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10 Business Agreement Templates & Contract Examples (+Download)

Praburam Srinivasan

Growth Marketing Manager

August 9, 2024

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No matter how big or small, every company (unfortunately) needs to do paperwork. Oftentimes, this amounts to mountains of contracts and agreements with the vendors and partners you work with. 

Luckily, there’s no reason that you need to write up every agreement by hand. Instead, you can simply rely on premade business agreement templates to do much of the work for you.

To help you along, we’ve created this list of the 10 best business agreement templates. These templates will help save you time and effort by providing you with simple, premade agreements that are the bread and butter of most business transactions. 

This way, you’ll be able to focus more of your team’s time on what makes your enterprise successful and less on the necessary legal contract agreements that are a part of building a modern business.

What is a Business Agreement Template?

What makes a good business agreement template, 1. clickup business contract template, 2. clickup 50/50 partnership agreement template, 3. clickup 50/50 llc operating legal agreement template, 4. clickup contract management template, 5. clickup working agreement template, 6. clickup employment agreement template, 7. clickup services agreement template, 8. clickup consulting agreement template, 9. clickup business lease agreement template, 10. clickup termination contract template.

A business agreement template is a specialized template designed to help companies of any size easily write up contracts for one of their many business dealings. These templates can cover a wide variety of agreements , including service agreements, contract terminations, and partnership agreements.

Business agreement templates are especially useful for companies that lack the in-house expertise required to know where to even start when drafting contracts. Not only will a template save you time, but it’ll also ensure you don’t forget a standard clause that could cost you money in the long run.

When selecting a business agreement template, it’s important to make sure that it is thorough and covers all of your bases. You don’t want mistakes or omissions now that’ll you’ll regret later on.

You also want your business agreements to be clear for everyone involved. Plain language and a logical layout make it easier for people to understand what they’re responsible for. Making sure your agreements are clear now makes it less likely that there will be misunderstandings down the line.

Finally, a good business agreement template should be professional-looking and well-made. It should be customizable and easy to build on your terms to match your specific brand.

Your business agreement needs to look good because these contracts are your brand and represent everything you do. That’s why you want any service agreement your company creates and signs to uphold the same quality you put into your product or service.

10 Business Agreement Templates to Speed Up Organizational Operations

Instead of having you sort through our thousands of templates, we’ve compiled a list of 10 business agreement templates in ClickUp that’ll make your life so much easier. From contract management and working agreements to employment contracts, there’s something here for any thriving business.

Whether you’re a small business selling the latest widgets or a massive enterprise with the fanciest services, you’ll need a business contract templates every time you sell to another company. 

The ClickUp Business Contract Template has been designed to make writing these contracts as painless as possible. This template comes prefilled with all the most common sections so you can outline the service agreement easily and layout relevant project scopes . 

You can include on this document include services offered, pricing, cancellation, warranties, and other related matters. All you need to do is make the template your own by filling in the blanks.

It really couldn’t be any easier.

So don’t let your latest sale drag on because you need to draft the contract. Use this template today and get ready to pop the champagne on your latest company win.

Partnership agreements are often overlooked, but they should never be underestimated. Protecting both your business and yourself from future disputes by laying out the terms of a partnership is key to success.

The ClickUp 50/50 Partnership Agreement Template helps you draft an agreement to accomplish just that. This template covers topics such as:

• What happens when one of the parties wants to withdraw from the agreement? 
• How will arbitration between the partners work?
• What happens if any terms get breached?

Our Partnership Agreement Template is already prewritten. So if you just need a standard 50/50 partnership agreement contract to be written right away, much of the work is already done for you. Plus, if you want it to be a bit more personalized, it’s a great jumping-off point and example to work from when drafting your own.

Having this all laid out ahead of time will save you potential headaches down the road, so make sure you get started creating a well-crafted partnership agreement today.

A 50/50 limited liability company (LLC) operating agreement is an arrangement for the joint operation of a firm between two or more parties. This type of agreement defines every aspect of the business relationship, including how profits and losses are split, your legal agreement rights, and much more.

The goal of ClickUp’s 50/50 LLC Operating Agreement Template is to make drafting these documents as simple as possible. Using this template, you should be able to quickly draft an agreement that outlines business processes , as well as your obligations and rights as a stakeholder .

This template is very beginner-friendly, so there is no need to worry, even if you’re new to drafting LLC agreements. It’s already prefilled with sections on contributions, management responsibilities, and what happens when one of the partners retires or wants to buy out the other partner.

Setting up these rules ahead of time will make it much easier for everyone involved in your joint venture should anything unexpected arise. So make sure your LLC Operating Agreement is as detailed and comprehensive as possible, so you don’t have to worry about any issues in the future.

Get started making your new 50/50 LLC partnership a reality with the template below.

Contract management is a huge issue in any business. That’s why there are entire industries built up around designing business management software that can organize all the data a business needs to function. 

Contracts and documents are essential to a business. Why?

They ensure your team knows exactly what they need to do and how the services or products you provide should be made and delivered. But when your written agreements are scattered across countless files and databases, it can quickly become an overwhelming mess that hinders your ability to hit your most pressing business goals .

In fact, a recent survey found it takes people an average of 45 minutes to find a specific contract in their company’s databases. That’s 45 minutes that could’ve been better spent doing nearly anything else.

Luckily, the ClickUp Contract Management Template can help you organize everything in one place. Essentially, this template allows you to create a true master list for all company contracts and agreements. This way you can quickly and easily find all your contracts with only a few clicks.

You’re also able to customize your master list however you see fit. For instance, you could define each document by type, so if you need to find a certain project charter , it’s that much easier to find. 

With this much organization, you’ll get your contracts ready in a fraction of the time it used to take. So get organized with this template today and don’t let any more of your contracts slip through the cracks.

Creating a safe, open space for teams to work and collaborate is essential for any organization. But this often requires an agreement outlining how groups should work together, their preferred working environment, and what they expect from each other.

The ClickUp Working Agreement Template makes creating this kind of agreement a breeze by providing you with a whiteboard where teams can draft their own working conditions. This way, everyone can be on the same page regarding how they want to collaborate.  

