We use cookies to enhance our website for you. Proceed if you agree to this policy or learn more about it.

  • Essay Database >
  • Essay Examples >
  • Essays Topics >
  • Essay on Management

Essay On Business Plan

Type of paper: Essay

Topic: Management , Business , Finance , Investment , Stock Market , Marketing , Money , Market

Words: 1300

Published: 11/22/2019

ORDER PAPER LIKE THIS

The paper undertakes to explore a business plan. It begins with the explanation of the major elements of the business plan. Besides, it explores how a business plan can be matched to start-ups, expansions, relocations and franchising businesses. It further analyses the financial aspects of going full-time; specifically touching on what bankers, lenders, and or investors demand in business plan before commit to financing any business venture. For the paper, a business plan has been used to mean any written document that represents a business unit overview, also known as the executive summary of the business plan; the business profile- describing the targeted market and anticipated customers in case of a new venture; growth trends and the pricing power. Also, it has been shown as to be encompassing the type of business organization with the managers’ profiles to define the stakeholders of the business. Exploration of the financial planning, how the business will be financed and the marketing plan is undertaken. Financial planning involves the analysis of the cash flow statements, major financers, analysis of costs and the internal control measures of a business unit’s cash. The marketing plan has been used to represent the marketing tactics to be employed including advertising and promotional strategies. The paper concludes by looking at the various aspects that must be looked into before presenting a business plan to investors or bankers. The major components of a business plan are the business profile; the vision, mission and objective statements of the business; managers’ profiles; the business organization; insurance; location and leasing; accounting and cash flow statements; the marketing plan as well as the major financers of the business.

Is the first page and is persuasive summary that lures a reader to take the plan seriously and read on. The summary should include; a brief description of the business’ history, objectives, a brief description of the businesses’ products or services. Besides, the market the business competes in and a convincing statement as to why success is guaranteed is included.

The Business Profile

The business profile briefly describes the business; its name, vision, its mission and the core objectives. Besides, it entails stating the type of the product or service business is willing to offer to the market. It clarifies on the targeted market and the anticipated customers. It also explains the business growth trends, i.e. the rate at which the business grows in case it’s already an established business and the business competitive edge. Lastly, it spells out a well defined pricing power of the business. This simply implies what limits the price charged on the service offered. Under the business profile, the location, business ownership and type with the product or service offered is stated. It also entails a thorough analysis of the industry where the business is established.

The Product and Service Offered

This element basically describes the exact product or service to be supplied to the market. It also presents who the targeted customers of the business are.

The Production Plan

This component describes the main production work, for instance, whether the business will be involved with the development or repair of software in case it is a computer firm. The procedure of executing the production work should be well stated.

The Management Plan

This begins with stating the management team, whether it is a partnership or a private limited company. The level of control by each member when transacting business affairs must be spelled out. Also, state the liability of each member. Members’ authorities and responsibilities are as well stated under the management plan, with who is the HRM or managing director. Besides, the educational qualifications and relevant experiences of each member of the management team need to be stated here. This is followed with the business organizational structure with the responsibilities and duties charged to each member of the management team. Also, salary projections for the first years in operation and promotional strategies are stated under the management plan (Peter Schwartz, 1996)

The Marketing Plan

This part entails the analysis of who the business anticipates to satisfy their needs, the competition level and competitive strategies undertaken in the market and the marketing strategies to be employed. Analyze the target market, distribution mechanisms, the price, promotional strategies, and the market segmentation technique to be used (Peter Schwartz, 1996)

The Financial Plan

It begins by clearly stating the anticipated start up expenditure and the proposed capital for the establishment and operation of the business. The source of the capital must be shown as well as the desired financing level, the cash flow projections for the first years in operation and the proforma income statements for a given number of consecutive years. Also, this component should show the projected balance sheet for the next consecutive financial periods and the consecutive breakeven points of the business (Eric Press, 1999)

Why a Business Plan is needed

A business plan is needed for the following reasons: First, it is used as a tool to secure funding from the financial institutions like banks. A well written business plan attracts the financing institutions to finance the business. Having a business plan puts a business in a better position to get money needed to keep the business running or to purchase new assets. Moreover, a business plan preparation is essential since it attracts investors. Venture capitalist or angel investors only have a willing of investing if the business plan represents a unique interest. They therefore study the plan before committing to invest. (Business Plan Resources) As stated in the article, “Writing a Business Plan – Do I Need to Write a Business Plan?” it is as well needed to measure the viability of the business idea. It shows whether the idea is worth investing in after thorough analysis of the market and the level of competition in the market. Lastly, it’s important in the sense that it gives newly established businesses higher chances of succeeding. It helps business owners are attentive to the operational and financial objectives, budgeting and even marketing planning thus guaranteeing higher chances of success.

What Bankers, Lenders, or Investors want in a Business Plan

Lenders, bankers or investors quite often look for the feasibility of the idea presented and weigh whether it is worth to invest in. for start-up businesses, the investor will look for how the business idea is viable and whether there is an anticipated return on the investment. They will also scrutinize the competitive advantage the business as compared to the market competition. For already established businesses that need money for expansion, lenders or investors are likely to look at the profitability of the business as depicted in the cash flow statements, financial income statements and the liquidity ratios. An investor also determines the rate of return on capital invested for surety of success (Peter Schwartz 1996)

Recommendation

Therefore, for investors to show interest in a business, a business plan presented must clearly specify the financial plan showing; sources of finance, capital base, desired finance level, cash flow statement, income statement, and the balance sheet. The plan must also show the viability of the business with clear analysis of the market, key competitors and the competitive edge the business have.

Business Plan Resources. Retrieved at http://sbinfocanada.about.com/cs/businessplans/index.htm Business Plan. Retrieved at http://sbinfocanada.about.com/library/glossary/bldef-bizplan.htm “Writing a Business Plan – Do I Need to Write a Business Plan?” Retrieved at http://sbinfocanada.about.com/od/startup/f/needbizplan.htm Jerry J. (1999). Anatomy of a Business Plan. Dearborn Trade Eric Press. (1999). Analyzing Financial Statements. Lebhar-Friedman Peter Schwartz. (1996). The Art of the Long View. Currency-Doubleday

double-banner

Cite this page

Share with friends using:

Removal Request

Removal Request

Finished papers: 872

This paper is created by writer with

If you want your paper to be:

Well-researched, fact-checked, and accurate

Original, fresh, based on current data

Eloquently written and immaculately formatted

275 words = 1 page double-spaced

submit your paper

Get your papers done by pros!

