Free Business Plan Template for Small Businesses (2024) - Shopify
What this free business plan template includes · 1. Executive summary · 2. Company overview · 3. Products or services offered · 4. Market analysis · 5.
Business plan examples
What do financial projections look like on paper? How do you write an executive summary? What should your company description include? <anchor>Business plan examples</anchor> can help answer some of these questions and transform your business idea into an actionable plan.
9 Business Plan Examples to Inspire Your Own (2024) - Shopify
9 Business Plan Examples to Inspire Your Own (2024) - Shopify

[Skip to Content](#main)

[Shopify](https://www.shopify.com)

- Solutions



















Start



- [Start your business.\
\
Build your brand](/start)
- [Create your website.\
\
Online store editor](/website/builder)
- [Customize your store.\
\
Store themes](https://themes.shopify.com?locale=en)
- [Find business apps.\
\
Shopify app store](https://apps.shopify.com/)
- [Own your site domain.\
\
Domains & hosting](/domains)
- [Explore free business tools.\
\
Tools to run your business](/tools)

Sell

- [Sell your products.\
\
Sell online or in person](/sell)
- [Check out customers.\
\
World-class checkout](/checkout)
- [Sell online.\
\
Grow your business online](/online)
- [Sell across channels.\
\
Reach millions of shoppers and boost sales](/channels)
- [Sell in person.\
\
Point of Sale (POS)](/pos)
- [Sell globally.\
\
International sales](/markets)
- [Sell wholesale & direct.\
\
Business-to-business (B2B)](/plus/solutions/b2b-ecommerce)
- [Accept online payments.\
\
Set up forms of payment](/payments)

Market

- [Market your business.\
\
Reach & retain customers](/market)
- [Market across social.\
\
Social media integrations](/facebook-instagram)
- [Chat with customers.\
\
Shopify Inbox](/inbox)
- [Nurture customers.\
\
Shopify Email](/email-marketing)
- [Know your audience.\
\
Gain customer insights](/segmentation)

Manage

- [Manage your business.\
\
Track sales, orders & analytics](/manage)
- [Measure your performance.\
\
Analytics and Reporting](/analytics)
- [Ship orders faster.\
\
Shopify Shipping](/shipping)
- [Manage your stock & orders.\
\
Inventory & order management](/orders)
- [Outsource fulfillment & returns.\
\
Shopify Fulfillment Network](/fulfillment)
- [Get paid faster.\
\
Shopify Balance](/balance)
- [Secure business funding.\
\
Shopify Capital](/capital)
- [Automate your business.\
\
Shopify Flow](/flow)

- [Shopify Developers.\
\
Build with Shopify's powerful APIs](https://shopify.dev)
- [Plus.\
\
A commerce solution for growing digital brands](/plus)
- [Enterprise.\
\
Solutions for the world's largest brands](/enterprise)
- [All Products.\
\
Explore all Shopify products & features](/products)

- [Pricing](/pricing)

- Resources



















Help and support



- [Help and support.\
\
Get 24/7 support](https://help.shopify.com/en/)
- [How-to guides.\
\
Read in-depth business guides](/blog/topics/guides)
- [Business courses.\
\
Learn from proven experts](https://academy.shopify.com)
- [Shopify blog.\
\
Business strategy tips](/blog)

Popular topics

- [What is Shopify?.\
\
How our commerce platform works](/blog/what-is-shopify)
- [Shopify Editions.\
\
New, innovative Shopify products](/editions)
- [Founder stories.\
\
Learn from successful merchants](/blog/topics/founder-stories)
- [Branding.\
\
Build your brand from scratch](/blog/how-to-build-a-brand)
- [Marketing.\
\
Build a marketing plan](/blog/marketing-plan)
- [Ecommerce SEO.\
\
Improve your search ranking](/blog/ecommerce-seo-beginners-guide)
- [Social media strategy.\
\
Turn social into sales](/blog/topics/social-media-optimization)
- [Business growth.\
\
Scale your business](/blog/how-to-scale-small-business)

Essential tools

- [Business name generator .](/tools/business-name-generator)
- [Logo maker.](/tools/logo-maker)
- [Stock photography.](https://www.shopify.com/stock-photos)
- [Business plan template.](/blog/business-plan-template)
- [Link in bio tool.](https://www.linkpop.com/)
- [QR code generator.](/tools/qr-code-generator)

- What's new



















- [Changelog.\
\
Your source for recent updates](https://changelog.shopify.com)
- [Summer ’24 Edition.\
\
The latest 100+ product updates](/editions)
- [All Editions.\
\
Archive of past Shopify Editions](/editions/all)
- [Newsroom.\
\
All company news and press releases](https://shopify.com/news)

- [Log in](/login?ui_locales=en)
- [Start free trial](https://accounts.shopify.com/store-create?language=en&locale=en&signup_page=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.shopify.com%2Fblog%2Fbusiness-plan-examples&signup_types[]=paid_trial_experience&signup_types[]=gmv_rw_ywhk)

