What is a one-page business plan template?
It’s a concise version of a complete business plan that covers the key details of your business on one single page. Instead of lengthy descriptions and detailed projections, it provides a quick overview of your business on a single page.
The purpose of this template is to create a one-page business plan that makes it easy for investors or partners to understand the big picture without sifting through pages of information.
Benefits of a one-page business plan template
The one-page business plan helps you present your business idea clearly and effectively without getting lost in lengthy details. Apart from that, the single-page business plan offers the following benefits:
Saves effort and time
You don’t have to spend weeks crafting a lengthy plan. It forces you to focus on the essentials, saving you hours of writing and refining.
Keeps you focused and clear
When you’re limited to one page, you automatically eliminate unnecessary fluff. Such elimination of unnecessary pieces of stuff results in a clear and focused business plan.
Quick to prepare
You can create a one-page business plan much faster than a traditional one, which takes days or even months. Since one page doesn’t require lengthy explanations, you can easily update it, keeping your plan consistently relevant and up-to-date.
How is a one-page business plan different from other business plans?
Explore below table to understand the difference between a one-page and other business plans:
Business Plan Type | Number of Pages | Who Can Use | Audience |
---|---|---|---|
One-Page Plan | 1 page | Startups, small businesses, freelancers | Internal teams, partners, quick pitches |
Traditional Plan | 20-50+ pages | Established businesses, growing companies | Investors, banks, and stakeholders |
Lean Plan | 1-5 pages | Startups testing ideas, agile businesses | Internal teams, partners, or advisors |
Operational Plan | 10-30 pages | Established companies, management teams | Internal use for operations only |
Investor-Focused Plan | 15-40 pages | Startups seeking funding, expanding companies | Investors, lenders, and stakeholders |
Who should use a one-page business plan?
A one-page business plan isn’t just for startups—it’s a versatile tool that can benefit various people and situations. Let's dive deep to know who should use it:
1) Entrepreneurs testing new ideas
When you’re trying a new business idea, a one-page business plan can help you map out things quickly and contribute to decision-making. You can validate the concept without spending weeks on a full plan. It’s perfect for testing feasibility or refining your thoughts before going all in.
2) Small business owners
For small business owners, a one-page plan works brilliantly for internal use. It helps you stay focused on your key goals, strategies, and financial targets without getting lost in lengthy documentation.
3) Teams needing alignment
In established businesses, teams can use a one-page plan to stay aligned on short-term projects or new initiatives. It serves as a simple, visual reference that keeps everyone on the same page.
4) Investors and stakeholders
Sometimes, investors or stakeholders want a quick glance at your business before diving into the full plan. A one-pager gives them a clear snapshot without overwhelming them with details.
How to create a one-page business plan using this template?
First of all, download the template in your preferred format and make the most of it. Here’s a step-by-step process to craft a one-page business plan that works best for you.
Step 1: Note down the key elements to include
Outlining elements ensures your one-page business plan stays on track and keeps you informed about what to include. Here are the key elements of a one-page business plan:
- Business overview
- Target market
- Value proposition
- Revenue model
- Key goals
- Strategies
- Financial projections
- Contact information
Listing elements beforehand ensures you cover all the essential details without missing anything important. Plus, it makes the writing process faster and more structured.
Step 2: Include bullet points and short sentences
A one-page business plan is meant to give a quick overview. Writing it in long sentences and paragraphs will make it boring to read. Hence, explain each section using bullet points for clarity.
Moreover, to grab your reader’s attention and keep the audience engaged, keep sentences under 22 words. Highlight numbers and make facts bold to make business plan stand out.
Step 3: Write quality content
Try not to focus on the design and formatting—the content is far more important than fancy stuff. Investors and partners care more about your message and its benefits than fancy formatting.
Hence, a clear, well-written plan will always leave a stronger impression than one that just looks flashy. Once you’ve nailed the content, you can polish the layout to make it visually appealing
Step 4: Speak your audience’s language
When you write your one-page business plan, craft it specifically for your audience. If you’re pitching to investors, focus on profitability, scalability, and ROI—that’s what they care about.
For example, highlight metrics like:
- Projected revenue
- Profit margins
- Growth potential
If you’re using it internally, prioritize goals, strategies, and execution. Your team needs clear direction, so outline:
- Actionable steps
- Measurable targets
Remember, to make your plan truly effective, use language and details that reflect your audience’s priorities.
Start drafting your one-page business plan
Now that you know the one-page business plan format, its benefits, and how to write one, start crafting your own to impress your audience.
However, as an entrepreneur, fitting everything onto one page can be tricky, especially if you’re writing a business plan for the first time.
To make the process easier, download our one-page business plan template. It’s fully customizable and includes step-by-step guidance for each section that shows you exactly what to include and how.
If you need extra help, reach out to our business plan consultants. Our experts will guide you through every step, helping you create a plan that stands out and makes an impact.
Get in Touch
Speak with an Advisor
Not sure where to start? Speak with our advisor and discuss your business goals and planning requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I include financial projections in my one-page business plan?
Yes, you should include financial projections in your one-page business plan. Highlight key figures like
- Revenue
- Projections
- Profit margins
- Funding needs
What details should a one-page business plan have?
It should be clear and concise, covering the essential elements of your business that include:
- Business overview
- Target market
- Value proposition
- Revenue model
- Goals
- Strategies
Can I use a one-page business plan to apply for a loan?
While you can use a one-page plan for an initial pitch, lenders usually require a detailed plan with financials for loan approval.
What’s the ideal length for a one-page business plan?
A one-page business plan typically fits within 300-500 words, covering only the essential details.