Other Pages

Custody argumentative essays, vincent van gogh creative writings, socrates creative writings, ecology creative writings, virtualization creative writings, zara creative writings, fbi creative writings, altruism creative writings, donation creative writings, taoism creative writings, stars creative writings, gravity creative writings, long term financial planning course work, how a bill becomes a law research paper sample, free course work about boiler induced draft fan, free essay about ulysses and the nightmare of history, max yi a b yi yj yi ciyi essay samples, sample research paper on mothers should be convicted of a crime when they give birth to a drug addicted baby, free essay about border security, sample essay on observational paper, good research paper about dna fingerprinting, sample literature review on power as individual construct and power as an organizational construct, why should banks become nationalized argumentative essays example, example of labor relations law research paper, what is the purpose of a post incident analysis essays example, bp in the last five years essay examples, free research paper about hr activities, queen hatshepsuts temple term paper samples, example of essay on child labor in cocoa farms, water filtration research paper example, example of essay on gun control 2, good example of research paper on human resource management, underrepresentation essays, media coverage essays, insurance system essays, foreign currency essays, immanuel essays, the baby boomers essays, obedient essays, polite essays, organic matter essays, soil fertility essays, the 13th warrior essays.

Password recovery email has been sent to [email protected]

Use your new password to log in

You are not register!

By clicking Register, you agree to our Terms of Service and that you have read our Privacy Policy .

Now you can download documents directly to your device!

Check your email! An email with your password has already been sent to you! Now you can download documents directly to your device.

or Use the QR code to Save this Paper to Your Phone

The sample is NOT original!

Short on a deadline?

Don't waste time. Get help with 11% off using code - GETWOWED

No, thanks! I'm fine with missing my deadline

  • Search Search Please fill out this field.

What Is a Business Plan?

Understanding business plans, how to write a business plan, common elements of a business plan, how often should a business plan be updated, the bottom line, business plan: what it is, what's included, and how to write one.

Adam Hayes, Ph.D., CFA, is a financial writer with 15+ years Wall Street experience as a derivatives trader. Besides his extensive derivative trading expertise, Adam is an expert in economics and behavioral finance. Adam received his master's in economics from The New School for Social Research and his Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in sociology. He is a CFA charterholder as well as holding FINRA Series 7, 55 & 63 licenses. He currently researches and teaches economic sociology and the social studies of finance at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem.

business plan essay template

A business plan is a document that details a company's goals and how it intends to achieve them. Business plans can be of benefit to both startups and well-established companies. For startups, a business plan can be essential for winning over potential lenders and investors. Established businesses can find one useful for staying on track and not losing sight of their goals. This article explains what an effective business plan needs to include and how to write one.

Key Takeaways

  • A business plan is a document describing a company's business activities and how it plans to achieve its goals.
  • Startup companies use business plans to get off the ground and attract outside investors.
  • For established companies, a business plan can help keep the executive team focused on and working toward the company's short- and long-term objectives.
  • There is no single format that a business plan must follow, but there are certain key elements that most companies will want to include.

Investopedia / Ryan Oakley

Any new business should have a business plan in place prior to beginning operations. In fact, banks and venture capital firms often want to see a business plan before they'll consider making a loan or providing capital to new businesses.

Even if a business isn't looking to raise additional money, a business plan can help it focus on its goals. A 2017 Harvard Business Review article reported that, "Entrepreneurs who write formal plans are 16% more likely to achieve viability than the otherwise identical nonplanning entrepreneurs."

Ideally, a business plan should be reviewed and updated periodically to reflect any goals that have been achieved or that may have changed. An established business that has decided to move in a new direction might create an entirely new business plan for itself.

There are numerous benefits to creating (and sticking to) a well-conceived business plan. These include being able to think through ideas before investing too much money in them and highlighting any potential obstacles to success. A company might also share its business plan with trusted outsiders to get their objective feedback. In addition, a business plan can help keep a company's executive team on the same page about strategic action items and priorities.

Business plans, even among competitors in the same industry, are rarely identical. However, they often have some of the same basic elements, as we describe below.

While it's a good idea to provide as much detail as necessary, it's also important that a business plan be concise enough to hold a reader's attention to the end.

While there are any number of templates that you can use to write a business plan, it's best to try to avoid producing a generic-looking one. Let your plan reflect the unique personality of your business.

Many business plans use some combination of the sections below, with varying levels of detail, depending on the company.

The length of a business plan can vary greatly from business to business. Regardless, it's best to fit the basic information into a 15- to 25-page document. Other crucial elements that take up a lot of space—such as applications for patents—can be referenced in the main document and attached as appendices.

These are some of the most common elements in many business plans:

  • Executive summary: This section introduces the company and includes its mission statement along with relevant information about the company's leadership, employees, operations, and locations.
  • Products and services: Here, the company should describe the products and services it offers or plans to introduce. That might include details on pricing, product lifespan, and unique benefits to the consumer. Other factors that could go into this section include production and manufacturing processes, any relevant patents the company may have, as well as proprietary technology . Information about research and development (R&D) can also be included here.
  • Market analysis: A company needs to have a good handle on the current state of its industry and the existing competition. This section should explain where the company fits in, what types of customers it plans to target, and how easy or difficult it may be to take market share from incumbents.
  • Marketing strategy: This section can describe how the company plans to attract and keep customers, including any anticipated advertising and marketing campaigns. It should also describe the distribution channel or channels it will use to get its products or services to consumers.
  • Financial plans and projections: Established businesses can include financial statements, balance sheets, and other relevant financial information. New businesses can provide financial targets and estimates for the first few years. Your plan might also include any funding requests you're making.

The best business plans aren't generic ones created from easily accessed templates. A company should aim to entice readers with a plan that demonstrates its uniqueness and potential for success.

2 Types of Business Plans

Business plans can take many forms, but they are sometimes divided into two basic categories: traditional and lean startup. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) , the traditional business plan is the more common of the two.

  • Traditional business plans : These plans tend to be much longer than lean startup plans and contain considerably more detail. As a result they require more work on the part of the business, but they can also be more persuasive (and reassuring) to potential investors.
  • Lean startup business plans : These use an abbreviated structure that highlights key elements. These business plans are short—as short as one page—and provide only the most basic detail. If a company wants to use this kind of plan, it should be prepared to provide more detail if an investor or a lender requests it.