- [Start free trial](https://accounts.shopify.com/store-create?language=en&locale=en&signup_page=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.shopify.com%2Fblog%2Fbusiness-plan-examples&signup_types[]=paid_trial_experience&signup_types[]=gmv_rw_ywhk)

[Shopify](https://www.shopify.com)

BlogMenu

Search

Type something you're looking for

- [Overview](/blog)
- [Find an Idea](/blog/topics/find-an-idea)
- [Starting Up](/blog/topics/starting-up)
- [Marketing](/blog/topics/marketing)
- [Latest](/blog/latest)
- More
  - [Guides](/blog/topics/guides)
  - [The Shopify Podcast](/blog/topics/podcasts)
  - [Founder Stories](/blog/topics/founder-stories)
  - [Ecommerce Business Tips](/blog/topics/sell-online)
  - [See All topics](/blog/topics)
  - [Enterprise Blog](/enterprise/blog)

- [Blog](/blog)
- [Find an Idea](/blog/topics/find-an-idea)
- [Starting Up](/blog/topics/starting-up)
- [Marketing](/blog/topics/marketing)
- [Latest](/blog/latest)
- More


- [Guides](/blog/topics/guides)
- [The Shopify Podcast](/blog/topics/podcasts)
- [Founder Stories](/blog/topics/founder-stories)
- [Ecommerce Business Tips](/blog/topics/sell-online)
- [See All topics](/blog/topics)
- [Enterprise Blog](/enterprise/blog)

Search

Type something you're looking for

[Log in](/login?ui_locales=en)

[Start free trial](https://accounts.shopify.com/store-create?language=en&locale=en&signup_page=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.shopify.com%2Fblog%2Fbusiness-plan-examples&signup_types[]=paid_trial_experience&signup_types[]=gmv_rw_ywhk)

[Shopify](https://www.shopify.com)

- [Start free trial](https://accounts.shopify.com/store-create?language=en&locale=en&signup_page=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.shopify.com%2Fblog%2Fbusiness-plan-examples&signup_types[]=paid_trial_experience&signup_types[]=gmv_rw_ywhk)

- Solutions























Start



- [Start your business.\
\
Build your brand](/start)
- [Create your website.\
\
Online store editor](/website/builder)
- [Customize your store.\
\
Store themes](https://themes.shopify.com?locale=en)
- [Find business apps.\
\
Shopify app store](https://apps.shopify.com/)
- [Own your site domain.\
\
Domains & hosting](/domains)
- [Explore free business tools.\
\
Tools to run your business](/tools)

Sell

- [Sell your products.\
\
Sell online or in person](/sell)
- [Check out customers.\
\
World-class checkout](/checkout)
- [Sell online.\
\
Grow your business online](/online)
- [Sell across channels.\
\
Reach millions of shoppers and boost sales](/channels)
- [Sell in person.\
\
Point of Sale (POS)](/pos)
- [Sell globally.\
\
International sales](/markets)
- [Sell wholesale & direct.\
\
Business-to-business (B2B)](/plus/solutions/b2b-ecommerce)
- [Accept online payments.\
\
Set up forms of payment](/payments)

Market

- [Market your business.\
\
Reach & retain customers](/market)
- [Market across social.\
\
Social media integrations](/facebook-instagram)
- [Chat with customers.\
\
Shopify Inbox](/inbox)
- [Nurture customers.\
\
Shopify Email](/email-marketing)
- [Know your audience.\
\
Gain customer insights](/segmentation)

Manage

- [Manage your business.\
\
Track sales, orders & analytics](/manage)
- [Measure your performance.\
\
Analytics and Reporting](/analytics)
- [Ship orders faster.\
\
Shopify Shipping](/shipping)
- [Manage your stock & orders.\
\
Inventory & order management](/orders)
- [Outsource fulfillment & returns.\
\
Shopify Fulfillment Network](/fulfillment)
- [Get paid faster.\
\
Shopify Balance](/balance)
- [Secure business funding.\
\
Shopify Capital](/capital)
- [Automate your business.\
\
Shopify Flow](/flow)

- [Shopify Developers.\
\
Build with Shopify's powerful APIs](https://shopify.dev)
- [Plus.\
\
A commerce solution for growing digital brands](/plus)
- [Enterprise.\
\
Solutions for the world's largest brands](/enterprise)
- [All Products.\
\
Explore all Shopify products & features](/products)

- [Pricing](/pricing)
- Resources























Help and support



- [Help and support.\
\
Get 24/7 support](https://help.shopify.com/en/)
- [How-to guides.\
\
Read in-depth business guides](/blog/topics/guides)
- [Business courses.\
\
Learn from proven experts](https://academy.shopify.com)
- [Shopify blog.\
\
Business strategy tips](/blog)

