you’ll be getting started on the right foot.

It’s common for a business plan to be updated on a regular basis, long after the first draft is complete. A small change on page two might suddenly mean the page numbers listed in the table of contents need to be corrected. Be sure to update your table of contents to reflect these changes. To make this task a breeze, use the Table of Contents feature built into Microsoft Word.

Why do we include such an obvious suggestion? The fact is, many people overlook this step. Don’t give some junior analyst at a venture capital firm with 100 business plans to review an early opportunity to say, “This person is sloppy and doesn’t pay enough attention to details. Next plan.”

Follow the Format for Proven Success

If you use The Outline provided with this document as the starting point for your table of contents, you can include the subtopics while you’re creating the plan. Then, in your final Table of Contents, you’ll include only the major section titles.

Introduction and Overview

This section in a small business plan table of contents provides an introduction to the plan and gives a brief overview of the business, including its purpose, products or services, business’s unique selling proposition , and target market. It sets the stage for the rest of the plan and provides context for the reader.

Sales & Market Potential

Products and services.

Describes the products or services offered by the business and how they meet the needs of the target market. It is important because it helps the reader understand the business’s offerings and how they are positioned in the market.

Provides an industry overview and in-depth market analysis of the target market, including demographics, size, and trends. It is important because it demonstrates the business’s understanding of its target audience and the potential for growth in the market.

  • Direct and Indirect Competitors

Every business plan needs to identify who they will compete with, both directly and indirectly. Be direct! Glossing over this makes investors nervous.

  • Go-To-Market Plan

Details the strategies and tactics the company will use to reach and acquire customers, including market segmentation, target customers, distribution channels and pricing. This section should take into account the competitive analysis.

  • Sales and Marketing Plan

Outlines the marketing objectives -the strategies and tactics- the business will use to reach and engage its target market and drive sales. It is important because it illustrates how the business will generate revenue and achieve its financial goals.

Team and Operating Plan

  • Management Team

Typically includes information about the key individuals involved in the company, including their backgrounds, experience, and roles within the organization.

  • Operating Plan

Outlines the day-to-day operations of the company, including details on the production or development process, logistics, and supply chain management. Be sure that the operating plan you present is matched by the people you’ll have on your management team.

SWOT Analysis (optional but helpful)

Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats. A way to document and evaluate a company’s internal and external environment. It identifies the company’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as opportunities and threats in the marketplace. It’s a summary of the internal and external factors that can help or hinder the company’s success.

Financial Information

  • Financial Projections

Your financial plan should include an income statement (profit and loss) showing the company’s projected revenue and expenses for at least three years. The income statement provides a detailed breakdown of the company’s projected income and expenses, including revenue streams, cost of goods sold, operating expenses, and net income.

Capitalization or “Cap Table”

Provides information on the sources of funding for the company and the ownership structure. This can include information on equity funding, debt financing, and other funding sources.

  • Use of Funds

Details how the company plans to use the funds raised, including information on specific investments, expansion plans, and other expenditures. It should also include information on how the funds will be allocated to different areas of the business, such as research and development, marketing, and operations.

Additional Information

  • Exit Strategy

This section of a business plan outlines the company’s plans for exiting the business, such as through a sale of the company or an initial public offering (IPO). It should include information on the timing of the exit, the expected return on investment, and the potential buyers or investors.

  • Payback Analysis

Provides information on the projected return on investment and the time frame in which the company expects to recoup its initial investments. This section should include information on the company’s projected cash flow, as well as any return-on-investment calculations.

  • Notices and Disclaimers

Used to provide legal and regulatory information about the company, its products, and its services. This can include information on patents, trademarks, copyrights, and other legal matters. It also may include a disclaimer statement that the plan is for informational purposes only and that the company cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information provided.

Summary of Business Plan Table of Contents

The business plan table of contents above serves as both a table of contents and an outline for your business plan. This business plan outline can even be used to help you draft your executive summary following the same format in less detail. You will find that this business plan format is used throughout this site. Every section is explained in detail and includes examples or templates you can use. Follow this format you’ll end up with a well-organized business plan.

Industry-Specific Business Plan Table of Contents Examples

Below is a generic business plan table of contents example, followed by more than 10 industry-specific examples.  For each example, we’ve noted the differences and points of emphasis for each industry, compared to the generic example. Choose the example that is closest to your type of business and you’ll be miles ahead as you start your business plan.

Generalized – Business Plan Table of Contents

The table of contents example below will generally apply to any business.  We have also provided some more-specific examples below.  Choose the example that is most appropriate for your type of business.

  • SWOT Analysis
  • Capitalization

Coaching and Training

Coaching and training business plan table of contents.

In a coaching and training business plan, the table of contents should reflect the unique aspects of a service-based industry where the primary offerings are knowledge, expertise, and personalized services. Compared to a generic business plan, there’s a stronger focus on the expertise of the service providers, customized service offerings, client engagement strategies, and detailed service delivery models. Here’s how these differences are emphasized in the table of contents:

The table of contents for a Coaching and Training Business Plan focuses on the specific needs and dynamics of the coaching and training industry. Unlike more product-oriented plans, this plan emphasizes the qualifications and expertise of the coaching team, the customization of service offerings, client relationship strategies, and operational details geared towards service delivery. Financial projections and marketing strategies are tailored to reflect the nature of selling services, such as coaching or training hours, rather than physical products.

Executive Summary

Brief overview of the coaching and training services, business objectives, and market potential.

Business Description

Detailed insight into the coaching and training business, its founding principles, and unique service proposition.

Market Analysis

  • Industry Overview
  • Target Client Demographics and Needs
  • Market Trends in Coaching and Training

Service Offerings

  • Detailed Description of Coaching and Training Services
  • Customization of Services
  • Unique Service Delivery Models

Marketing and Client Engagement Strategy

  • Branding and Positioning
  • Client Acquisition and Retention Strategies
  • Online and Offline Marketing Tactics

Operational Plan

  • Service Delivery Logistics
  • Client Scheduling and Management Systems
  • Quality Assurance Measures

Management and Staffing

  • Professional Qualifications of Coaches/Trainers
  • Staffing Needs and Training Programs
  • Organizational Structure

Financial Plan

  • Pricing Strategy for Services
  • Revenue Projections and Cost Analysis
  • Cash Flow and Break-Even Analysis
  • Risk Management Strategies
  • Legal and Ethical Considerations
  • Future Growth and Expansion Plans

E-commerce Business Plan Table of Contents

The table of contents for an E-commerce Business Plan is tailored to address the specific requirements of an online business model. This includes an emphasis on digital marketing strategies, e-commerce technologies, online customer experience, data analytics for customer behavior, and supply chain management suitable for online sales. The plan should also cover cybersecurity measures, website optimization, and the legalities of online trading.

Concise overview of the e-commerce business, highlighting the main objectives, target market, and unique online value proposition.

Detailed description of the e-commerce business model, history, and vision. Explanation of the online marketplace and its potential.

  • E-commerce Market Trends and Growth
  • Target Audience and Online Consumer Behavior
  • Competitive Landscape in the Digital Space

Product and Service Line

  • Products/Services Offered Online
  • Product Sourcing and Fulfillment Strategies
  • Pricing and Profit Margins

Digital Marketing and Sales Strategy

  • SEO and Content Marketing
  • Social Media Marketing and Engagement
  • Email Marketing and Online Advertising
  • E-commerce Platform and Technology Stack
  • Order Processing and Logistics
  • Customer Support and Service

Management and Organization

  • Management Team and Organizational Structure
  • Staffing for Online Operations
  • Training and Development in E-commerce Skills
  • Revenue Streams in E-commerce
  • Cost Structure and Budgeting
  • Financial Projections and ROI Analysis
  • Legalities and Regulations in E-commerce
  • Risk Management and Cybersecurity
  • Future Growth Strategies and Scaling Plans

Health and Wellness Studio

Health and wellness organization business plan table of contents.

The table of contents for a Health and Wellness Organization Business Plan should cater to the specifics of a wellness service industry. It should emphasize the quality of wellness programs, the expertise of the staff, the creation of a conducive wellness environment, and the marketing strategies tailored to attract and retain wellness enthusiasts. Additionally, the financial aspects should reflect the unique business model of wellness services.

Overview of the health and wellness organization, its mission, target clientele, and unique wellness offerings.

Organization Overview

Detailed description of the organization, its founding principles, types of wellness programs offered, and the overall wellness philosophy.

  • Wellness Industry Trends
  • Target Market Demographics and Preferences
  • Competitive Landscape in the Wellness Sector

Programs and Services

  • Diverse Wellness Program Offerings (e.g., Yoga, Fitness Classes)
  • Program Development and Innovation
  • Personal Training and Customized Wellness Plans

Marketing and Client Engagement

  • Branding Strategies for the Wellness Market
  • Client Acquisition and Retention Plans
  • Community Outreach and Wellness Events
  • Facility Management and Environment
  • Staffing with Qualified Instructors and Support Team
  • Client Service and Experience Enhancements
  • Leadership Team in Health and Wellness
  • Instructor Qualifications and Recruitment
  • Staff Training and Wellness Education
  • Pricing Strategies for Wellness Services
  • Revenue Projections and Membership Models
  • Expense Management and Profitability Analysis
  • Risk Management and Safety Protocols
  • Legal and Regulatory Compliance in Health Services
  • Long-term Development and Expansion Strategies

Hotel and Lodging

Boutique hotel and lodging business plan table of contents.

The table of contents for a Boutique Hotel and Lodging Business Plan is designed to address the intricacies of running a boutique-style hospitality business. It emphasizes creating a unique guest experience, leveraging the boutique’s unique selling propositions, detailed market analysis for the hospitality sector, and a robust operational plan that covers everything from room design to guest services. The financial section should be tailored to reflect the revenue streams and cost structure specific to boutique hotels.

Overview of the boutique hotel concept, mission, unique selling points, and target market.

