Company Business Plan Example

Whether you’re a founder, a new owner, or just beginning to think about starting a business … Especially for small or growing companies: In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to write a successful business plan and turn your idea into a reality. Amidst that rush, the idea of writing a business plan—much less following a business plan template—often feels time-consuming and intimidating. It’s more than the old cliche, “A failure to plan is a plan to fail.” In fact, a wealth of data now exists on the difference a written business plan makes.Spend some time thinking about what sets you apart.

Whether you’re a founder, a new owner, or just beginning to think about starting a business … Especially for small or growing companies: In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to write a successful business plan and turn your idea into a reality. Amidst that rush, the idea of writing a business plan—much less following a business plan template—often feels time-consuming and intimidating. It’s more than the old cliche, “A failure to plan is a plan to fail.” In fact, a wealth of data now exists on the difference a written business plan makes.Spend some time thinking about what sets you apart.

It’s also smart to write a business plan when you’re: Start with a clear picture of who the audience your plan will address. Defining your audience helps you determine the language you’ll need to propose your ideas as well as the depth to which you need to go to help readers conduct due diligence. It’s a high-level look at everything and summarizes the other sections of your plan. Below, you’ll find an example from a fictional business, Landscapers Inc.

Even though it appears first in the plan, write your executive summary last so you can condense essential ideas from the other nine sections. (We’ll use that same company through this guide and within the downloadable template to make each step practical and easy to replicate.) Its executive summary majors on what’s often called the That framework isn’t meant to be rigid, but instead to serve as a jumping-off point.

Market research indicates an increasing number of wealthy consumers in Cleveland are interested in landscape architecture based on sustainable design. Currently, only two exist—neither of which focuses on eco-friendly planning nor are certified by green organizations. provides a premium, sustainable service for customers with disposable incomes, large yards, and a love of nature.

Within a business plan, your company description contains three elements: (1) mission statement, (2) history, and (3) objectives. Think about what motivates you, what causes and experiences led you to start the business, the problems you solve, the wider social issues you care about, and more.

If your business doesn’t have any direct competition, research other companies that provide a similar product or service.

Next, create a table or spreadsheet listing your competitors to include in your plan.

Landscape Inc.’s mission is to change the face of our city through sustainable landscaping and help you create the outdoor living space of your dreams.

Founded in 2019 by sisters Sherry and Shelly Smith, we have over 25 years of combined landscape-architecture experience.

Even better—if you’re pressed for time—we’ve compiled the 10 steps and examples into a downloadable (PDF) template: But, first things first …

A business plan is a comprehensive roadmap for your small business’ growth and development.