Popular topics

- [What is Shopify?.\
\
How our commerce platform works](/blog/what-is-shopify)
- [Shopify Editions.\
\
New, innovative Shopify products](/editions)
- [Founder stories.\
\
Learn from successful merchants](/blog/topics/founder-stories)
- [Branding.\
\
Build your brand from scratch](/blog/how-to-build-a-brand)
- [Marketing.\
\
Build a marketing plan](/blog/marketing-plan)
- [Ecommerce SEO.\
\
Improve your search ranking](/blog/ecommerce-seo-beginners-guide)
- [Social media strategy.\
\
Turn social into sales](/blog/topics/social-media-optimization)
- [Business growth.\
\
Scale your business](/blog/how-to-scale-small-business)

Essential tools

- [Business name generator .](/tools/business-name-generator)
- [Logo maker.](/tools/logo-maker)
- [Stock photography.](https://www.shopify.com/stock-photos)
- [Business plan template.](/blog/business-plan-template)
- [Link in bio tool.](https://www.linkpop.com/)
- [QR code generator.](/tools/qr-code-generator)

- What's new























- [Changelog.\
\
Your source for recent updates](https://changelog.shopify.com)
- [Summer ’24 Edition.\
\
The latest 100+ product updates](/editions)
- [All Editions.\
\
Archive of past Shopify Editions](/editions/all)
- [Newsroom.\
\
All company news and press releases](https://shopify.com/news)

- [Log in](/login?ui_locales=en)
- [Start free trial](https://accounts.shopify.com/store-create?language=en&locale=en&signup_page=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.shopify.com%2Fblog%2Fbusiness-plan-examples&signup_types[]=paid_trial_experience&signup_types[]=gmv_rw_ywhk)

Start selling with Shopify today

Start your free trial with Shopify today—then use these resources to guide you through every step of the process.

[Start free trial](https://accounts.shopify.com/store-create?language=en&locale=en&signup_page=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.shopify.com%2Fblog%2Fbusiness-plan-examples&signup_types[]=paid_trial_experience&signup_types[]=gmv_rw_ywhk) [Learn more](/)

![](https://cdn.shopify.com/b/shopify-brochure2-assets/2ecdaa09da44408d3c2a2b9cba3a2c07.png?originalWidth=1005&originalHeight=1288)

![](https://cdn.shopify.com/b/shopify-brochure2-assets/8262a99b5702f964162106b94a23ad2d.png?originalWidth=1005&originalHeight=1288)

![](https://cdn.shopify.com/b/shopify-brochure2-assets/16db235a9390238e6f9b8fd2a5c29680.png?originalWidth=1005&originalHeight=1288)

[blog](/blog) \| [Starting Up](/blog/topics/starting-up)

# 9 Business Plan Examples to Inspire Your Own (2024)

Need support creating your business plan? Check out these business plan examples for inspiration and guidance.

by [Alexandra Sheehan](/blog/authors/alexandra-sheehan)

Jan 23, 2024

![a stock of books on purple background representing business plan examples](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0070/7032/files/business_20plan_20examples.jpg?v=1685397795)

On this page

On this page

- [Business plan format: 9 examples](#1)
- [Types of business plans, and what to include for each](#2)
- [Set yourself up for success as a business owner](#3)
- [Business plan examples FAQ](#4)

Start your online business today.

For free.

[Start free trial](https://accounts.shopify.com/store-create?language=en&locale=en&signup_page=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.shopify.com%2Fblog%2Fbusiness-plan-examples&signup_types[]=paid_trial_experience&signup_types[]=gmv_rw_ywhk)

Any aspiring entrepreneur researching [how to start a business](/blog/how-to-start-a-business) will likely be advised to write a business plan. But few resources provide business plan examples to really guide you through writing one of your own.

Here are some real-world and illustrative business plan examples to help you craft your [business plan](/blog/business-plan).

## Business plan format: 9 examples

The business plan examples in this article follow this template:

1. [Executive summary](#11)
2. [Company description](#12)
3. [Market analysis](#13)
4. [Products and services](#14)
5. [Marketing plan](#15)
6. [Logistics and operations plan](#16)
7. [Financial plan](#17)
8. [Customer segmentation](#18)
9. [Appendix](#19)

### 1\. Executive summary

Your [executive summary](/blog/executive-summary) is a page that gives a high-level overview of the rest of your business plan. While it appears at the beginning, it’s easiest to write this section last, as there are details further in the report you’ll need to include here.

In this [free business plan template](/blog/business-plan-template), the executive summary is four paragraphs and takes a little over half a page. It clearly and efficiently communicates what the business does and what it plans to do, including its business model and target customers.

![Executive summary for Paw Print Post detailing the business model and target customers.](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0070/7032/files/pawprintexecutivesummary.png?v=1724921697)

### 2\. Company description

You might repurpose your company description elsewhere, like on your [About page](/blog/how-to-write-an-about-us-page), social media profile pages, or other properties that require a boilerplate description of your small business.

Soap brand [ORRIS](https://orrisparis.com/pages/about) has a blurb on its About page that could easily be repurposed for the company description section of its business plan.

![ORRIS homepage promoting cleaner ingredients for skincare with a detailed description.](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0070/7032/files/orrishomepage.png?v=1724921697)

You can also go more in-depth with your company overview and include the following sections, like in this business plan example for Paw Print Post:

#### Business structure

This section outlines how you [registered your business](/blog/register-business)—as an [LLC](/blog/start-an-llc), sole proprietorship, corporation, or other [business type](/blog/business-types): “Paw Print Post will operate as a sole proprietorship run by the owner, Jane Matthews.”

