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Planning a business

Assessing your readiness, choosing a business structure, market research and writing a business plan.

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Developing your business idea.

Turning your idea into a profitable business model

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Determining whether incorporation, partnership or sole proprietorship is right for your business

Writing a business plan

How to write a successful business plan

Business plan template

Download templates and examples of a business plan and financial plan

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Researching your target market

Get the demographic data you need to better understand your potential customers and their needs

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Interactive Business Plan Builder

We understand that creating a business plan might be a new territory, our Interactive Business Plan Builder helps streamline the writing process and offers aspiring entrepreneurs and established business owners the guidance and support they need from the beginning to the end of the planning process.

What is a Business Plan?

A business plan is a strategic document that provides a detailed overview of a company’s goals, objectives, business structure, and strategies it will implement to achieve them. A business plan is crucial and beneficial to both startups and established small businesses.

Why is a Business Plan Important for Small Businesses?

Make informed business decisions

Set clear goals & strategy

Understand your customers & target market

Identify potential risks & mitigation

Secure funding & manage cash flow

Build & enhance credibility

What is Included in the Business Plan Builder?

The Business Plan Builder tool simplifies the process of developing your plan by breaking it down into essential topics and providing reference examples for each section

Executive summary & business description

Market research

Sales & marketing

Financial projections

Team structure

Why Use the Business Plan Builder?

Create a new business idea

Shift your existing business model

Develop a detailed business plan

Secure funding

Ready to Write a Compelling Business Plan?

Receive dedicated support from our Business Strategists as you go through each section.

Look Inside

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is there a time commitment to complete my business plan.

No, there is no specific time commitment. Take the time you need to conduct thorough research and complete your business plan at your own pace. The Interactive Business Plan Builder allows you to save your work at any point, allowing you the flexibility to complete it at your convenience.

Should I complete all sections in chronological order?

While the business plan is structured to guide you through the process, you have the flexibility to work on the sections in any order that suits you.

Can I create a copy of my business plan?

Certainly! Navigate to “My Business Plans,” locate the desired plan, and click on the “Duplicate” button to create a copy. You can then rename the duplicated business plan.

Can I invite another user or my business partner to be a collaborator on my business plan?

Unfortunately, the current tool doesn’t support this feature. However, you can export your plan as a Microsoft Word, PDF, or Google Drive and collaborate with others outside the platform if needed.

What if I need some help writing my business plan?

Business Link offers various resources and supports to assist you in crafting a business plan:

• Within each business plan section of the Business Plan Builder, you’ll find tips and examples to guide you.
• Check the right-hand side navigation bar for additional resources to help in your business plan development, including the option to download our Cashflow Template .
• If you need personalized assistance or have specific questions, our experienced business strategists, many of whom have entrepreneurial backgrounds, are available for one-on-one support. Feel free to reach out to us for assistance if needed!

Am I able to customize my business plan, such as adding a logo?

Absolutely! Export your business plan as a Word Doc or Google Doc to begin further customization, including the addition of a logo.

Will my business plan be shared with anyone?

Rest assured that your business plan is treated as your intellectual property (IP), and confidentiality is a priority. We will never share your data or business plan without explicit permission.

Did you have a business plan in our old Business Plan Builder? As of September 30th, 2023, access to your Business Link user account for exporting previous business plans has been discontinued due to the removal of this function. For copies of any plans created in the original builder, please contact our team, and we’ll gladly assist you.

Cash Flow Templates

Do you plan on asking for funding for your small business? Access the cash flow template you need to go with your funding request.

Have your business plan reviewed

Our small business strategists can review your business plan and provide you with feedback and coaching to get it to where it needs to be – whether you’re looking for financing, or just need to work out the details of your business idea.

Don’t have a business plan yet? Get started with our free interactive Business Plan Builder . The tool will walk you through the business planning process with details on what to include in each section, helpful tips, and examples. When you’re done, export your plan and submit it for review!

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Create Your Business Plan

Your business plan is a document that should grow with your business. It should undergo constant revisions as your business evolves and expands.

Navigation:

• What Your Business Plan Will Do For You
• Sample Business Plans
• General Business Planning Help

What Your Business Plan Will Do For You  

• Be a reality check! It will force you to identify your business strengths and weaknesses.
• Help you figure out your budget.
• Provide a clear direction, which can keep you focused and help eliminate stress.
• Be your timetable for operations
• Help you coordinate all the diverse activities that go into running your business.
• Serve as a resume when you seek lenders, suppliers, investors or partners.
• Ensure you evaluate the market for your product or services and size up the competition.
• Provide a clear starting point for future business planning.