Why Do Business Plans Fail?

A business plan is not a surefire recipe for success. The plan may have been unrealistic in its assumptions and projections to begin with. Markets and the overall economy might change in ways that couldn't have been foreseen. A competitor might introduce a revolutionary new product or service. All of this calls for building some flexibility into your plan, so you can pivot to a new course if needed.

How frequently a business plan needs to be revised will depend on the nature of the business. A well-established business might want to review its plan once a year and make changes if necessary. A new or fast-growing business in a fiercely competitive market might want to revise it more often, such as quarterly.

What Does a Lean Startup Business Plan Include?

The lean startup business plan is an option when a company prefers to give a quick explanation of its business. For example, a brand-new company may feel that it doesn't have a lot of information to provide yet.

Sections can include: a value proposition ; the company's major activities and advantages; resources such as staff, intellectual property, and capital; a list of partnerships; customer segments; and revenue sources.

A business plan can be useful to companies of all kinds. But as a company grows and the world around it changes, so too should its business plan. So don't think of your business plan as carved in granite but as a living document designed to evolve with your business.

Harvard Business Review. " Research: Writing a Business Plan Makes Your Startup More Likely to Succeed ."

U.S. Small Business Administration. " Write Your Business Plan ."

  • How to Start a Business: A Comprehensive Guide and Essential Steps 1 of 25
  • How to Do Market Research, Types, and Example 2 of 25
  • Marketing Strategy: What It Is, How It Works, and How to Create One 3 of 25
  • Marketing in Business: Strategies and Types Explained 4 of 25
  • What Is a Marketing Plan? Types and How to Write One 5 of 25
  • Business Development: Definition, Strategies, Steps & Skills 6 of 25
  • Business Plan: What It Is, What's Included, and How to Write One 7 of 25
  • Small Business Development Center (SBDC): Meaning, Types, Impact 8 of 25
  • How to Write a Business Plan for a Loan 9 of 25
  • Business Startup Costs: It’s in the Details 10 of 25
  • Startup Capital Definition, Types, and Risks 11 of 25
  • Bootstrapping Definition, Strategies, and Pros/Cons 12 of 25
  • Crowdfunding: What It Is, How It Works, and Popular Websites 13 of 25
  • Starting a Business with No Money: How to Begin 14 of 25
  • A Comprehensive Guide to Establishing Business Credit 15 of 25
  • Equity Financing: What It Is, How It Works, Pros and Cons 16 of 25
  • Best Startup Business Loans 17 of 25
  • Sole Proprietorship: What It Is, Pros and Cons, and Differences From an LLC 18 of 25
  • Partnership: Definition, How It Works, Taxation, and Types 19 of 25
  • What Is an LLC? Limited Liability Company Structure and Benefits Defined 20 of 25
  • Corporation: What It Is and How to Form One 21 of 25
  • Starting a Small Business: Your Complete How-to Guide 22 of 25
  • Starting an Online Business: A Step-by-Step Guide 23 of 25
  • How to Start Your Own Bookkeeping Business: Essential Tips 24 of 25
  • How to Start a Successful Dropshipping Business: A Comprehensive Guide 25 of 25

business plan essay template

  • Terms of Service
  • Editorial Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your Privacy Choices

550+ Business Plan Examples to Launch Your Business

550+ Free Sample Business Plans

Need help writing your business plan? Explore over 550 industry-specific business plan examples for inspiration.

Find your business plan example

Accounting, Insurance & Compliance

Accounting, Insurance & Compliance Business Plans

  • View All 25

Children & Pets

Children & Pets Business Plans

  • Children's Education & Recreation
  • View All 33

Cleaning, Repairs & Maintenance

Cleaning, Repairs & Maintenance Business Plans

  • Auto Detail & Repair
  • Cleaning Products
  • View All 39

Clothing & Fashion Brand

Clothing & Fashion Brand Business Plans

  • Clothing & Fashion Design
  • View All 26

Construction, Architecture & Engineering

Construction, Architecture & Engineering Business Plans

  • Architecture
  • Construction
  • View All 46

Consulting, Advertising & Marketing

Consulting, Advertising & Marketing Business Plans

  • Advertising
  • View All 54

Education

Education Business Plans

  • Education Consulting
  • Education Products

Business plan template: There's an easier way to get your business plan done.

Entertainment & Recreation

Entertainment & Recreation Business Plans

  • Entertainment
  • Film & Television
  • View All 60

Events

Events Business Plans

  • Event Planning
  • View All 17

Farm & Agriculture

Farm & Agriculture Business Plans

  • Agri-tourism
  • Agriculture Consulting
  • View All 16

Finance & Investing

Finance & Investing Business Plans

  • Financial Planning
  • View All 10

Fine Art & Crafts

Fine Art & Crafts Business Plans

Fitness & Beauty

Fitness & Beauty Business Plans

  • Salon & Spa
  • View All 35

Food and Beverage

Food and Beverage Business Plans

  • Bar & Brewery
  • View All 77

Hotel & Lodging

Hotel & Lodging Business Plans

  • Bed and Breakfast

Finish your plan faster with step-by-step guidance, financial wizards, and a proven format.

IT, Staffing & Customer Service

IT, Staffing & Customer Service Business Plans

  • Administrative Services
  • Customer Service
  • View All 22

Manufacturing & Wholesale

Manufacturing & Wholesale Business Plans

  • Cleaning & Cosmetics Manufacturing
  • View All 68

Medical & Health

Medical & Health Business Plans

  • Dental Practice
  • Health Administration
  • View All 41

Nonprofit

Nonprofit Business Plans

  • Co-op Nonprofit
  • Food & Housing Nonprofit
  • View All 13

Real Estate & Rentals

Real Estate & Rentals Business Plans

  • Equipment Rental

Retail & Ecommerce

Retail & Ecommerce Business Plans

  • Car Dealership
  • View All 116

Technology

Technology Business Plans

  • Apps & Software
  • Communication Technology

Transportation, Travel & Logistics

Transportation, Travel & Logistics Business Plans

  • Airline, Taxi & Shuttle
  • View All 62

View all sample business plans

Example business plan format

Before you start exploring our library of business plan examples, it's worth taking the time to understand the traditional business plan format . You'll find that the plans in this library and most investor-approved business plans will include the following sections:

Executive summary

The executive summary is an overview of your business and your plans. It comes first in your plan and is ideally only one to two pages. You should also plan to write this section last after you've written your full business plan.

