Whether you’re about to launch a small business or you’re already working at it (or a freelance career), you really should have a business plan in place. While I’m a big supporter of long-form traditional business plans, I know that sometimes they can seem overwhelming to new entrepreneurs.
And do you know what? There is nothing wrong with starting out small. If you need a quicker solution to business plan writing, consider an abbreviated business plan such as the one page business plan template I give away for free here on my site.
When you use one page business plans, or a slightly longer abbreviated business plan, you can probably hash out the basics of your new business plan in just one day.
Why Use a One Page Business Plan?
- One page business plans are quicker to put together than longer business plans.
- One page business plans give you a basic roadmap for your business (which is better than no guidance at all).
- One page business plans can serve as a base for a long-form business plan that you’ll write later — similar to using an outline to write up a report.
- One page business plans might be enough for a micro-business, with no need to take the plan further.
- One page business plans are easy to update.
Downsides of One Page Business Plans
- You might forget about important details.
- You can’t include a very thorough marketing plan in the mix (although I also provide a separate one page marketing plan template to help with that here).
- As a road map, it will tell you where you’re going, but it won’t give you detailed directions on how to get there (meaning you’ll have to figure a lot out for yourself along the way).
Is a One Page Business Plan Right for You?
Abbreviated business plans like my one page business plan template aren’t the best option for all entrepreneurs. They can be used as a framework for writing a larger business plan later no matter what business you’re in. But if you plan to use a one page business plan as your only business plan, I’d recommend only doing so if you run an extremely small home or online business or perhaps a freelance career. If you’re running a larger brick and mortar business — and especially if you have to think about things like inventory and product placement concerns, I would recommend having a more traditional business plan put together before launch (or as soon as possible if you’re already in business without one).
Need help writing your business plan? Get in touch.
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I’ve always been a big fan of your one page business and marketing plans, but right now I’m working with a tight executive summary that touches on marketing with the business details. Not too different from what you’re offering and not exactly a “real” executive summary…we write those last in long-form business plans! Nonetheless, I’ve been able to find what answers I need and solidify goals and objectives pretty darn well with this latest tool I’m using.