For instance, maybe Sammy doesn’t like to be messaged in the morning. Or perhaps Dora prefers to be contacted by email instead of a text message. These preferences should be learned and acknowledged to get the most out of everyone on the team.

Plus, you can customize your whiteboard template however you want. For instance, you could add a proposals section so that everyone can share their ideas and contribute to the success of your business operations. 

This allows team members to add their two cents about how to optimize your BPM tools , which could end up benefiting you in the long run. So start using this whiteboard template today and get ready to see your collaboration levels and other business metrics skyrocket.

Everyone has to start somewhere; for new hires, that’s usually an employee agreement document. It may not be a super exciting endeavor, but it’s actually incredibly important for getting a working relationship started on the right foot.

Having a solid employment agreement is essential for any new hire. It acts as a legal contract document that outlines the rights and roles of an employee, as well as the company’s responsibilities to them in exchange for their service and expertise.

The ClickUp Employment Agreement Template makes creating this written document easy by providing you with a premade template already filled out with the necessities, like information on termination, salary, and benefits. It also includes sections for you to outline expectations, cultural values, and whatever makes your business special to work at.

So head over to the template below, and make sure your new hires are taken care of from day one.

It’s always exciting when you get a new sale for your product. But a verbal agreement and a firm digital handshake don’t necessarily mean “mission accomplished.” You need a solid services agreement document to really seal the deal.

The ClickUp Services Agreement Template can help you build a professional, comprehensive services agreement in minutes. This top-notch template comes prewritten with everything you need to write up a binding agreement, like payment details (to have transparent payment agreements) and ownership of work produced.

It also covers other common areas, such as warranties and liabilities, so potential disputes can be avoided before they even begin.

Plus, you can customize it however you want. So if anything specific needs to be included in your services agreement, this template will give you a great example of how to do it properly.

Not all work and expertise can live in-house. When you need that little bit of outside help, freelancers or consultants can be exactly what the doctor ordered. 

In these cases, creating a consulting agreement and project proposal is key if you want to ensure everyone is on the same page. The ClickUp Consulting Agreement Template makes it easy to draft a legal agreement outlining how consultants are paid, who owns any created intellectual property, and what kind of services they will provide.

It’s also easy enough to add in whatever you need for your particular contract. For instance, there are spaces for you to outline issues around indemnification, the scope of work , and whether an NDA will be required . 

Ensure that you and your consultant are protected throughout the project. Don’t take any chances when hiring a consultant—get everything airtight before your partnership starts with the ClickUp Consulting Agreement.

Bonus: Consultant time tracking software !

Renting a property for your business can be an exciting and profitable venture—if you do it right.

That’s why having a solid lease agreement is so important. You’ll want to ensure all the lease conditions are in writing so that both parties know exactly what they’re responsible for.

The ClickUp Business Lease Agreement Template provides you with an all-in-one document for managing any kind of commercial lease. It’s equipped with sections like rent, security deposits, and insurance—so you don’t have to worry about leaving anything out.

Don’t put expansion plans on hold just to sort out leasing paperwork. Instead, use our Business Lease Agreement template to get to moving in and growing your business.

It’s a bummer, but sometimes even the most promising partnerships don’t work out. In these cases, you don’t need to just suffer through it. Instead, use a termination contract template to make this partnership truly a thing of the past.

With ClickUp’s Termination Contract Template , you can quickly and easily draft a letter to end nearly any agreement. Plus, it’s already mostly done for you—all you need to do is add details like the termination date and reasons why you’ve decided to end the partnership. 

This lets you know the agreement is officially over and you don’t have to worry about any lingering obligations or misunderstandings with your former partner.

Skip wasting time on a partnership that’s not working for you—draft a termination, throw on your electronic signature, and move on to better things.

One Place For All of Your Business Agreement Needs

No matter what kind of agreement you’re looking to draft, we have a ClickUp template ready to help. With our prewritten and customizable document templates for agreements, you’ll be able to quickly create legal contracts that protect both your business and any partners involved in no time.

Don’t wait—sign up for a free ClickUp account today and start drafting every little agreement and contract your business needs to succeed.

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Business Contract Templates

40 free business contract templates (& agreement examples).

If you have a business, you probably need to write business contract templates all the time. When you need a business agreement contract, you might look at free contract templates, but this can lead to confusion if the template is too basic. In some instances, you need to reference an example business contract that you cannot find a contract format for.

The more that you know about business contract writing and the components of a good business contract, the more likely you will be to write the correct documentation for your needs. When you have a good business contract template to be the foundation for your other contract needs, you can create the right document for all of the various partnerships that you enter into as you manage your business.

Table of Contents

• 1 Business Contract Templates
• 2 What is a Business Contract?
• 3 Business Agreement Templates
• 4 How Do I Write a Small Business Contract?
• 5 Business Contract Examples
• 6 Is There A Format for Contracts?
• 7 What Happens If I Do Not Have a Business Contract?
• 8 Small Business Contract Templates
• 9 How Are Termination Clauses Written?
• 10 Business Contract Templates Must be Written Carefully

What is a Business Contract?

A business contact can be any kind of agreement between a seller of goods and a buyer or a vendor or business partner. These contracts are meant to be legally binding, and they are intended to clarify the relationship and the duties that each of these entities has with a company. All of the various details about the business relationship are included in this kind of contract so that neither party has to guess about the details of the actions that must be taken related to the partnership.

When you write business contracts, you need to make sure that all the right information is included in their content so that the relationship between you and another party is clear and well-defined. The responsibilities of each party will need to be carefully outlined, and the ways in which the contract can be terminated will need to be outlined as well.

All of the details of the various stages of the relationship can be included as well if there are going to be alterations to the relationship over time. Some vendor contracts can work like this. You will need to be sure that you know what kinds of details need to be included in your business contract template so that you can be sure you are protecting your interests and your business properly when you sign contract documents.

In some cases, the business contract template that you draft will also have to be approved internally by your other business partners before it can be used for business relationship building. There are many different ways that contracts can be drafted, but all of them must include some basic information in order to be useful and valid for business use. No matter if the contract is just for a simple sale or it is for a long-term relationship, attention to detail and care need to be used when writing these documents.

