Business Plan Creation Checklist
Table of Contents
Preliminary Tasks
Look into business plan templates
Complete market research.
Dedicate the plan to the business, not the innovation or product.
Illustrate a solution to a problem.
Explain how that solution generates revenue.
Clarify key matters relating to products/services.
Form the basis of the management team.
Prepare a strategic plan as framework for detailed plan.
Decide the purpose of the plan.
Determine target audience of the plan.
Locate professional advisers.
Research and prepare a list of possible recipients of the plan.
Writing the Plan
Create a framework for the plan.
Identify possible appendices, attachments etc.
Estimate page lengths for each section.
List main issues to be covered within key sections.
Assign work programs based on the framework and lists.
Draft preliminary sections (excluding summary).
Draft all key sections in the plan's body.
Compile financial projections and related appendices.
Check the draft for completeness.
Let an outsider critique the latest draft.
If necessary, redraft and fine tune.
Write the executive summary.
Write the plan's conclusion.
Get an independent assessment of the final draft.
Reviewing the Plan
Is the plan nicely presented?
Avoid the use of technical jargon.
Keep the plan easy to read.
Use tables/charts/graphics.
Don't exceed 30 pages in length.
Spell check the final form.
Does the plan's summary stimulate interest?
Will the plan provoke the desired responses?
Download or Print this Business Plan Creation Checklist
Get a printable version of this checklist in your preferred format: PDF, Word, Excel, or print directly from your browser.
Presented by:
Jake R Brady
Stats
Views
27
Views: 27
Uses
6
Uses: 6
Tasks
37
Tasks: 37
Who it's for
This Business Plan Creation Checklist is for teams that want consistent execution, less rework, and clear ownership.
- Standardize quality - run the same Business Plan Creation steps every time, regardless of who executes
- Save time - reuse a proven Business Plan Creation workflow instead of rebuilding processes from scratch
- Improve accountability - assign owners and see what's done vs. what's pending
- Onboard faster - use the Business Plan Creation checklist as the SOP and training guide
- Coordinate across roles - handoffs are clear and everyone works from the same source of truth
How to use it
How to use this Business Plan Creation Checklist:
- Start by saving it - save as a Template if you'll reuse it, or as a Checklist if it's a one-off project.
- Customize it once for your workflow - remove what doesn't apply and add your team-specific steps.
- Assign ownership and execute - set owners/due dates where needed and track completion as work happens.
- Reuse without rebuilding - when Business Plan Creation comes up again, start from your saved version and run it with clear ownership.