sample appendix for a business plan

What is an Appendix in a Business Plan?

Appendix is an optional section placed at the end of a document, such as a business plan, which contains additional evidence to support any projections, claims, analysis, decisions, assumptions, trends and other statements made in that document, to avoid clutter in the main body of text.

What is Included in an Appendix of a Business Plan?

Appendix commonly includes charts, photos, resumes, licenses, patents, legal documents and other additional materials that support analysis and claims made in the main body of a business plan document around market, sales, products, operations, team, financials and other key business aspects.

The appendix is the perfect place to showcase a wide range of information, including:

Supporting documentation: References and supporting evidence to substantiate any major projections, claims, statements, decisions, assumptions, analysis, trends and comparisons mentioned throughout the main body of a business plan.
Requested documentation: Information, documents or other materials that were specially requested by the business plan readers (e.g., lenders or investors) but are too large to place in the main body of text.
Additional information: Any other materials or exhibits that will give readers a more complete picture of the business.
Visual aids: Photos, images, illustrations, graphs, charts, flow-charts, organizational charts, resumes.

After reviewing the appendices, the reader should feel satisfied that the statements made throughout the main body of a business plan are backed up by sufficient evidence and that they got even fuller picture of the business.

How Should You Write a Business Plan Appendix? (Insider Tip)

The fastest way to pull the Appendix chapter together is to keep a list of any supporting documents that come to mind while you are in the process of writing the business plan text.

For example, while writing about the location of your business, you may realize the need for a location map of the premises and the closest competitors, demographic analysis, as well as lease agreement documentation.

Recording these items as you think of them will enable you to compile a comprehensive list of appendix materials by the time you finish writing.

Remember to keep copies of the original documents.

Template: 55 Business Plan Appendix Content Samples

For your inspiration, below is a pretty exhaustive list of supporting documentation that typically gets included in the business plan appendix. But please do not feel like you have to include everything from the list. In fact, you definitely shouldn’t!

The purpose of the appendix is to paint a fuller picture of your business by providing helpful supporting information, not to inundate yourself or the readers of your business plan. So, take care to only include what is relevant and necessary .

Company Description

1. Business formation legal documents (e.g., business licenses, articles of incorporation, formation documents, partnership agreements, shareholder agreements)

2. Contracts and legal agreements (e.g., service contracts and maintenance agreements, franchise agreement)

3. Intellectual property (e.g., copyrights, trademark registrations, licenses, patent filings)

4. Other key legal documents pertaining to your business (e.g. permits, NDAs, property and vehicle titles)

5. Proof of commitment from strategic partners (e.g., letters of agreement or support)

6. Dates of key developments in your company’s history

7. Description of insurance coverage (e.g. insurance policies or bids)

Target Market

8. Highlights of relevant industry and market research data, statistics, information, studies and reports collected

9. Results of customer surveys, focus groups and other customer research conducted

10. Customer testimonials

11. Names of any key material customers (if applicable)

Competition

12. List of major competitors

13. Research information collected on your competitors

14. Competitive analysis

Marketing and Sales

15. Branding collateral (e.g., brand identity kit designs, signage, packaging designs)

16. Marketing collateral (e.g., brochures, flyers, advertisements, press releases, other promotional materials)

17. Social media follower numbers

18. Statistics on positive reviews collected on review sites

19. Public relations (e.g., media coverage, publicity initiatives)

20. Promotional plan (e.g., overview, list and calendar of activities)

21. List of locations and facilities (e.g., offices, sales branches, factories)

22. Visual representation of locations and facilities (e.g., photos, blueprints, layout diagrams, floor plans)

23. Location plan and documentation related to selecting your location (e.g., traffic counts, population radius, demographic information)

24. Maps of target market, highlighting competitors in the area

25. Zoning approvals and certificates

26. Detailed sales forecasts

27. Proof of commitment from strategically significant customers (e.g., purchase orders, sales agreements and contracts, letters of intent)

28. Any additional information about the sales team, strategic plan or process

Products and Services

29. Product or service supporting documentation – descriptions, brochures, data sheets, technical specifications, photos, illustrations, sketches or drawings

30. Third-party evaluations, analyses or certifications of the product or service

31. Flow charts and diagrams showing the production process or operational procedures from start to finish

32. Key policies and procedures

33. Technical information (e.g., production equipment details)

34. Dependency on third-party entities (e.g., materials, manufacturing, distribution) – list, description, statistics, contractual terms, rate sheets (e.g., sub-contractors, shippers)

35. Risk analysis for all major parts of the business plan

Management and Team

36. Organizational chart

37. Job descriptions and specifications

38. Resumes of owners, key managers or principals

39. Letters of reference and commendations for key personnel

40. Details regarding human resources procedures and practices (e.g., recruitment, compensation, incentives, training)

41. Staffing plans

42. Key external consultants and advisors (e.g., lawyer, accountant, marketing expert; Board of Advisors)

43. Board of Directors members

44. Plans for business development and expansion

45. Plan for future product releases

46. Plan for research and development (R&D) activities

47. Strategic milestones

48. Prior period financial statements and auditor’s report

49. Financial statements for any associated companies

50. Personal and business income tax returns filed in previous years

51. Financial services institutions’ details (name, location, type of accounts)

52. Supporting information for the financial model projections, for example:

Financial model assumptions
Current and past budget (e.g., sales, marketing, staff, professional services)
Price list and pricing model (e.g., profit margins)
Staff and payroll details
Inventory (e.g., type, age, volume, value)
Owned fixed assets and projected capital expenditure (e.g., land, buildings, equipment, leasehold improvements)
Lease agreements (e.g., leases for business premises, equipment, vehicles)
Recent asset valuations and appraisals
Aged debtor receivable account and creditor payable account summary
Global financial considerations (exchange rates, interest rates, taxes, tariffs, terms, charges, hedging)

53. Debt financing – documentation regarding any loans, mortgages, or other debt related financial obligations

54. Equity financing – capital structure documentation (e.g., capitalization table, 409A, investor term sheets, stock and capital related contracts and agreements)

55. Personal finance – information regarding owners’ capital and collateral (e.g., Personal Worth Statement or Personal Financial Statement, loan guarantees, proof of ownership)

What is bibliography?

A bibliography is a list of external sources used in the process of researching a document, such as a business plan, included at the end of that document, before or after an Appendix. For each source, reference the name of the author, publication and title, the publishing date and a hyperlink.

What are supporting documents included in a business plan appendix?

Supporting documents in a business plan appendix include graphs, charts, images, photos, resumes, analyses, legal documents and other materials that substantiate statements made in a business plan, provide fuller picture of the business, or were specifically requested by the intended reader.

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Everything You Need to Know about the Business Plan Appendix

After taking time in writing a business plan , you want it to be read. That means the body should be no more than 15 pages in length. That’s where the business plan appendix comes in!

The appendix in a business plan is a supplementary section that contains additional information and supporting documents, such as charts, graphs, financial statements, market research, and legal papers, which complement the main body of the plan.

Although the final section of a comprehensive business plan, the appendix is an integral part of your plan. For example, suppose you are using your business plan to attract investors. In that case, the additional documents in the appendix will provide greater insight and can help convince your potential investors that you’ve got a solid business concept. You’ve done the research necessary to support the claims and forecasts included in the other sections of your plan.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about the business plan appendix so that you can start developing a great appendix for your business plan.

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here

What is a Business Plan Appendix?

The appendix is used to provide supporting documentation for key components in your business plan, such as financial statements or market research.

The appendix is also a great place to put any other tables or charts you didn’t want to put in the main body of the business plan. Depending on the intended audience of your business plan, you may also want to include additional information such as intellectual property documentation, credit history, resumes, etc.

What is the Purpose of the Business Plan Appendix?

The purpose of the appendix is to provide supporting documentation or evidence for key components in your business plan. While you may include charts in graphs in the body of your plan, these should be summary projections, while the fully detailed charts and tables would be found in the appendix.

How to Write the Business Plan Appendix for Your Company

Several supporting documents should be included in the appendix:

Full Financial Projections

Business plans used to raise capital or loan applications will typically need more detailed projections, including monthly, quarterly and/or annual cash flow statements, balance sheets, and income statements.

Customer Lists

This can be helpful for companies looking to expand their market presence and reach new customers or clients, as well as those who are considering investing capital into your business.

Customer Testimonials

Testimonials from your current customers are a great way to help other investors and lenders feel more confident in investing or loaning money to your business. You can include online reviews, letters, personal email communications, etc.

Intellectual Property Documentation

This should be included if you have any patents or trademarks registered and might also be helpful if you are using any technologies that other businesses have patented.

Management Team

This can include organizational structure, job descriptions, resumes, certifications, advanced degrees (i.e., Master’s degree in a specialized area), etc., that will help establish the expertise and experience that supports your business’s success.

Leases & Customer Contracts

Businesses need to comply with all leases and customer contracts before seeking investors. You may include rental agreements, copies of key agreements, sample customer contracts, etc.

Building & Architectural Designs

Businesses looking to build or expand their operations will need access to building plans, architectural drawings, permits, etc.

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Some small business owners may also include the following documents in the appendix:

Company History and Background

Businesses with a lot of competition in their industry will need to include more detail. Business plans for major businesses should have the company history section last so that you can provide additional information about your competitors or other companies that are relevant to your business plan. Businesses planning on using their business plan as an internal document can use less detail here.

Market Analysis

Your market analysis should include relevant information about how you defined your industry, potential customers and competitors, etc. Include any identifiable risks and assumptions based on your market research.

Individual & Business Credit History

If you don’t have much experience with business credit or borrowing, it might be worth adding a short explanation of your current and past financing use, including your tax returns and incorporation papers. This is especially helpful if you plan to apply for a loan through the Small Business Administration (SBA).

Marketing Materials & Plan

For some entrepreneurs, the marketing section of the business plan only provides a brief overview of their marketing strategy. Attaching the complete Marketing Plan in the appendix section of a business plan helps your reader understand if you’ve thought through your target audience, where you should target your marketing efforts, and how you will advertise to them to expand awareness of your brand and sales of your products and/or services.

Best Practices for Your Business Plan Appendix

Table of Contents : If you are including several documents in the business plan appendix, include a table of contents for your reader’s easy reference.
Confidentiality Statement : If you include credit history documents, intellectual property diagrams or applications, or any other legal documents with confidential information, have a Confidentiality Statement within the appendix to remind your readers that they are not to share or discuss the information within your plan without your written consent.
Short & Simple : This business plan section is likely to be skipped unless your reader is looking for specific information to support a claim in your business plan. Think about your intended reader and only include what is necessary to help make your request (e.g., business partner proposal, raise funding, etc.) and support your business plan.

As a business owner, you want to keep your business plan short so that it gets read. The Business Plan Appendix is a great way to include additional information about the preceding sections without adding to the length of your document.

At Growthink, we have 20+ years of experience in developing business plans for a variety of industries. We have 100+ business plan examples for you to use as a guide to help you write your business plan. You can also get our easy-to-use business plan template to help you finish your plan in less than one day.

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Other Resources for Writing Your Business Plan

How to Write an Executive Summary
How to Expertly Write the Company Description in Your Business Plan
How to Write the Market Analysis Section of a Business Plan
The Customer Analysis Section of Your Business Plan
Completing the Competitive Analysis Section of Your Business Plan
How to Write the Management Team Section of a Business Plan + Examples
Financial Assumptions and Your Business Plan
How to Create Financial Projections for Your Business Plan
Business Plan Conclusion: Summary & Recap

What to Include in Your Business Plan Appendix Section

Free Business Plan Template

Ayush Jalan

December 12, 2023

So you’ve successfully written a business plan for your startup. You’ve followed a business plan template and covered all the important sections as mentioned and made changes according to your unique business. Good job! But now what? Now it’s time to add the final section of your business plan: The appendix.

A business plan appendix contains all the additional documents or supporting data that you couldn’t include in the main sections of the business plan .

An appendix is necessary if an investor or a bank asks for specific information that might not fit well in any of the main sections’ formats.

Although it’s not a compulsion to add an appendix to your business plan, the latter is still incomplete without it.

An appendix essentially supports the claims you have made in your business plan in the preceding sections. As a consequence, it also helps leverage potential investors and stakeholders.

Why Do You Need a Business Plan Appendix?

A business plan appendix helps the reader get a closer look at your business. This is an opportunity for you to include any relevant information that can help you score extra points. The following are some of the reasons why you need an appendix in your business plan:

When you apply for a loan, banks can sometimes ask for specific documents such as a personal or business credit history. These usually don’t fit into the format of a generic business plan. You can include these in your appendix section.
If you wish to include additional information about your products or services like charts or tables, this is a good place. This will give readers a greater insight into your business ideas , marketing process, etc.

What Can You Include in a Business Plan Appendix?

The appendix can include almost anything that you feel is relevant to your business plan. That said, you don’t need to present every last detail of your business.

What to include in a business plan appendix

To give an idea of what you might want to include, we have put together a list of items. Take a look.

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1. Supplementary information

Here, you can include additional information to support and expand whatever you have mentioned in other sections of your business plan. These will help the reader better understand the specifics of your company.

