How do I write a simple business plan?

Updated October 29, 2026By ProfitDrawer

Short answer

Start with a lean, one page plan. The SBA says a lean startup plan can take as little as one hour and covers 9 items: key partnerships, key activities, key resources, value proposition, customer relationships, customer segments, channels, cost structure and revenue streams. A traditional plan runs dozens of pages and goes into more detail, which a lender or investor may ask for. ProfitDrawer's small business plan template is one option if you'd rather fill in sections than start from a blank page.

A simple way to do it:

Describe the business in two sentences: what you sell and who buys it.
Name your customers and how you will reach them.
List startup costs (one-time) and monthly costs.
Set prices and estimate how many sales or jobs you need each month to break even.
Write how you will cover the first slow months: savings, a loan or a side income.
Review it every few months and update the numbers with real results.

If a lender or investor asks for a plan, the SBA's traditional format usually includes:

Executive summary
Company description
Market analysis
Organization and management
Service or product line
Marketing and sales
Funding request
Financial projections

Keep the financial part honest and simple: realistic sales, every cost you know about, and a cash buffer. A startup cost calculator or planner helps you get those numbers before you write the words around them.

Source: Write your business plan (U.S. Small Business Administration) · Updated October 29, 2026