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How to Write an Impressive One-Page Business Plan [Including Templates]

Written by: Olujinmi Oluwatoni

Looking to launch a startup or drive growth for an existing business?

A well-crafted business plan is a valuable roadmap that can increase your chances of success.

According to a survey by Bplans , companies that wrote business plans were twice more likely to expand their businesses, attract investors, or secure loans compared to those who didn't.

Unlike the traditional multi-page business plan, a one page business plan is concise and snackable. It helps you attract investor attention and quickly communicate your vision and strategies without boring them.

So how do you create an impressive one-page business plan?

In this article, we're going to provide you with practical insights on how to create a one-page business plan effectively. We'll also offer you some customizable templates that will jumpstart your planning journey.

Table of Contents

• What is a One-Page Business Plan

Benefits of Using a One-Page Business Plan

• What Should a One-Page Business Plan Include

How to Create a One-Page Business Plan

• 8 One-Page Business Plan Templates
• A one-page business plan is a concise document that provides a quick and clear overview of a business's core aspects.
• One-page business plans are faster to create, serve as an outline for a more comprehensive plan, make it easy to get feedback and are easy to modify and revise.
• Here are the key elements of a one-page business plan: The executive summary, business opportunity, value proposition, team members, industry analysis, target market, marketing plan, revenue model, implementation time, financial summary, funding requirements and contact information.
• To design a startup one pager, you should create an outline, research and gather information, choose a template, write the content, design visual components and share it with investors.
• Visme's offers a user-friendly interface with a wide range of customizable templates and features that’ll help you create your one-page business plan seamlessly.

What Is a One-Page Business Plan?

A One-pager business plan is a concise document that summarizes the key elements of a business idea or venture. They serve as a streamlined version of traditional, comprehensive business plans .

With a one-page business plan, you can distill your value proposition, target market, market analysis, strategies and projections on a single page. It is especially useful when seeking to secure funding as it offers a brief overview that can be quickly delivered to stakeholders and investors.

One pager business plans can also be considered a strategy manual for you, your team or any other outside party that wants to gain insight into what your business does.

Here's why creating a one-page business plan is beneficial:

Time Efficiency

Creating a comprehensive, multi-page business plan can take a lot of time and be daunting, especially for business people who have a lot on their plates.

A one-page business plan provides a more time-effective option that enables business owners to describe their business plans without getting bogged down in pointless details.

Investor Engagement

Attracting the attention of investors is difficult since they are always flooded with company pitches.

However, a visually appealing and outstanding one-page business plan can stick out like a beacon. By leveraging the brevity of a one-pager plan, you can pique an investor’s interest by communicating your business potential in a concise manner.

Outline For More Comprehensive Plan

When developing a traditional, in-depth business plan, one-page business plans serve as excellent starting points. It is useful for sketching out concepts before committing significant time to writing a detailed business plan that you'll likely need to revise.

Once you've finished your company one-pager and are satisfied with it, you'll have the right foundation on which to build a more comprehensive version.

Easy to Share and Distribute

One-page documents can be easily shared via print, internet, email, and social media channels.

It's also a handy tool for entrepreneurs to use while presenting their company at conferences or meeting with potential investors. This adaptability makes it easy to share your business idea with stakeholders and investors in a targeted manner.

What Should a One-Page Business Plan Include?

Whether you're in the early stages of developing your business, looking to maintain the growth of your already established business or seeking expansion, your one-page business plan should comprise the following essential elements:

Executive Summary

An executive summary gives an overview of your business story. It is the part of the report where you hook the reader's attention and give a brief overview of your business essence. Your executive summary should be concise and no longer than two sentences.

The Business Opportunity

This section should clearly articulate the precise problem your venture is setting out to solve. You should clearly state the pain points and challenges that your potential users or customers currently face.

Let’s say you’re writing a plan for a logistics software company. Your business opportunity section could look like this:

Many businesses struggle with the complex task of optimizing delivery routes for their fleet, leading to increased fuel costs, longer delivery times, and decreased customer satisfaction. Existing route planning methods often lack real-time updates and fail to account for variables like traffic, weather, and delivery windows. This results in suboptimal routes and operational inefficiencies that hinder businesses from delivering their products in a timely and cost-effective manner.

Value Proposition

In this section of your one-pager, you should briefly describe the unique value of your product and how your company sets out to solve the identified problem.

Using the example above, here’s a value proposition:

Our cutting-edge software harnesses the power of real-time data, predictive analytics, and advanced algorithms to create optimal delivery routes on the fly. By taking into account variables such as live traffic updates, weather conditions, delivery windows, and vehicle capacities, we ensure that every route is not only the shortest, but also the most time-sensitive and cost-effective option available.

Team Members

This is the driving force behind any successful venture. Introduce the key individuals running the operations of the business, including their qualifications and core competencies.

Industry Analysis

Briefly identify your competitors and analyze their strengths and weaknesses. Delve into their market share if the space permits.

But most importantly, take the opportunity to emphasize your own competitive advantage. Highlight what sets your business apart from competitors, whether it's unique features, pricing strategy, technology, or other factors.

Target Market

This section should highlight the specific audience or customer segment that your business is aiming to serve. You can include the following specifics when talking about your target audience:

• Geographic location
• Target market size
• Demographics such as age, income, and lifestyle.
• Spending habits

Marketing Plan

This part of the business plan explains how you'll promote your goods and services, generate consumer demand and meet it. You should include information such as your marketing channels and promotional strategy.

Revenue Model

You should explain how your business generates or plans to generate income in this section. Highlight your pricing and revenue strategy, whether it is subscription-based, pay-per-use, advertising, licensing or freemium models.

Implementation Timeline

How will you roll out the business and which phases will be involved? Briefly talk about these roadmaps in this section. You can utilize a visual aid such as a chart, graph or map to provide a clear picture of your implementation timeline.

Financial Summary

Your financial summary section should highlight your vital financial indicators such as profit and loss, cash flow, balance sheet and sales projections.

For enhanced comprehension, consider incorporating visual aids to convey the financial data in this section. Fortunately, Visme offers a diverse range of data visualization tools that you can use to visualize various types of data.

Funding Required

In this section, specify the amount of funding you are seeking from potential investors. You should also specify the aspects of your business that the funding will support. Clearly stating your financial needs demonstrates your thoughtfulness in resource allocation.

Contact Information

Include contact details at the end of your plan. This will allow potential investors, partners, customers, and other stakeholders to easily reach out for inquiries, collaborations, or further discussions.

Depending on your purpose for writing this plan, you could leave out certain of the points listed above from your one-page business plan.

Follow the steps below to create a compelling one-page business plan. If you're in a hurry or need assistance getting your plan off the ground quickly, Visme's AI business plan generator can help you do it in just a few minutes.

Create an Outline

First, list out the essential parts of your business plan. Rank the components and select the ones that are most relevant to your business plan. Then use that to develop an outline.

Research And Gather Information

After determining the sections your one-page business plan should have, the next thing you need to do is gather the information required to fill them.

This may require you to conduct a study on your target demographics, collate past financial statements and identify current market trends. You might also need to conduct customer surveys, analyze competitor performance and collect quotes/estimates for future costs.

The goal of a one-page plan is not to sacrifice accuracy or specificity on the altar of conciseness. So just as with a full-fledged business plan, creating a one-page business plan requires thorough research.

Use a One-Page Business Plan Template

Creating business plans from scratch can prove laborious, especially if you're not a professional designer. However, you can skip all of that grunt work with Visme.

You can choose a template from Visme's collection of one-page business plan templates and adapt it to your specific requirements. Modify the background colors, texts, pictures and font colors, among other things, to reflect your brand identity and taste.

With Visme’s Brand Wizard , you can have all vital brand assets from your website automatically imported into your workspace and applied to every asset you create. Plus, Visme’s sharing and collaboration options make it convenient for teams to work together on creating concise and impactful one-pagers.

Hear what one of our customers has to say about Visme:

“You stumble on some templates and you’re blown away that someone put in such time and effort into creating them. You did not know you needed them in your life until that minute.”

Lorens | Graphic Designer

Write the Content

Condense the gathered information to its core essentials and insert them into the relevant sections that you have previously outlined in step one. Keep each section concise, using no more than two to 3 brief sentences or a bullet list of 2 to 3 key points.

It's important to be mindful of the length here, as trimming down your content when it extends past a single page might be challenging.

Design Visual Components

After filling in all of the text, you might want to add some visual elements to the plan to effectively illustrate information or data.

For instance, you may choose to present market share with the use of a pie chart or depict financial summary using a bar chart, graph or any other data visualization tool. Adding visual components not only makes your design more compelling but can also be an efficient way to manage the space on your page.

Some other visuals you can include are stock photos, 3D graphics, icons, shapes, characters and avatars, ai-generated images, videos and animated graphics.

Share Your One-Pager

It's time to show prospective investors your one-pager now that it's finished. You can download or share the document in a number of ways with Visme.

If your one pager has interactive features, here are some options available to you:

• Download as an HTML5 file
• Share via a private link with password access
• Share via a public link
• Send an invitation with a link
• Embed into a website with a snippet code

However, if it's a static document, you can download it as a PDF or an image or share it right on social media.

8 One Page Business Plan Templates

One page business plan.

Crafted to cater to the needs of both startups and established enterprises, this template will help you pitch investors in a clear and succinct way. From your value proposition to target audience, revenue model and key metrics, every vital detail finds its place.

Just like every other Visme template, this design may be customized in every way imaginable. Insert your company's colors, logo, icons and images into the design to give it a more personalized feel.

If you would like to change the custom images, you can utilize Visme’s AI image generator to create new professional images of your choice or improve on existing ones. Simply type your prompts and watch the magic happen in seconds.

Retail Business One Pager Proposal

Whether you're launching a new retail endeavor or refining an existing one, this template is your key to capturing attention and securing support.

Effortlessly communicate your store's vision, unique selling points, target market and sales strategy in a visually compelling format.

Struggling with content? With Visme's built-in AI writer , creating content is a breeze. This tool's sophisticated text creation, modification and proofreading features will help you save time and energy while producing high-quality work.

Sales Business Plan One Pager

Whether you're seeking investors, aligning your team, or optimizing your sales approach, this one page plan is your go-to solution.

Use this nifty template to put up a professional-looking presentation of your company's data, products and services and more. Also included are sections in which you may provide details about your business, its offerings, special features, statistics and more.

With its eye-catching design, you can present your strategies and numbers in a way that captures the reader's attention instantly.

Use Visme's interactive features , such as clickable buttons and links, to pique the interest of your audience and encourage them to learn more.

Finance Business Plan One Pager

Attract potential investors and partners to your finance business with this stunning one pager template.

Lay out your financial strategies, whether it's investment management, financial consulting, or any other niche. Showcase how you'll stand out in a competitive landscape.

This well-designed one-pager incorporates charts, graphs and visuals to make your financial projections and strategies even more compelling. Investors and stakeholders will be impressed by your data-driven approach.

To quickly find design elements in the Visme editor, use the shortcut key. With a simple click of the forward-slash (/), you can conduct a targeted search or quickly skim through the available options.

Marketing Business Plan One-Pager

Provide your audience with a comprehensive overview of your marketing approach without overwhelming them by using this template. Showcase your target audience, unique value proposition, distribution channels and key performance metrics in a visually compelling format.

Make use of visual aids like charts and graphs to communicate your findings from market research, analysis of the competition and growth estimates. Backed by data, you'll command attention from investors and partners eager to join your journey.

You can also include a link to an explainer video that demonstrates the value you provide. Create videos with ease using Visme and store related files in dedicated brand folders for easy access.

Retail Business Start-Up One Pager

Whether you're seeking investment, sharing your vision with potential partners, or mapping out your start-up strategy, this template offers a way to make a compelling case.

With a focus on clarity, this start-up one pager template enables you to present your business concept, target market, product offerings and initial financial projections on a single, engaging page.

You can keep track of the data for each one pager you send out using Visme analytics . More precise activity tracking is possible when you customize each document and save it separately with the prospect's name.

Tech Business Plan One-Pager

Whether you're seeking funding, aligning your team, or refining your tech strategy, this simple one-pager template is your ultimate tool.

Utilize this template to showcase your product/service, target market, technology stack and key milestones in a visually compelling format.

You can download your design as a JPG, PNG, or PDF to print or share with your team members for collaboration. Sharing Visme projects through live links allows you to track who accessed your work using Visme’s analytics.

Ecommerce Business Plan One-Pager

The vibrant color used in this design is sure to catch the eye of your audience right away. This makes it an excellent option for showcasing the worth of your eCommerce solution to potential investors or business associates.

This one-pager touches on your product range, market analysis, marketing strategy and analysis in a visually captivating format.

Using Visme's collaboration features , you may swiftly solicit input from your partners or mentors while controlling permissions to edit or comment.

To add people to your workspace, follow the short tutorial video below.

Create Winning Business Plans with Visme

One-page business plans are great because they force you to distill your ideas and goals into concise and focused points. This brevity makes it easier to communicate your vision to investors, track progress and adapt to changes quickly.

Creating a professional one-page business plan is seamless with Visme. You can access a wide range of customizable templates, graphics to effectively convey the plan and impress your audience.

Visme's real-time collaboration tools and flexible sharing options allow you to effectively involve all relevant parties in developing and communicating your business plan, even when you're not physically together.

Apart from one-pager business plans, you can make all types of business one pagers , pitch decks, proposals , reports and all kinds of business content in minutes with Visme.

Sign up for Visme today to start creating excellent and compelling business content that’ll help you achieve your business goals.

Create winning one-page business plans with Visme

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About the Author

Olujinmi is a Content writer for Visme who creates human-first SEO content. She loves helping businesses smash their ROI goals with strategic content development and optimization. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her composing songs.

One-Page Business Plan Templates with a Quick How-To Guide

By Joe Weller | April 6, 2020

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In this article, we’ve gathered a variety of free, one-page business plan templates for you to download in Excel, Word, and PDF formats. 

Included on this page, you’ll find a one-page business plan template for a service business , business plan template for a product business , business plan for a real estate agent , a Lean business plan template , and more. To help get you started, we’ve also included an example of a one-page business plan , and  a quick guide on how to create your one-page business plan .

One-Page Business Plan Template

Download One-Page Business Plan Template

Excel  | Word  |  PDF | Smartsheet

Use this one-page business plan template — designed to be simple, organized, and easy to use — to immediately get started on your plan. Write down your thoughts and key ideas as you decide if your business concept is viable, and adjust it as circumstances change. You can also use this template as a basis to build a more detailed and elaborate plan.

One-Page Business Plan for a Service Business Template

Download One-Page Business Plan for a Service Business Template

Excel | Word | PDF

This business plan template is designed specifically for businesses that provide a service. The one-page plan provides space to list the essential information about your strategy, including the service you offer, the problem you are solving for customers, your mission and vision statements, target audience, staffing requirements, key objectives, and much more. This template also includes a timeline at the bottom for you to add key milestones.

One-Page Business Plan for a Product Business Template

Download One-Page Business Plan for a Product Business Template

Use this one-page template to develop a strategic roadmap for your organization’s product offerings. This template provides space for you to include a business overview, a description of your target market, your competitive advantage, a list of marketing channels and materials you plan to utilize, as well as your pricing strategy, distribution channels, and success metrics. You can also use the visual timeline of milestones at the bottom to enter key dates and events.

One-Page Business Plan for Real Estate Agents Template

Download One-Page Business Plan for Real Estate Agents Template

This one-page business plan template is created for real estate agents to set objectives and put together an action plan. Enter your overarching goal at the top of the template, and establish three high-level activities you need to complete to achieve the goal. The template also includes a strategic action plan that breaks down each high-level activity into tasks and deadlines, with an accompanying visual timeline to ensure you stay on track.

One-Page Business Plan for Nonprofit Organization Template

Download One-Page Business Plan for Nonprofit Organization Template

This one-page business plan is designed for a nonprofit organization, with space to detail your mission, vision, and purpose statements, as well as who you serve, the problem(s) you solve, and programs and resources you offer. Additionally, the template includes space to detail your financial plan, marketing activities, costs, and more.

One-Page Business Plan for Startup Template

Download One-Page Business Plan for Startup Template

This one-page business plan template is intended for an entrepreneur or a small startup business to document a plan as they determine if an idea is feasible. This template provides space to describe the problem and solution, the product or service, the target customer, existing alternatives, the unique value proposition, a marketing and sales plan, success metrics, and other information. You’ll also find room to detail sources of funding and how the funds will be used.

One-Page Business Plan for Small Business Template

Download One-Page Business Plan for Small Business

Use this one-page small business plan template to outline the essential aspects of your business strategy. Provide details on your organization’s vision, mission, product or service offering, and management team. Then identify the target audience, market size, competitor offerings, and your competitive advantage. This plan also includes room to detail your marketing and sales strategy, key objectives, and financial plan.

One-Page Lean Business Plan Template

Download One-Page Lean Business Plan Template

This one-page template uses a Lean approach to develop your business plan. Use this customizable template to detail the crucial elements of your strategy, including a brief business and industry overview, your product or service offering, options from your competitors, and your competitive advantage. Plus, this template includes room to detail your marketing plan, success metrics, financial plan, and a visual timeline of milestones.

One-Page Business Planning Template with Timeline

Download One-Page Business Planning Template with Timeline

Excel | Smartsheet

Use this business planning template to organize and schedule key activities for your business. Fill in the cells according to the due dates, and color-code the cells by phase, owner, or category to provide a visual timeline of progress.

One-Page Business Plan Example

This one-page business plan covers all the essential elements and offers a visually appealing presentation. Information for each aspect of the plan is concise, with details about the business mission, management team, product offerings, key marketing activities, competitors, and financial projections. This plan also provides links to additional resources so that stakeholders can easily find information to support the specifics of the plan.

How to Write a One-Page Business Plan (with Sample Outline)

A one-page business plan takes a standard business plan and extracts the fundamental aspects, then condenses the essential information down to one page. To determine the key elements to emphasize in your one-page plan, consider the type of business you operate, as well as the financial (and other resources) needs of your business.

To streamline your business plan into a one-page document, follow the steps below.

• Create a simple outline for your plan using bullet points. Below, you’ll find an example of an outline for a one-page business plan. You can add or remove sections according to the needs of your business. 
• Business mission
• Problem you are solving
• Funds needed (if applicable)
• Product or service positioning statement
• Unique value proposition
• Target customers
• Market size
• SWOT analysis
• Direct competitors
• Existing alternatives
• Competitive advantage
• Key marketing strategy (e.g., channel or method that will yield the best results)
• Key sales strategy
• Specialized equipment or facilities
• Staffing requirements (e.g., key personnel, skills, and training needs)
• Distribution method
• Sales projection
• Profit and loss projection 
• Gather all your findings on your business and industry.

Compile all the current information you have gleaned from market research, interviews, surveys, and various teams in your business (e.g., the marketing and finance teams). Comb through each document and extract the information that is fundamental to your business’s operation and relevant to the bullet points on your outline.

• Write two to three brief sentences for each main bullet point.

Once you create your outline and gather information, write two to three sentences for each main bullet point that expands on and summarizes the sub-bullet points for that section. For example, the plan summary section could say the following:

Donny’s Food Truck will offer a variety of fresh food at an affordable price in a convenient location. Increased traffic in the Hungry Town area, combined with severely limited dining options, provides an opportunity to offer customers a quick, nutritious meal at a competitive price. A food truck with the necessary equipment has already been acquired, so we are seeking $200,000 to cover wages, emergency repairs, and licenses needed to fund our first year of operations.

• Ensure you are able to support all the information provided in your plan.

Since a one-page plan omits many of the details provided in a traditional business plan, be sure you have market research and other supporting documentation on hand to show stakeholders in case they have questions as they review your plan. In addition, make sure you thoroughly understand the supporting information and know how to restate it in your own words before you disburse the plan. 

• Ensure your plan answers all the vital questions .

At a minimum, an effective one-page business plan should answer the following questions:

• What product or service do we offer?
• Who will use the product or service?
• What problem does our offering solve?
• How will the product or service get to our customers?
• What alternatives do our customers use, and why are we superior?
• What is our unique value proposition?
• What strengths and opportunities can we use to our advantage?
• What resources do we need to get up and running?
• What will our sales look like for the first few years?
• When do we expect to be profitable?

In addition to the steps provided above, you can save time and get started on your plan by downloading one of the templates provided on this page. You can also check out “ Free Executive Summary Templates ,” which can serve the same purpose as a one-page business plan.

Benefits of a One-Page Business Plan

Organizations and stakeholders can unite behind a strategic direction when they have a business plan in place. Developing a traditional business plan can be a daunting task, so many entrepreneurs, small startups, graphic designers, freelancers, and consultants find a one-page business plan a less intimidating place to start. 

Creating a one-page business plan benefits your organization in the following ways:

• Push you to prioritize and focus on key ideas.
• Enable your audience to quickly scan and grasp the core concepts of your plan.
• Allow you to easily share and pitch your business idea to prospective investors and stakeholders (e.g., email attachment, single piece of paper).
• Accelerate business setup, especially businesses that don’t need a loan or investment to get going.
• Provide a solid starting point to expand upon at a later time.
• Enable you to document your thoughts and ideas to see if you have a feasible plan.

Tips for Creating a One-Page Business Plan

Now that you know how to create a one-page plan and the benefits in doing so, here are some tips to get you started:

• Set a time limit (up to one hour) to focus and work on your plan.
• Use a one-page business plan template (you can choose from the options above), or refer to the sample outline provided on this page.
• Ensure your plan details only the core aspects that are fundamental to running and operating your business. 
• Remember that this is a living document — continue to revisit and adjust it as strategies and objectives change.
• Expand on your plan as your business size and needs grow. 

