how to hire someone to write a business plan

Free Download

10 Questions to Ask

Before hiring a business plan writer.

We are sorry, this form is not available to you as you have declined marketing cookies.

Not ready to download? Don't worry, it has been sent directly to your inbox.

Business Plan Writing Service

Maximize your chances of getting funded

Our business plan writers develop plans that can help you win funding.

What you can expect working with our Team:

Business planning pros

You’ll work with a professional plan writer who will build a custom business plan for your unique industry

The #1 planning tool

Get free access to LivePlan software, which makes it easier to share and update your plan

A winning format

Our unique business plan format has helped over 1 million businesses

Expert business plan writers for any type of business

Business plans for startups

• Establish milestones to achieve success.
• Outline accurate startup costs.
• Fully establish the vision for your business.

Pitching to investors

• Plans are formatted to meet lenders' expectations.
• Ensures your projected financials are realistic.
• Be prepared with a strong plan to back up your pitch.

Retail, eCommerce, restaurants and other popular industries

• Plan writers with experience and expertise in your industry.
• Insights into what details are vital to succeed in your industry.
• Develop a strong value proposition to stand out from the competition.

What makes our business plan writing services different?

Our business plan format has helped companies raise millions.

Our writers use a business plan structure that has been tested and refined over the past 20 years. So when you hire a LivePlan business plan writer, you'll be maximizing your chances of securing a loan or investment.

Business plan writers trusted by top business schools across the U.S.

Since 1988, Palo Alto Software—the creator of LivePlan—has helped over a million entrepreneurs achieve success. Our business plan structure is even taught at top universities, such as Princeton and Rice.

Get matched with a business plan writer who knows your industry

Our writers are experienced professionals who have written hundreds of business plans. That means there will most likely be someone on our team who has experience in your specific industry.

The best decision I could have made to launch my business in the right direction. I definitely recommend these services to entrepreneurs and future small business owners.

Melinda Holden

Elite Liason Consulting

Maximize your chances of securing funding

Hire a LivePlan business plan writer today

How the process works:

Research and discovery

We first gain an in-depth understanding of your business. Then, we begin market research and examine your growth drivers.

Plan Writing

Once our research is complete, we'll write the body of your business plan and provide you with a draft to review.

Financial modeling

We'll turn your financial assumptions into forecasts that include everything lenders and investors need to see.

Design and review

You'll get a polished business plan with a design that matches your brand. You can then print the plan or share it online with a unique and private link.

Thanks for your interest in Services offered by LivePlan.

At this time, we are only accepting requests from the united states and canada..

My plan writer was responsive, and understood my vision from our first communication. I now have a living document that I can use and manipulate as needed going forward.

Marcus Flowers

TimeOut Sports Bar & Grill

Frequently Asked Questions

Business plan writing help and services for hire, will you review my plan and make changes.

Our review-only service just includes feedback, but if you decide you'd like to engage in our full plan writing service after participating in a review, we'll give you a discount.

What if I already started writing my plan?

If you have a partially completed plan, we can work with that. In fact, it helps the plan writing process go faster because we'll have to ask fewer questions, but you'll want to choose the full business plan writing service.

Do you do market research? What does that include?

Yes, we do market research. We have access to industry reports for most industries and we will use them to lend more credibility to your plan and validate the assumptions we are making in your financials.

What is included with the full plan writing service?

When it's all said and done, you'll have a full, lender or investor ready business plan, a one page pitch, and a free year of LivePlan so you can make changes to your plan as well as use our cash flow and business management tools to stay on track.

Can you guarantee that my business will get funded?

There are a lot of factors that go into the decision making process for lending that are beyond our control, like your personal credit. What we can say is that it is very difficult to get funding without a solid business plan and we make solid business plans.

Will you share my information?

We take your privacy very seriously and will not share your information.

How long will it take to finish my plan? / Do you offer an expedited service?

The average business plan completes in 3-6 weeks, depending on your responsiveness to your writer and our work load. We offer expedited services if you are in a rush.

Yes, we can deliver an expedited plan in as little as two weeks for an additional $1,000.

Does my business plan include financials?

What formats do you deliver in.

We deliver in PDF format, Word and we also give you access to edit your plan in a free LivePlan account.

How many pages is the average business plan?

We subscribe to the lean business planning method so we try to keep your plan short and to the point. Depending on the complexity of your business, your finished plan can end up being anywhere from 25-50 pages.

Pricing and Options

How much does this service cost.

The full plan writing service cost can vary depending on your needs. Book a call with us to request a quote. We also offer a lower cost business plan review service and a forecasting service.

Do you offer a la carte services?

We offer a review service (feedback only, no edits), forecast only service or full business plan writing service. If you have a partially completed plan, we can work with that, but you'll want to choose the full business plan writing service.

Do you offer a review service?

Yes. One of our business planning experts can review your plan and financials line by line and give you critical and constructive feedback to help improve your plan and increase your confidence when it comes time to deliver.

Do you offer an expedited service?

What if i don't like my plan.

You'll have the opportunity to review and leave feedback after each draft. We recommend taking the time to be thorough and thoughtful in your feedback as that is your chance to help mold your plan into something that really resonates with you.

Expert Plan Writers and Consultants

Who writes my business plan.

You will be paired with one dedicated individual from our small team of highly trained and experienced business planning professionals. Each one is a uniquely qualified business planning expert who can translate your ideas into a business plan that will appeal to your audience.

Is my plan writer an expert in my industry?

Our business plan writers are experts specifically in business plan writing. We've worked with every industry imaginable so the likelihood that they have some familiarity with your industry is high, but if you are looking for a business consultant this may not be a good fit.

What kind of background will my writer have? Are they outsourced from other countries? Have they been writing business plans for very long?

We are a small team of well educated business planning experts. Each writer's background varies but they all have financial or business education as well as years, small business management or consulting and business plan writing experience. They are all well vetted and really good at what they do, which is write plans that help you get funded.

Small Business Definitions

What is a business plan.

In its simplest form, a business plan is a guide—a roadmap for your business that outlines goals and details how you plan to achieve those goals. At its heart, a business plan is just a plan for how your business is going to work, and how you're going to make it succeed. Read our full article on "What is a business plan" here.

What is in a business plan?

The executive summary is an overview of your business and your plans. It comes first in your plan and is ideally only one to two pages. Most people write it last, though.

The opportunity section answers these questions: What are you actually selling and how are you solving a problem (or "need") for your market? Who is your target market and competition?

In the execution chapter of your business plan, you'll answer the question: how are you going to take your opportunity and turn it into a business? This section will cover your marketing and sales plan, operations, and your milestones and metrics for success.

Investors look for great teams in addition to great ideas. Use the company and management chapter to describe your current team and who you need to hire. You will also provide a quick overview of your legal structure, location, and history if you're already up and running.

Your business plan isn't complete without a financial forecast . We'll tell you what to include in your financial plan, but you'll definitely want to start with a sales forecast, cash flow statement, income statement (also called profit and loss), and your balance sheet.

If you need more space for product images or additional information, use the appendix for those details.

Read our full article "How to Write a Business Plan — the Comprehensive Guide" for more information, here.

Why is a business plan important?

There are many reasons why it is important to have a business plan. A business plan is essential if you're seeking a loan or investment, can help you make big spending decisions with confidence and is a solid foundation for ongoing strategic planning and prioritization. Read our full article on "8 Reasons Having a Business Plan is Important" here.

What is a business plan writer/consultant?

A business plan writer/consultant is a business and financial expert who can help guide you through the process of creating a business plan and do much of the labor involved in creating it. They will work with you to understand your business model, do market research, create financial projections and offer guidance as all of those pieces are brought together in a full business plan document.

How to pick a business plan writer/consultant?

Picking a business plan writer or business plan consultant is an important decision — you'll want to find someone dedicated to your success, with experience in your industry or field and that is in it for the long haul. Read our full article on "Things to Look for When Hiring a Business Plan Writer" here.

Why should you pay someone to write your business plan?

You don't have time. Starting a business is time consuming. Oftentimes people have to juggle a regular 9-5 job while working on starting their business. That doesn't leave a lot of time for a big writing project. Hiring a professional to write your business plan can help you give you time to focus on the tasks that are critical to getting your business off the ground.

You want to make sure it is done right, the first time. You only get one chance to make a first impression. Hiring a professional to write your plan for you can give you the peace of mind that your plan is the best it can be when you present it to potential lenders or investors.

How to Find a Business Plan Writer for Hire

If you’re thinking of hiring a business plan writer , congratulations! You’ve made a smart decision. A business plan is essential for any startup and can be critical for established businesses as well. But many entrepreneurs do not have the time or skills to write one themselves. That’s where a business plan writer comes in.

In this article, we will explore how to find someone to write your business plan and why it’s worth taking the time to do so.

Before You Hire

There are a few things to consider when looking for a business plan writer. The first is whether or not you need one. If you have a clear idea of your business and what you hope to achieve, you may be able to write a basic plan yourself. However, if you’re not sure where to start or what to include, it’s worth hiring someone to help you.

Another thing to consider is your budget. While some business plan writers can be expensive, there are also many affordable options available. You’ll need to decide how much you’re willing to spend on this service before you start looking for providers.

If you need a business plan to secure funding, you may also want to consider working with a business plan consultant. These professionals can help you create a plan that is tailored specifically to your needs and meets the requirements of potential investors.

Once you’ve decided that you need to hire a writer, the next step is finding an experienced writer that fits your budget.

Qualities of a Great Business Planning Consultant or Writer

Not all business plan writers are created equal. Here are some qualities to look for during your search for a professional business plan writer:

• Experience and credentials . Look for a writer with experience in your industry or sector. They should also have excellent business planning credentials, the ability to create realistic financial projections and be able to provide samples of their work.
• Good communication skills . The best business plan writers are good communicators who can understand your needs and work with you to create a solid business plan that meets your specific requirements.
• Excellent writing skills . The writer should be able to write clear, concise, and well-organized business plans that are easy to understand.
• Personalized service . A good business plan consultant will take the time to learn about your business and develop a plan that is tailored specifically for you.

Research & Hire a Business Plan Writer

Now that you know what to look for, it’s time to start your search for a writer that meets your business needs. Here are a few tips to get you started:

• Do your research . There are many business plan writers available, so it’s important to do your research before making a decision. Start by reading reviews and looking at samples of their work.
• Get referrals . Ask friends, family, and business associates for recommendations. If you know someone who has used a business plan writer in the past, they may be able to provide you with a good referral.
• Check credentials . Once you’ve found a few writers that you’re interested in working with, take the time to check their credentials and experience. Look for writers with relevant experience in your industry or sector.
• Get a quote . Once you’ve found a few qualified candidates, get quotes from each one. This will help you compare pricing and decide which writer is the best fit for your budget.
• Hire the right writer . Once you’ve made your decision, it’s time to hire a business plan writer. Be sure to provide them with as much information as possible, including your specific requirements and goals.

By taking the time to find the right person and providing them with the necessary information, you can ensure that your business has a well-crafted plan to guide it through its early stages.

