How to write a business plan
Writing a business plan helps you develop your business concept and set goals for your business. You can also use the business plan to sell your idea to investors, suppliers, banks and other interested parties.
Business plan content and templates
The business plan is a document describing the business so that others can easily understand your idea and who is behind it. The document can take many different forms, but almost always contains sections on the company's business concept, customers and business model.
There are a number of ready-made templates and services to help you create your business plan. Here you will find links to NyföretagarCentrum's business plan e-service and Almi's business plan templates. A circular business model creates more value by using resources more efficiently.
Business plan from NyföretagarCentrum (in Swedish)
Business plan templates at Almi (in Swedish)
If you are creating a new business plan, our calculator tools can help you. For example, you can work out how much you need to sell to cover your costs and make a profit.
Think of your business plan as a living document
A business concept can often change and evolve while the business is running. It is a good idea to go back and update your business plan based on how your company and the world around you has evolved.
Different types of business plans
A business plan can be formulated in a number of different ways. Which one is right for your business may vary depending on your business concept or how you want to present your business.
Creating a business plan is not compulsory for entrepreneurs, but it is a good way to help you get started.
The difference between a business plan and a marketing plan
A marketing plan is the part of the business plan where you plan how the company will be marketed and attract customers. The marketing plan can be short or long and span the next year or longer. As with the rest of the business plan, it is good to occasionally update the marketing plan.
The marketing plan may contain the following.
Business idea
What does the company sell and to whom? Why should the customer choose my company?
Current status
Who are my customers? Who are my competitors? What do they do well and less well?
Goal
Where is the company going? The goals can be both short-term interim goals and the company's long-term goals.
Strategy and action plan
How do I concretely achieve the company's goals? The strategy must apply for a longer period of time and the action plan for shorter periods, for example when a product is to be launched and what the advertising should look like.
Follow-up
How has it been? Follow up on whether the company's goals have been achieved - what worked and what didn't work well?
Do you need help with your business plan?
Many organizations offer free help in getting your business off the ground.