When the time comes that you need more space to lay out your goals and strategies, choose from our variety of free simple business plan templates . You can learn how to write a successful simple business plan here . 

Visit this free non-profit business plan template roundup  or download a  fill-in-the-blank business plan template  to make things easy. If you are looking for a business plan template by file type, visit our pages dedicated specifically to  Microsoft Excel ,  Microsoft Word , and  Adobe PDF  business plan templates. Read our articles offering  startup business plan templates  or  free 30-60-90-day business plan templates  to find more tailored options.

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One Page Business Plan for Word, PDF

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Template Highlights

• Eight (short) sections: Business Opportunity, Industry Analysis, Target Market, Company Description, Timeline, Marketing Plan, Financial Plan, and Funding Requirements.
• Easy instructions for each part.
• Zhuzh it up a bit with your company logo and branding.
• Download it as a PDF or Word file.
• Print it, email it, send it via Morse code.

Why all businesses should create a business plan

For startups and enterprises alike, there are many reasons to create a one-page business plan. For example, it can help you:

• Show your progress and how you intend to grow : Your business plan lists vital information on your company, such as your goals, market research results, and success milestones.
• Determine a realistic budget to ensure success : If you don’t create a proper plan, you might underestimate fixed and variable costs and, therefore, lack the financial capacity to succeed.
• Provide concrete information to potential investors : By having a detailed business plan in place, you’ll be able to effectively convey your business goals to internal stakeholders, and you’ll stand a better chance of winning over investors.
• Fulfill the requirements for securing a business loan : Many financial institutions won’t even consider giving you a loan without seeing your plan.

Should you create a business plan from scratch?

You can do this, but it’s often more hassle than it’s worth. If you’ve never made a business plan before, you’ll need to do a lot of research on what to include and ensure you create a professional and eye-catching document.  If you download our free one-page business plan template, you’ll save time and ensure you cover every relevant detail.

How to use the one-page business plan template

Here are the steps for filling out our template:

• Enter your contact details to download the template in Microsoft Word or as a PDF.
• Gather your relevant business documents, such as market research results and financial statements, in case you need to include details from them.  
• Add information to all the fields, including Company Description, Target Market, Industry Analysis, Implementation Timeline, Funding Required, and Financial Summary.
• Get feedback from business partners, employees, or other parties to ensure that all information is correct and up to date.
• Proofread to ensure there are no errors. These look unprofessional, leaving a bad impression of your business.  
• Save your business plan in various locations and formats. This helps you share your plan with stakeholders via email or present it at company meetings.

Template Preview

One page business plan.

One-Page Business Plan Template

This brief business plan template encourages you to stick to your core message and provide investors with just the information they need to know about your new venture.

The Business Opportunity

What is the problem your business will solve? Focus on the customer’s needs.

Give your elevator pitch. Be succinct, clear, and persuasive.

Be sure to include your value proposition -- What do you offer that no one else does?

Industry Analysis

List key factors for success in your industry.

Who is your main competition?

Company Description

Identify important facts about your business:

• Founding date

• Mission statement

• Type of organization

• Core strengths

• Main leadership

Target Market

Describe your customer segments.

Will you serve a particular geographical area?

Implementation Timeline

Provide a brief summary of how you will roll out the business. Consider depicting the different phases in a diagram. You can use the timeline below as a template.

Marketing Plan

Describe what methods you will use to acquire new customers.

Why would your target market prefer your product or service to another option?

Financial Summary

Cost Structure: What are your fixed and variable costs?

Revenue Streams: How will your business make money?

Funding Required

Present the amount of funding that you are seeking from investors and how it will be used.

HubSpot Tip: Be sure to edit and review your plan for typos before distributing it. Errors in a short document can be distracting to the reader and make you look unprofessional.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should i create a business plan, what types of companies need a business plan, how do i write a one page business plan, what should my business plan focus on, is this template free, can i edit this template, related tags:.

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One-Page Business Plan Template

Focus on the core aspects of your business using a one-page business plan.

Updated September 22, 2023 Written by Josh Sainsbury | Reviewed by Brooke Davis

A One-Page Business Plan is a concise and summarized version of a comprehensive business plan. It captures the essential elements of a business idea or proposal on a single page, serving as a high-level overview of its vision, objectives, strategies, and action points.

The brevity of a one-page plan makes it especially useful for quickly conveying a business idea without overwhelming the reader.

What is a One-Page Business Plan?

When to use a one-page business plan, who should use a one-page business plan, how to write a one-page business plan, one-page business plan sample, advantages and disadvantages of a one-page business plan, frequently asked questions.

A one-page business plan is a simplified version of a complete business plan. Although the plan is shorter, it still outlines the basics of your future company. It follows the same structure as the standard version but with less detail.

The one-page plan allows you to condense and present the information in an easy-to-read format.

Similar plans like a lean business plan or executive summary also allow you to present your business in a condensed format.

However, an accurate one-page business plan must fit on one page. It must also use a legible font size of 11 or 12 points.

A one-page business plan would be best when ready to present your ideas to others, such as potential investors. Instead of filling out an extensive business plan, you can start small to get started.

This lets you present your ideas cogently.

You should use a one-page business plan template to:

• Present a simple version of your business plan to interested investors
• Get started on writing a more comprehensive business plan
• Create a plan for a small business or one with a simple purpose
• Focus on your key ideas to generate interest
• Brainstorm and plan for your future company

One-page business plans aren’t limited to just one type of business; they can be used in a multitude of scenarios, including:

Businesses in the ideation stage

A one-page business plan is ideal for building a quick overview for people and businesses still brainstorming ideas. A simple plan allows it to be amended and updated as the concept is developed and keeps all the ideas on a single page.

When you start, you will want to constantly refer back to your business plan to ensure you stick to your goals and core objectives. A traditional business plan doesn’t quite fit into an agile startup because it can be time-consuming to update and tweak as you grow and learn.

Using a one-page plan means you can edit it easily and either create a traditional plan down the line or, if you’ve already made one, fully update it once you feel more concrete with your goals.

Established companies

A one-page business plan isn’t limited to new and developing businesses. Established companies can take advantage of adding a one-page plan to their business strategy.

You can share your existing strategy internally and externally in a snapshot that will be easily understood by all, helping everyone to get on board with your goals.

Writing a one-page business plan is simple, mainly when you use a template to help you get started. A one-page business plan should cover the following sections:

Step 1 – Business Overview

It would be best if you discussed essential facts about your business and its identifying information, such as:

• Founding date
• Mission statement
• Type of business (LLC, Corporation, Partnership, etc.)
• Owner and leadership contact information
• Service of process information

Makes It Easy to Read: Use a legible and professional font that is easy to read and the right size. Be sure to format your document so it flows well. A template one-page business plan can help with this.

Step 2 – Market Analysis

You need to identify who your customers are and where they are located. This section should also address how many potential customers are available in your business’s geographical area.

This should also include whether you will engage in primarily business-to-consumer (B2C) or business-to-business (B2B) transactions.

Step 3 – Your Business Model

A description of your business model should consist of information like:

• How you will make money
• Costs of production and sales
• Prices customers will pay for products or services
• Will your company sell products online?
• Will you have a storefront presence?

This section could quickly become lengthy. Focus on the critical components of your business for the single-page business plan.

Focus on Your Strengths: This short plan is likely a pitching tool to investors. Lead with the winning aspects of your business that set you apart from the rest—your value proposition.

Step 4 – Financial Forecast

This section should outline critical financial metrics like cash flow, profit and loss, and a sales forecast. This part is often difficult to condense, but you should focus on standard business ratios that help you get the point across.

You can always provide further details if you receive a request for financial projections.

Step 5 – The Team

This final section should detail each team member’s names, roles, and responsibilities.

Keep It Short: Keep each section short and to the point. Sections should be limited to 1 or 2 sentences or between 3 and 4 bullet points.

You can download a free one-page business plan template below, in Word or PDF format:

All types of business plans have their benefits and their drawbacks, including a one-page business plan:

Advantages of Using a One-Page Business Plan:

• See the big picture – There will be plenty of situations through the growth of the business that will require a snapshot of your business venture. A one-page plan shows multiple elements of your strategy but focuses on the big picture and what’s important.
• Consense your thoughts and ideas – Condensing your thoughts and ideas allows you to be more critical of your business and provide a brief overview of your plan. It will enable you to show investors, your management team, and potential partners a quick run-through of your business.
• Faster to create than a traditional business plan – Designed to be completed quickly and easily, a one-page plan is much quicker to produce than a full-length business plan and will see you running through each section of your plan. You’ll likely have to revisit it to make amendments, but luckily, with everything on one page, it won’t be time-consuming.
• Keep your core objectives at the forefront – As your business grows, processes and operations will become more challenging to manage and maintain. But when it comes down to making the big decisions, you can always refer back to your one-page business plan to keep your core business objectives in mind.

Disadvantages of Using a One-Page Business Plan:

• Not suitable for complex business ideas that require lots of supporting data – If your business idea is difficult or your financial projections are detailed, you might struggle to get all the vital information into a one-page plan.
• Not as detailed as a traditional business plan – Squeezing all your business plans onto one page often means you will miss out on essential details that could be crucial to getting investment or bringing additional partners on board.
• Hard to identify weaknesses and potential opportunities – Only seeing a snapshot of your business can make it challenging to identify any potential faults that could harm your business venture. The lack of in-depth customer and competitor information could also result in missing profitable opportunities.

Tips for Creating a One-Page Business Plan

Now that you’re ready to create your one-page business plan, here are a few tips to get you started:

• Use a one-page business plan template to simplify the process; you can download the template above in PDF and Word.
• Make sure your plan focuses on the core information key to running and operating a successful business.
• Revisit, tweak and change. This isn’t a static document; update it as your business grows and develops.
• Before writing your single-page business plan, understand your target market and where your product or service fits. Don’t forget your value proposition.
• Don’t skip the financial projections, especially if you require funding.
• Keep your core goals and objectives realistic and achievable.

What should a one-page business plan include?

A one-page business plan should include the important details about your business. It should contain brief information about the following:

• Business goals and mission statement
• Product or service offerings
• Target market and advertising strategies
• Identifying information
• Financial status and funding needs

Can I create my one-page business plan?

Yes, you can create your one-page plan. Just download the template and start building your business strategy’s big picture.

Alternatively, you could use our document builder, the fastest and easiest way to create your single-page business plan.

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One-page business plan FAQ

What is a one-page business plan?

The one-page business plan is a simplified version of traditional operational plans that focuses on the core aspects of your business. While it may be a shorter business plan, it still follows the structure of a standard business plan and serves as a beefed-up pitch document.

There’s really not a lot of difference between a single-page business plan and a good executive summary. In fact, as you create a more detailed plan you may even be able to use it as your executive summary .

Who should use a one page business plan?

A one-page plan is useful for business owners that are mulling over ideas, just starting, actively managing, or looking to grow a business. It can help validate a business idea, work as an internal strategy document, or as a flexible management tool that can be adapted over time.

How do I write a business plan on one page?

You can use the one-page business plan template, or a tool like LivePlan that saves you time by guiding you through each step of writing your one-page plan and pitch.

Why choose this one-page business plan template?

There are a few key features that make this one-page business template more functional and effective than your average template.

Written by planning experts: This one-page business plan template wasn't just thrown together. It was crafted by seasoned planning experts with a combined 40 years of experience writing and reviewing business plans. Throughout this template, you find their expert tips and tricks, along with detailed instructions.

Works with other Bplans resources: Need additional guidance to write your business plan? Our free one-page business planning guide is built to support this template—giving you even more detailed walkthroughs for each section.

What is included in this one-page business plan template?

This template includes definitions, guidance, and examples to complete your one-page business plan. After downloading the template, you'll receive instructions for how to fill out each of the following sections:

Identity What does your company do or offer and to whom?

Problem worth solving What challenges does your company solve?

Our solution How does your company solve those challenges?

Target market Who makes up your target audience? Who are your ideal segments, personas, or customers?

Competitive landscape Who are your competitors? What makes them successful in your industry?

Sales channels How will you get your product/service to customers?

Marketing activities How will you get your product/service in front of potential customers?

Revenue What goods/services will drive revenue?

Expenses What items will cost you money?

Funding required Have what funding total you need front and center to clearly display what you are asking from investors.

Milestones What projects or tasks must be completed in order to reach your goals?

Team and roles Who is a critical part of your internal team (name/role)?

Partners and resources Who else is supporting your venture/business?

Can you print out this template?

This is a printable business plan template that can be downloaded and printed no matter which format you choose.

Why should you start with a one-page business plan?

There are plenty of good reasons why your first step should be writing a one-page plan.

1. It’s faster Instead of slogging away for hours, days, or even weeks tackling a formal business plan—the one-page format helps you get your ideas down much faster. It removes the complex formatting,

2. A great format for feedback Need quick feedback from business partners, colleagues, potential customers, or your spouse? Provide them with a one-page plan instead of a lengthy in-depth version for better results.

The one-page plan is more likely to be read and reviewed. And since all of your business information is available at a glance, you’ll receive far more valuable and timely feedback.

3. Easy to update Entrepreneurs never get things right the first time. You’ll constantly be learning and receiving feedback—requiring you to iterate and revise your business concept. Instead of updating a large document every time, you can do it in minutes with a one-page plan.

4. Direct and to-the-point Learning to communicate your ideas clearly and directly is critical. You need to be sure that anyone can really understand the essence of your business. Delivering your entire business concept on a single page is a great way to practice this, as it forces you to be succinct.

5. Works as an idea validation tool Initially, your business is just a set of assumptions that you need to validate. Do your potential customers have the problem you assume they have? Do they like your solution and are they willing to pay for it? What marketing and sales tactics will work?

As you validate these assumptions, you leave them in your plan. But, assumptions that end up being wrong will quickly fall off the page.

6. Becomes an outline for your detailed plan By “detailed” we don’t mean “long.” If you do need to create a detailed business plan document for investors or business partners, you can use your one-page plan as your core outline. You will just expand and provide more details for each section.

7. No one really reads long business plans A common problem with traditional business plans is that they are simply too long and overly complex. Even when investors ask for a detailed document, chances are that they won’t actually read every word. They may read certain sections, but often just want to see if you’ve thought through the details of your business, how it will operate, and how it will grow.

8. Useful for any business stage A one-page plan is useful for business owners that are mulling over ideas, just starting, actively managing, or looking to grow a business. It can help validate a business idea, work as an internal strategy document, or as a flexible management tool that can be adapted over time.

Is there a better way to write my one-page business plan than with this template?

While this template will help you get started, using the #1-rated business planning software, LivePlan has step-by-step guidance, support from our business planning experts, and powerful planning tools like AI-powered writing assistance, automatic forecasting, industry benchmark data, and more.

Can someone write your business plan for you?

If you're still struggling to write your business plan even when using a template, you can look into hiring a professional business plan writer. We even have a free resource to help you ask just the right questions to make sure you find the right plan writer.

Related Resources

How to Write a Business Plan in Under an Hour

10 Qualities of Great Business Plans

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How to write a One Page Business Plan: templates, ideas, and a step-by-step guide

Preston Lee

Preston Lee is the founder of Millo where he and his team have been helping freelancers thrive for over a decade. His advice has been featured by Entrepreneur, Inc, Forbes, Adobe, and many more. Learn more »

Download our FREE one page business plan template + guide

The problem with business plans, using a one page business plan, vs. using no business plan at all, vs. a lengthy, drawn out business plan, the one page business plan bias, so what should you include in a one page business plan, examples of successful one page business plans, chris guillebeau’s one page business plan from the $100 startup, fizzle’s one page business sketch template, bplan’s one page business plan template, how to write a one page business plan from patrick bet-david of valuetainment, millo’s own one page business plan template & step-by-step guide, some final encouragement about your one page business plan, show me your one page business plans.

BIG NEWS! We just released The Freelance Files , a collection of professional done-for-you email scripts, contracts, invoices, and more for smarter freelancing. The first 50 customers, save 50% with this link .

Writing a one page business plan (instead of a hundred-page, in-depth business plan no one will ever read) has become a popular and efficient way to get your small business moving in the right direction.

This article is meant to be an all-inclusive resource for anyone wanting to write their own one page business plan and use it to actually start a business .

I’ll include links to quality one page business plan templates, ideas for what to include in a business plan, and more resources to walk you through the process of building a one page business plan yourself.

If you’re ready to skip all of this and just want to download our one page business plan completely free, you can enter your email below and we’ll send it to you asap. Otherwise, keep reading.

Here’s the fundamental problem with business plans—I’m not talking about a one page business plan here, I’m talking about the typical business plan you might see in silicon valley or presented to a bank loan officer.

Therein lies the issue: if you’re looking for a one page business plan template, you’re most likely not headed to the bank to try and get some huge loan to start your business.

Like millions of people around the world, you’re probably a freelancer, a side-hustler, a solopreneur or aspiring to be one of these.

You’re not trying to start the next huge corporation. You just want to make some extra money on the side—and maybe eventually quit your job and work for yourself.

For this much more common purpose, a one page business plan is the exact perfect remedy.

Why? Because by putting all your business plans onto just one single page, you’re forced to do a few things:

• Prioritize: Limiting your business plan to one page means you can only include the most important elements of your new small business.
• Simplify: When you’re dreaming up what your business might look like in the future it can be really easy to get carried away. By limiting your business plan to one page, you force yourself to keep it simple.
• Organize: Instead of letting all your dreams and plans swirl around in your brain, putting them down into a simple one page business plan allows you to quickly organize and move forward.

By forcing yourself to prioritize, simplify, and organize, you’ll find you can get down to what’s more important in your business: actually getting work done and getting paid for the work you do.

Let’s compare what your first 6-12 months of business might look like with a one page business plan vs. no business plan at all vs. a lengthy, drawn out traditional business plan.

Your first 6-12 months might look something like this if you choose to develop a one page business plan:

You come up with an interesting business idea that you want to explore. You jot down a few ideas including how you’ll make money, what you’ll be selling, and how much you’d like to make doing what you’re doing.

After just a couple of hours total working on your one page business plan, you’re ready to get to work on the tasks that actually move your business forward.

Your first 6-12 months might look something like this if you choose to use no business plan at all:

You come up with an interesting business idea that you’d like to explore. Instead of writing anything down, you decide to sketch out what your logo might look like.

The logo sketching leads to a dead end but reminds you of another business idea you once had in college. So you talk to your friends about that business idea for a while.

A year later, you’ve followed a similar pattern with dozens of potential ideas, but without a business plan, none of them ever came to fruition.

Your first 6-12 months might look something like this if you choose to use a long, drawn-out business plan instead of something that fits on one page:

You come up with an interesting business idea that you’d enjoy exploring further. You start to crunch the numbers on what this might look like if it gets really big and successful.

Knowing you’ll need funding from angels or the bank, you decide to draft up a large document explaining what actions your small company will take over the next 5-10 years to ensure your lenders get their money back.

You go through so many revisions of this hundred-page document, you finally burn out and decide it’s easier just to keep your day job.

Ok, obviously, I’m biased toward the one page business plan scenario. It’s clean, it’s easy, it’s simple. But most of all, it gets you to take action…quickly!

When I was contemplating taking my own business full-time, I called up my dad who, my whole life, has been talking about entrepreneurship and inventing. If I had a dollar for every time my dad said something like “that’s a great business idea” or “I can’t believe no one has made a business out of that yet,”….well, I would never need to work again.

But my dad…he’s not in business for himself.

He never has been, really. He’s always been at a desk job. And I admire him for his persistence in taking care of our family.

One day I called him up and asked him: “why did you never try to build a business of your own?”

His response, among other things, was he couldn’t wrap his brain around how to build a business plan, get funding, and find the right manufacturing (all of which, might I add, were infinitely harder 30 years ago than they are today).

Why do I tell you this story? Because I’ve seen it a thousand times in lots of variations: people get overwhelmed with what they think they need in order to start a business.

One of those overwhelming tasks: building a 40-page business plan complete with competitive SWAT analysis, positioning statement, and blah blah blah.

So it kills your idea.

On the other hand, using a one page business plan lights a fire under you and pushes you forward into the work that matters more than the planning: the actual doing.

Okay, enough talking about a one page business plan. You’re convinced. Putting all your plans down on one simple piece of paper is going to be better than any other option.

But where do you start? What exactly do you put down in your one page business plan to really make it effective without being too complicated?

Remember, a one page business plan is much different from a 70-page plan primarily because this plan isn’t meant to be shown off to other people in an effort to gain support or get funding.

This business plan is primarily for one person: you.

That means there are lots of things you might find are recommended to go in a typical business plan. But that doesn’t mean they should be in your one page plan. Examples include “Executive Summaries,” “Management Organization” or “Funding Requests.”

Don’t waste your time on that kind of thinking for now.

Instead, include the most important elements of your new business only. Here are a just a few ideas to get you started:

• Company Description: What will your company do? What exactly will your company sell? Will you provide a service? Sell a product? To whom? Why?
• Products or Services: What products or services will you offer? How much will they cost in the beginning?
• Marketing and Sales: How will you get your first customers? Who will pay you for your service or product?
• Goals and Milestones: How many customers do you need to make this business “successful”? How long will it take to get the ideal number of customer or monthly revenue?