Benefits of Hiring Someone to Write Your Plan

Hiring a business plan writer can be a great investment for your business. Here are some of the benefits:

• Savings in time and money . A business plan writer can save you a lot of time and money. They can help you avoid common mistakes and ensure that your plan is well-written, concise, and complete.
• More likely to secure funding . Investors and lenders are more likely to take your business seriously if you have a professionally written business plan. This increases your chances of getting the funding you need to grow your business.
• Improved chances of success . A well-written business plan can help you to achieve your business goals and increase your chances of success.
• Peace of mind . Knowing that you have a solid business plan gives you peace of mind and allows you to focus on what you do best — running your business.

The Bottom Line

Hiring a business plan writer can be a great investment for any business. They can help you create a plan that is tailored specifically to your needs, and their experience and credentials can help secure the funding your business needs to succeed. So if you’re thinking of hiring a writer, find a writer that meets the criteria listed above and get started on developing a plan for your business.

1777 SW Chandler Ave. Suite 267 Bend, OR 97702

Business Plan Services Business Plan Writing Business Plan Consultants

Hire the Top 3% of Freelance Business Plan Writers

Toptal is a marketplace for top professional Business Plan Writers. Top companies and startups hire Business Plan Writing freelancers from Toptal for their mission-critical projects.

No-Risk Trial, Pay Only If Satisfied.

Trusted by leading brands and startups

Watch the case study

Hire Freelance Business Plan Writers

Stephen Kelly

With 20 years of experience working with family offices, institutional and entrepreneurial private equity funds, and consulting Big Four accounting firms, Stephen brings unique insights into the variety of investor mindsets. He freelances to help startups and established investors determine ideal investment, asset management, and fundraising strategies. As a senior executive, he has advised on multi-billion mergers, equity raises exceeding $2 billion, and transactions totaling over $5 billion.

Previously at

Grand Coast Capital Group, LLC

Tanya Dymytrashchuk

Tanya is a finance expert serving investors and entrepreneurs in M&A, fundraising, buy and build, growth strategies, creating financial transparency, and defining business optimization potentials. She's executed €50 million in debt, equity, and M&A transactions in PE/VC and headed finance at a shared mobility startup, preparing the company for the financing round. Tanya enjoys freelancing due to the opportunities to create value and get to know exciting people and businesses.

Emmy Sharing

Nick Fookes

Nick is a CFA with a 28-year track record spanning 40+ countries in M&A, finance, strategy, and policy. He's supported executive decisions in 60 high-stake projects, including M&A transactions ($46 billion), radio-spectrum auctions and trades ($3.5 billion), public policy advocacy, government contract bids (worth $1 billion), go-to-market strategies, and raises for small caps and tech startups. Independent since 2001, Nick has enjoyed working in diverse markets, sectors, and cultures.

Invictus Strategy Associates

Dhruv Tandan

Dhruv has worked on successful finance and consulting projects worth over $1 billion, focusing on tech, energy, and life science companies across the US, Asia, and Africa. He currently serves as a fractional CFO for multiple startups, is a partner at AND Business Consulting, and has more than 15 years of experience in FP&A, fundraising, startup consulting, M&A, and project finance. With an MBA in finance, Dhruv enjoys the exposure and sheer variety of assignments that come with freelancing.

Toptal Projects

David Fulep

David is an M&A expert who has worked with the owners of 100+ businesses to raise capital, exit their investments at premium valuations, or execute successful acquisitions and IPOs. With 15+ years of experience, including six years at PwC, he has worked in many industries and extensively in the TMT and renewable energy sectors. David joined Toptal to advise clients on complex M&A and capital-raising transactions across the world.

Freelance Clients

Sandeep Mathur

Sandeep has analyzed 1,000+ corporates and closed debt, equity, and M&A transactions of over $15 billion as a finance professional. After working for 20+ years in top-tier banks like Barclays, HSBC, and Standard Chartered, he now advises growth companies, leveraging his expertise in modeling, fundamental analysis valuation, and fundraising. As a seasoned problem solver, Sandeep has worked as a fractional CFO for startups, advised on early-stage funding rounds, and designed pricing models.

Standard Chartered

Julio C. Ortiz

Julio has diversified experience as a finance VP for multinationals based in the US and Latin America in the financing, pharmaceutical, luxury goods, and personal care sectors and distribution channels, such as retail, wholesale, and travel retail. Julio's expertise includes financial planning and modeling, investment banking, commercial real estate, fundraising, business plan development, logistics, company valuation, and strategic and visionary leadership based on innovation and creativity.

Prime Wealth Development

Carlo Palmieri

A Wharton MBA graduate, Carlo has led transactions on $10 billion worth of LBO and growth capital deals. He's worked in investment banking, M&A (Deutsche Bank), management consulting (Bain & Company, Oliver Wyman), and corporate development (Lehman Brothers). Carlo leverages his skills in corporate finance, business strategy, and international business development to help companies scale and deliver value for their investors.

Lehman Brothers

Wen helped a French multimillion-euro food startup build its equity story and manage potential acquirers (Danone). She has project experience with private equity funds, venture capital, and industrial groups in France, Belgium, China, Africa, and the US. She is skilled in financial analysis and modeling, investor deck, and market research. Wen freelances to help advise startups and corporates on business strategy, investor relations, and fundraising projects.

Toptal Clients

Bertrand Deleuse

Bertrand is a 25-year finance veteran with a true 360 experience, honed as an investment banker, venture advisor, project developer, CFO, and expert witness consultant in international arbitrations. He has advised and partnered on over 100 transactions and investment initiatives totaling over $16 billion. Bertrand is a seasoned problem solver and decision-maker with expert facilitation skills. Bertrand advises on M&A, corporate development, venture growth, project development, and financing.

Quadrant Economics

Discover More Business Plan Writers in the Toptal Network

98% of Toptal clients choose to hire our talent after a risk-free trial.

Toptal's screening and matching process ensures exceptional talent are matched to your precise needs.

Get Additional Expertise

Our clients frequently pair these additional services with our freelance Business Plan Writers.

... allows corporations to quickly assemble teams that have the right skills for specific projects.

Despite accelerating demand for coders, Toptal prides itself on almost Ivy League-level vetting.

Pete Pellizzari

Romy Parzick

Doug MacKay

Founder / CEO

Chris Pozek

How to Hire Business Plan Writers Through Toptal

Talk to one of our industry experts, work with hand-selected talent, the right fit, guaranteed, find experts with related skills.

Access a vast pool of skilled finance experts in our talent network and hire the top 3% within just 48 hours.

How are Toptal professional Business Plan Writers different?

At Toptal, we thoroughly screen our professional Business Plan Writers to ensure we only match you with talent of the highest caliber. Of the more than 200,000 people who apply to join the Toptal network each year, fewer than 3% make the cut. You’ll work with finance experts (never generalized recruiters or HR reps) to understand your goals, technical needs, and team dynamics. The end result: expert vetted talent from our network, custom matched to fit your business needs.

Can I hire Business Plan Writers in less than 48 hours through Toptal?

Depending on availability and how fast you can progress, you could start working with a Business Plan Writer within 48 hours of signing up.

What is the no-risk trial period for Toptal Business Plan Writers?

We make sure that each engagement between you and your Business Plan Writer begins with a trial period of up to two weeks. This means that you have time to confirm the engagement will be successful. If you’re completely satisfied with the results, we’ll bill you for the time and continue the engagement for as long as you’d like. If you’re not completely satisfied, you won’t be billed. From there, we can either part ways, or we can provide you with another expert who may be a better fit and with whom we will begin a second, no-risk trial.

Tap Into World-Class Talent

Trusted experts only.

All of our talent are seasoned experts who ramp up quickly, readily contribute as core team members, and work with you to minimize onboarding time.

The Right Fit

We have a knack for matching you with the right fit. Start working with your new hire on a no-risk trial period, paying only if satisfied.

Scale as Needed

Hire talent within 48 hours and scale your team up or down as needed, no strings attached.

Seamless Hiring

We handle all aspects of billing, payments, and NDA’s. Let us take care of the overhead while you focus on building great products.

Flexible Engagements

Choose the engagement type that suits your needs — hourly, part-time, or full-time — with the ability to change anytime.

Expert Talent Matching

Focus on your project and enjoy support from your dedicated account executive and expert talent matcher.

Featured Toptal Business Plan Writing Publications

Creating a Narrative from Numbers

The Undeniable Importance of a Business Plan

Building the Next Big Thing: A Guide to Business Idea Development

Top Business Plan Writers Are in High Demand.

10 Places to Find Business Plan Writers for Hire

• Sam Swanson
• August 30, 2021

If you need to hire a business plan writer, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we have investigated and reviewed the 10 best places online to find and hire a business plan writer.

Why hire a business plan writer?

A business plan helps you write down and publish a road map for where your business is going and how it is going to get there. To make your business plan stand out and get read it needs to be written in a professional yet engaging way.

One of the best ways to ensure you have a great business plan is to hire an experienced business plan writer. But the hardest part is working out where to find one. That’s why we created this guide.

Here are the ten best places to hire a business plan writer.

1. Writing Studio

Writing Studio is a content writing company that helps companies to produce detailed and engaging business plans. Our expert writers have experience writing business plans across multiple industries and will ensure you receive a high-quality business plan that gets read, and more importantly, gets results.

Writing Studio offers competitive content writing prices  within the industry. If you require a business plan to be written we can provide you with a detailed custom quote after a free, no-obligation consultation.  

When you work with Writing Studio you’ll work with a dedicated client manager who will oversee your business plan writing project and ensure you’re 100% satisfied with the end product.

Upwork is one of the largest platforms online to find a writer to outsource your business plan writing to. You can either post a project and freelancers will send you proposals to write your business plan or you can search for writers who specialize in writing business plans and hire the best one for your specific job.

Upwork has thousands of writers on their platform so you’re likely to find a writer who has experience writing about your industry and has a portfolio of past business plans they have written. Each freelancer on the platform also has a star rating which makes sorting through the applicants much easier. 

The major downside of Upwork is that you’ll have to manage the project yourself and you might have to hire an editor to double-check the freelancer’s work. Writers on Upwork charge between US$15 per hour to US$80 per hour depending on how experienced they are.

3. MasterPlans

MasterPlans.com is a business plan writing service with more than 18-years of experience writing plans for over 18,000 clients.

The company can help you with every aspect of your business plan and tailor it for the audience it is intended for. For example, if it is for a bank, they will tailor it for a lending manager to read.

Using their service is simple, you just need to go to their website and request one of their expert team members to contact you. They will then give you a free consultation so you can explain your specific needs and they can explain how their service works and give you a quote customized to your needs.

4. Wise Business Plans

WiseBusinessPlans offers more than just a simple business writing service. They will also work with you to help create financial modeling and other business consultancy services. According to the company they hire writers with MBA’s and decades of experience writing business plans.

To get a free consultation with one of their reps you can give them a call or book one online. Of all the business plan writing services and places to find writers on our list this company is likely to be one of the more expensive, but the upside of working with a dedicated business plan writing service like WiseBusinessPlans is that you’ll be able to work with some very experienced business plan writers.

5. LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a professional social network used by hundreds of millions of people worldwide – including many professional writers with experience writing business plans.

To find a business plan writer on LinkedIn you can post a job ad for free. Applicants with relevant experience can then apply for the job. Once you get a good pool of applicants you can create a shortlist and then conduct interviews. After a round of interviews, you can then select the best candidate and offer them the job.

