New Startup Business Plan Format

New Startup Business Plan


1. Executive Summary

This section provides a snapshot of the business, highlighting its core elements.

  • Business Name & Location: Name of the startup and the headquarters' location.

  • Mission Statement: A brief statement of the startup's purpose and goals.

  • Business Model: A short description of how the business will generate revenue.

  • Product/Service Offering: A concise overview of what the startup offers.

  • Market Opportunity: Summary of the target market and customer need the business addresses.

  • Funding Requirement & Financial Highlights: An outline of how much funding is required and a summary of key financial projections (revenue, profit, etc.).

  • Vision for the Future: Where you see the company in 3-5 years.


2. Company Description

Provide a detailed background of the startup.

  • Legal Structure: Regardless of the company's structure.

  • Company History: How and why the business was founded.

  • Mission and Vision: Detailed explanation of your mission and long-term vision.

  • Objectives: Measurable milestones you plan to achieve within specific timeframes (e.g., customer acquisition, revenue, etc.).

  • Key Value Proposition: What differentiates your product or service from competitors.


3. Market Research & Analysis

Present research findings to demonstrate that your business has a viable market.

  • Industry Overview: Description of the market landscape, trends, and growth potential.

  • Target Market: Detailed breakdown of your ideal customer, including demographics, location, behaviors, and pain points.

  • Market Size & Growth Potential: Statistics to showcase the size and scalability of the market.

  • Competitive Analysis: Identify direct and indirect competitors. Include strengths and weaknesses, as well as your startup’s competitive advantages.

  • Market Entry Strategy: Describe how you plan to enter the market, including pricing strategies and marketing efforts.


4. Products & Services

Detail the startup's offerings.

  • Description of Products/Services: List features, benefits, pricing, and lifecycle.

  • Unique Selling Proposition (USP): What makes your product/service distinct?

  • Development Roadmap: Future product plans and upgrades.

  • Intellectual Property (IP): Any patents, trademarks, or proprietary technology associated with the product/service.


5. Marketing & Sales Strategy

Outline how you will attract and retain customers.

Marketing Plan:

  • Brand Positioning: How you want your customers to perceive your brand.

  • Channels: Digital marketing (social media, email, SEO), traditional advertising, public relations, etc.

  • Customer Acquisition Strategy: How you plan to generate leads and convert them into customers.

  • Partnerships & Collaborations: Any potential alliances that could accelerate growth.

Sales Strategy:

  • Sales Process: How you will handle customer inquiries, close sales, and provide after-sales support.

  • Sales Team: If applicable, the structure and size of your sales team.

  • Customer Retention: Loyalty programs, subscription models, etc.


6. Operations Plan

Explain the day-to-day operations and logistics of the startup.

  • Operational Workflow: From production to delivery: your product’s journey.

  • Suppliers & Partners: Business-critical suppliers or partners.

  • Technology & Tools: Essential business software, platforms, or tools.

  • Facilities & Equipment: Details about the physical or digital infrastructure you need.

  • Scalability: How the operational model can grow as the business expands.


7. Team & Management

Introduce the key members of your team and their expertise.

  • Founder(s) Background: Qualifications for leading this startup.

  • Key Hires: Any important team members or future hires essential to the business.

  • Advisors or Board Members: List any business advisors or board members.

  • Organizational Structure: Who reports to whom and key roles within the startup.


8. Financial Plan

Provide financial projections to show the potential profitability and sustainability of the business.

  • Revenue Model: Explanation of how the business will make money (sales, subscriptions, licensing, etc.).

  • Funding Requirements: How much money you need to raise, what it will be used for, and proposed terms (equity, debt, etc.).

  • Financial Projections (at least 3-5 years):

    • Profit & Loss Statement (Income Statement): Projected finances.

    • Cash Flow Statement: Expected inflow and outflow of cash.

    • Balance Sheet: Overview of assets, liabilities, and equity.

    • Break-even Analysis: The point where revenues cover expenses.

    • Key Assumptions: Include the main assumptions underlying the financial model (e.g., growth rate, customer acquisition costs, etc.).


9. Risk Analysis

Identify and explain potential risks and how they will be mitigated.

  • Market Risks: Shifting preferences, new rivals, economic downturns.

  • Operational Risks: Supply chain, labor, or operational issues.

  • Financial Risks: Cash flow shortages, funding delays, or unexpected expenses.

  • Regulatory Risks: Legal changes or industry regulations.

  • Mitigation Strategies: Plans in place to handle potential risks.


10. Appendix

Include any supporting documents or additional details.

  • Resumes of Key Team Members: To demonstrate experience and expertise.

  • Product Diagrams or Prototypes: If applicable, include any visuals of your product.

  • Legal Documents: Legal docs (patents, trademarks, incorporation).

  • Detailed Financial Data: Extended financial projections, expense breakdowns, etc.


Business Plan Templates @ Template.net