Charts, graphs, and tables
Marketing material
Market research
Competitor information
Illustrations of products
Property designs

2. Legal Documents

Business plan appendices usually include legal documents . These will protect your business and establish to your readers that you are trustworthy. You can include documents that are relevant or act as evidence of the information or claims present in your business plan. Some of these legal documents are:

Incorporation papers
Licenses, permits, patents, and trademarks
Important contracts
Pending contracts
Leases and rental agreements
Vendor agreements
Equipment documentation

3. Organizational and Personnel Details

In the appendix section, you can also include your organizational process and details of the people involved in your company. These will let the reader have a peek into the workings of your company and the people behind it:

Organizational chart
Executive members’ resume
Affiliates such as attorneys, accountants, etc.

4. Additional Financial Documents

Your business plan already consists of ample financial information. But in case you need to attach any extra documents, you can include them in this section of your business plan. You may also need to include some exclusive documents for your investors and banks. Some of them are:

List of assets within the business
Credit history
Tax returns
Spreadsheets of financial projections

5. Achievements, Testimonials, and News Stories

You can also include information that advocates your company’s credibility. This helps the reader to trust your products, and therefore, your brand too. Some of them are:

Media and press clippings
Customer or expert endorsements
Awards and achievements

Protect Sensitive Data via Business Plan Appendix

Businesses must protect their documents and intellectual information stringently to avoid any theft. Even though a business plan as a whole is a classified document, the appendix part of your business plan can further contain more sensitive and confidential information.

FYI, in case you haven’t yet created a confidentiality statement for your business plan , it is time you do so. A confidentiality statement protects the contents of the document and avoids misuse of your information. It also helps you manage who gets to have access to the information.

Make the Business Plan Appendix Optional

Your business plan appendix is an auxiliary section of your business plan. This indicates that your business plan should be able to convey everything you aim to, without the support of an appendix. This can be a bit tricky to actualize but needs to be done nonetheless.

While making a business plan , you must keep in mind all the possibilities. The reader will probably skip some parts of the plan. Most probably, the appendix. So it’s advisable that it doesn’t contain any major details and that skipping it should not make a big difference.

In other words, you must draft your business plan such that even if the reader skips the appendix, they should understand the contents without feeling like you failed to mention an important piece of info.

Win over Investors with a Business Plan Appendix

We know that it can be quite exhausting to draft an elaborate business plan. And more often than not, the appendix is easily the one neglected. But it can also be a great opportunity to let your readers know that you are indeed serious about your business idea.

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About the Author

Ayush is a writer with an academic background in business and marketing. Being a tech-enthusiast, he likes to keep a sharp eye on the latest tech gadgets and innovations. When he's not working, you can find him writing poetry, gaming, playing the ukulele, catching up with friends, and indulging in creative philosophies.

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What to Include in Your Business Plan Appendix?

Back to Business Plans

Written by: Carolyn Young

Carolyn Young is a business writer who focuses on entrepreneurial concepts and the business formation. She has over 25 years of experience in business roles, and has authored several entrepreneurship textbooks.

Edited by: David Lepeska

David has been writing and learning about business, finance and globalization for a quarter-century, starting with a small New York consulting firm in the 1990s.

Published on September 13, 2023 Updated on December 12, 2023

What to Include in Your Business Plan Appendix?

Launching a business involves countless tasks, and one of the crucial early hurdles is writing a business plan. Many entrepreneurs who aren’t looking for funding think they can skip this step, but that’s never a good idea.

A sharp business plan is essentially a business owner’s commitment to and preparation for the road ahead, and if you’re seeking funding from an investor or lender, having a comprehensive appendix of documents that support your plan can really provide a boost.

But what documents should you include? Lucky for you, this guide explains the key elements of a business plan appendix.

The Role of the Appendix in the Business Plan

In your business plan, you likely made many claims about various aspects of your business, and the appendix provides documentation to back up those claims.

Of course, if your reader actually gets to your appendix, you’ve done well and captured their interest. Be sure to only include documents that support your business plan claims.

Components of the Business Plan Appendix

The following components should be included if you have them, which depends on the stage of your business.

1. Financial Projections

In the body of your business plan, you summarized your financial projections and mentioned the highlights, but your appendix should provide your full financial calculations and spreadsheets.

These should include:

Profit and Loss Statement , also known as an income statement. This shows projected revenue and lists all costs, which are then deducted to show net profit or loss.
Cash Flow Statement. This shows how much cash you have on hand at any given time. It will have a starting balance, projections of cash coming in, and cash going out, which will be used to calculate cash on hand at the end of the reporting period.
Balance Sheet. This shows the net worth of the business, which is the assets of the business minus debts. Assets include equipment, cash, accounts receivables, inventory, and more. Debts include outstanding loan balances and accounts payable.

Provide monthly projected versions of each statement for the first year, then annual projections for the following two years. You should also include a chart of your break-even analysis.

If you’ve already been running your business and have made sales, include your financial statements to date.

2. Market Research and Analysis

If you have charts and graphs that support the market analysis of your business plan, include those as well. Also include any market information, such as market reports, that you used to do your market analysis.

Provide documentation about your target market , such as its size and demographics. If you’ve made a detailed profile of your target customer, create an infographic and include it as well.

3. Intellectual Property Documentation

If you have a patent, trademark , or copyright, include documentation of that intellectual property. Investors tend to appreciate patents, and will likely want to see them.

Include a brief history of when and how you obtained the patent or other intellectual property and how it benefits your business.

4. Legal Documents

Include your business entity documents, such as your articles of organization if you’ve formed an LLC, and your operating agreement . If you have agreements with suppliers or vendors, you can also include those. Documentation of any licenses and permits you’ve obtained should also be included, as well as any other legal documents pertaining to your business.

5. Resumes and Professional Biographies

Attach the resumes of founders and managers here or create professional biographies. Be sure to include all relevant experience, education, and achievements. Investors are very interested in the management team’s ability to execute the plan, so don’t skip this part.

6. Marketing Plan

If you’ve already created a full marketing plan, which is a good idea, include it here as well. How you’re going to get your product to market is critical, so having a detailed marketing plan will support the marketing summary in your business plan .

7. Customer Contracts

If you’re fortunate enough to have secured large customer contracts, include those as well.

8. Product Illustrations

If your product is in development, include an illustration of the design. If you’re manufacturing the product, provide an illustration of the manufacturing process.

Tips for Creating a Strong Business Plan Appendix

There are a few things to keep in mind when putting together your business plan appendix.

Be selective and relevant – don’t overload the reader with too much information.
Include anything that highlights the key points of your business plan.
Be clear and concise. Keep your documents short and to the point.
Use illustrations such as infographics and charts when possible.

If you’ve written a business plan that captures a potential investor’s interest enough to keep them reading all the way to the end, you’ve done great work. Now give them the cherry on top with a fantastic appendix that provides all the documentation to support your plans’ primary assertions.

Keep it relatively short, but make it strong enough to make the reader a true believer. With any luck, you’ll get the funding you need to put your business on the road to serious success!

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Five Best Practices for Creating a Business Plan Appendix

A business plan is formed by several main sections, with the appendix tying the plan into one cohesive document as its final component. Some business plans forgo this valuable section and overlook the additional benefits it may bring during and after business plan creation.

Let’s understand the contributions and importance of appendices in business plans. After this article you will never ask yourself, how to write appendix, what is the purpose of an appendix, or a business plan appendix example. Here are all the things one needs to know in crafting and using a business plan appendix to its full potential:

What is a Business Plan Appendix?

The appendix in business plans is a supporting and final section that additionally corroborates and validates the main points of the plan. Businesses incorporate this section with legal documents, research findings, or visual representations that ensure business plan readers of the credibility and accuracy of information presented in the business plan. These are materials that enhance the value of the business plan but may not cleanly fit in with the body of the plan.

What is the Purpose of the Appendix?

If the business plan body narrates to tell a business’s story, the appendix substantiates that story by laying out evidence through data-driven information. Well-organized supporting documents in a business plan verify that a business’s strategies are practical and actionable. The business plan appendices further create clarity to the facts narrated in the business plan, allowing readers to easily read without the constant need to search for proof to confirm the presented data.

What Goes in the Appendix of a Business Plan?

The materials and documents included in the appendix may vary depending on a business’s activities. The following are some information that the appendix document includes to provide substantial support to a business plan:

Comprehensive market research findings
Detailed financial projections
Customer directory
Client or vendor contracts and agreements
Product images or packaging samples
Property designs, building permits, and lease documents
Intellectual property documents and other permits and licenses
Organizational Chart and resumes for qualifications
Credit records
Marketing material
Supplementary charts, graphs, and tables to support data in the business plan

Key Points in Organizing a Business Plan Appendix

Now that we know the potential components and the importance of a business plan appendix, let’s explore some guidelines to consider when sorting an appendix for a business plan:

Streamline the Appendix: For appendices that span for multiple pages, at ten or more pages for example, it is ideal to add a separate table of contents to outline its components. The appendix table of contents guides readers on what information to expect in the section. Documents and materials in the appendix section should also be organized in the same order they are referred to in the business plan body.

Maintain Confidentiality: License applications, permits, and credit records are some of the documents that are classified as confidential information. A business should keep track of the people who have access to such information as they are shared in the business plan. Including a confidentiality statement will inform readers and remind them that content shared in the business plan should not be used, spread, or discussed without written consent from agreed parties.

Some Will Not Read the Business Plan and Focus Only in the Appendix: The appendix showcases a business’s complete financial projections and proof of legal compliance through permits and licenses. As such, interested parties may only look into a business’s profitability and ability to comply with existing standards and regulations. A comprehensive appendix in the business plan demonstrates the extent a business will put effort to ensure the viability of its success. Furthermore, all the information included in the appendix will help a business stay on track with its progress and fulfill its goals.

Design Equals Content: The presentation of the appendices is of utmost importance in the business plan. Even if good data and analysis are incorporated in the business plan, an unorganized presentation may lead to misrepresentations and negative assumptions. Adapting a solid business plan outline helps organize the appendices into a document that substantiates factual and clear information.

Keep It Short and Simple: An appendix should only include relevant information about a business to keep it concise. For example, the business plan’s financial plan should be supported with additional financial projections in the appendices. Not every little detail should be included, but the information should offer business plan readers valuable insights into the business.

The appendix serves as the last piece of the puzzle for a business plan. We’ve discussed the importance of appendix and the value it adds to a business plan. However, keep in mind that a business plan should be able to stand alone even without an appendix, as its main purpose is to answer the queries and demands of its readers. The appendix serves as a supplementary section and its absence should not create gaps within a business plan.

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What should you include in your business plan appendices?

entrepreneur deciding what documents to include in their business plan appendices section

So you're crafting a comprehensive business plan for your business but you are not sure about what should go in the main body of the document and what should go in the appendices? You're in the right place.

Our guide helps you decide what should go in appendices so that you can complete your business plan. Ready? Let’s get started!

In this guide:

What is the objective of the appendices section of your business plan?

What information should i include in the appendices section of my business plan.

How long should the appendices section of your business plan be?
Best tips for business plan appendices
Example of appendices in a business plan

The primary objective of the appendices section is to offer proof or supporting documentation for key claims of your business plan.

This section gives readers the ability to learn more about particular facets of your company or to check the data used to make claims. It also enables you to keep the body of your business plan to the point and clutter free.

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The appendices section is strategically placed at the end of the business plan to increase the validity and substance of your proposal.

You could include any of the following in this section of your business plan:

Additional financial records

While your business plan already contains substantial financial data, including additional material can offer further insight to potential investors and financial institutions:

Inventories
Asset valuations
Credit profile synopsis
Historical tax filings
Exisiting loan contracts

Monthly financial statements

It’s likely that only the yearly figures will be shown in the financial plan section of your business plan which means that if the reader wants to look deeper into the monthly figures, this has to be included in the appendices.

You can also include historical monthly management accounts if you have them.

Organizational overview and team details

You could also include further information about your management team and the business structure by covering:

A visual representation of your business’ organizational structure
Details about your corporate structure (list of subsidiaries and percentage owned, share certificate, certificate of incorporations, etc.)
Curriculum vitae (CV) of the members of your management team
Floor plans of your premises

management team CVs that can be included in the appendices section of any business plan

Legal documentation

Legal documents are frequently included in business plan appendices. These help demonstrate your business’ reliability to your readers and may include:

Incorporation papers
Permits, trademarks, licenses, and patents
Shareholder agreements
Rental agreements and leases
Vendor contracts
Equipment specifications

Market data & competitive analysis

Businesses that face intense industry competition may need to provide additional information. You could provide in-depth information about your competitors, including their strengths, weaknesses, market share, and positioning.

You could also include market research data or industry reports that back up your analysis.

Images of products and services

Including images of your products and services in the appendices section provides a visual representation that helps stakeholders better understand what your business offers.

Words alone sometimes fall short in conveying your products or services unique features, design, and value

Visuals can also bridge communication gaps and make it easier for your audience to grasp complex concepts (for example, if you were a technological business producing goods).

Potential investors, partners, and other stakeholders can quickly comprehend the nature of your products or services by viewing images, leading to a more comprehensive understanding of your business proposition.

Other supplementary resources

There are many additional resources that you can add. These help the reader in understanding the specifics of your business:

Expanded marketing collateral
Complementary financial analysis
Architectural renditions for properties

How long should the appendices section of your business plan be?