There are countless examples of business plans on the internet, but below, I’d like to highlight a few of my favorite approaches to one page business planning from some of the smartest people I personally know in the world of solopreneurship and small business.

Note: PLEASE don’t pay for an app or software to help you write a one page business plan. Maybe down the road you’ll need something like that, but keep it simple and download one of the free options below or just get out a blank sheet of paper and create your own.

Chris Guillebeau, author of one of my all-time favorite business books, The $100 Startup , offers a free one page PDF that’s pretty great.

It asks simple questions like: What will you sell? Who will buy it? And How will your business idea help people?  

I also love how Chris’s one page business plan focuses on success metrics—or what the business will look like if it’s “successful.” Will have it have a certain number of customers? A certain amount of monthly revenue?

This allows you to put an actual end point or goal on your one page business plan so that you know exactly what you’re working toward.

You can access Chris’s one page business plan here .

Another great resource to get you moving quickly toward your business goals is the Business Sketch Template provided my my friends at Fizzle.co.

Here’s what they have to say about one page planning:

“It might seem surprising or impossible to imagine that all of the most crucial pieces of your business can fit onto one page. At Fizzle, we call this plan a sketch: it’s meant to be completed quickly, if not a bit roughly, but the objective is still to put pencil to paper.”

What I like about Fizzle’s business sketch template is that it starts with the center focus on Key Metrics and prompts you to ask questions like “What will you measure to determine that this audience has this problem and wants this solution?”

As big proponents of building a small, lifestyle business, It’s no surprise this template also includes some unique sections like “personal fit” which force you to ask questions about how the business will interact with your daily life, personal passions, and life goals.

You can access Fizzle’s one page business sketch template here .

Another potential one page business plan is presented by Bplan.

Here’s what they have to say about “a new kind of business planning.”

“A business plan no longer needs to be a long document that takes weeks to write and research. It’s not something that you print, bind professionally, and then stick on a shelf. You probably only need a formal, traditional business plan if you’re seeking a bank loan or outside investment—you’ll be expected to provide one in those instances.”

With that, they offer some great advice on how to write a business plan in under 1 hour .

You can download their “lean business plan” template here .

If you prefer to learn by watching a video, I found this video is a pretty great resource to help you with your one page business plan. I don’t agree 100% with everything he says, but I like his overall approach to tackling business planning.

After studying this topic extensively—reading hundreds of articles and looking at lots of one page business plan templates, we’ve decided to include a free download of one of our own templates as well.

Our one page business plan template is tailored particularly to freelancers and solopreneurs—one-person businesses who want to stay small and build a healthy revenue for themselves and their loved ones.

Our one page business plan template is designed to be completed in less than 45 minutes and give you the ammunition you need to hit the ground running—instead of getting stuck in the details of starting a business.

You can download our free one page business plan template by entering your email below:

Before you go, here are some final words of encouragement and advice when it comes to planning your business.

First of all, you can plan everything you need to on just one page. At least for now.

Sure, one day you might need a more lengthy, in-detail plan to present to someone else, but for now, give yourself a break. You don’t have to write a plan that Mark Cuban would be proud of. You just have to write a plan that helps you get from point A to point B.

Secondly, don’t get stuck at this phase. If you have to, time yourself. Set a time limit of 45 minutes (or whatever amount makes sense for you). And when the timer’s up, it’s time to get back to work actually starting or building your business.

Finally, use this one page business plan as a compass, but be flexible. The point is to give yourself a roadmap, but just like your GPS has to “reroute” when there’s an unexpected obstacle, you might also need to pursue a different path, different method, or different goals as you go along.

In fact, I’d say it’s next to impossible to build a business plan of any kind and then stick to it 100% over any significant amount of time.

There will always be unforeseen obstacles and changes. There will always be hiccups. The idea is to just write your business plan .

Roll with the punches and something as simple as a one page business plan can take you far.

After you draft up your one page business plan, I’d love to see what you landed on. Share a link with me in our mastermind group , by leaving a comment below, or sharing on twitter .

I can’t wait to see what you’ve done. Good luck!

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Written by Preston Lee

Editor at millo.co.

Preston Lee is the founder of Millo where he and his team have been helping freelancers thrive for over a decade. His advice has been featured by Entrepreneur, Inc, Forbes, Adobe, and many more.

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How to Write an One-Page Business Plan + Templates

Many entrepreneurs find it challenging to put their business ideas on paper. So don’t worry if you’re feeling the same anxiety.

The solution? Try starting with a one-page business plan!

This simple yet powerful tool helps you and your audience gain a clear understanding of your business.

But how do you write one—this guide will walk you through the process of creating a one-page business plan, including its types, essential components, and business plan templates.

Thus, let’s get started on crafting an effective plan. But before that let’s go through what it is.

Free One Page Business Plan Template

Download our free business plan template now and pave the way to success. Let’s turn your vision into an actionable strategy!

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What is a one-page business plan?

A one-page business plan is a simple and shorter version of a traditional business plan. It outlines the necessary elements of your business, such as the problem, solution, target customers, financial analysis, and other important things on a single page.

It’s specifically made to provide a quick idea of the business’s concept for easy communication and updates when needed.

Traditional vs. one-page business plan

A traditional business plan is a detailed document of around 15 to 30 pages. It covers everything from business overviews to financial forecasts in different sections. Whereas the one-page business plan is a single-page plan that’s a condensed version of the whole plan.

Traditional business plans are perfect if you need to secure significant funding or map out long-term strategies for your business.

On the other hand, a one-page business plan is ideal for quickly sharing your business idea and internal use for strategic planning. It’s concise and easy to update, making it perfect for startups and small businesses that need to stay updated and focused.

Now that we know the difference, let’s move forward to the components of the one page business plan.

What to include in your one-page business plan

A one-page business plan is particularly designed to provide a brief overview of your business, including your business idea, goals, strategies, and key metrics.

Here are the sections you need to include:

Note and mention the problems of the target customers that your product or service will solve. This is the part where you should create a convincing statement that’s relatable for your readers.

2. Customers

Identify who your target customers are, including their behaviors and demographics. Explain how your business will meet this specific target market’s needs.

Here, include information on market size, growth potential, and key trends. Highlight the demand for your product or service within this market.

4. Competitors

Highlight your main competitors along with their strengths and weaknesses. Explain how your business will stand out in the competitive landscape. Discuss any gaps in the market that your business will fill.

5. Solution

Explain your solution here about how your product or services will solve the problem. Also, highlight why your solution is the best fit for your audience.

Detail what exactly you offer to your audience and what’s the unique value proposition of the product or service. Also, mention how your product stands out along with your competitive advantage.

Introduce key members of your business, highlighting their roles and responsibilities. Also, add up their relevant experience and expertise in the industry.

8. Promotion

Outline your strategies—including a marketing plan, social media strategies, and advertising plans. Explain how these strategies will attract and retain customers.

9. Distribution

Describe the distribution channels you will use, such as online or retail stores, or direct delivery. Mention any partnerships with distributors that reach your target market.

10. Partners

Identify key business partners or collaborators who will play a crucial role in your business’s success. This could include suppliers or strategic alliances. Explain how these partnerships will support your business operations and growth.

11. Financing

Summarize your financial projections, including expected revenue, expenses, and profitability. Outline your funding requirements, specifying how much money you need to start or grow your business and what it will be used for.

12. Startup costs

Provide the list and estimation of the initial costs required to start your business. It includes costs for equipment, inventory, marketing, and any other significant startup expenses.

13. Running costs

Detail the ongoing operational costs necessary to run your business. This could include salaries, rent, utilities, supplies, and maintenance expenses.

14. Revenue streams

Clearly outline each revenue stream and how it contributes to your overall financial goals. List the different revenue streams, for example: product sales, subscription fees, licensing, or other sources of income.

Now that you know all the sections that need to be included in the one-page plan, let’s see which templates are used commonly.

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Most common one-page business plan templates

There are various types of one-page business plans with different components, let’s see them one by one:

1. One-page business plan canvas

The one-page business plan canvas helps businesses maintain the strategic overview of their company. By including all the necessary elements, it ensures everyone is in sync with the company’s mission and goals.

This is the one-page business plan canvas by Upmetrics:

2. One-page business plan: lean canvas

The lean canvas is ideal for startups and early-stage businesses to test their business concept. It helps the team focus on solutions and validate their business model through continuous feedback and learning.

3. One-page business plan: startup canvas

This canvas is for entrepreneurs to communicate their business ideas. It helps new entrepreneurs rapidly capture their business concepts, ensuring everyone understands the key elements and direction.

4. One-page business model canvas

The business model canvas is to help businesses visualize their entire business model on one page. It showcases how the business creates and delivers value.

How to use the one-page business plan template

You see it’s quite easy to use any of our one-page canvas templates. All you need to do is—download the template (we support PPTX and PDF format) and start filling in the details.

To begin with, gather the relevant business information; details on your target market, market research, and other essential points. Read the tips under each section to understand what to write, and begin filling out all sections.

Since you’re doing it all on your own, it may take a while to get things done. However, if you choose to use Upmetrics’ strategic planning tool , things can be sped up. Simply enter some related business information, and the Upmetrics AI assistant will do the rest.

The Quickest Way to turn a Business Idea into a Business Plan

Fill-in-the-blanks and automatic financials make it easy.

Prepare your one-page business plan using AI

While traditional planning methods still exist and work, I’d be hard-pressed to believe they’re as efficient as AI-powered tools.

Ideating a one-page plan is more about brainstorming, guess working, and critical thinking, than writing.

Considering the importance of a one-page plan for your business, your stretched-out schedules, and other critical tasks on your to-do, using an AI-powered tool like Upmetrics for planning seems your best bet.

A strategic planning tool for one-page plans, a plan builder for detailed plan creation, a pitch deck creator for compelling investor decks, and an AI-powered financial forecasting tool for accurate forecasts, Upmetrics has all you need once you finish your plan.

So, what’s the wait? Try Upmetrics and start preparing your one-page plan.

Related Posts

How to write Business Proposal

Lean Business Plan Template

Best Sample Business Plan Templates

Necessary Business Plan Components

Frequently Asked Questions

How detailed should my one-page business plan be.

As it’s a one-page business plan, the details included in it should be brief and to the point. Things to include are business overview, problems, solutions, market opportunity, business model, marketing strategy, business strategy, and key metrics.

Can a one-page business plan be used to secure funding?

A one-page business plan can give a quick and clear overview of your business idea and needs, but it might not be enough to secure funding on its own. Investors usually want more detailed information to understand your business fully. So, while it’s a good starting point, you’ll likely need a more detailed plan to get funding.

Is a one-page business plan suitable for all types of businesses?

No, a one-page business plan works well for startups or small businesses that want to portray and validate their business concept. For large enterprises and complex businesses, a detailed business plan is preferable.

However, even if your business has a one-page business plan, it’s advisable to have a traditional plan for detailed information on your business.

Can I convert my traditional business plan into a one-page format?

Yes, you can convert the detailed business plan into a one-page plan by summarizing all the sections in two to three sentences. But it’s not advisable.

About the Author

Upmetrics Team

Upmetrics is the #1 business planning software that helps entrepreneurs and business owners create investment-ready business plans using AI. We regularly share business planning insights on our blog. Check out the Upmetrics blog for such interesting reads. Read more

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Home » Blog » Small Business » How To Write A One-Page Business Plan In 7 Simple Steps

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How To Write A One-Page Business Plan In 7 Simple Steps

Sometimes a one-page business plan is all you need to get a great idea going. Download our free one-page business plan template to get you started.

WRITTEN & RESEARCHED BY

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Last updated on Updated August 15, 2024

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• A one-page business plan is a concise document that outlines your business goals, strategies, and financials, making it ideal for focusing your efforts or pitching to investors.
• Perfect for startups or small projects, a one-page plan may also need to be expanded as your business grows or when seeking significant funding.

A one-page business plan can be the tool you need to secure funding opportunities, expand your business scope, or sharpen your focus and jumpstart your business success. Think of a business plan as a blueprint or roadmap for the success of your business. And when you limit your business plan to one single page, you can zero in on what will help you succeed.

Also, a formal business plan is often needed when seeking capital from traditional sources, such as a small business bank loan or a grant.

Don’t worry, because a successful business can rely on a business plan that’s just one single page — if you do it right. We’ll help you by walking you through the elements that make up a top-notch one-page business plan, and we’ll even give you a free downloadable template you can use to get started.

Table of Contents

What Is A One-Page Business Plan?

Do you need a one-page business plan, how to create a one-page business plan in 7 steps, download our one-page business plan template, how to use your one-page business plan.

A one-page business plan is a short document providing an overview of your current status and plans. Think of it as a big-picture overview driving your business decisions. Or, if you’re hoping to pitch your business plan to potential investors, a one-page business plan can give them a clean, quick outline of your goals and your strategies for getting there.

Your goals are big, and your plans for getting there are big, too. So, how the heck can you be expected to squeeze all of your energy and intentions into a single sheet of paper?

The answer is not to cheat by widening the page margins or by using a font so small you need a magnifying glass to read it. Stick to standard margins, use a normal, legible font, and follow our suggestions for creating a one-page business plan.

Every business, no matter how big or small, needs to have a business plan, and a one-page plan is a great place to start. This plan should provide a basic overview of your business in its early stages. You can use it to guide your planning and decision-making or to pitch investors who might be willing to help you grow.

Key point: Many business owners can get started with a one-page business plan, although it may not be what you need as your business grows and becomes more complex. The good news is that even when your business eventually requires a longer, more complicated business plan, your one-page business plan can still prove useful! You’ll be able to return to your one-page plan to guide you as you create your next-level business plan.

Use A One-Page Business Plan If …

• You work on your own, as an independent contractor, freelancer, or simply someone managing a side hustle or hobby. If you’re ready to take it to the next level, a one-page business plan is a perfect document to guide you.
• You have a business idea to pitch to potential investors or partners. A one-page business plan can serve as an excellent and easy-to-digest introduction to your business.
• You plan to craft a lengthier business plan down the road. Because a one-page plan forces you to be concise, it can help you clearly convey your thoughts and cut out unnecessary jargon.
• You want to organize your thoughts or hone your focus to improve your business or tackle some problem areas.

Do Not Use A One-Page Business Plan If …

• You have a very complicated business idea.
• You have multiple partners.
• You’re seeking significant capital from a traditional source such as a bank, the Small Business Association, or a grant.

Executive Summary VS One-Page Business Plan

If you’ve been looking into creating a business plan, you’ve probably run across the term “executive summary.” And you may be wondering if an executive summary is the same thing as a one-page business plan.

It’s close, but not quite.

An executive summary is similar to a one-page business plan, but with key differences. Because a detailed business plan can run to dozens of pages, they often include an executive summary, which is a brief document providing key details from the business plan. An executive summary is usually written out in sentence form, rather than bullet points. And unlike a one-page business plan, an executive summary can be as much as two or three pages long.

Elements Of A One-Page Business Plan

If you’ve decided that a one-page business plan is the right tool for you to use, before you start to write it, let’s take a look at what a great one-page business plan needs to include.

Here are the seven basic elements of a one-page business plan:

• Business Overview
• Target Market
• Your Competition
• Financial Summary
• Marketing Strategy

Now that you know a little more about what a one-page business plan is and when it’s the right tool for your business, you’re ready to start crafting your own! In the next section, we’ll walk you through 7 steps to help you create your one-page business plan.

You’re ready to create a one-page business plan! Before you start tapping away at your laptop, take a minute first to map out everything you need. You’ll find it much easier and faster to create your one-page business plan if you organize yourself first.

Remember the basic elements of a one-page business plan we covered earlier? Let’s break down each piece so you know exactly what to include. Your goal is to keep everything clear and concise, so you can fit all relevant information on a single page. A good rule of thumb is to keep each section to one or two sentences or a few bullet points .

Step 1: Create A Business Overview

In this section, state the business problem or market opportunity that you have identified. Then, give a brief description of how your business will solve that problem or meet that need. Answer this question succinctly: What product or service do you offer that will fill a need in the market?

Remember, you’re limited on space, so go directly to the point, using specifics and without being too generic. You want to make a statement that shows how your business stands out from the rest.

Step 2: Identify Your Objectives

For this section, home in on your goals for your business endeavor. Your objectives should be in the form of a list of the goals you have as you start or expand your business. What’s most important for you? Do you want to be your own boss? Do you want to provide outstanding service in an industry where service is lacking? Have you set a revenue goal?

Jot down your short-term and long-term goals for your business. Combine them, refigure them, and work on your list until you have no more than two or three clear, concise objectives that you can list in bullet form on your one-page business plan.

Step 3: Summarize Your Experience

Use this section to outline the specific qualities and experiences that contribute to making you a successful business owner uniquely poised to address the opportunities you’ve identified. Include your educational background, industry experience, work history, or even your own experiences as a customer that led to your business idea.

Having a resume on hand can make this section easier, so take the time to create or update yours. It’s also a good idea to have a resume ready if and when you formally seek funding in the future, as some lenders include this as part of their documentation requirements.

Step 4: Spotlight Your Target Market

Who will be your customers? What are their needs? Here are some questions to jumpstart your thinking:

• Will you market your products/services to consumers or to businesses?
• What is your key demographic? Consider factors including age, income, and lifestyle.
• Why do these customers need your product/service?
• Why should customers buy from you instead of from someone else?

Answering these questions may take some time, especially if you haven’t already considered these issues. Be prepared to do some research. Think about creating surveys, check out industry studies, and do your due diligence on comparable businesses.

While it’s true that serious market research costs money, for now, it’s okay to keep it simple. As your business grows and you develop a formal business plan, you can think about investing money in research. To create a one-page business plan, focus on free and low-cost methods for learning about your target market.

Step 5: Sketch Out Your Competition

Who will you be going up against in the marketplace? When you think about your competition, consider comparable products, services, and businesses that offer something similar to what you offer. Can you identify any competitive advantages they hold over you? And what advantages do you hold? Think about what you have to offer customers that would make them choose your business, product, or service.

For this section, you can use the market research from the previous section. Once again, it’s okay to keep it relatively simple and inexpensive here. As your business expands and you develop a more comprehensive business plan, you may need to invest money in additional market research.

Step 6: Provide A Financial Summary

It’s time to talk numbers! In your one-page business plan’s financial summary, you’ll need to include several important numbers. The first is your startup costs. If you haven’t launched your business yet, you may not have exact figures, but make sure to do some research so your estimates are as specific and realistic as possible.

Next, you will need to figure out ongoing costs to operate your business. This could include a lease or mortgage, marketing expenses, materials purchasing, hiring and training employees, payroll, insurance, and other expenses.

The last number you need to include is your projected revenue. After all, you want to show that you plan for your business to be profitable. What are you going to charge for your product or service? How many customers would you need to meet your revenue goals? You may already have an idea in mind, so just research comparable products or services to make sure your pricing remains low enough to be competitive but high enough to bring in a profit. If your business is currently in operation, you can review your bank statements and other financial documentation.

Step 7: Preview Your Marketing Strategy

You know how much revenue you need to be profitable. Now it’s time to think about how to gain that revenue as you plan out your marketing strategy. Remember, this is a one-page plan, so don’t list every detail. For now, though, you should keep a few things in mind.

The first is your budget. You can start with free and low-cost marketing methods, like free email marketing software, until you figure out what works. You can always upgrade to a paid plan when you need it.

Next, consider what your competitors or similar businesses within the industry are doing. In your eyes, which methods have been successful and which have flopped? Think outside of the box. While it’s certainly okay to do things your competitors are doing, such as advertising on social media, look for unique ideas that make you stand out.

One-page business plans rely on seven elements outlined above. But what’s the best way to organize your ideas? You want to make a compelling case, but you’ve got just one page to present it.

Never fear! We’ve got you covered with our free downloadable template.

Use our Merchant Maverick one-page business plan template to organize your ideas and capture your goals, plans, strategies, and more. It’s a great way to organize your thoughts and draft the professional-level one-page business plan you need to get started on your path toward business success.

For our PDF format, simply click on the link and print a copy for your records. For our Google Doc/MS Word format, when you click on the link, you will be asked to make a copy. Click “make a copy,” and then you will have your own editable one-page business plan in Google Docs.

Get Our One-Page Business Plan (PDF format)

  Get Our One-Page Business Plan (Google Doc/MS Word)

Congratulations! You’ve created your one-page business plan. Now, it’s time to put it to use.

If you haven’t yet launched your business, your business plan can serve as a road map to get started. You have your goals in place, you’ve started to calculate your expenses, and you know how much money your business needs to become profitable and succeed. With your one-page business plan in hand, you’re ready to take the first step toward your goals and launch your business!

If your business is already established, your one-page business plan can help you when you’re ready to pitch your business idea to investors or partners.

And, by the way, if you’re already thinking about funding sources, you can add some real numbers to your one-page business plan. Start with our list of the best banks for small business loans .

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How to Write a One-Page Business Plan

Written by Dave Lavinsky

The one-page business plan is one of the most popular tools for entrepreneurs, startups, and established companies. It’s also one of the simplest to develop. This article will walk you through a description of a one-page business plan, the purpose of this type of plan, and how to create a one-page business plan for your company.  

What is a One-Page Business Plan?

A one-page business plan is a compressed version of a traditional business plan that fits neatly into a single page. Creating a one-page business plan requires significant research, strategizing and financial modeling on the front end to be effective. In that respect, rather than being easier or simpler to create than a full-length business plan, the single-page business plan actually requires an additional distillation effort for the entrepreneur.