The main benefit of LinkedIn is that you can access millions of potential candidates and it’s free. The downside of using LinkedIn to find a business plan writer is that you’ll have to vet the candidates and then manage the project yourself with the writer you hire.

Fiverr is another large online freelancer marketplace where you can find great business plan writers. Much like Upwork, you can search for writers with specific experience such as writing business plans, and then contact your favorites or place a job advert and request writers send you a proposal. You can then hire the best writer, receive the completed project through the platform, and then make the required payment.

When hiring a business plan writer, you can expect to pay anywhere from $5 to $200 per hour. To make it easy for both parties you might be better off setting a project price that includes revisions so that both you and the freelancer will know upfront how much it will cost.

7. Pro-Business Plans

Pro-Business Plans is a specialist business plan writing company that has operated since 1999.

They can help you write multiple different types of business plans such as Start-up business plans, business plans for immigration services, business plans for small business loans, and many more.

Using their service is very easy. You simply go to their website and request a consultation. One of their sales reps will then contact you to explain how their service works. They will then provide you with a detailed and customized quote and if you’re happy with that they will go ahead and write your business plan.

8. LivePlan

Another good option when looking for a business plan writer is Liveplan.com . The company provides both a software platform to write your own plan or you can hire a writer through the platform to do it for you.

According to their website, they have writers on their platform who can write business plans for numerous different industries.

To use their service, you go to their website and then enter the details of your business plan you need to be written, and they will then contact you and match you with one of their writers. When you work with LivePlan you’re looking at paying between $2000 and $3000 for a business plan to be written.

Indeed.com is one of the world’s largest online job websites. To use their service you sign up on their website and can then post a job advert with all of the details of your business plan writing project. Once posted, writers with experience writing business plans will then send you an application for the job. You can then evaluate all of the applicants and select the one most suited to your needs.

Overall, Indeed.com will put you in touch with a large number of applicants but the major downside is you’ll have to spend the time to post the job, interview the applicants, and then manage them during the writing process.

10. Go Business Plans

Go Business Plans are a specialty business plan writing company based in California, USA.

They work with clients to create customized business plans for a range of different industries, including, the energy, real estate, education, e-commerce, and healthcare industries.

To use their service, you simply go to their website and fill out a form with your details, and they will then contact you and give you a custom quote.

The Bottom Line

There are many great places online to find a business plan writer. Your main consideration when choosing which service is how much you’re prepared to pay. If budget isn’t an issue, you are much better off going with a professional writing service and if budget is an issue, you’re better off using a freelance or job listing platform.

Don’t forget to share this article!

Related articles

10 Places to Find Article Writers for Hire

10 Tips on How to Write a Listicle

10 Places to Sell an Ecommerce Business

• Website Planet

9 Best Business Plan Writers for Hire: Growth & Success in 2024

• 9 Best Business Plan Writers for Hire

1. Green_lama – Affordable Business Plan Template

2. Olayinka E. – Grant and Business Plan Writer Extraordinaire

• 3. Osama M. Ashraf – Professional Investor-Ready Business Planning

4. Heena D. – Business Plan Writer and Finance Expert 

5. Aydin O. – Advisor and European Startup Expert

6. Saurav R. – Experienced Business Strategist and Operations Manager

• 7. Faizan Kahl: Expertise in Business Plans With a Marketing Edge

• 8. Kulzinder K. –  Versatile Business Plan Writer

• 9. Drsonyam: Popular Business Plan Template

• How To Hire a Business Plan Writer on Fiverr
• Head to Fiverr, and once you see the big search bar in the middle of the page, type in “business plan writer.”

• At this point, Fiverr will prompt you to create an account (if you don’t have one already). Continue with your email or connect via your Google, Apple, or Facebook account.
• If you need a business plan quickly or are on a strict budget, you can filter by budget and delivery time. To find the best freelancer for your needs, limit the results to sellers specializing in plans for specific business types – such as startups or nonprofits.

• When you find a promising gig, click on it to see more. Scroll beyond the quick introductory description to learn more about the freelancers and see examples of past business plans.

• Many business plan writers offer three-tiered gigs that give you some flexibility in terms of price and deliverables. Click the “ Compare Packages ” button to see which package suits you best.

• If you scroll further down, you’ll access the freelancer’s total review score and a couple of client comments about their skill, communication, and overall performance.

• On Fiverr, it’s common practice for clients to contact freelancers before placing an order. This is to ensure sellers understand the nature and scope of your project, which helps them deliver results without delay. Click the “ Contact Me ” button from the top of the profile page to open a chat window and discuss your business plan.
• When you’re sure about your choice, click “ Continue .” Add any extras (e.g., extra-fast delivery, pitch deck) and follow Fiverr’s instructions to complete your payment and set your project requirements.

• What To Look For in a Business Plan Writer
• Industry Expertise. A writer with specific knowledge of your industry can provide invaluable insights, tailor the plan accordingly, and foresee potential challenges or opportunities.
• Client Testimonials and Ratings. Reviews and ratings from past clients offer an unfiltered view into the writer’s capabilities, timeliness, and communication skills.
• Samples and Portfolio. Always check a freelancer’s previous work to get a better sense of their work process and depth of analysis.
• Cost and Turnaround Time. While quality is paramount, you must also consider your budget and timeframe. On Fiverr, it’s possible to get an affordable, high-quality, multi-year business plan delivered in less than 3 days.
• Adaptability. A good business plan writer should be able to adjust to new information, feedback, or changes in direction, ensuring that the final plan meets your evolving needs.
• Are You a Business Plan Writer Looking to Sell Your Services on Fiverr?
• Make it to Fiverr’s homepage. Click the “ Become a Seller” button on the navigation bar.

• Create a new account. You can sign up with your email or connect instantly via Google, Apple, or Facebook.
• Specify that you want to sell freelance services to bring up Fiverr’s quick setup guide. You’ll then choose an employment status (e.g., side hustler, solo freelancer, agency owner) and describe your freelancing experience. Click “ Finish ” to create your account.
• Follow Fiverr’s in-app guide to complete your profile. You’ll get some tips on how to succeed on the platform, and you’ll have to fill out yet another brief form. For more tips and tricks, check out our Fiverr seller guide .

• Set up your first gig when prompted. Make sure to include a captivating thumbnail, and don’t forget to include images of previous business plans you’ve worked on in the past. Hit “ Publish ” and wait for your first order!
• Fiverr and Upwork Are the Best for Hiring Business Plan Writers

How much does it cost to have someone write a business plan?

Who is the best person to write your business plan, how many hours does it take to write a business plan, what skills do business plan writers need.

• 1. Green_lama - Affordable Business Plan Template
• 2. Olayinka E. - Grant and Business Plan Writer Extraordinaire
• 4. Heena D. - Business Plan Writer and Finance Expert 
• 5. Aydin O. - Advisor and European Startup Expert
• 6. Saurav R. - Experienced Business Strategist and Operations Manager

We check all comments within 48 hours to make sure they're from real users like you. In the meantime, you can share your comment with others to let more people know what you think.

Once a month you will receive interesting, insightful tips, tricks, and advice to improve your website performance and reach your digital marketing goals!

So happy you liked it !

Share it with your friends!

Or review us on

Get the Help You Need for Only $5!

Find the perfect freelancer for your project

• Credit cards
• View all credit cards
• Banking guide
• Loans guide
• Insurance guide
• Personal finance
• View all personal finance
• Small business
• Small business guide
• View all taxes

You’re our first priority. Every time.

We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. And while our site doesn’t feature every company or financial product available on the market, we’re proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward — and free.

So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Here is a list of our partners .

How to Write a Business Plan, Step by Step

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

What is a business plan?

1. write an executive summary, 2. describe your company, 3. state your business goals, 4. describe your products and services, 5. do your market research, 6. outline your marketing and sales plan, 7. perform a business financial analysis, 8. make financial projections, 9. summarize how your company operates, 10. add any additional information to an appendix, business plan tips and resources.

A business plan outlines your business’s financial goals and explains how you’ll achieve them over the next three to five years. Here’s a step-by-step guide to writing a business plan that will offer a strong, detailed road map for your business.

ZenBusiness

A business plan is a document that explains what your business does, how it makes money and who its customers are. Internally, writing a business plan should help you clarify your vision and organize your operations. Externally, you can share it with potential lenders and investors to show them you’re on the right track.

Business plans are living documents; it’s OK for them to change over time. Startups may update their business plans often as they figure out who their customers are and what products and services fit them best. Mature companies might only revisit their business plan every few years. Regardless of your business’s age, brush up this document before you apply for a business loan .

» Need help writing? Learn about the best business plan software .

This is your elevator pitch. It should include a mission statement, a brief description of the products or services your business offers and a broad summary of your financial growth plans.

Though the executive summary is the first thing your investors will read, it can be easier to write it last. That way, you can highlight information you’ve identified while writing other sections that go into more detail.

» MORE: How to write an executive summary in 6 steps

Next up is your company description. This should contain basic information like:

Your business’s registered name.

Address of your business location .

Names of key people in the business. Make sure to highlight unique skills or technical expertise among members of your team.

Your company description should also define your business structure — such as a sole proprietorship, partnership or corporation — and include the percent ownership that each owner has and the extent of each owner’s involvement in the company.

Lastly, write a little about the history of your company and the nature of your business now. This prepares the reader to learn about your goals in the next section.

» MORE: How to write a company overview for a business plan

The third part of a business plan is an objective statement. This section spells out what you’d like to accomplish, both in the near term and over the coming years.

If you’re looking for a business loan or outside investment, you can use this section to explain how the financing will help your business grow and how you plan to achieve those growth targets. The key is to provide a clear explanation of the opportunity your business presents to the lender.

For example, if your business is launching a second product line, you might explain how the loan will help your company launch that new product and how much you think sales will increase over the next three years as a result.

» MORE: How to write a successful business plan for a loan

In this section, go into detail about the products or services you offer or plan to offer.

You should include the following:

An explanation of how your product or service works.

The pricing model for your product or service.

The typical customers you serve.

Your supply chain and order fulfillment strategy.

You can also discuss current or pending trademarks and patents associated with your product or service.

Lenders and investors will want to know what sets your product apart from your competition. In your market analysis section , explain who your competitors are. Discuss what they do well, and point out what you can do better. If you’re serving a different or underserved market, explain that.

Here, you can address how you plan to persuade customers to buy your products or services, or how you will develop customer loyalty that will lead to repeat business.

Include details about your sales and distribution strategies, including the costs involved in selling each product .

» MORE: R e a d our complete guide to small business marketing

If you’re a startup, you may not have much information on your business financials yet. However, if you’re an existing business, you’ll want to include income or profit-and-loss statements, a balance sheet that lists your assets and debts, and a cash flow statement that shows how cash comes into and goes out of the company.

Accounting software may be able to generate these reports for you. It may also help you calculate metrics such as:

Net profit margin: the percentage of revenue you keep as net income.

Current ratio: the measurement of your liquidity and ability to repay debts.

Accounts receivable turnover ratio: a measurement of how frequently you collect on receivables per year.

This is a great place to include charts and graphs that make it easy for those reading your plan to understand the financial health of your business.