The length of the appendices section in your business plan is flexible and should be guided by the principle of providing only pertinent and meaningful information. While there is no set limit, this section typically spans from a few pages to around 20 pages.

Remember to only include items that really help the reader understand your business plan and concept. Appendices should not be confused with a dataroom which comes later in the investment process and has strong confidentiality protections in place which business plans often lack.

Think about who will read your plan. Some stakeholders, like investors or lenders, might prioritise financials. Others, like partners or staff involved in your business, might care more about contracts or market research.

Need inspiration for your business plan?

The Business Plan Shop has dozens of business plan templates that you can use to get a clear idea of what a complete business plan looks like.

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Tips for your business plan appendices

By adhering to a few simple yet effective practices, you can ensure that your appendices section adds value and clarity to your business plan. Let's discuss these best practices in more detail:

Create a table of contents

If your appendices section is lengthy and involves a range of documents, consider including a well-structured table of contents. This helps readers locate specific information swiftly, resulting in a smoother reading experience.

Include a confidentiality statement

Protecting sensitive information included in your business plan appendices, such as credit history records or legal documents, is essential.

Include a confidentiality statement to remind readers of the private nature of certain documents. This acts as a gentle yet firm directive, underlining the need for discretion and permission before sharing or discussing confidential data.

Remember that, unless you signed a non-disclosure agreement with the recipient (which is extremely rare), there is no garantee that your business plan won't end-up in the hands of a competitor. Avoid sharing sensitive proprietary files, and if needed ask advice from a qualified lawyer.

Example of appendices in a business plan

Below is an example of how the appendices section of your business plan might look like. As you can see, it includes a maturity profile and a monthly breakdown of the cash flow forecast.

The Business Plan Shop's online business planning software: appendices section

This example was taken from one of our business plan templates .

Crafting a concise and compelling business plan is vital in obtaining funding from banks or investors. Utilising your business plan appendices helps provide depth without overwhelming the document body.

It also underlines your commitment to business and should, therefore, be included in any business plan.

Also on The Business Plan Shop

Business Model vs. Business Plan
7 tips for writing an effective business plan

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Guillaume Le Brouster is a seasoned entrepreneur and financier.

Guillaume has been an entrepreneur for more than a decade and has first-hand experience of starting, running, and growing a successful business.

Prior to being a business owner, Guillaume worked in investment banking and private equity, where he spent most of his time creating complex financial forecasts, writing business plans, and analysing financial statements to make financing and investment decisions.

Guillaume holds a Master's Degree in Finance from ESCP Business School and a Bachelor of Science in Business & Management from Paris Dauphine University.

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What to Include in a Business Plan Appendix

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A business plan appendix is the last section that includes all the details that didn’t have a place in the business plan.

What is Included in a Business Plan Appendix?

Detailed financial projections, customer feedback, intellectual property details, key people & management, lease, contracts, and agreements, market analysis, credit history and credit score, marketing plan details, suggested resources for writing a business plan.

An appendix business plan can be short or lengthy. What goes into an appendix depends on the type of business plan and your goal of writing the business plan.

For example, suppose you are writing a business plan to attract investment. In that case, the appendix may include greater details of the financial projections, and information about your personal or business credit score.

Here, we will discuss appendix meaning in the business plan, what goes into a business plan appendix, how to create an appendix in the business plan, and the best practices you should follow.

You might be wondering how to write a business plan appendix. We have made it easy for you. Put data for each of these business sections and your business plan appendix is ready.

You have included the income statement, balance sheet, and P&L statement in the business plan. Investors and lenders might be interested in knowing more about the expected financials of your business.

Add financial reports for intervals like a quarter, bi-annual, or annual.

Access our free business plan examples now!

Free: income statement template.

Create a financial statement for your franchise business by downloading our free income statement templates.

Are you an old player in the market and people have already used your products or services? You can include the feedback or review of some of your evangelists in the appendix section of a business plan.

Customer feedback shows the value your product or service offers and the problem it solves. It can also increase your chances of getting investment for your business idea.

If your business has any intellectual property rights, this is the place to add them. You may have a patent, a trademark, a brand name, or a license. Add the verifiable details of your business intellectual property here.

The people section in your business plan included only the top management/owners. Here, you can mention the people with execution skills who are not among the top management but necessary for business success.

You can also add employees’ CVs here. Some investors look at a company’s key people to see if they can make the business idea a financial success. If you have a strong team, show them here.

Some businesses get into contracts with suppliers and vendors in the beginning before they apply for funding. If you are one of them, include any contracts or agreements here.

Did you conduct thorough research on the potential market for your business? The business plan couldn’t host your full market analysis but the appendix can.

Include charts, presentations, documents, or anything else from your market analysis here. You can put all the data you have about your target market in the appendix. Give it a try!

Lenders may be interested in knowing your credit history to see if it is safe to give you a credit line. You can add credit reports here. This will help you build a good rapport with the lenders and may help you secure business credit.

No Credit History and Looking to Build Business Credit?

if you are a small business and looking to buide business credit, Here is a step by step guide on how to build your business credit fast by credit experts.

Many businesses create a very detailed marketing plan. Since you have limited space available in the business plan, an appendix is a place to add your marketing plan details.

Interested in checking the business plan appendix example? See our sample business plan for inspiration.

How to write a company overview for a business plan
How to write a market analysis for a business plan?
How to write products and services section of business plan
How to write an operational plan in business plan?
How to write management team section in business plan
How to write the financial section of a business plan
How to write the marketing plan in business plan

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The business plan appendix may include documents such as resumes of key team members, market research data, financial statements, legal agreements, permits and licenses, product or service brochures, and any additional supporting documents relevant to the business.

Not all supporting documents need to be included in the business plan appendix. Include documents that are essential for understanding and validating the information presented in the main body of the business plan.

Organize the documents in the business plan appendix in a logical and coherent manner. Consider using numbered sections or tabs to make it easy for readers to locate specific documents.

Yes, including a table of contents for the business plan appendix can help readers navigate through the various documents and sections. It provides a quick overview of what is included in the appendix.

The business plan appendix is typically included as a separate attachment to the main business plan document. This allows readers to focus on the core content of the business plan while having easy access to the supporting documents in the appendix.

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Business Plan Section 9: Appendix

The appendix section of your business plan provides information to support the 8 preceding sections. Here’s how to organize the appendix.

By now, we hope you’ve read through our series on business planning and have reached this final installment, which is what to include in Business Plan Section 9: Appendix. Think of your business plan as the narrative that tells the story, while the appendix is where you put the factual information that supports it. The appendix fleshes things out with details that help corroborate and support the plan you have presented.

Maybe you’re wondering why, if each of the preceding sections is covered so thoroughly, you even need an appendix. Why wouldn’t you just include all the information in the appropriate section? The appendix makes the rest of the plan easier to read, without taking a detour for credentials and corroboration.

In addition, your business plan can serve several different functions, and each requires a different set of documentation. Your plan can serve as a roadmap for your internal planning purposes only, it can be a recruitment tool for employees or investors, or it can support a request for funding from a financial institution. Each of these would require different documentation, and in many cases, you might not want to share some of the information with everyone. Having an appendix allows you to insert and remove items depending on who will be reading your plan.

What Goes Into Business Plan Appendix?

Again, not everything might need to be shown to everyone who reads your plan, but here is a full list of items you might want to prepare for your appendix:

Credit histories for both the business and its owners
Business and personal tax returns
Resumes of the owners and key management
Photos of your products or their prototypes
Samples of marketing materials, logos, and mockup ads
Reference letters from business associates and community leaders
Details of your market research studies
Information about your competitors
Press clippings about you and the business
Any relevant news articles on your product or industry
Legal documents such as your incorporation papers, shareholder certificates, etc.
Copies of patents, permits or licenses you hold
Copies of your property and equipment leases or rental agreements
Contact info for your professional staff, including your accountant and attorney
Contracts for current or future work
Spreadsheets and documentation for financial projections

The appendix will be the final section of your business plan, and just as with every other part, take the time to meticulously prepare these supporting materials, especially if you’re presenting the information to a potential lender or investor . The care and thoroughness you put into your backup documents will be a big clue to your readers about your general approach to business and could help sway opinion one way or the other.

The Small Business Administration suggests keeping a record of who has copies of your plan and what items you’ve included in the appendix. That way, you can update items as necessary. Do keep tight control over who you distribute it to. You may want to consider having your readers sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement, or NDA, to help protect the confidentiality of your information. SCORE, the Service Corps of Retired Executives, has a free template on its website.

And again, because of the highly privileged nature of some of what you’re providing, be very particular who you share what with. Creditors will likely need to have access to all of your documentation, but more casual readers, who might just want a bit of information about your business, don’t need to see the appendix at all, or at most, just a few select items.

How to Organize a Business Plan Appendix

Because the documents substantiate the information presented in your business plan, it’s best to keep them in the same order as they are referred to in the plan. If you have more than a few pages of documentation in the appendix, start with a table of contents page that lists each section of the business plan, broken up with letters or Roman numerals; then list each item you’ve included in the appendix for that particular section.

This will make it easier to refer to the items as you need to in the plan. For example, when you talk about your planned advertising campaign in the Sales and Marketing section, you can refer to “Appendix, Section IV” for copies of what the ads may look like.

If the appendix contains a lot of material, you can also consider using tabs to break it up, which will make it even easier to locate things. Have each document clearly labeled so readers will know exactly what they’re looking at when they refer to them, and make sure your copies are high quality, clear and legible. Do not include original documents.

Business Plan Recap

Don’t rush through the work of putting your business plan together. Whether it’s for your own use or a lender has asked for it, the information it contains and the work you do to put it together will be extremely valuable to the success of your company. It does take a lot of time and effort to research and write a solid plan, but it will come back to you in spades.

A business plan follows a specific format, so follow the guidelines we’ve set out for you in the following articles:

Business Plans 101
Section 1: Business Plan Executive Summary
Section 2: Business Plan Company Description
Section 3: Business Plan Organization and Management
Section 4: Business Plan Products and Services
Section 5: Business Plan Market Analysis
Section 6: Business Plan Sales and Marketing
Section 7: Business Plan Funding Request
Section 8: Business Plan Financial Plan
Section 9: Business Plan Appendix

If you’ve already read the series, you’ve heard this before: it’s imperative to always keep your audience in mind. Your goals for what you want the business plan to accomplish will dictate who your audience is, and the information you present will be shaped by that.

Finally, remember the importance of presentation. This is a reflection on you and your business, so make sure it represents you well. Proofread and check for errors in grammar and spelling. Consider hiring a writer or editor if you’re not particularly skilled with words. The business concept is yours, but a professional can help you articulate it in a way you may not be able to.

Use a standard business font for the body copy so that it’s easy to read, and be judicious in your use of italics, underlining, and bold. Business News Daily offers links to several free templates you can check out. You can follow one to put your plan together or just look at them for ideas that might work for you. There is also software available that can walk you through the process.

Have the plan printed on good paper and bind it in some fashion, whether into a booklet, in a high-quality binder or spiral binding. Add a cover with the name of your business and make sure to have your contact information easily available. Include a cover letter with the plan, because it may get passed around to other people who aren’t as familiar with your venture.

Remember the old adage, “You only get one chance to make a first impression.” Make yours count.

Next Article: 5 Tips for Sticking to Your Business Plan

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What Is an Appendix in a Business Plan?

by M.T. Wroblewski

Published on 22 Aug 2019

Some small-business owners seem to know what they're talking about. It's tempting to ask them to rate their pain on a scale of 1 to 10, as in "Just how painful was it for you to write your business plan?" Chances are, you're not going to like their answers.

Since entrepreneurs are creative thinkers, try upending the paradigm by telling them you've come up with an ingenious way to ease the pain, write a comprehensive business plan and even feel gratified by the insights you've uncovered: Talk your way through the plan and reserve the background information for the appendices.

Appendices Can Be Fun to Read

At first glance, this may not seem to be a revolutionary idea. An appendix is that fun section in the back of a report or book that contains supporting documentation – anything and everything that could derail the flow of the content. Charts, graphs, plats of a survey, financial statements and resumes from your right-hand people are examples of supporting documents in a business plan. They're natural fits for an appendix, which is where readers look for information that amplifies, clarifies, illustrates and otherwise shows them what you mean.

When readers choose to thumb to the appendix in a business plan is a matter of preference that underscores why it may help to think of an appendix as an adjunct to your business plan, capable of standing on its own and, perhaps, preceded by its own table of contents.

Based on your experience with flipping through appendices, you may know there are several ways to consult the contents:

Read the business plan, and when prompted, flip to the specified page in the back before returning to the business plan.
Read the business plan from start to finish, ignoring prompts to "see Appendix, page XX" for more information.
Read the business plan from start to finish and then read the appendix in the same manner.

Think of Your Business Plan as a Story

Of course, you may be unconcerned with how readers peruse your business plan; you just want to get through it. Since you're facing the prospect of a 25- to 100-page project, it may seem less daunting to talk your way through it.

Viewing your business plan as the story of your business makes more than practical sense. It may help prepare you for the marketing outreach efforts that lie in your future. Consumers like to read and share stories, and the story of your business vision is probably one you can tell in a compelling way.

As an entrepreneur, chances are that you're highly verbal and articulate – skills that lend themselves well to either:

talking and writing your way through the business plan simultaneously.
forgoing the actual writing to focus on the narrative, recording the story and then having someone else transcribe the tape.