#### Nature of the business

“Paw Print Post sells unique, one-of-a-kind digitally printed cards that are customized with a pet’s unique paw prints.”

#### Industry

“Paw Print Post operates primarily in the pet industry and sells goods that could also be categorized as part of the greeting card industry.”

#### Background information

“Jane Matthews, the founder of Paw Print Post, has a long history in the pet industry and working with animals, and was recently trained as a graphic designer. She’s combining those two loves to capture a niche in the market: unique greeting cards customized with a pet’s paw prints, without needing to resort to the traditional (and messy) options of casting your pet’s prints in plaster or using pet-safe ink to have them stamp their ’signature.’”

#### Business objectives

“Jane will have Paw Print Post ready to launch at the Big Important Pet Expo in Toronto to get the word out among industry players and consumers alike. After two years in business, Jane aims to drive $150,000 in annual revenue from the sale of Paw Print Post’s signature greeting cards and to have expanded into two new product categories.”

#### Team

“Jane Matthews is the sole full-time employee of Paw Print Post but hires contractors as needed to support her workflow and fill gaps in her skill set. Notably, Paw Print Post has a standing contract for five hours a week of virtual assistant support with Virtual Assistants Pro.”

Your [mission statement](/blog/mission-statement) may also make an appearance here. [Passionfruit](https://shoppassionfruit.com/pages/about) shares its mission statement on its company website, and it would also work well in its example business plan.

![Passionfruit About page with a person in a "Forever Queer" t-shirt.](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0070/7032/files/passionfruit_3f81aaec-1f31-4324-b9e5-ff5bbefcf0f2.png?v=1724921697)

### 3\. Market analysis

The market analysis consists of research about [supply and demand](/blog/market-demand), your target demographics, industry trends, and the competitive landscape. You might run a SWOT analysis and include that in your business plan.

Here’s an example [SWOT analysis](/blog/swot-analysis) for an online tailored-shirt business:

![SWOT analysis chart with strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0070/7032/files/swotanalysischart.png?v=1724921697)

You’ll also want to do a [competitive analysis](/blog/competitive-analysis) as part of the market research component of your business plan. This will tell you which businesses you’re up against and give you ideas on how to differentiate your brand. A broad competitive analysis might include:

- Target customers
- [Unique value proposition](/blog/value-proposition), or what sets the products apart
- Sales pitch
- [Price points](/blog/how-to-price-your-product) for products
- [Shipping](/blog/shipping-and-fulfillment) policy
- Funding

### 4\. Products and services

This section of your business plan describes your offerings—which products and services do you sell to your customers? Here’s an example for Paw Print Post that explains its line of custom greeting cards, along with details on what makes its products unique.

![Products and services section of Paw Print Post showing customized greeting cards with paw prints.](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0070/7032/files/productsandservices.png?v=1724921697)

### 5\. Marketing plan

It’s always a good idea to develop a [marketing plan](/blog/marketing-plan) before you launch your business. Your marketing plan shows how you’ll get the word out about your business, and it’s an essential [component of your business plan](/blog/components-of-a-business-plan) as well.

![Business plan sample showing marketing plan for Paw Print Post.](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0070/7032/files/marketingplan.png?v=1724921697)

The Paw Print Post focuses on four Ps: price, product, promotion, and place. However, you can take a different approach with your marketing plan. Maybe you can pull from your existing [marketing strategy](/blog/marketing-strategies), or maybe you break it down by the different marketing channels. Whatever approach you take, your marketing plan should describe how you intend to promote your business and offerings to potential customers.

### 6\. Logistics and operations plan

The Paw Print Post example considered suppliers, production, facilities, equipment, shipping and fulfillment, and inventory. This includes any raw materials needed to produce the products.

![Business plan example with a logistics and operations plan for Paw Print Post.](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0070/7032/files/logisticsandoperations.png?v=1724921697)

### 7\. Financial plan

The financial plan provides a breakdown of sales, revenue, profit, expenses, and other relevant financial metrics related to funding and profiting from your business.

Ecommerce brand [Nature’s Candy’s financial plan](https://www.bplans.com/e-commerce-retailer-business-plan/financial-plan/) breaks down predicted revenue, expenses, and net profit in graphs.

![Bar chart illustrating monthly expenses and direct costs for a business from January to December.](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0070/7032/files/naturescandymonthlyexpenses.png?v=1724921697)

It then dives deeper into the financials to include:

- Funding needs
- Projected profit-and-loss statement
- Projected balance sheet
- Projected cash-flow statement

You can use a financial plan spreadsheet to build your own financial statements, including income statement, balance sheet, and cash-flow statement.

