How do I write a simple business plan for a startup?

Quick business plan structure

Start with a concise one-page summary that explains what your startup does, the problem it solves, and who the customer is. A simple business plan focuses on clarity and action rather than length.

Break the plan into clear sections:

• Executive summary (1 paragraph)
• Problem and solution
• Target market and customer personas
• Business model (how you make money)
• Go-to-market strategy
• Key milestones and timeline
• Basic financials (revenue projections, main costs)
• Team and roles

Keep each section short. Use bullet points, not dense paragraphs.

Focus on what matters

Investors and partners usually look for a clear value proposition, market opportunity, and evidence you can execute. Include realistic assumptions and one or two key metrics (e.g., customer acquisition cost, lifetime value, break-even month).

Practical tips:

1. Start with the problem—frame your product around customer pain.
2. Validate assumptions early with simple customer interviews or landing pages.
3. Use a one-year operating plan and 3-year outlook for growth.
4. Be transparent about risks and how you’ll mitigate them.

Next steps

Turn this plan into living tools: a pitch deck for conversations, a one-page roadmap for the team, and a financial spreadsheet you update monthly. Keep it actionable: if a section doesn’t change decisions or actions, shorten or remove it.