{"id":13737,"date":"2023-12-18T15:43:10","date_gmt":"2023-12-18T15:43:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.growthink.com\/?page_id=13737"},"modified":"2025-09-11T21:20:45","modified_gmt":"2025-09-11T21:20:45","slug":"how-to-write-a-business-plan","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.growthink.com\/how-to-write-a-business-plan","title":{"rendered":"How to Write a Business Plan"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\n  \"@context\": \"http:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"VideoObject\",\n  \"name\": \"How to Write a Business Plan + Free Business Plan Template\",\n  \"description\": \"If you're thinking about starting your own business or growing an existing business venture, you'll need to create a business plan. In this video, learn how to write a business plan step by step that can get you funded and improve your strategy. Get the business plan help you need by watching this video, and I'll also give you a free business plan template that you can use to help you get started.  Get Growthink's Ultimate Business Plan Template: https:\/\/businessplantemplate.growthink.com\/  Other Helpful Business Planning Articles: https:\/\/www.growthink.com\/products\/business-plan-template https:\/\/www.growthink.com\/how-to-write-a-business-plan  Connect With Us: https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/growthink https:\/\/twitter.com\/growthink https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/growthink  Partial Video Transcript: Hi, I'm Chelsea!    In this video, I'm going to show you how to quickly and simply create a great business plan that's going to improve your strategy and allow you to raise funding for your new or existing business.   Let me quickly tell you a little bit about myself. I'm a serial entrepreneur and over the past 15 years, I've started and run several businesses, and I've done marketing for businesses in a variety of industries ranging from education, finance, mortgage, medical and nonprofit. For my latest company, I wanted to create the best possible business plan. To do that, I thought I'd interview the expert in business planning. That expert is Dave Lavinsky.   Over the past 20 years, Dave has helped hundreds of thousands of business owners and entrepreneurs to create their very own business plan. And, the folks that he's helped have raised billions of dollars in funding and have gone on to create some pretty amazing companies.   Let me bring Dave on this video, and I will ask him a bunch of questions so he can teach us exactly how to create a business plan. And, more importantly, he will show us how to do it faster and simpler. Oh, and before I forget, near the end of this video, I'm going to ask Dave to share a link to his free business plan template, so definitely stay tuned! And, have a pen and paper ready to take some notes while he speaks, and write down that free link at the end of this video.   Dave, thank you so much for joining me on this video today! It's great to have you! Awesome! My pleasure, Chelsea! Awesome.   So, let me get started with my first question for you: What is the most important thing to keep in mind when creating a business plan? Great question, Chelsea. The most important thing to keep in mind is your business plan is a marketing document. Most people don't understand that. They just think it's 'hey let's get all my ideas down on paper.' That's not what it is. You really need to think about -- that you are presenting your business plan to other people in general, and you want them to take your desired action. So, if you're presenting your business plan to a bank or investor, you want them to write you a check. If you are presenting it to employees, you want them to join your company and do a great job. So, you need to think about your business plan as a marketing document. You're marketing your company to people that read your plan and as we go through this interview, I'll keep coming back to that theme of marketing, because if your business plan is not a great document, it's not a marketing document, then people will be turned off and they're not going to take that desired action that you want. Right, I love that. That's a great perspective.   So, what are the 10 sections of your business plan? So, Chelsea, there are 10 sections that go in your business plan. We start with the Executive Summary, then we have the Company Analysis, then we have the Industry Analysis, the Customer Analysis, and the Competitor Analysis. Then, we move over to the Marketing Plan, the Operations Plan, the Management Team section, the Financial Plan, and finally the Appendix section. Perfect, that is a great overview, Dave. Thank you so much.   Let's dive in and talk about each section of the business plan.\",\n  \"thumbnailUrl\": \"https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/UVEfE8Uh5ys\/default.jpg\",\n  \"uploadDate\": \"2022-04-27T21:21:48Z\",\n  \"duration\": \"PT16M44S\",\n  \"embedUrl\": \"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/UVEfE8Uh5ys\",\n  \"interactionCount\": \"132\"\n}<\/script><!