How to write a business plan

A business plan is a document that outlines your business goals and how you expect to achieve them. If you are starting a business, you will need a business plan to approach a financial institution for a loan, apply for a small business grant, or pitch to investors.

There is no standard format when writing a business plan. You can include any information that you consider important for your business. It is recommended that at a minimum, your business plan should include:

An executive summary

This is where you describe your business and why you think it will succeed. It must show that a market exists for your product or service. You should explain how you plan to market the business to customers.

Your business and products

This section should include your main products and services, the legal status of the business and your long-term business goals.

Market research

Include any market analysis you have completed and your sales strategy. You should also include the price of your product or services.

Management and organisation structure

This section should include an outline of the management structure of the business. Include any requirements in terms of staff, equipment and machinery.

Financial plan

This section should include projections for expected income and costs, and your funding requirements.

There is no fixed template for setting out your business plan. Each bank or support institution may have their own template.

You can use the outline of a business plan for start-ups and micro businesses on the Local Enterprise Office website.

You can also go to Enterprise Ireland for information on business strategy frameworks.

Teagasc has a workbook to help prospective farmers organise their ideas, before they develop a full business plan.

Find more guides and supports for developing a business plan from the following organisations:

• Local Enterprise Office
• Failte Ireland (pdf)
• Teagasc

You may also want to get advice from the representative body for your specific sector.

Read about how to decide on the legal structure of your business and how to get funding.

You may also want to read about registering your business name, and how to pay tax as a self-employed person.

See a list of websites, organisations and public bodies who can give information on starting a business.