Hotel Concept and Design

Detailed description of the hotel’s theme, design elements, and the guest experience strategy.

  • Overview of the Boutique Hotel Market
  • Target Guest Demographics and Preferences
  • Analysis of Competitors and Market Trends
  • Rooms and Accommodations
  • Unique Guest Services and Amenities
  • Additional Facilities (e.g., Spa, Restaurant, Event Spaces)

Marketing and Guest Engagement

  • Brand Development for Boutique Hotels
  • Marketing Strategies for Target Niches
  • Partnerships with Local Businesses and Attractions
  • Day-to-Day Hotel Operations
  • Staffing and Management Structure
  • Customer Service Excellence
  • Management Team and Hospitality Expertise
  • Staff Recruitment and Training Programs
  • Guest Relations Management
  • Funding Requirements and Sources
  • Revenue Projections and Pricing Strategy
  • Cost Analysis and Profit Margins
  • Regulatory Compliance and Licensing
  • Risk Management and Insurance
  • Future Expansion and Growth Plans

Manufacturing

Manufacturing business plan table of contents.

This Manufacturing Business Plan focuses on the specifics of producing goods, managing a supply chain, and meeting market demands efficiently. Key elements include detailed descriptions of the manufacturing process, cost-effective production strategies, inventory management, and market penetration tactics. The financial section should reflect the capital-intensive nature of the manufacturing business and outline strategies for scaling up production.

Overview of the manufacturing business, its products, market positioning, and manufacturing capabilities.

Detailed description of the manufacturing business, including history, type of products manufactured, and unique aspects of the operations.

  • Industry Overview and Market Trends
  • Target Market and Customer Analysis
  • Competitive Analysis in the Manufacturing Sector

Manufacturing Process and Operations

  • Details of the Production Process
  • Plant and Machinery
  • Supply Chain Management and Raw Material Sourcing
  • Product Line Overview
  • Research and Development for New Products
  • Quality Assurance and Compliance

Marketing and Sales Strategy

  • Market Penetration and Distribution Channels
  • Branding and Product Positioning
  • Sales Forecasts and Targets
  • Facility Management and Workflow
  • Health, Safety, and Environmental Policies
  • Human Resource Management in Manufacturing
  • Organizational Structure and Key Personnel
  • Manufacturing Expertise and Team Composition
  • Staff Training and Development
  • Capital Expenditure and Funding Requirements
  • Cost Structure and Profit Margin Analysis
  • Revenue Projections and Financial Forecasts
  • Regulatory Compliance and Certifications
  • Future Expansion and Growth Opportunities

Medical Office

Medical office business plan table of contents.

This Medical Office Business Plan is specifically designed to cater to the operations of a healthcare facility. It focuses on the delivery of high-quality medical services, patient relationship management, adherence to healthcare laws and standards, and the effective management of medical and administrative staff. The financial aspects should reflect the operational costs associated with running a medical office and strategies for sustainable growth.

Overview of the medical office, including the type of practice (e.g., dermatology), mission, healthcare services offered, and target patient demographic.

Practice Description

Detailed description of the medical office, including the history of the practice, medical specialties offered, and unique aspects of patient care.

  • Healthcare Industry Trends and Growth
  • Local Market Demand and Patient Demographics
  • Competitive Analysis of Other Medical Practices

Medical Services Offered

  • List of Healthcare Services and Specialties (e.g., Dermatological Treatments)
  • New Patient Services and Ongoing Care Programs
  • Advanced Medical Technologies and Procedures

Marketing and Patient Engagement Strategy

  • Branding and Positioning in the Healthcare Market
  • Patient Acquisition and Retention Methods
  • Community Outreach and Health Awareness Programs
  • Clinic Workflow and Patient Management
  • Staffing: Medical Professionals and Support Staff
  • Healthcare Compliance and Quality Control
  • Leadership Team and Medical Credentials
  • Staff Recruitment, Training, and Development
  • Performance Management and Staff Retention
  • Revenue Streams: Patient Services and Insurance Billing
  • Operating Costs and Expense Management
  • Financial Projections and Funding Requirements
  • Regulatory Compliance and Medical Ethics
  • Risk Management and Patient Safety
  • Future Expansion and Diversification Plans

Retail Business

Retail – business plan table of contents, focus on retail-specific elements.

Detailed Product Descriptions : Unlike a generic business plan, a retail business plan needs to provide a more in-depth description of the range of products or services offered. This includes details about suppliers, inventory management, and unique selling propositions of the products.

Market and Competitive Analysis Specific to Retail : The market analysis section should focus on the retail market’s dynamics, including customer demographics, buying behaviors, and seasonal trends. The competitive analysis needs to address direct and indirect competitors in the retail space, covering aspects like store layout, pricing strategies, customer service, and location advantages.

Sales and Marketing Strategy with a Retail Slant : The plan should outline specific retail marketing and sales strategies. This includes in-store promotions, visual merchandising, online marketing tailored to a retail audience, customer loyalty programs, and strategies for an omnichannel retail experience.

Operational Details Geared Towards Retail Operations : The operational plan should focus on retail-specific elements like store location, layout, foot traffic, shelving and display, checkout processes, inventory turnover, and staffing tailored for retail operations. Retail-specific Financial Projections : In a retail business plan, the financial section needs to be tailored to retail metrics. This includes detailed projections of sales volume, seasonal fluctuations in sales, inventory costs, and other retail-specific financial considerations.

Management and Staffing for Retail : Unlike a generic business plan, the retail plan should discuss staffing needs in the context of a retail operation, including sales staff, inventory managers, and other roles essential to a retail store.

Customer Experience and Service : A significant aspect of the retail business plan is the focus on customer experience and service strategies, highlighting how the retail business will create an enjoyable shopping experience and build customer loyalty.<

By focusing on these key areas, a retail business plan addresses the unique challenges and opportunities of the retail sector, providing a roadmap tailored to the specific needs and dynamics of a retail business.

Overview of the retail business, vision, and mission.

Detailed description of the retail business, including the type of retail, history, and unique value proposition.

  • Target Market Demographics and Psychographics
  • Market Needs and Trends

Competitive Analysis

  • Competitive Advantage
  • Product Range
  • Supplier Information
  • Pricing Strategy
  • Sales and Marketing Strategy
  • Promotional Strategies
  • Customer Engagement Plan
  • Store Location and Layout
  • Inventory Management
  • Customer Service Policies

Management and Personnel

  • Staffing and Personnel Plan
  • Training and Development
  • Startup Expenses and Capitalization
  • Projected Income Statements
  • Cash Flow Projections
  • Break-Even Analysis
  • Risk Analysis
  • Legal Considerations and Disclaimers

Personal Services

Personal services / salon services, business plan table of contents.

  • Service Differentiation
  • Customer Experience
  • Local Market Analysis
  • Revenue Streams
  • Health and Safety Compliance

Professional Services

Professional business services, business plan table of contents, client services and market potential.

  • Service Offerings and Specialization
  • Target Client Demographics
  • Competitive Landscape Analysis
  • Marketing and Brand Positioning

Operational Excellence

  • Leadership and Management Structure
  • Staff Expertise and Development
  • Operational Workflow and Efficiency
  • Quality Assurance and Standards

Financial Management

  • Revenue Forecasting and Billing Models
  • Cost Analysis and Management
  • Funding and Capital Management
  • Financial Goals and Milestones

Strategic Growth and Expansion

  • Market Expansion Strategies
  • Service Diversification
  • Strategic Partnerships and Alliances
  • Future Growth Projections

Risk Management and Compliance

  • Legal and Ethical Compliance
  • Risk Mitigation Strategies
  • Client Confidentiality and Data Security
  • Professional Liability Considerations

Restaurants

Restaurant business plan table of contents, market analysis and concept development.

  • Concept and Cuisine Style
  • Target Market and Customer Demographics
  • Location Analysis and Accessibility
  • Competitive Landscape

Menu and Service Offerings

  • Menu Development and Pricing
  • Beverage Program and Pairings
  • Service Style and Customer Experience
  • Seasonal Offerings and Special Events
  • Restaurant Layout and Design
  • Kitchen and Back-of-House Operations
  • Health, Safety, and Hygiene Compliance
  • Leadership Team and Organizational Structure
  • Employee Roles and Responsibilities

Marketing and Customer Engagement

  • Brand Development and Positioning
  • Marketing Strategies and Promotions
  • Customer Loyalty Programs
  • Community Engagement and Public Relations

Financial Planning and Management

  • Revenue and Sales Forecast
  • Cost Management and Profitability Analysis
  • Budgeting and Expense Controls
  • Investment and Funding Strategy

Expansion and Growth Opportunities

  • Future Location Expansion
  • Franchising Potential
  • Menu Diversification and Innovation
  • Partnership and Collaboration Opportunities

Software as a Service

Software as a service (saas) business plan table of contents, product development and innovation.

  • Software Solution and Features
  • Technology Stack and Development Roadmap
  • User Experience and Design Principles
  • Innovation and Continuous Improvement

Market Analysis and Strategy

  • Target Market and Customer Segmentation
  • Competitive Analysis and Differentiation
  • Market Trends and Growth Opportunities
  • Pricing and Subscription Models

Customer Acquisition and Success

  • Sales Strategy and Channels
  • Customer Onboarding and Retention
  • Support and Customer Service

Operational Plan and Infrastructure

  • Scalable Infrastructure and Cloud Services
  • Data Security and Compliance
  • Team and Talent Management
  • Business Process Optimization

Financial Planning and Metrics

  • Revenue Forecasting and Cash Flow Management
  • Key Performance Indicators and Metrics
  • Funding and Investment Strategy
  • Expense and Cost Management

Leadership and Team Development

  • Executive Team and Company Structure
  • Staff Hiring and Development Plans
  • Company Culture and Values
  • Performance and Growth Pathways

Expansion and Growth Strategies

  • New Market Penetration
  • Product Line Extensions
  • International Expansion

Technology Services

Technical services (outsourced it services) business plan table of contents, service offerings and expertise.

