# How do I write a simple business plan?

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:**

1. **Describe the business in two sentences:** what you sell and who buys it.
2. **Name your customers** and how you will reach them.
3. **List startup costs** (one-time) and monthly costs.
4. **Set prices** and estimate how many sales or jobs you need each month to break even.
5. **Write how you will cover the first slow months:** savings, a loan or a side income.
6. **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)](https://www.sba.gov/counseling/plan-your-business/#business-plan)
- Updated: 2026-10-29
- Published: 2026-10-29
- Category: Start a business
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