Your executive summary should include a summary of the problem you are solving, a description of your product or service, an overview of your target market, a brief description of your team, a summary of your financials, and your funding requirements (if you are raising money).

Products & services

The products & services chapter of your business plan is where the real meat of your plan lives. It includes information about the problem that you're solving, your solution, and any traction that proves that it truly meets the need you identified.

This is your chance to explain why you're in business and that people care about what you offer. It needs to go beyond a simple product or service description and get to the heart of why your business works and benefits your customers.

Market analysis

Conducting a market analysis ensures that you fully understand the market that you're entering and who you'll be selling to. This section is where you will showcase all of the information about your potential customers. You'll cover your target market as well as information about the growth of your market and your industry. Focus on outlining why the market you're entering is viable and creating a realistic persona for your ideal customer base.

Competition

Part of defining your opportunity is determining what your competitive advantage may be. To do this effectively you need to get to know your competitors just as well as your target customers. Every business will have competition, if you don't then you're either in a very young industry or there's a good reason no one is pursuing this specific venture.

To succeed, you want to be sure you know who your competitors are, how they operate, necessary financial benchmarks, and how you're business will be positioned. Start by identifying who your competitors are or will be during your market research. Then leverage competitive analysis tools like the competitive matrix and positioning map to solidify where your business stands in relation to the competition.

Marketing & sales

The marketing and sales plan section of your business plan details how you plan to reach your target market segments. You'll address how you plan on selling to those target markets, what your pricing plan is, and what types of activities and partnerships you need to make your business a success.

The operations section covers the day-to-day workflows for your business to deliver your product or service. What's included here fully depends on the type of business. Typically you can expect to add details on your business location, sourcing and fulfillment, use of technology, and any partnerships or agreements that are in place.

Milestones & metrics

The milestones section is where you lay out strategic milestones to reach your business goals.

A good milestone clearly lays out the parameters of the task at hand and sets expectations for its execution. You'll want to include a description of the task, a proposed due date, who is responsible, and eventually a budget that's attached. You don't need extensive project planning in this section, just key milestones that you want to hit and when you plan to hit them.

You should also discuss key metrics, which are the numbers you will track to determine your success. Some common data points worth tracking include conversion rates, customer acquisition costs, profit, etc.

Company & team

Use this section to describe your current team and who you need to hire. If you intend to pursue funding, you'll need to highlight the relevant experience of your team members. Basically, this is where you prove that this is the right team to successfully start and grow the business. You will also need to provide a quick overview of your legal structure and history if you're already up and running.

Financial projections

Your financial plan should include a sales and revenue forecast, profit and loss statement, cash flow statement, and a balance sheet. You may not have established financials of any kind at this stage. Not to worry, rather than getting all of the details ironed out, focus on making projections and strategic forecasts for your business. You can always update your financial statements as you begin operations and start bringing in actual accounting data.

Now, if you intend to pitch to investors or submit a loan application, you'll also need a "use of funds" report in this section. This outlines how you intend to leverage any funding for your business and how much you're looking to acquire. Like the rest of your financials, this can always be updated later on.

The appendix isn't a required element of your business plan. However, it is a useful place to add any charts, tables, definitions, legal notes, or other critical information that supports your plan. These are often lengthier or out-of-place information that simply didn't work naturally into the structure of your plan. You'll notice that in these business plan examples, the appendix mainly includes extended financial statements.

Types of business plans explained

While all business plans cover similar categories, the style and function fully depend on how you intend to use your plan. To get the most out of your plan, it's best to find a format that suits your needs. Here are a few common business plan types worth considering.

Traditional business plan

The tried-and-true traditional business plan is a formal document meant to be used for external purposes. Typically this is the type of plan you'll need when applying for funding or pitching to investors. It can also be used when training or hiring employees, working with vendors, or in any other situation where the full details of your business must be understood by another individual.

Business model canvas

The business model canvas is a one-page template designed to demystify the business planning process. It removes the need for a traditional, copy-heavy business plan, in favor of a single-page outline that can help you and outside parties better explore your business idea.

The structure ditches a linear format in favor of a cell-based template. It encourages you to build connections between every element of your business. It's faster to write out and update, and much easier for you, your team, and anyone else to visualize your business operations.

One-page business plan

The true middle ground between the business model canvas and a traditional business plan is the one-page business plan . This format is a simplified version of the traditional plan that focuses on the core aspects of your business.

By starting with a one-page plan , you give yourself a minimal document to build from. You'll typically stick with bullet points and single sentences making it much easier to elaborate or expand sections into a longer-form business plan.

Growth planning

Growth planning is more than a specific type of business plan. It's a methodology. It takes the simplicity and styling of the one-page business plan and turns it into a process for you to continuously plan, forecast, review, and refine based on your performance.

It holds all of the benefits of the single-page plan, including the potential to complete it in as little as 27 minutes . However, it's even easier to convert into a more detailed plan thanks to how heavily it's tied to your financials. The overall goal of growth planning isn't to just produce documents that you use once and shelve. Instead, the growth planning process helps you build a healthier company that thrives in times of growth and remain stable through times of crisis.

It's faster, keeps your plan concise, and ensures that your plan is always up-to-date.

Download a free sample business plan template

Ready to start writing your own plan but aren't sure where to start? Download our free business plan template that's been updated for 2024.

This simple, modern, investor-approved business plan template is designed to make planning easy. It's a proven format that has helped over 1 million businesses write business plans for bank loans, funding pitches, business expansion, and even business sales. It includes additional instructions for how to write each section and is formatted to be SBA-lender approved. All you need to do is fill in the blanks.

How to use an example business plan to help you write your own

Wistia video thumbnail for video id e929pxw2b2

How do you know what elements need to be included in your business plan, especially if you've never written one before? Looking at examples can help you visualize what a full, traditional plan looks like, so you know what you're aiming for before you get started. Here's how to get the most out of a sample business plan.

Choose a business plan example from a similar type of company

You don't need to find an example business plan that's an exact fit for your business. Your business location, target market, and even your particular product or service may not match up exactly with the plans in our gallery. But, you don't need an exact match for it to be helpful. Instead, look for a plan that's related to the type of business you're starting.

