550 Sample Business Plan Examples to Inspire Your Own

550+ Business Plan Examples to Launch Your Business

Need help writing your business plan? Explore 550+ industry-specific business plan examples for inspiration.

Find your business plan example

Accounting, Insurance & Compliance Business Plans

• Accounting
• Compliance
• View All 25

Children & Pets Business Plans

Cleaning, Repairs & Maintenance Business Plans

• Auto Detail & Repair
• Cleaning Products
• View All 39

Clothing & Fashion Brand Business Plans

Boutique

Clothing & Fashion Design

View All 26

Construction, Architecture & Engineering Business Plans

• Architecture
• Construction
• Contractor
• View All 46

Consulting, Advertising & Marketing Business Plans

• Advertising
• Consulting
• Creative
• View All 54

Education Business Plans

– Education Consulting

– Education Products

– View All 26

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Business plan template:

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Entertainment & Recreation Business Plans

• Entertainment,
• Film & Television,
• View All 60,

Events Business Plans

– Event Planning

– Weddings

– View All 17

Farm & Agriculture Business Plans

• Agri-tourism
• Agriculture Consulting
• View All 16

Finance & Investing Business Plans

• Financial Planning
• Holding
• Investment
• View All 10

Fine Art & Crafts Business Plans: Art Supply, Crafts, Design, Fine Art, View All 33.

Fitness & Beauty Business Plans

• Cosmetics
• Gym
• Salon & Spa
• Sports
• View All 35

Food and Beverage Business Plans:

– Bakery

– Bar & Brewery

– View All 77

Hotel & Lodging Business Plans

• Bed and Breakfast
• Hotel
• Shelter
• View All 7

IT, Staffing & Customer Service Business Plans

– Administrative Services

– Customer Service

– View All 22

Manufacturing & Wholesale Business Plans

• Cleaning & Cosmetics Manufacturing
• View 68

Medical & Health Business Plans

• Dental Practice
• Health Administration
• 41 in total

Nonprofit Business Plans

– Co-op Nonprofit

– Food & Housing Nonprofit

– View All 13

Real Estate & Rentals Business Plans are available in a variety of forms, including brokerage and equipment rental. Explore our selection of 22 options.

Retail & Ecommerce Business Plans

• Art Store
• Bookstore
• Car Dealership
• View All 116

Technology Business Plans

• Apps & Software
• Communication Technology
• View All 54

Transportation, Travel & Logistics Business Plans:

– Airline, Taxi & Shuttle

– View All 62

Example business plan format:

Before exploring our library of business plan examples, it’s important to understand the traditional business plan format. Plans in this library and most investor-approved business plans will include the following sections:

Executive summary:

The executive summary provides an overview of your business and your plans. It should be one to two pages and written after your full business plan.

Your executive summary should include a summary of the problem you’re solving, a description of your product or service, an overview of your target market, a brief description of your team, a summary of your financials, and your funding requirements (if applicable).

Products & services:

The products & services chapter is where the core of your plan exists. It includes information about the problem you’re solving, your solution, and any evidence of traction that proves it meets the identified need.

Use this section to explain why you’re in business and how your offering benefits customers.

Market analysis:

Conduct a market analysis to fully understand the market you’re entering and who your customers will be. Showcase information about your potential customers, target market, industry growth, and create a realistic persona for your ideal customer base.

Competition:

Understanding your competitive advantage is key. Get to know your competitors and how they operate. Identify who your competitors are during market research and use analysis tools, like the competitive matrix and positioning map, to position your business relative to them.

Marketing & sales:

The marketing and sales plan details how you’ll reach your target market segments. Address how you plan to sell to those markets, your pricing plan, and the activities and partnerships needed for success.

Operations:

The operations section outlines the day-to-day workflows for delivering your product or service. Include details on your business location, sourcing and fulfillment, use of technology, and partnerships or agreements.

Milestones & metrics:

Strategically lay out milestones to reach your business goals. Clearly define the task, due date, responsible party, and budget. Discuss key metrics to track success, such as conversion rates, customer acquisition costs, and profit.

Company & team:

Describe your current team and highlight relevant experience if seeking funding. Also provide an overview of your legal structure and history, if applicable.

Financial projections:

Include a sales and revenue forecast, profit and loss statement, cash flow statement, and balance sheet. Focus on making projections and strategic forecasts for your business. Additionally, include a "use of funds" report if pitching to investors or applying for a loan.

Appendix:

The appendix is not required but can be used to add supporting information like charts, tables, definitions, legal notes, etc. Mainly includes extended financial statements.

Types of business plans explained:

Traditional business plan:

A formal document for external use, such as applying for funding or pitching to investors.

Business model canvas:

A one-page template that demystifies the business planning process, facilitating exploration of your business idea.

One-page business plan:

A simplified version of the traditional plan that focuses on the core aspects of your business.

Growth planning:

A methodology that combines simplicity with continuous planning, forecasting, reviewing, and refining based on performance.

Download a free sample business plan template:

Start writing your plan with our free, updated-for-2024 business plan template.

This investor-approved template simplifies the planning process and includes instructions for each section. It is formatted to be SBA-lender approved. Just fill in the blanks.

How to use an example business plan to help you write your own.

How do you know what elements need to be included in your business plan? Looking at examples can help you visualize a complete plan, so you know what you’re aiming for. Here’s how to get the most out of a sample business plan.

Choose a business plan example from a similar type of company. You don’t need an exact match, but look for a plan related to your business.

Use a business plan example as a guide. Avoid copying it word for word, as each business is unique. Your plan should be a useful tool for starting and funding your business.

Think of business planning as a process, not just a document. Write a plan that fits your company to grow your business and share your vision.

Adjust your plan regularly as a business management tool. Track your progress against your financial forecast and make adjustments as needed.

Prepare to pitch your business. Create a pitch deck to inform investors about your company. Keep it short and easy to follow.

Ready to get started? Find the right example business plan for your idea. Use the search bar below to find a match.

Andrew Brooks

Hello!

I’m Andrew Brooks, a seasoned finance consultant from the USA and the mind behind phonenumber247.com.

My career is built on a foundation of helping individuals and businesses thrive financially in an ever-changing economic landscape. At phonenumber247.com, my aim is to demystify the complex world of finance, providing clear, actionable advice that can help you navigate your financial journey with confidence. Whether it’s personal finance management, investment strategies, or understanding the nuances of market dynamics, I’m here to share insights and tools that can propel you towards your financial goals.

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