--Video Markup Code Generated by https:\/\/videoschema.com\/ --><\/p>\n<style>\n.btn-right {\n  background-color: #294961;\n  border: none;\n  color: white;\n  padding: 10px 20px;\n  text-align: center;\n  text-decoration: none;\n  display: inline-block;\n  font-size: 17px;\npadding:16px 31px;\n  border-radius: 8px;\n  margin: 14px 2px;\n  cursor: pointer;\n}<\/p>\n<p>.btn-right:hover {\n      background-color: #005900;\n      color: white;\n}\n@media only screen and (max-width: 480px){\n    .btn-right{\n      max-width:600px !important;\n      width:100% !important;\npadding:8px;\nfont-size:11px;\n    }\n<\/style>\n<p>Whether you\u2019re looking to secure $5,000, $50,000, $500,000 or $5 million for your business, you\u2019ll need a business plan. Knowing how to write a business plan that captures the attention of lenders and investors can pay big. While entrepreneurs and startup owners often feel overwhelmed at the thought of writing a business plan, don\u2019t worry, we walk you through what a prospective lender or investor expects in this step-by-step guide. Better yet, it\u2019s based on 20 years of experience helping companies, just like yours, not only create their business plan, but land their ideal funding arrangement and improve their strategies for long-term success. If you read this article and still feel overwhelmed, using the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.growthink.com\/products\/business-plan-template\">best business plan template<\/a> is likely a good choice.<\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><button class=\"btn-right\" onclick=\" window.open('https:\/\/businessplantemplate.growthink.com\/?utm_source=how-to-write-a-business-plan&#038;utm_medium=growthink&#038;utm_campaign=seo','_blank')\">Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here-><\/button><\/p>\n<p>Your business plan highlights your unique value to the market, your strategy for business success and your financial outlook. It communicates that your business is meeting a need for which there is a demand. It conveys that your product or service demand is sustainable and your business is uniquely positioned to capture an increasing share of the market year-over-year. That means consistent business growth and profitability. This is achieved by describing your company, your product or service and your marketing strategy. Within your business plan, you\u2019ll also specify your funding request and provide financial reports including projections.<\/p>\n<p>Your business plan highlights your unique value to the market, your strategy for business success and your financial outlook. It communicates that your business is meeting a need for which there is a demand. It conveys that your product or service demand is sustainable and your business is uniquely positioned to capture an increasing share of the market year-over-year. That means consistent business growth and profitability. This is achieved by describing your company, your product or service and your marketing strategy. Within your business plan, you\u2019ll also specify your funding request and provide financial reports including projections.<\/p>\n<div class=\"relatedpost\" style=\"margin-bottom: 20px;\"><b>RELATED ARTICLE: <\/b> <a href=\"\/products\/business-plan-template \">The Business Plan Template for Entrepreneurs<\/a><\/div>\n<h2 style=\"padding-top: 15px;\"><strong>Writing a Business Plan<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>The following is an overview of each segment of a business plan and how to confidently craft the document to showcase a business strategy.<\/p>\n<p>  You can also download our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.growthink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/How-To-Write-A-Business-Plan-Step-By-Step-PDF.pdf\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">how to write a business plan PDF<\/a> to help you get started. <\/p>\n<h2><strong>1. Executive Summary<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>An <a href=\"https:\/\/www.growthink.com\/businessplan\/help-center\/business-plan-executive-summary-tips-killer-executive-summary\">executive summary<\/a> is where you impress the reader by highlighting a businesses&#8217; market strengths and qualities. In one-to-two pages, establish a reason for the investor or lender to consider your funding request. Because the executive summary is an overview, you\u2019ll write it last. This way you are consolidating the key messages from throughout the plan in one place.<\/p>\n<p>An effective business plan executive summary defines your mission and lays out your strategy for success. It communicates that you have a firm grasp of the market. It also explains what you expect from the reader. But most of all, it captivates the reader\u2019s attention and persuades them to strongly consider becoming your funding source.<\/p>\n<p><center><\/p>\n<div class=\"greyBG\" style=\"margin-top: 20px; margin-bottom: 20px;\"><strong>Quickly and easily complete your business plan with <a href=\"https:\/\/businessplantemplate.growthink.com\/?utm_source=how-to-write-a-business-plan&#038;utm_medium=growthink&#038;utm_campaign=seo\" target=\"_blank\" re=\"nofollow\">our Ultimate Business Plan Template<\/a> and complete your plan and financial model in just hours.