For example, if you want to start a vegetarian restaurant, a plan for a steakhouse can be a great match. While the specifics of your actual startup will differ, the elements you'd want to include in your restaurant's business plan are likely to be very similar.

Use a business plan example as a guide

Every startup and small business is unique, so you'll want to avoid copying an example business plan word for word. It just won't be as helpful, since each business is unique. You want your plan to be a useful tool for starting a business —and getting funding if you need it.

One of the key benefits of writing a business plan is simply going through the process. When you sit down to write, you'll naturally think through important pieces, like your startup costs, your target market , and any market analysis or research you'll need to do to be successful.

You'll also look at where you stand among your competition (and everyone has competition), and lay out your goals and the milestones you'll need to meet. Looking at an example business plan's financials section can be helpful because you can see what should be included, but take them with a grain of salt. Don't assume that financial projections for a sample company will fit your own small business.

If you're looking for more resources to help you get started, our business planning guide is a good place to start. You can also download our free business plan template .

Think of business planning as a process, instead of a document

Think about business planning as something you do often , rather than a document you create once and never look at again. If you take the time to write a plan that really fits your own company, it will be a better, more useful tool to grow your business. It should also make it easier to share your vision and strategy so everyone on your team is on the same page.

Adjust your plan regularly to use it as a business management tool

Keep in mind that businesses that use their plan as a management tool to help run their business grow 30 percent faster than those businesses that don't. For that to be true for your company, you'll think of a part of your business planning process as tracking your actual results against your financial forecast on a regular basis.

If things are going well, your plan will help you think about how you can re-invest in your business. If you find that you're not meeting goals, you might need to adjust your budgets or your sales forecast. Either way, tracking your progress compared to your plan can help you adjust quickly when you identify challenges and opportunities—it's one of the most powerful things you can do to grow your business.

Prepare to pitch your business

If you're planning to pitch your business to investors or seek out any funding, you'll need a pitch deck to accompany your business plan. A pitch deck is designed to inform people about your business. You want your pitch deck to be short and easy to follow, so it's best to keep your presentation under 20 slides.

Your pitch deck and pitch presentation are likely some of the first things that an investor will see to learn more about your company. So, you need to be informative and pique their interest. Luckily, just like you can leverage an example business plan template to write your plan, we also have a gallery of over 50 pitch decks for you to reference.

With this gallery, you have the option to view specific industry pitches or get inspired by real-world pitch deck examples.

Ready to get started?

Now that you know how to use an example business plan to help you write a plan for your business, it's time to find the right one.

Use the search bar below to get started and find the right match for your business idea.

Garrett's Bike Shop

The quickest way to turn a business idea into a business plan

Fill-in-the-blanks and automatic financials make it easy.

No thanks, I prefer writing 40-page documents.

LivePlan pitch example

Discover the world’s #1 plan building software

business plan essay template

Business Essay Examples

Cathy A.

13 Business Essay Examples for Students

14 min read

Published on: May 1, 2023

Last updated on: Jan 30, 2024

business essay examples

Share this article

Are you struggling to figure out the structure, research, or data required to make your essay stand out? Or frustrated by the lack of inspiration and ideas for your essay?

But don't give up yet! We have a powerful solution that will make your essay writing a breeze. Our list of business essay examples is here to help! 

We have compiled expertly written business essay examples that will illustrate how to write a striking business essay.

With our examples, you'll be able to see how to structure your essay and generate creative ideas for your topic. And our tips will help you make the most of these examples.

So, let's dive in and get ready to learn!

On This Page On This Page -->

What is a Business Essay?

A business essay is a type of academic writing that focuses on business-related topics and issues. These essays can cover a wide range of topics such as marketing, finance, management, entrepreneurship, and more.

The importance of business essay lies in presenting a well-researched and informed analysis. To do this effectively, writers need to conduct extensive research and analysis on the topic at hand.

Referring to examples of business essays can help you gain insight into the structure, tone, and content of a well-written essay.

Business Essay Examples For Students

Here is a list of business writing examples

Business Essay Examples Pdf

Business Essay Example Grade 10

Business Essay Example Grade 11

A Level Business Essay Examples

University Business Essay Examples

International Business Essay Examples

Short Essay About Business

College Essay About Starting A Business

Types of Business Essay with Examples

When it comes to business essay writing, there are several different types that you might encounter. 

Here's a brief overview of each type, including their characteristics and an example of each.

Order Essay

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That's our Job!

Case Studies

A case study is an in-depth analysis of a specific business situation or problem. It involves extensive research and data analysis to provide recommendations.

Case studies often showcase the application of theory to real-world business scenarios.

Research Papers

Research papers involve a more academic approach to business writing. They typically require an extensive literature review, data analysis, and original research. 

Business research papers aim to contribute new knowledge to the field of business. These often involve a hypothesis or research question.

Argumentative Essays

Argumentative business essays aim to persuade the reader to adopt a particular point of view or take a specific action. They present an argument and use evidence and logic to support their claims. 

Argumentative essays can address various business topics such as management practices, ethical issues, or market trends.

White Papers

A white paper is a document that provides a detailed explanation of a particular issue or problem, often with recommendations or solutions. 

White papers are typically used to educate stakeholders about a specific topic. These are often used in the business-to-business (B2B) context.

Comparative Essays 

Comparative business essays compare and contrast two or more topics or ideas. They typically analyze the similarities and differences between the topics to evaluate their pros and cons. 

Comparative essays can focus on various aspects such as products, companies, markets, or strategies.

How to Structure Your Business Essays

As you begin writing your business essay, it's important to structure it in a clear and organized way. 

Here's a step-by-step guide with business essay samples to help you do just that:

Executive Summary

The executive summary is a brief overview of your entire essay. It should summarize your main points and highlight your recommendations. 

This section should be written after completing the essay, as it gives a clear picture of what the essay covers. 

Here is how you start a business essay sample:

Introduction

The introduction sets the stage for the rest of the essay. It should introduce the topic, provide background information, and explain the purpose of the essay. 

Here is a business essay introduction example:

Industry Analysis

In this section, you'll conduct a thorough analysis of the industry in which the business operates. You should examine factors such as competition, market trends, and customer behavior. 

