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Business Guides
Learn the ideas behind your plan.
43 free, plain-language guides, arranged in the order you will need them — from your first idea to opening day.
Free toolsFree templateBusiness Plan TemplateCalculatorMarket Size CalculatorCalculatorSales Forecast CalculatorFree templateOne-Page Plan TemplateFree templateCompetitor TemplateFree templateRisk TemplateCalculatorPrice CalculatorCalculatorProfit Margin CalculatorCalculatorCash Flow CalculatorCalculatorStartup Cost CalculatorCalculatorBreak-Even CalculatorChecklistLaunch ChecklistAll free tools →
1
Start here
What a business plan is, what goes in it, and how to write one.
What Is a Business Plan?→How to Write a Business Plan (Step by Step)→The 8 Sections of a Business Plan Explained→Free Business Plan Template (Simple, 8 Sections)Free template→One-Page Business Plan: What It Is + Free TemplateFree template→How to Write an Executive Summary (with Example)→Business Plan Glossary: Key Terms in Plain Words→
2
Shape your idea
The problem you solve, where you are going, and who is behind it.
How to Write a Problem Statement for Your Business→Mission and Vision Statement: How to Write Yours→Business Goals: How to Set Them (with Examples)→Key Success Factors: What Must Go Right→Unique Value Proposition: How to Write Yours→Products and Services Section: What to Include→Management Team Section: Founders and Ownership→Company Profile: What to Include (with Example)→
3
Know your market
Your customers, market size, trends, and competitors.
4
Win customers
How customers will find you, see you, and pay you.
5
Get your numbers right
Costs, sales, margins, break-even, cash, and funding — no jargon.
How to Calculate Startup Costs (+ Free Calculator)Calculator→Sales Forecast for a New Business (+ Free Calculator)Calculator→Profit Margin Calculator (Margin vs Markup)Calculator→Break-Even Analysis Explained SimplyCalculator→Profit and Loss Statement: Simple Template→Cash Flow Calculator (12-Month Forecast)Calculator→Financial Projections for Beginners→How to Fund a Small Business: Simple Options→
6
Run and launch
How the business runs, the rules to follow, and getting ready to open.
Operations Plan: What to Include (with Example)→How to Choose Suppliers for a Small Business→Quality Control for a Small Business→Choosing a Legal Structure for Your Business→Business Licenses and Permits: What to Check→Risk Assessment in a Business Plan (with Template)Free template→Business Launch Plan: Steps and Timeline→Launch Checklist: Is Your Business Ready to Start?Checklist→
7
Choose your tools
Fair, simple advice on which planning tool fits you.