<\/div>\n<p><\/center><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><strong>2. Company Analysis<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Now it\u2019s time to describe the nuts and bolts of your venture through a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.growthink.com\/products\/business-plan-template\/company-overview\">company description<\/a> and analysis. Investors are interested in your company\u2019s mission, history, structure and achievements. They are assessing who you are and what your capabilities are. The mission statement within your business plan summarizes why you are operating and describes the effect your company has on its clients and in society. Mission statements are short and impactful. A mission statement for a new day care center might read: At XYZ Day Care, our mission is to care for children from tot to toddler in a safe, fun and loving environment.<\/p>\n<p>A company history includes some basic information such as your inception date and location. The value of this section of your business plan lies in sharing your origin story. Investors are interested in knowing how you developed the business concept and took it to market. For start-ups, this section may be brief. Established organizations can expand this section to highlight major accomplishments since inception.<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s an example of a company history for a restaurant:<\/p>\n<div class=\"samplesection\">ABCD Barbecue first opened its doors in Nashville, TN in 20XX. For decades, our family passed down a secret recipe for barbecue dry rubs and sauces. Our barbecues have been a crowd pleaser. After years of winning local barbecue contests, people wanted to know where they could purchase our food and products. That\u2019s when we really knew there was something special about ABCD Barbecue and decided to open a local restaurant. Business has flourished since 20XX. Sales have grown from $xxx to $xxx in 20XX. We will expand to our second location by the end of 20XX.<\/div>\n<p style=\"padding-top: 20px;\">You\u2019ll also specify the legal structure of your company in the company analysis. A business can be a sole-proprietorship, a partnership, a corporation, a limited liability firm or a non-profit organization.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>3. Industry Analysis<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Your company is not operating in a vacuum, and your business plan needs to reflect that through a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.growthink.com\/businessplan\/help-center\/industry-analysis-business-plan\">market analysis business plan<\/a>. There are socio-economic factors that have implications for your business\u2019 performance in the marketplace. An industry analysis or market analysis sheds light at a local, national or global level of how all firms offering similar products or services are performing. This section identifies historical trends that have shaped the industry and pinpoints recent developments that must be considered when creating your business strategy. Research from credible sources is central to your industry analysis. Review both past and present reports to form the broadest understanding of all external factors.<\/p>\n<p>Some key statistics to include in the market analysis section of your business plan are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"padding-bottom: 20px;\">total market size<\/li>\n<li style=\"padding-bottom: 20px;\">relevant market size<\/li>\n<li style=\"padding-bottom: 20px;\">historical market growth<\/li>\n<li style=\"padding-bottom: 20px;\">future growth estimates <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>You\u2019ll also want to include your market share estimates. While many sources provide a total market size, it may take some additional work to calculate the relevant market size. That\u2019s because this figure is based upon your niche rather than the entire industry market.<\/p>\n<p>Your relevant market size is an estimate of the annual revenue your business could attain if it realized 100% market share. You calculate it by multiplying the following two figures:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"padding-bottom: 20px;\">Estimate the number of people who might be interested in purchasing your products or services each year.<\/li>\n<li style=\"padding-bottom: 20px;\">Estimate the dollar amount these customers might be willing to spend, on an annual basis, on your products or services.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Let\u2019s look at a partial industry analysis example for a startup food truck business:<\/p>\n<div class=\"samplesection\">Food trucks are a rapidly growing business sector. National sales have grown more than xx.x% annually since 2015 to $x.x Billion in 20XX. The most popular markets for food trucks are New York, Atlanta and Chicago. American food (burgers and hot dogs) are among the top-selling Food Truck items. In recent years, healthy options are emerging for vegans and vegetarians.