  • Overview of Services (Support, Help Desk, Networking, Administration)
  • Technical Specializations and Certifications
  • Service Delivery Models
  • Innovations in IT Service Management

Market Analysis and Client Engagement

  • Target Market and Client Segmentation
  • Competitive Landscape and Positioning
  • Client Feedback and Relationship Management
  • Workflow Efficiency and Process Optimization
  • Team Structure and Management
  • Data Security and Privacy Protocols

Financial Management and Growth Strategy

  • Revenue Models and Pricing Strategies
  • Financial Projections and Budgeting
  • Cost Control and Profitability Analysis
  • Expansion and Scaling Opportunities

Leadership and Staff Development

  • Recruitment, Training, and Skill Development
  • Performance Evaluation and Incentive Programs
  • Culture and Employee Engagement
  • Industry Regulations and Legal Compliance
  • Risk Assessment and Mitigation Strategies
  • Client Data Protection and Security Measures
  • Emergency Response and Continuity Planning

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Contents of a Business Plan: Everything You Need to Know

The contents of a business plan consist of a detailed description of what, when, why, where, and how the business's operations will be accomplished. 3 min read updated on January 01, 2024

Overview of a Business Plan

A business plan includes the cost of organizing the business, the anticipated sources of revenue, how the products and services are customer oriented, and anticipated profit margins. Business plans serve two main purposes. First, they are a guide business owners use to streamline management and planning/organization of the business. Second, they show potential venture capitalists, bankers, and other lenders a comprehensive plan to encourage them to invest in the business.

Sublevels of a business plan include:

  • Marketing plan
  • Financial plan
  • Human resource plan
  • Production plan

Elements of a Business Plan

A well-written business plan will include the following:

  • Cover letter

Table of Contents

Executive Summary

  • Mission statement
  • Company background
  • Products and services
  • Competitive analysis

Marketing/Realization

  • Location/Production/Administrative
  • Management and international organization
  • Risk analysis
  • Financial planning

Summary/Conclusion

Cover Letter

The business plan's cover letter has the same purpose as a cover letter for a resume. The point is to engage prospective investors using the cover letter so they'll look at the entire plan. The cover letter should include the recipient's address, the date, and your address. Begin the cover letter with "Dear" followed by the person's name.

In the body of the cover letter, let the recipient know you're submitting a business plan with a short one-sentence description of the business and what the recipient can expect when reading the plan. In the next paragraph, indicate that you look forward to hearing from them and provide a phone number they can call at their convenience.

Thank them for their time. Sign off. Include your name in typewritten form along with your signature.

Keep this page short and to the point. Include your business logo, business name, if there is a founder, and the name. Add "Business Plan," an image (optional), and the date.

The table of contents is a roadmap to help the recipient peruse the list and easily find each section. Some people may choose to read sections one after the other while others may choose to skip around. Include every section and subsection that may be of interest to a potential investor.

This is an important section. Because you're targeting executives, the overview of your business should be top-quality information to entice them to read the complete plan. The focus should be a summary of the main facets of your business plan.

Mission Statement

This section is a short statement about your business's goal and what you plan to create through the enterprise.

Company Background

This is a short statement including the date the business was developed, its founders, stages of development, the date it was incorporated, and, for existing businesses, the level of success.

Also, include the key figures in the business and the ownership and legal structure.

Products and Services

Under this section, provide a detailed description of your customer needs, benefits to customers, marketing services, and advantages and disadvantages of any competitor services or products.

Marketing Plan

This will include an overview of the market in general with an emphasis on purchase incentives, market analysis, and customer structure. It will also include the position your business holds in the market using information from target customer groups, canvassed market segments, and sale channels.

Competitive Analysis

Provide information about your main competitors' names, locations, market positions, weaknesses, strengths, and target markets.

This section covers details about product range, services, and pricing strategies. Sales targets for the next five years should also be included.

Location/Production/Administration

Include the location of the business and the advantages and disadvantages of its location. The production should discuss in-house and/or outsourced production and material costs. The administration portion will discuss the office infrastructure, such as accounting and technical support.

Management and International Organization

This section could work written as an organizational chart outlining member functions and responsibilities, special skills, and salaries.

Risk Analysis

Provide information on anticipated internal risks such as marketing, production, management, and financing. External risks would include information on ecological, economic, social, and legal areas.

Financial Planning

Lay out your plan for short- and long-term financial planning.

This is a final wrap up of the business plan that binds the everything together.

If you need help with outlining the contents of a business plan, you can post your legal need on UpCounsel's marketplace. UpCounsel accepts only the top 5 percent of lawyers to its site. Lawyers on UpCounsel come from law schools such as Harvard Law and Yale Law and average 14 years of legal experience, including work with or on behalf of companies like Google, Menlo Ventures, and Airbnb.

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What is a business plan?

1. write an executive summary, 2. describe your company, 3. state your business goals, 4. describe your products and services, 5. do your market research, 6. outline your marketing and sales plan, 7. perform a business financial analysis, 8. make financial projections, 9. summarize how your company operates, 10. add any additional information to an appendix, business plan tips and resources.

A business plan outlines your business’s financial goals and explains how you’ll achieve them over the next three to five years. Here’s a step-by-step guide to writing a business plan that will offer a strong, detailed road map for your business.

Bizee

A business plan is a document that explains what your business does, how it makes money and who its customers are. Internally, writing a business plan should help you clarify your vision and organize your operations. Externally, you can share it with potential lenders and investors to show them you’re on the right track.

Business plans are living documents; it’s OK for them to change over time. Startups may update their business plans often as they figure out who their customers are and what products and services fit them best. Mature companies might only revisit their business plan every few years. Regardless of your business’s age, brush up this document before you apply for a business loan .

» Need help writing? Learn about the best business plan software .

This is your elevator pitch. It should include a mission statement, a brief description of the products or services your business offers and a broad summary of your financial growth plans.

Though the executive summary is the first thing your investors will read, it can be easier to write it last. That way, you can highlight information you’ve identified while writing other sections that go into more detail.

» MORE: How to write an executive summary in 6 steps

Next up is your company description. This should contain basic information like:

Your business’s registered name.

Address of your business location .

Names of key people in the business. Make sure to highlight unique skills or technical expertise among members of your team.

Your company description should also define your business structure — such as a sole proprietorship, partnership or corporation — and include the percent ownership that each owner has and the extent of each owner’s involvement in the company.

Lastly, write a little about the history of your company and the nature of your business now. This prepares the reader to learn about your goals in the next section.

» MORE: How to write a company overview for a business plan

does a business plan need a table of contents

The third part of a business plan is an objective statement. This section spells out what you’d like to accomplish, both in the near term and over the coming years.

If you’re looking for a business loan or outside investment, you can use this section to explain how the financing will help your business grow and how you plan to achieve those growth targets. The key is to provide a clear explanation of the opportunity your business presents to the lender.

For example, if your business is launching a second product line, you might explain how the loan will help your company launch that new product and how much you think sales will increase over the next three years as a result.

» MORE: How to write a successful business plan for a loan

In this section, go into detail about the products or services you offer or plan to offer.

You should include the following:

An explanation of how your product or service works.

The pricing model for your product or service.

The typical customers you serve.

Your supply chain and order fulfillment strategy.

You can also discuss current or pending trademarks and patents associated with your product or service.

Lenders and investors will want to know what sets your product apart from your competition. In your market analysis section , explain who your competitors are. Discuss what they do well, and point out what you can do better. If you’re serving a different or underserved market, explain that.

Here, you can address how you plan to persuade customers to buy your products or services, or how you will develop customer loyalty that will lead to repeat business.

Include details about your sales and distribution strategies, including the costs involved in selling each product .

» MORE: R e a d our complete guide to small business marketing

If you’re a startup, you may not have much information on your business financials yet. However, if you’re an existing business, you’ll want to include income or profit-and-loss statements, a balance sheet that lists your assets and debts, and a cash flow statement that shows how cash comes into and goes out of the company.

Accounting software may be able to generate these reports for you. It may also help you calculate metrics such as:

Net profit margin: the percentage of revenue you keep as net income.

Current ratio: the measurement of your liquidity and ability to repay debts.

Accounts receivable turnover ratio: a measurement of how frequently you collect on receivables per year.

This is a great place to include charts and graphs that make it easy for those reading your plan to understand the financial health of your business.

This is a critical part of your business plan if you’re seeking financing or investors. It outlines how your business will generate enough profit to repay the loan or how you will earn a decent return for investors.

Here, you’ll provide your business’s monthly or quarterly sales, expenses and profit estimates over at least a three-year period — with the future numbers assuming you’ve obtained a new loan.

Accuracy is key, so carefully analyze your past financial statements before giving projections. Your goals may be aggressive, but they should also be realistic.

NerdWallet’s picks for setting up your business finances:

The best business checking accounts .

The best business credit cards .

The best accounting software .

Before the end of your business plan, summarize how your business is structured and outline each team’s responsibilities. This will help your readers understand who performs each of the functions you’ve described above — making and selling your products or services — and how much each of those functions cost.

If any of your employees have exceptional skills, you may want to include their resumes to help explain the competitive advantage they give you.

Finally, attach any supporting information or additional materials that you couldn’t fit in elsewhere. That might include:

Licenses and permits.

Equipment leases.

Bank statements.

Details of your personal and business credit history, if you’re seeking financing.

If the appendix is long, you may want to consider adding a table of contents at the beginning of this section.

How much do you need?

with Fundera by NerdWallet

We’ll start with a brief questionnaire to better understand the unique needs of your business.

Once we uncover your personalized matches, our team will consult you on the process moving forward.

Here are some tips to write a detailed, convincing business plan:

Avoid over-optimism: If you’re applying for a business bank loan or professional investment, someone will be reading your business plan closely. Providing unreasonable sales estimates can hurt your chances of approval.