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here >

As always, utilizing a business plan template provides the basis for you to clearly communicate your value proposition, business concept, business strategy, services, product offerings, etc., and improve your business planning process. ​  

Benefits of Using a One-Page Plan

A one-page plan is easier to read, share and understand.

By boiling down your business plan into one page with only the most important elements, you are better able to 1) focus on the key action items your business must accomplish and 2) present your vision and plan to your team in a way that won’t overwhelm them and will allow them to most easily understand it.

The reward is that the brevity of a 1 page business plan is very attractive to prospective investors, who are usually pressed for time. Because it is so brief, it is also an effective tool to share among your management team and employees to get your team motivated and working towards the same goals. A strong one-page business plan proves you grasp the crux of your business and appreciate what is most critical for audiences to quickly understand about it.

Below, we walk through the content of a one-page business planning template.  

The One-Page Business Plan Template

Whether you are starting a service business or a product-focused business, your one-page business plan should include the following 7 items:

• Business Model
• Market Analysis
• Competitor Analysis
• Financial Projections
• Funding Required & Uses of Funds

Each of these items are detailed below.

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How to Create a One-Page Business Plan

Each of the key elements included in a traditional business plan retains its position in the 1 page business plan. You need only provide a few words, phrases, or sentences in the description for each of the sections and move on to the next. The following are the essential elements:

For example, Netflix in its budding days identified a problem with video stores. It was time consuming and inconvenient to go to the video store every time you felt like watching a new movie.

2. Solution

Again, looking at Netflix, the company initially solved the problem of time consumption and inconvenience by delivering movies directly to customers’ homes.

3. Business Model

Consider the example of YouTube. YouTube’s business model hinges on users who by and large engage on the platform for free. YouTube leverages this ever-increasing user base to attract advertisers, which provides revenues.

4. Market Analysis

For example, Swedish furniture brand Ikea’s US target market could be described as urban young professionals who like the Scandinavian style and are willing to put in a little setup work themselves to save money on quality furnishings. These individuals spend, on average, $8,000 on furnishing when they move into a new home or apartment.

5. Competitive Analysis

Take the example of coffee giant Starbucks. Their competitor analysis would yield large brands like Dunkin’ Donuts, Panera Bread and McDonald’s McCafé, as well as boutique coffee shops on a neighborhood by neighborhood basis. Starbucks differentiates itself through providing specialty coffee products of consistent quality under a national brand.

6. Financial Plan & Projections

See below for example graphs that show a growth in topline revenues year over year as well as the projected revenue distribution by service area for a hair salon:

7. Funding Required & Uses of Funds

See below for an example table of fund uses for a startup hair salon:

Free Downloadable One-Page Business Plan Example PDF

Download our one page business plan template pdf here.

Download Growthink’s One-Page-Business-Plan-Template for Microsoft Word  

Final Thoughts

Remember to focus on your business’ strengths as much as you can. If your market analysis reveals you have a strong position then highlight it more in the single-page plan. Likewise, if your financial projections come out stronger then elongate the financial section.

Editing the enormity of a business plan into a single page is a daunting task but doing so will bring clarity to the core idea and value of your business and help you pitch well in front of potential investors.  

One-Page Business Plan FAQs

What are the benefits of one-page business plans.

Traditional business plans are sometimes 25-50 pages long. It's hard to read that many pages for one company, let alone dozens of them.

One-page business plans are more digestible. 

They provide key points on what you do, why you do it, and how you plan for growth. 

What is the difference between a one-page business plan and a lean business plan?

A one-page business plan is a reduced version of a traditional business plan that can be easily wrapped onto a single sheet of paper.

The key elements included in a one-page business plan are:

On the other hand, a lean business plan is a short-term planning method that allows you to more quickly and accurately develop your business plan based on actual customer feedback and interactions. A lean business plan is focused more on helping you build a better business and testing a variety of strategies to assess if they are effective for your chosen business model. 

Also in a single-page format, the key elements included in this type of plan are:

• Business Overview
• Value Proposition
• Key Partnerships
• Key Activities
• Key Resources
• Customer Relationships
• Customer Segments & Channels
• Cost Structure
• Revenue Streams

A typical rule of thumb for these types of plans is that every sentence should be meaningful and useful for orientation purposes in order to appease investors in an efficient way while retaining their interest long enough to make an informed decision about investing in your business. 

Looking for more information? Lean Business Plan: How-To Guide & Template

OR, Let Us Develop Your Plan For You

Since 1999, Growthink has developed business plans for thousands of companies that have gone on to achieve tremendous success.

Click here to see how Growthink’s professional business plan consulting services can create your business plan for you.

Other Helpful Business Plan Articles & Templates

How To Successfully Write a One Page Business Plan (With 3 Templates)

• by IdeaBuddy Team
• March 13, 2023
• 48 shares 4 0 44
• 6 minute read

Table of Contents Hide

What is a one page business plan, advantage #1 condense your thoughts.

• Advantage #2 See the big picture
• Advantage #3 Build a business model

One Page Plan Template: Idea Plan

One page plan template: business model canvas, one page plan template: lean canvas, 1. market needs, 2. business solution, 3. competition, 4. target market, 5. sales and marketing, 6. budget and sales goals, 7. milestones/roadmap, 8. team summary, 9. key partners, 10. funding needs, start writing your one page business plan.

Writing an old-school business plan can be painful, so we’ve put together a quick guide where we’ll teach you how to make its simplified version, a one page business plan.

So, in the next five minutes of reading, you will learn the following things:

• Why it can be better than a traditional business plan
• What templates to use
• What information should you include in each of the sections

Now, without further ado, let’s dive right into it!

It’s a great tool for the earliest stages of your business because it helps you structure your thoughts and brainstorm your business ideas with partners, friends, and fellow entrepreneurs.

Also, you can explain on a single page what your product portfolio will be, how you will handle distribution and sales, how to prepare a market analysis,  and how to select the right brand strategy .

In a nutshell, your one page business plan should explain:

• Who your customers are?
• What their problems are?
• How you can solve them?
• Who are your competitors?
• How can you set yourself apart?
• Who is on your team?
• How will you make money?
• What are the costs you anticipate?

Basically, it should cover all the same points as a full-length business plan, but in a condensed format.

The advantages of a one page business plan

It’s possible to boil everything down to a single page if you’re economical with words.

It will help you to map out your idea in under an hour, and explain your business model to the potential investors. If they like what they see, it will make them want to read the full-length version.

As we’ve just covered, a one page business plan makes it more likely that investors or banks will give you the time of day. One page is a quicker read than a pamphlet – although you will need a comprehensive business plan!

In the meantime, there are other advantages to a one page business plan that will come in handy. So read on, if you’re still not convinced that you can work magic with a single page.

It’s easy to get carried away when you are dreaming about your future business. A one page business plan will force you to condense your thoughts and formulate them as clearly as possible.

Advantage #2  See the big picture

You’ll cut out all the fluff when you’re limited to one page. That automatically makes you look at the big picture. And that will also help guide your decisions when you put your plan into action.

Advantage #3  Build a business model

It will help you to identify all the internal and external factors that form the building blocks for the business model that can tell everything about the business, like the product, target customers, competition, or any other element of your business.

Popular one page business plan templates 

You know why it’s a good idea to write a one page business plan, and you could now open a blank Word document to get started. But why do that when there are ready-made templates?

Let’s have a look at some of the popular one page business plan templates below.

Idea Plan is created by the IdeaBuddy team, and it is inspired by more popular business model templates, like Business Model Canvas and Lean Canvas.

What makes it unique, and why it’s more practical than the other one page plans?

It is very well organized, easy to understand, and it can be used by people who are not experts in business planning. Also, it has templates for the most popular business ideas.

The story starts from the inner, core blocks.

There you are defining the problem/solution and product/market fit that together represent your value proposition, or what makes you stand out from the rest.

Then you are moving on to the remaining blocks, in order to build your business model, and also to understand the external business elements, like competitors and market conditions.

Get started IdeaBuddy for free and create your one page plan in no time!

Strategyzer is the team behind Business Model Canvas (BMC), which is a strategic tool for sketching, visualizing, analyzing, and pivoting business models.

This is the most popular one page business plan template and is has nine building blocks. These blocks allow you to map existing business models, design new ones, and manage a portfolio of models.

Lean Canvas was created by Ash Maurya, and it represents an adaptation from the original Business Model Canvas, inspired by the book Lean Startup by Eric Ries. This one page business plan can help you deconstruct your idea into its key assumptions.

What’s so special about this template is that it follows the problem-solution approach, and it’s more suitable for startups and entrepreneurs.

Sections Of Your One Page Business Plan

Hopefully, you’ve picked a template that looks visually appealing and suits your specific needs. Now it’s time to fill it in with all the information we mentioned at the beginning of this blog post.

You should describe the market needs right at the beginning of your business plan. Your entire business idea relies on solving a specific problem, so make sure you describe it clearly.

Once you’ve described the problem, it’s time to explain how your business is going to solve it. Whether you want to design a product or provide a service, this is where you sell it to the world.

Chances are that you’re not the only one who wants to solve that particular problem. Make sure you analyze your direct and indirect competition so you know what you’re up against.

Who has the problem your business wants to solve? Where are they in the world, what do they do, and what are their greatest hopes and worst fears? Describe your ideal customer in detail.

It’s not enough to know who’s interested in what you sell. You also have to sell it to them. Make a plan for how you want to promote your product or service and convert people into customers.

For example, are you going to use email newsletter software to create appealing newsletters and communicate over email? Or do you want to take the social media route and build an audience there? You can also create a combination of channels that works for you.

You need some money to get this baby off the ground. So what’s your startup budget and how do you plan to spend it? More importantly, how much do you plan to sell and over how long?

Your business will (hopefully!) evolve over time as you build a reputation. What does the future look like? Create a roadmap with milestones to mark significant progress along the way.

No matter how awesome you are, you’re only one person. It’s good to have a team to help you out. Who are they and what do they bring to the table in terms of skills and experiences?

Are you selling a product? Then who manufactures it, who distributes it, and who promotes it? You should list your key partners, without which your business can not exist.

Finally, we’re at the bottom line… literally. Make a list of people or resources you need but don’t have the capital to afford without the help of outside investment. Specify how much you need.

Congratulations! Now you know why you should write a one page plan, where to find some great templates, and what you should include in it.

But knowing is only half the battle.

Now it’s time to put your knowledge into action and actually write the damn thing! Fortunately, you don’t need to go back to Google for a solution to that problem – you’ve already found it.

IdeaBuddy is an excellent platform you can use to go from zero to a fully-fledged business. And the best part? You can write your one page plan completely for free!

So what are you waiting for? Start writing your one page business plan today, it’s much easier than you think!

IdeaBuddy Team

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Create a Business Plan One-Pager (+ Proven Templates )

Learn what to include in a business plan one-pager & the best doc format. Learn how to write a one-page business plan, either from scratch or using a template.

Dominika Krukowska

14 minute read

Short answer

What to include in a business plan one-pager.

• Title slide
• Unique value proposition (UVP)
• Company overview
• The problem you are solving
• Market analysis
• The solution you offer
• Marketing and sales plan
• Main objectives and success metrics
• Key team members and their roles and accreditation
• Request for funds and use of funds
• Next steps (small concession)

Even the best business plan can be badly received if not presented well

If you make it too complex, dry, or fail to spark the investors’ interest, you’ll bury your chances of securing the funding necessary to get your business off the ground.

Your success lies in how you’re going to structure and deliver your business plan.

This post will provide you with essential tips and templates for creating a winning business plan one-pager .

You'll learn what to include, how to structure, and how to design a visually striking business plan that grabs attention and gets results.

Read on to build your confidence and empower yourself to present any business idea persuasively and stand out from your competition.

Let’s see how it’s done!

What is a business plan one-pager?

A business plan one-pager is a document that summarizes the key elements of a full business plan onto a single page.

It includes an outline of your company's mission, target market, products or services, revenue streams, competitive advantage, marketing and sales strategy, and financial projections.

Business plan one-pagers are often used as a pitch deck for investors, a proposal for business partnerships, or as an executive summary for internal use.

Why use a one-page rather than multi-page business plan?

Compared with traditional multi-page business plans, a one-pager has 3 significant advantages.

• It's concise and to-the-point. This makes it easier for investors and partners to grasp your vision quickly.
• A one-pager business plan has limited space. This forces you to present only the most important aspects of your business plan which makes your case more clear and compelling.
• It's more share-worthy. Because it's just one page, it's more likely to be read and shared.

Can I use a one-page business plan as a substitute for a more comprehensive business plan?

Probably not. Your business plan one-pager is not meant to replace a full business plan, but rather to supplement it.

While your one-pager provides a high-level overview of your business idea, it may not provide the level of detail some investors or partners require.

TIP: You can use a business plan one-pager as a way to test your business idea and get feedback before investing time and resources in creating a full-scale business plan.

How to write a one-page business plan

Let’s see how you can distill your business idea into a compelling format that makes you stand out and leave a lasting impression.

By the end, you'll be equipped with the skills and knowledge to make others believe in your vision with just one page.

What to include in a business plan one-pager

We've identified 11 key elements that should be included in every highly effective business plan one-pager.

11 critical slides included in a business plan one-pager:

1. Title slide

The title slide of your business plan one-pager is your first chance to make a great impression on potential investors, so make it count!

Adding a video in your cover slide can boost engagement by 32% , get people to read your one-pager 37% longer, and make them 17% more likely to take the desired action at the end.

TIP: You can add the average reading time in the cover slide (right below your company name and logo). This simple little fix can shrink your bounce rate by 24%.

2. Unique value proposition

The Unique Value Proposition (UVP) slide of your business plan one-pager is where you get to showcase what sets your business apart from the competition. You can do it in the form of a tagline that encapsulates your company's essence.

A vision statement that speaks to the heart of your business can capture the interest of investors and entice them to read on.

The mission statement should be snappy, catchy, and memorable.

Example UVPs:

"Transforming the future of sustainable energy"

"Innovating personalized healthcare solutions."

3. Company overview

The company overview slide should tell investors the story behind your business.

A company overview should answer 3 critical questions:

• how it came to be
• what it stands for
• and where it's headed

This slide should give investors a clear understanding of the type of business you're running, the problem you're trying to solve, and how your business aims to succeed in the marketplace.

By providing a succinct and compelling overview of your company, you can demonstrate that you have a solid understanding of your business, its strengths, and its potential for success.

A strong company overview slide can set the tone for the rest of your one-pager and make a great impression on investors.

4. The problem you are solving

This section should outline the pain points of your target market and explain why a solution is needed.

Presenting a compelling case for a real-world problem helps convince investors of the potential market demand for your solution.

TIP: Focus on the customer's perspective. Highlight the challenges they face and the impact those challenges have on their lives or businesses.

5. Market analysis

The market analysis slide is your opportunity to showcase your knowledge of the competitive landscape and your potential market.

It should describe your customer segments, the size of your target market, the current players in the market, and any gaps or opportunities that your business can leverage.

A strong market analysis slide demonstrates to investors that you've done your homework and that you have a deep understanding of the market you're entering.

6. The solution you offer

The solution slide should present the key features and benefits of your solution and demonstrate how it uniquely addresses the pain points of your target market.

A strong solution slide is the heart of your business plan one-pager.

It should showcase the innovation and value of your product or service. It should transport investors into a better world brought on by your business solution.

TIP: Carefully choose your words and visuals to describe your solution as transformational. The most successful business plans build excitement and anticipation and leave investors eager to learn more.

7. Marketing and sales plan

Your marketing and sales plan slide is your opportunity to showcase your strategy for reaching your target audience, generating interest in your product or service, and ultimately driving sales.

From pricing strategy and promotion to distribution channels, the marketing and sales plan slide should provide a comprehensive overview of how you plan to turn your vision into reality.

A well-crafted growth plan demonstrates your creativity and strategic thinking, you can inspire confidence in investors and show that you have what it takes to succeed in the competitive world of business.

8. Main objectives and success metrics

Your business plan one-pager's objectives and success metrics slide is where you define your key performance indicators (KPIs) and objectives. It’s important to add this slide early on, as it serves as a roadmap for your business's growth.

Presenting a well-defined set of objectives and metrics will show investors that you have a solid understanding of what it takes to succeed in your industry, as well as a strategic mindset and commitment to achieving your goals.

9. Key team members and their roles

The team slide is where you showcase the people behind the business, including relevant skills, experience, and accreditation. Investors want to see a team that has what it takes to bring the business to life and drive its success.

This slide should highlight each team member's unique contributions, including their roles and responsibilities, as well as any relevant accomplishments. I recommend that you include a brief bio and corporate headshot to add personal depth.

TIP: Remember, you are selling you and your team just as much as you’re selling your business idea. Business success relies on a great team. What takes business from good to great is first “Who” then “What” .

Show that your team brings a diversity of thought, a wealth of experience, and a passion for the business that can inspire investors and make them fall for your team even more than they fall for your business idea.

10. Request for funds and use of funds

When you're asking for funding, it's essential to be crystal clear about how much you need and why.

Whether you're planning to launch a new product, hire more staff, or boost your marketing efforts, make sure to provide specific details and supporting data to back up your request.

In the use of funds section, break down precisely how you plan to allocate the funds you receive.

This involves outlining how much you'll spend on product development, marketing, hiring, or other expenses.

Remember, investors want to see a clear return on investment (ROI). Whether you bringing in a dedicated development team or buying a comprehensive tool stack, by prioritizing your spending based on your business goals and demonstrating how the funds will help you achieve them, you'll show investors that their money is in good hands.

11. Next steps

Don’t end with a thank-you slide! Instead, end your business plan one-pager by providing a clear and actionable call-to-action.

This slide should leave no doubt in investors' minds about what you want them to do next and how they can get involved in your business.

By providing a compelling call-to-action, you can increase the likelihood of securing funding and gaining valuable support for your business.

Our research shows that decks with a clear, singular next step have a 27% higher conversion rate than those which end with a generic “thank you” slide.

Business plan one-pager possible next steps:

• Scheduling a meeting to discuss the plan in more detail
• Scheduling a live demo of the product
• Downloading additional materials (market research, positioning, marketing plan, user research, product technical documentation, etc.)
• Signing a letter of intent
• Making an investment (mostly good for small donations/investments)

Here’s an example of a business plan built with this structure:

Business plan one-pager

This one-page business plan presentation template covers your company, market, product and services, and growth plan as an interactive visual story that's easy to follow and highly engaging.

How to effectively fit a business plan on just one page

Let’s see the concrete steps you need to take to effectively condense your entire business strategy onto a single page without sacrificing critical information or losing sight of your goals.

1. Limit what you have to say

It's essential to prioritize the most vital information that investors need to know about your business. This means being strategic about what you include and what you leave out.

Rather than trying to cram every detail of your business into a single page, focus on the core information that defines your business.

Your core information is most often your unique selling proposition, target market, and financial projections.

2. Say what you have to say with fewer words (but avoid jargon and acronyms)

Since you're limited to just one page, it's important to be concise and to the point.

Avoid using complicated jargon or industry-specific acronyms that may be difficult for investors to understand. Instead, use clear and simple language that gets your message across quickly and effectively.

TIP: Write your message as if you're talking to a friend with no previous knowledge of what you do.

3. Give summaries and link to read full content

While it's important to be concise, you also want to ensure that you're providing enough information to give investors a good understanding of your business.

One way to do this is to provide brief summaries of key information and then provide a link to more detailed content.

4. Limit your use of visuals

Visuals can be a powerful tool for conveying information quickly and effectively, but they can also take up a lot of space on a one-page business plan.

Use visuals sparingly and only when they add value to your message. Consider using graphs, charts, and infographics to illustrate key points and data.

5. Move from PDF one-pager to web-based one-pager

Unlike PDFs, which require readers to constantly pinch in and out of content to make it legible, web-based one-pagers create an interactive experience with scrollable documents.

You can also use multimedia elements, such as videos and animations, to enhance your message and make the information more engaging.

With a web-based business plan one-pager , you can break up dense text into smaller, more comfortable chunks, creating a better reading experience for your audience.

Web-based one-pagers are designed to be mobile-friendly, so your audience can easily view your content on any device, from anywhere.

How to make your business plan one-pager stand out

First impressions are everything. An impressionable business plan one-pager can be the difference between securing investment and being left in the dust.

Here are some tips on how to make your business plan one-pager stand out:

1. Use motion

Including animation or video into your one-pager can be a powerful way to grab investors' attention and keep them engaged. Use motion to highlight key points or demonstrate how your product or service works.

To learn more about how it’s done, check out our article on how to use video animations to create engaging content .

2. Use original designs

Using original designs is a key element for standing out.

Avoid falling into the trap of using generic designs. Instead, take the time to create something that is truly unique and eye-catching.

This can be as simple as using your branding or as complex as creating your own infographics or custom illustrations such as Procreate color palettes .

3. Personalize

Personalization is the most effective way to make you stand out and leave a lasting impression.

Effective personalization:

• Including a personalized note
• Addressing the investor by name
• Referencing their previous investments (to show that you've done your research)

Tailor-made decks are read in full 68% more often , 41% longer, and are shared internally 2.3x more often.

4. Customize according to the investor’s preferred format

Customizing your one-pager to the specific investor's needs and preferences is the best way to get and hold their attention.

Look for guidelines on their website, ask previous candidates, or ask the investors directly.

Fit your plan to their format and highlight aspects of your business that align with their investment portfolio or industry expertise.

5. Tell a story with data visualization

Data can be overwhelming, but presenting it in a visual format can make it more accessible and compelling.