Business Agreement Templates

How Do I Write a Small Business Contract?

Business contracts have four main stages that they pass through before they can be turned into written documents that bind both parties to the contract. The first stage of the process is the offer, when the two potential partners discuss a relationship and what it would generally mean for both of them. The acceptance phase is when the two parties agree that something can be worked out between them.

When consideration happens, the two parties discuss the details of the arrangement clearly. When the meeting of the minds phase takes place, it is time to create the agreed-upon document in contract form. Since contracts are legally binding, they need to be written carefully, and they need to include all the details as discussed before the meeting of the minds.

The contract will be divided into the same parts as the process of discussing and creating the idea for the partnership.

• The Offer . This will include the details of the offer that is being made from one company to the other. It might be something like Party A will sell xx products to Party B for xx amount of money. Party B might also be stated to be doing something in return for Party A in this part of the contract.
• Acceptance. The acceptance part of the contract will indicate that each party agrees to the offer and that they will sign the contract. This section will require the signatures and date of the signatures that prove that the contract was signed into effect. Both parties are legally bound by the contract at this juncture and required to execute the contract unless something takes place that causes the contract to be null and void.
• Consideration. This is the part of the business contract template that includes the valuation of the items in question that are included in the contract. This might be the values of items being sold or agreement on the kinds of services that are being done by one party for another. All of the details of the kind of job or relationship or exchange that is taking place need to be included in this section of the contract.
• Details of the Offer. The date of delivery, the agreed-upon payment methods, the forms of payment , and the provisions for what happens if these items are not done according to the contract are included here. Re-ordering and other details related to the contract will be included here as well as the expiration date of the business contract template.
• Signature Section. The signature section will include the signatures of both parties and the date of the signature.

Business Contract Examples

Is There A Format for Contracts?

The format for contracts can vary depending on the type of contract that is being made. There can be contracts that are solely for a brief period of an exchange or contracts that are for a single sale without any recurrence of the relationship. The more complex the contract, the more likely it will be that you need to use the entire format listed above.

• Sometimes a simple sale will only require an offer and some details about the offer related to the sale. The rest of the contract would not be required since there will not be an ongoing relationship. Make sure that you know what kind of contract you are writing before you start drafting the contract. This will help you to save time and to make sure that you are not leaving out important details that need to be included in the contract document.
• Always make sure that the terms of the contract are simple and that jargon is limited. You will also need to identify each party involved correctly, with legal names included. This is critical since entering a name that is not the legal name of the other party can lead to the contract being null and void.
• You will want to be sure that the details section of the contract is correctly stated so that the exact relationship of services or actions is correct when the contract is signed. Holding the other party to their end of the bargain is only possible if this section is written properly.
• Equally important are all the relevant payment details. You will need to be sure that all the payment information related to the agreement is correct and binding. Contracts that do not offer the right payment details can be nullified or can be paid in a way that does not match your expectations.
• Termination terms should be included in any ongoing contract related to a continuing relationship. You should never write a contract for an ongoing relationship between you and another entity without agreed-upon terms for how to break the contract or about what actions or events will make the contract void. The terms of this part of the contract might be dictated in part by local state law, so you need to be sure that you are familiar with the contract regulations that could be imposed due to your location.

What Happens If I Do Not Have a Business Contract?

Everyone has heard about handshake deals and why they are a bad idea. You should never go into any kind of business arrangement without a roadmap for the relationship that holds each party accountable to the other. When you do not have a contract to govern the actions of both parties involved in the agreement, your business partner might take actions that you do not approve of. In order for you and your partner to be equals, a business contract must be in place to protect both of your interests properly.

Business contracts protect the rights of everyone involved in the relationship so that there is no need for legal wrangling, and there is less chance of conflict down the road. When you have a correctly written contract in place protecting your business interests, you can have the peace of mind that the business relationship will proceed as expected.

Small Business Contract Templates

How Are Termination Clauses Written?

Termination clauses are an essential part of any business contract template. There are various details that need to be included in this part of the contract to make sure that the termination portion of the contract works for various different situations. The most common reason that a contract is terminated is that it has expired. This is a necessary inclusion in a termination clause, and you need to pick a date that the contract will expire in almost every situation.

The other reason that the contract might expire is that one of the business partners might give notice to the other that they want to end the business relationship . You will need to outline any final details that will need to be completed before this action can be taken, such as final charges being applied for goods that have been sold or return of goods that have not been sold.

There can also be reasons that contracts can be terminated related to bad faith actions being taken against one party or the other involved in a contract. Make sure that you list out in detail which bad faith actions will lead to the termination of the contract. This can be a critical way to break a business partnership up when there are actions being taken against your business that put it at risk. In some cases, a termination that is not done correctly can lead to legal action, so you need to be sure that the termination clause in your contract is crafted correctly.

The clearer that you are about the process of terminating a contract, the less likely it will be that you will run into issues with your partner. These are the kinds of details that help to eliminate strife in a business partnership, and many companies forget about this important step in the contract process when drafting their own contracts. Remember that you can always speak to a lawyer if you need a little help with complex contracts that involve lots of details.

Business Contract Templates Must be Written Carefully

No matter what kind of business contract template you are designing, you need to be sure that the right components are included in your work. You will find that managing a business and keeping track of partnership obligations is exponentially easier with a correct business contract in place. All of the details about the offer, the termination clauses, and the way that the partnership will operate must be clearly outlined in the document that you and your business partner sign. These are legally binding documents that require care and attention to detail when they are made.

If you have never created a business contract template, you will have a lot more information to work with now that you have read this guide. The various parts of the contract will need to be included no matter how simple the arrangement that you are forming, and you will need to be sure that you have correctly outlined all the details of your connection to the other entity. The more detailed and careful you are with your business contract draft, the more likely it will be that you and your business partner will have a profitable and amicable relationship.