Proofread: Spelling, punctuation and grammatical errors can jump off the page and turn off lenders and prospective investors. If writing and editing aren't your strong suit, you may want to hire a professional business plan writer, copy editor or proofreader.

Use free resources: SCORE is a nonprofit association that offers a large network of volunteer business mentors and experts who can help you write or edit your business plan. The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Small Business Development Centers , which provide free business consulting and help with business plan development, can also be a resource.

On a similar note...

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does a business plan need a table of contents

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How to Write a Business Plan Complete Guide

Business Plan Template

Free Business Plan Template

Paresh Balar

  • January 3, 2024

24 Min Read

how to write a business plan

Welcome to the journey of entrepreneurship . You are here because you have a great business idea and want to know how to write a business plan to convert that idea into reality.

Before you start writing your business plan, let’s understand What is a business plan? Why do you need one in the first place? And What should you include in your business plan?

Table of Contents

  • What is a business plan?
  • Why do you need a business plan?
  • What to include in your business plan?

Business Plan Outline

  • Key things to remember
  • How to write a business plan?

Let’s get started with an important question.

What is a Business Plan?

In simple words, a business plan is a document that outlines your business goals and details how you plan to achieve those goals. It is a living document that will prove to you and the rest of the world that your idea is not just a dream but can be a viable reality.

Also, it will help investors learn about your business, and vision, and convince them that your business idea is worth investing in. Your business plan will provide concrete evidence that your business idea is sound and has every chance of success.

Your business plan is the backbone of your business.

What Should You Include in Your Business Plan?

Every business idea and plan is unique in its terms. You should include all the details that explain your business idea in the best possible way. However, there are a few elements that every entrepreneur should include in their business plan.

The following is a full guide for creating a comprehensive business plan. We’ll first list out the sections that must be included in the business plan and in the later part, we’ll explain what should be added to each section:

Business Plan Cover Page

  • Executive Summary
  • Company Overview
  • Problem Analysis
  • Products & Services
  • Product Features
  • Market Overview
  • Market Size
  • Target Customers
  • Customer Needs
  • Direct Competitors
  • Indirect Competitors

Competitive Advantages

Swot analysis.

  • Promotions Plan
  • Distribution Plan
  • Key Operational Processes

Management Team

  • Management Team Gaps
  • Board Members
  • Revenue Model
  • Financial Highlights
  • Funding Requirements
  • Use of Funds
  • Exit Strategy
  • Appendix – Supporting Documentation

Now you are ready to write your business plan, let’s understand in detail how you can write your business plan and what you should include in each element of the business plan.

business plan cover page

The business plan cover page is the first and most important part of the business plan because it will create the first impact and will set the platform for how investors or readers will engage with your business plan.

Just by looking at the business plan cover page, an investor or reader can get a quick idea about the purpose of your business idea and business plan.

However, many entrepreneurs do not pay enough attention to the cover page, which is their biggest mistake.

business plan table of contents

In any document, the business plan table of contents provides a quick overview and works as navigation to navigate across the document. The same does for a business plan as well.

A table of contents is important to provide a quick overview of the sections that you have included in your business plan and help readers to navigate to the section that interests them the most. If investors are excited about a particular part of the business plan first, they will find the table of contents extremely useful in finding the relevant sections within the business plan.

Usually, the table of contents needs to be added at the start of the document and just after the business plan cover page.

Here’s a Quick Overview of Each Key Chapter:

1. Executive Summary

The executive summary is the first section of your business plan. However, the executive summary is always written at last as it is a brief introduction to your business plan and a summary of your entire business plan document.

A good executive summary should answer the following basic questions:

  • What are you trying to achieve with your business idea?
  • Why is your business idea important? and
  • How are you going to achieve your business goals?

Generally, a good executive summary should include the following details:

  • A brief description of the problems you will be solving
  • Summary of your business goals & vision
  • Products or services you are going to offer
  • A solid description of the market you are targeting
  • A quick look at your competition and your competitive advantages
  • A basic financial projection of your revenue, expenses, and profits
  • Your funding requirements (if any) and how you will be using that funds.

It does seem like lots of details are required to write a good executive summary but at the same time, it is important to get it right because if your summary does not clearly explain how you will solve a customer problem and make a profit, then investors or readers might not find it worth reading.

Most of the investors just read the executive summary and decide if they should read the rest of the business plan or not. So make your efforts count in this part of the business plan.

In short, write your executive summary in such a way that readers would want to turn the page and keep on reading.

Always remember, that a good executive summary should not be more than one or two pages long. However, in some cases, it can be longer if there is an absolute requirement.

2. Company Overview

The company overview section provides a brief history of your company if it already exists. However, if you are starting a new business, here you will need to write about yourself, your achievements, and how you will set up and form your business as a company.

Here you need to answer questions such as how and when your company was formed, what type of legal entity you are, and what are your achievements to date. Your past journey and achievements are the best sign of your possible future success, so make sure to include all the important milestones you or your company have achieved to date.

As a startup, your company overview can be very much short, so focus on your personal history, achievements, and the journey that led you to start your business in the first place. Sharing your original idea is important because it shows how you think and how you were able to craft your idea into a business.

Even if you are just starting, your educational background, professional experience, achievements, and the details of your best business idea can give potential investors a vision of what you are trying to achieve.

Have a look at this company overview example

  • Starbucks company profile
  • Puma company page

3. Problem Analysis

You have started the business because you have identified the unique problem that customers are facing and in this section, you just need to explain that problem.

The problem statement section can be explained with three simple questions.

  • Whom does the problem affect?
  • What are the causes of the problem?
  • Why is it important to fix it?

When you write your problem statement, just describe how bigger the problem is and why it is most important to fix it. Also, there might be multiple problems you will be solving, but always try to focus on the main problem because you don’t win on the number of problems you solve; you win on how well you solve a specific problem .

While writing the business plan, most entrepreneurs focus on the solution they are going to offer, and in that process, they forget to explain the actual importance of the problem. Remember the more accurately you will explain the problem, the more valuable the solution will be.

Remember to keep the problem statement as simple as possible and should be self-explanatory. Also, it is good to include the key statistics that explain the severity of the problem.

After you explain the problem, it is also important to describe the world once a particular problem will be solved and that will set the stage to introduce the solution you are proposing.

4. The Solution

Business Plan Solution Section

The solution section is also called the product & services section . In this section, you will need to define your best-proposed solution to the problem you explained in the previous problem analysis section.

Your solution details should be as simple as possible. It is not recommended to use too many technical or industry details while writing about your product details. Keep in mind your readers will not have the same education or technical background as you.

The length of this section will depend on the nature of your business. for example, if your business is product-focused and the product is relatively new in the market, then you should write more about the product, its design, its features, etc. However, if your business is relatively common like selling bicycles or restaurant business and you are planning to compete with better pricing or customer service then you probably don’t need to write more about products.

If your product is hard to explain it’s a good idea to include a picture. Also, if you are planning to expand your business and will come with new products or services in the future, then you can mention those details here as well.

Your product or service pricing should be mentioned here in this section. Apply the right pricing strategy to set the best pricing for your product or services. Also, if you have any product patents, copyrights, licenses, etc then add those details here in this section.

In short, your solution section should answer the following common questions:

  • Your products or services are currently under development or already available?
  • If not available, what will be the timeline for delivering products and services to the market?
  • How are your products or services different from the competition?
  • How will you get your products? Are you the manufacturer or do you purchase products from suppliers or wholesalers?

When you write this product and services section, think of your reader as a person who knows little to nothing about your business. so make it as simple as possible.

5. Market Analysis

Before you start your business, it is essential to check if there is a viable market available for the products or services you are planning to offer, and that makes market research the most critical and key to success for any business.

In simple words, market analysis is studying the industry your business will operate in, the size of the industry, and its trend & direction (growing, stable, or in decline).

The market analysis consists of main three parts:

  • Market Overview: This is a general overview of the industry. In this part, you will need to describe the current position of the industry, market trends, and where it is heading. Also, you can write about your knowledge and experience in the industry.
  • Target Market: In this part, you will need to be more specific about the segment of the market that will use your products or services. Not everyone from the industry will use your product or services, so it is important to find the right audience for your product. (For example, if you are starting a veg restaurant in the town, then all the people from town will not visit your restaurant. The only people who prefer and eat veg food will be your target customers).
  • Market Size: Market size is all about finding how many potential customers are there for your product or service. Here you will need to show some statistics about the size of the industry (e.g., total U.S. sales in the last year) and its growth rate over the last few years.

The main objective of the market analysis is to identify the opportunities and risks associated with the business. It will also help you to understand how you should prepare your marketing strategy , where you should invest in terms of marketing efforts, and avoid making the wrong decisions.

With market analysis, you can identify the market entry barrier, and market needs, and estimate the market attractiveness from a financial standpoint.

6. Customer Analysis

Once you complete your market analysis, it’s time to identify the customers and needs of customers who are going to use your product or services, and this process is called customer analysis . Customer analysis is a key element of any successful marketing plan, as well as your overall business plan.

Customer analysis is critical for any business to succeed because if you do not know who is going to your offerings, and what your customers want, no business can succeed.

Now that you know customer analysis is that important, it is time to learn how you can perform strong customer analysis.

Customer analysis consists of main three parts:

  • Demographics: Age, Sex, Ethnicity, Income, Family, Occupation, etc.
  • Geographic: Location (Neighbourhood, Region, Urban/Rural, Online)
  • Psychographic: Lifestyle, Personality, etc
  • Interests: Hobbies, Activities, etc
  • Growth: Size of the target customers and whether they are growing, shrinking, or stable.

It’s up to you what is the best way to get this information for your business. However, some practical methods include customer surveys, existing customer data analysis, social media listening, or talking with your customer support team.

