Build your business plan
Work through eleven short sections in plain English, one screen at a time. Example phrases show the level of detail lenders expect — no jargon needed.
This builder is free to use without an account. Saving your draft, printing, and downloads use a free verified account, and work is stored only when you choose to save it.
This builder is educational. Every lender — and SBA — has its own requirements and preferred formats, so verify what your lender wants. The free advisors on our free help page (SBDC, SCORE, and others) will review your plan at no cost before you send it to anyone.
Cover details (optional). Leave these blank and exports will use [Business Name] and [Owner Name] so you can fill them in after downloading.
Executive Summary
One page that sums up the whole plan. Many owners write it last, after the other sections are done — that's fine.
- [Business Name] is a family-run bakery that has served downtown customers since 2021.
- We plan to discuss financing in the $150,000–$350,000 range with lenders to open a second location.
- Our owners bring 15 combined years of industry experience.
Business Plan
[Business Name]
Prepared by [Owner Name]
Independent educational tool, not affiliated with or endorsed by the SBA, any government agency, or any lender. SBA information is based on public guidance and should be verified against current SBA rules, forms, and lender policy.
Executive Summary
Summarize your business and your request
[To be completed]
Company Description
Describe the business
[To be completed]
Why does this business exist?
[To be completed]
Products & Services
What do you sell?
[To be completed]
How do you price it?
[To be completed]
Market & Customers
Who are your customers?
[To be completed]
What is happening in your market?
[To be completed]
Competition
Who else serves your customers?
[To be completed]
What makes customers choose you?
[To be completed]
Marketing & Sales
How do customers find you?
[To be completed]
How do you turn interest into sales?
[To be completed]
Management & Ownership
Who owns and runs the business?
[To be completed]
Who else is on the team, and what gaps will you fill?
[To be completed]
Operations
How does the business run day to day?
[To be completed]
Location, equipment, and suppliers
[To be completed]
Funding Request
What funding will you discuss, and for what?
[To be completed]
How would the business support repayment?
[To be completed]
Financial Plan
Tell the story behind your numbers
[To be completed]
What assumptions is your plan built on?
[To be completed]
Appendix
- ☐ Business tax returns (up to 3 years, as available)
- ☐ Personal tax returns for each owner (up to 3 years)
- ☐ Year-to-date profit & loss and balance sheet
- ☐ Recent business bank statements
- ☐ Business licenses and registrations
- ☐ Lease, purchase agreement, or property documents
- ☐ Insurance summaries
- ☐ Resumes for owners and key managers
- ☐ Key contracts, letters of intent, or major customer agreements
Private information — fill in by hand
These lines are blank on purpose. This website never asks for this information and it should never be typed into the website.
Owner Social Security Number: ____-__-____
(fill in after downloading — never type this into the website)
Owner home address: ______________________________________________
(fill in after downloading — never type this into the website)
Owner date of birth: ____ / ____ / ________
(fill in after downloading — never type this into the website)