This is a critical part of your business plan if you’re seeking financing or investors. It outlines how your business will generate enough profit to repay the loan or how you will earn a decent return for investors.

Here, you’ll provide your business’s monthly or quarterly sales, expenses and profit estimates over at least a three-year period — with the future numbers assuming you’ve obtained a new loan.

Accuracy is key, so carefully analyze your past financial statements before giving projections. Your goals may be aggressive, but they should also be realistic.

NerdWallet’s picks for setting up your business finances:

The best business checking accounts .

The best business credit cards .

The best accounting software .

Before the end of your business plan, summarize how your business is structured and outline each team’s responsibilities. This will help your readers understand who performs each of the functions you’ve described above — making and selling your products or services — and how much each of those functions cost.

If any of your employees have exceptional skills, you may want to include their resumes to help explain the competitive advantage they give you.

Finally, attach any supporting information or additional materials that you couldn’t fit in elsewhere. That might include:

Licenses and permits.

Equipment leases.

Bank statements.

Details of your personal and business credit history, if you’re seeking financing.

If the appendix is long, you may want to consider adding a table of contents at the beginning of this section.

How much do you need?

with Fundera by NerdWallet

We’ll start with a brief questionnaire to better understand the unique needs of your business.

Once we uncover your personalized matches, our team will consult you on the process moving forward.

Here are some tips to write a detailed, convincing business plan:

Avoid over-optimism: If you’re applying for a business bank loan or professional investment, someone will be reading your business plan closely. Providing unreasonable sales estimates can hurt your chances of approval.

Proofread: Spelling, punctuation and grammatical errors can jump off the page and turn off lenders and prospective investors. If writing and editing aren't your strong suit, you may want to hire a professional business plan writer, copy editor or proofreader.

Use free resources: SCORE is a nonprofit association that offers a large network of volunteer business mentors and experts who can help you write or edit your business plan. The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Small Business Development Centers , which provide free business consulting and help with business plan development, can also be a resource.

On a similar note...

Find small-business financing

Compare multiple lenders that fit your business

How to Write a Business Plan: Step-by-Step Guide + Examples

Noah Parsons

24 min. read

Updated May 7, 2024

Writing a business plan doesn’t have to be complicated. 

In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to write a business plan that’s detailed enough to impress bankers and potential investors, while giving you the tools to start, run, and grow a successful business.

• The basics of business planning

If you’re reading this guide, then you already know why you need a business plan . 

You understand that planning helps you: 

• Raise money
• Grow strategically
• Keep your business on the right track 

As you start to write your plan, it’s useful to zoom out and remember what a business plan is .

At its core, a business plan is an overview of the products and services you sell, and the customers that you sell to. It explains your business strategy: how you’re going to build and grow your business, what your marketing strategy is, and who your competitors are.

Most business plans also include financial forecasts for the future. These set sales goals, budget for expenses, and predict profits and cash flow. 

A good business plan is much more than just a document that you write once and forget about. It’s also a guide that helps you outline and achieve your goals. 

After completing your plan, you can use it as a management tool to track your progress toward your goals. Updating and adjusting your forecasts and budgets as you go is one of the most important steps you can take to run a healthier, smarter business. 

We’ll dive into how to use your plan later in this article.

There are many different types of plans , but we’ll go over the most common type here, which includes everything you need for an investor-ready plan. However, if you’re just starting out and are looking for something simpler—I recommend starting with a one-page business plan . It’s faster and easier to create. 

It’s also the perfect place to start if you’re just figuring out your idea, or need a simple strategic plan to use inside your business.

Dig deeper : How to write a one-page business plan

Brought to you by

Create a professional business plan

Using ai and step-by-step instructions.

Secure funding

Validate ideas

Build a strategy

• What to include in your business plan

Executive summary

The executive summary is an overview of your business and your plans. It comes first in your plan and is ideally just one to two pages. Most people write it last because it’s a summary of the complete business plan.

Ideally, the executive summary can act as a stand-alone document that covers the highlights of your detailed plan. 

In fact, it’s common for investors to ask only for the executive summary when evaluating your business. If they like what they see in the executive summary, they’ll often follow up with a request for a complete plan, a pitch presentation , or more in-depth financial forecasts .

Your executive summary should include:

• A summary of the problem you are solving
• A description of your product or service
• An overview of your target market
• A brief description of your team
• A summary of your financials
• Your funding requirements (if you are raising money)

Dig Deeper: How to write an effective executive summary

Products and services description

This is where you describe exactly what you’re selling, and how it solves a problem for your target market. The best way to organize this part of your plan is to start by describing the problem that exists for your customers. After that, you can describe how you plan to solve that problem with your product or service. 

This is usually called a problem and solution statement .

To truly showcase the value of your products and services, you need to craft a compelling narrative around your offerings. How will your product or service transform your customers’ lives or jobs? A strong narrative will draw in your readers.

This is also the part of the business plan to discuss any competitive advantages you may have, like specific intellectual property or patents that protect your product. If you have any initial sales, contracts, or other evidence that your product or service is likely to sell, include that information as well. It will show that your idea has traction , which can help convince readers that your plan has a high chance of success.

Market analysis

Your target market is a description of the type of people that you plan to sell to. You might even have multiple target markets, depending on your business. 

A market analysis is the part of your plan where you bring together all of the information you know about your target market. Basically, it’s a thorough description of who your customers are and why they need what you’re selling. You’ll also include information about the growth of your market and your industry .

Try to be as specific as possible when you describe your market. 

Include information such as age, income level, and location—these are what’s called “demographics.” If you can, also describe your market’s interests and habits as they relate to your business—these are “psychographics.” 

Related: Target market examples

Essentially, you want to include any knowledge you have about your customers that is relevant to how your product or service is right for them. With a solid target market, it will be easier to create a sales and marketing plan that will reach your customers. That’s because you know who they are, what they like to do, and the best ways to reach them.

Next, provide any additional information you have about your market. 

What is the size of your market ? Is the market growing or shrinking? Ideally, you’ll want to demonstrate that your market is growing over time, and also explain how your business is positioned to take advantage of any expected changes in your industry.

Dig Deeper: Learn how to write a market analysis

Competitive analysis

Part of defining your business opportunity is determining what your competitive advantage is. To do this effectively, you need to know as much about your competitors as your target customers. 

Every business has some form of competition. If you don’t think you have competitors, then explore what alternatives there are in the market for your product or service. 

For example: In the early years of cars, their main competition was horses. For social media, the early competition was reading books, watching TV, and talking on the phone.

A good competitive analysis fully lays out the competitive landscape and then explains how your business is different. Maybe your products are better made, or cheaper, or your customer service is superior. Maybe your competitive advantage is your location – a wide variety of factors can ultimately give you an advantage.

Dig Deeper: How to write a competitive analysis for your business plan

Marketing and sales plan

The marketing and sales plan covers how you will position your product or service in the market, the marketing channels and messaging you will use, and your sales tactics. 

The best place to start with a marketing plan is with a positioning statement . 

This explains how your business fits into the overall market, and how you will explain the advantages of your product or service to customers. You’ll use the information from your competitive analysis to help you with your positioning. 

For example: You might position your company as the premium, most expensive but the highest quality option in the market. Or your positioning might focus on being locally owned and that shoppers support the local economy by buying your products.

Once you understand your positioning, you’ll bring this together with the information about your target market to create your marketing strategy . 

This is how you plan to communicate your message to potential customers. Depending on who your customers are and how they purchase products like yours, you might use many different strategies, from social media advertising to creating a podcast. Your marketing plan is all about how your customers discover who you are and why they should consider your products and services. 

While your marketing plan is about reaching your customers—your sales plan will describe the actual sales process once a customer has decided that they’re interested in what you have to offer. 

If your business requires salespeople and a long sales process, describe that in this section. If your customers can “self-serve” and just make purchases quickly on your website, describe that process. 

A good sales plan picks up where your marketing plan leaves off. The marketing plan brings customers in the door and the sales plan is how you close the deal.

Together, these specific plans paint a picture of how you will connect with your target audience, and how you will turn them into paying customers.

Dig deeper: What to include in your sales and marketing plan

Business operations

The operations section describes the necessary requirements for your business to run smoothly. It’s where you talk about how your business works and what day-to-day operations look like. 

Depending on how your business is structured, your operations plan may include elements of the business like:

• Supply chain management
• Manufacturing processes
• Equipment and technology
• Distribution

Some businesses distribute their products and reach their customers through large retailers like Amazon.com, Walmart, Target, and grocery store chains. 

These businesses should review how this part of their business works. The plan should discuss the logistics and costs of getting products onto store shelves and any potential hurdles the business may have to overcome.

If your business is much simpler than this, that’s OK. This section of your business plan can be either extremely short or more detailed, depending on the type of business you are building.

For businesses selling services, such as physical therapy or online software, you can use this section to describe the technology you’ll leverage, what goes into your service, and who you will partner with to deliver your services.

Dig Deeper: Learn how to write the operations chapter of your plan

Key milestones and metrics

Although it’s not required to complete your business plan, mapping out key business milestones and the metrics can be incredibly useful for measuring your success.

Good milestones clearly lay out the parameters of the task and set expectations for their execution. You’ll want to include:

• A description of each task
• The proposed due date
• Who is responsible for each task

If you have a budget, you can include projected costs to hit each milestone. You don’t need extensive project planning in this section—just list key milestones you want to hit and when you plan to hit them. This is your overall business roadmap. 

Possible milestones might be:

• Website launch date
• Store or office opening date
• First significant sales
• Break even date
• Business licenses and approvals

You should also discuss the key numbers you will track to determine your success. Some common metrics worth tracking include:

• Conversion rates
• Customer acquisition costs
• Profit per customer
• Repeat purchases

It’s perfectly fine to start with just a few metrics and grow the number you are tracking over time. You also may find that some metrics simply aren’t relevant to your business and can narrow down what you’re tracking.

Dig Deeper: How to use milestones in your business plan

Organization and management team

Investors don’t just look for great ideas—they want to find great teams. Use this chapter to describe your current team and who you need to hire . You should also provide a quick overview of your location and history if you’re already up and running.

Briefly highlight the relevant experiences of each key team member in the company. It’s important to make the case for why yours is the right team to turn an idea into a reality. 

Do they have the right industry experience and background? Have members of the team had entrepreneurial successes before? 

If you still need to hire key team members, that’s OK. Just note those gaps in this section.

Your company overview should also include a summary of your company’s current business structure . The most common business structures include:

• Sole proprietor
• Partnership

Be sure to provide an overview of how the business is owned as well. Does each business partner own an equal portion of the business? How is ownership divided? 

Potential lenders and investors will want to know the structure of the business before they will consider a loan or investment.

Dig Deeper: How to write about your company structure and team

Financial plan

Last, but certainly not least, is your financial plan chapter. 

Entrepreneurs often find this section the most daunting. But, business financials for most startups are less complicated than you think, and a business degree is certainly not required to build a solid financial forecast. 

A typical financial forecast in a business plan includes the following:

• Sales forecast : An estimate of the sales expected over a given period. You’ll break down your forecast into the key revenue streams that you expect to have.
• Expense budget : Your planned spending such as personnel costs , marketing expenses, and taxes.
• Profit & Loss : Brings together your sales and expenses and helps you calculate planned profits.
• Cash Flow : Shows how cash moves into and out of your business. It can predict how much cash you’ll have on hand at any given point in the future.
• Balance Sheet : A list of the assets, liabilities, and equity in your company. In short, it provides an overview of the financial health of your business. 