Use infographics, charts, and other data visualization elements to tell a story about your business's growth and potential.

Here’s our selection of the best data visualization tools to get you started.

How to make a persuasive business plan one-pager

If you want your business plan one-pager to persuade investors to get on board with your vision, you need to make sure it hits all the right notes.

We've got you covered with tips for making a highly-persuasive business plan one-pager.

1. Define a unique audience with an acute problem

You should define your ideal customer profile (ICP) and the problems they face, and how your solution can help them solve these problems.

2. Describe your uncopyable solution to said problem

When describing your solution in your one-page business plan, it's important to emphasize what makes it unique and difficult to replicate by others.

3. Show traction or potential traction

To make your business plan one-pager more persuasive, it's critical to show evidence of traction or the potential for it.

Consider sharing metrics such as customer acquisition rates, revenue growth.

4. Incorporate social proof

You will never get funded without earning investors’ trust. Social proof is the best tool for building trust (other than a face-to-face meeting).

You can include customer testimonials, case studies, or awards to showcase your business's credibility and success.

5. Display your authority and expertise

Include any notable achievements,awards, or acknowledgement your team or product have received.

6. Tie your business goals with universal values

Consider connecting your business goals with universal values that resonate with investors.

This could include making a positive impact on society or the environment, supporting underrepresented groups, or promoting innovation and growth.

Some investors will appreciate the positive impact beyond ROI, others will care only about profitability. Do your research.

How to optimize business plan one-pager UX

When it comes to creating a one-pager business plan, choosing the right document format can make all the difference. Here are some crucial factors to consider:

1. Move from static to interactive

Static formats like PDFs and Word documents can kill engagement and interest with your one-pager.

On the other hand, interactive formats like web pages or Storydocs offer a more immersive, engaging, and memorable experience.

With interactive formats, you can include videos, animations, and other multimedia elements to help showcase your business in a more engaging way.

Interactive

2. Move from pinch and zoom to scroll

Pinch-to-zoom gestures on PDFs are annoying for most people. They make navigating the one-pager frustrating and make reading needlessly hard

A scroll-based interactive one-pager gives investors a familiar and easy way to read through your business plan. Just like they're accustomed to do with any other online content (that’s also mobile-friendly).

3. Become mobile-friendly

Static document formats like PDFs and Word documents are difficult to read and navigate on mobile devices, while web-based formats offer seamless mobile experience.

4. Move from local file to online docs

Local files, such as PDFs or Word documents are being replaced with web pages or cloud-based documents.

Online docs offer your readers easy access from anywhere and from any device, a better reading experience, reduced exposure to virus and malware , and easy sharing.

Best business plan one-pager document types

You have various document formats to choose from when creating your business plan. Each format has its own set of benefits and limitations that can affect how it's received by investors and stakeholders.

Let’s run through the important differences.

Best document type for a business plan one-pager:

Business plan one-pager do’s and don’ts

✅ Keep it conversational and easy to understand.

✅ Use data to support your claims.

✅ Tell a story.

✅ Talk about your solution in the context of your audience's needs.

✅ Use interactive formats with multimedia.

✅ Focus on your unique selling proposition.

✅ Show that you have a plan for execution.

✅ End with your ask and a call-to-action.

✅ Clearly present your market positioning.

✅ Address major obstacles and provide plans to overcome them.

❌ Don't use buzzwords, jargon or go into technical detail.

❌ Don't make unrealistic claims.

❌ Don't spout out facts.

❌ Don't talk about your product (we, we, we).

❌ Don't use static formats.

❌ Don't focus on what makes your competitors bad.

❌ Don't make wild moonshot promises.

❌ Don't end with a “thank you” slide.

❌ Don't ignore your competition.

❌ Don't overlook potential risks and challenges.

Create your business plan from interactive template

If you want to create a business plan one-pager that will cut above the noise and get results, it will require a lot of hard work to get right.

What's worse, you run the risk of losing potential investors or stakeholders if you get it wrong.

A poorly designed or incomplete business plan could make it difficult for others to understand your vision or see the potential in your business.

To save time and frustration and remove the risk, consider using our interactive templates.

With Storydoc's business plan one-pager templates , you can focus on the content and messaging of your business plan, rather than spending hours formatting and structuring it.

Pick a business plan one-pager template:

Create story from scratch

Hi, I'm Dominika, Content Specialist at Storydoc. As a creative professional with experience in fashion, I'm here to show you how to amplify your brand message through the power of storytelling and eye-catching visuals.

Make your best business plan to date

Try Storydoc for free for 14 days (keep anything you make for ever!)

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Writing an Effective One-Page Business Plan: What You Need to Know (+ Free Template)

By Homebase Team

If you’ve started—or are starting—a small business, you’ve probably heard the words ‘business plan’ thrown around. That’s because a business plan is an important document with important information! Even a one-page business plan can help you address key questions early in the planning process.

That’s right—we said  one page. In many cases, there’s no need for a supermassive document that takes ages to create. In this article, we walk you through what a good business plan needs—and what a business plan one-pager should contain. 

Whether you’re writing your business plan for the first time or giving your existing plan a refresh, we’ve got your back. We’ve even got a free, downloadable business plan template to help you get started. Let’s get into it!

Why do you need a business plan?

A business plan is a blueprint for your business. It outlines everything your business needs, from goals to market to the steps you need to implement.

Business plans serve two main purposes:

• To help you set your business up for success. As you put together your business plan, you’ll be forced to think strategically about all your business goals and activities . Are they realistic? Is something likely to go wrong? What haven’t you thought of? The goal is for you to walk away feeling confident in the future of your business.
• To communicate the value of your business to others. It’s rare that entrepreneurs like yourself will go it 100% alone. You’ll likely work with partners, investors, or vendors to bring your small business to life. A business plan gives your collaborators confidence in you and your business and helps them support you in the best way possible.

Taking the time to create a business plan can feel like you’re wasting all-too-precious time, but it can help keep you focused and increase efficiency down the road. It’ll also help you make better business decisions off the bat so you can grow your small business quickly and wisely. 

What are the 7 main points in a business plan?

Every business plan is unique, which is part of the reason writing one can feel a tad overwhelming. You can’t just copy and paste the plan from another business—instead, you need to assess your business’s idea within its niche.

Luckily, the skeleton of every plan is usually very similar. Whether you’re creating a plan for a neighborhood daycare or that cool new bar down the street , here are a few main points to put into any comprehensive business plan.

1. Executive summary

Your executive summary is an overview of your business plan. 

Think about this section like a TL;DR or too long, don’t read . If someone wants to understand the gist of your business plan in just a few minutes, what information would they need to know?

2. Company overview and description

In this section, you should introduce your business to the reader. By the time they finish reading this section, they should have a good idea of who you are, what you do, and what you sell—in other words, your business’s niche.

Don’t be afraid to dive into your own background and why you decided to start this business. Building a small business is personal, and your story can go a long way in giving the reader some context.

3. Market and competitive analysis

Every business needs customers. Here’s where you’ll detail who they are and the potential target market of your business, including your ideal customer.

You’ll also want to take note of potential competitors that may impact your business. These might be direct competitors, but could also be similar businesses that may compete for your customers’ time and money. For example, if you’re opening a cycling studio, you might consider any other type of fitness studio to be a competitor.

Competition isn’t a bad thing, but being aware of your competition is one way to ensure your business stands out from the crowd. 

4. Business offerings

Here’s where you’ll outline what products or services your business will offer in more detail. It doesn’t have to be a complete laundry list, but it should give readers a general idea and show a certain degree of forethought and attention to details.

For example, if you’re opening a bakery , this might be a sample of your menu. Or if you’re an HVAC repair company , you might share an overview of the services you’ll offer your customers. This section might even mention the products or services you won’t offer and why, especially if it helps clarify how your business is unique.

5. Management and operational plan

From managing employees and inventory to securing equipment and a lease, there’s a lot that happens behind the scenes to keep things running smoothly. Every business plan should touch on how you’ll manage the day-to-day of your business.

This is also a great place to indicate key milestones and timelines so you know that you’re on track for a successful grand opening. 

6. Sales, marketing, and PR strategy

Now that you’ve got all the research and operational plans in place , it’s time to start attracting customers and securing those sales. Even with the best products or services in town, every business can use a little marketing boost. Feel free to get creative. From social media to paid ads, there are tons of ways you can spread the word about your budding business . 

7. Financial forecast and budget

No one loves to crunch financials, but when it comes to business, money talks. And a strong financial plan is key to the long-term success of your business.

This final section of your business plan should estimate the costs, revenue, and profits of your business in the short and long term. How do you plan to finance your business? What costs will you incur before opening day ? What are the ongoing costs?

Not only will this give your vendors and investors confidence in your business, but it helps you make sure that your business is profitable in the long run.

What is a one-page business plan?

A one-page business plan is essentially a condensed version of a full business plan.  

It covers all the core information about your business without overwhelming the reader with details. The goal is to summarize your business plan for yourself and potential stakeholders so they can understand your business at a glance.

Depending on your business needs, this concise document may even be all you need to get your business off the ground. Or it could serve as a stepping stone to a more robust plan in the future. 

Top benefits of a one-page business plan.

Bigger isn’t always better—and one-page business plans are here to prove it.

Here are some benefits and reasons why you might opt for a one-page business plan:

• To kickstart your business planning: A full business plan can be incredibly daunting. A one-page business plan gives you a place to start without feeling overwhelmed with the nitty gritty. 
• To share and distribute: Sometimes potential vendors, partners, or investors want to get more information about your business before they sign on officially. Instead of leaving them with a massive document, a one-page business plan helps you share the relevant need-to-know information easily.
• To focus on the key details: If you’re early on in the business ideation process and want to make sure you have all the important information, a one-page business plan can help you easily validate your business plan.
• To save time: In the long term, you may still expect to put together a full business plan at some point. However, if you’re in a time crunch, a one-page plan can help you get the important insights without the time commitment.
• To easily edit: In an ever-changing business environment, a one-page business plan is much easier to keep updated. 

Key details to include in a one-page business plan.

Above, we outlined the key components of any business plan. The key with a one-pager is to keep it brief without losing any of those important details. 

Let’s look at the sections of a business plan one-pager and dig into how you can adapt them to cover all the details of your business—all on one page. 

Summary and overview

Start your one-page plan by sharing the name of your business, what you do, and your main value proposition.

The problem—and your solution

In a few sentences, share the problem that your business solves and how you solve it. This clarifies why your business should exist, so it’s an important section!

Depending on your business, you may also want to share a few of your team members to help readers put a face to your business. Great examples include the executive chef for a restaurant, or the lead veterinarian for your vet clinic.

Target market

Briefly describe who you expect to be a customer and their characteristics. This could be in the form of a short “ideal customer” profile.

Competitor overview

Here, you’ll touch on potential competitors and what makes your business stand out.

Business timeline

Share the key milestones for your business. For example, pitch when you’ll start marketing your business, when you’ll hire employees , and when you expect to open.

Sales and marketing plan

Here, you’ll quickly highlight the key marketing activities that you’ll use to drive new customers to your business. Try to stick to the most interesting or high-value stuff, like a website or social media .

Financial projections

Outline your expected revenue , expenses, and profits to give the reader an idea of your financial future.

Our tips for creating a one-page business plan.

If you’ve ever written something with a limited word count, you know that sometimes keeping things concise can be easier said than done.

As you get writing your one-page business plan, here are some of our top tips so you can make the most of that one page.

• Focus on the need-to-know information.
• Avoid fluff and keep your sentences short.
• Link out to additional resources and material if more information is necessary.
• Don’t be afraid to strategically incorporate visuals to emphasize the important points.
• Feel free to up sections or have different versions of your one-page business plan based on who’s reading it. 
• Get creative with formatting to keep information organized.

One-page business plan example.

If you’re skeptical that all that information can fit on one page—we have proof!  Here’s an example that you can use to start thinking about your business plan.

Download our free one-page business plan template.

A one-page business plan is one of the most important pages you’ll write for your business. While there’s a lot to think about, it’s worth the effort to give both you and your partners peace of mind.

The good news is that we’ve done the heavy lifting for you! If the above one-pager looks good to you, we’ve pulled it together as a download for you. All that’s left for you to customize it for your unique business, fill in the sections, and get ready to launch your business.

Download your one-page business plan template PDF

Download your Homebase One-Page Business Plan Template Word document

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One-page business plan FAQs

Why should you create a business plan.

There are several reasons you should create a business plan, such as:

• Improving your decision-making as you start and grow your business.
• Setting realistic goals and timelines.
• Attracting top-notch suppliers, investors, and even employees.
• Keeping your business profitable and your financials in order.

What types of companies need a business plan?

From brand-new small businesses to established corporations, companies of all shapes and sizes need a business plan. It’s a key part of setting your business up for success and improving your business trajectory.

Even if you already have a business plan in place, revisiting it from time to time can help you stay on track with your goals and adapt as your business changes.

Can a business plan be one page?

Yes, in many cases a business page can be one page. The trick to creating an effective one-page business plan is making sure that you’re covering the most important pieces of information. 

Our top tips? Keep it as concise and organized as possible, so you can effectively communicate the value of your business to your audience.

Writing a one-page business plan is simple. You can create a business plan from scratch or use a free template like the one above to stay on track, but generally, the steps to writing a one-page business plan include:

• Start with a short executive summary and value proposition to introduce your business.
• Share the problem your business solves and your solution.
• Give an outline of top competitors and how your business compares.
• Create a timeline of key milestones.
• Outline your sales and marketing plan for attracting customers.
• Summarize your financial projections and funding plans.

Remember:  This is not legal advice. If you have questions about your particular situation, please consult a lawyer, CPA, or other appropriate professional advisor or agency.

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Start » startup, how to write a one-page business plan.

Need to pitch your idea on the spot? This quick one-page business plan outline can help you get your foot in the door with investors and incubators. 

A complete, thoughtful business plan can help you recruit executive leaders, pitch investors and win grants. But sometimes you just need a one-page business plan to get your foot in the door. A condensed business plan can act as an elevator pitch to pique the interest of a startup incubator, bank or other business partner. Here’s what should go into your one-page business plan.

[ Read more: The Definitive Guide to Writing a Startup Business Plan ]

Section 1: The demand

Start by establishing the problem, need or demand for your product or service. Why should an investor back your business idea? This section establishes opportunity: why you’ve come up with this idea in the first place, and why other consumers will see your idea as valuable. There must be a demand in the market for which you are supplying a solution.

Note that “demand” is different than “market size.” “Start your pitch with the demand in your market, not how big the market is. It doesn't matter how big the market is if no one wants your product or service,” explains Sweta Patel in Forbes .

Try to keep each of these sections to two to three sentences . Treat this first section as the bait to get someone interested in reading the following sections, and to inevitably ask for a longer pitch.

Section 2: Your solution

Some experts consider this your company’s mission statement. Others treat it as an opportunity to describe the intricacies of your product or service. Overall, this section should describe your solution to the problem identified in Section 1. How is your solution distinctive from other companies tackling the same problem?

“You can even think of this section like a book headline,” wrote one expert . “The first part is the eye catching and very clear statement on what the book is about. And then the actual book text talks in more detail about the ‘bread and butter’ of the story.”

Make sure this section focuses on the things that make your idea unique: The details of why a customer will buy from you instead of any other company will provoke an investor to ask for more information.

Section 3: Business model

How will you make money? This section should cover your pricing strategy. “Briefly describe how your pricing will be competitive enough to attract customers but be high enough to generate a profit after subtracting expenses,” recommends The Balance .

Patel also writes about the importance of identifying multiple revenue streams for your new company. “The next step in crafting a one-page business plan is to ensure there is more than one way of making revenue in your business. If there isn't, investors might think your company isn't innovative enough. They might hold back on funding because they want to invest in an organization that is going to have several ways of making money,” she said .

Save the detailed financial information for the longer business plan, and focus on how your idea will generate revenue while keeping costs low.

Start your pitch with the demand in your market, not how big the market is.

Sweta Patel, Forbes Business Council

Section 4: Management team

Business incubators and investors often give more consideration to business ideas presented with a strong leadership team attached. The reason for this is that investors realize that an initial idea may go through a few iterations before launching to the market. Therefore, an investor will look for a talented, motivated founding team with whom they can refine a business idea until it works.

You may not have your executive team in place yet, but make sure you showcase the qualifications of yourself and any business partners you have. If you haven’t started hiring, demonstrate the profile of who you wish to bring on board to help your network put you in touch with the right people.

Section 5: Action plan

Use your remaining space to outline your goals, next steps and call to action. What is your big “ask”? If it’s funding, demonstrate what you will do with the amount of money you need. Try to outline specific targets with deadlines. For instance, you may write a sentence stating, “By ‘x date’ we will have the business premises chosen and lease signed.” Give potential partners a little taste of where their investment will make a difference.

You may also want to include a line that offers a more complete business plan with financial projections, marketing, distribution and competitive analysis available on request. Hopefully, your one-page plan will have given enough of a taste of your idea to encourage investors to seek more information.

[ Read more: 5 Business Plan Templates to Help You Plan for Success ]

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One page business plan: What to include and how to get started

Writing a business plan is a crucial step to starting or expanding your operations, but you don’t have to follow a traditional format. Developing a comprehensive business plan is useful if you’re seeking funding, but it’s also smart to write a shorter version, too. Enter: the one page business plan.

A one page business plan offers a broader, more approachable overview of your business.

For newer businesses, a one-page plan can serve as a starting point for fine-tuning business ideas and creating an in-depth business plan later on.

For established businesses, a one page business plan is an easy way to document changing strategies and update board members and senior staff on new goals. A one-page plan can also act as an elevator pitch or fact sheet to pique the interest of potential investors and lenders.

In any case, distilling your business’ mission and goals into one page forces you to reevaluate your ideas and priorities. This can ultimately help you make smarter decisions and run a more efficient operation.

To write an effective one page business plan, stick to the basics: discuss the market potential for your business and how your products or services will add value, explain your profit plan, and share your goals. Keep in mind that all the parts of a business plan should only be a few sentences, so it’s important to be clear and concise.

Here are the five components of a one page business plan template:

The summary provides a brief introduction to your business and what you hope to achieve. In addition to giving background information on your company, describe the services or products you offer and share your value propositions.

If you’ve been operating for a while, you may want to include a few company highlights or successes, like the fact that you hired five new employees last year or boosted sales by 10% from the previous quarter.

If your business is just getting off the ground, focus on explaining your vision and what makes your operation unique, whether it’s your commitment to 24/7 customer service or local product manufacturing.

2. Market analysis

One of the most important parts of a business plan is the market analysis , which explores the industry you’re in and customers you’re trying to reach. Using brief sentences or bullet points with statistics, you need to show that there’s a demand for your products and services, then talk about how you’ll satisfy that demand.

Start by identifying and describing your target market . Think college students or women age 30 to 50, for example. Taking into account factors like age, occupation, interests, issues, buying habits, and market trends, explain how you’ll position your products or services to appeal to these potential customers.

Next, you’ll want to include a few statistics or research notes about your industry and competitors, and explain how you plan to differentiate your business from companies offering similar things.

Learn how to conduct your own market research for your business>

3. Marketing and sales strategy

This part of your one page business plan summarizes how you’ll promote your business and convince customers to act. Start by sharing your business’ main marketing challenge. Do you have a difficult time getting traffic to your site, choosing which platforms to invest in , or converting leads to sales?

Your summary should explain in broad terms how you plan to address your marketing hurdles, whether that means increasing your marketing budget , adopting Google Analytics, or eliminating a platform that has little success.

If you have space, consider giving an overview of your sales funnel here, listing key details and distribution channels for each step—from awareness to action. Make sure you include a sentence or two that clarifies why you chose the particular marketing methods you listed.

Put together a cohesive marketing strategy for your business with our comprehensive guide>

4. Pricing and profit strategy

The point of this section is to demonstrate your business’ profit potential . Talk about your pricing strategy first: What do you need to charge to create a high-quality product or service that helps you attract customers and stay competitive? What’s more, how will those prices help you turn a profit after accounting for operational and production-related expenses?

This is a good area to share your business’ profit and loss numbers from last year. If your revenue exceeded what you spent, you can talk about what you did that was successful and how you hope to build on that momentum. If, however, your numbers show that you spent more than you earned, explain how you plan to change your approach going forward to become profitable.

If you don’t have financial data to pull from, include your six-month sales forecast and projected cash flow instead.

Set your pricing while protecting your profits>

In the final section of your one page business plan, list your most pressing or significant business goals . Do you want to acquire a certain number of email subscribers by the end of the quarter, for example, launch your first product in the next six months, or cut operational expenses by 15% in the next year?

For each goal you share, include a sentence or two that explains what steps you’ll take to carry it out, how you’ll measure your progress, and how you’ll overcome problems that occur. Mentioning potential obstacles is a good segue into discussing any funding, equipment, or hiring needs you might have. You might need to double your inventory to satisfy high customer demand during peak season, for example, which will require extra working capital.

Keep in mind that you’ll probably need a longer, more detailed business plan if you’re seeking funding , but a one-page version can help you get started.

Keep updating your one page business plan

The best part of a one page business plan is that it’s easy to adjust. Aim to keep revising and updating your plan as your strategies, budget, and priorities change. You can also tweak your business plan outline depending on what you want to emphasize. You can also tailor your one page business plan based on your target audience (i.e., potential funders, new employees, etc.).

To get started, check out these tools that will help you generate a one page business plan template of your own:

• LivePlan is a business plan writing software that guides you through the process of writing your perfect business plan.
• BPlans provides free business plan templates and resources for writing your own plan.
• The Small Business Administration has a business plan template you can use.
• Microsoft Office has countless stylish business plan templates to choose from.

