How to Write a Business Plan That Gets Results

What Is a Business Plan, and Why Does It Matter?

A business plan is more than a document. It’s your roadmap, showing how you’ll grow your business, serve your customers, and manage finances for the next 3+ years. It helps you:

• Clarify your business goals
• Track growth and profitability
• Secure loans or attract investors
• Align your team and advisors around a shared vision

Even if you’re a solo entrepreneur or just starting out, your plan helps keep your finances, strategy, and operations on track.

4 Key Tips for Writing a Strong Business Plan

1. Be Honest

Avoid overpromising or inflating projections. Investors and lenders value transparency and realistic planning. If something’s still a work-in-progress, say so, and explain how you’re addressing it.

2. Be Detailed, Yet Concise

Give enough info to paint a clear picture, without overwhelming your audience. Every section should serve a purpose. Use plain language and strong formatting to guide the reader.

3. Don’t Go It Alone

Get input from:

• Team members
• Industry mentors
• Professional advisors
• Financial institutions (like Bank Five Nine!)

You’ll benefit from diverse perspectives, and catch things you may have missed.

4. Proofread, Proofread, Proofread

Typos and inconsistencies can undercut your professionalism. Triple-check for grammar, accuracy, and formatting before you share it.

What Are the Main Parts of a Business Plan?

Here’s a simple breakdown of what to include:

Executive Summary

Think of this as your “elevator pitch.” Highlight the essentials: your business name, what you do, target market, and why you’ll succeed.

Tip: Write it last, once the rest of the plan is complete.

Company Description

Share what your business does, your mission, who you serve, and what makes you unique. Keep it to one concise paragraph.

Organization & Management

Describe your legal structure (LLC, sole proprietor, etc.), leadership team bios, and how your business is structured to grow.

Products or Services

Explain what you sell, how it works, how it helps customers, and how it stands out from competitors.

Marketing & Sales Strategy

How do you plan to attract and retain customers? Include key channels (like social media, email, paid ads), pricing strategy, and projected growth.

Financial Projections

Here’s where you shine with numbers:

• Past financials (if available)
• Forecasted income/expenses
• Cash flow
• Startup costs
• Break-even analysis

How a Business Plan Helps You Get Funding

Whether you’re seeking a small business loan or pitching to investors, your business plan shows that:

• You’ve done your homework
• You understand your market
• You’ve mapped a plan to repay or grow investments

Lenders especially want to see reliable income projections and clear plans for using capital. A well-structured plan can increase your chances of approval.