Template

Business planning templates

A simple business plan template for a small business, start-up or side project.

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Business plan

Blank:Word PDF

Example:Word PDF

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Blank and worked example, in Word and PDF, in one ZIP file (439 KB).

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More free templates from elsewhere

Free resources from other websites - we check these links regularly.

Business plan template (Word) Opens on Business Wales (Welsh Government) DOCX checked 4 November 2026 (external site, opens in a new tab)
Your business plan: guide with worksheets Opens on Barclays PDF checked 4 November 2026 (external site, opens in a new tab)
Start Up Loans business plan financial template (Excel) Opens on Cambridge Enterprise (Start Up Loans) XLSX checked 4 November 2026 (external site, opens in a new tab)
Business plan template for voluntary and community groups Opens on WCVA (Wales Council for Voluntary Action) PDF checked 4 November 2026 (external site, opens in a new tab)
Business plan template for social enterprises Opens on Social Enterprise Development Group (Scotland) PDF checked 4 November 2026 (external site, opens in a new tab)

How to use it

Fill in the business name, owner, type of business and the date at the top.
Describe the business in a few lines. If you cannot explain it in a few lines, keep refining it.
Say who your customers are, what they need and who else they could buy from.
Set a few clear goals, each with a way to measure it and a date.
Estimate your monthly and yearly income and costs, using realistic figures. You may want an accountant or adviser to check them.
Note the main risks and what you would do about each one, then tick off your next steps as you complete them.

About this template

It has six short sections: the business in brief, customers and market, goals for the next 12 months, a simple 12-month money forecast, risks and what you will do about them, and next steps. Each section is a prompt and some space to answer, so you can write a short, honest plan rather than a long one. The worked example is for a fictional design and print studio, with made-up figures, so you can see how the sections fit together. It comes as an editable Word file and a print-ready PDF. It is general guidance only and is not financial or legal advice.

Questions

How long should a business plan be?

As long as it needs to be to answer the questions you or your reader have. For many small businesses, a few pages is enough. A short, honest plan is more use than a long one.

Who is a business plan for?

You, first of all, because writing it down helps you think clearly. You may also share it with a bank, an investor or a partner, who may ask for more detail.

Can I change the sections?

Yes. In the Word file you can add, remove or rename any heading, table row or prompt to suit your business.

Does this template include financial advice?

No. The forecast section is a simple way to put your own estimates on paper. For advice on your finances, speak to an accountant or financial adviser.

Where can I find other planning templates?

See the related pages below for SWOT analysis, business case, marketing plan and project plan templates.