![Income statement template created by Shopify with sales, cost of sales, gross margin, and expenses.](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0070/7032/files/incomestatement.png?v=1724921697)

### 8\. Customer segmentation

[Customer segmentation](/blog/what-is-customer-segmentation) means dividing your target market into groups based on specific characteristics. These characteristics can be demographics, psychographics, behavior, or geography. Your business plan will provide detailed information on each segment, like its size and growth potential, so you can show why they are valuable to your business.

[Airsign](/blog/segmentation-airsign), an eco-friendly vacuum cleaner company, faced the challenge of building a sustainable business model in the competitive home appliance market. They identified three key customer personas to target:

- Design-oriented urban dwellers
- Millennials moving to suburbs
- Older consumers seeking high-quality appliances

The company utilized Shopify’s customer segmentation tools to gain insights and take action to target them. Airsign created targeted segments for specific marketing initiatives.

Put your customer data to work with Shopify’s customer segmentation

Shopify’s built-in segmentation tools help you discover insights about your customers, build segments as targeted as your marketing plans with filters based on your customers’ demographic and behavioral data, and drive sales with timely and personalized emails.

Discover Shopify segmentation

### 9\. Appendix

The appendix provides in-depth data, research, or documentation that supports the claims and projections made in the main business plan. It includes things like market research, finance, résumés, product specs, and legal documents.

Readers can access detailed info in the appendix, but the main plan stays focused and easy to read. Here’s an example from a fictional clothing brand called Bloom:

**Appendix: Bloom Business Plan**

**A. Financial projections**

A1. Detailed 5-year cash flow forecast

A2. Break-even analysis

A3. Sales projections by product line

**B. Market research**

B1. Industry trend report (sustainable fashion)

B2. Customer survey results (500 respondents)

B3. Competitor analysis matrix

**C. Product information**

C1. Fabric sourcing details and sustainability certifications

C2. Manufacturing process overview

C3. Product line sketches and descriptions

**D. Team credentials**

D1. Founder’s résumé and relevant experience

D2. Advisory board member biographies

D3. Key employee resumes

**E. Legal documents**

E1. Patents or trademarks

E2. Partnership agreements

E3. Lease agreement for retail space

**F. Operational details**

F1. Supply chain map

F2. Detailed marketing plan

F3. Projected staffing requirements

**G. Letters of support/intent**

G1. Letter from potential retail partner

G2. Testimonials from beta testers

G3. Letter of intent from eco-friendly influencer

## Types of business plans, and what to include for each

### One-pager

This [lean business plan](/blog/lean-business-plan) is meant to be high level and easy to understand at a glance. You’ll want to include all of the same sections in one-page business plan, but make sure they’re truncated and summarized:

- Executive summary: truncated
- Market analysis: summarized
- Products and services: summarized
- Marketing plan: summarized
- Logistics and operations plan: summarized
- Financials: summarized

### Startup

A startup business plan is for a new business. Typically, these plans are developed and shared to secure [funding](/blog/small-business-grants). As such, there’s a bigger focus on the financials, as well as on other sections that determine viability of your business idea—market research, for example:

- Executive summary
- Company description
- Market analysis: in-depth
- Products and services
- Marketing plan
- Operations
- Financials: in-depth

### Internal

Your internal business plan is meant to keep your team on the same page and aligned toward the same goal:

- Executive summary
- Company description
- Market analysis
- Products and services
- Marketing plan
- Logistics and operations plan
- Financials

### Strategic

A strategic, or growth, business plan is a big-picture, long-term look at your business. As such, the forecasts tend to look further into the future, and growth and revenue goals may be higher. Essentially, you want to use all the sections you would in a normal business plan and build upon each:

- Executive summary
- Company description
- Market analysis: comprehensive outlook
- Products and services: for launch and expansion
- Marketing plan: comprehensive outlook
- Logistics and operations plan: comprehensive outlook
- Financials: comprehensive outlook

### Feasibility

Your feasibility business plan is sort of a pre-business plan—many refer to it as simply a feasibility study. This plan essentially lays the groundwork and validates that it’s worth the effort to make a full business plan for your idea. As such, it’s mostly centered around research:

- Company description
- Market analysis
- Products and services
- Logistics and operations plan
- Financials

### Nonprofit

[Nonprofit business plans](/blog/nonprofit-business-plan) are used to attract donors, grants, and partnerships. They focus on what their mission is, how they measure success, and how they get funded. You’ll want to include the following sections in addition to a traditional business plan:

- Organization description
- Need statement
- Programs and services
- Fundraising plan
- Partnerships and collaborations
- Impact measurement

## Set yourself up for success as a business owner

Building a good business plan serves as a roadmap you can use for your ecommerce business at launch and as you reach each of your business goals. Business plans create accountability for entrepreneurs and synergy among teams, regardless of your [business model](/blog/business-model).

Kickstart your ecommerce business and set yourself up for success with an intentional business planning process—and with the sample business plans above to guide your own path.

