5 Business Plan Templates You Can Use Right Now
Why You Need a Business Plan Template
Creating a business plan can feel overwhelming, especially if you're starting from scratch. But whether you're a startup founder, a solo entrepreneur, or a small business owner, having a solid business plan is critical for guiding your operations, attracting investors, and staying focused. That's where templates come in. Business plan templates offer a practical, structured way to get your ideas down on paper without reinventing the wheel.
In this article, we’ll break down five powerful and easy-to-use business plan templates. We'll explain how each one works, who it's best suited for, and how to customize it to fit your business. You’ll also get real-world tips for making your plan stand out, along with downloadable links where applicable.
The Lean Canvas Template
Overview The Lean Canvas is a one-page business plan template designed for startups and entrepreneurs who want to validate their business ideas quickly. It was created by Ash Maurya and is based on the Business Model Canvas, but tailored specifically for lean startups.
Key Sections
Problem
Customer Segments
Unique Value Proposition
Solution
Channels
Revenue Streams
Cost Structure
Key Metrics
Unfair Advantage
Who It’s Best For
Tech startups
MVP-based businesses
Founders looking for investor pitch clarity
How to Use It Use the Lean Canvas when you're in the idea validation phase. It’s excellent for brainstorming and pivoting quickly. Keep each section brief—no more than a few sentences or bullet points.
Tips for Success
Don’t skip the "Unfair Advantage"—investors love to see what sets you apart.
Treat the canvas as a living document—update it as your idea evolves.
Use it in combination with customer interviews to validate assumptions.
SBA Business Plan Template
Overview The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers a comprehensive business plan template that is ideal for small business owners looking for traditional funding, such as loans.
Key Sections
Executive Summary
Company Description
Market Research
Organization and Management
Service or Product Line
Marketing and Sales
Funding Request
Financial Projections
Appendix
Who It’s Best For
Small business owners
Loan applicants
Brick-and-mortar businesses
How to Use It Download the free SBA template from their website. Use it to build a complete, formal business plan. Make sure to include real data and market analysis.
Tips for Success
Use charts and visuals in the market research section.
Align your funding request with your financial projections.
Keep your executive summary concise and compelling.
SCORE Business Plan Template
Overview SCORE is a nonprofit organization partnered with the SBA, and it offers a user-friendly, fill-in-the-blank business plan template. It’s geared toward new entrepreneurs and covers all essential areas.
Key Sections
Company Description
Vision and Mission Statements
Product or Service Description
Marketing Strategy
Competitive Analysis
Development Plan
Operations Plan
Financial Planning
Who It’s Best For
First-time business owners
Non-tech entrepreneurs
Freelancers and consultants
How to Use It Download the template from the SCORE website. Work through each section using the guided questions. It’s ideal for someone who needs direction but wants the flexibility to expand.
Tips for Success
Take your time with the competitive analysis—it shows you understand your market.
Make sure your financial section is realistic and detailed.
Use the template to practice pitching to mentors or advisors.
Bplans Free Business Plan Template
Overview Bplans offers a clean, professional business plan template that’s designed to help you attract investors and lenders. The format is easy to read, and it includes sample content for guidance.
Key Sections
Executive Summary
Opportunity
Execution
Company and Management Summary
Financial Plan
Appendix
Who It’s Best For
Entrepreneurs seeking funding
Growing small businesses
Online and service-based businesses
How to Use It Access the free downloadable Word or PDF versions on the Bplans site. Replace sample content with your own business information and tailor it to your audience.
Tips for Success
Use the sample content as inspiration, not a copy-paste solution.
Add a table of contents for easy navigation.
Include visual aids like graphs and infographics.
Notion Business Plan Template
Overview Notion has become a favorite productivity tool, and many entrepreneurs now use it to manage everything—including business planning. The Notion Business Plan Template is a digital, interactive format that integrates seamlessly into your workflow.
Key Sections
Executive Summary
Business Overview
Goals and Objectives
Market and Competitive Analysis
Marketing Plan
Financial Overview
Product Roadmap
Milestones and KPIs
Who It’s Best For
Tech-savvy entrepreneurs
Creatives and freelancers
Digital-first businesses
How to Use It Search for "Notion business plan" in the template gallery or online marketplaces like Notion Everything or Gumroad. Duplicate the template into your Notion workspace and start editing.
Tips for Success
Use linked databases to connect financials, tasks, and marketing plans.
Embed media and visual content for presentations.
Collaborate with your team or advisors directly in Notion.
How to Choose the Right Template for You
When deciding which template to use, consider the following:
Business Stage: Are you just starting out, or are you scaling?
Purpose: Is your plan for internal guidance, investor pitching, or loan application?
Industry: Some templates are better suited to tech, others to services or retail.
Preferred Format: Do you want a printable document, a Word/PDF file, or an interactive online version?
Pro Tips for Using Business Plan Templates Effectively
Customize, Don’t Copy: Templates are a starting point. Adapt them to reflect your unique vision.
Use Clear Language: Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to your audience.
Back Up Claims with Data: Whenever you mention market size, growth rates, or pricing models, cite your sources.
Keep It Visual: Use charts, timelines, and infographics to break up text and make key points stand out.
Update Regularly: Your business plan should evolve as your business grows.
Start Planning with Confidence
Business plan templates can save you time, help you organize your thoughts, and set your venture up for success. Whether you’re writing your first plan or revising an existing one, using a structured template provides clarity and professionalism. Choose the template that fits your needs, customize it with your unique insights, and start building the future of your business today.
A well-thought-out plan isn’t just a document—it’s your roadmap to achieving your vision with purpose and precision.