Here is a sample industry analysis

Key Issues or Problems

This section should identify the main issues or problems faced by the business. You should provide evidence to support your claims and analyze the impact of these issues. 

Here is an example paragraph:

Solutions or Recommendation

Here, you'll provide solutions or recommendations to address the issues identified in the previous section. Your solutions should be well-supported and feasible. 

For instance:

Implementation Plan

For this part, you'll outline a plan for implementing the solutions or recommendations you've proposed. This is sort of a description of the business model you suggest. 

This section should be detailed and include specific action steps. 

For example:

Finally, you'll wrap up your essay by summarizing your main points and reiterating your recommendations. 

This section should be clear, concise, and impactful. 

By following this structure, your business essay will be well-organized, coherent, and easy to follow for your readers.

Tips for Using Business Essay Examples Effectively

Now that you have quite a few business essay examples at hand, you should know how to use them effectively:

  • Use them as a guide, not a template : While it's great to learn from examples, you should never copy them outright. Instead, use them as a starting point for your own research and writing.
  • Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the essay : Take note of what works well in the example essay, as well as any areas that could be improved. This will help you understand how to make your own essay even better.
  • Use them to inform your own research and writing : Pay attention to the research methods, sources, and evidence used in the example essay. This can give you ideas for your own research and help you strengthen your arguments.
  • Avoid plagiarism and ensure proper citation: Whenever you use ideas or information from an example, make sure to cite your sources. This will help you avoid plagiarism and maintain academic integrity.

You now have a plenty of business essay examples on different topics to help you get started!

By following our tips and studying the sample essays, you can confidently write your own essays that are clear, concise, and impactful. 

However, if you still find yourself struggling with your business essays, just reach out to our professional business essay writing service . 

We have the best online essay writing service and are ready to provide you a high-quality business. Our writing service has subject specialist writers who can tackle any business essay topic.  

So why wait? Contact us today and let our AI essay writer take your business essays to the next level!

Cathy A. (Literature)

For more than five years now, Cathy has been one of our most hardworking authors on the platform. With a Masters degree in mass communication, she knows the ins and outs of professional writing. Clients often leave her glowing reviews for being an amazing writer who takes her work very seriously.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That’s our Job!

Get Help

  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookies Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Refunds & Cancellations
  • Our Writers
  • Success Stories
  • Our Guarantees
  • Affiliate Program
  • Referral Program
  • AI Essay Writer

Disclaimer: All client orders are completed by our team of highly qualified human writers. The essays and papers provided by us are not to be used for submission but rather as learning models only.

business plan essay template

Gardening Business Plan Template & Guidebook

Starting a successful gardening business can seem daunting - from deciding how to price services and market to customers, to understanding the financial and legal aspects of the business. But having the right tools on hand is key to making the process easier. The #1 Gardening Business Plan Template & Guidebook is designed to provide aspiring entrepreneurs with the resources they need to confidently start and grow a successful gardening business. It contains all the information needed, including sample plans, strategies, step-by-step guidance and timely tips to get you up and running quickly.

Nick

Get worry-free services and support to launch your business starting at $0 plus state fees.

  • How to Start a Profitable Gardening Business [11 Steps]
  • 10+ Best & Profitable Gardening Business Ideas [2023]
  • 25 Catchy Gardening Business Names:

How to Write a Gardening Business Plan in 7 Steps:

1. describe the purpose of your gardening business..

The first step to writing your business plan is to describe the purpose of your gardening business. This includes describing why you are starting this type of business, and what problems it will solve for customers. This is a quick way to get your mind thinking about the customers’ problems. It also helps you identify what makes your business different from others in its industry.

It also helps to include a vision statement so that readers can understand what type of company you want to build.

Here is an example of a purpose mission statement for a gardening business:

Our mission for this gardening business plan is to bring joy and satisfaction to our customers through the purchase and installation of high-quality plants and flowers, providing detailed consultation services, and offering customized garden designs. We aspire to create an environment that reflects nature's beauty and diversity, creating a space of tranquility, healing, and relaxation.

Image of Zenbusiness business formation

2. Products & Services Offered by Your Gardening Business.

The next step is to outline your products and services for your gardening business. 

When you think about the products and services that you offer, it's helpful to ask yourself the following questions:

  • What is my business?
  • What are the products and/or services that I offer?
  • Why am I offering these particular products and/or services?
  • How do I differentiate myself from competitors with similar offerings?
  • How will I market my products and services?

You may want to do a comparison of your business plan against those of other competitors in the area, or even with online reviews. This way, you can find out what people like about them and what they don’t like, so that you can either improve upon their offerings or avoid doing so altogether.

Image of Zenbusiness business formation

3. Build a Creative Marketing Stratgey.

If you don't have a marketing plan for your gardening business, it's time to write one. Your marketing plan should be part of your business plan and be a roadmap to your goals. 

A good marketing plan for your gardening business includes the following elements:

Target market

  • Who is your target market?
  • What do these customers have in common?
  • How many of them are there?
  • How can you best reach them with your message or product?

Customer base 

  • Who are your current customers? 
  • Where did they come from (i.e., referrals)?
  • How can their experience with your gardening business help make them repeat customers, consumers, visitors, subscribers, or advocates for other people in their network or industry who might also benefit from using this service, product, or brand?

Product or service description

  • How does it work, what features does it have, and what are its benefits?
  • Can anyone use this product or service regardless of age or gender?
  • Can anyone visually see themselves using this product or service?
  • How will they feel when they do so? If so, how long will the feeling last after purchasing (or trying) the product/service for the first time?

Competitive analysis

  • Which companies are competing with yours today (and why)? 
  • Which ones may enter into competition with yours tomorrow if they find out about it now through word-of-mouth advertising; social media networks; friends' recommendations; etc.)
  • What specific advantages does each competitor offer over yours currently?

Marketing channels

  • Which marketing channel do you intend to leverage to attract new customers?
  • What is your estimated marketing budget needed?
  • What is the projected cost to acquire a new customer?
  • How many of your customers do you instead will return?

Form an LLC in your state!

business plan essay template

4. Write Your Operational Plan.

Next, you'll need to build your operational plan. This section describes the type of business you'll be running, and includes the steps involved in your operations. 

In it, you should list:

  • The equipment and facilities needed
  • Who will be involved in the business (employees, contractors)
  • Financial requirements for each step
  • Milestones & KPIs
  • Location of your business
  • Zoning & permits required for the business

What equipment, supplies, or permits are needed to run a gardening business?