## Read more

- [How to Start a Dropshipping Business- A Complete Playbook for 2024](/blog/how-to-start-dropshipping)
- [The 13 Best Dropshipping Suppliers in 2024](/blog/dropshipping-suppliers)
- [How To Source Products To Sell Online](/blog/product-sourcing-apps)
- [25+ Ideas for Online Businesses To Start Now (2024)](/blog/online-business-ideas)
- [The Ultimate Guide To Dropshipping (2024)](/blog/dropshipping-guide)
- [How to Build a Business Website for Beginners](/blog/build-a-website)
- [7 Inspiring Marketing Plan Examples (and How You Can Implement Them)](/blog/marketing-plan-examples)
- [10 Ways to Write Product Descriptions That Persuade (2024)](/blog/8211159-9-simple-ways-to-write-product-descriptions-that-sell)
- [Get Guidance- 6 Business Plan Software to Help Write Your Future](/blog/business-plan-software)
- [Business Valuation- Learn the Value of Your Business](/blog/business-valuation)

## Business plan examples FAQ

### How do I write a simple business plan?

To write a simple business plan, begin with an executive summary that outlines your business and your plans. Follow this with sections detailing your company description, market analysis, organization and management structure, product or service, marketing and sales strategy, and financial projections. Each section should be concise and clearly illustrate your strategies and goals.

### What is the best format to write a business plan?

The best business plan format presents your plan in a clear, organized manner, making it easier for potential investors to understand your business model and goals. Always begin with the executive summary and end with financial information or appendices for any additional data.

### What are the 4 key elements of a business plan?

- Executive summary: A concise overview of the company’s mission, goals, target audience, and financial objectives.
- Business description: A description of the company’s purpose, operations, products and services, target markets, and competitive landscape.
- Market analysis: An analysis of the industry, market trends, potential customers, and competitors.
- Financial plan: A detailed description of the company’s financial forecasts and strategies.

### What are the 3 main points of a business plan?

- Concept: Your concept should explain the purpose of your business and provide an overall summary of what you intend to accomplish.
- Contents: Your content should include details about the products and services you provide, your target market, and your competition.
- Cash flow: Your cash flow section should include information about your expected cash inflows and outflows, such as capital investments, operating costs, and revenue projections.

by [Alexandra Sheehan](/blog/authors/alexandra-sheehan)

Last updated Jan 23, 2024

Share article

- [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.shopify.com%2F%2Fblog%2Fbusiness-plan-examples)
- [Twitter](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=9+Business+Plan+Examples+to+Inspire+Your+Own+(2024)&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.shopify.com%2F%2Fblog%2Fbusiness-plan-examples&via=Shopify)
- [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&source=Shopify&title=9+Business+Plan+Examples+to+Inspire+Your+Own+(2024)&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.shopify.com%2F%2Fblog%2Fbusiness-plan-examples)

by [Alexandra Sheehan](/blog/authors/alexandra-sheehan)

Jan 23, 2024

Keep up with the latest from Shopify

Get free ecommerce tips, inspiration, and resources delivered directly to your inbox.

Enter email

Subscribe

Subscribe

By entering your email, you agree to receive marketing emails from Shopify.

popular posts

[Social Media Optimization](/blog/topics/social-media-optimization) [How To Make Money on Instagram in 2024 (9 Actionable Ideas)](/blog/make-money-on-instagram)[Starting Up](/blog/topics/starting-up) [How To Start an Ecommerce Business: Guide for 2024](/blog/ecommerce-business-blueprint)[Guides](/blog/topics/guides) [What Is Dropshipping and How Does It Work? (2024)](/blog/what-is-dropshipping)[Find an Idea](/blog/topics/find-an-idea) [What Is Print on Demand & How To Start a Business (2024)](/blog/print-on-demand)

![start-free-trial](https://cdn.shopify.com/b/shopify-brochure2-assets/c8790c0f3c1fa91ccc845e45ce067bbe.png)

The point of sale for every sale.

[Start free trial](https://accounts.shopify.com/store-create?language=en&locale=en&signup_page=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.shopify.com%2Fblog%2Fbusiness-plan-examples&signup_types[]=paid_trial_experience&signup_types[]=gmv_rw_ywhk)

popular posts

[Sell Online](/blog/topics/sell-online) [How To Create a Website in 9 Steps (2024)](/blog/build-a-website)[Starting Up](/blog/topics/starting-up) [How To Start an Online Store in 2024 (Step-by-Step Guide)](/blog/start-online-store)[Find an Idea](/blog/topics/find-an-idea) [How To Make and Sell Merch Your Fans Will Love (2024)](/blog/make-sell-merch)[Sell Online](/blog/topics/sell-online) [10 Best Ecommerce Website Builders for Your Online Store (2024)](/blog/best-ecommerce-website-builder)

##### popular posts

![Graphic of a mobile phone with heart shapes bubbles floating around it](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0070/7032/files/how-to-make-money-on-instagram.png?format=webp&v=1693586866&)

[Social Media Optimization](/blog/topics/social-media-optimization)

[How To Make Money on Instagram in 2024 (9 Actionable Ideas)](/blog/make-money-on-instagram)

2023-11-08

![3D models of a shopping cart and a smartphone on a turquoise background.](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0070/7032/files/Header_43a6fbaa-305a-4bda-8ef7-5e7f4e1278da.png?format=webp&v=1694450194)