  • Identify your customer’s needs: Once you identify who your customers are, it’s important to understand their needs as well, and the answer to this question should be your offering.
  • Explain how your product or services will meet those needs: Now that you know your target customers and what they need, it’s time to explain your products or services’ benefits. In this part, list out the key features of your products or services that will fulfill customers’ needs, explain the benefits of your offerings, and the outcome customers can expect by using your products or services.

Keep in mind, that a strong customer analysis must answer these three key questions:

  • Who are your customers?
  • What do they need?
  • How do your products or services meet those needs?

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7. Competitive Analysis

Business Plan Competitive Analysis Section

Competitive analysis is all about finding your competitors, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses, products and services, pricing, social media presence, marketing & sales strategy, etc.

Your competitors can be categorized into two classes:

  • Direct Competitors: Direct competitors are the ones who provide the same solution as you do. For example, if you operate an Italian restaurant, other restaurants that serve Italian food will be your direct competitors. In this section of your business plan, outline who your direct competitors are, and add their strengths and weaknesses.
  • Indirect Competitors: Indirect competitors are the ones who do not provide the same solution as you do. However, solve the same customer problem as you do. For example, if you operate an Italian restaurant, a Mexican or Spanish restaurant would be an indirect competitor. In this section of your business plan, outline who your indirect competitors are, and add their strengths and weaknesses.

Once you identify who your competitors are, it’s time to explain how different and superior you are compared to them and that will be the competitive advantage section of your business plan .

competitive advantages

SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats.

Her strengths and weaknesses are subjective to your business which you can control and change like business location, pricing, uniqueness, etc. While opportunities and threats are external that are running outside your business, in the larger market. However, you can take advantage of opportunities and defend your business against potential threats, but you can’t change them.

It is always best if the business owners perform a SWOT analysis themselves. This task is not something that you should assign to someone else. A precise SWOT analysis will allow you to measure your strengths and weaknesses against the opportunities and threats in your business environment.

Once your SWOT analysis is ready, it will help you to form a strategy to achieve your business goals.

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8. Marketing Plan

Now that you have explained your products or services and identified who is going to use those products or services, it is time to let your customers know about your products or services. And for this, you will have to plan strategy, and that planning you will need to explain in this section.

Your marketing plan can be divided into the following sections:

  • Pricing: Explain your product or service pricing here in this section. Mainly, discuss how you finalized your pricing and how your pricing is better than the competition. Also, discuss if it’s low-cost or premium offerings and how your pricing supports it. This will ensure investors also that you have finalized your pricing with proper research.
  • Promotional Plan: In this section, talk about your marketing activities and strategies that you will execute to attract your customers. It is always great to have some unique selling propositions (USP). However, Unique selling propositions should be short and self-explanatory. For example, Domino’s Pizza’s USP is “We deliver hot, fresh pizza in 30 minutes or less, or it’s free.” Also, discuss your other marketing or promotional activities that may include discount offers for early customers, media or online advertisements, product launches or social events, radio newspaper or magazine ads, affiliate or referral programs, etc. In this section, you can also write about your customer relation and support team and how they will work to retain your existing customers.
  • Distribution Plan: The main purpose of your marketing plan is that customers to buy your products or services. So it is important to explain how they can buy your products or services. Your distribution plan will include all details about your distribution channel, sales channel & strategy, and payment policies.

Once you complete writing your marketing plan , make sure your marketing plan answers these key questions.

  • What will be the pricing of your offerings?
  • How will you reach out to your target customers?
  • How will you retain your customers to buy from you repeatedly?
  • How and from where customers can buy your products and services?

Your marketing plan can be 7-8 pages long. However, while writing your business plan, make sure you do not go into details and try to keep it as simple as possible. You can separately write your marketing plan for internal purposes.?

9. Operations Plan

Your operation plan will explain how you will manufacture your product and run your business. It can include a lot of details depending on your business. For example, if you are in the production business, you will want to include all the information about how you will get raw materials, and equipment, build your products and ship them.

However, it is not recommended to include all these details while writing the operations section of your business plan . You should include only major details that you think will give you a competitive advantage or are important for your readers.

An operations plan is useful for internal purposes as it will help your team to understand their roles to achieve your business goals. However, it will help investors also to learn how you will run your business to make your business succeed.

Business Plan Management Team Section

The management team should be the easiest section of your business plan because, in this section, you will need to write about yourself and your core team members who will run the business.

Always remember, that businesses’ success will depend on the team who is running them. So you must write this section carefully and convince your readers or investors that you are the best person to execute and run this business.

Many investors believe it is not the business that succeeds, it is the team that makes the business successful. In fact, in some cases, investors have funded start-ups mainly based on the team who will run the business.

The ultimate guide to starting a business

In this section, list out important details of core team members like name, position in the company, contact information, qualifications, past experiences, achievements, etc.

You can also mention any management gaps present in your organization and when you are planning to fill those gaps. You can also mention if there is an advisory team or board of members who might not work in your organization but will advise you from outside.

10. Financial Plan

Business Plan Finance Section

The financial section of the business plan is the most important component of the business plan. Whatever you will write in the business plan will be conceptual until you do not add some numbers to support it.

Have a financial plan if you want to secure outside funding from investors or bank loans from financial institutes. Even if you do not need funds, it is always helpful to have a financial forecast to achieve your business goals and make your business successful. Financial forecasting will give you a clear idea of whether your business is viable or not.

Your financial plan will include the following sections.

  • Revenue Model: The main purpose of this section is to explain the different revenue streams of your business. Do you sell products?  Do you provide services? Do you provide third-party advertisements? Or do you sell all of the above? It is equally important to update this revenue model section, once you start generating revenue. Use the revenue model as a living document to improve your plans. Focus on revenue streams that work best, while changing your approach to those that aren’t doing well.
  • Financial Highlights: Include financial reports like cash flow, balance sheet, profit & loss, projected revenue, expenses, etc.
  • Funds Needed: This section is required if you are looking for funds to run your business operations. Before you directly request funds, it is good to explain your current financial situation, how much you have already invested, and how much funds you already have secured. Once you explain your current financial position, it is time to explain what type of funding you are looking for. What are your preferred options to secure funds? It is important to update this section once you secure funding.
  • Use of Funds: Once you explain how many funds you are looking for, it’s time to explain how you will use those funds. You will use it to hire new talents, expand your operations, pay your existing debts, or buy new equipment. If you are going to use funds for multiple things, mention each and also mention how much funds you are going to spend for each thing. Investors or financial institutes usually approve funds if they have a clear idea about how you are going to use your money.
  • Exit Strategy: If you are looking for equity funding, it is important to have an exit strategy. A common exit strategy includes selling your company to a larger firm (acquisitions), selling or diluting your ownership, initial public offering (IPO), etc. If you have such plans, provide a detailed explanation of them in this section.

With upmetrics, business financial forecasting is easy and fun. Once you add your data, the system will generate all required reports automatically. Later you can embed those reports into your business plan. learn more about the upmetrics financial planning feature .

11. Supporting Documentation (Appendix)

Adding supporting documents is not a mandatory section in your business plan. However, it is important to add the documents which you think can convince investors that your business will succeed.

These documents can include achievements, product patents, awards, financial statements, resumes of key team members, legal agreements, product or organization pictures, etc. These documents can help readers understand your story clearly and concisely.

Once you write your business plan, it is equally important to update your business plan as your business grows. Keep in mind, that a business plan is not just a document but it is a roadmap of your business.

Things to Consider Before Writing a Business Plan

Now before you start the actual writing of your business plan and learn what to include in each section of the business plan, there are some key concepts that you must keep in mind and rules that you should follow during the entire business planning process .

Key things to remember while creating business plan

1. Keep it short

Don’t you want your business plan to be read by your investors? Remember, many investors do not like to read a long business plan.

In this competitive time, no one has time to go through a 100-page long document. A typical 20-25 pages should be fine for any standard business plan. A well-written business plan ensures to communicate your message to your potential investors effectively.

However, if your business idea is a completely new kind of business or even a new industry, it may need quite a bit of writing to get the message across.

Your business plan writing purpose will decide how long your business plan should be . If you are writing your business plan to seek millions of funding, then you might need a lengthy and detailed business plan. A short business plan would work if you are looking to expand your business.

2. Be realistic and creative

Do not consider your business idea as your baby. Be realistic and honest with yourself while writing your business plan, and always try to add facts and realistic details of your business idea.

Also, your business plan should grab your reader’s attention quickly. Be creative while designing your business plan cover page and writing any important details in your business plan.

When it comes to the formatting of the business plan, make sure to use bullet points, images, and charts. Also, highlight the key points or metrics that you want readers to focus on. It helps bring your idea to life. Plus, it will keep your readers focused on reading.

3. You should be able to change it as the business grows

Most businesses start with a business plan, and once written, it’s never revisited. Never make that mistake. Your business plan should be treated as a working document that should be developed as your business grows.

For example, you might want to update your business plan as per the changing trends for a new round of funding or you might want to update it to counter unexpected problems like the COVID crisis. In a nutshell, keep your plan alive!

Why Do You Need a Business Plan?

Some entrepreneurs have achieved tremendous success without writing a business plan with their past experiences, less competition, or maybe by luck.

But the fact is, that many entrepreneurs have failed as well. It is just that we learn more about success stories only.

So, does writing a business plan guarantee success? Of course Not.

But, the business plan is your companion on your entrepreneurship journey. It will help you and your team understand the problems and the competition you will encounter in your journey. It will keep you and your entire team in sync and on the right path to achieving your business goals and success.

Click here to download how to write a business plan pdf

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About the Author

does a business plan need a table of contents

Paresh Balar is the co-founder of Upmetrics, the #1 business planning software. His ultimate goal with Upmetrics is to revolutionize how entrepreneurs create, manage, and execute their business plans. He loves sharing his thoughts on business and financial planning and its challenges through his blog posts. Read more

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What Is a Business Plan?

Understanding business plans, how to write a business plan, common elements of a business plan, how often should a business plan be updated, the bottom line, business plan: what it is, what's included, and how to write one.