  • Gardening tools (such as Clippers, shovels, rakes, etc.)
  • Water hose and Sprinklers
  • Safety gear (such as Gloves and Safety glasses)
  • Business License

5. Management & Organization of Your Gardening Business.

The second part of your gardening business plan is to develop a management and organization section.

This section will cover all of the following:

  • How many employees you need in order to run your gardening business. This should include the roles they will play (for example, one person may be responsible for managing administrative duties while another might be in charge of customer service).
  • The structure of your management team. The higher-ups like yourself should be able to delegate tasks through lower-level managers who are directly responsible for their given department (inventory and sales, etc.).
  • How you’re going to make sure that everyone on board is doing their job well. You’ll want check-ins with employees regularly so they have time to ask questions or voice concerns if needed; this also gives you time to offer support where necessary while staying informed on how things are going within individual departments too!

6. Gardening Business Startup Expenses & Captial Needed.

This section should be broken down by month and year. If you are still in the planning stage of your business, it may be helpful to estimate how much money will be needed each month until you reach profitability.

Typically, expenses for your business can be broken into a few basic categories:

Startup Costs

Startup costs are typically the first expenses you will incur when beginning an enterprise. These include legal fees, accounting expenses, and other costs associated with getting your business off the ground. The amount of money needed to start a gardening business varies based on many different variables, but below are a few different types of startup costs for a gardening business.

Running & Operating Costs

Running costs refer to ongoing expenses related directly with operating your business over time like electricity bills or salaries paid out each month. These types of expenses will vary greatly depending on multiple variables such as location, team size, utility costs, etc.

Marketing & Sales Expenses

You should include any costs associated with marketing and sales, such as advertising and promotions, website design or maintenance. Also, consider any additional expenses that may be incurred if you decide to launch a new product or service line. For example, if your gardening business has an existing website that needs an upgrade in order to sell more products or services, then this should be listed here.

7. Financial Plan & Projections

A financial plan is an important part of any business plan, as it outlines how the business will generate revenue and profit, and how it will use that profit to grow and sustain itself. To devise a financial plan for your gardening business, you will need to consider a number of factors, including your start-up costs, operating costs, projected revenue, and expenses. 

Here are some steps you can follow to devise a financial plan for your gardening business plan:

  • Determine your start-up costs: This will include the cost of purchasing or leasing the space where you will operate your business, as well as the cost of buying or leasing any equipment or supplies that you need to start the business.
  • Estimate your operating costs: Operating costs will include utilities, such as electricity, gas, and water, as well as labor costs for employees, if any, and the cost of purchasing any materials or supplies that you will need to run your business.
  • Project your revenue: To project your revenue, you will need to consider the number of customers you expect to have and the average amount they will spend on each visit. You can use this information to estimate how much money you will make from selling your products or services.
  • Estimate your expenses: In addition to your operating costs, you will need to consider other expenses, such as insurance, marketing, and maintenance. You will also need to set aside money for taxes and other fees.
  • Create a budget: Once you have estimated your start-up costs, operating costs, revenue, and expenses, you can use this information to create a budget for your business. This will help you to see how much money you will need to start the business, and how much profit you can expect to make.
  • Develop a plan for using your profit: Finally, you will need to decide how you will use your profit to grow and sustain your business. This might include investing in new equipment, expanding the business, or saving for a rainy day.

business plan essay template

Frequently Asked Questions About Gardening Business Plans:

Why do you need a business plan for a gardening business.

A business plan is a critical document for any business, including a gardening business. It outlines the purpose and operations of the business, as well as strategies for future growth. It also helps to set realistic goals and provides a roadmap for how to reach them. Additionally, it can be used to help secure financing and attract potential investors.

Who should you ask for help with your gardening business plan?

You should ask a business consultant, such as a financial advisor, accountant, or lawyer, for help with your gardening business plan. Additionally, you may want to seek out guidance from local resources for small business owners, such as a Small Business Administration office or a local chamber of commerce.

Can you write a gardening business plan yourself?

Yes, you can write a gardening business plan yourself. To do so, you should begin by researching the gardening industry, creating a business plan template, setting goals and objectives, outlining a marketing strategy, and developing an operational plan. Additionally, it is important to determine the start-up costs and projections for your business. Finally, you should review your plan and make any necessary revisions before submitting it to potential investors or lenders.

Related Business Plans

image of Home Inventory

Home Inventory Business Plan Template & Guidebook

image of Home Inspection

Home Inspection Business Plan Template & Guidebook

image of Home Decor

Home Decor Business Plan Template & Guidebook

image of Health And Wellness

Health And Wellness Business Plan Template & Guidebook

image of Hauling

Hauling Business Plan Template & Guidebook

image of Hardware

Hardware Business Plan Template & Guidebook

image of Handyman

Handyman Business Plan Template & Guidebook

image of Hair Extension

Hair Extension Business Plan Template & Guidebook

image of Handbag

Handbag Business Plan Template & Guidebook

I'm Nick, co-founder of newfoundr.com, dedicated to helping aspiring entrepreneurs succeed. As a small business owner with over five years of experience, I have garnered valuable knowledge and insights across a diverse range of industries. My passion for entrepreneurship drives me to share my expertise with aspiring entrepreneurs, empowering them to turn their business dreams into reality.

Through meticulous research and firsthand experience, I uncover the essential steps, software, tools, and costs associated with launching and maintaining a successful business. By demystifying the complexities of entrepreneurship, I provide the guidance and support needed for others to embark on their journey with confidence.

From assessing market viability and formulating business plans to selecting the right technology and navigating the financial landscape, I am dedicated to helping fellow entrepreneurs overcome challenges and unlock their full potential. As a steadfast advocate for small business success, my mission is to pave the way for a new generation of innovative and driven entrepreneurs who are ready to make their mark on the world.