[Starting Up](/blog/topics/starting-up)

[How To Start an Ecommerce Business: Guide for 2024](/blog/ecommerce-business-blueprint)

2023-09-01

![What Is Dropshipping and How Does It Work? (2024)](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0070/7032/files/shopify_dropshipping_chapter_1.jpg?v=1590420594)

[Guides](/blog/topics/guides)

[What Is Dropshipping and How Does It Work? (2024)](/blog/what-is-dropshipping)

2023-12-05

![An introduction to print on demand and how to get started.](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0070/7032/files/what-is-print-on-demand.jpg?v=1598910000)

[Find an Idea](/blog/topics/find-an-idea)

[What Is Print on Demand & How To Start a Business (2024)](/blog/print-on-demand)

2023-11-09

![Placeholder](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0070/7032/files/1-build-a-website.jpg?v=1615422396)

[Sell Online](/blog/topics/sell-online)

[How To Create a Website in 9 Steps (2024)](/blog/build-a-website)

2023-09-20

![illustration of a chef cooking up a shopify store: how to start an online store](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0070/7032/files/store-setup-guide-hero-min.png?v=1593698881)

[Starting Up](/blog/topics/starting-up)

[How To Start an Online Store in 2024 (Step-by-Step Guide)](/blog/start-online-store)

2023-11-23

![sweatshirt and socks from MrBeast merch line](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0070/7032/files/make-sell-merch_dd3029b8-46e0-4593-abc4-ea17f12c0c2e.jpg?v=1664569520)

[Find an Idea](/blog/topics/find-an-idea)

[How To Make and Sell Merch Your Fans Will Love (2024)](/blog/make-sell-merch)

2023-12-02

![Illustration of a basket made out of bricks and mortar, showcasing how an ecommerce website builder can help you construct an online store](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0070/7032/files/best-ecommerce-website-builder.jpg?v=1615833626)

[Sell Online](/blog/topics/sell-online)

[10 Best Ecommerce Website Builders for Your Online Store (2024)](/blog/best-ecommerce-website-builder)

2023-11-06

![subscription banner](https://cdn.shopify.com/b/shopify-brochure2-assets/c46f986d892538f4b0a15f25692330f7.png?originalWidth=1420&originalHeight=1040)

Keep up with the latest from Shopify

Subscribe to our blog and get free ecommerce tips, inspiration, and resources delivered directly to your inbox.

Email here

Subscribe

Subscribe

Unsubscribe anytime. By entering your email, you agree to receive marketing emails from Shopify.

##### Latest from Shopify

[See all](/blog/latest)

[Source Products](/blog/topics/source-products)

[Is Dropshipping Legal? A Guide to the Legal Risks (2024)](/blog/is-dropshipping-legal)

Sep 12, 2024

[Social Media Optimization](/blog/topics/social-media-optimization)

[26 Instagram Tools You Need For Growing Your Account in 2024](/blog/instagram-tools)

Sep 12, 2024

[Source Products](/blog/topics/source-products)

[How To Find the Best Dropshipping Niches in 2024](/blog/dropshipping-niches)

Sep 11, 2024

[Marketing](/blog/topics/marketing)

[How To Create a Successful Affiliate Program](/blog/53669701-how-to-set-up-an-affiliate-program-for-your-shopify-store)

Sep 11, 2024

[Customer Retention](/blog/topics/customer-retention)

[What Is Customer Care: Importance and Best Practices](/blog/customer-care)

Sep 11, 2024

[Retention](/blog/topics/retention)

[Average Customer Retention Rates by Industry in 2024](/blog/average-customer-retention-rate-by-industry)

Sep 11, 2024

[Guides](/blog/topics/guides)

[How To Sell Furniture Online in 14 Steps (2024)](/blog/sell-furniture-online)

Sep 11, 2024

[Sell Online](/blog/topics/sell-online)

[How To Sell on Instagram + 7 Instagram Shopping Tips for 2024](/blog/how-to-sell-on-instagram)

Sep 11, 2024

[See all](/blog/latest)

Sell anywhere with Shopify

Learn on the go. Try Shopify for free, and explore all the tools you need to start, run, and grow your business.

[Start free trial](https://accounts.shopify.com/store-create?language=en&locale=en&signup_page=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.shopify.com%2Fblog%2Fbusiness-plan-examples&signup_types[]=paid_trial_experience&signup_types[]=gmv_rw_ywhk)

Try Shopify for free, no credit card required.