Adam Hayes, Ph.D., CFA, is a financial writer with 15+ years Wall Street experience as a derivatives trader. Besides his extensive derivative trading expertise, Adam is an expert in economics and behavioral finance. Adam received his master's in economics from The New School for Social Research and his Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in sociology. He is a CFA charterholder as well as holding FINRA Series 7, 55 & 63 licenses. He currently researches and teaches economic sociology and the social studies of finance at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem.

does a business plan need a table of contents

A business plan is a document that details a company's goals and how it intends to achieve them. Business plans can be of benefit to both startups and well-established companies. For startups, a business plan can be essential for winning over potential lenders and investors. Established businesses can find one useful for staying on track and not losing sight of their goals. This article explains what an effective business plan needs to include and how to write one.

Key Takeaways

  • A business plan is a document describing a company's business activities and how it plans to achieve its goals.
  • Startup companies use business plans to get off the ground and attract outside investors.
  • For established companies, a business plan can help keep the executive team focused on and working toward the company's short- and long-term objectives.
  • There is no single format that a business plan must follow, but there are certain key elements that most companies will want to include.

Investopedia / Ryan Oakley

Any new business should have a business plan in place prior to beginning operations. In fact, banks and venture capital firms often want to see a business plan before they'll consider making a loan or providing capital to new businesses.

Even if a business isn't looking to raise additional money, a business plan can help it focus on its goals. A 2017 Harvard Business Review article reported that, "Entrepreneurs who write formal plans are 16% more likely to achieve viability than the otherwise identical nonplanning entrepreneurs."

Ideally, a business plan should be reviewed and updated periodically to reflect any goals that have been achieved or that may have changed. An established business that has decided to move in a new direction might create an entirely new business plan for itself.

There are numerous benefits to creating (and sticking to) a well-conceived business plan. These include being able to think through ideas before investing too much money in them and highlighting any potential obstacles to success. A company might also share its business plan with trusted outsiders to get their objective feedback. In addition, a business plan can help keep a company's executive team on the same page about strategic action items and priorities.

Business plans, even among competitors in the same industry, are rarely identical. However, they often have some of the same basic elements, as we describe below.

While it's a good idea to provide as much detail as necessary, it's also important that a business plan be concise enough to hold a reader's attention to the end.

While there are any number of templates that you can use to write a business plan, it's best to try to avoid producing a generic-looking one. Let your plan reflect the unique personality of your business.

Many business plans use some combination of the sections below, with varying levels of detail, depending on the company.

The length of a business plan can vary greatly from business to business. Regardless, it's best to fit the basic information into a 15- to 25-page document. Other crucial elements that take up a lot of space—such as applications for patents—can be referenced in the main document and attached as appendices.

These are some of the most common elements in many business plans:

  • Executive summary: This section introduces the company and includes its mission statement along with relevant information about the company's leadership, employees, operations, and locations.
  • Products and services: Here, the company should describe the products and services it offers or plans to introduce. That might include details on pricing, product lifespan, and unique benefits to the consumer. Other factors that could go into this section include production and manufacturing processes, any relevant patents the company may have, as well as proprietary technology . Information about research and development (R&D) can also be included here.
  • Market analysis: A company needs to have a good handle on the current state of its industry and the existing competition. This section should explain where the company fits in, what types of customers it plans to target, and how easy or difficult it may be to take market share from incumbents.
  • Marketing strategy: This section can describe how the company plans to attract and keep customers, including any anticipated advertising and marketing campaigns. It should also describe the distribution channel or channels it will use to get its products or services to consumers.
  • Financial plans and projections: Established businesses can include financial statements, balance sheets, and other relevant financial information. New businesses can provide financial targets and estimates for the first few years. Your plan might also include any funding requests you're making.

The best business plans aren't generic ones created from easily accessed templates. A company should aim to entice readers with a plan that demonstrates its uniqueness and potential for success.

2 Types of Business Plans

Business plans can take many forms, but they are sometimes divided into two basic categories: traditional and lean startup. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) , the traditional business plan is the more common of the two.

  • Traditional business plans : These plans tend to be much longer than lean startup plans and contain considerably more detail. As a result they require more work on the part of the business, but they can also be more persuasive (and reassuring) to potential investors.
  • Lean startup business plans : These use an abbreviated structure that highlights key elements. These business plans are short—as short as one page—and provide only the most basic detail. If a company wants to use this kind of plan, it should be prepared to provide more detail if an investor or a lender requests it.

Why Do Business Plans Fail?

A business plan is not a surefire recipe for success. The plan may have been unrealistic in its assumptions and projections to begin with. Markets and the overall economy might change in ways that couldn't have been foreseen. A competitor might introduce a revolutionary new product or service. All of this calls for building some flexibility into your plan, so you can pivot to a new course if needed.

How frequently a business plan needs to be revised will depend on the nature of the business. A well-established business might want to review its plan once a year and make changes if necessary. A new or fast-growing business in a fiercely competitive market might want to revise it more often, such as quarterly.

What Does a Lean Startup Business Plan Include?

The lean startup business plan is an option when a company prefers to give a quick explanation of its business. For example, a brand-new company may feel that it doesn't have a lot of information to provide yet.

Sections can include: a value proposition ; the company's major activities and advantages; resources such as staff, intellectual property, and capital; a list of partnerships; customer segments; and revenue sources.

A business plan can be useful to companies of all kinds. But as a company grows and the world around it changes, so too should its business plan. So don't think of your business plan as carved in granite but as a living document designed to evolve with your business.

Harvard Business Review. " Research: Writing a Business Plan Makes Your Startup More Likely to Succeed ."

U.S. Small Business Administration. " Write Your Business Plan ."

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Business Plan Format Guide

A comprehensive business plan format guide. a full guide to the business plan contents including the standard business plan format for these 10 basic elements: the overview, executive summary; general company description; the opportunity; industry and market; your strategy; the team; a marketing plan; operational plan; financial plan and the appendix..

Greg Fisher

Related Topics

7 steps to a perfectly written business plan.

When it comes to a business plan format , there are ten basic elements that must be covered when writing a business plan.

The standard contents of a business plan includes:

  • an overview
  • executive summary
  • general company description
  • the opportunity
  • industry and market
  • your strategy
  • a marketing plan
  • operational plan
  • financial plan
  • an appendix.

What to Include in Your Business Plan

Before you physically start writing your business plan, you need to spend some time doing in-depth research into your industry and market. This is important regardless of whether you have previous experience in that particular industry.

You can use the Internet, industry experts and associations, suppliers and existing competitors for the information. Your research will help you in putting the business plan together as it will give you an understanding of the dynamics and forces affecting the industry.

All sections in the business plan format are interrelated, and cannot be written in isolation. Each should be written by people who are fully aware of the contents and intricacies of the other areas of the plan so that the different sections are all integrated.

The best option is to write the plan yourself as you know your business best. Also, if you are responsible for writing the business plan, you could identify certain challenges and find solutions to them, it will also ensure that you know every single aspect of the business, which is critical when meeting with potential investors.

You may need assistance putting together the financial information if you don’t have a financial background, but make sure you get an accountant to explain what all the figures mean. Although there is a fairly well accepted structure for a business plan format , there are many ways of putting it down on paper.

There are three primary parts of a business plan :

  • The Business concept
  • The Marketplace section
  • The Financial section.

Some of the contents will have different names and be presented in a different order but almost any business plan will cover these broad areas:

Business Plan Format Contents

Table of contents.

Your contents page should be the very last thing you write to ensure that all the page numbers are correct. Make sure that you number your pages correctly so that a person can quickly and easily find the sections they are interested in. _

The following 10 sections need to be included in your business plan – click on each section to find out more:

  • Executive Summary
  • General Company Description
  • The Opportunity, Industry & Market Description
  • Business Model Explanation
  • Team: Management & Organisation
  • Marketing Plan
  • Operational Plan
  • Financial Plan

Greg Fisher

A master of strategy, Greg Fisher is a Professor in the Management and Entrepreneurship Department at the Kelley School of Business , Indiana University and is also a visiting lecturer at the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) in South Africa and at the SKK Graduate School of Business in South Korea. He teaches in the areas of strategy and entrepreneurship and he has won teaching awards at Indiana University, the University of Washington and GIBS. He holds a Ph.D. in Entrepreneurship and Strategy from the University of Washington in Seattle and an MBA from GIBS. Greg Fisher was named on The List of the ‘40 Most Outstanding Business School Professors under 40’ in the USA in 2014 and in 2016 he was named among the ‘Favorite Business School Professors Teaching MBAs’. He teaches in the areas of strategy and entrepreneurship and he has won teaching awards at Indiana University, the University of Washington and GIBS. He holds a Ph.D. in Entrepreneurship and Strategy from the University of Washington in Seattle and an MBA from GIBS. Greg Fisher was named on The List of the ‘40 Most Outstanding Business School Professors under 40’ in the USA in 2014 and in 2016 he was named among the ‘Favorite Business School Professors Teaching MBAs’.

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How to Structure a Business Report

How to Structure a Business Report

  • 5-minute read
  • 14th March 2019

The content of a business report will depend on what you are writing about. Even the writing style may depend on who you are writing for (although clear, concise and formal is usually best). However, there is a general structure that most business reports follow. In this post, then, we’ll look at how to structure a business report for maximum clarity and professionalism.

1. Title Page

Every business report should feature a title page . The title itself should clearly set out what the report is about. Typically, you should also include your name and the date of the report.

Most business reports begin with a summary of its key points. Try to include:

  • A brief description of what the report is about
  • How the report was completed (e.g., data collection methods)
  • The main findings from the research
  • Key conclusions and recommendations

A paragraph or two should suffice for this in shorter business reports. However, for longer or more complex reports, you may want to include a full executive summary .