More Templates

Consulting Contract Templates

Handyman Contracts

Equipment Lease Agreements

Horse Bill of Sale

Construction Contracts

Service Agreement Templates

Business Plan Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) Template

The business plan non-disclosure agreement is a document that restricts any individual from divulging proprietary information that is shared through a business plan. Lets say for example, that an entrepreneur is starting a new company and would like to run their idea by a colleague or friend, the only legal way for that business plan to be kept confidential is by the 3rd party to sign a non-disclosure. If after signing the agreement the Recipient of the business plan shares the information contained in it with anyone else the entrepreneur that created the business plan would be entitled to seek damages usually resulting in a monetary gain.

How to Write

Step 1 – Download in Adobe PDF or Microsoft Word (.docx) .

Adobe PDF – Microsoft Word (.docx)

Step 2 – In the 1st paragraph write the name of the business or individual that is sharing the business plan.

Step 3 – Enter the name of the person or entity that is receiving the business plan.

Step 4 – The person or entity that received the plan must sign , print , and date on the bottom of the form. After the signature of the receiving party the agreement is complete.

• Financial Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) Template
• Business Sale Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) Template
• Unilateral Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) Template
• Louisiana Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) Template
• Pennsylvania Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) Template
• New Hampshire Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) Template

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Management Agreement Template

Optimizing business operations with a management agreement.

In the multifaceted world of business, effective management is crucial for driving growth, ensuring operational efficiency, and achieving strategic goals. A Management Agreement is a key document that formalizes the relationship between a business owner and a management entity, outlining the terms and conditions under which management services will be provided. This agreement ensures that both parties clearly understand their obligations, fostering a cooperative and productive working relationship.

A Management Agreement is essential for defining the parameters of the management arrangement, including the scope of services, compensation, performance standards, and duration. It provides a legal framework that supports smooth and efficient business operations, ensuring that the management services align with the company’s strategic objectives.

What is a Management Agreement Template?

A Management Agreement template is a comprehensive guide for drafting detailed agreements that govern the provision of management services. It ensures that all critical elements are addressed, including the scope of services, compensation, performance metrics, and dispute resolution mechanisms. Utilizing a template streamlines the creation process, ensuring consistency and thoroughness while allowing for customization to fit the specific needs and requirements of the parties involved.

Key Elements of a Management Agreement

A robust Management Agreement should thoroughly address the following key elements:

• Identification of Parties - Clearly identifies the business owner (or principal) and the management entity involved in the agreement and their respective roles.
• Scope of Services - Defines the specific management services to be provided, including detailed descriptions and responsibilities.
• Compensation and Payment Terms - Details the compensation structure, including fees, payment terms, and any performance-based incentives.
• Performance Standards - Outlines the performance metrics and standards that the management entity is expected to meet, including reporting requirements.
• Duration and Termination - Defines the duration of the agreement and the conditions under which it can be terminated by either party, including notice requirements.
• Duties and Obligations - Specifies the duties and obligations of each party to ensure the success of the management arrangement.
• Confidentiality - Includes provisions for the protection of sensitive business information shared during the term of the agreement.
• Dispute Resolution - Outlines the mechanisms for resolving disputes, typically through mediation or arbitration, to avoid litigation and maintain a cooperative relationship.

Supporting Documents for Structuring a Management Agreement

To enhance the functionality and comprehensiveness of a Management Agreement, integrating the following supporting documents is advisable:

• Service Level Agreement (SLA) - Specifies the performance standards and expectations for the management services provided, ensuring accountability and reliability.
• Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) - Protects confidential information exchanged between the business owner and the management entity during the course of the agreement.
• Business Plan - Provides a detailed plan outlining the strategic goals, market analysis, operational plan, and financial projections for the business.

Why Employ a Detailed Template for a Management Agreement?

Utilizing a detailed template for drafting your Management Agreement offers significant benefits:

• Clarity and Precision - Ensures that all necessary information is clearly presented, reducing the likelihood of misunderstandings or miscommunications.
• Professionalism - Projects a professional image, demonstrating to business partners that you are organized and thorough in your approach.
• Efficiency - Streamlines the agreement preparation process, saving time and resources that can be better allocated to strategic initiatives.
• Risk Mitigation - Reduces potential legal disputes by clearly defining roles, responsibilities, and performance standards.
• Compliance - Ensures that the agreement adheres to legal and regulatory requirements, reducing the risk of non-compliance and potential legal issues.

Adopting a comprehensive Management Agreement is essential for ensuring effective and efficient business operations. It provides a clear, enforceable framework that aligns the parties with their mutual goals, ensuring that the management services are delivered effectively and remain resilient in the face of challenges. This fundamental document facilitates operational efficacy and solidifies the commitment to strategic growth and success.

Updated in May 2024

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Home Business Plan

Business Plan Templates

Use our template to make an investment-worthy business plan.

Updated December 8, 2023 Written by Sara Hostelley | Reviewed by Brooke Davis

A business plan is a document outlining a company’s operations, strategies, goals, and objectives. It’s crucial to guide you through each stage of starting and growing your business.

Templates (8)

What is a business plan, why is a business plan essential, components of a business plan, how to write a business plan, business plan sample.

Below, you can find free business plan templates for specific business types. You can also find more in-depth information on writing a plan for your business, whether it’s a food truck, restaurant, real estate business, or another entity:

Create a detailed plan that lays out the details of how your business will achieve it's objectives.

Traditional Business Plan

Create a simplified version of a traditional business plan.

One-Page Business Plan

Create a Non-Profit Business Plan and learn how to write one.

Create a Daycare Business Plan and learn how to write one.

Create a Restaurant Business Plan and learn how to write one.

Create a Real Estate Business Plan and learn how to write one.

Real Estate

Create a Food Truck Business Plan and learn how to write one.

A business plan is a document detailing how a business, whether it’s a new or existing company, will achieve its goals and objectives. It guides you through every step of starting and running a company.

A business plan can be the foundation of your business, serving as a written roadmap that covers all aspects of how to structure, run, and grow your business. You can also refer back to it as your business progresses to track its growth and success.

In addition to being a helpful document internally, a business plan is also vital for a company to communicate its success to external parties that may influence its future success.

Consider some of the main reasons why large and small business owners alike use business plans:

1. Use As a Roadmap

A business plan sets specific, measurable, and time-bound goals. Having these goals helps you track progress, evaluate performance, and adjust as necessary.