Focus on a Sensible Format

Either way, without having to worry about what to do with all that supporting documentation, you are free to focus on the structure of the business plan, following a the business plan sample format recommended by the U.S. Small Business Administration:

Part 1: Introduction (including the executive summary)
Part 2: Market analysis
Part 3: Company description
Part 4: Product or service
Part 5: Management and organization
Part 6: Sales and marketing strategies
Part 7: Financial information
Part 8: Investments and/or funding requests

Take a Tip From Your Talk

As you talk (or dictate), you may find easy ways to "bookmark" inclusions for the appendix as you find yourself:

Stopping to elaborate on the information
Referring to documents to jog your memory or make a point
Going off on a tangent, as everyone is prone to do

The chances are good that this is the type of information you should set aside for the appendix to round out your business plan and greatly reduce your personal pain at the same time.

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What To Include In Your Business Plan Appendix

What is an Appendix?

The appendix of your business plan usually appears at the very end of your document, and it includes surplus information that you refer to within your plan. While this information may be important, to have it in the main bulk of your plan can interrupt the flow of your document and make it feel longer, so it’s a good idea to separate out the extra information and put it into an appendix that the reader can refer to when they need to. For example, if you have a table that spans a few pages, you might want to put this in your appendix if the rest of the section in question provides enough information without it. This keeps your business plan as simple as possible.

What Should You Include In your Appendix?

Some of the documents you might put in your business plan appendix include:

Tables, charts and graphs that illustrate information already in your business plan Documentation such as licences, patents, permits and trademarks Contracts with clients or vendors Marketing materials Product packaging samples Contact information for third parties such as accountants or advisors

Remember that your business plan should stand up on its own. Not everyone will read the appendix, so while this section should support your business plan, it shouldn’t be the place where you put information you wouldn’t want your readers to miss.

Do You Need an Appendix?

An appendix is not a requirement for your business plan, so don’t worry if you don’t have anything to add into this section. You may find that everything you need fits neatly into your business plan without it being too long and cumbersome, which is fine.

How Long Should Your Appendix Be?

Your appendix doesn’t need to be too long, so keep it simple. All of the information you do put in your appendix must be relevant to your business plan – don’t put everything but the kitchen sink in there if it isn’t going to help your reader to better understand your business, or help to convince an investor or lender to provide you with funding.

If your appendix does turn out to be quite long, you may want to consider adding a separate table of contents for this section of your business plan.

If you would like any help with writing your business plan, we’d love to hear from you. Call one of our friendly and professional business plan writing experts on 01604 420 420 or contact us using the form on the right.

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What Is an Appendix in a Business Plan?

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It's doubtful that Violet Fane was referring to an appendix in a business plan when she wrote that “all things come to those who wait.” After all, Lady Mary Montgomerie Currie – as she was formally known – was an English poet who made her mark in the late 1800s. Then again, small-business owners wrote business plans during her lifetime, and her oft-repeated phrase captures almost perfectly the bounty of information that can be found at the very end of what is usually a lengthy document.

">For the Body, Stick to Your Business Plan

While you're not obligated to include an appendix in your business plan, it's difficult to imagine a plan without one. This is the section that includes all the supporting documents that will substantiate, clarify and help your readers visualize points that you make in your business plan.

These documents are crucial, but they make up the very last section of a business plan for good reason: Tucking them into the actual business plan could distract your readers from the primary points you're trying to make in the body of your report. As ancillary information, they would interrupt the natural flow of the narrative.

An Appendix in a Business Plan Affords Choices

Emphasize the best accomplishments and most notable achievements of your management team in this section of your business plan. Then, at some point early in this section, you can place a parenthetical reference to the inclusion of their resumes. For example: “See Appendix, page XX, for management team resumes.”

This way, your business plan will stand on its own merits. The reader can decide for himself whether to:

Keep reading the business plan, uninterrupted. Stop reading the plan temporarily so he can jump to the pertinent page in the appendix. Read the entire appendix, or parts of it, when he is done reading the business plan.* Skip the appendix altogether.

Skipping Should Be an Option

As difficult as this last scenario may be to contemplate, the possibility definitely exists. As the business plan creator – The most important thing to remember – is that you fulfill your role to the best of your ability: You must present a thoughtful, comprehensive business plan that anticipates and addresses the reader's questions.

The reader should be able to skip the appendix without encountering any gaps in understanding. The information he will find there is intended to be supplementary – not perfunctory.

The reader may also be guided by his interests or motivations – and will make his decision accordingly. For example, an attorney may actively read the appendix to scour patent and trademark information. A lender may not find this information as compelling as a business' credit history. In this instance, the appendix could end up being the very first thing he reads.

Consider Business Appendix Examples

When an appendix is thoughtfully and creatively presented, it can be the most entertaining part of a business plan, exactly as Lady Mary had suggested.

Content should always be your guide, just as surely as you should include copies rather than original documents in the appendix. Consider your options, which depend on the content in your business plan:

Building permits.
Charts and graphs.
Competitor information.
Credit reports.
Equipment documentation.
Incorporation papers.
Leases or rental agreements.
Legal documents.
Letters of recommendation.
Licenses, permits, trademarks and patents.
List of business affiliates, such as your accountant and attorney.
Marketing reports and studies.
Pending contracts.
Pictures or illustrations of your product line.
Press clippings, feature articles and other media coverage.
Spreadsheets.
Tax returns.
Vendor agreements.

Streamline the Appendix in Your Business Plan

If your appendix becomes robust – say, more than 10 pages long – it might be helpful to create a table of contents on a preceding page to guide your readers through it. And if you're worried about confidentiality, it might be wise to include a privacy statement that reminds readers that they are not authorized to distribute copies of your business plan to third parties.

All good things may indeed come to those who wait – or at least those who ask for permission first.

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U.S. Small Business Administration: Write your business plan
Bplans: What to Include in Your Business Plan Appendix

Mary Wroblewski earned a master's degree with high honors in communications and has worked as a reporter and editor in two Chicago newsrooms. Then she launched her own small business, which specialized in assisting small business owners with “all things marketing” – from drafting a marketing plan and writing website copy to crafting media plans and developing email campaigns. Mary writes extensively about small business issues and especially “all things marketing.”

How to write the management team section of a business plan, why is an effective business plan introduction important, what does "abridged" mean on a business plan, what is an executive summary business plan, what are the major parts of a business letter, how to write an executive summary on a marketing plan, final summary for a marketing plan, how to write a preface for a business plan, what is the importance & purpose of a business plan, most popular.

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Business Plan - Appendices

Appendices to the Business Plan

Written by Jason Gordon

Updated at August 5th, 2023

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What is the Appendix to my Business Plan?

Material that adds to the business plan, but doesn't belong in the body. The appendices allow you to include valuable information to your business plan that does not fit neatly within the body of the plan. Generally, it is used to include exemplars of the material or information that is referenced within the business plan but does not need to be included in the body. You can include material that will serve a functional purpose in the business or that evidence key relationships. Generally, you can include any outside information necessary to support the propositions or assumptions within the business plan.

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Consider including the following information or materials in the appendix of the business plan.

Marketing Material (Advertising) - The ability to drive sales is a critical part of the business plan. Providing samples of marketing material can provide an understanding of the brand that you are attempting to build around your product or service.
Primary and Secondary Research - In order to effectively market your product (and establish a brand) you have to understand your target market. Further, you will need market estimates in order to accurately evaluate the market potential and potential profit from pursuing the venture. This material should support the figures that you introduce within the business plan.
Designs or Property Layout Material - Perhaps you have designs, artwork, facility plans, etc., that provide a picture of your intended venture location, buildings, image. This can help third parties to understand your vision.
Important Contracts - Providing proof of key contracts (such as leases, supplier contracts, etc.) add substance to otherwise seemingly hypothetical plans. Again, this will provide comfort to potential their-party investors.
List of Key Assets - Providing a list of key assets within the business plan would be too large and cumbersome. While you will include the collective value of the assets within the plan, it may be a good idea to attach an itemized index for review. This can help in budget planning.
Organization Chart and Employee Backgrounds - Within the business plan you provide a concise background of your employees and an organizational chart. Here, can provide a more in-depth background on your key employees and their curriculum vitae. If you have many other employees, you may want to provide their backgrounds, key roles, and responsibilities.
Customer or Expert Endorsements - Customer or expert endorsements can serve as excellent credibility for your product/service. While you will mention these or provide brief quotations within the business plan body, you may wish to include the entirety of the endorsement or letter within the appendix.

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Small Business Trends

How to create a business plan: examples & free template.

This is the ultimate guide to creating a comprehensive and effective plan to start a business . In today’s dynamic business landscape, having a well-crafted business plan is an important first step to securing funding, attracting partners, and navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship.

This guide has been designed to help you create a winning plan that stands out in the ever-evolving marketplace. U sing real-world examples and a free downloadable template, it will walk you through each step of the process.

Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or launching your very first startup, the guide will give you the insights, tools, and confidence you need to create a solid foundation for your business.

Table of Contents

How to Write a Business Plan

Embarking on the journey of creating a successful business requires a solid foundation, and a well-crafted business plan is the cornerstone. Here is the process of writing a comprehensive business plan and the main parts of a winning business plan . From setting objectives to conducting market research, this guide will have everything you need.

Executive Summary

The Executive Summary serves as the gateway to your business plan, offering a snapshot of your venture’s core aspects. This section should captivate and inform, succinctly summarizing the essence of your plan.

It’s crucial to include a clear mission statement, a brief description of your primary products or services, an overview of your target market, and key financial projections or achievements.

Think of it as an elevator pitch in written form: it should be compelling enough to engage potential investors or stakeholders and provide them with a clear understanding of what your business is about, its goals, and why it’s a promising investment.

Example: EcoTech is a technology company specializing in eco-friendly and sustainable products designed to reduce energy consumption and minimize waste. Our mission is to create innovative solutions that contribute to a cleaner, greener environment.

Our target market includes environmentally conscious consumers and businesses seeking to reduce their carbon footprint. We project a 200% increase in revenue within the first three years of operation.

Overview and Business Objectives

In the Overview and Business Objectives section, outline your business’s core goals and the strategic approaches you plan to use to achieve them. This section should set forth clear, specific objectives that are attainable and time-bound, providing a roadmap for your business’s growth and success.

It’s important to detail how these objectives align with your company’s overall mission and vision. Discuss the milestones you aim to achieve and the timeframe you’ve set for these accomplishments.

This part of the plan demonstrates to investors and stakeholders your vision for growth and the practical steps you’ll take to get there.

Example: EcoTech’s primary objective is to become a market leader in sustainable technology products within the next five years. Our key objectives include:

Introducing three new products within the first two years of operation.
Achieving annual revenue growth of 30%.
Expanding our customer base to over 10,000 clients by the end of the third year.

Company Description

The Company Description section is your opportunity to delve into the details of your business. Provide a comprehensive overview that includes your company’s history, its mission statement, and its vision for the future.

Highlight your unique selling proposition (USP) – what makes your business stand out in the market. Explain the problems your company solves and how it benefits your customers.

Include information about the company’s founders, their expertise, and why they are suited to lead the business to success. This section should paint a vivid picture of your business, its values, and its place in the industry.

Example: EcoTech is committed to developing cutting-edge sustainable technology products that benefit both the environment and our customers. Our unique combination of innovative solutions and eco-friendly design sets us apart from the competition. We envision a future where technology and sustainability go hand in hand, leading to a greener planet.

Define Your Target Market

Defining Your Target Market is critical for tailoring your business strategy effectively. This section should describe your ideal customer base in detail, including demographic information (such as age, gender, income level, and location) and psychographic data (like interests, values, and lifestyle).

Elucidate on the specific needs or pain points of your target audience and how your product or service addresses these. This information will help you know your target market and develop targeted marketing strategies.

Example: Our target market comprises environmentally conscious consumers and businesses looking for innovative solutions to reduce their carbon footprint. Our ideal customers are those who prioritize sustainability and are willing to invest in eco-friendly products.

Market Analysis

The Market Analysis section requires thorough research and a keen understanding of the industry. It involves examining the current trends within your industry, understanding the needs and preferences of your customers, and analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of your competitors.

This analysis will enable you to spot market opportunities and anticipate potential challenges. Include data and statistics to back up your claims, and use graphs or charts to illustrate market trends.

This section should demonstrate that you have a deep understanding of the market in which you operate and that your business is well-positioned to capitalize on its opportunities.

Example: The market for eco-friendly technology products has experienced significant growth in recent years, with an estimated annual growth rate of 10%. As consumers become increasingly aware of environmental issues, the demand for sustainable solutions continues to rise.

Our research indicates a gap in the market for high-quality, innovative eco-friendly technology products that cater to both individual and business clients.

SWOT Analysis

A SWOT analysis in your business plan offers a comprehensive examination of your company’s internal and external factors. By assessing Strengths, you showcase what your business does best and where your capabilities lie.

Weaknesses involve an honest introspection of areas where your business may be lacking or could improve. Opportunities can be external factors that your business could capitalize on, such as market gaps or emerging trends.

Threats include external challenges your business may face, like competition or market changes. This analysis is crucial for strategic planning, as it helps in recognizing and leveraging your strengths, addressing weaknesses, seizing opportunities, and preparing for potential threats.