<\/div>\n<h2 style=\"padding-top: 20px;\"><strong>4. Customer Analysis<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>An effective <a href=\"https:\/\/www.growthink.com\/businessplan\/help-center\/analyzing-customers-your-business-plan\">customer analysis<\/a> describes your target market, whether a business or consumer, and their specific needs. For starters, a potential funding source is ascertaining how well you understand the buying behaviors and patterns of your customers. They are also assessing the proximity of your business to the customers and the size of the potential customer pool.<\/p>\n<p>In addition, the customer analysis section of your business plan answers two key questions: what is the problem your customer is experiencing and how are you solving it? Customer problems, or pain points, are myriad. You\u2019ll need to hone in on the vital ones you are resolving with your products and services. For example, customers may be looking to reduce time or costs to complete projects, or they may want to work with an organization that has a good reputation for customer service.<\/p>\n<p>One approach to writing your customer analysis is to develop an ideal client avatar or persona. An avatar is a figure that represents your client. It defines their age (or years in business), behaviors, values, aspirations, needs and concerns.<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s a potential client avatar for a nail salon business:<\/p>\n<div class=\"samplesection\">Our nail salon\u2019s target customer is a professional woman aged 25-60 who likes clean, neat looking nails. She enjoys a quiet, luxurious spa experience as an escape to her hectic, demanding scheduling. She\u2019s juggling the responsibilities of being a wife, mother and manager. She\u2019s involved in the community and likes to travel. She earns between $75,000 and $200,000 annually.<\/div>\n<h2 style=\"padding-top: 20px;\"><strong>5. Competitive Analysis<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>As previously mentioned, your business is not operating in a vacuum. There are other firms, competing for your ideal client, offering similar products and services. That\u2019s why you need a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.growthink.com\/businessplan\/help-center\/business-planning-competition-good\">competitive analysis business plan<\/a>. A crucial section for a small business, startup or entrepreneur, the competitive analysis outlays your strengths as compared to other firms. It unequivocally answers the question, \u201cwhy this business?\u201d for prospective customers and more importantly potential investors or lenders.<\/p>\n<p>The competitive analysis communicates how you will outperform the competition. This is the place for you to highlight your advantages \u2013 your strengths and the opportunities you can seize in the marketplace. Keep in mind that your strengths can be related to people, products, services, processes as well as intellectual property.<\/p>\n<p>Competitors can be direct or indirect. A direct competitor offers a similar product or service to satisfy a customer need. An indirect competitor offers a different product, service or approach that may meet the same customer need as your business. For instance, an indirect competitor for a coffee shop could be a gas station, fast food restaurant or a donut shop.<\/p>\n<p>To write your competitive analysis, you may prepare a competitor profile or a matrix. The profile focuses on a single company while the matrix provides a high-level comparison of the revenues, products, services, pricing, strengths and weaknesses for each key competitor.<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s an example of a competitor profile for a real estate agent:<\/p>\n<div class=\"samplesection\">For more than 10 years, XYZ Realty has serviced commercial and residential buyers in Denver, CO. The firm has 5 agents with combined experience of 60 years. The average price of residential properties sold by XYZ Realty is $xxx,xxx. Buyers can view a 3D video of homes on the market. Staging services are offered to clients. The business owner has been recognized by local business and industry organizations for the past three years. The business owner speaks often on how to purchase your first home.<\/div>\n<h2 style=\"padding-top: 20px;\"><strong>6. Marketing Plan<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Let\u2019s face it, people need to know that your business exists. People also need to know the benefits of your products and services. A sales and marketing section or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.growthink.com\/marketing-plan\">marketing plan<\/a> section is where your marketing and sales plan is showcased within your business plan. A marketing plan lays out your strategy for communicating this information. It convinces investors and lenders that you know how to reach your ideal client and generate sales. In some cases, your marketing plan may be a separate document from your business plan.<\/p>\n<p>The marketing plan has three components: products and services, promotions and distribution. Begin with thoroughly defining your products and services. Spell out the features and benefits. Features are the attributes of your product and service, while benefits communicate the value of your product or service to the customer. Be sure to also include your pricing in this section.