What should you include in a business plan?
John Johnson
Updated on February 28, 2026
Traditional business plans use some combination of these nine sections.
- Executive summary. Briefly tell your reader what your company is and why it will be successful.
- Company description.
- Market analysis.
- Organization and management.
- Service or product line.
- Marketing and sales.
- Funding request.
- Financial projections.
What is the most important part of a business plan?
The executive summary the most important part of your business plan, and perhaps the only one that will get read so make it perfect! The executive summary has only one objective : get the investor to read the rest of your business plan.
What are the 8 parts of a business plan?
They include:
- Executive Summary: A snapshot of your plan.
- Company Description: Explain what your company does and how it stands out from competitors.
- Market Analysis:
- Organization and Management:
- Service or Product Line:
- Marketing and Sales:
- Funding Request:
- Financial Projections:
What to include in a business plan template?
Using this business plan template and the information detailed herein will force you to think through your business and document it in a way that investors and other readers fully understand. Be sure you can not only present your business well in the written business plan, but in person.
How many pages are in a business plan?
Business plans range from 20 to 50 pages in length, but, typically, they all contain the same sections. You’ll find detailed overviews of what to include within each section by looking at sample business plans and going to online sources.
How big should a business plan be for a small business?
Miniplans of five to 10 pages are the popular concise models that may stand on their own for smaller businesses. Larger businesses seeking major funding will often have miniplans as well, but the full business plan will be waiting in the wings.
Which is the executive summary of a business plan?
You’ll find detailed overviews of what to include within each section by looking at sample business plans and going to online sources. 1. The Executive Summary This is a concise 1 to 4 page summary illustrating the key points that are detailed in each section of the business plan.