A strong business plan will include a description of assumptions about the future, and potential risks that could impact the financial plan. Including those will be especially important if you’re writing a business plan to pursue a loan or other investment.

Dig Deeper: How to create financial forecasts and budgets

This is the place for additional data, charts, or other information that supports your plan.

Including an appendix can significantly enhance the credibility of your plan by showing readers that you’ve thoroughly considered the details of your business idea, and are backing your ideas up with solid data.

Just remember that the information in the appendix is meant to be supplementary. Your business plan should stand on its own, even if the reader skips this section.

Dig Deeper : What to include in your business plan appendix

Optional: Business plan cover page

Adding a business plan cover page can make your plan, and by extension your business, seem more professional in the eyes of potential investors, lenders, and partners. It serves as the introduction to your document and provides necessary contact information for stakeholders to reference.

Your cover page should be simple and include:

• Company logo
• Business name
• Value proposition (optional)
• Business plan title
• Completion and/or update date
• Address and contact information
• Confidentiality statement

Just remember, the cover page is optional. If you decide to include it, keep it very simple and only spend a short amount of time putting it together.

Dig Deeper: How to create a business plan cover page

How to use AI to help write your business plan

Generative AI tools such as ChatGPT can speed up the business plan writing process and help you think through concepts like market segmentation and competition. These tools are especially useful for taking ideas that you provide and converting them into polished text for your business plan.

The best way to use AI for your business plan is to leverage it as a collaborator , not a replacement for human creative thinking and ingenuity. 

AI can come up with lots of ideas and act as a brainstorming partner. It’s up to you to filter through those ideas and figure out which ones are realistic enough to resonate with your customers. 

There are pros and cons of using AI to help with your business plan . So, spend some time understanding how it can be most helpful before just outsourcing the job to AI.

Learn more: 10 AI prompts you need to write a business plan

• Writing tips and strategies

To help streamline the business plan writing process, here are a few tips and key questions to answer to make sure you get the most out of your plan and avoid common mistakes .  

Determine why you are writing a business plan

Knowing why you are writing a business plan will determine your approach to your planning project. 

For example: If you are writing a business plan for yourself, or just to use inside your own business , you can probably skip the section about your team and organizational structure. 

If you’re raising money, you’ll want to spend more time explaining why you’re looking to raise the funds and exactly how you will use them.

Regardless of how you intend to use your business plan , think about why you are writing and what you’re trying to get out of the process before you begin.

Keep things concise

Probably the most important tip is to keep your business plan short and simple. There are no prizes for long business plans . The longer your plan is, the less likely people are to read it. 

So focus on trimming things down to the essentials your readers need to know. Skip the extended, wordy descriptions and instead focus on creating a plan that is easy to read —using bullets and short sentences whenever possible.

Have someone review your business plan

Writing a business plan in a vacuum is never a good idea. Sometimes it’s helpful to zoom out and check if your plan makes sense to someone else. You also want to make sure that it’s easy to read and understand.

Don’t wait until your plan is “done” to get a second look. Start sharing your plan early, and find out from readers what questions your plan leaves unanswered. This early review cycle will help you spot shortcomings in your plan and address them quickly, rather than finding out about them right before you present your plan to a lender or investor.

If you need a more detailed review, you may want to explore hiring a professional plan writer to thoroughly examine it.

Use a free business plan template and business plan examples to get started

Knowing what information to include in a business plan is sometimes not quite enough. If you’re struggling to get started or need additional guidance, it may be worth using a business plan template. 

There are plenty of great options available (we’ve rounded up our 8 favorites to streamline your search).

But, if you’re looking for a free downloadable business plan template , you can get one right now; download the template used by more than 1 million businesses. 

Or, if you just want to see what a completed business plan looks like, check out our library of over 550 free business plan examples . 

We even have a growing list of industry business planning guides with tips for what to focus on depending on your business type.

Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

It’s easy to make mistakes when you’re writing your business plan. Some entrepreneurs get sucked into the writing and research process, and don’t focus enough on actually getting their business started. 

Here are a few common mistakes and how to avoid them:

Not talking to your customers : This is one of the most common mistakes. It’s easy to assume that your product or service is something that people want. Before you invest too much in your business and too much in the planning process, make sure you talk to your prospective customers and have a good understanding of their needs.

• Overly optimistic sales and profit forecasts: By nature, entrepreneurs are optimistic about the future. But it’s good to temper that optimism a little when you’re planning, and make sure your forecasts are grounded in reality. 
• Spending too much time planning: Yes, planning is crucial. But you also need to get out and talk to customers, build prototypes of your product and figure out if there’s a market for your idea. Make sure to balance planning with building.
• Not revising the plan: Planning is useful, but nothing ever goes exactly as planned. As you learn more about what’s working and what’s not—revise your plan, your budgets, and your revenue forecast. Doing so will provide a more realistic picture of where your business is going, and what your financial needs will be moving forward.
• Not using the plan to manage your business: A good business plan is a management tool. Don’t just write it and put it on the shelf to collect dust – use it to track your progress and help you reach your goals.
• Presenting your business plan

The planning process forces you to think through every aspect of your business and answer questions that you may not have thought of. That’s the real benefit of writing a business plan – the knowledge you gain about your business that you may not have been able to discover otherwise.

With all of this knowledge, you’re well prepared to convert your business plan into a pitch presentation to present your ideas. 

A pitch presentation is a summary of your plan, just hitting the highlights and key points. It’s the best way to present your business plan to investors and team members.

Dig Deeper: Learn what key slides should be included in your pitch deck

Use your business plan to manage your business

One of the biggest benefits of planning is that it gives you a tool to manage your business better. With a revenue forecast, expense budget, and projected cash flow, you know your targets and where you are headed.

And yet, nothing ever goes exactly as planned – it’s the nature of business.

That’s where using your plan as a management tool comes in. The key to leveraging it for your business is to review it periodically and compare your forecasts and projections to your actual results.

Start by setting up a regular time to review the plan – a monthly review is a good starting point. During this review, answer questions like:

• Did you meet your sales goals?
• Is spending following your budget?
• Has anything gone differently than what you expected?

Now that you see whether you’re meeting your goals or are off track, you can make adjustments and set new targets. 

Maybe you’re exceeding your sales goals and should set new, more aggressive goals. In that case, maybe you should also explore more spending or hiring more employees. 

Or maybe expenses are rising faster than you projected. If that’s the case, you would need to look at where you can cut costs.

A plan, and a method for comparing your plan to your actual results , is the tool you need to steer your business toward success.

Learn More: How to run a regular plan review

Free business plan templates and examples

Kickstart your business plan writing with one of our free business plan templates or recommended tools.

Free business plan template

Download a free SBA-approved business plan template built for small businesses and startups.

Download Template

One-page plan template

Download a free one-page plan template to write a useful business plan in as little as 30-minutes.

Sample business plan library

Explore over 500 real-world business plan examples from a wide variety of industries.

View Sample Plans

How to write a business plan FAQ

What is a business plan?

A document that describes your business , the products and services you sell, and the customers that you sell to. It explains your business strategy, how you’re going to build and grow your business, what your marketing strategy is, and who your competitors are.

What are the benefits of a business plan?

A business plan helps you understand where you want to go with your business and what it will take to get there. It reduces your overall risk, helps you uncover your business’s potential, attracts investors, and identifies areas for growth.

Having a business plan ultimately makes you more confident as a business owner and more likely to succeed for a longer period of time.

What are the 7 steps of a business plan?

The seven steps to writing a business plan include:

• Write a brief executive summary
• Describe your products and services.
• Conduct market research and compile data into a cohesive market analysis.
• Describe your marketing and sales strategy.
• Outline your organizational structure and management team.
• Develop financial projections for sales, revenue, and cash flow.
• Add any additional documents to your appendix.

What are the 5 most common business plan mistakes?

There are plenty of mistakes that can be made when writing a business plan. However, these are the 5 most common that you should do your best to avoid:

• 1. Not taking the planning process seriously.
• Having unrealistic financial projections or incomplete financial information.
• Inconsistent information or simple mistakes.
• Failing to establish a sound business model.
• Not having a defined purpose for your business plan.

What questions should be answered in a business plan?

Writing a business plan is all about asking yourself questions about your business and being able to answer them through the planning process. You’ll likely be asking dozens and dozens of questions for each section of your plan.

However, these are the key questions you should ask and answer with your business plan:

• How will your business make money?
• Is there a need for your product or service?
• Who are your customers?
• How are you different from the competition?
• How will you reach your customers?
• How will you measure success?

How long should a business plan be?

The length of your business plan fully depends on what you intend to do with it. From the SBA and traditional lender point of view, a business plan needs to be whatever length necessary to fully explain your business. This means that you prove the viability of your business, show that you understand the market, and have a detailed strategy in place.

If you intend to use your business plan for internal management purposes, you don’t necessarily need a full 25-50 page business plan. Instead, you can start with a one-page plan to get all of the necessary information in place.

What are the different types of business plans?

While all business plans cover similar categories, the style and function fully depend on how you intend to use your plan. Here are a few common business plan types worth considering.

Traditional business plan: The tried-and-true traditional business plan is a formal document meant to be used when applying for funding or pitching to investors. This type of business plan follows the outline above and can be anywhere from 10-50 pages depending on the amount of detail included, the complexity of your business, and what you include in your appendix.

Business model canvas: The business model canvas is a one-page template designed to demystify the business planning process. It removes the need for a traditional, copy-heavy business plan, in favor of a single-page outline that can help you and outside parties better explore your business idea.

One-page business plan: This format is a simplified version of the traditional plan that focuses on the core aspects of your business. You’ll typically stick with bullet points and single sentences. It’s most useful for those exploring ideas, needing to validate their business model, or who need an internal plan to help them run and manage their business.

Lean Plan: The Lean Plan is less of a specific document type and more of a methodology. It takes the simplicity and styling of the one-page business plan and turns it into a process for you to continuously plan, test, review, refine, and take action based on performance. It’s faster, keeps your plan concise, and ensures that your plan is always up-to-date.

What’s the difference between a business plan and a strategic plan?

A business plan covers the “who” and “what” of your business. It explains what your business is doing right now and how it functions. The strategic plan explores long-term goals and explains “how” the business will get there. It encourages you to look more intently toward the future and how you will achieve your vision.

However, when approached correctly, your business plan can actually function as a strategic plan as well. If kept lean, you can define your business, outline strategic steps, and track ongoing operations all with a single plan.

Noah is the COO at Palo Alto Software, makers of the online business plan app LivePlan. He started his career at Yahoo! and then helped start the user review site Epinions.com. From there he started a software distribution business in the UK before coming to Palo Alto Software to run the marketing and product teams.

Table of Contents

• Use AI to help write your plan
• Common planning mistakes
• Manage with your business plan
• Templates and examples

Related Articles

3 Min. Read

What to Include in Your Business Plan Appendix

7 Min. Read

How to Write a Bakery Business Plan + Sample

5 Min. Read

How To Write a Business Plan for a Life Coaching Business + Free Example

1 Min. Read

How to Calculate Return on Investment (ROI)

The Bplans Newsletter

The Bplans Weekly

Subscribe now for weekly advice and free downloadable resources to help start and grow your business.

