Startup Template

This sample template helps you to create a business plan for a startup venture. A professional business plan is essential for any new company to obtain funding. The template below gives you a quick and easy way to prepare a winning plan and help you identify and think through the major topics that need to be addressed. Use this resource to simplify and speed up the preparation process with a proven, professional outline to communicate your business plan in a compelling format that will enhance your credibility and improve your chances of attracting equity investors.

• The offer to target customers

  What does your product and/or service do? What benefits make your offer unique, or just different? What will motivate customers to switch to your product and/or service? How would you describe a typical customer for your product and/or service? How would you describe a group(s) of target customers?

• The market potential

  What is the market potential for your product and/or service? Is the market growing, staying the same, or declining? How many competitors are there? How will you compete (e.g. faster service, more convenient etc.)? What sales can you realistically achieve in the first 6 months? First year?

• Reaching target customers

  Which route(s) to access your target customers will you use e.g. website, shop etc. What promotional methods will you use (e.g. email, social media, advertising etc.)?

• Provision of product and/or service

  What resources do you need to get started - premises, equipment, machinery etc.? What is the key function in your business (e.g. scheduling drivers to collect and deliver parcels)? How much could you provide in total (hours available and/or maximum production)? Who will be your suppliers and/or subcontractors?

• The team

  What relevant skills and experience do you have? Who will be responsible for what in your business? What skills and experience do other team members bring? Who will act as your Mentor/Adviser?

• Simple financials

  Will it break-even? What is your own financial contribution to the business? Is there any additional funding needed? Where will this come from (e.g. owners, friends, family, bank, business angels, venture capital) What will these funds be used for?