How do I write a business plan?

A business plan is more than just a document for the bank or investors - it is your Roadmap to independence. It helps you to structure your idea, recognise risks and convince investors or funding bodies. But how do you actually write a business plan?

In this article, we will show you how to proceed step by step.

Many founders want to "just get started" as quickly as possible. But:

• • A business plan forces you to think about all relevant aspects of your project.
  • It creates clarity for you and trust with banks, investors and funding agencies.
  • He is a living documentthat you can customise over time.

A complete business plan usually includes the following elements:

1. 1. Executive Summary - The summary
      • • Short, concise, exciting: What is your idea, what makes it special, how do you want to earn money?
        • Tip: Only write this summary at the very end.
   2. Business idea and vision
      • • Describe your product or service.
        • Explain what problem you solve and what your unique selling proposition (USP - link) is.
   3. Market analysis
      • • Who are your target customers?
        • How big is the market?
        • What trends and competitors are there?
   4. Marketing and sales strategy
      • • How do you reach your customers?
        • Which channels do you use (e.g. social media, sales partners, trade fairs)?
        • What is your pricing strategy?
   5. Organisation and team
      • • Who is behind the idea?
        • What experience and expertise do you / your team bring to the table?
        • If you are founding alone: Which partners or service providers will support you?
   6. Financial planning
      • • Sales and cost planning (at least 3 years).
        • Investment requirements and sources of financing.
        • Break-even-Calculation: When will your business be profitable?
   7. Opportunities and risks

• • • • What hurdles could arise
      • How do you deal with risks?

Now you know what components a business plan should have - why wait?
Download our free checklist and work on your own business plan step by step.

• • • Formulate clearly and comprehensibly - Write in such a way that someone outside your industry will understand what you are planning.
    • Prove with figures - Market data, customer surveys or pilot projects make your plan more credible.
    • Stay realistic - Investors immediately recognise overly optimistic forecasts.
    • Visual support - Graphics, tables and diagrams facilitate understanding.

• • • Too vague formulations ("the market is huge" instead of concrete data).
    • Lack of structure or too much technical jargon.
    • Financial planning without comprehensible assumptions.
    • Forget to update the plan regularly.

A business plan is not a bureaucratic monster, but your Strategy paper. It gives you orientation, makes your project tangible and increases your chances of funding.

Our tip: Don't see the business plan as a compulsory task, but as an opportunity to hone your idea and gain even more confidence.

Do you want help with your business or financial plan? Then take a look at our service offerings!