Including a SWOT analysis demonstrates to stakeholders that you have a balanced and realistic understanding of your business in its operational context.

Innovative and eco-friendly product offerings.
Strong commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Skilled and experienced team with expertise in technology and sustainability.

Weaknesses:

Limited brand recognition compared to established competitors.
Reliance on third-party manufacturers for product development.

Opportunities:

Growing consumer interest in sustainable products.
Partnerships with environmentally-focused organizations and influencers.
Expansion into international markets.
Intense competition from established technology companies.
Regulatory changes could impact the sustainable technology market.

Competitive Analysis

In this section, you’ll analyze your competitors in-depth, examining their products, services, market positioning, and pricing strategies. Understanding your competition allows you to identify gaps in the market and tailor your offerings to outperform them.

By conducting a thorough competitive analysis, you can gain insights into your competitors’ strengths and weaknesses, enabling you to develop strategies to differentiate your business and gain a competitive advantage in the marketplace.

Example: Key competitors include:

GreenTech: A well-known brand offering eco-friendly technology products, but with a narrower focus on energy-saving devices.

EarthSolutions: A direct competitor specializing in sustainable technology, but with a limited product range and higher prices.

By offering a diverse product portfolio, competitive pricing, and continuous innovation, we believe we can capture a significant share of the growing sustainable technology market.

Organization and Management Team

Provide an overview of your company’s organizational structure, including key roles and responsibilities. Introduce your management team, highlighting their expertise and experience to demonstrate that your team is capable of executing the business plan successfully.

Showcasing your team’s background, skills, and accomplishments instills confidence in investors and other stakeholders, proving that your business has the leadership and talent necessary to achieve its objectives and manage growth effectively.

Example: EcoTech’s organizational structure comprises the following key roles: CEO, CTO, CFO, Sales Director, Marketing Director, and R&D Manager. Our management team has extensive experience in technology, sustainability, and business development, ensuring that we are well-equipped to execute our business plan successfully.

Products and Services Offered

Describe the products or services your business offers, focusing on their unique features and benefits. Explain how your offerings solve customer pain points and why they will choose your products or services over the competition.

This section should emphasize the value you provide to customers, demonstrating that your business has a deep understanding of customer needs and is well-positioned to deliver innovative solutions that address those needs and set your company apart from competitors.

Example: EcoTech offers a range of eco-friendly technology products, including energy-efficient lighting solutions, solar chargers, and smart home devices that optimize energy usage. Our products are designed to help customers reduce energy consumption, minimize waste, and contribute to a cleaner environment.

Marketing and Sales Strategy

In this section, articulate your comprehensive strategy for reaching your target market and driving sales. Detail the specific marketing channels you plan to use, such as social media, email marketing, SEO, or traditional advertising.

Describe the nature of your advertising campaigns and promotional activities, explaining how they will capture the attention of your target audience and convey the value of your products or services. Outline your sales strategy, including your sales process, team structure, and sales targets.

Discuss how these marketing and sales efforts will work together to attract and retain customers, generate leads, and ultimately contribute to achieving your business’s revenue goals.

This section is critical to convey to investors and stakeholders that you have a well-thought-out approach to market your business effectively and drive sales growth.

Example: Our marketing strategy includes digital advertising, content marketing, social media promotion, and influencer partnerships. We will also attend trade shows and conferences to showcase our products and connect with potential clients. Our sales strategy involves both direct sales and partnerships with retail stores, as well as online sales through our website and e-commerce platforms.

Logistics and Operations Plan

The Logistics and Operations Plan is a critical component that outlines the inner workings of your business. It encompasses the management of your supply chain, detailing how you acquire raw materials and manage vendor relationships.

Inventory control is another crucial aspect, where you explain strategies for inventory management to ensure efficiency and reduce wastage. The section should also describe your production processes, emphasizing scalability and adaptability to meet changing market demands.

Quality control measures are essential to maintain product standards and customer satisfaction. This plan assures investors and stakeholders of your operational competency and readiness to meet business demands.

Highlighting your commitment to operational efficiency and customer satisfaction underlines your business’s capability to maintain smooth, effective operations even as it scales.

Example: EcoTech partners with reliable third-party manufacturers to produce our eco-friendly technology products. Our operations involve maintaining strong relationships with suppliers, ensuring quality control, and managing inventory.

We also prioritize efficient distribution through various channels, including online platforms and retail partners, to deliver products to our customers in a timely manner.

Financial Projections Plan

In the Financial Projections Plan, lay out a clear and realistic financial future for your business. This should include detailed projections for revenue, costs, and profitability over the next three to five years.

Ground these projections in solid assumptions based on your market analysis, industry benchmarks, and realistic growth scenarios. Break down revenue streams and include an analysis of the cost of goods sold, operating expenses, and potential investments.

This section should also discuss your break-even analysis, cash flow projections, and any assumptions about external funding requirements.

By presenting a thorough and data-backed financial forecast, you instill confidence in potential investors and lenders, showcasing your business’s potential for profitability and financial stability.

This forward-looking financial plan is crucial for demonstrating that you have a firm grasp of the financial nuances of your business and are prepared to manage its financial health effectively.

Example: Over the next three years, we expect to see significant growth in revenue, driven by new product launches and market expansion. Our financial projections include:

Year 1: $1.5 million in revenue, with a net profit of $200,000.
Year 2: $3 million in revenue, with a net profit of $500,000.
Year 3: $4.5 million in revenue, with a net profit of $1 million.

These projections are based on realistic market analysis, growth rates, and product pricing.

Income Statement

The income statement , also known as the profit and loss statement, provides a summary of your company’s revenues and expenses over a specified period. It helps you track your business’s financial performance and identify trends, ensuring you stay on track to achieve your financial goals.

Regularly reviewing and analyzing your income statement allows you to monitor the health of your business, evaluate the effectiveness of your strategies, and make data-driven decisions to optimize profitability and growth.

Example: The income statement for EcoTech’s first year of operation is as follows:

Revenue: $1,500,000
Cost of Goods Sold: $800,000
Gross Profit: $700,000
Operating Expenses: $450,000
Net Income: $250,000

This statement highlights our company’s profitability and overall financial health during the first year of operation.

Cash Flow Statement

A cash flow statement is a crucial part of a financial business plan that shows the inflows and outflows of cash within your business. It helps you monitor your company’s liquidity, ensuring you have enough cash on hand to cover operating expenses, pay debts, and invest in growth opportunities.

By including a cash flow statement in your business plan, you demonstrate your ability to manage your company’s finances effectively.

Example: The cash flow statement for EcoTech’s first year of operation is as follows:

Operating Activities:

Depreciation: $10,000
Changes in Working Capital: -$50,000
Net Cash from Operating Activities: $210,000

Investing Activities:

Capital Expenditures: -$100,000
Net Cash from Investing Activities: -$100,000

Financing Activities:

Proceeds from Loans: $150,000
Loan Repayments: -$50,000
Net Cash from Financing Activities: $100,000
Net Increase in Cash: $210,000

This statement demonstrates EcoTech’s ability to generate positive cash flow from operations, maintain sufficient liquidity, and invest in growth opportunities.

Tips on Writing a Business Plan

1. Be clear and concise: Keep your language simple and straightforward. Avoid jargon and overly technical terms. A clear and concise business plan is easier for investors and stakeholders to understand and demonstrates your ability to communicate effectively.

2. Conduct thorough research: Before writing your business plan, gather as much information as possible about your industry, competitors, and target market. Use reliable sources and industry reports to inform your analysis and make data-driven decisions.

3. Set realistic goals: Your business plan should outline achievable objectives that are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). Setting realistic goals demonstrates your understanding of the market and increases the likelihood of success.

4. Focus on your unique selling proposition (USP): Clearly articulate what sets your business apart from the competition. Emphasize your USP throughout your business plan to showcase your company’s value and potential for success.

5. Be flexible and adaptable: A business plan is a living document that should evolve as your business grows and changes. Be prepared to update and revise your plan as you gather new information and learn from your experiences.

6. Use visuals to enhance understanding: Include charts, graphs, and other visuals to help convey complex data and ideas. Visuals can make your business plan more engaging and easier to digest, especially for those who prefer visual learning.

7. Seek feedback from trusted sources: Share your business plan with mentors, industry experts, or colleagues and ask for their feedback. Their insights can help you identify areas for improvement and strengthen your plan before presenting it to potential investors or partners.

FREE Business Plan Template

To help you get started on your business plan, we have created a template that includes all the essential components discussed in the “How to Write a Business Plan” section. This easy-to-use template will guide you through each step of the process, ensuring you don’t miss any critical details.

The template is divided into the following sections:

Mission statement
Business Overview
Key products or services
Target market
Financial highlights
Company goals
Strategies to achieve goals
Measurable, time-bound objectives
Company History
Mission and vision
Unique selling proposition
Demographics
Psychographics
Pain points
Industry trends
Customer needs
Competitor strengths and weaknesses
Opportunities
Competitor products and services
Market positioning
Pricing strategies
Organizational structure
Key roles and responsibilities
Management team backgrounds
Product or service features
Competitive advantages
Marketing channels
Advertising campaigns
Promotional activities
Sales strategies
Supply chain management
Inventory control
Production processes
Quality control measures
Projected revenue
Assumptions
Cash inflows
Cash outflows
Net cash flow

What is a Business Plan?

A business plan is a strategic document that outlines an organization’s goals, objectives, and the steps required to achieve them. It serves as a roadmap as you start a business , guiding the company’s direction and growth while identifying potential obstacles and opportunities.

Typically, a business plan covers areas such as market analysis, financial projections, marketing strategies, and organizational structure. It not only helps in securing funding from investors and lenders but also provides clarity and focus to the management team.

A well-crafted business plan is a very important part of your business startup checklist because it fosters informed decision-making and long-term success.

Why You Should Write a Business Plan

Understanding the importance of a business plan in today’s competitive environment is crucial for entrepreneurs and business owners. Here are five compelling reasons to write a business plan:

Attract Investors and Secure Funding : A well-written business plan demonstrates your venture’s potential and profitability, making it easier to attract investors and secure the necessary funding for growth and development. It provides a detailed overview of your business model, target market, financial projections, and growth strategies, instilling confidence in potential investors and lenders that your company is a worthy investment.
Clarify Business Objectives and Strategies : Crafting a business plan forces you to think critically about your goals and the strategies you’ll employ to achieve them, providing a clear roadmap for success. This process helps you refine your vision and prioritize the most critical objectives, ensuring that your efforts are focused on achieving the desired results.
Identify Potential Risks and Opportunities : Analyzing the market, competition, and industry trends within your business plan helps identify potential risks and uncover untapped opportunities for growth and expansion. This insight enables you to develop proactive strategies to mitigate risks and capitalize on opportunities, positioning your business for long-term success.
Improve Decision-Making : A business plan serves as a reference point so you can make informed decisions that align with your company’s overall objectives and long-term vision. By consistently referring to your plan and adjusting it as needed, you can ensure that your business remains on track and adapts to changes in the market, industry, or internal operations.
Foster Team Alignment and Communication : A shared business plan helps ensure that all team members are on the same page, promoting clear communication, collaboration, and a unified approach to achieving the company’s goals. By involving your team in the planning process and regularly reviewing the plan together, you can foster a sense of ownership, commitment, and accountability that drives success.

What are the Different Types of Business Plans?