<\/p>\n<p>A marketing plan for a coffee shop could list coffee, espresso and tea as its products. The shop may sell additional products such as mugs, coasters, pastries and sandwiches. A beauty salon may have shampoo, dry, trim and curl as its primary services. They may provide complementary services including manicures, pedicures and eyebrow waxing.<\/p>\n<div class=\"bluepost\">\n<p id=\"greencta\"><strong>Finish Your Business Plan in 1 Day!<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Don\u2019t you wish there was a faster, easier way to finish your business plan?<\/p>\n<p>With our Ultimate Business Plan Template you can finish your plan in just 8 hours or less!<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/businessplantemplate.growthink.com\/?utm_source=how-to-write-a-business-plan&#038;utm_medium=growthink&#038;utm_campaign=seo\" target=\"_blank\" re=\"nofollow\">Click here to finish your business plan today.<\/a><\/div>\n<p><\/br><\/p>\n<p>Once your products and services are defined. You\u2019ll focus on getting the word out. This is your promotion plan \u2013 your strategy for attracting customers. Are you using social media or content marketing? Are you advertising, and if so what are the best advertising channels for your business? Will you have periodic sales and product giveaways? What about referral bonuses? What market segment are you going to target with what promotional activity? In developing your promotional plan within your business plan, make sure you convey which channels are most effective for your ideal client. A strong marketing and promotional can be a source of the important competitive advantages you need.<\/p>\n<p>Promotions are how you communicate. Distribution is how you sell. You need both to succeed in business. So now that you\u2019ve laid out your promotion plan, it\u2019s time to focus on getting your products and services to the client. Three common distribution channels are retail, wholesale and direct. In retail and wholesale distribution, you are selling your product to another entity who then sells to the customer. Your strategy should include how you\u2019ll best fulfill the needs of your select retailers and wholesalers.<\/p>\n<p>With direct distribution, the customer buys from you either online, by telephone or at your physical location. When developing your distribution plan, study the purchasing tendencies of your ideal client. Do they shop in certain geographies? Are they primarily online shoppers? How long will it take for the package to arrive? Armed with this information, you can effectively determine which distribution mode will get you the greatest results.<\/p>\n<p>Consider an example from ABC Planners, an e-commerce business:<\/p>\n<div class=\"samplesection\">ABC Planners promotes our products and services using social media and content marketing. Our social media channels are updated three times a day. Instant messages are monitored and are responded to within two business hours. We also have a weekly newsletter highlighting planning and productivity tips, success stories from clients and promotions. Our planners and online courses are distributed solely from our website. Orders are fulfilled and shipped within 24 hours of receipt. Customers may select, next day, two-day or standard shipping.<\/div>\n<h2 style=\"padding-top: 20px;\"><strong>7. Operations Plan<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Successful businesses have a strong operations foundation. As a result, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.growthink.com\/businessplan\/help-center\/expertly-writing-the-operations-plan-section-of-your-business-plan\">operations plan<\/a> is a key part of the business planning process and business plan.<\/p>\n<p>Defined processes, metrics and milestones are essential to ensure you will effectively manage the business and its associated costs. A thorough operations plan conveys to investors your business results are intentional. It also demonstrates you\u2019ve considered what could go wrong and have preventative and recovery plans intact.<\/p>\n<p>The operations plan can cover a number of functions from human resources and product development to legal. Your business operations are interconnected. Each operation supports how you sell your product or service. Give adequate attention to your production process and quality control. Production describes how you make your product or service. Quality control measures how effectively and efficiently you produce your product or deliver your service. Depending on the size of your business, some of the functions may be outsourced to specialty providers. In this case, you may list your suppliers.<\/p>\n<p>Strategic planning is an internal part of operations. Here\u2019s where you\u2019ll detail your key milestones for the next three years. Milestones can be related to all aspects of your business: financial, products and services as well as operations.