Shopify logo

## Shopify

- [About](/about)
- [Careers](/careers)
- [Investors](https://investors.shopify.com/home/default.aspx)
- [Press and Media](https://www.shopify.com/news)
- [Partners](/partners)
- [Affiliates](/affiliates)
- [Legal](/legal)
- [Service status](https://www.shopifystatus.com/)

## Support

- [Merchant support](https://help.shopify.com/en/questions)
- [Help center](https://help.shopify.com/en/)
- [Hire a Partner](https://www.shopify.com/partners/directory)
- [Shopify Academy](https://academy.shopify.com?itcat=brochure&itterm=global-footer)
- [Shopify Community](https://community.shopify.com/c/Shopify-Community/ct-p/en?utm_campaign=footer&utm_content=en&utm_medium=web&utm_source=shopify)
- [Shopify Events](https://community.shopify.com/c/Shopify-Community/ct-p/en/home?utm_campaign=homepage&utm_content=en&utm_medium=web&utm_source=shopify)

## Developers

- [Shopify.dev](https://shopify.dev)
- [API documentation](https://shopify.dev/api)
- [Dev Degree](https://devdegree.ca)

## Products

- [Shop](https://shop.app)
- [Shop Pay](/shop-pay)
- [Shopify Plus](/plus)
- [Shopify Fulfillment Network](/fulfillment)
- [Linkpop](https://www.linkpop.com/)
- [Shopify for enterprise](/enterprise)

## Global impact

- [Sustainability](/climate)
- [Social impact](/about/social-impact)
- [Build Black](https://www.shopify.com/1mbb)
- [Build Native](https://buildnative.shop)
- [Research](/plus/commerce-trends)

## Solutions

- [Online store builder](/online)
- [Website builder](/website/builder)
- [Ecommerce website](/tour/ecommerce-website)

USA

- [USA](https://www.shopify.com/blog/business-plan-examples)
- [Australia](https://www.shopify.com/au/blog/business-plan-examples)
- [Canada (English)](https://www.shopify.com/ca/blog/business-plan-examples)
- [Deutschland](https://www.shopify.com/de/blog/business-plan-examples)
- [Español (Intl.)](https://www.shopify.com/es/blog/business-plan-examples)
- [France](https://www.shopify.com/fr/blog/business-plan-examples)
- [Hong Kong SAR](https://www.shopify.com/hk-en/blog/business-plan-examples)
- [Indonesia](https://www.shopify.com/id/blog/business-plan-examples)
- [Ireland](https://www.shopify.com/ie/blog/business-plan-examples)
- [Italia](https://www.shopify.com/it/blog/business-plan-examples)
- [Malaysia](https://www.shopify.com/my/blog/business-plan-examples)
- [Nederland](https://www.shopify.com/nl/blog/business-plan-examples)
- [New Zealand](https://www.shopify.com/nz/blog/business-plan-examples)
- [Nigeria](https://www.shopify.com/ng/blog/business-plan-examples)
- [Philippines](https://www.shopify.com/ph/blog/business-plan-examples)
- [Singapore](https://www.shopify.com/sg/blog/business-plan-examples)
- [South Africa](https://www.shopify.com/za/blog/business-plan-examples)
- [United Kingdom](https://www.shopify.com/uk/blog/business-plan-examples)

USA

### Country/region

- [USA](https://www.shopify.com/blog/business-plan-examples)
- [Australia](https://www.shopify.com/au/blog/business-plan-examples)
- [Canada (English)](https://www.shopify.com/ca/blog/business-plan-examples)
- [Deutschland](https://www.shopify.com/de/blog/business-plan-examples)
- [Español (Intl.)](https://www.shopify.com/es/blog/business-plan-examples)
- [France](https://www.shopify.com/fr/blog/business-plan-examples)
- [Hong Kong SAR](https://www.shopify.com/hk-en/blog/business-plan-examples)
- [Indonesia](https://www.shopify.com/id/blog/business-plan-examples)
- [Ireland](https://www.shopify.com/ie/blog/business-plan-examples)
- [Italia](https://www.shopify.com/it/blog/business-plan-examples)
- [Malaysia](https://www.shopify.com/my/blog/business-plan-examples)
- [Nederland](https://www.shopify.com/nl/blog/business-plan-examples)
- [New Zealand](https://www.shopify.com/nz/blog/business-plan-examples)
- [Nigeria](https://www.shopify.com/ng/blog/business-plan-examples)
- [Philippines](https://www.shopify.com/ph/blog/business-plan-examples)
- [Singapore](https://www.shopify.com/sg/blog/business-plan-examples)
- [South Africa](https://www.shopify.com/za/blog/business-plan-examples)
- [United Kingdom](https://www.shopify.com/uk/blog/business-plan-examples)

- [Terms of Service](/legal/terms)
- [Privacy Policy](/legal/privacy)
- [Sitemap](/sitemap)
- [Privacy Choices](https://privacy.shopify.com/en)

- [External source: Facebook (Opens in a new window)](https://www.facebook.com/shopify)
- [External source: Twitter (Opens in a new window)](https://twitter.com/shopify)
- [External source: YouTube (Opens in a new window)](https://www.youtube.com/user/shopify)
- [External source: Instagram (Opens in a new window)](https://www.instagram.com/shopify/)
- [External source: TikTok (Opens in a new window)](https://www.tiktok.com/@shopify)
- [External source: LinkedIn (Opens in a new window)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/shopify)
- [External source: Pinterest (Opens in a new window)](https://www.pinterest.com/shopify/)