The Easiest Way to Write a Business Plan

Writing a business plan can feel a little overwhelming, but the good news is it doesn’t have to be. Think of your business plan as a roadmap. It helps you get focused, can attract investors, and gives you clarity. The best part is you don’t need to be a business expert to write one.

Here’s the easiest way to create a simple and solid business plan.

Start with a one-page summary (which is a snapshot of your entire business).

It should include:

• Your business name

• What you sell or offer

• Who your customers are

• Your mission or “why”

• A quick look at how you make money

  
  

Define Your Business Goals

What do you want to achieve? Be clear about your short-term and long-term goals. Examples are:

• Launch your website in 2 months

• Reach 1,000 customers by year 1

• Open a physical store by year 3

Know Your Market

Understand who your customers are and what they need.

Identify:

• Who you’re targeting (age, location, lifestyle, etc.)

• Their pain points (what problems do you solve?)

• Your competitors (who else is out there, and how are you different?)

Describe Your Product or Service

Be clear about what you're offering.

• What do you sell?

• How is it different or better than others?

• What’s your pricing like?

• Any special features or benefits?

Create a Simple Marketing Plan

How will people find you?

Possible avenues:

• Social media

• Ads

• Referrals

• Email marketing

• Events or partnerships

  
  

Outline Your Team

Even if starting out it will only be you

Define:

• Who will be helping (a co-founder, freelancer, mentor)?

• What roles are needed in the future?

Basic Financial Plan

Start with the basics

• How much money you need to start

• Where you’ll get funding (savings, loans, investors)

• Your projected income and expenses for the first year

  
  

Add an Action Plan

What are your next steps? List 3–5 things you’ll do in the next 30–60 days.

Here’s some examples:

• Finalize your website

• Apply for licenses

• Start social media pages

• Order samples or supplies

  
  

You don’t need a fancy 100-page document to start. A clear, simple plan is often the most powerful. It helps you stay focused, get support, and build momentum.

*Please Note-The formal names of each section of a general business plan are: Executive Summary, Company Description, Market Analysis, Organization and Management, Products or Services, Marketing and Sales Strategy, Operations Plan, Financial Plan, and a section for Appendixes if you have any.