Sample Business Plans  

Bplans.com This site offers a selection of free sample business plans, as well as articles on business planning. Bplans.com also sells business planning software.

Business Plans Handbook, Gale Publishing This is a database of actual business plans written by North American entrepreneurs seeking financing for their businesses. Includes examples of many start-up business ideas. Access is available through many BC public libraries, made possible by a generous donation from the Sutherland Foundation. Affiliates of UBC can start here .

Center for Business Planning The MOOT CORP® Competition simulated the experience of entrepreneurs pitching investors for funding. Although the competition is no longer held, the business plans presented by MBAs from the best business schools in the world can still be found on the Internet Archive's Wayback Machine.

Templates  

Futurpreneur - Business Plan Writer An interactive, online, tool that allows you to customize your business plan. Includes tips & tricks and can be downloaded to a word, excel or PDF file.

Business Development Canada (BDC) - Business Plan Template This is one of the best downloadable business plan templates. The business plan contains 2 sections, with a glossary and user guide.

Canada Business Site An excellent source for financing, permit, and business planning information. Includes a complete list of useful templates.

SCORE SCORE is a non profit association helping small businesses. Their library includes templates for business plans, SWOT analysis, financial projections and more.

General Business Planning Help  

Small Business BC (SBBC) SBBC is a great place to start for information on BC specific regulations and guidelines, for whatever stage you are in your business development. This is a great post  on the topic.

GoForthInstitute An excellent collection of free resources for entrepreneurs on diverse subjects. Of particular interest are the How-To Guides, templates and samples, and business calculators. They also offer low-cost video training.

Small Business Planner, the US Small Business Administration (SBA) This website includes information and resources that will help you at any stage of the business lifecycle. Watch their series of business planning videos here .

Need information on business research as you write your business plan? Check out our Beginner's Guide to Business Research , or go to our collection of 100+ Industry  Guides for industry-specific research help.

Free business plan template

• Download business plan template
• Try Xero for free

Download a business plan template and start bringing your ideas to life. Choose a one-pager, or multi-pager. Or try Xero accounting software for free.

Download the business plan template

Fill in the form to get a free business plan template as an editable PDF. We’ll send a one-pager and a multi-pager to choose from.

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Getting started with the business plan template

We’ll send you two types of business plan template – a one-pager and a multi-pager. Choose the one that’s right for you. They come with instructions to help fill them out.

Doing a business plan will improve your idea. It helps you think about your business from different points of view. The process will flag up unseen risks, but also new opportunities. Aside from helping refine your idea, a business plan will move it forward. It’ll give you a concrete set of steps to go from "I should" to "I did".

Are you looking forward to the bookkeeping and accounting that comes with a new business? Na, we didn’t think so. Xero can automate a lot of that stuff away for you.

One-page business plan template

Great for making a start

Helps you pin down the main idea

Easy to update as things evolve

Multi-page business plan template

Ideal for nailing down the details

Required by most investors and lenders

Good if you face big startup costs

Tips to help with your business plan

Don’t obsess over every detail to start with. That will make the plan long and hard to change. Keep it short and concise initially.

Financing your business

Need cash to get going? Check out our finance guide.

How to finance your business

Starting a business

Check out our guide for information about getting started.

How to start a business

Find a bookkeeper or accountant

Accoutnants and bookkeepers can help build financial resilience into your business budgets.

Find a financial advisor near you

Plan on making business fun

Xero does not provide accounting, tax, business or legal advice. This template has been provided for information purposes only. You should consult your own professional advisors for advice directly relating to your business.

Start using Xero for free

Access Xero features for 30 days, then decide which plan best suits your business.

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Need a business plan? Try our template.

Invest in the future of your business by taking the time to create or update your business plan using our free template.

The importance of your business plan

Perhaps the most important document for any new business is a business plan. Yet too many business owners fail to sit down and prepare or update one.

A business without a plan is adrift. Decisions are made reactively based on the owner’s emotions, rather than prudent research. Employees, vendors, investors and other stakeholders (as well as the owner) are unclear about the direction of the company. That lack of focus results in wasted dollars, energies and resources as the company zigzags along instead of following a well-planned straight line to its goals.

Writing a business plan can seem a daunting task. Many entrepreneurs simply don’t have the time, inclination or the proper tools.

Business planning template

We have developed a template that makes creating your Business Plan easy. And it’s free !

This template guides you through all of the steps required to complete a proper business plan. It has explanations of the terms and definitions. It lets you add your own thoughts and comments.