Use a one page business plan to set yourself up for success

If you feel overwhelmed at the prospect of writing a business plan, start with a simple one page version. A one-page business plan is a perfect entrée into business plan writing. Plus, it’s an easy, effective way to clarify your ideas and goals no matter what stage your business is in.

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Easy-to-use one-page business plan template

A one-age business plan is a useful tool for providing an overview of your goals and targets and how you and your team will achieve them. Before you get into the details, a one-page business plan can help you feel out your ideas, set priorities, and provide an outline for a more extensive standard business plan.

You can also keep your single-page plan on hand to keep you laser-focused on the scope and objectives of your business at all times.

In this article, we’ll show you how to use a one-page business plan to create a robust foundation for your business and share some ready-to-use business plan templates .

Get the template

What is a one-page business plan template?

A one-page business plan encompasses your entire business strategy condensed onto one-page. A one-page business plan template is a document that outlines a business’s strategies and goals.

A traditional business plan goes into great detail and could be dozens of pages long. With a one-pager, the idea is to condense all the important information into one high-level document.

However, if it’s a one-page business plan to hand out to prospective investors, you’ll likely focus more on something like financial projections .

In general, your one-page business plan can include:

• Vision statements and strategic objectives of your business
• Customer segments your business will serve
• Overview of the product or service you’ll provide
• Sales goals and marketing strategy
• High-level business overview of financial projections

Why use a one-page business plan template?

Understanding the benefits of writing a single-page business plan helps keep you focused when condensing lots of important information onto a one-page template.

Provide an overview of your business plan

A one-page plan provides you with an overview of everything you need to consider about your business venture. One-page plans provide a snapshot of multiple moving parts of your strategy and operations to keep you focused on what matters.

One-page business plan templates are a very useful starting point for developing a more detailed standard business plan . By creating a high-level document, you can begin to sketch out your ideas and assumptions and test them before spending lots of time developing a long business plan that you end up rewriting. Once you’re satisfied with your one-page plan, you have a step-by-step outline for a more in-depth version.

Manage operations and finances

As you grow your business, the operations and finances side of things often become more complex and difficult to manage. In times like these, when you need to make important decisions, a one-page business plan helps keep the core objectives of your venture in mind at all times. Nailing down your template means you don’t waste time deciding what the most important details are, so you can focus your time and energy into growing your business instead.

Synthesize business information

Another key benefit of having a one-page business plan on hand is the ability to provide anyone with a snapshot of your business whenever needed. This situation could apply to your management team, potential business partners, or potential investors who want a fast, easy-to-digest rundown of your business.

While you might have an elevator pitch ready, a one-page plan helps back up your claims, especially when it comes to items like financial projections or your cash flow statement . A one-page business plan template means it’s easy for you to quickly synthesize relevant information for the required audience. Simply drop the latest information into your template and get ready to present.

What are some examples of one-page business plans?

Before you write a one-page business plan, it’s helpful to get familiar with the various types of templates available and decide which one is best for your needs.

Startup one-page business plan template

Writing a business plan for a startup is a very different process than creating a plan for an established business. Startups are beginning from the very start of their journey with little historical data to go on. By nature, they need to be a lot more flexible with their ideas and decisions as they decide what works.

( Image Source )

So a one-page plan for startups is more about laying the groundwork for more in-depth strategic analysis and taking an agile approach to developing a business model.

Business model canvas

The business model canvas is a well-known template for business plans. A single page is divided into squares, with each square representing an important component of the business strategy.

With a business model canvas, you’ll be able to quickly outline items like your target markets, value proposition, and revenue streams. Writing and comparing these sections on one-page allows you to validate your business model against your market analysis and quickly iterate on different elements of your business strategy .

Business idea action plan template

While many business plan templates focus on strategy and high-level objectives, some businesses require more focus on operations and action right from the start. In those instances, a business idea action plan template can be more beneficial.

This type of one-page business plan focuses on what you are going to do and how you are going to do it, rather than analysis and projections. It enables business owners to develop tactics for how they’ll design, develop, market, and sell their products or services.

Small business plan template

Small businesses are often operating with limited funding and narrow profit margins. These constraints make revenue targets and cost-effective operations critically important to success, especially for a service business.

When this is the case, a shorter business plan template for small businesses which focuses on defining your business niche, setting clear targets, and creating detailed timelines keeps your strategy aligned to the bottom line at all times.

monday.com’s one-page business plan template

Building a one-page business planning template from scratch involves a lot of key elements for consideration, but it doesn’t have to be a tricky process. Having a template to keep you on track enables you to effectively shape your strategy, goals, key activities, and targets in one place.

monday.com has created a one-page business plan template to help you create an effective one-page business plan that will keep your goals and targets at the front of your mind as you grow your business. The monday.com template includes:

• Digital visualization of your entire business strategy in one location, so you can easily share your plan and make updates
• Extensive customization options so you can create a business plan that aligns fully with your company branding
• The ability to add your own visuals such as tables, images, and videos that are relevant to your business plan
• The ability to collaborate in real-time with business partners and senior management on the creation and development of your one-page plan
• Integrations with popular business tools such as Excel and Outlook so you can move your business plan seamlessly from creation to execution

Have your one-page business plan created quickly and seamlessly with monday.com. Sign up for our free trial and select the one-page business plan template to stay aligned with your business objectives and core goals.

One-page business plan tips & tricks

Although a one-page business plan is not as extensive as a full-length business plan, there are some best practices you should follow to get the most out of it. With these tips and tricks, you’ll have a one-page business plan that’s realistic, accurate, and functional.

Understand your target market

Before you start outlining your business activities and tactics, it’s imperative that you fully understand your target market and your product-market fit. This understanding includes considerations such as customer price sensitivity, buying preferences, demographics, and more.

Without understanding your target market, building a business model can lead to sales targets and timelines that don’t materialize, a marketing plan or marketing materials that miss the mark, and unrealistic financial projections.

Fine-tune your products and services

Another key element of your business plan is the outline of the products and services you’ll offer. In this area, business owners need to thoroughly understand the cost of production, how to price products and services so they remain profitable, and how your offering measures up against competitors in the market.

By getting a firm grasp of your value offering, you can more accurately project costs, revenue, and profitability over the long term.

Keep your goals and projections realistic

When creating your one-page business plan, use the hard numbers regarding costs and budget to remain realistic about your business goals.

This approach applies to your timelines, too. Although your goals and targets may be ambitious, there needs to be an achievable timeline and resource allocation attached to them.

FAQs about one-page business plans

How do you write a business plan in one page.

It might be more beneficial for some business owners to start with a long business plan and then work on synthesizing it into a one-page template. That way, you can gain a deep understanding of your strategy before selecting the most important highlights for your one-page business plan.

You can also use visuals in place of written text where appropriate to save on space. For example, you can condense the highlights of your financial projections onto a single graph that’s understandable at a glance.

What is the primary characteristic of a one-page business plan?

The primary characteristics of a one-page business plan are clarity and brevity. Anyone who picks up your one-page plan should quickly get a clear idea of what your business does, its goals, and how you plan to achieve them. So it’s essential to keep all the information extremely clear and concise. Using a template like one on monday.com already gives you a leg up with a helpful outline.

What should a simple business plan include?

While every business is unique in some way, there are fundamental pieces of information you should incorporate into all simple business plans, including:

• Business mission and objectives
• Target audiences
• Competitor analysis
• Products/services outline
• Key operational considerations
• Time-bound financial projections

Depending on the purpose of your plan, you might choose to leave some items off the page. For example, if it’s for internal use by a wider team, you might omit elements like business financing plans, income statements, cost structure, etc.

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The 7 Components of a One-Page Business Plan

So, you have a business idea. Next step: take it to investors. But to convince them to invest, you’ll need a punchy proposal. That proposal is called a one-page business plan or a written document that describes your company’s core objectives and how you aim to achieve them. Your business plan doesn't need to be lengthy—often, a one-page business plan is more than enough to describe your company's core objectives and how you aim to achieve them. There are seven components to a proper one-page business plan:

• Business objectives
• Competitive analysis
• Target market
• Business structure
• Products and services
• Marketing plan
• Financial analysis

Here, we break down what goes into these seven components and guide you through how to complete a one-page business plan.

1. Business objectives

Business objectives are the specific and measurable results a company aims to achieve over a specific period. Setting strong business objectives lets you clearly define what your business needs to succeed and helps to rally teams around a shared goal. If you are seeking a funding opportunity, objectives also let you make a case for funding and the impact the investment will make. It’s best to write SMART objectives (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-based). The purpose of SMART objectives is to give your teams a sense of a unified purpose and direction that can be tracked over time. Imagine you want to open an online vintage clothing store. You know the bottom line is to make a profit, but how will you get to that point? Draft SMART objectives to guide you toward a profitable business model, like:  

• Gain 10 consignment sellers by end of Q3.
• Earn a net income of $30,000 by end of Q4.
• Sell inventory at a sustained rate of 60%.

2. Competitive analysis

A competitive analysis gives you a snapshot of who your top competitors are, along with their strengths and weaknesses. Competitive analyses show you the viability of your business in relation to other, similar companies. There’s a lot that goes into a full competitive analysis , from tracking a business’s organizational structure to its pricing model. But for a one-page business plan, you just need a high-level summary. The best starting point for identifying your top competitors is to google the keywords you want to bid on or are currently bidding on. Look at the websites of businesses that show up on the first page and identify their strengths and weaknesses. For a one-page business plan, translate your findings into short bullet points. If we think back to our online vintage clothing store example, your bullet points might look like:

• Beacon’s Closet : New York-based curated vintage store with a large social media following
• The RealReal : An upscale secondhand e-commerce site with a focus on designer goods
• Depop : An affordable online marketplace for younger consumers

3. Target market

Your target market consists of the people most likely to purchase your products or services—your ideal customers. Think about it: You can’t sell a product or service until you know there are customers willing to buy it. Define your target market to find out who your customers are and why they need your product. Investors want to see you’ve thought about your target market and that you have a keen understanding of who you'll be selling to—an understanding that can help guide your marketing decisions down the line. Recently, we walked through how to create a buyer persona for your business. Typically, a buyer persona is its own one-page document, profiling an imaginary person who embodies your ideal customer. For a one-page business plan, you don’t have the space to share your full buyer personas. Instead, list your buyer personas as one-sentence descriptions. From there, identify your target market based on the qualities or characteristics that unite your buyer personas. To continue with our vintage clothing store example, our buyer personas might look like:

• Nancy the retiree , 66, comes in weekly to shop special deals on nostalgic clothing from the 1950s when she was a child.
• Colin the student , 20, loves the act of rummaging through racks of clothing for unique disco-inspired pieces he can share on TikTok.
• Tobi the collector , 50, has an impressive collection of vintage leather bags and shops weekly for new pieces to add to their collection.

4. Business structure

Investors want to see that the people leading your business have the knowledge and experience to succeed. Your business plan should include a description of key personnel and how they work to build a thriving business. Even if you're the only person in your company, flesh out this section to provide a snapshot of how your business operates. Develop brief bios for each person who leads your company, and list each person out in a bulleted list. Consider our vintage clothing store example. The business structure might look something like:

• Ellen Smith , owner and operations manager: Smith received an MBA from Columbia in 2006. Smith previously founded dog food company, PupWorks, growing it into a national franchise in under a decade.
• Lilly Barnes , buyer and marketing manager: Barnes studied fashion merchandising at FIT, earning a BA in 2008. Previously, Barnes served as director of marketing at Kate Spade.

5. Products and services

The products and services section of your one-page business plan is your chance to describe the products or services your business offers and the impact they have on the market. Detailing your products and services highlights your company’s value and demonstrates its competitive advantage over other businesses. Investors interested in your company will look to this section to understand what niche your business offerings fill. You’re tight on space with a one-page plan, so don’t focus your energy on listing every product you offer. Instead, describe the logic behind why you offer certain products or services, explain your pricing model, and share how your offerings differ from competitors’. In our vintage clothing store example, the high-level view of your offerings is simple: vintage goods. But to paint a full picture, you might consider a short paragraph that explains what kinds of goods you’ll carry, how you’ll get inventory, your pricing structure, and how you’ll fulfill online orders. Here’s a sample:

“We buy and sell vintage goods, specializing in designer clothing and accessories from the 1950s to the Y2K fashions of the early 2000s. Our inventory comes directly from individual sellers, and we offer cash for their products immediately. Our inventory sells for 30% below market value. Online orders are filled within 72 hours of purchase, and customers receive up-to-date tracking once their items have shipped.”

6. Marketing plan

Your marketing plan, also called a marketing strategy, is a detailed view of how you'll reach new customers with information on your products or services. Use this section as an opportunity to teach potential investors how you'll reach new customers in your market. Think back to our vintage clothing shop example: It doesn’t matter if you carry in-demand Chanel and Dior if no one knows you exist. Outline the ways you'll market your products or services with a simple bulleted list. Be sure to address:

• Marketing budget
• Your company’s marketing channels, like email and social media
• Promotional efforts, like special discounts or offers
• Advertising, like Google ads
• Printed materials, like flyers or business cards

7. Financial analysis

A financial analysis in a one-page business plan provides a snapshot of your business’s current and future financial health. Your financial analysis tells investors whether your business is or will become profitable. This section may be the toughest for you to condense because there are so many metrics that are useful for understanding a business's profitability. That’s why we recommend you focus on business ratios that highlight your financial projections.

• Net profit margin: How much revenue you receive and how much revenue you count as income
• Accounts payable turnover: A look at your bills and how quickly you’re able to pay them
• Total debt to total assets: Compares the total amount of debt to assets

Put your one-page business plan into action

A one-page business plan guides you toward your goals and can be used as a springboard for action. If you’ve drafted a one-page plan, you have a roadmap for success right at your fingertips. Next, work toward your business objectives and put your marketing plan into use. Use Buffer Start Page as an interim landing page to test language, services, and branding ideas before pushing them to your actual website. Start Page is designed to be flexible to your changing business needs and is customizable to your branding. As a bonus, Buffer members get free access to Start Page with their membership.

Did you find this article helpful? You might also like our all-you-need social media toolkit.

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How to Write a One-Page Business Plan (By Asking the Right Questions)

Home » Blog » How to Write a One-Page Business Plan (By Asking the Right Questions)

French author-philosopher Voltaire once wisely said, “Judge a man by his questions rather than his answers.”

The same can be said for your business plan.

Every entrepreneur, business owner, inventor, and visionary started their business journey with an inquisitive question.  

Yours now might be how do I write a one-page business plan ?

If so, we have the answers.  

Writing a business plan can seem like a daunting task, but this guide will provide you with the right questions you need to ask in order to get started.  

The Steps of Writing a One-Page Business Plan

It doesn’t matter whether you’re opening a coffee shop, bed and breakfast, or a construction company. The elements you need to write a one-page business plan remain the same.  

Best-selling author Paula Nelson put it this way:

“The best business plans are straightforward documents that spell out the who, what, where, why, and how much.”

To clarify, I’ll use a guest house I opened in 2018 as an example. It quickly became the regional number one online listing, attracted guests from 33 countries, and secured bookings one year in advance.

My small guest house grew into the success it was because I had a strong business plan. It targeted a specific audience, identified a need and provided a solution, held a competitive advantage, a definitive sales strategy, and so on. Basically, my small business was successful because I had a solid business plan as a foundation.

How is a One-Page Business Plan Different From a Regular Business Plan?

A regular business plan is a formal presentation that must include certain elements and quality standards.

Also called a traditional business plan, it is on average 50+ pages written in business language. You need this document to impress others outside the company, such as investors.  

So, if you are meeting with a potential investor, you would present them a regular business plan as opposed to a one-page plan.  

A one-page business plan answers the questions you need to know.  

It’s quick to write, provides you with a resource to rely on, helps set your goals and implement the strategy to reach them. It shows you where you are and what’s required to achieve success.

The first question you need to answer: Is there a market need?  

1. Is there a market need?

“If dogs don’t like your dog food, the packaging doesn’t matter.” – Stephen Denny, author and competitive strategy/marketing consultant.

Every successful business has to first confirm the market need . Without a market need, you don’t have a viable business.

A market need is a problem that a specific demographic has, also known as their pain point. When you identify a pain point and an audience craving a solution, you’ve found your market need.  

Let’s review a few strategies you can use to confirm market need:

Validate the demand. First step, prove your idea has potential. Validation provides accurate data telling you exactly how many people search for your product/service over a set time – and showing whether your market’s growing or declining.  

Assess your competition. Your competitors’ success can also prove the market need. What products/services do they provide? What solution do they solve? And how high is consumer demand?

Listen to your future customers. Look at your prospective customers’ positive and negative reviews to find out what they think. Check out review sites like Trustpilot, Amazon, social media, and your competitors’ websites.

Going back to that guest house I mentioned earlier, I confirmed consumer demand by assessing competitors’ online booking availability at peak and off-peak times. I then determined the gap in the market (AKA, what type of accommodation to offer) by reading customer reviews, finding out what visitors wanted, and what the competition failed to provide.  

2. How will you solve the market need?

“Don’t find customers for your products. Find products for your customers”.   – Seth Godin, author, and entrepreneur.

Now you must identify how you’ll solve the market need and prove why your solution is better than what’s already available.

To provide a winning solution, first find what is called in marketing your unique selling point (USP). It’s a strategy informing customers about how your product is superior to competitors.  

Your USP could be a better product or service, a lower price, a simplified buying process, exceptional customer service, or a new and revolutionary solution to an existing problem. No two successful businesses have the same USP because if they did, they wouldn’t be unique.

When I was determining the guest house’s unique selling point, I looked at others in the market. My competitors were primarily focused on maximum income for minimum cost, and not necessarily on getting customers to return. Identifying that gap is how I found my USP, resulting in hundreds of 5-star reviews and a return client base (not via a third-party site), increasing my profits by 15%.

3. Which products or services will you offer?

Before choosing a product or service to sell, ask yourself the following questions:

What are my customers’ hidden desires?  

What’s the most significant benefit my product/service can give my customers?

What problems do my prospects have with my competitors, and how can I solve them?

Because it’s not your products that interest people, it’s the results they provide. Put your customers first and fulfill their implicit desires with excellence, and your choice of product or service will become apparent.

The guest house I opened offered exceptional customer service.

Sure, the beds were comfortable, the food excellent, and our view amazing. But most folks remembered the superb service and feeling attended to.  

The guest house’s level of service gave value to my customers – providing an instant return to my business by increasing reviews, cultivating a loyal clientele, referring others, and attracting people happy to pay more.  

4. What's your business model?

The late Anthony Bourdain, celebrity chef, author, travel documentarian, once said:

A business model outlines how your company will turn a profit selling a product/service to a target audience within a specific marketplace.  

However, with so many new businesses models coming online every day, they’re constantly evolving, so no one size fits all. For example, traditional business models include brick-and-mortar stores, franchising, and direct sales.  

Hybrid models (businesses like my guest house) combine internet sales with a physical location.  

Your business model’s purpose is to ensure you’ll profit using the proper marketing channels and payment gateways for incoming revenue.  

Now’s the time to be ruthless with the numbers. Account for every outgoing, like set-up costs, fixed costs, product production and packaging, sales, and shipping. Research your competitors to find the base price point for what you’re offering.

For the guest house, I had a hybrid model using online marketing to rent vacation rooms through third-party holiday booking sites. I then added Google My Business, a website, and local off-line physical marketing materials as my customer base grew. It was heavily focused on return customers and referrals to reduce third-party percentage sales costs, increasing revenue. Payment gateways included online payments via third-party sites, my website, and on-site.

5. Who's your competition, and how will you beat them?

“I’ve been up against tough competition all my life. I wouldn’t know how to get along without it.” – Walt Disney, you know the guy!

Without competition, you’ve got one of two things: A business idea no one wants, or one no one yet knows they need.

Both are unsuitable business models for a small business. The ideal business model should have high customer demand, healthy competition, and room for a savvy innovator like you to move in.  

You beat your competitors by identifying them, what they offer, and which marketing channels they use to engage their target audience. And you find those by running a competitor analysis .

A competitor analysis identifies your competition’s strengths and weaknesses, their marketing strategies, advertising platforms, and any crucial marketing opportunities they may be missing. Doing so gives you a competitive advantage.

The guest house I opened had 42 established competitors, all with a long booking site history and hundreds of reviews.  

However, average review scores were low (8.2 on Booking.com and 3.8 on Google), the negatives being customer service, facilities, and breakfast. Most competitors weren’t taking advantage of visuals, using low-quality photographs. Fewer still were active online, failing to reply to customer comments and testimonials.  

6. What's your competitive advantage?

“If you don’t have a competitive advantage, don’t compete.”   – Jack Welch, ex-CEO of General Electric.

A competitive advantage is your company’s ability to outperform your competitors in one or more ways. That is called a unique value proposition (UVP).

Your unique value proposition is the solution and benefit your USP provides. Your UVP’s an in-your-face marketing statement describing exactly how you’ll bring value to your audience, highlighting what makes you unique to the marketplace.

Ask these questions to find your answers:  

Relevancy: How does your product or service solve your customers’ pain points or improve their situation?  

Quantified value: In what way will you deliver those specific benefits?  

Differentiation: Why should your ideal customer buy from you and not from your competition?  

The guest house’s unique selling point was superior service, stunning views, comfortable bedrooms with extra facilities, and a 5-star quality breakfast using local produce, catering for all food intolerances.  

