Free Business Plan Template

Updated 7 October 2026 · ModernExpert.AI editorial team

Quick answer

Copy the headings below into a document — they are a complete business plan template. Under each heading you'll find what to write and an AI prompt to help draft it. Fill in the sections in the order listed under 'How to use it', and write the executive summary last.

How to use this template

Copy the headings into a document. Complete them in this order: problem and solution, customers, market, competitors, model and pricing, marketing and sales, operations, financials, risks, and finally the executive summary. Each section below says what to include.

Sections 1–4: Summary, company, problem, solution

Executive summary — one page, written last. Company description — name, legal structure, location, founders and their relevant experience. Problem — who has it, how often, what it costs them. Solution — what you offer and why it works.

Sections 5–7: Market, customers, competition

Market analysis — bottom-up size, trends and regulation with sources. Target customers — one or two evidence-based personas. Competition — comparison table and your positioning.

Sections 8–10: Model, marketing, sales

Business model and pricing — how you make money, unit economics and price list. Marketing plan — goals, channels, budget and 90-day plan. Sales plan — funnel, targets and process.

Sections 11–14: Operations, finance, risk, growth

Operations — people, suppliers, tools, processes and KPIs. Financial plan — startup costs, 12–24 month cash flow, P&L summary, break-even and funding needed. Risks — register with mitigations. Growth — milestones for 12–36 months. Appendices — evidence, quotes, CVs.

Prompts to try

Fill a section

Using this template heading and guidance — [paste heading and notes] — draft the section for my business: [context]. Mark facts to verify.

Gap check

Here is my completed template [paste]. Which sections are thin or missing information a lender would expect?

Shorten

Cut this section to under 300 words without losing any figures or evidence. [paste]

Common mistakes

Leaving template instructions in the final document.
Filling every section with generic text.
Skipping the financial section.
Writing the summary first.

Frequently asked questions

Is this business plan template free?

Yes. Copy the headings and guidance into any word processor and use them freely.

Is this template suitable for a bank loan?

The structure matches what most lenders expect. Some lenders and grant schemes have their own forms, so check their requirements too.

Can AI fill in the template for me?

AI can draft each section from your notes, but the facts, numbers and decisions must be yours.

Related guides

Get the Free Template

Follow the full process, one step at a time: idea, validation, research, plan.

Next: Business plan example

This guide is general information, not financial, legal or tax advice. Check figures and regulations for your situation.