Once you’ve completed the steps, you’ll have a business plan complete with cover page, contact information, financial tables, product descriptions and marketing details. You can save and print the plan, or send it electronically to anyone.

Use your plan to move your business forward with confidence, to motive your team, or to present to investors or lenders.

Depending on how much research and preparation you’ve already completed, creating your plan won’t consume much time at all. While it’s very easy, don’t worry if you get stuck because help is available throughout the process.

Take your plan to the bank

Once you’ve completed your business plan, you may take it to a Scotiabank  Small Business Advisor . The advisor can review your plan, supply feedback, and, if requested, help you to explore your financing options.

Get feedback on your plan

Asking people to review your plan will make it stronger because you’ll receive valuable feedback. Share it with your accountant, lawyer, financial advisor and trusted businesspeople so they can offer their suggestions to improve your plan. If you are really worried about someone reading your secrets, consider attaching a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) to the plan. An NDA is a legal document that prevents others from sharing your information with unauthorized parties.

Try our free business plan template

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Business Plan Builder

Business plan faqs.

What is a business plan?

A business plan is a document that explains to others your vision for your business, the gap in the market your business will fill and the steps you will take to succeed.

Why is a business plan important?

A business plan describes what your business does and outlines the opportunities you wish to capture. Writing your business plan can help build your confidence in how you will achieve success. A business plan can also:

• Serve as a roadmap for your business
• Answer and even create more questions
• Zero in on the most effective way to build or grow your business
• Reveal gaps or risks you need to address

Show potential investors, stakeholders or lenders that you’re serious.

How do I write a business plan?

A simple way to write a business plan is to use our business plan template (the RBC Business Plan Builder for new businesses or existing businesses.

You can also read more about how to create a business plan .

What is the executive summary in a business plan?

The executive summary is the first thing your reader will see in your business plan, after your cover page and table of contents. It should grab your reader’s attention, identify what your business does and include:

• Your industry, target market and how your business is different from the competition

Your business structure (sole proprietorship, corporation, etc.)

• What stage your business is in
• Your experience and credentials, as well as your team’s, if applicable

Revenue projections for the business (or performance to date, if you’re already operating)

Tip: Write your executive summary last and keep it to one page. While it’s structurally the first section, it will summarize everything else in your plan.

What is in a business plan?

Your business plan should include the following:

An executive summary

The current business environment

An outline of your marketing and pricing strategies

A description of how your business will operate

Details of your financing and cash flow needs

A description of your team (even if it’s just you)

Any risks and how you’ll protect your business

A conclusion

Your contact information

Learn more about what to include in your business plan .

How long should a business plan be?

There is no length requirement for a business plan. It should cover essential information , be easy to skim, and also be as clear and concise as possible.

What is a business plan template?

A business plan template takes the guesswork out of writing your business plan by listing the ideal information to include. Create your own business plan for either a new business or existing business using the free template in the RBC Business Plan Builder.

Can I download the business plan template?

Yes, you can complete the business plan template in the RBC Business Plan Builder online and/or download it as a document for free at any time.

Does the business plan template work for small businesses?

Yes! The business plan template in the RBC Business Plan Builder is useful for businesses of any size. The information you provide will be specific to your unique business.

Do I have to create my business plan in one sitting?

No, you can download and save your business plan as a document at any time, so you don’t lose your work. That way, you can go at your own pace and take breaks or gather information as needed.

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8 Business Plan Templates You Can Get for Free

8 min. read

Updated April 10, 2024

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

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

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

So, which ones are actually worth using? 

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

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

What to look for in a business plan template

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

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

1. Bplans — A plan with expert guidance

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

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

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

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

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

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2. SBA — Introduction to business plans

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

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

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

Explore: The SBA’s planning guide and free templates

3. SCORE — Planning workbook

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

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

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

Download: SCORE’s business plan template

4. PandaDoc — A template with fillable forms

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

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

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

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

Explore: PandaDoc’s business plan template library  

5. Canva — Pitch with your plan

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

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

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

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

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

Explore: Canva’s business plan gallery

6. ClickUp — The collaborative template

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. Smartsheet — A wide variety of templates

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

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

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

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

Explore: Smartsheet’s business plan template library  

8. ReferralRock affiliate marketing business plan

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

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

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

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

Download: ReferralRock affiliate marketing business plan template

Does it matter what business plan template you use?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Table of Contents

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

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Business Plan Template Canada

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

Why does this matter?