<\/p>\n<p>A sample operations plan for a start-up bakery follows:<\/p>\n<div class=\"samplesection\">Any Town Bakery\u2019s in-house operations include several administrative, kitchen and retail functions. The main administrative functions are bookkeeping, marketing and staffing. The bookkeeper records purchases and expenses, tracks invoices and payments and produces financial reports. The marketing department creates annual promotional plans, designs marketing materials, manages social media and content marketing and measures the results of all campaigns. The staffing department is responsible for writing job descriptions, recruiting personnel and overseeing the hiring process.Food preparation and meal planning are the key kitchen functions. Retail functions encompass order taking and fulfillment, plus custodial services.Our key milestones for the next three years are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"padding-bottom: 20px;\">Secure building lease by month, year<\/li>\n<li style=\"padding-bottom: 20px;\">Remodel space for modern bakery operations by month, year<\/li>\n<li style=\"padding-bottom: 20px;\">Hire bakery manager and staff by month, year<\/li>\n<li style=\"padding-bottom: 20px;\">Achieve $xx in sales by month, year<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<h2 style=\"padding-top: 20px;\"><strong>8. Management Team<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Just as investors want to be assured you have a viable product or service, they are especially interested in who\u2019s running the business. Plans spell out your intentions, and it is the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.growthink.com\/businessplan\/help-center\/business-plan-writing-presenting-management-team\">management team business plan<\/a> that provides a comprehensive roadmap for achieving those intentions. People carry out those plans. The caliber of your team and business partners conveys a great deal about your ability to achieve your business goals. That\u2019s why investors need to know who\u2019s on the team and what expertise they bring to the table.<\/p>\n<p>Here you\u2019ll provide the names and biographies of your management team members and indicate any management gaps. If it applies, you may also highlight your Board of Directors. The background information may contain the individual\u2019s educational achievements, relevant work experience, skills and accomplishments. Sharing personal details helps investors to get to know your management team and provides another layer of transparency. According to the Small Business Administration, some business plans, may also include supplementary organization charts.<\/p>\n<p>At the writing of your business plan, it\u2019s possible to have openings on your management team. In this case, you\u2019ll list the position, define the job responsibilities and specify the hiring requirements for the ideal candidate.<\/p>\n<p>For example, the background for a software company\u2019s president may read:<\/p>\n<div class=\"samplesection\">John Doe is founder and president of Any Place Software Development. He has more than 25 years of experience in Information Technology.This is Joe\u2019s first business venture. He has risen through the ranks of a corporate IT career to become the Chief Information Officer. Joe has designed multiple software programs and has two patent-protected programs. He has a bachelor\u2019s degree in Information and Systems Management from XXX University and an Executive MBA from XXX University.<\/div>\n<h2 style=\"padding-top: 20px;\"><strong>9. Financial Plan<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Remember, an important part of securing funding for your business is conveying it will be financially sound and you can repay the potential funding source in the near future. This is why the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.growthink.com\/products\/business-plan-template\/financial-plan\">financial plan<\/a> is critical to your business plan. It presents your revenue model, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.growthink.com\/business-plan-financial-projections\">financial projections<\/a> and funding requirements. You are basically sharing the different ways you will generate income, your plans for financial solvency and your rationale for your funding request.<\/p>\n<p>The revenue model describes how you make money. Some common revenue models are subscriptions, advertising, affiliate marketing, markups, direct sales and commissions.<\/p>\n<p>Financial highlights are essential. Your plan must include a three-to-five-year financial forecast that presents your projected income and expenses while painting a realistic picture of your profitability. It will highlight several reports with the details included in your Appendix. The financial reports include your projected income statement, balance sheet and cash flow statement. Established businesses may choose to include historical financial data. Charts and graphs work well for depicting your financial highlights.<\/p>\n<p>Lastly, you will detail your funding request. Specify how much funding you\u2019ll require and how you will use the funding. Some potential uses are to purchase equipment, pay bills and salaries, rent office space or conduct marketing research for product development.