IMAGES

  1. 001 Essay Planning Sheet ~ Thatsnotus

    business plan essay template

  2. Business Essay

    business plan essay template

  3. How To Write A Business Plan Template

    business plan essay template

  4. The Essential Guide to Writing a Business Plan

    business plan essay template

  5. Free Printable Business Plan Sample Form (GENERIC)

    business plan essay template

  6. Business Plan Essay Template in Word, PDF, Google Docs, Pages

    business plan essay template

VIDEO

  1. Business Plan Template

  2. Resignation email format #shorts

  3. 18 January 2024 ieltsexam writing task2: To what extent do you agree or disagree with essay template

  4. Starting a Consulting Business Tips

  5. Grade 11 Stalin 5 year plan Essay

  6. My aim in life essay writing. my future plan essay writing in english. essay on my future

COMMENTS

  1. How To Write A Business Plan (2024 Guide)

    Describe Your Services or Products. The business plan should have a section that explains the services or products that you're offering. This is the part where you can also describe how they fit ...

  2. Business Plan Essay Examples

    Each business plan essay sample in this database is a piece of well-structured, coherent content that a professor of any educational establishment would assess with the highest grade. Therefore, by following the template of our examples, you can compose your own award-winning business plan task without causing any suspicion and doubt. ...

  3. How to Write a Business Plan (Plus Examples & Templates)

    How to Write a Business Plan Step 1. Create a Cover Page. The first thing investors will see is the cover page for your business plan. Make sure it looks professional. A great cover page shows that you think about first impressions. A good business plan should have the following elements on a cover page:

  4. Business Plan Essay

    Abstract. The paper undertakes to explore a business plan. It begins with the explanation of the major elements of the business plan. Besides, it explores how a business plan can be matched to start-ups, expansions, relocations and franchising businesses. It further analyses the financial aspects of going full-time; specifically touching on ...

  5. Business Plan: What it Is, How to Write One

    Learn about the best business plan software. 1. Write an executive summary. This is your elevator pitch. It should include a mission statement, a brief description of the products or services your ...

  6. Business Plan Essay Examples

    Business Plan: Types And Significance. Introduction Top 4 Business Plans are: 1. Business Initiative Plans (Startup Business Plans), 2. Long Term Business Plans (Strategic Plans for Business), 3. Growth and Development Oriented Business Plans, 4. General Plans.

  7. Business Plan Essay Template

    Download this Business Plan Essay Template Design in Word, Google Docs, PDF, Apple Pages Format. Easily Editable, Printable, Downloadable. Writing essays about a business plan is easy! You just have to get started with this template. The suggestive content structure is outlined for optimal readability and to encourage a coherent flow of ...

  8. Entrepreneurship: Making a Business Plan

    A business plan is a document that performs the operational and managerial functions of the venture. Its main benefit is that it allows the entrepreneur to avoid some of the problems that can potentially arise during its implementation (Kuratko, 2016). There are other advantages of a business plan for the entrepreneur; for example, he gains an ...

  9. Business Plan: What It Is, What's Included, and How to Write One

    Business Plan: A business plan is a written document that describes in detail how a business, usually a new one, is going to achieve its goals. A business plan lays out a written plan from a ...

  10. 550+ Sample Business Plan Examples to Inspire Your Own

    The business model canvas is a one-page template designed to demystify the business planning process. It removes the need for a traditional, copy-heavy business plan, in favor of a single-page outline that can help you and outside parties better explore your business idea. The structure ditches a linear format in favor of a cell-based template.

  11. 24 of My Favorite Sample Business Plans & Examples For Your Inspiration

    8. Panda Doc's Free Business Plan Template. PandaDoc's free business plan template is one of the more detailed and fleshed-out sample business plans on this list. It describes what you should include in each section, so you don't have to come up with everything from scratch.

  12. Best Business Essay Examples for Inspiration

    Here is how you start a business essay sample: This essay provides an in-depth analysis of the marketing strategies employed by Coca-Cola and PepsiCo. The essay highlights the similarities and differences between the two companies' approaches to product development, distribution, and advertising. ... For this part, you'll outline a plan for ...

  13. PDF Elements of a Successful Business Plan

    Prepare the following projections place them in the Business Plan Appendix: • Income Statement by years for 5 years; by months for years 1-2 and by quarters for years 3-5. • Balance Sheet years for 5 years. • Cash Flow by years for 5 years; by months for years 1-2 and by quarters for years 3-5.

  14. Business Plan Essay

    Business Plan for a Startup Business The business plan consists of a narrative and several financial worksheets. The narrative template is the body of the business plan. It contains more than 150 questions divided into several sections. Work through the sections in any order that you want, except for the Executive Summary, which should be done ...

  15. How to Write an Essay Outline

    An essay outline is a way of planning the structure of your essay before you start writing. It involves writing quick summary sentences or phrases for every point you will cover in each paragraph, giving you a picture of how your argument will unfold. You'll sometimes be asked to submit an essay outline as a separate assignment before you ...

  16. 37 Outstanding Essay Outline Templates (Argumentative, Narrative

    Essay outlines can be used for any college essay, research papers, a contrast essay, speech writing, or an expository essay. There are a range of essay outline templates to use, and they vary depending on the style of essay you are writing. These include: Argumentative essay outline. Narrative essay outline. Contrast essay outline.

  17. The #1 Gardening Business Plan Template & Guidebook

    The #1 Gardening Business Plan Template & Guidebook is designed to provide aspiring entrepreneurs with the resources they need to confidently start and grow a successful gardening business. It contains all the information needed, including sample plans, strategies, step-by-step guidance and timely tips to get you up and running quickly. ...

  18. Business Essay

    Business Essay. Business essays tell about how someone makes earnings through the act of buying or selling a particular product. We all know that businesses are the foundation of profit and loss. It is also a very demanding profession that has been practiced and made popular over the past years.

  19. 8+ Essay Plan Templates

    Planning is not just crucial in terms of writing simple business plan template and personal development plan templates. Essays are also good subject matters in applying the right planning techniques. Argumentative Essay Planning Sheet Template - In writing an argumentative essay, the challenge lies on how you structure the flow of your arguments.

  20. Business Plan Template: The Laundry Room

    Essay Sample: The Laundry Room is a full-service, including wash, dry, fold, dry cleaning, repairs and alterations, pick-up and delivery, coin operated laundry service ... For the purpose of this business plan template, the investments of equipment and locations are financed. There will be minimal product inventory kept on hand to take ...

  21. Business Plan Template

    Beauty Business Plan Template, Business Planner Proposal, Start Up Workbook, Business Plan Analysis, Editable Plan, Beauty Salon Template. (552) $5.11. $10.22 (50% off) Digital Download. Durable Power of Attorney Template. Editable & Printable Durable Power of Attorney Form. POA Form. Instant Download.