In today’s fast-paced business world, having a well-structured roadmap is more important than ever. A traditional business plan provides a comprehensive overview of your company’s goals and strategies, helping you make informed decisions and achieve long-term success. There are various types of business plans, each designed to suit different needs and purposes. Let’s explore the main types:

Startup Business Plan: Tailored for new ventures, a startup business plan outlines the company’s mission, objectives, target market, competition, marketing strategies, and financial projections. It helps entrepreneurs clarify their vision, secure funding from investors, and create a roadmap for their business’s future. Additionally, this plan identifies potential challenges and opportunities, which are crucial for making informed decisions and adapting to changing market conditions.
Internal Business Plan: This type of plan is intended for internal use, focusing on strategies, milestones, deadlines, and resource allocation. It serves as a management tool for guiding the company’s growth, evaluating its progress, and ensuring that all departments are aligned with the overall vision. The internal business plan also helps identify areas of improvement, fosters collaboration among team members, and provides a reference point for measuring performance.
Strategic Business Plan: A strategic business plan outlines long-term goals and the steps to achieve them, providing a clear roadmap for the company’s direction. It typically includes a SWOT analysis, market research, and competitive analysis. This plan allows businesses to align their resources with their objectives, anticipate changes in the market, and develop contingency plans. By focusing on the big picture, a strategic business plan fosters long-term success and stability.
Feasibility Business Plan: This plan is designed to assess the viability of a business idea, examining factors such as market demand, competition, and financial projections. It is often used to decide whether or not to pursue a particular venture. By conducting a thorough feasibility analysis, entrepreneurs can avoid investing time and resources into an unviable business concept. This plan also helps refine the business idea, identify potential obstacles, and determine the necessary resources for success.
Growth Business Plan: Also known as an expansion plan, a growth business plan focuses on strategies for scaling up an existing business. It includes market analysis, new product or service offerings, and financial projections to support expansion plans. This type of plan is essential for businesses looking to enter new markets, increase their customer base, or launch new products or services. By outlining clear growth strategies, the plan helps ensure that expansion efforts are well-coordinated and sustainable.
Operational Business Plan: This type of plan outlines the company’s day-to-day operations, detailing the processes, procedures, and organizational structure. It is an essential tool for managing resources, streamlining workflows, and ensuring smooth operations. The operational business plan also helps identify inefficiencies, implement best practices, and establish a strong foundation for future growth. By providing a clear understanding of daily operations, this plan enables businesses to optimize their resources and enhance productivity.
Lean Business Plan: A lean business plan is a simplified, agile version of a traditional plan, focusing on key elements such as value proposition, customer segments, revenue streams, and cost structure. It is perfect for startups looking for a flexible, adaptable planning approach. The lean business plan allows for rapid iteration and continuous improvement, enabling businesses to pivot and adapt to changing market conditions. This streamlined approach is particularly beneficial for businesses in fast-paced or uncertain industries.
One-Page Business Plan: As the name suggests, a one-page business plan is a concise summary of your company’s key objectives, strategies, and milestones. It serves as a quick reference guide and is ideal for pitching to potential investors or partners. This plan helps keep teams focused on essential goals and priorities, fosters clear communication, and provides a snapshot of the company’s progress. While not as comprehensive as other plans, a one-page business plan is an effective tool for maintaining clarity and direction.
Nonprofit Business Plan: Specifically designed for nonprofit organizations, this plan outlines the mission, goals, target audience, fundraising strategies, and budget allocation. It helps secure grants and donations while ensuring the organization stays on track with its objectives. The nonprofit business plan also helps attract volunteers, board members, and community support. By demonstrating the organization’s impact and plans for the future, this plan is essential for maintaining transparency, accountability, and long-term sustainability within the nonprofit sector.
Franchise Business Plan: For entrepreneurs seeking to open a franchise, this type of plan focuses on the franchisor’s requirements, as well as the franchisee’s goals, strategies, and financial projections. It is crucial for securing a franchise agreement and ensuring the business’s success within the franchise system. This plan outlines the franchisee’s commitment to brand standards, marketing efforts, and operational procedures, while also addressing local market conditions and opportunities. By creating a solid franchise business plan, entrepreneurs can demonstrate their ability to effectively manage and grow their franchise, increasing the likelihood of a successful partnership with the franchisor.

Using Business Plan Software

Creating a comprehensive business plan can be intimidating, but business plan software can streamline the process and help you produce a professional document. These tools offer a number of benefits, including guided step-by-step instructions, financial projections, and industry-specific templates. Here are the top 5 business plan software options available to help you craft a great business plan.

1. LivePlan

LivePlan is a popular choice for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive features. It offers over 500 sample plans, financial forecasting tools, and the ability to track your progress against key performance indicators. With LivePlan, you can create visually appealing, professional business plans that will impress investors and stakeholders.

2. Upmetrics

Upmetrics provides a simple and intuitive platform for creating a well-structured business plan. It features customizable templates, financial forecasting tools, and collaboration capabilities, allowing you to work with team members and advisors. Upmetrics also offers a library of resources to guide you through the business planning process.

Bizplan is designed to simplify the business planning process with a drag-and-drop builder and modular sections. It offers financial forecasting tools, progress tracking, and a visually appealing interface. With Bizplan, you can create a business plan that is both easy to understand and visually engaging.

Enloop is a robust business plan software that automatically generates a tailored plan based on your inputs. It provides industry-specific templates, financial forecasting, and a unique performance score that updates as you make changes to your plan. Enloop also offers a free version, making it accessible for businesses on a budget.

5. Tarkenton GoSmallBiz

Developed by NFL Hall of Famer Fran Tarkenton, GoSmallBiz is tailored for small businesses and startups. It features a guided business plan builder, customizable templates, and financial projection tools. GoSmallBiz also offers additional resources, such as CRM tools and legal document templates, to support your business beyond the planning stage.

Business Plan FAQs

What is a good business plan.

A good business plan is a well-researched, clear, and concise document that outlines a company’s goals, strategies, target market, competitive advantages, and financial projections. It should be adaptable to change and provide a roadmap for achieving success.

What are the 3 main purposes of a business plan?

The three main purposes of a business plan are to guide the company’s strategy, attract investment, and evaluate performance against objectives. Here’s a closer look at each of these:

It outlines the company’s purpose and core values to ensure that all activities align with its mission and vision.
It provides an in-depth analysis of the market, including trends, customer needs, and competition, helping the company tailor its products and services to meet market demands.
It defines the company’s marketing and sales strategies, guiding how the company will attract and retain customers.
It describes the company’s organizational structure and management team, outlining roles and responsibilities to ensure effective operation and leadership.
It sets measurable, time-bound objectives, allowing the company to plan its activities effectively and make strategic decisions to achieve these goals.
It provides a comprehensive overview of the company and its business model, demonstrating its uniqueness and potential for success.
It presents the company’s financial projections, showing its potential for profitability and return on investment.
It demonstrates the company’s understanding of the market, including its target customers and competition, convincing investors that the company is capable of gaining a significant market share.
It showcases the management team’s expertise and experience, instilling confidence in investors that the team is capable of executing the business plan successfully.
It establishes clear, measurable objectives that serve as performance benchmarks.
It provides a basis for regular performance reviews, allowing the company to monitor its progress and identify areas for improvement.
It enables the company to assess the effectiveness of its strategies and make adjustments as needed to achieve its objectives.
It helps the company identify potential risks and challenges, enabling it to develop contingency plans and manage risks effectively.
It provides a mechanism for evaluating the company’s financial performance, including revenue, expenses, profitability, and cash flow.

Can I write a business plan by myself?

Yes, you can write a business plan by yourself, but it can be helpful to consult with mentors, colleagues, or industry experts to gather feedback and insights. There are also many creative business plan templates and business plan examples available online, including those above.

We also have examples for specific industries, including a using food truck business plan , salon business plan , farm business plan , daycare business plan , and restaurant business plan .

Is it possible to create a one-page business plan?

Yes, a one-page business plan is a condensed version that highlights the most essential elements, including the company’s mission, target market, unique selling proposition, and financial goals.

How long should a business plan be?

A typical business plan ranges from 20 to 50 pages, but the length may vary depending on the complexity and needs of the business.

What is a business plan outline?

A business plan outline is a structured framework that organizes the content of a business plan into sections, such as the executive summary, company description, market analysis, and financial projections.

What are the 5 most common business plan mistakes?

The five most common business plan mistakes include inadequate research, unrealistic financial projections, lack of focus on the unique selling proposition, poor organization and structure, and failure to update the plan as circumstances change.

What questions should be asked in a business plan?

A business plan should address questions such as: What problem does the business solve? Who is the specific target market ? What is the unique selling proposition? What are the company’s objectives? How will it achieve those objectives?

What’s the difference between a business plan and a strategic plan?

A business plan focuses on the overall vision, goals, and tactics of a company, while a strategic plan outlines the specific strategies, action steps, and performance measures necessary to achieve the company’s objectives.

How is business planning for a nonprofit different?

Nonprofit business planning focuses on the organization’s mission, social impact, and resource management, rather than profit generation. The financial section typically includes funding sources, expenses, and projected budgets for programs and operations.

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Appendix: A Sample Business Plan

The following business plan for Frank’s All-American BarBeQue was built using Business Plan Pro software. It is for the purpose of illustration and does not represent the full capabilities of the software.

Executive Summary

Frank’s All-American BarBeQue has operated for decades in the southern Connecticut shore region. With a tradition of superlative food at fair prices served in a family-friendly atmosphere, the owners now believe it is time to open a second restaurant and expand the production and the distribution of Frank’s signature barbecue sauces. This second restaurant will be in Darien, Connecticut, and will be nearly twice as large, in terms of seating capacity, as the current Fairfield restaurant. The company also plans to ramp up production of its sauces and increase their sales fourfold in the next three years.

The owners of Frank’s All-American BarBeQue and other investors plan to put $160,000 of their own money into the second restaurant and expand the production of the signature sauces. They seek to raise an addition $175,000 from a bank loan that will be repaid in two years.

Vision Statement

To produce the best barbecue food in New England.

Mission Statement

The mission of Frank’s All-American BarBeQue is to provide the southern Connecticut shore region with the finest barbecue food in four major regional styles at affordable prices in a family-friendly setting. As we grow, we will never forget and remain faithful to those factors that have made us a success.

Keys to Success

Frank’s All-American BarBeQue has been in business for nearly forty years. It has weathered good times and bad times through all types of economic conditions. We have survived because Frank’s has remained committed to several principles.

The only objective of a restaurant is to serve the finest food it can prepare. Good food—not more gimmicks or advertising—brings in customers and, more importantly, keeps customers.
Preparing the finest foods means a commitment to excellence, which means obtaining the best ingredients and a dedication to cooking barbecue properly, which means cooking carefully and slowly .
In addition to providing the finest food, we remain committed to providing excellent service. To us, this means friendly and knowledgeable staff members who make the customers feel like they are dining with family.
We provide the right atmosphere. Our goal is to have a setting that says “barbecue.” We do not provide a fancy setting; our basic setting complements the food we serve.

Company Summary

Frank’s All-American BarBeQue has been a highly successful restaurant in Fairfield, Connecticut, for nearly forty years. It was started and is still managed by Frank Rainsford. Its food and sauces have won awards at both regional and national barbecue cook-offs. In addition, Frank’s has been voted the best barbecue establishment in Connecticut numerous times by many local newspapers and magazines.

The management team of Frank’s All-American BarBeQue has decided that now is the time to expand to an additional location. After careful analysis, a second Frank’s All-American BarBeQue can and should be opened in Darien, Connecticut. This restaurant will be larger and geared to better tap into the growing premade, take-home dinner market.

In the last few years, Frank’s has been selling its four signature barbecue sauces—Texan, Memphis, Kansas City, and Carolina—in local supermarkets. Although this represents a small portion of overall revenues, sales have been growing at a remarkable pace. This market must be exploited. Preliminary market research indicates that this segment of the business will grow at 20 percent per year for the next five years.

Company Ownership

Presently, Frank’s All-American BarBeQue is a limited liability partnership with Frank Rainsford and his wife Betty as owners. Each has a 50 percent share in the business.

The plans for expansion will bring in capital from three other investors: Robert Rainsford, Susan Rainsford Rogers, and Alice Jacobs. Robert Rainsford and Susan Rainsford Rogers are the son and daughter of Frank and Betty. Both have extensive work experience at Frank’s. Alice Jacobs has been the restaurant’s accountant for over twenty years.

To assist the financing of the expansion, Robert Rainsford and Susan Rainsford Rogers will each invest $50,000, while Alice Jacobs will invest $60,000.

The new limited liability partnership will result in the investors holding the following equity percentages:

Company History

Frank’s All-American BarBeQue was founded in 1972 by Frank Rainsford. Although a native New Englander, Frank learned about cooking barbecue while serving in the US Air Force. During his twelve years of service, he traveled across the country and learned about the four major styles of American barbecue—Texas, Memphis, Kansas City, and Carolina. His plan was to introduce people in southern Connecticut to real barbecue that entailed high-quality meats properly cooked and smoked over an appropriate length of time.

In the beginning, Frank’s All-American BarBeQue was a small facility; it could seat about thirty people. It was located near the Fairfield railroad station and was the first full-service barbecue restaurant in Fairfield. Frank’s placed an emphasis on featuring the food; it had a highly simplified decor where the tables were covered with butcher paper, not linen tablecloths. The restaurant was an immediate hit, received considerable local press, and won several food awards. This success enabled Frank’s to move to a larger facility in Fairfield on the town’s main thoroughfare—Boston Post Road. The new location was a midsize restaurant of about eighty seats. Frank has built this location into a relatively successful and locally well-known enterprise. It has been at the present location since the early 1980s. It shares a parking lot with several other stores in the small mall in which it is located.

Frank’s has won many awards at regional and national barbecue cook-offs (for both the food and the sauces), which is unusual for a barbecue business in New England. The restaurant has been written up, repeatedly, in the local and New York papers for the quality of its food and its four signature barbecue sauces. In the last few years, Frank’s has sold small lots of these sauces in local supermarkets. They have been distributed because of Frank’s personal connections with the store managers. Frank Rainsford has been approached by a major regional supermarket to sell his sauces. The supermarket is willing to find a facility that could produce Frank’s sauces in significantly larger volumes, which would represent a substantial increase in the sales of sauces. “Past Performance of Frank’s All-American BarBeQue” provides a summary of key financial figures for the last three years—2008 to 2010. “Past Performance Chart” illustrates these key numbers for that period of time.

Past Performance of Frank’s All-American BarBeQue

Past Performance Chart

Company Locations and Facilities

Frank’s All-American BarBeQue has been in Fairfield, Connecticut, for decades. It has a reputation throughout the southern Connecticut shore region for excellent food and has received numerous awards. The management team determined that a second location could tap into this local name recognition. Several towns in the region were evaluated for total population, population density, family income, and home value. These factors were considered because of their impact on generating traffic and consumers being able to pay for meals that are priced slightly higher than typical fast-food outlets. In addition, the average family size and the percentage of family households were considered because Frank’s is a family restaurant. Lastly, data were gathered on the average travel time to and from work for residents and the real estate tax rate. Because the new location of Frank’s will emphasize prepared meals, we felt that individuals with longer commutes would be more likely to order meals and pick them up at Frank’s. A summary of these data is provided in “Demographic Data for Selected Connecticut Towns—Part 1” and “Demographic Data for Selected Connecticut Towns—Part 2”.

