Business Plan
Business plans are essential for guiding growth by outlining a clear roadmap for operations, finances, and strategy. They help entrepreneurs set goals, anticipate challenges, and make informed decisions as their business evolves. A strong business plan also builds credibility with lenders, investors, and partners by demonstrating preparedness and vision.
Navigate this page to access presentations, templates, and resources designed to help entrepreneurs prepare Business Plans.
Featured Resources
Supporting entrepreneurs at different stages requires different tools and approaches. Review our featured resources below to better support your entrepreneurs.
Business Plan Template
This Business Plan Template helps entrepreneurs articulate their business opportunity, analyze their market, outline their execution strategy, and present their financials in a professional format that appeals to lenders and…
Business Plan Training Deck
This training deck is designed to help small business service providers guide entrepreneurs in developing and using a comprehensive business plan. It outlines key components such as market analysis, operational…
Business Plan Summary Video
The Business Plan Summary Video walks entrepreneurs through the key components of a strong, effective business plan. This video helps you teach clients how to clearly define their vision, strategy…
Business Plan External Resources
Leverage these links to access supplemental trainings, templates & guides from trusted sources.
Summary Video
Special Business Plan Considerations for SEDI Businesses
Connecting the Plan to Funding and Support
Help clients understand how their business plan can unlock access to loans, grants, or technical assistance. Emphasize tailoring the plan to specific audiences, such as lenders, investors, or program officers.
Simplified, Accessible Formats
Traditional business plans can be intimidating or overly complex. Use templates, visual tools, or one-page plans to make the process approachable and reduce barriers to participation.
Contextualizing Financial Projections
Many SEDI entrepreneurs may have limited experience with financial forecasting. Advisors should provide hands-on support in creating realistic projections based on actual local costs and available resources.
Building Planning Confidence
Focus on building confidence as much as competence. Encourage clients to view the business plan as a flexible tool that evolves with their business—not a one-time, high-stakes document.
Looking for more Business Plan tools?
We've assembled a curated list of links to trusted resources that help entrepreneurs prepare a business plan.
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Try our Interactive Business Advisor tool to provide targeted guidance at any stage of business growth.
Using our three-step framework, you can quickly find the right resources and training materials for your client's specific needs.