Our unique value proposition was marketing.  

I was at an immediate disadvantage to our competitors. Our location was 2 miles from town, which meant customers needed transport, so I promoted a free taxi service. It became one of our leading USPs.  

I took beautiful photographs and wrote engaging descriptions of the property, breakfast, and facilities down to the last detail – removing any doubt from my target audience’s mind.

And, I created a cohesive and recognizable brand by using the same images, bio, and family pictures on all our marketing platforms.  

7. Who's your target market?

“Everyone is not your customer”.   – Seth Godin, yep him again!

Your target market is the consumers who you’ve proven want what you’re selling.  

By identifying your target market and their preferred marketing channels, you can define your marketing strategy around their needs – at the same time, highlighting your UVP to engage and connect with them at every opportunity.

You gain an understanding of your target market by creating a buyer persona . It’s a fictional character created using accurate research data that provides relevant information about your audience.

The aim is to identify a niche audience you’re confident your marketing will convert into paying customers.  

My guest house was located at a hot spot for bachelor and bachelorette parties. There were businesses providing a service catering to their specific needs. It was clear that local couples and families were unhappy sharing facilities with an overly jubilant crowd.

I’d found our target market. We quickly gained the reputation as the go-to property for those wanting a quiet, relaxing holiday. My target market is less trouble, more appreciative, stay longer, and pay more for our service.  

8. What marketing strategies will you use?

“Good marketing makes a company look smart. Great marketing makes the customer feel smart.”   – Joe Chernov, ex-VP of marketing at HubSpot.  

Now your goal is to define your marketing (sales) strategy to maximize your ROI (return on investment) and create a highly optimized presence within your niche.  

You define your marketing strategy by identifying the channel your target audience uses most to search for and buy your product.  

You identify it by looking at your competitors’ websites and social media platforms, and by checking out third-party sales websites such as Amazon, eBay, Etsy, or in my example, Booking.com.  

I opened the guest house in the height of summer after establishing Booking.com as my target audience’s preferred platform. And although the site charges a hefty 15%, the pay-off was worth it.

By focusing on my target audience and using the highest converting booking platform, I took 67 bookings in my first 4 days. And by providing unparalleled service (on a platform driven by reviews), I had 104 primarily 5-star reviews by the end of the summer, resulting in a 9.8 score.

This enabled me to spread my marketing net to include Google My Business and website. With all 3 marketing platforms working, I booked out one year in advance and could raise the prices.  

9. How will you cover your costs?

“Never take your eyes off cash flow because it’s the lifeblood of business.”   – Richard Branson. He signed the Sex Pistols, built an airline and a spaceship, and flew to space!

Did you know most new businesses fail due to a lack of cash flow?  

It’s critical to know your numbers and write up a financial summary (budget and sales goals) to stay afloat.

A financial summary could be as simple as an Excel spreadsheet, and includes your setup costs, running costs (products, shipping, utilities, rent, marketing, etc.), and most importantly, your break-even point. Your break-even point is when your credit equals your debit, and if you run your business correctly, profit soon follows.  

Your cash flow is the net balance of cash moving in and out of your business at a specific point in time and the amount you need to keep your business running. And by maintaining a balance sheet, you keep your eyes on your cash flow.

Include these in your one-page business plan:

Expenditure and budget. Account for every expense, no matter how small (and keep the receipt)!

Sales goals. The quantity of products/services you’ll sell and at what price to surpass your break-even point and make a profit.

Net profit. Your estimated end-of-tax-year profit after you’ve subtracted all your debits.

When I did this for the guest house, I required an initial investment for renovations, fitting out, and stock (food and beverages, etc.).  

I reduced the outgoings by doing all the construction work myself and living on pasta! And as I used a free marketing strategy (Booking.com only charge after rentals), my advertising costs were almost zero. Bookings were in advance, so I could accurately forecast credit, debit, break-even point, and the gross/net profit.

10. Who do you need to scale and succeed?

“You’re only as good as the people you hire.” – Ray Croc, who gave the world fast food and McDonald’s. Thanks, Ray!

Now’s the time to think about who you’ll need to help scale your business, because hiring people with the right talent produces successful results.  

Look at each step of your one-page business plan, such as accounting, marketing, product development, and ask yourself, do I need support to make that happen? If so, seek out people wiser and more experienced than you in those areas.

From one small business owner to another, don’t hire in-house at this early stage. You can outsource on a contractual basis, ensuring you’ve got who you need when you need them – helping you reduce costs and put your business plan into action.

Use our template to build your own business plan!

We’ve created a downloadable template for you to use. Check it out and click the link below to download: 

Write Your Own One-Page Business Plan!

A one-page business plan is the blueprint that will guide your business towards achieving its goals.  

For anyone starting a business, creating a business plan is an important first step.  

Follow this guide to write your very own business plan, and you’ll have a document that will set your business on a path for success.  

This portion of our website is for informational purposes only. The content is not legal advice. All statements, opinions, recommendations, and conclusions are solely the expression of the author and provided on an as-is basis. Accordingly, Tailor Brands is not responsible for the information as well as has not been evaluated the accuracy and/or completeness of the information.

Terry OToole

Terry is a serial entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience building businesses across multiple industries – construction, real estate, e-commerce, hotelier, and now digital media. When not working, Terry likes to kick back and relax with family, explore Taoism’s mysteries, or savor the taste of fine Italian red wine.

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Having a business plan is a must , whether your goal is to start a one-person freelancing business or a multi-million dollar enterprise. However, if you are looking to start a simple product or service business as a sole proprietor or one-person corporation you don't need a 50-page business plan . A shorter plan will suffice. A quick and easy one-page business plan templates can get you started. 

If your business is a partnership  or requires multiple employees, you may need a more robust business plan. Similarly, a one-page plan will not be sufficient if you are in need of  debt  or  equity financing  and wish to impress financial institutions or potential investors. Lenders and investors will require you to provide more in-depth information in the plan such as:

• Your relevant industry background, business, and management experience 
• A more thorough description of your target market , proof of sufficient demand for your products or services, and how you will meet that demand and turn a profit
• Thorough analysis of the competition and how you will compete in the marketplace
• Detailed, realistic financial projections , including projected income statements, cash flow projections, and  breakeven analysis
• An in-depth operating section with details on facilities, leases, equipment, and staffing.

Step-by-step guidance on how to write a business plan  can lead you through each section of a full-sized plan.

Keep in mind that a business plan is a living document and you can always start with a one-page plan and enlarge it with additional detail as required. You may be able to articulate the business overview, vision , objectives, and concise action items in a single page, but you might want more detail in the financial and marketing sections. For example, you might want to add an extra page to your pricing strategy section for income and  cash flow statements and another for breakeven analysis in advertising and promotion.

Structure of a Business Plan

A one-page business plan needs to provide concise answers to several basic questions that must be addressed such as:

• What is the need for your product or service?
• What is your competition and how will you differentiate yourself in the marketplace ?
• How will you make money, for example, in terms of sales versus expenses?
• How will you market your business?
• How will you get started? What are your  capital  requirements?

How to Use the Templates

The sample templates can be copied into a Word, Excel or similar office document by selecting the text and using copy/paste—using Windows, outline the text to be selected with the mouse, and hit CTRL-C to copy and CTRL-V to paste. 

One-Page Business Plan Template for a Service Business

This template is suitable for freelance businesses that provide services, such as consultants, graphic designers, landscapers, and delivery services. For a one-page plan, the answers to questions should be one or two sentences.

One-Page Business Plan Template for a Product Business

This template is suitable for businesses that sell products, such as food services, beauty products, and bike shops. For a one-page plan, the answers to questions should be one or two sentences.

What's your plan for success? Does your business have a plan? The one-page business model demonstrates that you have determined your product or service, understood the need and market opportunity, researched the competition, and determined your costs and pricing. We highly recommend that you attend the workshop on this topic. 

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Business Plan One Page Sample that Captivates Investors

In today’s fast-paced business environment, clarity and conciseness are critical for entrepreneurs looking to communicate their ideas effectively. A business plan, often seen as a lengthy and complex document, can actually be distilled into a single page. This streamlined approach not only saves time but also enhances the clarity of your vision for potential investors, partners, or stakeholders. A focused business plan one page sample allows you to present your key business components without overwhelming your audience with excessive detail. By concentrating on core aspects, you can create a powerful snapshot that sparks interest and invites further exploration of your business concept.

Whether you’re a startup looking for funding or an established company considering a new direction, having a clear, one-page business plan can serve as an invaluable tool. It helps to align your strategies and objectives while making a strong impression on those who may be pivotal to your success. A practical one-page format encourages you to distill your ideas into their fundamental elements, promoting better understanding and communication. This article will guide you through the key elements of a business plan one page sample, ensuring you construct a compelling and cohesive representation of your business vision. Let’s delve into the essential components typically included in a business plan one-page sample.

Key Elements of a Business Plan One Page Sample

Creating a one-page business plan can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. By focusing on key elements, you can summarize your ideas effectively in a single page. A concise format allows you to communicate your vision quickly and efficiently, making it easier for investors or partners to grasp your business goals. Let’s delve into the essential components typically included in a business plan one-page sample.

Business Overview

Begin with a brief overview of your business. This section should capture the essence of your company in just a few sentences. Include your business name, location, the products or services you offer, and your unique selling proposition. Be clear about what makes your business stand out in the marketplace.

Mission Statement

Your mission statement succinctly defines your business’s purpose. It should answer the question, “Why does your business exist?” Focus on your core values and the impact you wish to have on your customers and your industry. A strong mission statement not only guides your business decisions but also resonates with potential investors or stakeholders.

Target Market

Identifying your target market is crucial for a successful business plan. This segment should outline your ideal customers, including demographics such as age, gender, income level, and interests. You can present this information as a bulleted list for clarity:

• Age range: 25-35 years
• Income level: Middle to upper class
• Geographic location: Urban areas
• Interests: Technology, sustainability, health & wellness

Competitive Analysis

Understanding your competition helps position your business effectively. Provide a brief analysis of your main competitors. Discuss their strengths and weaknesses and how your business will differentiate itself. This insight reinforces your strategic thinking and shows potential investors that you are aware of market dynamics.

Marketing Strategy

Your marketing strategy explains how you plan to promote your business to your target audience. Outline key tactics and channels you will use, such as social media, content marketing , email campaigns, or paid advertising. You can include a few bullet points to highlight your main strategies:

• Engaging social media content
• Search engine optimization (SEO)
• Email marketing campaigns
• Networking events and trade shows

Organization and Management

This section showcases your team structure and management style. Introduce the key players in your business, their roles, and their experience. Include a brief summary of each member’s background to highlight their strengths. Investors want to see that your team has the skills necessary to execute your business plan successfully.

Financial Projections

While it’s essential to keep your financial details brief, you should include key financial metrics in your one-page plan. Offer a snapshot of your financial projections for the next three to five years. This data can encompass:

• Projected revenue
• Expected expenses
• Break-even analysis
• Profit margins

Being transparent about your financials creates trust and showcases your understanding of your business’s financial health.

Funding Requirements

If you seek funding, clearly outline how much capital you need and how you plan to use it. This section should provide a brief overview of your funding requirements for startup costs, operational costs, and future growth. Being specific shows potential investors that you have a clear plan for their investment.

Call to Action

End your one-page business plan with a strong call to action. Encourage readers to engage further with your proposal, whether by scheduling a meeting or requesting more information. This final touch fosters communication and shows your enthusiasm for your business.

Creating an effective one-page business plan can dramatically enhance your ability to communicate your ideas succinctly. By covering these key elements and following a structured approach, you will not only clarify your own business strategy but also make a compelling case to stakeholders and potential investors. Remember, clarity and precision are vital, so keep your language simple and direct.

Benefits of Using a One Page Business Plan

Creating a business plan can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re just starting out. That’s where a one-page business plan comes into play. This format allows you to distill your ideas into a concise and focused document. One-page business plans are not only easier to create but can also offer numerous benefits that traditional multi-page plans might lack.

Clarity and Focus

Having a one-page business plan helps you clarify your thoughts. You need to be intentional about what to include, which can lead to a better understanding of your business idea and goals. It forces you to prioritize essential elements, such as:

• Your business name
• Your target market
• The unique value proposition
• Revenue streams
• Financial projections

By summarizing these critical elements, you gain clearer insights into what your business is all about. This clarity will guide further decisions as you move forward.

Easy to Share

One-page business plans are highly shareable. Whether you need to pitch to investors, collaborate with partners, or even inform your team, having a succinct plan is effective. Potential stakeholders don’t have the time to read lengthy documents. A one-page format allows you to quickly communicate the essential details without overwhelming them. You can present it in meetings, include it in emails, or even hand it out during networking events.

Simplifies Updates

With a shorter document, updating your business plan becomes less of a chore. If you change your objectives or discover new market opportunities, you can easily revise the content without starting from scratch. Regular updates keep your business relevant as conditions change. Adjustments become a simple matter of modifying a few lines or bullet points.

Encourages Accountability

A one-page business plan allows you to set clear objectives and commitments. When you outline specific goals and deadlines, it becomes easier to hold yourself accountable. You can track progress and evaluate performance against the defined targets. This level of focus encourages you to stay on course, ensuring that you allocate your resources effectively.

Fosters Communication

One-page business plans promote better communication among team members. When everyone is on the same page, it reduces confusion and aligns efforts. The simplicity of this format encourages discussions about the business’s direction and helps everyone understand their roles in achieving the overarching objectives. Team collaboration can improve dramatically when everyone understands the overall strategy.

Accelerates Decision-Making

With all the crucial information on a single page, making informed decisions becomes smoother and quicker. You can assess risks and opportunities with ease when you don’t have to sift through lengthy documents. The one-page format helps you to visualize your plan and identify gaps or challenges that need to be addressed. Rapid decision-making can be crucial, especially in the fast-paced business environment.

Cost-Effective

Utilizing a one-page business plan can save you time and money. Traditional lengthy business plans often require extensive research and voluminous data collection, which can take away from your time focusing on your business operations. A one-page plan helps you focus on what’s truly important without the frills.

Increases Engagement with Visual Data

Another significant advantage of the one-page business plan is the opportunity for visual representation. You can use charts, graphs, and bullet points to break down complex information in an engaging way. This allows readers to digest information quicker, making your business plan not only informative but also visually appealing. People retain information better when presented in a visually engaging manner.

In today’s fast-paced world, a one-page business plan empowers you to express your vision clearly and concisely. By focusing on essential elements, you promote clarity, ease of communication, and accountability. The benefits extend far beyond just being brief; they allow you to adapt and thrive in your entrepreneurial journey. If you haven’t considered using a one-page business plan yet, now might just be the perfect time to start!

How to Create Your Own One Page Business Plan

Creating a one-page business plan is an effective way to summarize your business concepts and goals in a concise format. Whether you’re starting a new venture or seeking funding for an existing business, this streamlined approach allows you to communicate your ideas clearly and efficiently. Here, you will learn how to craft your own one-page business plan, highlighting key elements you should consider.

Understand Your Audience

Before you begin writing, think about who will read this business plan. Are you presenting it to potential investors, partners, or yourself? Understanding your audience helps tailor your language and focus on the most relevant points. Ask yourself:

• What do they want to know?
• What are their concerns?
• How can I present my business idea in a way that speaks to them?

Define Your Business Concept

The first section of your plan should explain what your business does. In just a few sentences, you need to clearly articulate your business idea. Consider addressing:

• What products or services do you offer?
• What is the mission of your business?
• What makes it unique or valuable in the marketplace?

Identify Your Target Market

Knowing your audience is crucial. Define your target market by outlining who your ideal customers are. Here are a few prompts to guide you:

• What demographics do they belong to (age, gender, location)?
• What challenges do they face that your product or service can solve?
• How do they typically purchase similar products?

This section is vital because it shows that you understand the marketplace and where your business fits in.

Outline Your Marketing Strategy

Now that you’ve identified your target market, explain how you will reach them. Your marketing strategy doesn’t have to be overly detailed, but include key methods such as:

• Social Media Marketing: Which platforms will you use?
• Email Campaigns: How will you engage potential customers?
• Content Marketing: What type of content will you share to attract your audience?

Summarizing your marketing approach will demonstrate to your audience that you have a plan to acquire customers.

Set Clear Goals

Your business plan should include specific, measurable goals. This could be financial targets, market penetration figures, or launch timelines. When setting goals, consider using the SMART criteria:

• S pecific: Clearly defined and understandable.
• M easurable: Quantifiable to track your progress.
• A chievable: Realistic and attainable.
• R elevant: Aligned with your broader business objectives.
• T ime-bound: Set a deadline for your goals.

Establishing these goals helps keep your business on track and shows potential investors that you are serious about your future.

Financial Overview

Give a snapshot of your financials to provide a quick look at your business’s profitability potential. Include estimates of your income and expenses, as well as any initial funding needs. Breaking it down into quick figures, you might address:

• Projected Revenue: What are your financial goals?
• Cost Structure: What are your main expenses?
• Funding: What are you seeking for initial investments?

Clear financial projections not only boost your plan’s credibility but also help align your strategy with your financial capabilities.

Summarize Your Team Structure

Who is running this business? Mention the key members of your team and their relevant skills or experiences. This section doesn’t need to be exhaustive, but highlighting the strengths your team brings can reassure investors and partners that your venture is in capable hands. Consider including:

• Key Team Members and their Roles
• Relevant Experience or Qualifications
• Any advisors or support you have lined up

Once you have all these sections filled out, make sure to format your one-page business plan cleanly. Use bullet points, bolding for key sections, and clear headers. Remember, the goal is clarity and brevity. A comprehensive business plan, even in one page, can set a solid foundation for your business journey.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in One Page Business Plans

Creating a one-page business plan is a fantastic way to succinctly communicate your business idea. However, many entrepreneurs make common mistakes that can undermine the effectiveness of this vital document. Here are several pitfalls to avoid when crafting your one-page business plan.

Neglecting Clear Objectives

One common mistake is failing to articulate clear objectives. You should start with a powerful and specific goal. Objectives give your plan direction and help you focus on what is truly important. Write down what you want to achieve in the short term and long term. This clarity is crucial for guiding your actions and attracting potential investors. For example:

• Increase revenue by 20% in the next year.
• Expand customer base by 15% within six months.

Overloading with Information

While you want to convey a lot of information, cramming too much data into your one-page business plan can backfire. Keep it concise; less is often more. Focus on the most critical aspects, such as your value proposition, target market, and financial projections. Use bullet points to highlight essential information instead of long paragraphs. This not only improves readability but also helps your readers quickly absorb key details.

Ignoring Your Audience

Your one-page plan should consider who will be reading it. Whether it’s potential investors or partners, you must tailor the content to your audience’s interests and needs. Highlight why your business stands out and how it solves a problem. Use language that resonates with them, cutting out jargon that may confuse or alienate your readers. Speak directly to your readers by using “you,” creating a connection that fosters engagement.

Lack of a Competitive Analysis

Another significant error is not including a competitive analysis. Understanding your competitors and how you plan to differentiate your business is vital. Create a succinct comparison that highlights your unique selling proposition (USP). This might include:

• Different pricing strategies.
• Superior customer service.
• Innovative product features.

This section helps to reassure investors that you’ve done your homework and have a viable strategy for gaining market share.

Underestimating Financial Projections

Financial projections are a cornerstone of any business plan, and underestimating them is a common mistake. Avoid presenting overly optimistic figures or leaving this section vague. Instead, incorporate realistic, data-backed numbers. Make sure to include:

• Projected income for the next few years.
• Estimated costs, including operational and marketing expenses.
• Expected return on investment.

This level of detail demonstrates your seriousness and can foster trust with potential stakeholders.

Failure to Describe Marketing Strategies

Setting out how you intend to grow your customer base is integral to your plan. A common oversight is not detailing this aspect thoroughly. Discuss your marketing strategies clearly, including online and offline tactics. You could write about:

• Social media campaigns.
• Content marketing efforts.
• Networking events.

A clear marketing strategy not only shows investors you understand your market but also that you have a solid plan for reaching your audience.

Using Vague Language

Ambiguity can severely weaken your one-page business plan. Instead of using vague terms like “increase sales significantly,” be specific about what that means for your business. Provide tangible numbers or percentages to convey your intent. This not only enhances clarity but also shows that you have a detailed understanding of the market and your capabilities.

Not Seeking Feedback

Not seeking feedback on your one-page business plan is a mistake many entrepreneurs make. Before finalizing your document, share it with trusted colleagues, mentors, or industry experts. Outside perspectives can provide invaluable insights that help you refine your plan and avoid common oversights. This iterative process improves the quality and effectiveness of your business plan.

A well-crafted one-page business plan can be a powerful tool. By avoiding these common mistakes, you will create a document that not only serves your own needs but also excites and engages your audience.

Real-Life Examples of Effective One Page Business Plans

When it comes to launching a business, conveying your vision concisely is crucial. One-page business plans have gained popularity as they allow entrepreneurs to present their ideas effectively without overwhelming potential investors or partners with excessive detail. Here are some real-life examples of successful one-page business plans that highlight their practical applications and benefits.

Example 1: A Local Coffee Shop

A local coffee shop in Portland, Oregon, utilized a one-page business plan to outline its mission, target market, and unique selling proposition. The key components included:

• Business Overview: A warm, welcoming space where customers can enjoy high-quality, locally sourced coffee.
• Target Market: Young professionals and university students seeking a cozy environment to work or socialize.
• Revenue Streams: Coffee sales, pastries, and merchandise like mugs and T-shirts.