By laying out goals, you have a clear and attainable plan of action with the ability to see and monitor your progress.

2. Plan Strategies For Potential Challenges

A business plan can help you think objectively about your business’s key elements and inform your decision-making as you move forward.

A detailed plan can provide a semblance of control over a potentially cumbersome process. Formulating a plan can improve your ability to make choices and decisions for yourself and the business. This approach is much better than suddenly making a critical decision without time to evaluate or haphazardly letting others decide for you.

3. Get Funding or Bring on New Business Partners

An accurate business plan is essential whether or not you need to secure a business loan. Investors and lenders often require a business plan before they commit capital. A solid plan demonstrates your commitment, viability, and potential return on investment.

Create a business plan that grabs the attention of potential investors and provides them with enough structure and confidence that they will move forward and grant funding and support to your business.

You can use your business plan to highlight how the proposed business will be successful and profitable.

4. Discover Any Weaknesses

A business plan includes a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis that helps identify potential risks and challenges. It is essential to allocate resources and demonstrate monthly profit or loss. By recognizing these elements early, you can develop strategies to mitigate or address them.

5. Analyze the Market and Competition

Market research within the plan helps you better understand your target audience, competition, and industry trends. This knowledge is crucial for making informed business decisions.

By learning about your competition, you can help make your goods or services stand out and help validate your business idea.

You should update a business plan as you go, altering your goals as necessary and being mindful of any changes of direction in your business.

A typical business plan includes the following sections:

• Executive Summary
• Management Team
• Products and Services
• Customers and Marketing
• SWOT Analysis

Our business plan template includes all of the above, so you won’t have to worry about missing out on essential sections.

Step 1 – Create an Executive Summary

An executive summary is the first section of a traditional business plan, serving as the first impression of your business. Please give a brief overview of your company, including its mission, key goals, and a snapshot of your financial projections.

You can skip this step if you’re writing a lean business plan for a startup. Instead, replace it with a few sentences outlining the problem your startup aims to solve and the solution you will provide.

Executive Summary Example:

Market research indicates there are a growing number of dog owners in Tallahassee who want to train their animals. Consumer surveys indicate that most consumers don’t have the time or resources to train their animals themselves.

Consumers have also expressed a desire for combined dog walking and training services to help discipline their animals.

Pawsitive Strides Canine Coaching & Walks provides a convenient service for customers with furry friends and disposable incomes.

Tips for Writing an Executive Summary

• Define a problem in your market and state how your business will solve it.
• Limit your executive summary to one page.
• Use a tone appropriate for your audience.

Step 2 – Describe Your Company’s Team

A professional business plan will include a statement about your company’s team and management.

Describe your startup’s legal structure. After that, you can insert a chart to show the hierarchical structure of your company. Show and name your C-suite executives, management team, and key employees. Include short biographies and links to their resumes and LinkedIn profiles to give the reader a complete picture of your staff’s qualifications.

If you have a smaller staff, you can highlight the founder and CEO and your staff members who perform the services or create your business’s products.

Example for Company’s Team Statement:

Jamie Clayton, Founder and CEO

• Board-certified veterinarian.

Pawsitive Strides Canine Coaching & Walks’s dog walkers and trainers

• 14 full-time staff members.
• 26 part-time staff members.
• All staff members have the Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge and Skills Assessed (CPDT-KSA) credential from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers.

Tips for Writing about Your Company Management and Team

• Include any roles you’d like to hire to grow your company, if applicable.
• Highlight expertise and awards one to show your staff’s capabilities.

Step 3 – Summarize Market Analysis and Potential

Your business plan must also thoroughly analyze your target market and customer base. The goal here is to show that you understand your market and target audience and that there is a viable market for your business.

Market Analysis Example:

Pawsitive Strides Canine Coaching & Walks’s ideal customer is a dog owner between the ages of 25 and 65 with a high disposable income. They’re ideally a working professional or have recently retired from the workplace. They love their dog (or dogs) and want them to be well-behaved and have an outlet for all their energy.

Market research shows that Pawsitive Strides Canine Coaching & Walks has ample opportunities in the Tallahassee area:

• The total revenue for dog walking services in the U.S. increased from $900 million in 2019 to $1.1 billion in 2023.
• Dog ownership has increased by 20% over the last five years.
• Online search volume for “dog walkers in Tallahassee” is up by 10% since last year.
• 19% of Tallahassee’s residents have a household income of $125,000 or more (compared to the average of 5% across the U.S.).

Tips for Writing a Market Analysis

• Use reliable sources for acquiring data.
• Conduct consumer surveys to hear from people in your target area.
• Focus on the demand in your area and the growth potential.
• Include revenue and expense projections based on market data.

Step 4 – Describe Your Product or Service

Describe the products and services you offer. Pinpoint the value they provide to current and future customers and share your plans for research and development.

The main goal of this section is to convince the reader and yourself that your business is viable and that you have enough resources, time, and energy to achieve your goals.

Product Description Example:

Pawsitive Strides Canine Coaching & Walks isn’t an ordinary dog walking service. When a customer signs up for our monthly subscription plan, we have one of our certified dog walkers go to their house 12 times a month on a schedule that works for them.

Our dog walker takes their dog on a 30-minute walk and corrects their behavior. Their dog learns how to walk on a leash calmly and be around cars and people. Not only does the dog get some exercise and fresh air, but they also learn discipline, meaning the customer doesn’t have to worry about training their dog in this sense.

Tips for Writing a Product/Service Description

• Highlight cross-sell and upsell opportunities, if applicable.
• Emphasize what distinguishes you from other companies providing similar services/products.
• Include details for updating your offerings in the future.

Step 5 – Plan Your Marketing Strategy

Discuss the brand vision you want to cultivate, the metrics you’ll track, and the channels you’ll use to reach your target audience. Outlining how you plan to collect and retain customers will help you experience growth in the long term.

Marketing Strategy Example:

Pawsitive Strides Canine Coaching & Walks will focus on social media and direct mail marketing as its two main forms of advertising. We’ll track customer referrals to determine how many current customers are satisfied with our services.