After thorough analysis, it was concluded that Darien, Connecticut, would be the best location for the new branch of Frank’s All-American BarBeQue. It has a high-income population and a high population density, and a large percentage of its inhabitants are members of family households. They have longer commuting times, which increase the potential need for prepared meals.

Demographic Data for Selected Connecticut Towns—Part 1

Demographic Data for Selected Connecticut Towns—Part 2

A specific location has been identified in Darien for the second Frank’s All-American BarBeQue. It is in a small mall and is large enough to have a seating capacity of 150–160 plus takeout facilities. The mall has more than adequate parking for future customers. The mall is located three blocks from the Metro-North Darien railroad station and is four blocks from the I-95 exit. It is therefore well-positioned to attract traffic from both car and rail commuters. The lease fee for a three-year contract is very reasonable for a property of this size.

Products and Services

Frank’s All-American BarBeQue specializes in the finest barbecue served in a family-friendly format. It uses the finest cuts of meats that are free of any growth hormones. It is known for a variety of slow-smoked and slow-cooked meats, such as ribs, beef, pulled pork, and chicken. These are served with Frank’s famous and award-winning sauce varieties, which represent the four major styles of barbecue cooking. Frank’s is also noted for its side dishes and desserts.

Our goal is to expand operations to a second location in Darien, Connecticut. This outlet will be significantly larger and will have a section devoted to takeout meals.

Competitive Comparison

There are approximately forty specialty barbecue restaurants in Connecticut. They are spread throughout the state, but only four (including Frank’s All-American BarBeQue) are in the southern shore region. The three competitors are smaller operations. None of the barbecue restaurants in Connecticut have the history, reputation, acclaim, or awards that match Frank’s All-American BarBeQue. It is not an exaggeration to say that Frank’s is the preeminent barbecue restaurant in Connecticut. It has a loyal following that reaches as far as New York City.

Frank’s is the only barbecue restaurant in Connecticut where supermarkets are vying for the right to market Frank’s signature barbecue sauces. This sideline business promises to be extremely profitable and support the overall marketing efforts for both locations of Frank’s All-American BarBeQue.

Fulfillment

Frank’s All-American BarBeQue has always been committed to providing the absolute best in barbecue food. This has meant assuring the highest quality ingredients in food preparation. Frank has established a decades-long relationship with suppliers in the New York and Connecticut areas. He selects nothing but the choicest selections of beef, pork, and chicken. He has always made sure that his meats come from suppliers who are committed to quality ingredients and who never use growth hormones. This long-term relationship with a variety of key suppliers enables Frank to secure the best cuts at reasonable prices. Frank is equally careful in using the finest spices for his barbecue sauces. The same is true for all the side dishes that Frank’s All-American BarBeQue offers its customers.

This commitment to quality is not limited to the selection of meats and ingredients. Frank and his staff recognize that top-quality barbecue food requires a knowledgeable and deep commitment to cooking the food properly. All meats must be cooked and smoked slowly. This requires time, effort, expense, and commitment, but the results are spectacular. Some cuts of meat at Frank’s may require as many as eleven hours of preparation and cooking. Excellence is not achieved without a commitment to effort. This effort has been recognized with numerous awards at national barbecue cook-offs. Frank has clearly recognized that the meal is clearly a function of the quality of the meat, quality ingredients, and careful preparation.

Future Products and Services

Frank’s All-American BarBeQue is ready to accept new challenges. Opening a second restaurant will significantly increase sales, but the second location is only the beginning of new directions for Frank’s. Although Frank has been selling his regional barbecue sauces in local outlets for years, he is now ready to sign a contract with a major regional supermarket chain to market and sell these sauces throughout New England. Preliminary studies indicate that Frank can anticipate a 20 percent annual growth rate in the sales of sauces for the next five years.

With the growth of two-income families, less and less time is available to prepare meals at home. Recognizing this simple fact, Frank’s All-American BarBeQue plans to offer a variety of prepackaged barbecue meals that can be picked up at the restaurant and reheated at home. As part of its new commitment to a web-based presence, customers will be able to order these meals by regular phone, with smartphones, or through the Internet. Customers will be able to select from a list of prepackaged dinner meals or any combination of items. Customers can designate the time to pick up the meals, and the meals will be ready for them. This service promises significant revenue growth.

Market Analysis Summary

Since the 1930s, the American public has spent at least 5 percent of its disposable income on eating out. Even with annual fluctuations, this is a strong indicator of the viability of this industry. This can be best illustrated by reviewing industry results for the last few years.

Both 2009 and 2010 were difficult years for the restaurant industry. In 2008, sales increased by 3.8 percent. However, sales fell by nearly 0.75 percent in 2009. This was the first year in the history of the industry that sales actually declined. The restaurant industry’s sales in 2009 were $566 billion, down from over $570 billion. Prices rose by 2.2 percent in 2009. The increase in sales for 2010 was 0.5 percent, and price increases stabilized at 0.75 percent.

It is anticipated that there will be significant price competition in every segment of the restaurant industry. Some analysts argued that the poor performances for the restaurant industry in both 2009 and 2010 could be attributed to declines in both business and personal travel. Hotel occupancy rates in 2009 were down by nearly 10 percent. A study conducted by the National Restaurant Association argued that 20 percent of the sales in casual dining restaurants might be due to travelers and visitors. Frank’s All-American BarBeQue relies to a far lesser extent on travelers as customers. A rough estimate based on credit card receipts, for the period 2006–2010, indicated that travelers represented less than 2 percent of Frank’s sales. The pressure on the restaurant industry has been felt by many chain restaurants, which significantly curtailed their expansion plans.

Even though the recession was in full bloom in 2009, many food prices rose and rose significantly. Beef prices rose between 4 percent and 12 percent, while pork prices rose between 5 percent and 13 percent. Numerous studies have indicated that the increase in commodity prices will not be a transitory phenomenon.

With 925,000 food service locations in operation in the United States, this translates into 1 restaurant for every 330 Americans.

The health-care reform bill passed in 2010 should, in the near future, provide some relief for restaurants by creating a system that will assume greater responsibility by individuals to pay for their own health-care coverage.

Restaurants must also be much more cautious in the future about the possibility of hiring illegal aliens. As a whole, the National Restaurant Association supports immigration reform. However, it is concerned that any legislation should not limit a restaurant’s ability to hire workers. It is also concerned about the cost to assure worker eligibility.

The Mintel Group, a market research firm, found that consumers who are interested in quality opt for independent restaurants over chain outlets. An increasing consumer focus on health translates into an emphasis on natural ingredients. In the barbecue industry, this translates into naturally raised meats (i.e., the avoidance of artificial growth hormones in cattle), which are a hallmark of Frank’s All-American BarBeQue.

The National Restaurant Association estimated that sales in full-service restaurants in 2010 would exceed $184 billion—an increase of 1.2 percent from 2009 sales.

Several macroeconomic factors make opening a restaurant in Darien attractive, including the following:

Increases in the growth domestic product (GDP). The GDP is estimated to grow 1.7 percent in 2011 and 1.5 percent in 2012. The estimates for Fairfield County are significantly higher.
Disposable personal income. The national level of personal income should rise nearly 4 percent in 2011, and there is an expectation of 3 percent growth in 2012. These numbers appear to be much stronger in the Fairfield County area.

Although 2010 was not a banner year for the restaurant industry—it was one where more restaurants closed than opened each month—there was one bright spot: Chain barbecue restaurants grew between 2 percent and 3 percent—an auspicious sign even for independent operators.

The home meal replacement market and the existing investment in restaurant equipment provide a nice growth opportunity for restaurants. It is been estimated that takeout sales in limited-service chain restaurants might be as large as 60 percent of total sales. The same study found that takeout food has been growing twice as fast as the overall restaurant industry. Natural competitors in this market are supermarkets that offer prepackaged meals. However, we feel that few—if any—supermarkets provide the quality barbecue food that can be found at Frank’s.

Market Segmentation

Frank’s All-American BarBeQue views its major market segment as suburbanites in the south shore region of Connecticut. One way of further segmenting the market is by the type of meal being provided. “Market Analysis 1” provides estimated growth rates for each type of meal (plus sauce sales) and projected number of meals (and jars of sauce) for the period 2011 to 2015. “Market Analysis 2” illustrates the relative contributions.

Market Analysis 1

Market Analysis 2

Market Needs

We believe that the market centers on excellent barbecue food served at reasonable prices and served in a family-friendly manner. We further believe that a growing segment of the market will want prepared meals that can be conveniently picked up and served at home. “Market Analysis” provides a projected breakdown of the potential customers for the next five years. This breakdown is predicated on the type of meals served and includes the sale of sauces. We provide estimated growth rates and forecasted sale of meals (and bottles of sauces) for the period 2011 to 2015. “Market Analysis” shows the breakdown of the number of meals by type in 2015.

Web Plan Summary

Presently, Frank’s All-American BarBeQue has a very simple website. The website provides minimal information—listing some of the menu items and the restaurant’s telephone number. It was created eight years ago by a college student who was working at Frank’s.

Robert Rainsford’s professional expertise is in the area of website development. After graduating from college, Robert was hired by a firm that specialized in developing web and social media presences for other companies. He worked for that firm in New York City for seven years. Robert rose rapidly through the company’s ranks, eventually becoming one of its vice presidents. His expertise in this area will enable Frank’s All-American BarBeQue to significantly enhance its web presence. Rather than just having a website that identifies the restaurant’s location and telephone number, along with a brief summary of its menu, the new website will be far richer in content and capability. It will provide a complete menu listing, identifying all items with corresponding images. The new website will enable customers to place orders through the Internet for lunch, dinner, or takeout items. The section devoted to takeout items will enable a customer to purchase prepared meals or choose from all items on the menu to develop a prepackaged meal. Customers will be able to identify the time that they will arrive for the pickup.

The website will have links to the Facebook and Twitter accounts of Frank’s All-American BarBeQue. These connections will enhance its social media presence. Customers will be asked to post comments about their dining experience and suggestions on how Frank’s can improve its operations and service. It will enable Frank’s to expand operations and still maintain the same close customer relationship that currently exists at the Fairfield restaurant.

Website Marketing Strategy

The new web presence for Frank’s All-American BarBeQue will be geared to developing a new level of customer relationships. Customers at both restaurants will be asked to fill out forms where they will supply an e-mail address and a birthdate. (This information can also be supplied through Frank’s new website.) This information will enable Frank’s to keep customers informed of specials and offer coupons and the new rewards card program for special occasions, such as holidays or birthdays.

We view the website of Frank’s All-American BarBeQue as a major component of enhancing our relationship with our customers. It should provide convenience to customers through their ability to see what is on the menu, identify new specials, and order meals and pick them up at their convenience. The use of social media will expand awareness of Frank’s and enable it to develop closer relationships with present and future customers.

Development Requirements

Robert Rainsford tapped into his expertise in social media and has already developed a far more sophisticated website for Frank’s All-American BarBeQue. He has secured the necessary server capacity to handle additional traffic on the website. In addition, he has set up several social media accounts for Frank’s All-American BarBeQue, including Facebook and Twitter. Robert also created a program linked to a database that will monitor customer purchases through the rewards card program. This program will send out birthday notices and discounts to customers and will inform them of their current status in the rewards card program.

Robert contacted several former colleagues at his former place of employment and has identified several candidates for the role of website manager. This individual will be responsible for updating the website and the social media sites on a daily basis. He or she will also be responsible for analyzing the flow of information that comes through these sites and preparing management reports.

Strategy and Implementation Summary

The core strategy of Frank’s All-American BarBeQue is to continue what has made it a success at a new location. Simply put, our strategy is to provide our customers with the finest barbecue food in Connecticut, at reasonable prices, in a family-friendly environment. In addition, we hope to improve our ability to meet customer needs by making life more convenient for our customers. We believe that these fundamentals are universally applicable.

SWOT Analysis

A strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis was undertaken for Frank’s All-American BarBeQue.

The key strength of Frank’s All-American BarBeQue is the quality of its food and service. It has been the recipient of numerous local and national awards for its foods and sauces. Other strengths include a highly knowledgeable management team with expertise in operating a barbecue restaurant, a close working relationship with suppliers of premier cuts of meats, and a loyal clientele in the south shore region.

The weaknesses associated with this business plan center on operating an additional restaurant with a much larger capacity than the Fairfield, Connecticut, restaurant. The second location will require an experienced restaurant manager. This plan calls for a significant increase in prepared (takeout) meals. Orders will be placed either by phone or through the website. Current personnel have little experience in ratcheting up the takeout portion of the business.

Opportunities

This business plan offers significant opportunities for Frank’s All-American BarBeQue. A second, larger location will translate into a significant increase in sales. Finalizing a business relationship with the regional supermarket chain will enable Frank’s to significantly increase the production and the sales of its signature sauces. The sales of sauces are expected to increase by 20 percent per year for the next five years.

