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Download your free business plan template
Microsoft Excel
Google Sheets
Google Docs
Adobe PDFWhich business plan template format should I use?
Microsoft Word
Microsoft Word gives you the most flexibility for editing and customizing your business plan. Add your branding, adjust the layout, and print polished copies for meetings, pitches, or presentations
Who needs a business plan?
A business plan template is a pre-built document that walks you through each section, so you don’t have to start from scratch.
Business plans help small business owners, startups, freelancers, and contractors organize their goals, finances, and next steps before making bigger business decisions like:
turning a side hustle into a full-time business
applying for a bank loan or outside funding
pitching higher-value clients or partners
starting a new business or planning for growth
expanding your services or taking on larger projects
What to include in a business plan
Most business plans are built from the same key sections. Here’s a simple breakdown of what to include in each one:
Executive Summary
Think of this as your elevator pitch. It’s a quick, high-level hook that highlights the big problem you solve, your solution, and your major milestones. Keep it punchy to grab attention, and always write it last once the rest of your plan is done.
Business overview
This is your business's identity. Instead of focusing on marketing, use this section to explain how you actually make money, your legal setup, and your "secret sauce"—the exact reason customers will choose you over everyone else.
Marketing and sales plan
Map out the exact playbook you’ll use to find customers and get paid. Detail your pricing, the specific channels you’ll use to get noticed (like social media or referrals), and the step-by-step process that turns a stranger into a buyer.
Financial plan
This is where you back up your ideas with numbers. Keep it practical: List your startup costs, your monthly bills, and how many sales you need to make just to break even. It proves your business is built to last.
Funding request (optional)
If you need a loan or investor cash, make your ask here. State exactly how much money you need right now, precisely what you will spend it on, and how it will help your business grow faster.
SWOT analysis (optional)
Use this as a quick reality check for your strategy. Look inside your business to spot your true strengths and weaknesses, then look outside at the market to find your biggest opportunities and the threats you need to avoid.
Benefits of using a business plan template
Business plan templates help you organize your ideas, work through the numbers, and build your plan step by step. Benefits include:
Ready-made sections guide the process
Your ideas stay organized in one place
Easy to tailor to your business
Startup costs feel easier to map out
Funding conversations feel less intimidating
Plans look clear and professional
Ready-made sections guide the process
Put your business plan to work with FreshBooks
A business plan is only as strong as the numbers behind it. FreshBooks gives you real-time financial insights to help you keep your business goals on track.
Profit and Loss Reports
See your income, expenses, and profit in one place with reports that make performance easier to track.
Expense Tracking
Log and categorize business expenses as you go, with automatic bank imports to keep your records accurate and up to date.
Project Profitability
Track project costs against your budget to see which jobs are bringing in the most profit.
Invoicing and Online Payments
Send polished invoices and accept online payments to get paid faster and give your clients a professional experience from day one.
Plan your business. 
Run it with FreshBooks.
Your business plan sets the direction. FreshBooks brings the invoicing, expenses, payments, projects, and reporting—all in one place, so everything’s organized as your business grows.
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