Free one page business plan template word

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

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

Can I write a business plan myself?

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

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

Having a business plan is a must, whether your goal is to start a one-person freelancing business or a multi-million dollar enterprise. However, if you are looking to start a simple product or service business as a sole proprietor or one-person corporation you don't need a 50-page business plan. A shorter plan will suffice. A quick and easy one-page business plan templates can get you started. 

If your business is a partnership or requires multiple employees, you may need a more robust business plan. Similarly, a one-page plan will not be sufficient if you are in need of debt or equity financing and wish to impress financial institutions or potential investors. Lenders and investors will require you to provide more in-depth information in the plan such as:

• Your relevant industry background, business, and management experience 
• A more thorough description of your target market, proof of sufficient demand for your products or services, and how you will meet that demand and turn a profit
• Thorough analysis of the competition and how you will compete in the marketplace
• Detailed, realistic financial projections, including projected income statements, cash flow projections, and breakeven analysis
• An in-depth operating section with details on facilities, leases, equipment, and staffing.

Step-by-step guidance on how to write a business plan can lead you through each section of a full-sized plan.

Keep in mind that a business plan is a living document and you can always start with a one-page plan and enlarge it with additional detail as required. You may be able to articulate the business overview, vision, objectives, and concise action items in a single page, but you might want more detail in the financial and marketing sections. For example, you might want to add an extra page to your pricing strategy section for income and cash flow statements and another for breakeven analysis in advertising and promotion.

Structure of a Business Plan

A one-page business plan needs to provide concise answers to several basic questions that must be addressed such as:

• What is the need for your product or service?
• What is your competition and how will you differentiate yourself in the marketplace?
• How will you make money, for example, in terms of sales versus expenses?
• How will you market your business?
• How will you get started? What are your capital requirements?

How to Use the Templates

The sample templates can be copied into a Word, Excel or similar office document by selecting the text and using copy/paste—using Windows, outline the text to be selected with the mouse, and hit CTRL-C to copy and CTRL-V to paste. 

One-Page Business Plan Template for a Service Business

This template is suitable for freelance businesses that provide services, such as consultants, graphic designers, landscapers, and delivery services. For a one-page plan, the answers to questions should be one or two sentences.

Business Planning Template -- Service

Business Plan

This section should articulate your hopes and dreams for the business. You can write a vision statement. For example:

What are you building?

What do you see this business becoming in x years?

How do you plan to grow the business and to what degree? For example, will you hire employees, open up branch outlets, or take the business public?

The business overview or mission should describe how you intend to achieve your vision. For example:

What services will you provide?  

What is your target market—who will buy your services? 

How will your service offerings address the needs of customers, for example, what is your unique selling proposition?

The pricing strategy section needs to demonstrate how your business will be profitable. Summarize your projected revenue and expenses:

How much will you charge for your services?

Briefly describe how your pricing will be competitive enough to attract customers but be high enough to generate a profit after subtracting expenses.

This section describes how you intend to get the word out to customers about your services. For example:

What are the most efficient ways to market your services? For example, will you market them via a business website, email, social media, or newspapers? 

Will you use sales promotional methods such as pricing discounts for new customers?

What marketing materials will be used—business cards, flyers, or brochures?

This section lists your objectives and metrics for success by time frame, as well as potential questions or challenges. For example:

Capture 20% of the local market share by year end

Gain five steady customers in the first six months of operation

Earn a net income of $50,000 for the first fiscal year

List any obstacles or concerns, for example:

Winter season or poor spring weather reduces demand for landscaping services.

Briefly describe the action items needed to achieve your objectives, using milestone dates. For example:

 By "date" a fully-equipped home office will be completed.

 By "date" business licenses and insurance acquired.

 By "date" purchase of delivery van negotiated with dealer.

 By "date" launch business website with description of services and price list.

 By "date" social media marketing plan in place and potential customers connected via Facebook and LinkedIn.

 By "date" subscribed to cloud-based accounting software and setup customer invoice templates. 

Describe possible solutions for any potential obstacles:

If landscaping services cannot be delivered due to bad weather, look into providing other services such as snow clearing or tree pruning.

One-Page Business Plan Template for a Product Business

This template is suitable for businesses that sell products, such as food services, beauty products, and bike shops. For a one-page plan, the answers to questions should be one or two sentences.

Business Planning Template -- ProductBusiness PlanCompany NameVision

This section should articulate your hopes and dreams for the business. You can write a vision statement. For example:

What is your grand plan and what do you see this business becoming?

How do you plan to grow the business and to what degree? For example, do you plan to hire employees, open up a second restaurant or manufacturing plant, purchase new equipment and machinery to increase productivity, or go public and sell shares on a stock exchange?

The business overview or mission should describe how you intend to achieve your vision. For example:

What products will you be selling?  

What is your target market—who will buy your products? 

How will your product offerings address the needs of customers?

How will you sell your products—online or storefront? 

How will you deliver your products? For example, will they be shipped, sold over the counter, or delivered personally?

Demonstrate how your business will be profitable by summarizing your projected revenue from product sales minus your expenses:

How much will you charge for your products?

Briefly describe how your product quality and competitive pricing will lure customers from rival businesses but be sufficient to generate a profit after subtracting manufacturing costs and expenses.

Briefly outline the marketing plan for your products:

How will you advertise your products to attract customers? For example through a storefront, business website, email, social media, or newspapers.

Will you use sales promotional methods such as free samples, product demonstrations, and price discounts?

What marketing materials will be used—business cards, flyers,or  brochures?

List your objectives and metrics for success by time frame, as well as potential questions or challenges. For example:

Sell 500 units of product by year end. 

Gain two major customers within the first six months of operation.

Have an average 50% occupancy rate in your restaurant within three months of opening.

Earn a net income of $30,000 for the first fiscal year, and $50,000 by the third fiscal year.

List any obstacles that may prevent you from achieving your objectives, for example:

Suppliers not able to deliver sufficient product 

Construction delays involving renovations on the premises

Briefly describe the action items needed to achieve your objectives, using milestone dates. For example:

By "date" business premises chosen and lease signed

By "date" renovations to business premises completed

By "date" contracts with suppliers and wholesalers negotiated and signed

By "date" qualified employee hired

By "date" purchase of delivery van negotiated with dealer

By "date" launch business website with description of products and price list

By "date" social media marketing plan in place and potential customers connected via Facebook and LinkedIn

By "date" point of sale system acquired, customized, and installed

By "date" products acquired and stocked

By "date" employee training completed

By "date" premises open for business 

List any obstacles or concerns and how you intend to overcome them. For example:

 In case wholesale supplier A is unable to deliver sufficient product, sign contracts with backup suppliers.

Be prepared to delay opening if renovations to the premises are not completed on time, or open and continue construction after business hours.

Can a business plan be on 1 page?

How do I create a business plan for one page?

Does Word have a business plan template?

What is a one page business plan called?