Any expansion with the opening of a new location always entails some risk. The principals of Frank’s All-American BarBeQue will be investing a significant amount of capital and will be borrowing money from a bank to open a second location. It is strongly believed that the second location will capitalize on the success of the Fairfield restaurant and will become a success.

Competitive Edge

The competitive edge of Frank’s All-American BarBeQue resides mainly in the quality of its food and its commitment to serve the food in a family-friendly environment. The quality of its food is unmatched in the entire state. No other barbecue restaurant has received the awards and the accolades that Frank’s All-American BarBeQue has received for the past forty years. Its reputation for quality gives it an edge that no other barbecue restaurant or chain can match.

Marketing Strategy

The target market for Frank’s All-American BarBeQue is essentially suburban families in the south shore region of Connecticut. These people appreciate the finest barbecue food at reasonable prices. It is expected that an important group within this target market will be families with two incomes whose busy schedules would make prepared meals a very attractive option. We further assume that this market is technically sophisticated and will appreciate the convenience of ordering these meals via the Internet.

A key component of the marketing strategy of Frank’s All-American BarBeQue is to use the Internet and technology to enhance the relationship with its customer base. Frank’s will use the website, Facebook, Twitter, and e-mails to inform customers of special food items or discounts based on holidays and customers’ birthdays. We intend to use the website as a mechanism to gain an improved insight into customer needs and wants.

Frank’s All-American BarBeQue will also initiate a rewards card program. Customers will sign up for the rewards card program either at the two locations or online. They can use this program every time they make a purchase either at the restaurants or online. After a set number of visits (seven), customers will be entitled to either discounts or free items. The rewards card program will enable Frank’s All-American BarBeQue to track customers’ buying patterns and anticipate the ways in which they can better serve their customers.

Sales Forecasts

We provide a five-year forecast of the dollar value of sales broken down by the two restaurants and the sauces in the following tables. “Sales”Monthly Sales for Two Restaurants and Sauces” illustrates a forecast for the breakdown of sales on monthly basis in 2011, and “Five-Year Forecast of Sales for Two Restaurants and Sauces” illustrates the breakdown of sales for the next five years.

Sales Forecast

Monthly Sales for Two Restaurants and Sauces

Five-Year Forecast of Sales for Two Restaurants and Sauces

Management Summary

Currently, Frank Rainsford is the CEO and chief operating officer of Frank’s All-American BarBeQue. He is also the restaurant manager at the Fairfield restaurant. During the week, his daughter (Susan Rainsford Rogers) often replaces Frank as the restaurant manager. The Fairfield restaurant has a full-time cook who operates under Frank’s supervision, and two other full-time employees function as waiters and waitresses. These full-time employees are supplemented by six part-time employees.

Under the new management structure, Frank Rainsford will hold the position of CEO. His wife, Betty Rainsford, will be designated the president and chief operating officer. Their daughter, Susan Rainsford Rogers, will be given the title vice president for operations. She will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Darien, Connecticut, restaurant. Robert Rainsford will have the title of vice president of marketing. He will be responsible for all marketing activities and the operation of the website. Alice Jacobs will be the vice president of finance and the comptroller of Frank’s All-American BarBeQue.

Organizational Structure

The new management structure of Frank’s All-American BarBeQue is a basic functional layout appropriate for this type of business.

Organizational Chart

Personnel Plan

“Forecasts of Personnel” is a five-year breakdown of the types and costs of personnel.

Forecasts of Personnel

Financial Plan

Frank’s All-American BarBeQue will be financing the creation of a second restaurant through a combination of private investment and a bank loan. The private investment will raise $160,000, and Frank’s will seek another $175,000 as a two-year loan. These funds will be used to pay for equipment and leasing expenses associated with opening a second restaurant.

Important Assumptions

The assumptions associated with the grow rates of sales each year for the next five years are the keys to the financial planning process. We began with very modest assumptions of 8 percent growth in lunch sales and 5 percent growth in dinner sales. We anticipate fairly vigorous growth in takeout meals (20 percent) and sauces (15 percent). Although these are large growth rates, we do not feel that they are unrealistic.

Key Financial Indicators

“Key Financial Indicators” provides historical (2008–2010) and forecasted (2011–2015) values for the key financial indicators.

Breakeven Analysis

In “Breakeven Analysis 1” and “Breakeven Analysis 2”, we show the results of our breakeven analysis for Frank’s All-American BarBeQue. The results indicate that with sales of approximately $110,000 each month, Frank’s All-American BarBeQue will break even.

Breakeven Analysis 1

Breakeven Analysis 2

Projected Profit and Loss

Our analysis anticipates significant growth in profits in the next five years with the opening of a second Frank’s All-American BarBeQue in Darien. The profit margins should increase from in excess of $850,000 in 2011 to nearly $1,600,000 by 2015 and should be in excess of 20 percent for all five years. A complete analysis of the profit and loss statements is in “Profit and Loss”. The annual profits are illustrated in “Yearly Profits”.

Profit and Loss

Yearly Profits

Projected Cash Flow

“Cash Flow Forecast” is a five-year forecast of cash flows for Frank’s All-American BarBeQue. The forecast shows extremely strong and positive cash flows for each year.

Cash Flow Forecast

Projected Balance Sheet

“Balance Sheet Forecast” is a balance sheet forecast for Frank’s All-American BarBeQue.

Balance Sheet Forecast

These figures clearly demonstrate that the proposed opening of a second restaurant is more than economically viable; it is an extremely lucrative project that promises to increase the net worth of the firm by 500 percent in five years.

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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

Preview of Bplans' free business plan template download asset.

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

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

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

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

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

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2. SBA — Introduction to business plans

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Explore: Canva’s business plan gallery

6. ClickUp — The collaborative template

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. Smartsheet — A wide variety of templates

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

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

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

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

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

Explore: Smartsheet’s business plan template library

8. ReferralRock affiliate marketing business plan

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

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

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

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

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

Download: ReferralRock affiliate marketing business plan template

Does it matter what business plan template you use?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Start your business plan with the #1 plan writing software. Create your plan with Liveplan today.

Table of Contents

Qualities of a good template
ReferralRock
Does the template matter?

12 Min. Read

Do You Need a Business Plan? Scientific Research Says Yes

10 Min. Read

14 Reasons Why You Need a Business Plan

Use This Simple Business Plan Outline to Organize Your Plan

5 Min. Read

Business Plan Vs Strategic Plan Vs Operational Plan—Differences Explained

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What to Include in Your Business Plan Appendix
In general, here is some of the information you might include in your business plan appendix: Charts, graphs, or tables that support sections of your business plan. Financial statements and projections. Sales and marketing materials. Executive team resumes. Credit history. Business and/or personal tax returns.
What to Include in Your Business Plan Appendix
The appendix of a business plan might include: Detailed Financial Projections: As a cornerstone of appendices in business plan, this includes comprehensive revenue forecasts, cash flow statements, and break-even analysis. These documents elevate your financial strategy from theory to actionable insights. Market Research Data: Your business plan ...
Template: 55 Business Plan Appendix Content Samples
The appendix is the perfect place to showcase a wide range of information, including: Supporting documentation: References and supporting evidence to substantiate any major projections, claims, statements, decisions, assumptions, analysis, trends and comparisons mentioned throughout the main body of a business plan. Requested documentation: Information, documents or other materials that were ...
Business Plan Appendix [Updated 2024]
The appendix in a business plan is a supplementary section that contains additional information and supporting documents, such as charts, graphs, financial statements, market research, and legal papers, which complement the main body of the plan. Although the final section of a comprehensive business plan, the appendix is an integral part of ...
What to Include in Your Business Plan Appendix Section
3. Organizational and Personnel Details. In the appendix section, you can also include your organizational process and details of the people involved in your company. These will let the reader have a peek into the workings of your company and the people behind it: Organizational chart. Executive members' resume.
What to Include in Your Business Plan Appendix?
You should also include a chart of your break-even analysis. If you've already been running your business and have made sales, include your financial statements to date. 2. Market Research and Analysis. If you have charts and graphs that support the market analysis of your business plan, include those as well.
Five Best Practices for Creating a Business Plan Appendix
Adapting a solid business plan outline helps organize the appendices into a document that substantiates factual and clear information. Keep It Short and Simple: An appendix should only include relevant information about a business to keep it concise. For example, the business plan's financial plan should be supported with additional financial ...
What should you include in your business plan appendices?
Legal documentation. Legal documents are frequently included in business plan appendices. These help demonstrate your business' reliability to your readers and may include: Incorporation papers. Permits, trademarks, licenses, and patents. Shareholder agreements. Rental agreements and leases. Vendor contracts.
Business Plan Appendix
A business plan appendix is the last section that includes all the details that didn't have a place in the business plan. An appendix business plan can be short or lengthy. What goes into an appendix depends on the type of business plan and your goal of writing the business plan. For example, suppose you are writing a business plan to attract ...
Business Plan Section 9: Appendix
Section 9: Business Plan Appendix. If you've already read the series, you've heard this before: it's imperative to always keep your audience in mind. Your goals for what you want the business plan to accomplish will dictate who your audience is, and the information you present will be shaped by that. Finally, remember the importance of ...
What Is an Appendix in a Business Plan?
An appendix is that fun section in the back of a report or book that contains supporting documentation - anything and everything that could derail the flow of the content. Charts, graphs, plats of a survey, financial statements and resumes from your right-hand people are examples of supporting documents in a business plan.
What To Include In Your Business Plan Appendix
Some of the documents you might put in your business plan appendix include: Tables, charts and graphs that illustrate information already in your business plan. Documentation such as licences, patents, permits and trademarks. Contracts with clients or vendors. Marketing materials. Product packaging samples.
What Is an Appendix in a Business Plan?
An Appendix in a Business Plan Affords Choices. Emphasize the best accomplishments and most notable achievements of your management team in this section of your business plan. Then, at some point ...
Business Plan
Back to: Entrepreneurship Consider including the following information or materials in the appendix of the business plan. Marketing Material (Advertising) - The ability to drive sales is a critical part of the business plan. Providing samples of marketing material can provide an understanding of the brand that you are attempting to build around your product or service.
Business Plan Appendix Template: 55 Examples of What to Include
Appendix commonly includes charts, photography, resumes, licenses, patents, legal documents and other additional materials that support analysis and claims made in the main body of a business plan document about market, sales, products, operations, team, financials and other key businesses aspects.
Business Plan Appendix: Everything You Need to Know [Updated 2023
Learn everything you need to know about the Business Plan Exhibit the promote you start, grow and/or rise funding for yours business.
How To Write A Business Plan (2024 Guide)
Describe Your Services or Products. The business plan should have a section that explains the services or products that you're offering. This is the part where you can also describe how they fit ...
How to Create a Business Plan: Examples & Free Template
Tips on Writing a Business Plan. 1. Be clear and concise: Keep your language simple and straightforward. Avoid jargon and overly technical terms. A clear and concise business plan is easier for investors and stakeholders to understand and demonstrates your ability to communicate effectively. 2.
Appendix: A Sample Business Plan
This was the first year in the history of the industry that sales actually declined. The restaurant industry's sales in 2009 were $566 billion, down from over $570 billion. Prices rose by 2.2 percent in 2009. The increase in sales for 2010 was 0.5 percent, and price increases stabilized at 0.75 percent.
Business Plan
A business plan is a document that contains the operational and financial plan of a business, and details how its objectives will be achieved. It serves as a road map for the business and can be used when pitching investors or financial institutions for debt or equity financing. A business plan should follow a standard format and contain all ...
Sample Appendix For A Business Plan
In general. here are some of the documents you might think to include in your business plan appendix: Charts. graphs. or tables that supplement information … Think of your business plan as the narrative that tells the story. while the appendix is where you put the factual information that supports it.
PDF Appendix 4: Sample Business Plan
Appendix 4: Sample Business Plan. This sample Business Plan was developed by Heather Shannon, CNM, MS, MPH as part of her MPH project. A small community hospital used this plan to launch a practice with two midwives and includes plans for practice growth and the addition of more midwives. See Appendix 2 for a high-level summary
8 Business Plan Templates You Can Get for Free
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.

What is an Appendix in a Business Plan?

What is Included in an Appendix of a Business Plan?

How Should You Write a Business Plan Appendix? (Insider Tip)

Template: 55 Business Plan Appendix Content Samples

Company Description

Target Market

Competition

Marketing and Sales

Products and Services

Management and Team

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Company History and Background

Market Analysis

Individual & Business Credit History

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Why Do You Need a Business Plan Appendix?

What Can You Include in a Business Plan Appendix?

1. Supplementary information

2. Legal Documents

3. Organizational and Personnel Details

4. Additional Financial Documents

5. Achievements, Testimonials, and News Stories

Protect Sensitive Data via Business Plan Appendix

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What to Include in Your Business Plan Appendix?

1. Financial Projections

2. Market Research and Analysis

3. Intellectual Property Documentation

4. Legal Documents

5. Resumes and Professional Biographies

6. Marketing Plan

7. Customer Contracts

8. Product Illustrations

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What should you include in your business plan appendices?

What is the objective of the appendices section of your business plan?

Additional financial records

Monthly financial statements

Organizational overview and team details

Legal documentation

Market data & competitive analysis

Images of products and services

Other supplementary resources

How long should the appendices section of your business plan be?

Tips for your business plan appendices

Create a table of contents

Include a confidentiality statement