On our social media platforms, including Instagram and Facebook, we’ll track our audience growth rate, bounce rate, and click-through rate.

Tips for Writing a Marketing Strategy

• Add the budget/resources you have, if applicable.
• Create strategies for marketing to different segments within your main target audience.

Step 6 – Conduct SWOT Analysis

Organizations use SWOT analyses to determine how closely a business will adhere to its growth trajectories. This analysis involves looking at a company’s SWOTs, which are:

• Strengths: Strengths are things your company does well. Examples include having a unique selling proposition, standout brandings, or human resources, like your employees and C-class executives.
• Weaknesses:  These barriers prevent your project or company from reaching certain milestones. Examples include financial limitations, a shortage of skilled professionals, and unclear selling propositions.
• Opportunities:  These positive external factors could give you a competitive edge. For instance, if you’re a manufacturer and the federal government cuts tariffs, you can export your products into a new market to boost market share and sales.
• Threats:  These are events, competitors, and situations that pose a risk to your company and the goals you’ve set for it. Typical threats include negative media coverage, changing customer demands, emerging competitors, and new rules and regulations.

SWOT Analysis Example:

• Appeals to people who don’t have the time or resources to train their pets.
• Low startup costs.
• Finding enough certified employees to meet the anticipated demand.
• Dealing with aggressive animals may be challenging for newer employees.

Opportunities

• Offering multiple subscription packages for customers who want more frequent training sessions for their pets.
• BehaviorBuddies is a dog walking service in Bradfordville that may take away customers.

Tips for Writing a SWOT Analysis

• Be honest with your business’s weaknesses and threats.
• Capitalize on opportunities you find through market analysis.

Step 7 – Develop a Strategy for Operations

Your business plan needs to include a thorough operations plan. This section reveals your manufacturing, fulfillment, managing, staffing, hiring strategies, and all the other processes you go through when running your business daily.

Operations Strategy Example:

Jamie Clayton will oversee the hiring of all employees, and the team lead will train all employees for at least one month to ensure they have the knowledge necessary to deal with animals of all temperaments.

The team lead will also organize the dog walking schedule to ensure all team members have enough time to arrive at customers’ houses and complete the dog walking/training sessions thoroughly.

Tips for Writing a Business Strategy

• Consider what your business needs to thrive on a daily basis.
• Account for inventory and supplies, even if your business is service-based.

Step 8 – Compile Your Business Financials

Create financial projections, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements for the first few years of operation. If you need funding, specify the amount and how you plan to use it.

Financial Statement Example:

Income Statement for the Year Ended December 31, 2023

• Revenue: $150,000
• Cost of Goods Sold: $30,000
• Gross Profit: $120,000
• Operating Expenses: $80,000
• Net Operating Income: $40,000
• Other Income/Expenses: -$2,000
• Net Income: $38,000

Tips for Writing a Financial Section

• Double-check the accuracy of financial information.
• Demonstrate how the proposed funding aligns with your company’s goals.
• Forecast future financial performance.

Step 9 – Explain Your Funding Request

If you’re seeking funding or investment for your business, explain the amount you need and how you intend to use it. Be transparent about the terms you’re offering to investors or lenders.

Funding Request Example:

Pawsitive Strides Canine Coaching & Walks has already hired a team to serve our existing customers. Once we scale to $500,000 in annual revenue over the next two years and at a 10% profit margin, our primary ongoing annual expenses (not including taxes) will total $350,000.

While already profitable, we are requesting $200,000 in the form of a business loan to buy two additional company vehicles. These vehicles will improve our employees’ ability to get to customers’ homes, and the remaining money will go toward maintaining current company vehicles.

Tips for Writing a Funding Request

• Add a timeline so investors know your goals and how you plan to use the money.
• If you seek funding in the form of an exchange for equity, an investor may expect to gain decision-making powers in your company. Plan for this situation accordingly.

Step 10 – Compile an Appendix for Official Documents

Include relevant documents, such as resumes of key team members, legal agreements, market research data, product design mock-ups, and your business’s legal structure documents.

Remember that each business plan is unique, so tailor your content to your venture and audience. Your business plan should effectively communicate your vision, strategy, and financial viability to potential investors, partners, and stakeholders.

Combine the appendix with a table of contents and footnotes section so you can reference it throughout your document.

You can download a free business plan template below in PDF or Word format:

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• Business Continuity Plan : Outline how your business will run in the event of a range of disaster scenarios with a business continuity plan.
• One-Page Business Plan : A simplified version of a traditional business plan that outlines the basics of your business.
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What is a business plan?

A business plan is a document that helps small business owners determine the viability of their business idea. Combining market research and financial analysis, a professional business plan helps startup CEOs and potential investors determine if the company can compete in the target market.

Typically, a good business plan consists of the following:

• Executive summary
• Company description
• Mission statement
• Product and services
• Marketing plan
• Operations plan
• Management organization
• Financial plan
• Conclusion & appendix

Every section involved in a business plan is designed to help startup businesses reach their target market.

A business plan asks founders and entrepreneurs to detail their business strategy in a step-by-step process that makes sense from an operational perspective. This is essential if a startup is seeking a business loan or an investment from a venture capital firm.

However, even small businesses that are already economically viable can benefit from creating a business plan, since it encourages business owners and their management teams to examine their business model and reevaluate the best ways to reach their target customers.

Should I use a business plan template?

Yes.  If you’ve never written one, a business plan can be challenging to write.

Creating a successful plan that you can use to grow your small business can require weeks of market analysis and financial preparation. You may spend time using Microsoft Excel or Powerpoint in order to create documentation which better supports our operational decisions.

However, almost every professional business plan is structured in the same way and most ask for the same information. Because of this, using a business plan template is advisable to save time, money, and effort.

Business plan templates for free

Rather than spending time trying to figure out how to write a business plan , use a free template as a guide to completion.

Business plan templates from PandaDoc can help you reach an effective go-to-market strategy even faster by asking you to provide all the relevant information you need when creating an effective business plan.

Grab a free template to get started!

Frequently asked questions

How many pages should my business plan be.