We care about your privacy. See our privacy policy .

The quickest way to turn a business idea into a business plan

Fill-in-the-blanks and automatic financials make it easy.

No thanks, I prefer writing 40-page documents.

Discover the world’s #1 plan building software

How Much Do Business Plan Writers Cost?

When you’re starting or growing a business, it’s important to have a clear plan in place. Writing a business plan can help you outline your goals and sales strategies, and it can be a valuable tool when seeking funding from potential investors such as venture capitalists or a bank loan. 

If you don’t have time to write your own business plan, or if you need help getting started, professional business plan writing services can be a great option. But, how much do these services cost? And is it worth the investment? Let’s take a closer look.

How Much Should I Pay For a Business Plan Writing Service?

Professional business plan writers and consultants generally charge between $2,000 and $25,000. However, the cost largely depends on the required quality of your plan, the complexity of your business plan, and the length of the document. Professional business plans for very small companies may only require a few thousand dollars to be written, while more complex business plans for larger, growing companies can easily cost over ten thousand dollars.

There are also private consultants who will write or edit your business plan on an hourly fee basis. Fees can range from $50 to $300 per hour or more, depending on the consultant and the complexity of your business plan.

Whoever you choose to get started with your business plan, be sure to consider what’s included in your service. At the very least, you should expect:

• Comprehensive business plan including an executive summary, market analysis, marketing plan, financial plan with 3-5 years of financial projections, and other essential components required by potential investors
• Customization based on your business model and specific to your business needs
• Well-researched business plan based on relevant industry information and a thorough competitive analysis

There are several companies out there that offer complete business plan writing services. However, the quality of their work can vary dramatically. If you’re considering hiring outside help to write your business plan, choose carefully.

It’s important to remember that you get what you pay for when it comes to these types of services. If you go with a cheap plan writer, you run the risk of ending up with a low-quality business plan. If your business plan isn’t strong and professional-looking, it may be harder for you to get funding or attract investors.

Looking for a Business Plan Writer?

You’ve come to the right place!  Since Growthink was founded in 1999, we have provided business plan writing services for thousands of clients including startups, small business owners, nonprofit organizations and mid to large-sized companies. 

We understand that writing a business plan can be a time-consuming process for many entrepreneurs.  Hiring a business plan writer will allow you to quickly and expertly create a custom business plan.

 Expert Team of Business Plan Writers

 Fully Customized Business Plans

 Market & Competitor Research

 Complete Financial Projections

 Strategic Consulting For Growth & Funding

Get Started Now!

Call us at (800) 216-3710 or complete the form below and one of our business plan writers will reach out to you to schedule a time to speak about your business plan needs.

You can learn more about our business plan consulting services here

What Factors Impact Business Plan Pricing?

Some things that impact business planning services pricing include:

• Length – Longer, more complex business plans will cost more than shorter business plans.
• Company Size – A business plan for a large or complicated company can be more expensive to write.
• Level of Expertise – Smaller companies may opt to hire less experienced writers who charge lower prices, while larger, well-established companies choose to work with high-quality professionals who charge higher rates. You can’t expect a less experienced writer to help you achieve your goals (funding, growth) for your business plan.
• Turnaround Time – Generally, shorter turnaround times mean increased prices. Typically it will take 3-4 weeks to write a quality business plan.
• Additional Services – Some companies offer additional services, such as business plan presentation and pitch deck editing and support. These can cost extra.

To really get your business off the ground, it’s important to have a business plan in place that has been written by someone with the expertise to put together a successful business plan. A professional business plan consultant is an excellent investment for increasing your chances of securing the funds you need to start and/or grow your business. However, it’s important to do your research and choose carefully when you’re ready to hire.

Who Can I Hire To Write My Business Plan?

When choosing a business plan writer or consulting firm, it’s important to look for a company with significant business experience and proven expertise in business plan development. Look for companies that have been around for at least five years and do business plan writing on a regular basis. They should also be able to provide references from other companies that they’ve worked with.

A Business Plan Writing Company or Consultant

When hiring a business plan writing service , you’ll have two primary options. You can opt to work with a single writer or a dedicated team of experts who will be responsible for the entire project. The price of the service may vary depending on which option you choose.

A business plan writer typically costs less than an entire team, but it’s important to keep in mind that you may have less control over the outcome. The upside is that your business plan will be written by an expert with a deep understanding of the writing process.

When choosing this route, you should ask for references and examples of previous work. Before hiring any business plan writer, be sure they have the proper credentials and experience to meet your needs. You should also ask about any fees associated with revisions or updates.

Many businesses choose to work with a business plan consulting firm that offers a collaborative team of experts. This type of company will give you the best of both worlds. You’ll be able to utilize the knowledge and expertise of all the experts involved in the project, while still retaining control over the direction and vision of your business plan.

If you’re trying to determine how much it will cost to work with a business plan writing service, take some time to explore all of your options before making a final decision. You should consider both pricing models as well as the qualifications offered by the various service providers in your area. Doing so will ensure you find the most qualified choice for your business planning needs.

You Can Write It Yourself

If you are a newer entrepreneur or business owner or you are trying to save money, there are several free resources available online to help you write your business plan. The Small Business Administration (SBA) and your local Chamber of Commerce offer business plan services, workshops, or courses that can help you get started. Using a business plan template is a great way to quickly and easily complete your plan, especially if you are unfamiliar with the business planning process.

Some business owners are comfortable writing business plans without any outside help. This option offers you complete control over the process, but it typically takes more time than you have to spare. For that reason, not writing your own plan is usually recommended for experienced business owners, even those with plenty of business plan writing experience.

In most cases, experienced business owners who write their own business plans will have a better idea of what elements are needed and how they should be presented. However, it can still take considerable time to compile all the necessary information into a cohesive business plan that meets your audience’s needs. And it’s one thing to write a business plan; it’s another to write a business plan that gets investors or lenders to write you a large funding check.

A Combination of Business Planning Services

If your budget doesn’t allow you to hire a comprehensive business plan service, combining outside services with writing your own business plan may be the best option. This approach gives you complete control over the process, while still allowing you to benefit from an expert business plan writer’s advice. It is also a great option for entrepreneurs who don’t have time to write their plan but aren’t quite ready to hire someone else to do it either.

Other business services that could help you include:

• Market Research – Conducting thorough market research can help you determine which business opportunities are viable. Experienced consultants can help you identify your target customer so you can design the right marketing strategy to reach them.
• Copywriting Assistance – Many entrepreneurs have a great product or idea, but lack the writing skills needed to effectively advertise it in their business plans or online marketing materials. A business plan copywriter can help you create a compelling marketing message that resonates with your target audience.
• Startup / Growth Opportunities – If you’re thinking about starting a business or expanding your established business, it’s important to consider all of the potential opportunities before diving into something that may not be feasible for your current situation. A business plan consultant can help you identify what makes your business idea unique and how you can capitalize on those opportunities.
• Business Plan Review – Once you’ve completed your business plan, it’s important to have it reviewed by an expert. They can identify any gaps or mistakes in logic that could affect how potential lenders or investors perceive your business idea.

As with any decision affecting your company’s future, you should take the time to explore all of your options before committing to a specific service provider. The goal is not only to find the best fit for your budget and needs but also to find a business plan consulting service that can meet your expectations and deliver quality content on time and within budget.

Is It Worth It To Use a Professional Business Plan Writing Service?

As with anything else, you’ll get what you pay for. If you are short on time or don’t have the writing skills required to write a business plan, it may be worth considering a professional writing service. These services can help you complete the necessary research and planning to get a comprehensive business plan written for your company.

How Growthink Can Help Your Business

Since 1999, Growthink has developed thousands of business plans for entrepreneurs and business owners to start and/or grow their businesses. From small business owners to Fortune 500 companies, we have provided a variety of business plan services to meet the needs of each client.

Our business planning services include:

• Business Plan Consultants – Our experienced business plan consulting team has helped numerous businesses from small businesses to multi-million dollar corporations identify new opportunities and develop their business plans using existing information where possible, or by conducting new research as needed.
• Business Plan Writing Services – Our business plan writers are experienced professionals who are committed to providing you with a business plan that delivers results. Depending on your needs, our business writers can either help you complete the research and writing process, or write your business plan for you from start to finish.
• Done For You Market Research – Our market research team can conduct independent market research for your business through access to several market research databases. Utilize this research to help you write a business plan that is more in-depth and gives you a distinct advantage over competitors in your industry.
• Private Placement Memorandums – Growthink’s experienced business consultants can help you prepare a private placement memorandum (PPM) that is tailored to the unique needs of your business. PPMs are used to help businesses raise capital from accredited investors.
• Growthink’s Ultimate Business Plan Template – Our simple business plan template is available in MS Word and when completed can be sent to investors and lenders in Adobe PDF format. Use this business plan template to help you focus your business concept on the information that is most relevant for lenders and investors, while also providing a flexible foundation for future growth.
• Business Plan Writing Help Center – We have a wide variety of free resources for business planning on our website. Use our selection of 200+ business plan examples to help you write a business plan specific to your industry or learn more from our selection of business planning and funding articles.

No matter what product or service you choose, we wish you success in your business venture

5 Tips Before You Pay Someone to Write a Business Plan for You

Before you pay someone to write a business plan for you, you want to check out five tips that we wrote to help you get the best business plan writing service.

When it comes to getting a great business plan from professionals, I recommend using LGS Consulting , they have top brands in their clientele including the VC of AirBnB.

1. Free Business Consultation

A good business plan is way beyond having words on paper. It should be able to help you achieve certain objectives.

These objectives may include:

• raising funds,
• serve as a blueprint,
• seek partnership,
• drive growth, etc.

Having a consultation before the business plan writing begins will help you establish the objectives that you want your business plan to help you achieve. In the words of Woodrow Wilson; “I not only use the brains that I have, but all I can borrow.” It is always a great idea to work with consultants you will share with you key tips to help you achieve your set business goals.

Sometimes people ask if it is good to pay someone to write a business plan or to write it themselves, well if you want to get the best, you will need an expert to help you, like they say “sometimes you only have one opportunity to make a good first impression with your business plan.”

2. Use A Service That Provides Revisions

You need to be sure that revisions would be supported before you pay someone to write a business plan for you.

Why is this important?  You must realize that business plans are not cast in stone if they were it would be difficult to make revisions or update it as your business grows.

During the business planning process, you may need to make some revisions, and this is absolutely fine.

But it is always a good idea to know if the business plan company that will be writing your business plan supports revisions.

Some business plan writing service would allow revisions to a certain number of times, after which any further revision would incur a little charge, and there are others that may give you unlimited revisions.

LGS Consulting is one of those companies that provide unlimited revisions with no additional charge.

3. What’s Their Track Record

You want a business plan writer that has a great record of writing professional business plans. Nobody wants to hire a novice to write their business plans. A very easy way to check their track record is to check their website!

Sorry if they don’t even have a website at this age and time!

So, check out their website and see if they have real testimonials . I use the word “real” because these days, it’s easy for people to give a false testimonial.