3. Table of Contents

Short business reports may not need a table of contents, especially if they include a summary. But longer reports should set out the title of each section and the structure of the report. Make sure the headings here match those used in the main text. You may also want to number the sections.

4. Introduction

The introduction is the first part of the report proper. Use it to set out the brief you received when you were asked to compile the report. This will frame the rest of the report by providing:

  • Background information (e.g., business history or market information)
  • The purpose of the report (i.e., what you set out to achieve)
  • Its scope (i.e., what the report will cover and what it will ignore)

These are known as the “terms of reference” for the business report.

5. Methods and Findings

If you are conducting original research, include a section about your methods. This may be as simple as setting out the sources you are using and why you chose them. But it could also include how you have collected and analyzed the data used to draw your conclusions.

After this, you will need to explain your findings. This section will present the results of your research clearly and concisely, making sure to cover all the main points set out in the brief.

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One tip here is to break the findings down into subsections, using headings to guide the reader through your data. Using charts and illustrations , meanwhile, can help get information across visually, but make sure to label them clearly so the reader knows how they relate to the text.

6. Conclusions and Recommendations

The last main section of your report will cover conclusions and recommendations. The conclusion section should summarize what you have learned from the report. If you have been asked to do so, you should also recommend potential courses of action based on your conclusions.

If you are not sure what to suggest here, think back to the objectives set out in your brief.

7. References

If you have used any third-party sources while writing your report, list them in a bibliography after the main report. This could include other business documents, academic articles, or even news reports. The key is to show what you have based your findings and conclusions upon.

8. Appendices (If Applicable)

Finally, you may have gathered extra documentation during your research, such as interview transcripts, marketing material, or financial data. Including this in the main report would make it too long and unfocused, but you can add it to an appendix (or multiple appendices) at the end of the document. It will then be available should your reader need it.

Summary: How to Structure a Business Report

If you are writing a business report, aim to structure it as follows:

  • Title Page – Include a clear, informative title, your name, and the date.
  • Summary – A brief summary of what the report is about, the data collection methods used, the findings of the report, and any recommendations you want to make.
  • Table of Contents – For longer reports, include a table of contents.
  • Introduction –Set out the brief you were given for the report.
  • Methods and Findings – A description of any methods of data collection and analysis used while composing the report, as well as your findings.
  • Conclusions and Recommendations – Any conclusions reached while writing the report, plus recommendations for what to do next (if required).
  • References – Sources used in your report listed in a bibliography.
  • Appendices – If you have supporting material (e.g., interview transcripts, raw data), add it to an appendix at the end of the document.

Don’t forget, too, that a business report should be clear, concise, and formal. And if you would like help making sure that your business writing is easy to read and error free, just let us know .

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How to Create an APA Table of Contents | Format & Examples

Published on November 5, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on January 17, 2024.

A table of contents is not required in an APA Style paper , but if you include one, follow these guidelines:

  • Include all level 1 and level 2 headings (other levels are optional).
  • Indicate different heading levels with indents. Adhere to general APA format in terms of font, spacing, etc.

You can automatically create the table of contents by applying APA heading styles in Word.

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Table of contents

Apa format guidelines for the table of contents, how to generate a table of contents in word.

In a thesis or dissertation , the table of contents comes between your abstract and your introduction . It should be written in the same font and size as the rest of your text (usually 12 pt Times New Roman). At the top of the page, write Contents , centered and in bold.

In APA Style, you can use up to five levels of heading , each with its own formatting style. In the table of contents, you should include all level 1 and 2 headings, left-aligned and formatted as plain text. Level 2 headings are indented.

Including lower-level headings in the table of contents is optional. Add an additional indent for each level. If you have a lot of headings in your text, you may not be able to include them all—your table of contents should not be more than two pages long in total.

APA table of contents

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does a business plan need a table of contents

To automatically generate a table of contents in Word, you’ll first have to apply heading styles throughout your text. After that, you can generate the table of contents.

Applying heading styles

First, go through your text making sure that each level of heading is in keeping with APA Style rules.

Next, update the heading styles listed in the Home tab at the top:

  • Highlight a level 1 heading
  • Right-click the Heading 1 style and select Update Heading 1 to match selection
  • Do the same for each level of heading

Once you’ve done this you can update any other headings quickly using the heading styles. Make sure all headings are in the appropriate style before proceeding.

Generating the table of contents

Now you can generate your table of contents. First write the title “Contents” (in the style of a level 1 heading). Then place your cursor two lines below this and go to the References tab.

Click on Table of Contents and select Custom Table of Contents… In the popup window, select how many levels of heading you wish to include (at least two) under Show levels , then click OK :

Updating your table of contents

Now you have a table of contents based on your current headings and page numbers. If you continue working on your text after this, be sure to go back and update your table of contents at the end, as headings and page numbers might change.

You can do this by right-clicking on the table of contents and selecting Update Field . Then you can choose whether to update all information or just the page numbers. It’s best to update everything, just to be sure.

Cite this Scribbr article

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Caulfield, J. (2024, January 17). How to Create an APA Table of Contents | Format & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved February 22, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/apa-style/apa-table-of-contents/

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How to Make a Table of Contents, With Examples

Matt Ellis

The table of contents is often one of the first things we see when we start a new book. It lets us know what to expect and helps us jump straight to the page or section we want. But how do you make a table of contents yourself? What is the proper table of contents format? Here, we’ll explain everything you need to know about tables of contents, from what they should contain to formatting.

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What is a table of contents?

The table of contents is a small section at the beginning of a piece of writing that outlines the sections or chapters and lists their page numbers so the reader can jump ahead. Also known as TOC or simply Contents , the table of contents acts as a navigational guide to help readers find the particular parts they’re looking for. Note that the word content is always plural; saying table of content is incorrect.

Tables of contents are closely related to appendices like a glossary or index. The major difference is that tables of contents come at the beginning of a work while appendices come at the end. In particular, tables of contents resemble indexes, which also guide readers to topics of interest by listing their page numbers.

Table of contents format

We all know how tables of contents are supposed to look, but when you need to make them yourself—like when you’re writing a research paper —it can seem a bit intimidating.

Luckily, most word processors like Microsoft Word or Google Docs can automatically make your table of contents, so you don’t have to worry too much about doing it manually. (We explain how to make a table of contents in Word and Google Docs below.) Still, it’s always a good idea to customize it after it’s generated, so you can format it how you like.

Specifically, you’ll want to double-check the margins, indentations, and spacing. Some assignments have requirements about these, so you may need to change them yourself to make your paper compliant. It’s also a good idea to check that the titles and page numbers are correct if the word processor auto-generated them.

Also, be aware that table of contents numbering is organized by page or where the section appears in the text, not alphabetically like other supplemental material. Typically, table of contents numbering is sequential so that the reader can find their section in relation to the entire work.

There are a few aspects of the table of contents format that are optional. You can decide based on your best judgment, if your assignment doesn’t tell you:

You can often identify tables of contents by those horizontal dotted lines across the page. Some TOCs use these lines, called leaders or dot leaders , to connect the title and the page number. This makes it easy to see which page numbers correspond to which sections from opposite sides of the page.

Collections of works by different authors, such as journals, magazines, or compilation books, may list the author name alongside the title. This allows readers to pick and choose which works to read, based on who wrote them.

There is no universal rule for table of contents format for listing authors. Some writers keep the name on the same line, but use a different font style from the title, such as italics.

Notes of a Native Son James Baldwin  ……………………………………….. 29

Notice how the essay title is bolded and the author’s name is italicized. Alternatively, you can use two lines per entry and place the title and author separately.

Notes of a Native Son

by James Baldwin ….……………………………………………………………..… 29

Descriptions

More involved works and textbooks may add a description of each section, so the reader knows what it’s about. Although rare, a description in a table of contents can help if you’re dealing with relatively unknown subject matter or if the section titles don’t sufficiently explain what’s in them.

The table of contents format for descriptions is again flexible. If the description is just a few words, you might fit it on the same line as the title. If not, you can always use two lines. Consider using a different font style for the descriptions to differentiate them from the title and author.

Notes of a Native Son, by James Baldwin

A recollection of growing up Black in the Jim Crow era  ……………………… 29

When using descriptions, be sure to keep them as short as possible to save room on the page.

3 table of contents designs

1 simple table of contents.

A simple table of contents is just that— simple . There’s no extra information, just the title of the section and its page number. This is the standard choice, and a smart go-to if you’re not sure about adding unnecessary information.

2 Expanded table of contents

An expanded table of contents has more information than its simple counterpart. Such tables of contents may contain author names, brief descriptions, or other relevant information.

You also have the option to add subsection titles underneath the main section entry. This is especially useful in academic works so that people can quickly reference the parts they need. In this case, most writers use a hierarchical table of contents, which uses a hanging indent for subsequent sections underneath the main section, similar to outlines . The main section title is indented normally, and each following subsection has a further single indent to set it apart.

3 Graphic table of contents

Traditional tables of contents may be too austere for casual works like magazines, handbooks, and other visual-based texts. One modern trend is to use a graphic table of contents that incorporates pictures and other creative elements to make the TOC more entertaining.

Graphic tables of contents often rearrange the order of the information, deviating from the conventional top-to-bottom outlook. Writers must be careful, however, not to confuse readers for the sake of creative visuals. More important than appearances, a table of contents must be able to direct the reader where they want to go.

For an example of a graphic table of contents, check out this design by Kylie Kingan for Impact Magazine .

Table of contents design examples

Simple table of contents example: the count of monte cristo.