This depends on the kind of business plan you need to write and how you intend to use the plan that you create.

For example, a plan for a small business seeking potential investors or a business loan will need to provide income statements, cash flow statements, and a balance sheet (usually for a three-year or five-year forecast period).

These financial statements can be omitted if a small business owner isn’t seeking funding and is instead planning to use their business plan as a guiding document for themselves and their management team members.

Some business plans may only run a few pages. Fully-developed business plans can be as long as 50 pages. Much of this depends on the type of business, the operational strategy, and the level of detail that goes into developing the business plan.

Who needs a business plan?

Every business should have a business plan. This is an essential guidance document for any founder or CEO.

Good business plans help a company determine the viability of its place in the market and can help the business develop better strategies for differentiating itself from its competitors.

Business planning also forces business owners to evaluate their marketing strategy, the cost of customer acquisition and retention, and how they plan to grow their business over time.

What is the best business plan template?

Business plans come in all shapes and sizes. The best business plan template for your business is one that you understand and that matches the size and legal structure of your operation.

If you’re a sole proprietor, a business plan template designed for a big corporation probably doesn’t make sense. However, a business plan that helps you build an effective roadmap to grow your business while protecting your intellectual property is a good starting point.

PandaDoc offers specialized business plan templates for common industries along with tips to help you get started with business planning.

Should I hire someone to write my business plan for me?

No. You’ll find freelance writers and business strategy companies out there who are happy to write your business plan for a fee.  These resources can guide you through the process, but you should write (or be heavily involved in) the creation of your business plan.

The reason for this is simple: You know the most about your business, and your business needs you to succeed.

A writer can work with you to make your business plan sound better to investors, and a consultant can help you fill in knowledge gaps — like how to conduct a SWOT analysis — and point out weaknesses in your plan. But, at the end of the day, you need to use the business plan to pitch investors and run your business.

Those ideas and guiding principles aren’t something you can outsource.

Should I use business planning software?

Software isn’t required when creating an effective business plan. Most business planning software is designed to help you navigate the outlining and writing process more effectively.

You don’t need software to write a professional business plan, but a solid template can help you get started. Download a free template from PandaDoc today and take your business to the next level.

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Simple Business Plan Template (2024)

Updated: May 4, 2024, 4:37pm

Table of Contents

Why business plans are vital, get your free simple business plan template, how to write an effective business plan in 6 steps, frequently asked questions.

While taking many forms and serving many purposes, they all have one thing in common: business plans help you establish your goals and define the means for achieving them. Our simple business plan template covers everything you need to consider when launching a side gig, solo operation or small business. By following this step-by-step process, you might even uncover a few alternate routes to success.

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Whether you’re a first-time solopreneur or a seasoned business owner, the planning process challenges you to examine the costs and tasks involved in bringing a product or service to market. The process can also help you spot new income opportunities and hone in on the most profitable business models.

Though vital, business planning doesn’t have to be a chore. Business plans for lean startups and solopreneurs can simply outline the business concept, sales proposition, target customers and sketch out a plan of action to bring the product or service to market. However, if you’re seeking startup funding or partnership opportunities, you’ll need a write a business plan that details market research, operating costs and revenue forecasting. Whichever startup category you fall into, if you’re at square one, our simple business plan template will point you down the right path.

Copy our free simple business plan template so you can fill in the blanks as we explore each element of your business plan. Need help getting your ideas flowing? You’ll also find several startup scenario examples below.

Download free template as .docx

Whether you need a quick-launch overview or an in-depth plan for investors, any business plan should cover the six key elements outlined in our free template and explained below. The main difference in starting a small business versus an investor-funded business is the market research and operational and financial details needed to support the concept.

1. Your Mission or Vision

Start by declaring a “dream statement” for your business. You can call this your executive summary, vision statement or mission. Whatever the name, the first part of your business plan summarizes your idea by answering five questions. Keep it brief, such as an elevator pitch. You’ll expand these answers in the following sections of the simple business plan template.

• What does your business do? Are you selling products, services, information or a combination?
• Where does this happen? Will you conduct business online, in-store, via mobile means or in a specific location or environment?
• Who does your business benefit? Who is your target market and ideal customer for your concept?
• Why would potential customers care? What would make your ideal customers take notice of your business?
• How do your products and/or services outshine the competition? What would make your ideal customers choose you over a competitor?

These answers come easily if you have a solid concept for your business, but don’t worry if you get stuck. Use the rest of your plan template to brainstorm ideas and tactics. You’ll quickly find these answers and possibly new directions as you explore your ideas and options.

2. Offer and Value Proposition

This is where you detail your offer, such as selling products, providing services or both, and why anyone would care. That’s the value proposition. Specifically, you’ll expand on your answers to the first and fourth bullets from your mission/vision.

As you complete this section, you might find that exploring value propositions uncovers marketable business opportunities that you hadn’t yet considered. So spend some time brainstorming the possibilities in this section.

For example, a cottage baker startup specializing in gluten-free or keto-friendly products might be a value proposition that certain audiences care deeply about. Plus, you could expand on that value proposition by offering wedding and other special-occasion cakes that incorporate gluten-free, keto-friendly and traditional cake elements that all guests can enjoy.

3. Audience and Ideal Customer

Here is where you explore bullet point number three, who your business will benefit. Identifying your ideal customer and exploring a broader audience for your goods or services is essential in defining your sales and marketing strategies, plus it helps fine-tune what you offer.

There are many ways to research potential audiences, but a shortcut is to simply identify a problem that people have that your product or service can solve. If you start from the position of being a problem solver, it’s easy to define your audience and describe the wants and needs of your ideal customer for marketing efforts.

Using the cottage baker startup example, a problem people might have is finding fresh-baked gluten-free or keto-friendly sweets. Examining the wants and needs of these people might reveal a target audience that is health-conscious or possibly dealing with health issues and willing to spend more for hard-to-find items.

However, it’s essential to have a customer base that can support your business. You can be too specialized. For example, our baker startup can attract a broader audience and boost revenue by offering a wider selection of traditional baked goods alongside its gluten-free and keto-focused specialties.