So check their website and be mindful to look out if the testimonials are from real organizations or businesses.

Once you are convinced about the testimonials on their website, then you can use the testimonial as a guide to know if the business plan writer is a good fit to write your business plan.

4. Delivery Time

The time delivery time for completing a business plan varies, depending on the nature of your business, the amount of research needed and the business plan company writing your business plan for you.

To avoid surprises, you want to be certain of the turnaround time.

And in a case where you have urgent need of a completed business plan, perhaps because you have a meeting scheduled with an investor; you want to communicate this ahead before you go ahead and pay someone to write a business plan for you.

But as a standard, between 10 to 21 days is a good turnaround time, however, if you need it earlier than that, you would have to communicate it to your business plan consultant to see if they can accommodate or expedite the business planning process for you.

5. Agree for a custom business plan

A custom business plan is one that is made solely for your business. And like you know, there are business plan templates almost everywhere you turn to, but the last thing you want is to have a business plan template used for your business plan.

You need a business plan that can express the uniqueness of your business, show your strengths, and can get investors hungry to be a part of it.

This can happen easily when you pay someone to write a custom business plan for you.

You are unique and so should your business plan be unique! No duplicates!

6. Don’t pay someone to write a business plan, who doesn’t know what investors want!

This is a bonus tip. Don’t pay someone to write a business plan, that doesn’t know what investors want , the reason is that, if you intend to raise funds, you need someone that understands what investors look out for in a business plan to help you write your business plan.

A business plan for personal use may not give attention to certain things investors look out for in a business plan.

So, working with a business plan writer that knows what investors look out for in a business plan , gives you an edge to win investors.

LGS consulting has handled involving top brands such as HP, VC of Uber and Twitter and many others. Chat with their consultants now.

Now, that you know, if you want to raise funds , you can’t just hire anybody, because with investors you may not have a second opportunity to make a good first impression. Other key things to check before paying someone to write a business plan for you.

Now, with these 5 tips, we hope you would be well guided before paying someone to write a business plan for you. If you want our team  to help you write a professional business plan, we are here .

Emmanuel author

Leave a reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Should You Hire Someone To Write Your Business Plan?

I co-own a startup company recently founded between myself and a partner.  Neither of us have the core skills to write a clear and coherent business plan.  However, we have very forward vision, goals, built-up clients and community, a strong advisory panel and all around great prospects.  What would you advise we do, if not […]

I co-own a startup company recently founded between myself and a partner.  Neither of us have the core skills to write a clear and coherent business plan.  However, we have very forward vision, goals, built-up clients and community, a strong advisory panel and all around great prospects.  What would you advise we do, if not hire someone to write the business plan and do the projections?  

I put this question in the “check your assumptions category.”  I have yet to meet any entrepreneur that doesn’t “have the core skills to write a clear and coherent business plan.”  There are a wide range of “business plan writing” products – including many free or inexpensive web resources  or non-profit organizations such as SCORE that provide resources for small business owners .

Writing a good business plan is hard.  At one point, it was an entry point for discussion with most funding sources (angels and VCs).  Today, while a formal business plan is less critical to get in the door, the exercise of writing a business plan is incredibly useful.  As an entrepreneur, I was involved in writing numerous business plans.  It’s almost always tedious, time consuming, and difficult but resulted in me having a much better understanding of the business I was trying to create. 

While ultimately you can just hire someone to do this, I’d still suggest you check your assumptions.  I bet one of your advisors has one or more sample plans you can look at and would be willing to work with you to help you create a plan for your business.

January 19, 2009

Should I Send My Business Plan to a VC?

Q: I just read your column in the January Issue of Entrepreneur and I had a follow up question.  I am at the very beginning point of putting together my business plan.  I have just started writing it and am fleshing out exactly how I envision the company running and what customer base I would […]

September 7, 2011

What Should You Do When An Investor Asks You For A Business Plan?

Dan Shapiro has an excellent post up titled What to do when an investor asks you for your business plan. In it he addresses something we missed in Venture Deals: Be Smarter Than Your Lawyer and Venture Capitalist. In the section where we discuss business plans, we say: “We haven’t read a business plan in […]

February 23, 2009

Hints on Executive Summaries

Sim Simeonov from Polaris Venture Partners has the best post of the day with his post titled For the MIT 100K Participants: Executives Summaries.  In it, he shares some of his thoughts on how VC’s engage with executive summaries.  Hint – they don’t cuddle up to them before they fall asleep at night.

Subscribe and be always up to date!

We won't send you spam.

Have a question?

Get in touch using the form below.

• Business Startup Consultants
• Business Plan Writers
• Business Mentoring
• Business Growth Consultants
• Customer Case Studies
• Free Business Plan Template

Fast & Affordable Business Plan Writers

We can help you start your business, secure investment, get a startup loan or a visa..

SGI Consultants are experienced professional business plan writers who write high-quality, bespoke business plans to help you attract investors, secure a bank loan or obtain approval from landlords or regulatory organisations.

All businesses should have a business plan. It is an essential document that provides a description and framework of your business’s future. Your business plan should explain your business strategy and fundamental goals to get from where you are now to where you want to be.

Most people need help to write a business plan, and most self-written business plans need to be more comprehensive to get funding.

When you work with one of our business plan writers, you will get more than a business plan; you get a complete business service that helps you achieve your goals. Your business plan will be structured using our Business Success Formula, which lays the foundation for your success.

We only write bespoke business plans, written just for your business.  All business plans include market research, competitor analysis and financial projections (P&L, Cash Flow, Balance Sheet, Business Valuation & Break-Even Analysis).

Our business planning service's primary goal is to help you take the next step in your business development.

Whether you need a business plan for:

• A business loan or startup loan
• To secure investment from Angel Investors, VCs or Crowdfunding platforms
• Get endorsement for an Innovator Founder Visa or Global Expansion Worker Visa.
• Send to a landlord or agent to secure a property
• Test the viability of your business.
• To manage your business performance.

Our experienced business plan writers have helped over 1,800 entrepreneurs start and raise funding through our proven business planning process. We maintain an exceptional funding success rate of over 90% because of our meticulous approach rooted in startup best practices.

Professional Business Plan Writing Services

Business plan features.

Custom-Tailored to Your Business

Using a proprietary methodology, each business plan is developed from the ground up, specifically around your unique business model, industry landscape, target customers, and ownership goals. This bespoke approach allows us to focus on your precise needs.

Created by Industry Expert Business Plan Consultants

Our business plan writers and consultants have decades of combined experience across various industries, from technology to manufacturing to consumer goods. We leverage our extensive background in launching and advising startups to craft optimal strategies.

Ongoing Support and Guidance

We continue collaborating long after plan delivery during launch stages, funding discussions, or growth phases. Retain specialists as on-demand strategic advisors regarding pivots, ideas incubation, and due diligence prep.

Proprietary Business Success Framework

Our proven formula identifies strategic pillars present across various thriving modern companies. We instil elements like market viability, differentiated offerings, mitigated risk, and capital efficiency into all documentation.

Financial Models and Projections

Our business plan writers have extensive financial modelling backgrounds. They can build advanced models projecting revenue, costs, and cash flows based on business model specifics, industry metrics, and macroeconomic assumptions over 5-10 years.

• Strategically validate your business viability
• Attract investors and funding faster
• Crystallise your business proposition
• Mitigate risks through expert planning
• Save time trying to write plans yourself
• Focus energy on operations not documentation
• Accelerate your ability to launch and scale

Business Planning Formula

Most successful businesses contain similar attributes. Our business plan writers follow our Business Success Formula on every business plan, ensuring your business plan includes everything you need to make your business successful.

Your business plan will be meticulously rewritten and carefully crafted by our tried-and-true business success formula. This isn't a mere document; it's a strategic roadmap that integrates key principles and proven methodologies to lay a solid foundation for your business. 

Alignment with a Profitable Market (PM)

Your business plan will identify and analyse your target market, ensuring it's ripe for growth and success.

We'll help you uncover the true demand for your product or service, ensuring your market is both accessible and capable of sustaining your business.

Development of an Appealing Product or Service (PS)

We will assist you in articulating the unique value proposition of your offering.

Your product or service will be positioned not only to meet but exceed the expectations of your target audience.

Optimisation of Operational Strategy (Engine Optimization - EO)

Our formula incorporates robust marketing, sales, and operational strategies to create an efficient and profitable engine for your business.

From technological solutions to human capital, we'll help you build the systems that keep your business running smoothly.

Mitigation of External Threats:

Together, we'll identify and prepare for potential challenges from competition, market dynamics, economic factors, political landscape, and technological changes.

Your business plan will include contingency strategies to navigate these complexities.

Integration of Sustainable Growth Plans

Your business will be positioned for long-term success through careful working capital planning, ongoing business analysis, and continuous improvement strategies.

Collaboration and Expert Guidance

Your business plan writer will work closely with you to understand your vision, goals, and unique challenges.

Your business plan will be tailored to your specific needs, reflecting your ambition and aligning with best practices in your industry.

Business Planning Process

Your business plan writer will go through a 7-step process to ensure consistency and a high standard of work. You will work closely with your business plan writer. You can view your plan while it is being written and collaborate. It's a two-way process; you will entirely control the business plan writing process.

• Discover - Our discovery calls reveal ambitions, challenges, and priorities to inform plan direction.
• Research - We thoroughly analyse markets, competition, and trends to uncover growth opportunities. 
• Strategize - Consultants translate research into strategic pillars formed by our proven methodology.
• Model - Financial models, forecasts, and valuation scenarios quantify business potential.
• Validate - We stress-test assumptions and fine-tune positioning for resilience.
• Finalise - Plans optimised to showcase your venture's value propositions.
• Launch - Advisory on pitching, funding sources, and investor discussions to capitalise on planning.

Standard delivery for our business planning services is 21 days. However, if you need it faster, we can complete it by your deadline.  We guarantee our business plans will improve your business model and help you on the road to getting funding for your business. Our business plan writers will not stop working for you until you have reached your goal.

Pricing Aligned to Each Phase of Growth

Our tiered plans and customised packages are designed to provide a comprehensive business plan service matched to your business’s development needs. We recognise every business follows a nonlinear progression - with shifting priorities across planning, funding, operations and expansion. 

That's why we offer business plan solutions tailored to each phase, allowing flexibility to focus on specific business aspects at any given point on your journey. 

The Basic plan is aimed at those seeking pre-seed funding from government startup loans and grant schemes. Our popular Standard Plan provides a comprehensive business plan for loans, landlords, visas and investors. The Premium plan is aimed at companies seeking high growth potential, aiming to impress investors and endorsing bodies. The Elite Plans advisory services provide additional support and guidance to help you reach your goals.

With every engagement, our business plan writers and consultants transfer decades of experience into frameworks personalised for your success, empowering your startup to strategically progress to that critical next level.

Basic Support & Advice

Basic Market Research

Basic Executive Summary

3 Years of Financial Projections

Basic Business Analysis (Risk Analysis, SWOT)

Marketing Plan

Operations Plan

Basic Competitor Analysis

Business Plan Written In Loan Provider Template

Funding Advice / Application Support

Standard Plan

The Standard plan provides comprehensive business plans adapted for worldwide startup and business visa programs, fundraising, investor-ready formatting, detailed marketing and 5-year projections.