<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s an example financial plan summary:<\/p>\n<div class=\"samplesection\">Below is an overview of our expected financial performance over the next five years: To achieve these projections, we need to raise $125,000 in financing.<br \/>\n<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-13746\" src=\"https:\/\/www.growthink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Business-Plan-Financial-Summary.png\" alt=\"Business Plan Financial Summary\" width=\"1234\" height=\"423\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.growthink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Business-Plan-Financial-Summary.png 1234w, https:\/\/www.growthink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Business-Plan-Financial-Summary-300x103.png 300w, https:\/\/www.growthink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Business-Plan-Financial-Summary-1024x351.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.growthink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Business-Plan-Financial-Summary-768x263.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1234px) 100vw, 1234px\" \/>\n<\/div>\n<h2 style=\"padding-top: 20px;\"><strong>10. Appendix<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>The Appendix is the final section of your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.growthink.com\/businessplan\/help-center\/ai-business-plan-generator\">business plan<\/a>. It\u2019s used to provide supporting documentation for materials referenced in any of the previous sections. Additionally, it allows the reader to review detailed financials. Investors expect to see your full financial forecast in the Appendix. These are the projected income statement, balance sheet and cash flow statement referenced in your financial plan. Some lenders may request your personal or business credit history as part of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.growthink.com\/businessplan\/help-center\/business-plan-appendix\">appendix business plan<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Investors also use this section to verify your business idea and business credentials. Consider including some of these items in your Appendix: resumes for the management team, sample marketing materials, lists of key customers, patents and trademarks in the section.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>How to Write a Business Plan Video<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><iframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/UVEfE8Uh5ys\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Summary of How to Write a Business Plan<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>We\u2019ve just covered 10 essential sections of a complete business plan. By now you should be confident that you understand what you need to build a business plan and what investors look for in a traditional business plan and that you can write one to meet their needs. Just in case you\u2019d like some additional information or examples, check out our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.growthink.com\/businessplan\/help-center\">business plan help center<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"bluepost\">\n<p id=\"greencta\"><strong>Finish Your Business Plan in 1 Day!<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Don\u2019t you wish there was a faster, easier way to finish your business plan?<\/p>\n<p>With our Ultimate Business Plan Template you can finish your plan in just 8 hours or less!<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/businessplantemplate.growthink.com\/?utm_source=how-to-write-a-business-plan&#038;utm_medium=growthink&#038;utm_campaign=seo\" target=\"_blank\" re=\"nofollow\">Click here to finish your business plan today.<\/a><\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"padding-top: 20px;\">Other Helpful Free Business Plan Resources<\/h2>\n<div class=\"free-business-plan-articles-flex\">\n<div class=\"column\"><a href=\"\/products\/business-plan-template\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" style=\"height: 135px;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.growthink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/business-plan-template-growthink.png\" alt=\"Business Plan Template &amp; Guide for Small Businesses\" width=\"300\" \/>Easy-To-Use Business Plan Template<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"column\"><a href=\"\/businessplan\/help-center\/business-plan-examples\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.growthink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/75-Business-Plan-Examples-Thumbnail.png\" alt=\"200+ Example Business Plans\" width=\"300\" \/>200+ Example Business Plans<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"column\"><a href=\"\/business-plan\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/business-plan-consultant-thumb.png\" alt=\"Expert Business Plan Consultant\" width=\"300\" \/>Expert Business Plan Consultant<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"column\"><a href=\"\/businessplan\/help-center\/business-plan-layout-how-design-your-plan\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.growthink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Business-Plan-Layout-How-to-Design-Your-Plan-Thumbnail.jpg\" alt=\"The