4. Revenue Streams, Sales Channels and Marketing

Thanks to our internet-driven economy, startups have many revenue opportunities and can connect with target audiences through various channels. Revenue streams and sales channels also serve as marketing vehicles, so you can cover all three in this section.

Revenue Streams

Revenue streams are the many ways you can make money in your business. In your plan template, list how you’ll make money upon launch, plus include ideas for future expansion. The income possibilities just might surprise you.

For example, our cottage baker startup might consider these revenue streams:

• Product sales : Online, pop-up shops , wholesale and (future) in-store sales
• Affiliate income : Monetize blog and social media posts with affiliate links
• Advertising income : Reserve website space for advertising
• E-book sales : (future) Publish recipe e-books targeting gluten-free and keto-friendly dessert niches
• Video income : (future) Monetize a YouTube channel featuring how-to videos for the gluten-free and keto-friendly dessert niches
• Webinars and online classes : (future) Monetize coaching-style webinars and online classes covering specialty baking tips and techniques
• Members-only content : (future) Monetize a members-only section of the website for specialty content to complement webinars and online classes
• Franchise : (future) Monetize a specialty cottage bakery concept and sell to franchise entrepreneurs

Sales Channels

Sales channels put your revenue streams into action. This section also answers the “where will this happen” question in the second bullet of your vision.

The product sales channels for our cottage bakery example can include:

• Mobile point-of-sale (POS) : A mobile platform such as Shopify or Square POS for managing in-person sales at local farmers’ markets, fairs and festivals
• E-commerce platform : An online store such as Shopify, Square or WooCommerce for online retail sales and wholesale sales orders
• Social media channels : Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest shoppable posts and pins for online sales via social media channels
• Brick-and-mortar location : For in-store sales , once the business has grown to a point that it can support a physical location

Channels that support other income streams might include:

• Affiliate income : Blog section on the e-commerce website and affiliate partner accounts
• Advertising income : Reserved advertising spaces on the e-commerce website
• E-book sales : Amazon e-book sales via Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing
• Video income : YouTube channel with ad monetization
• Webinars and online classes : Online class and webinar platforms that support member accounts, recordings and playback
• Members-only content : Password-protected website content using membership apps such as MemberPress

Nowadays, the line between marketing and sales channels is blurred. Social media outlets, e-books, websites, blogs and videos serve as both marketing tools and income opportunities. Since most are free and those with advertising options are extremely economical, these are ideal marketing outlets for lean startups.

However, many businesses still find value in traditional advertising such as local radio, television, direct mail, newspapers and magazines. You can include these advertising costs in your simple business plan template to help build a marketing plan and budget.

5. Structure, Suppliers and Operations

This section of your simple business plan template explores how to structure and operate your business. Details include the type of business organization your startup will take, roles and responsibilities, supplier logistics and day-to-day operations. Also, include any certifications or permits needed to launch your enterprise in this section.

Our cottage baker example might use a structure and startup plan such as this:

• Business structure : Sole proprietorship with a “doing business as” (DBA) .
• Permits and certifications : County-issued food handling permit and state cottage food certification for home-based food production. Option, check into certified commercial kitchen rentals.
• Roles and responsibilities : Solopreneur, all roles and responsibilities with the owner.
• Supply chain : Bulk ingredients and food packaging via Sam’s Club, Costco, Amazon Prime with annual membership costs. Uline for shipping supplies; no membership needed.
• Day-to-day operations : Source ingredients and bake three days per week to fulfill local and online orders. Reserve time for specialty sales, wholesale partner orders and market events as needed. Ship online orders on alternating days. Update website and create marketing and affiliate blog posts on non-shipping days.

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6. Financial Forecasts

Your final task is to list forecasted business startup and ongoing costs and profit projections in your simple business plan template. Thanks to free business tools such as Square and free marketing on social media, lean startups can launch with few upfront costs. In many cases, cost of goods, shipping and packaging, business permits and printing for business cards are your only out-of-pocket expenses.

Cost Forecast

Our cottage baker’s forecasted lean startup costs might include:

Gross Profit Projections

This helps you determine the retail prices and sales volume required to keep your business running and, hopefully, earn income for yourself. Use product research to spot target retail prices for your goods, then subtract your cost of goods, such as hourly rate, raw goods and supplier costs. The total amount is your gross profit per item or service.

Here are some examples of projected gross profits for our cottage baker:

Bottom Line

Putting careful thought and detail in a business plan is always beneficial, but don’t get so bogged down in planning that you never hit the start button to launch your business . Also, remember that business plans aren’t set in stone. Markets, audiences and technologies change, and so will your goals and means of achieving them. Think of your business plan as a living document and regularly revisit, expand and restructure it as market opportunities and business growth demand.

Is there a template for a business plan?

You can copy our free business plan template and fill in the blanks or customize it in Google Docs, Microsoft Word or another word processing app. This free business plan template includes the six key elements that any entrepreneur needs to consider when launching a new business.

What does a simple business plan include?

A simple business plan is a one- to two-page overview covering six key elements that any budding entrepreneur needs to consider when launching a startup. These include your vision or mission, product or service offering, target audience, revenue streams and sales channels, structure and operations, and financial forecasts.

How can I create a free business plan template?

Start with our free business plan template that covers the six essential elements of a startup. Once downloaded, you can edit this document in Google Docs or another word processing app and add new sections or subsections to your plan template to meet your specific business plan needs.

What basic items should be included in a business plan?

When writing out a business plan, you want to make sure that you cover everything related to your concept for the business,  an analysis of the industry―including potential customers and an overview of the market for your goods or services―how you plan to execute your vision for the business, how you plan to grow the business if it becomes successful and all financial data around the business, including current cash on hand, potential investors and budget plans for the next few years.

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Krista Fabregas is a seasoned eCommerce and online content pro sharing more than 20 years of hands-on know-how with those looking to launch and grow tech-forward businesses. Her expertise includes eCommerce startups and growth, SMB operations and logistics, website platforms, payment systems, side-gig and affiliate income, and multichannel marketing. Krista holds a bachelor's degree in English from The University of Texas at Austin and held senior positions at NASA, a Fortune 100 company, and several online startups.