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

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

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

Understanding Business Plan Basics

The Key Components of a Business Plan

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

Tailoring Your Business Plan to the Canadian Market

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

Benefits of Using a Business Plan Template

Streamlining the Planning Process

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

Ensuring All Critical Elements are Covered

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

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Where to Find Business Plan Templates in Canada

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

Government and Non-profit Resources for Canadian Entrepreneurs

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

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

Major Canadian Banks and Their Resources

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

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

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

Accessibility and Cost Efficiency of Free Template

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

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

Comprehensive Features of Paid Templates

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

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

Choosing Wisely for Your Business’s Future

Assessing Your Needs

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

Consider Long-Term Benefits

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

Trial and Error

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

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

From Good to Great: Making Superior Business Plans

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

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

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

How can we help you?

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Create a business plan

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

Starting a Business in Canada

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

Find out if your business idea will work

Clarify your idea and get it in writing

Find the money and manage your cashflow

Think about the legal stuff

TD Business Accounts, lines of credit, and more

Write a Business Plan

Clarify your idea and get it in writing.

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

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

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

Why You Need a Plan

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

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

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

Why You Need a Unique Selling Point

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

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

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

Use our interactive checklist  to define your unique selling point.

Determine Demand & Profit Potential

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

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

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

Tools & Calculators

Download our business plan template.

Download our start-up costs template.

Figure out your income vs expenses.

Determine your monthly interest and payments.

Products and services to help get you started

Small business bank accounts.

Discover the benefits of a TD Small Business Bank Account to meet your business needs.

See our accounts

• Business Credit Cards

Choose the cash back, travel rewards, or low interest rate credit card that fits your business needs.

See all cards

Receiving & Making Payments

Keep your cash flow moving successfully and stay on top of things.

Articles on Starting Your Business

Four Steps to Find Out if Your New Idea Will Work

Research, validate, talk to industry insiders, and test your idea to ensure it has what it takes to succeed.

Selling Online and Other Ways to Expand Your Business

Marketplaces, subscription models, drop-shipping, and freemium offers are four ways to expand your business online.

Sources of Small Business Funding

Ways to fund your business include: self-financing, partnering with another business, angel investors, grants.

Breaking Barriers — A series on women entrepreneurs

Get inspired with our first article in a series highlighting successful women entrepreneurs who have overcome challenges to build successful businesses.

Breaking barriers — Spotlighting female entrepreneurs

Get inspired with our latest article in a series highlighting successful women entrepreneurs.

Celebrate Pride with Florence Gagnon

Her journey was so inspirational it was adapted to the silver screen, but it started with a focus on her local community.

Spotlighting Female Entrepreneurs — Gloria Kim, Gloryous Productions

A series of articles that highlight various successful women entrepreneurs who bank with TD Small Business Banking. Discover their success.

Get in touch

Contact an account manager.

Talk to an Account Manager Small Business (AMSB) to discuss your business needs.

Talk to a Small Business Specialist at our Small Business Advice Centre.

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• Business planning and strategy

Business plan writer

The interactive Futurpreneur business plan writer is designed to simplify the business planning process by allowing you to customize your plan. We also provide tips & tricks, and plenty of examples to guide you as you write.

Business plan example

Gain valuable insights from Futurpreneur’s Entrepreneur-in-Residence, Dominik Loncar, to learn how to articulate your vision with clarity and impact. We understand that writing a business plan can feel daunting, there’s so many pieces it’s hard to know where to start. So, to help you get started we’ve created a business plan example that includes insights and rationale from Dominik Loncar. He’s our Entrepreneur-in-Residence and he’s reviewed 100s of business plans from entrepreneurs.

Business plan essentials

Never written a business plan before? Fear not! With this crash course, you’ll be provided with an overview of the different components that make up a solid business plan ensuring you’re launch-ready and poised for success.

Related resources

• Entrepreneurship

Business Plan Tools for Producers

A business plan is like a road map. It helps you define your ag operation’s core objectives and build a detailed plan for how to achieve them. 

Free business plan bundle for farmers

We want to help make writing your business plan easier. The FCC business plan bundle was designed specifically for farm operations and anyone involved in Canadian agriculture.

The bundle includes:

Business plan guide with instructions and resources

Blank business plan template

Sample business plan

Why you need a business plan

There's a lot involved in writing a business plan, but it’s a worthwhile investment. It can help secure financing from a lender, attract investment or act as an internal guide, keeping your management team focused on the same goals.

Related business plan tools

Analyzing cash flow drivers

Assessing your liquidity

Assessing your management ability

Building and sensitizing financial projections

Creating an organizational chart/job description

Financial Asset Analysis

Foundational financial ratios

Net worth template

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