Investors skim the plan first for the story, then dive into the model. Keep it to 20–30 pages plus appendices. Lenders and grant programs ask for the same core sections.
Business plan outline
- Executive summary (1–2 pages): problem, solution, market, traction, team, ask, use of funds.
- Company overview: mission, legal structure, location, milestones to date.
- Problem and opportunity: who has the pain, how big it is, why now.
- Product / service: what you offer, how it works, roadmap, IP.
- Market analysis: TAM/SAM/SOM, customers, competition (see market research).
- Business model: revenue streams, pricing, unit economics (see business model guide).
- Go-to-market: channels, sales process, partners (see marketing & BD).
- Operations: delivery, suppliers, facilities, technology stack, quality.
- Legal, regulatory and ESG: licences, compliance, risk (see regulatory & IP).
- Team and governance: founders, advisors, board, key hires.
- Financial plan: 3–5 year projections, assumptions, sensitivities, funding requirement.
- Risks and mitigation: the top 8–10 with plans.
- Milestones: what each round of funding will achieve, with dates and costs.
- Appendices: test data, customer letters, resumes, permits, detailed model.
Financial model essentials
- Separate sheets for assumptions, revenue, costs, hiring, capital spending, financing and statements.
- Show grants and tax credits on separate lines so investors can see the unsubsidized case.
- Link each milestone to the capital needed to reach it.
Use of funds (illustrative)
| Category | Software / digital | Product / hardware | Services / local |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product and engineering / R&D | 40–55% | 30–45% | 5–15% |
| Sales and marketing | 25–35% | 15–25% | 25–40% |
| Production, inventory or equipment | 0–5% | 20–35% | 20–35% |
| Team, operations, compliance | 15–20% | 10–20% | 15–25% |
Percentages are illustrative; tailor to your business. For infrastructure or plant projects, pilot or plant construction is usually the largest line.