Here’s a brutal truth: 2 out of 10 small businesses will fail within their first year and 5 will fail within their fifth year. And the statistics only get grimmer after that. That is why, if you are a budding entrepreneur, you need to protect yourself and your start-up business idea with at least a generic business plan. We will share printable and professionally written Business Plan Templates. Use these fully editable templates to create the best marketing and strategic plans that will propel your business to new heights. Download any of our comprehensive or one-page business plan sample templates in MS Word, PSD, Apple Pages, and Google Docs format now!
Generic Business Plan Templates
Plan out Your Startup or Small Business Effectively with These Generic Business Plan Templates from Template.net! You Don’t Have to Write the Presentation of Your Marketing Strategy from Scratch as Our Template Includes an Outline Form to Follow. These Free Example Templates Can Be Downloaded in Pdf and Ppt!
What Is a Business Plan?
A business plan is a legal document that includes a step-by-step guide on how an entrepreneur intends to start, fund, manage, and promote an idea or project. It may be used by start-ups and existing companies alike.
There are two main types of business plans. The first one is the traditional or generic business plan. They are often very detailed and consist of multiple pages. Lean start-up business plans, on the other hand, are more concise and may only consist of one page.
How to Make A Generic Business Plan
Did you know that writing a business plan highly correlates to increased business success? So if you want to set up your business for this, this next business planning guide is for you. Below, we have curated a few essential tips on how to make an effective business plan.
1. Know Your Market and Product Well
An effective business plan starts with sound market analysis. You must first conduct a thorough market and product research before starting your business proposal. This allows you to truly identify your target audience and come up with a suitable marketing strategy.
2. Follow A Standard Format
When it comes to the actual writing of your business plan, make sure that you follow a standard business plan outline or format. Doing so organizes all the data presented in your plan and makes it easier to understand.
Most business plans will include the following sections or components: Executive Summary, Company Overview, Market Analysis, Product Analysis, Sales and Marketing Strategy, Funding or Financial Plan, Management Plan, Financial Projections, and an Appendix.
3. Include Data Visualization Tools
Often, business plans are created when entrepreneurs request for funding from investors or financial firms. This means that it will be read by bankers or venture capitalists who do not have all the time in the world to review a lengthy business plan template word document.
As a workaround, you may incorporate data visualization tools like graphs and charts. This allows you to present financial data or market projections that are easy to read and understand. When done well, these charts can complement walls of text in your document and allow you to present your business idea more favorably.
4. Use Accurate Source Data
Nothing puts off investors more than inaccurate data on business plans. If you use erroneous data, your strategies may not work well and you may not reach your marketing objectives. Avoid losing business integrity. So, be sure to reflect only correct and updated financial data if you are including this in your business proposal.
5. Be Ready To Modify The Plan
Entrepreneurs should be adaptable. This applies when making business plans as well. Be ready to modify your plan according to changing market conditions, investor demands, or product suitability.
Your business plan should not be set in stone. Allow room for improvement to ensure business success. Remember, a good business plan should also act as a business continuity plan.