Chapter 1: Marseilles—The Arrival …………………………………. 1

Chapter 2: Father and Son ……………………………………………… 8

Chapter 3: The Catalans …………………………………………………. 14

Chapter 4: Conspiracy ……………………………………………………. 23

Chapter 5: The Marriage Feast ……………………………………….. 29

Chapter 6: The Deputy Procureur du Roi …………………………. 41

Chapter 7: The Examination …………………………………………… 50

Expanded table of contents example: Annual of New Poetry 1917

Robert Frost

Christmas Trees ……………………………………………………….. 63

A Girl’s Garden ………………………………………………………….. 66

The Line Gang …………………………………………………………… 68

Pea Bush ………………………………………………………………….. 69

The Oven Bird …………………………………………………………… 70

Wilfrid Wilson Gibson

Daffodils ………………………………………………………………….. 75

The Plough ……………………………………………………………….. 79

The Drove-Road ………………………………………………………… 83

In the Meadow ………………………………………………………….. 89

The Platelayer …………………………………………………………… 92

Makeshifts ……………………………………………………………….. 96

Sturge Moore

Micah ………………………………………………………………………. 109

How to make a table of contents in Word

Microsoft Word makes it easy to make a table of contents. In fact, it will do most of the work for you. All you have to do is go to the References tab in the second horizontal menu from the top and click Table of Contents . (The References tab may be located in a different place, depending on your version of Word.)

After it’s generated, you’re free to customize the table of contents format how you want. If you’re using an expanded table of contents, you’ll have to add the extra information like author names or descriptions yourself.

The most important part of creating a table of contents in Word is to make all your section titles headings in the text . Word will automatically go through your document and list all heading titles in the TOC in their exact wording.

If you use headings consistently while you write, Word can auto-generate a table of contents with those heading titles. Word can even format the hierarchy of your TOC based on sections with Heading 1 titles and subsections with Heading 2 titles.

How to make a table of contents in Google Docs

Just like in Word, it’s easy to make a table of contents in Google Docs. Click on Insert in the top horizontal menu and then Table of Contents at the bottom of the dropdown menu. You will then have three options:

  • Plain Text: a standard table of contents design
  • Dotted: a table of contents with dotted leader lines
  • Link: a table of contents with each entry formatted as a hyperlink, with blue, underlined text

Again, if you’re making an expanded table of contents, you’ll need to add the extra information yourself (unless it’s already included in the heading title).

Also just like in Word, Google Docs will make a table of contents based on your heading titles . Be sure to consistently use Heading 1 and Heading 2, along with the proper text, if you plan to auto-generate your table of contents. You’ll have a chance to customize the table of contents format after it’s generated.

Keep in mind that, in Google Docs, each table of contents is formatted as links. The reader can click on any entry in the TOC and go directly to that section. However, only the Links table of contents design shows the links in the form of blue, underlined text.

Table of contents FAQs

The table of contents is a small section at the beginning of some texts that outlines the sections or chapters and lists their page numbers so the reader can jump ahead. Also known as TOC or simply Contents , the table of contents acts as a navigational guide to help readers find the particular parts they’re looking for.

What table of contents format should you use?

Writers have some flexibility when it comes to how to make a table of contents. You’re free to choose whether or not to use leader lines, those horizontal dotted lines that connect section titles to their page numbers. You can also choose to include extra information, like an individual author’s name or brief description of the section.

What are some examples of popular table of contents design?

The three popular table of contents designs are simple, expanded, and graphic. A simple table of contents is standard with minimal information, while an expanded table of contents can include author names, descriptions, or subsections. A graphic table of contents incorporates visuals and creative formatting but is not intended for formal works.

does a business plan need a table of contents

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does a business plan need a table of contents

Create a form in Word that users can complete or print

In Word, you can create a form that others can fill out and save or print.  To do this, you will start with baseline content in a document, potentially via a form template.  Then you can add content controls for elements such as check boxes, text boxes, date pickers, and drop-down lists. Optionally, these content controls can be linked to database information.  Following are the recommended action steps in sequence.  

Show the Developer tab

In Word, be sure you have the Developer tab displayed in the ribbon.  (See how here:  Show the developer tab .)

Open a template or a blank document on which to base the form

You can start with a template or just start from scratch with a blank document.

Start with a form template

Go to File > New .

In the  Search for online templates  field, type  Forms or the kind of form you want. Then press Enter .

In the displayed results, right-click any item, then select  Create. 

Start with a blank document 

Select Blank document .

Add content to the form

Go to the  Developer  tab Controls section where you can choose controls to add to your document or form. Hover over any icon therein to see what control type it represents. The various control types are described below. You can set properties on a control once it has been inserted.

To delete a content control, right-click it, then select Remove content control  in the pop-up menu. 

Note:  You can print a form that was created via content controls. However, the boxes around the content controls will not print.

Insert a text control

The rich text content control enables users to format text (e.g., bold, italic) and type multiple paragraphs. To limit these capabilities, use the plain text content control . 

Click or tap where you want to insert the control.

Rich text control button

To learn about setting specific properties on these controls, see Set or change properties for content controls .

Insert a picture control

A picture control is most often used for templates, but you can also add a picture control to a form.

Picture control button

Insert a building block control

Use a building block control  when you want users to choose a specific block of text. These are helpful when you need to add different boilerplate text depending on the document's specific purpose. You can create rich text content controls for each version of the boilerplate text, and then use a building block control as the container for the rich text content controls.

building block gallery control

Select Developer and content controls for the building block.

Developer tab showing content controls

Insert a combo box or a drop-down list

In a combo box, users can select from a list of choices that you provide or they can type in their own information. In a drop-down list, users can only select from the list of choices.

combo box button

Select the content control, and then select Properties .

To create a list of choices, select Add under Drop-Down List Properties .

Type a choice in Display Name , such as Yes , No , or Maybe .

Repeat this step until all of the choices are in the drop-down list.

Fill in any other properties that you want.

Note:  If you select the Contents cannot be edited check box, users won’t be able to click a choice.

Insert a date picker

Click or tap where you want to insert the date picker control.

Date picker button

Insert a check box

Click or tap where you want to insert the check box control.

Check box button

Use the legacy form controls

Legacy form controls are for compatibility with older versions of Word and consist of legacy form and Active X controls.

Click or tap where you want to insert a legacy control.

Legacy control button

Select the Legacy Form control or Active X Control that you want to include.

Set or change properties for content controls

Each content control has properties that you can set or change. For example, the Date Picker control offers options for the format you want to use to display the date.

Select the content control that you want to change.

Go to Developer > Properties .

Controls Properties  button

Change the properties that you want.

Add protection to a form

If you want to limit how much others can edit or format a form, use the Restrict Editing command:

Open the form that you want to lock or protect.

Select Developer > Restrict Editing .

Restrict editing button

After selecting restrictions, select Yes, Start Enforcing Protection .

Restrict editing panel

Advanced Tip:

If you want to protect only parts of the document, separate the document into sections and only protect the sections you want.

To do this, choose Select Sections in the Restrict Editing panel. For more info on sections, see Insert a section break .

Sections selector on Resrict sections panel

If the developer tab isn't displayed in the ribbon, see Show the Developer tab .

Open a template or use a blank document

To create a form in Word that others can fill out, start with a template or document and add content controls. Content controls include things like check boxes, text boxes, and drop-down lists. If you’re familiar with databases, these content controls can even be linked to data.

Go to File > New from Template .

New from template option

In Search, type form .

Double-click the template you want to use.

Select File > Save As , and pick a location to save the form.

In Save As , type a file name and then select Save .

Start with a blank document

Go to File > New Document .

New document option

Go to File > Save As .

Go to Developer , and then choose the controls that you want to add to the document or form. To remove a content control, select the control and press Delete. You can set Options on controls once inserted. From Options, you can add entry and exit macros to run when users interact with the controls, as well as list items for combo boxes, .

Adding content controls to your form

In the document, click or tap where you want to add a content control.

On Developer , select Text Box , Check Box , or Combo Box .

Developer tab with content controls

To set specific properties for the control, select Options , and set .

Repeat steps 1 through 3 for each control that you want to add.

Set options

Options let you set common settings, as well as control specific settings. Select a control and then select Options to set up or make changes.

Set common properties.

Select Macro to Run on lets you choose a recorded or custom macro to run on Entry or Exit from the field.

Bookmark Set a unique name or bookmark for each control.

Calculate on exit This forces Word to run or refresh any calculations, such as total price when the user exits the field.

Add Help Text Give hints or instructions for each field.

OK Saves settings and exits the panel.

Cancel Forgets changes and exits the panel.

Set specific properties for a Text box

Type Select form Regular text, Number, Date, Current Date, Current Time, or Calculation.

Default text sets optional instructional text that's displayed in the text box before the user types in the field. Set Text box enabled to allow the user to enter text into the field.

Maximum length sets the length of text that a user can enter. The default is Unlimited .

Text format can set whether text automatically formats to Uppercase , Lowercase , First capital, or Title case .

Text box enabled Lets the user enter text into a field. If there is default text, user text replaces it.

Set specific properties for a Check box .

Default Value Choose between Not checked or checked as default.

Checkbox size Set a size Exactly or Auto to change size as needed.

Check box enabled Lets the user check or clear the text box.

Set specific properties for a Combo box

Drop-down item Type in strings for the list box items. Press + or Enter to add an item to the list.

Items in drop-down list Shows your current list. Select an item and use the up or down arrows to change the order, Press - to remove a selected item.

Drop-down enabled Lets the user open the combo box and make selections.

Protect the form

Go to Developer > Protect Form .

Protect form button on the Developer tab

Note:  To unprotect the form and continue editing, select Protect Form again.

Save and close the form.

Test the form (optional)

If you want, you can test the form before you distribute it.

Protect the form.

Reopen the form, fill it out as the user would, and then save a copy.

Creating fillable forms isn’t available in Word for the web.

You can create the form with the desktop version of Word with the instructions in Create a fillable form .

When you save the document and reopen it in Word for the web, you’ll see the changes you made.

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    Table of Contents Executive Summary Mission Statement Marketing Section Operating Plan Management & Staffing Section Financial Section Appendices Business Plan Tips Financial Statements Income Statement Balance Sheet Cash Flow Statement Break-even Analysis Ratio Analysis Sensitivity Analysis Notes to Financials Business Forecasting

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