Perfect Business Plan Outline for a Great Plan\" width=\"300\" \/>The Perfect Business Plan Outline for a Great Plan<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"column\"><a href=\"\/businessplan\/help-center\/business-plan-format-how-structure-your-business-plan\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/Business-Plan-Format-Thumb.png\" alt=\"Use This Business Plan Format to Expertly Write Your Plan\" width=\"300\" \/>Use This Business Plan Format to Expertly Write Your Plan<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"column\"><a href=\"\/businessplan\/help-center\/business-plan-writer-when-and-when-not-hire-one\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.growthink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Business-Plan-Writers-For-Hire-Thumbnail.png\" alt=\"Growthink's Expert Business Plan Writer\" width=\"300\" \/>Growthink&#8217;s Expert Business Plan Writer<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"column\"><a href=\"\/businessplan\/help-center\/key-components-business-plan-part-ii\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/Components-of-a-Business-Plan.png\" alt=\"10 Key Components of a Business Plan\" width=\"300\" \/>10 Key Components of a Business Plan<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"column\"><a href=\"\/one-page-business-plan-template\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.growthink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/One-Page-Business-Plan-Template-Thumbnail.png\" alt=\"How to Write a One Page Business Plan with Template\" width=\"300\" \/>How to Write a One Page Business Plan with Template<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"column\"><a href=\"\/businessplan\/help-center\/business-plan-executive-summary-tips-killer-executive-summary\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/business-plan-executive-summary-thumb.png\" alt=\"How to Write a Business Plan Executive Summary\" width=\"300\" \/>How to Write a Business Plan Executive Summary<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"column\"><a href=\"\/content\/20-reasons-why-you-need-business-plan\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/why-you-need-a-business-plan.png\" alt=\"What is a Business Plan?\" width=\"300\" \/>What is a Business Plan?<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"column\"><a href=\"\/businessplan\/help-center\/business-plan-writing-presenting-management-team\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.growthink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/The-Management-Team-Thumbnail.jpg\" alt=\"How to Write the Business Plan Management Team Section\" width=\"300\" \/>How to Write the Business Plan Management Team Section<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"column\"><a href=\"\/business-plan-software\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/business-plan-software-review.png\" alt=\"Business Plan Software Options\" width=\"300\" \/>Business Plan Software Options<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"column\"><a href=\"\/businessplan\/help-center\/ideal-length-your-business-plan\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.growthink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Business-Plan-Length-Thumbnail.png\" alt=\"How Long Should a Business Plan Be?\" width=\"300\" \/>How Long Should a Business Plan Be?<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"column\"><a href=\"\/reviews\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.growthink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Growthink-Reviews-Thumbnail.png\" alt=\"Growthink Reviews\" width=\"300\" \/>Growthink Reviews<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"column\"><a href=\"\/content\/how-write-business-plan-raising-venture-capital\" title=\"How To Write A Venture Capital Business Plan\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/How-to-Write-Business-Plan-Thumbnail.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" alt=\"How To Write A Venture Capital Business Plan\" width=\"300\"\/>How To Write A Venture Capital Business Plan<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Whether you\u2019re looking to secure $5,000, $50,000, $500,000 or $5 million for your business, you\u2019ll need a business plan. Knowing how to write a business plan that captures the attention of lenders and investors can pay big. While entrepreneurs and startup owners often feel overwhelmed at the thought of writing a business plan, don\u2019t worry, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":29277,"featured_media":15089,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-13737","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.7 (Yoast SEO v26.7) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How to Write a Business Plan<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Use our guide to learn how to write a business plan that will help you grow, manage and fund your business.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link 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