This concise format helped the owners communicate their vision clearly to potential investors, securing the funding they needed quickly.

Example 2: A Mobile App Startup

A tech startup focused on developing a mobile app for fitness enthusiasts created a one-page business plan to streamline their development process. They included:

• Mission Statement: To empower users to achieve their fitness goals through a user-friendly platform.
• Market Analysis: Insights on competitors and the growing trend of mobile fitness solutions.
• Marketing Strategy: Social media campaigns and partnerships with local gyms to attract users.

This focused approach enabled the startup to maintain clarity and purpose throughout their development process. Investors appreciated the straightforward presentation, which highlighted potential market growth and profitability.

Example 3: A Food Truck Business

A food truck business in Los Angeles developed a one-page plan to clarify its operations and funding needs. The vital points were:

• Brand Positioning: A unique taco truck offering organic and locally-sourced ingredients.
• Customer Demographics: Health-conscious, urban dwellers who value quality and sustainability.
• Funding Requirements: Initial investment for the truck, permits, and inventory.

This succinct plan streamlined their efforts, leading to swift approval from local health authorities and positive traction on social media, aiding in the food truck’s successful launch.

Example 4: An Eco-Friendly Cleaning Service

A small business focused on providing environmentally friendly cleaning services developed a one-page plan that covered:

• Service Description: Offering both residential and commercial cleaning using non-toxic, biodegradable products.
• Marketing Plan: Leveraging word-of-mouth and local influencer partnerships to reach eco-conscious consumers.
• Financial Projections: Forecasts showcasing expenses and projected revenue within the first year.

Using this document, the owner successfully articulated the business’s social mission, attracting clients who prioritized sustainability.

Example 5: An Online Tutoring Platform

An entrepreneur aiming to create an online tutoring service employed a one-page business plan to outline essential details like:

• Vision: To make quality education accessible to students everywhere.
• Target Audience: School-age children needing extra help in their studies, alongside busy parents seeking convenience.
• Technology Use: Utilizing a user-friendly platform for lessons and an efficient booking system.

The clarity of their one-page plan drew the attention of investors interested in educational technology, enabling quick funding and development.

Each of these examples illustrates the versatility and effectiveness of one-page business plans. By distilling complex ideas into clear, actionable insights, entrepreneurs can effectively communicate their vision and strategy, gaining crucial support and guidance early in their journey. Whether it’s a coffee shop, a tech startup, a food truck, a cleaning service, or an online tutoring platform, a well-crafted one-page plan can create the foundation for success.

Tools and Templates for Crafting One Page Business Plans

Creating a concise and effective one-page business plan can serve as a powerful tool for entrepreneurs. This document allows you to encapsulate your vision, mission, and business goals on a single page. It not only helps in aligning your thoughts but can also be persuasive when presenting to stakeholders or potential investors. To make this process easier, let’s explore various tools and templates that can assist you in crafting your one-page business plan.

Why Use Tools and Templates?

Using tools and templates can significantly streamline your planning process. They offer structure and guidance, ensuring that you don’t miss any essential components. Moreover, pre-designed templates save you time, allowing you to focus on your business ideas rather than formatting. Here’s why you should consider them:

• Efficiency: Save time by using ready-made layouts.
• Clarity: Visual aids help convey your ideas clearly.
• Comprehensiveness: Cover all vital parts of your business plan.

Popular Tools for Business Plans

Your choice of tools can greatly affect the quality of your one-page business plan. Here are some highly recommended options:

• LivePlan: This cloud-based software offers dynamic templates that allow real-time collaboration. It provides a step-by-step process to help you build your plan and includes useful performance tracking features.
• Bizplan: Ideal for visual thinkers, Bizplan allows you to drag and drop different sections to customize your business plan. The platform also offers video guidance, making it suitable for beginners.
• Canva: Although primarily a graphic design tool, Canva has a range of one-page business plan templates. This is perfect for entrepreneurs who want to make their plans visually appealing.
• Google Docs: A simple yet effective way to create a one-page business plan. You can utilize various templates available online or craft your own from scratch.

What to Include in Your One Page Business Plan

While the format may vary, several critical elements should always be included in your one-page business plan:

• Business Name and Logo: Start with your business’s identity to establish branding.
• Mission Statement: A brief description of what your business aims to accomplish.
• Target Market: Who are you serving? Define your ideal customers.
• Products and Services: Describe what you are offering and how it adds value.
• Market Analysis: Include relevant data about the industry and competition.
• Revenue Streams: Indicate how your business will make money.
• Marketing Strategy: Outline your approach to reaching your target audience.
• Financial Projections: Provide estimates for income, expenses, and profitability.
• Goals and Milestones: List short-term and long-term objectives to track progress.

Templates for a One Page Business Plan

Below are a few templates you can use as a starting point:

• Simple One-Page Template: A straightforward format that includes key components in bullet points.
• Visual One-Page Plan: A more graphically rich template with charts and visuals to represent data.
• Lean Canvas: A popular template that helps you visualize your business model effectively, focusing on problems, solutions, and key metrics.
• Business Model Canvas: This template helps to outline your entire business model on one page, focusing on customer segments and value propositions.

Final Insights

Crafting a one-page business plan doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right tools and templates, you can efficiently outline your business vision, strategies, and goals. Remember, the key to a successful one-page business plan is clarity and conciseness. Keep refining your plan until it effectively communicates your business idea in a way that resonates with your audience. Take advantage of existing resources and templates, and customize them to fit your unique vision. With practice, you’ll find that creating these plans becomes a quicker and more intuitive process.

The Role of a One Page Business Plan in Startup Success

Starting a new business can be both exciting and daunting. With all the details to consider, putting together a solid plan is essential. A one-page business plan can be a powerful tool in your startup arsenal. It captures your ideas simply and concisely, making it easier for you to navigate the challenges of launching a new venture.

A one-page business plan serves as a snapshot of your business idea. It allows you to focus on the most important elements without diving deep into lengthy documents. This brief format promotes clarity and keeps your goals in sight. Here are some of the roles a one-page business plan plays in achieving startup success:

Clarity of Vision

One of the key benefits of a one-page business plan is that it forces you to clarify your vision. When you summarize complex ideas into a single page, you must choose your words carefully. This encourages you to think about what really matters for your business. A concise vision can motivate you and attract potential investors who want to understand your purpose quickly.

Streamlined Focus

When starting a business, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by numerous tasks. A one-page business plan acts as a roadmap. It helps you concentrate on core objectives without getting sidetracked. By outlining your primary goals, target audience, and key strategies, you ensure your efforts align with your business mission. Here are specific areas to include:

• Business Description: Briefly explain what your business does.
• Target Market: Identify who your customers are.
• Revenue Model: Explain how you plan to make money.
• Marketing Strategy: Describe how you will promote your business.
• Key Metrics: Outline how you will measure success.

Quick Reference

A one-page business plan is an excellent reference tool. As your business progresses, you can revisit this page to ensure you stay on track. It’s a simple way to remind yourself of your original goals and strategies, especially when facing changing market conditions or unexpected challenges. Keeping your plan visible aids in decision-making and helps foster accountability.

Effective Communication

Whether you are pitching to investors or discussing ideas with team members, a one-page plan makes communication easier. It highlights the essential aspects of your business idea in a format that is easy to digest. This efficiency can dramatically improve your success rate when seeking funding or collaboration. When everyone involved understands the core elements of your business, it paves the way for smoother discussions and faster decision-making.

Flexibility and Adaptation

In the business world, change is constant. A one-page business plan allows for easier updates compared to a traditional, lengthy document. As situations evolve, you can tweak specific elements without overhauling the entire plan. For instance, if you find your target market isn’t responding as expected, you can revise your marketing strategy right there. This adaptability keeps your plan relevant and actionable.

Encouraging Accountability

When you break down your business plan into clear and concise sections, each part becomes more identifiable. This clarity can help you hold yourself and your team accountable. For example, if your goal is to reach a certain revenue target, you can easily track progress towards this goal by referring back to your one-page business plan. It also encourages regular review and updates, fostering a culture of accountability within your team.

In a nutshell, a one-page business plan can significantly influence your startup’s success. It simplifies complex ideas, keeps you focused, and enhances communication. Most importantly, it helps you adapt to changing circumstances while ensuring accountability. If you are ready to launch your business, consider crafting a one-page business plan. It just might be the key to your success!

Creating a one-page business plan offers a streamlined approach to defining your business goals and strategies. By concentrating on key elements such as your mission statement, target market, and financial projections, you can capture the essence of your business in a concise manner. The benefits of utilizing this format are numerous; it fosters clarity, encourages focus, and enables quick adjustments as you gather feedback.

As you embark on crafting your own one-page business plan, remember the importance of avoiding common pitfalls like overcomplicating your information or neglecting realistic financial planning. Instead, aim for clarity and precision. Real-life examples can serve as powerful inspirations, showcasing how successful entrepreneurs have utilized this format to propel their ventures.

Useful tools and templates can simplify the creation process, allowing you to design a plan that resonates with your business vision. Embracing a one-page business plan is not just about saving space—it’s about enhancing your chances of startup success by ensuring that your objectives are clear and easily communicated.

A well-thought-out one-page business plan can be a valuable asset in today’s fast-paced entrepreneurial landscape. It equips you with a roadmap for your business while remaining adaptable to change. Remember, the goal is not just to have a plan but to have a plan that works for you and your journey. As you take the steps necessary to create your one-page business plan, you are laying the groundwork for a future filled with potential and opportunity.

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COVID-19 Updates

Vaccine and Booster Information

Reopening Guidelines

Late Night Business Safety Plan Program

Montgomery County is committed to establishing a uniform process for those businesses in areas experiencing higher than normal call volumes in the late-night hours. The business safety plan summarizes the establishment’s efforts to safely conduct operations for patrons and employee(s) consistent with County Executive Regulation 004-24. Consistent with this Regulation, the Montgomery County Department of Police (MCPD) has launched a Late-Night Business Safety Plan application portal.

Am I required ?

Beginning September 13, 2024, businesses required to submit a safety plan are those that have an “other tobacco products retailer” license, food license, license for on-site cannabis consumption, or liquor license where the products sold are consumed on-site at tables or other areas designated for consumption by the business, and that:

• Are open to patrons from 2:00am – 5:00am; or,
• Are open to patrons from 12:00am – 5:00am and have had two serious incidents within the previous 12 months. See the FAQs for the definition of a serious incident.

Applicable businesses will receive training at the business location from a MCPD officer within 30 days of the application submission. Upon submission of the application, the district station will be notified and an officer will contact the applicant to arrange the training. Training must be completed before the Safety Plan can be considered for approval.

How do I apply ?

Fill out our online form to apply for Montgomery County Late Night Business Safety Plan Program.

Online Application Form

Frequently Asked Questions

A business-specific written document summarizing the establishment’s efforts to safely conduct operations for patrons and employee(s) consistent with guidelines and training described in Montgomery County Executive Regulation 004-24.

According to Montgomery County Executive Regulation 004-24, Serious Incidents are defined as:

• Distribution of narcotics or other controlled dangerous substances;
• A sexual offense in the third or fourth degree under § 3-307 or § 3-308 of the Criminal Law Article of the Maryland Code; or
• A crime of violence as defined in § 14-101 of the Criminal Law Article, including:
• kidnapping;
• manslaughter, except involuntary manslaughter;
• human trafficking;
• sexual offense of any degree;
• use of a handgun in the commission of a felony or other crime of violence;
• an attempt to commit any of the crimes described in the preceding bullets of this list;
• assault in the first degree;
• assault against a law enforcement officer or emergency medical services provider in any degree; and, assault with intent of any type in any degree.

The Safety Plan Review Panel will receive and conduct a preliminary review of the late-night business safety plan within 30 (thirty) days of receipt of each safety plan.

• Businesses may appeal the disapproval of a safety plan or the requirement to produce a safety plan under the serious incident inclusion provision before the Montgomery County Board of Appeals.
• Appeals must be filed within 30 days of receipt of the decision disapproving a plan or notification of the requirement to produce a plan.

Funding availability is subject to appropriation by the Montgomery County Council.

https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/exec/Resources/Files/Executive%20Regulation%20%23004-24_Late-Night%20Business(4).pdf

Businesses may appeal the disapproval of a safety plan or the requirement to produce a safety plan under the serious incident inclusion provision before the Montgomery County Board of Appeals. Appeals must be filed within 30 days of receipt of the decision disapproving a plan or notification of the requirement to produce a plan.

https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/boa/

• Link to County Regulation 004-24
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JTC Delivers Accelerated Start To Cosmos Era With Strong Organic Performance And Strategic M&A

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Global professional services business JTC has today announced strong interim results with record new business wins, organic growth above upgraded guidance at a stable margin even as the Group continues to invest in growth.

JTC, which is listed as a FTSE 250 company on the London Stock Exchange (“LSE”), reported a 21.1% increase in total revenue to £147.1m with very good net organic growth of 12.5%, ahead of its medium-term guidance that was revised upwards to 10%+ for it latest multi-year business plan, the Cosmos era. JTC also delivered record new business wins of £18.8m up 28.8% period on period, and an underlying EBITDA margin of 33.4%.

The Group has been able to conduct M&A activity at an impressive pace, adding four businesses to the platform in the period, as well as the post period announcements of Buck, a bolt-on that will form part of JTC’s Employer Solutions business, and the significant acquisition of Citi’s global trust company business, which will sit within the PCS Division and cement JTC’s position as the world’s largest independent trust company businesses.

JTC’s Private Client Services (PCS) Division revenue increased strongly by 46.1% to £59.6m (H1 2023: £40.8m) with sector-leading net organic growth of 13.9% (H1 2023: 18.6%) and a similarly impressive increase of 51.6% in underlying EBITDA to £22.3m (H1 2023: £14.7m). In particular, the performance of its US business has been strong, with the addition of SDTC to the existing platform, which celebrated its one year anniversary in August, and the addition of FRTC in Delaware, all providing additional scale and delivering performance in the high growth US market. Post period end, the Group announced the acquisition of Citi’s global trust company business which is a transformational deal for the Group and the Division.

The Group’s Institutional Client Services (ICS) Division, which focuses on fund and corporate services, saw revenues increase by 8.5% to £87.5m, and robust net organic growth of 11.9%. Three of the four acquisitions during the period now form part of the ICS Division, with FFP being the catalyst and a core pillar for a new Governance Services practice, which will be called Northpoint Governance Services.

Post period end, and in recognition of the tremendous success of its Galaxy era business plan, which ran from 2021 to 2023 and saw the Group double in size, JTC awarded £50m of ‘warehoused’ shares from its Employee Benefit Trust to its entire global workforce.

The Board has declared an interim dividend of 4.3p per share, an increase of 0.8p period on period (H1 2023: 3.5p).

Looking ahead, strong financial performance with impressive organic growth, record new business wins, continued high cash conversion and the ability to de-lever, along with an increased interim dividend, are testament to JTC’s ability to continue to deliver consistent growth.

Nigel Le Quesne , CEO of JTC PLC, added:

“We have made a strong start to the Cosmos era, with record new business wins, organic growth above our upgraded guidance at a stable margin even as we continue to invest in growth. A particular highlight has been our M&A activity with four acquisitions announced or completed during the period. Post period end, we were pleased to announce the acquisition of Buck as an addition to our Employer Solutions business and the significant acquisition from Citibank of Citi Trust, its global trust company business. This is a transformational deal for the Group and the PCS Division, cementing JTC as one of the world’s largest independent trust company businesses.

Our commitment to ownership for all employees remains our defining characteristic and while it did not fall directly within the period, I must mention our most recent Shared Ownership event, through which £50m of ‘warehoused’ shares from our Employee Benefit Trust, were awarded to our global workforce in recognition of their collective achievement to double the size of the Group in just three years by delivering our Galaxy Era plan. As always, I thank our employee owners for their dedication to our clients and for bringing the JTC culture to life.”

Nigel Le Quesne

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What to know about the deadly pager explosions targeting Hezbollah

Hundreds of handheld pagers have exploded almost simultaneously across Lebanon and in parts of Syria, killing at least nine people, government and Hezbollah officials say.

People donate blood for those who were injured by their exploded handheld pagers, at a Red Cross center, in the southern port city of Sidon, Lebanon, Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)

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Pager explosions in Lebanon and Syria killed at least 12 people and wounded thousands. Follow AP’s live updates.

NEW YORK (AP) — In what appears to be a sophisticated, remote attack , pagers used by hundreds of members of Hezbollah exploded almost simultaneously in Lebanon and Syria Tuesday, killing at least 12 people — including two children — and wounding thousands more.

A U.S. official said Israel briefed the U.S. on the operation — in which small amounts of explosive hidden in the pagers were detonated — on Tuesday after it was concluded. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the information publicly.

The Iran-backed militant group blamed Israel for the deadly explosions, which targeted an extraordinary breadth of people and showed signs of being a long-planned operation. Details on how the attack was executed are largely uncertain and investigators have not immediately said how the pagers were detonated. The Israeli military has declined to comment.

Here’s what we know so far.

Why were pagers used in the attack?

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah previously warned the group’s members not to carry cellphones, saying they could be used by Israel to track the group’s movements. As a result, the organization uses pagers to communicate.

A Hezbollah official told The Associated Press the exploded devices were from a new brand the group had not used before. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to the press, did not identify the brand name or supplier.

Taiwanese company Gold Apollo said Wednesday it had authorized use of its brand on the AR-924 pager model and a Budapest, Hungary-based company called BAC Consulting produced and sold the pagers. Further information on BAC wasn’t immediately available.

Nicholas Reese, adjunct instructor at the Center for Global Affairs in New York University’s School of Professional Studies, said smart phones carry a higher risk for intercepted communications in contrast to the simpler technology of pagers.

This type of attack will also force Hezbollah to change their communication strategies, said Reese, who previously worked as an intelligence officer, adding that survivors of Tuesday’s explosions are likely to throw away “not just their pagers, but their phones, and leaving their tablets or any other electronic devices.”

How could sabotage cause these pagers to explode?

Even with a U.S. official confirming it was a planned operation by Israel, multiple theories have emerged Tuesday around how the attack might have been carried out. Several experts who spoke with The Associated Press explained how the explosions were most likely the result of supply-chain interference.

Very small explosive devices may have been built into the pagers prior to their delivery to Hezbollah, and then all remotely triggered simultaneously, possibly with a radio signal.

By the time of the attack, “the battery was probably half-explosive and half-actual battery,” said Carlos Perez, director of security intelligence at TrustedSec.

A former British Army bomb disposal officer explained that an explosive device has five main components: A container, a battery, a triggering device, a detonator and an explosive charge.

“A pager has three of those already,” said the ex-officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he now works as a consultant with clients on the Middle East. “You would only need to add the detonator and the charge.”

After security camera footage appeared on social media Tuesday purporting to show one of the pagers exploding on a man’s hip in a Lebanese market, two munitions experts offered opinions that corroborate the U.S. official’s statement that the blast appeared to be the result of a tiny explosive device.

“Looking at the video, the size of the detonation is similar to that caused by an electric detonator alone or one that incorporates an extremely small, high-explosive charge,” said Sean Moorhouse, a former British Army officer and explosive ordinance disposal expert.

This signals involvement of a state actor, Moorhouse said. He adds that Israel’s foreign intelligence agency, the Mossad, is the most obvious suspect to have the resources to carry out such an attack.

N.R. Jenzen-Jones, an expert in military arms who is director of the Australian-based Armament Research Services, notes that Israel had been accused of carrying out similar operations in the past. Last year, AP reported that Iran accused Israel of trying to sabotage its ballistic missile program through faulty foreign parts that could explode , damaging or destroying the weapons before they could be used.

How long was this operation?

It would take a long time to plan an attack of this scale. The exact specifics are still unknown, but experts who spoke with the AP shared estimates ranging anywhere between several months to two years.

The sophistication of the attack suggests that the culprit has been collecting intelligence for a long time, Reese said. An attack of this caliber requires building the relationships needed to gain physical access to the pagers before they were sold; developing the technology that would be embedded in the devices; and developing sources who can confirm that the targets were carrying the pagers.

And it’s likely the compromised pagers seemed normal to their users for some time before the attack. Elijah J. Magnier, a Brussels-based veteran and a senior political risk analyst with over 37 years experience in the region, said he has had conversations with members of Hezbollah and survivors of Tuesday’s pager attack. He said the pagers were procured more than six months ago.

“The pagers functioned perfectly for six months,” Magnier said. What triggered the explosion, he said, appeared to be an error message sent to all the devices.

Based on his conversations with Hezbollah members, Magnier also said that many pagers didn’t go off, allowing the group to inspect them. They came to the conclusion that between 3 to 5 grams of a highly explosive material were concealed or embedded in the circuitry, he said.

Jenzen-Jones also adds that “such a large-scale operation also raises questions of targeting” — stressing the number of causalities and enormous impact reported so far.

“How can the party initiating the explosive be sure that a target’s child, for example, is not playing with the pager at the time it functions?” he said.

Hezbollah issued a statement confirming at least two members were killed in the bombings. One of them was the son of a Hezbollah member in parliament, according to the Hezbollah official who spoke anonymously. The group later issued announcements that six other members were killed Tuesday, though it did not specify how.

“We hold the Israeli enemy fully responsible for this criminal aggression that also targeted civilians,” Hezbollah said, adding that Israel will “for sure get its just punishment.”

Associated Press journalist Johnson Lai in Taipei contributed to this report.

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