You've likely found many answers if you've searched on Google for how long a business plan should be. Some say 50 pages, others say 1 page, and some suggest 20 pages. Right?
But you still might not have found the correct answer to your question— why?
Because the length of a business plan doesn’t depend on whether it’s only one page or fifty pages. It depends on the scope, audience, and business complexity.
So you might be wondering, what should be the ideal length for your business plan? Well, don't worry.
In this blog, you'll find the answer and explore the elements it should include.
Let’s dive in!
How long should a business plan be?
| Plan types | Number of pages |
|---|---|
| Traditional business plan | 15-20 pages |
| Seeking outside funds | 40-100 pages |
| Mini business plan | 1-10 pages |
| One-page business plan | 1 page |
Notably, the length of a business plan may vary depending on factors such as business strategies, scope, complexity, business idea, and audience.
Traditional business plans cover key sections that include:
- Business concept
- Market opportunity
- Competitive analysis
- Company description
- Financial projections
- Number of employees
- Market research and marketing plan
Fund-seeking business plans cover critical sections that include:
- Detailed plan to convince lenders and investors
- A clear outline of the funding request
- Potential risk and plan to mitigate
- Timeline and Strategies for ROI
- Revenue and plan for growth
- Exit strategies for investors
A mini business plan covers the following aspects of a business plan:
- Short overview of business concept
- Financial projection in graphs
- Marketing strategy
- Financial needs
A one-page business plan covers elements such as:
- Short introduction about the company and product
- The problem that people face
- A solution that addresses the identified problem
You’re now well-informed about the length of a business plan. Now, let’s move on to the next section, which covers the factors determining a business plan's length.
Factors that determine the length of a business plan
An adequately documented business strategy has a 30% chance of driving sales growth and the potential to double the business. Therefore, it's essential to consider the factors that influence your business plan.
Business’s purpose
The purpose of your business significantly impacts the length of your business plan. A business plan designed to secure funding from a bank or lender usually requires more detailed information than one intended for internal use.
Here are a few business purposes that can affect the length of your business plan:
| Purpose of business plan | Plan length | Typically includes |
|---|---|---|
| Startup pitch | 1-10 pages | Company and management team description, target market, and financial outlook |
| Franchise Proposal | 10-20 pages | franchise model, financial requirements, and support structure |
| Business development | 5-15 pages | strategies for growth, partnerships, or financial forecasts |
Different stages of business plan
Every business stage requires a different plan to address specific goals and challenges. Hence, the length of a business plan may vary depending on the business's growth and development.
Here’s a table that demonstrates how different business stages determine a business plan’s length:
| Business stage | Page count | Key components included |
|---|---|---|
| Startup Stage | 15-25 pages | - Executive Summary - Market Analysis - Product/Service Description - Marketing Strategy - Financial Projections (initial funding, cash flow statement, break-even analysis, balance sheet) |
| Franchise Proposal | 10-20 pages | - Expanded Market Analysis - Operational Planning - Sales Strategy - Updated Financial Management (growth projections, income statement, funding needs) |
| Business development | 5-15 pages | - SWOT Analysis - Innovation Strategies (product development, diversification) - Cost Management Strategies - Long-term Financial Planning (investment projections) |
| Renewal/Exit Stage | 15-30 pages | - Exit Strategy Planning (valuation methods) - Transition Plans (leadership changes) - Market Reassessment (timing for exit or renewal efforts) |
Different types of audiences
The target audience plays a crucial role in determining the length and content of a business plan. For example, a one-page business plan may suffice when addressing your internal team and key members.
In contrast, you’ll typically need to provide more detailed information when discussing the plan with stakeholders or lenders.
Understanding the target audience helps you create a compelling and relevant business plan that meets their needs.
Whether it’s the depth of financial analysis for investors or the operational focus for internal teams, tailoring your approach is critical to success.
Different industry
The length of a good business plan can vary significantly depending on the industry and the business's specific needs.
Different industries have distinct requirements and expectations that influence how comprehensive or concise a business plan should be.
The healthcare industry may require a comprehensive plan that provides information on patient care protocols, industry-specific risks, compliance standards, company descriptions, and financial projections.
On the other hand, a small-scale industry business plan requires a concise mini-business plan that provides a brief overview of key elements.
Rather than in-depth details, it focuses on essential information to guide day-to-day operations and potential growth.
Business complexity
A straightforward business idea may require less explanation, while a complex business model demands more detailed descriptions.
The complexity of the business influences how much information you must include to ensure clarity and thoroughness for your audience.
The table below provides an estimated overview of how a business plan’s length varies as per the complexity of the business:
| Business Complexity | Level of Detail Required | Typical Plan Length | Key Sections to Include |
|---|---|---|---|
| Straightforward | Low | 1-10 pages | Business overview, goals, basic financials, market opportunity |
| Moderately Complex | Moderate | 10-20 pages | Detailed market analysis, financial projections, strategy overview |
| Highly Complex | High | 20-50 pages | Balance sheet, risk assessment, operational strategies, and scalability plans |
Tips to modify the length of your business plans
To effectively modify the length and create a comprehensive business plan, consider the following tips:
- Place detailed data or supporting documents in an appendix to keep the main plan concise.
- Use consistent formatting to improve readability and reduce unnecessary space.
- Use numerical summaries to replace lengthy explanations and enhance clarity.
- Present financial projections in summary tables rather than lengthy narratives.
- Add images or infographics to illustrate critical points without excessive text.
- Visualize data to convey complex information quickly and clearly.
- Use bullet points for easy reading and quick comprehension.
- Prioritize actionable insights over extensive background information.
- Establish a maximum page count for each section to encourage brevity.
- Conduct thorough reviews to cut unnecessary details and streamline content.
Write for your audience rather than focusing on the business plan length
When crafting a business plan, it's crucial to prioritize your audience's needs and expectations over the document's length.
While there are general guidelines for the ideal length, the accurate measure of success lies in effectively communicating your message to your target readers. Here's why:
- A well-tailored plan addresses the audience's specific concerns and interests, ensuring that your message resonates.
- When well-crafted content meets the reader's expectations, it fosters engagement and interest, making it easier for them to connect with your vision.
- Emphasizing clarity and relevance enhances your communication's effectiveness, leading to better understanding and response.
- Focus on including relevant information that aligns with your audience’s needs, even if it requires a longer plan.
This will ensure that all critical aspects of your business are covered, ultimately increasing your chances of success.
Final Words
After reading this blog, you’re well prepared to craft comprehensive business plans and convince potential investors. Additionally, this blog will help you craft a tailored approach that resonates with your target audience.
However, structuring a business plan is a complex task. If you need any assistance or want to prepare your business plan from scratch, our expert business plan consultants from Plangrowlab can help.
We’re equipped with well-experienced consultants who can help you write your business plan tailored to your specific needs and requirements.
So, connect with our experts and get your business plan ready today!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should a business plan be for a startup?
Depending on complexity, a startup business plan typically ranges from 15 to 30 pages.
Why does the length of a business plan matter?
The length matters because it reflects the thoroughness and clarity of your business concept, which helps to communicate effectively with your audience.
Can a business plan be too short or too long?
Yes, a business plan can be too short if it lacks all the details essential for its intended intentions, or too long if it includes unnecessary information, making it difficult to engage the reader.
What sections of a business plan should be the longest?
The longest sections often include market analysis, financial projections, and operational plans as they require detailed information to support your business strategy.