Standard Market Research

Heptalysis Executive Summary

5 Years Of Financial Projections

Competitor analysis

Standard Business Analysis (Risk Analysis, SWOT, PESTLE)

Funding Advice / Visa Application Advice

Investor ready format

Premium Plan

The Premium plan offers enhanced research and analysis for startups pitching to top-tier investors and endorsing bodies, with multiple plan versions, valuation, and expert consultation sessions. 

Standard Support & Advice

Advanced Market Research

5 Years Of Financial Projections With Sensitivity Analysis

Detailed marketing plan

Competitor analysis with Porter Five Forces Analysis

Advanced Business Analysis (Risk Analysis, SWOT, PESTLE)

Business Valuation (Pre & Post Money)

Investor-ready format

Investor-ready Pitch Deck

The all-inclusive Elite plan features the highest level of business plan preparation with extensive analysis, scenario models, and dedicated mentorship to position leading startups for Series A funding.

Priority Support & Advice

nvestor-ready format

Multiple Business Plans Based on Funding Scenarios

Post Engagement Support

Business Plan Types We Write

A loan business plan should focus on demonstrating repayment ability, financial management capabilities, and risk mitigation. Project realistic cash flows, include collateral/security details, and outline measures in place to ensure consistent profits.

Investment 

An investment business plan should highlight large market opportunities, key competitive advantages and IP, projections of high returns, and strengths of the leadership team. The goal is to get investors excited about growth potential.

A visa business plan must thoroughly validate your startup's viability and significant growth prospects in the UK market. This includes extensive market research and competitor analysis to demonstrate a clear customer need and gap in the competitive landscape. The plan should also include five years of realistic yet ambitious financial projections for revenue and jobs created. Finally, you must detail how you will invest visa funds into UK growth, including specifics on expenditures over two years and the precise impact on target customer acquisition, product development, hiring projections and other expansion metrics. 

Established Businesses

Existing companies need business plans when entering new growth stages. These plans detail expansion goals, new marketing initiatives, partnerships and hires to support scaling, and updated financials connected to these growth strategies.

Additional Business Planning Services

At SGI Consultants, we offer complementary services to support your business growth and success.

Our experienced consultants and analysts provide expert guidance and support tailored to your needs.

Financial Forecasting and Analysis

Our financial experts can help you create accurate, data-driven financial projections to support your business planning and decision-making. We offer standalone services, including:

Detailed financial modelling and sensitivity analysis

Cash flow forecasting and budgeting

Financial viability and profitability assessments

Scenario planning and risk analysis

Our financial forecasting and analysis services enable you to make informed decisions, optimise your financial performance, and achieve your growth objectives.

Market Research and Competitive Analysis

Understanding your market and competitors is crucial for business success. Our market research and competitive analysis services provide in-depth insights to help you:

Identify and prioritise target customer segments

Assess market size, trends, and growth potential

Analyse competitor strengths, weaknesses, and strategies

Identify opportunities for differentiation and competitive advantage

Develop effective market positioning and go-to-market strategies

With this knowledge, you can make data-driven decisions, refine your business strategy, and build a sustainable competitive edge.

Pitch Deck Design and Development

A compelling pitch deck is essential for securing investment and stakeholder buy-in. Our team can create professional, visually impactful pitch decks communicating your business idea, value proposition, and growth potential. We offer:

Customised pitch deck design aligned with your brand identity

Compelling storytelling and content development

Visualisation of key metrics, milestones, and financial projections

Coaching and support for pitch delivery and investor meetings

With a powerful pitch deck, you can make a lasting impression on investors and stakeholders and increase your chances of success.

Fundraising Strategy and Support

Navigating the fundraising process can be complex and time-consuming. Our fundraising experts can help you develop and execute a comprehensive strategy to secure the capital you need to grow your business.

We provide:

Identification and prioritisation of potential investors

Development of compelling investment materials and proposals

Coaching and support for investor meetings and negotiations

Advice on valuation, deal structure, and terms

Ongoing support and guidance throughout the fundraising process

With our fundraising strategy and support services, you can focus on running your business while we help you secure the investment you need to achieve your goals.

Business Coaching and Mentoring

Starting and growing a business can be challenging, but you don't have to navigate it alone. Our experienced business coaches and mentors provide ongoing guidance and support to help you:

Refine your business strategy and operational plans

Identify and overcome obstacles to growth

Develop effective leadership and management skills

Make data-driven decisions and optimise performance

Build a strong, sustainable business foundation

With our business coaching and mentoring services, you can benefit from the wisdom and experience of successful entrepreneurs and business leaders who are invested in your success.

Visa Application Support for Lawyers

We partner with law firms to provide comprehensive business planning support for clients seeking Innovator Founder or Global Mobility visas to start businesses in the UK. Our expert business plan writers work closely with your legal team to develop plans that meet all visa requirements, including:

Extensive market research and competitor analysis demonstrating apparent demand and market opportunity in the UK

Detailed 5-year financial projections showcasing revenue growth and job creation potential

Strategies for investing visa funds into UK business growth, with specific expenditure plans and anticipated impact on key expansion metrics.

Due Diligence and Growth Planning for Investors, Incubators, and Accelerators

We offer in-depth business planning services for investors, incubators, and accelerators to support your portfolio companies' growth and funding goals. Our team can assist with:

Conducting thorough due diligence on business models, market potential, and financial projections to validate investment opportunities

Developing comprehensive growth strategies and detailed execution plans to guide startups through successful funding rounds and scaling phases.

Creating investor-ready business plans and pitch decks that effectively communicate each venture's unique value proposition and growth potential to secure further investment

By leveraging our business strategy, financial modelling, and investor relations expertise, we help your portfolio companies navigate the startup landscape's complexities and position themselves for long-term success.

Frequently Asked Questions

The three most important purposes of a business plan are:

• To create an effective strategy for growth.
• To determine your future financial needs.
• To secure a loan or attract investors (including angel investors and VC funding) and lenders.

Get a Free Business Plan Consultation

Sign up for a 30-minute session to discuss your business goals with our expert team. We will review your business concept, plans, or existing model to provide strategic advice and next steps.

In this free consultation, we will:

• Learn about your business idea, product or startup
• Assess and analyse your business plan if you have one
• Provide advice on your target market and customers
• Evaluate your business and revenue model
• Suggest improvements to your business strategy
• Identify risks, gaps and areas for better planning
• Recommend priorities and next actions based on business growth best practices

Many entrepreneurs make avoidable mistakes early on or have gaps in their business plans or ideas. Book a session to get an outside look at your business and a professional opinion on improvements to set you up for success.

• Business Development
• Business Funding
• Business Ideas
• Business Plan
• Business Start-up Advice
• Business Start-up Guides
• Business Strategy
• Business Success Formula
• Leadership & Management
• Marketing & Sales
• Startups & Entrepreneurship

10 Simple Tips to Write a Successful Business Plan

"The absolute biggest business plan mistake you can make is to not plan at all." So writes Noah Parsons in his helpful blog post 17 Key Business Plan Mistakes to Avoid in 2023 . But how does one pull together all of the necessary components of a cohesive plan? It can feel overwhelming.

Eric Butow, CEO of online marketing ROI improvement firm Butow Communications Group, has teamed up with Entrepreneur Media to update the second edition of our best-selling book Write Your Business Plan to provide you with a simple, step-by-step process for creating a successful business plan. In the following excerpt, he gives ten tips to gather all of the critical information you will need to succeed.

1. Know your competition.

You need to name them and point out what makes you different from (and better than) each of them. But do not disparage your competition.

2. Know your audience.

You may need several versions of your business plan. For example, you may need one for bankers or venture capitalists, one for individual investors, and one for companies that may want to do a joint venture with you rather than fund you.

3. Have proof to back up every claim you make.

If you expect to be the leader in your field in six months, you have to say why you think that is. If you say your product will take the market by storm, you have to support this statement with facts. If you say your management team is fully qualified to make the business a success, be sure staff resumes demonstrate their experience.

Order Write Your Own Business Plan Now and Get 1 Month of Free Access to Business Planning Software Liveplan Premium

• Easy step-by-step business plan generator
• Built-in financial calculators
• 500+ sample plans and templates

4. Be conservative in all financial estimates and projections.

If you feel certain you'll capture 50 percent of the market in the first year, you can say why you think so and hint at what those numbers may be. But make your financial projections more conservative. For example, a 10 percent market share is much more credible.

5. Be realistic with time and resources available.

If you're working with a big company before you buy a business, you may think things will happen faster than they will once you have to buy the supplies, write the checks, and answer the phones yourself. Being overly optimistic with time and resources is a common error entrepreneurs make. Being realistic is important because it lends credibility to your presentation. Always assume things will take 20 percent longer than you anticipated. Therefore, twenty weeks is now twenty-four weeks.

6. Be logical.

Think like a banker and write what they would want to see.

7. Have a strong management team.

Make sure it has good credentials and expertise. Your team members don't have to have worked in the field. However, you need to draw parallels between what they've done and the skills needed to make your venture succeed. Don't have all the skills you need? Consider adding an advisory board of people skilled in your field and include their resumes.

Write Your Own Business Plan is available now at Entrepreneur Bookstore | Barnes & Noble | Amazon

8. Document why your idea will work.

Have others done something similar that was successful? Have you made a prototype? Include all the variables that can have an impact on the result or outcome of your idea. Show why some of the variables don't apply to your situation or explain how you intend to overcome them or make them better.

9. Describe your facilities and location for performing the work.

That includes equipment you use to create your products and/or services. If you'll need to expand, discuss when, where, and why.

10. Discuss payout options for the investors.

Some investors want a hands-on role. Some want to put associates on your board of directors. Some don't want to be involved in day-to-day activities at all. All investors want to know when they can get their money back and at what rate of return. Most want out within three to five years. Provide a brief description of options for investors, or at least mention that you're ready to discuss options with any serious prospect.

To dig deeper, buy Write Your Own Business Plan and get 1 month of free access to business planning software Liveplan Premium.

• Starting a Business
• Growing a Business
• Small Business Guide
• Business News
• Science & Technology
• Money & Finance
• For Subscribers
• Write for Entrepreneur
• Entrepreneur Store
• United States
• Asia Pacific
• Middle East
• South Africa

Copyright © 2024 Entrepreneur Media, LLC All rights reserved. Entrepreneur® and its related marks are registered trademarks of Entrepreneur Media LLC

How to Start an Event Planning Business: Your Comprehensive Guide Not sure how to become an event planner? Use this step-by-step guide to launch your event planning business from scratch.

By Laura Tiffany Edited by Brittany Robins May 21, 2024

Key Takeaways

• Event planning can be a great business if you have the right skills.
• People need help executing personal and professional events of all sizes.
• Based on how you structure your business, your startup costs will vary.

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Some people have a special ability to plan parties — whether they be weddings, large corporate events or smaller gatherings. If you have a knack for tackling complex problems and making big days run smoothly, you might have a future as a professional event planner. Whether you choose to work alone or with a team, starting an event planning service is no small task. Here are some important questions to consider before launching an event planning business, and a step-by-step guide to starting and scaling your business.

Related: Find Your Event-Planning Niche

What is an event planning business?

Event planning is the art and science of ideation, planning, coordination and operation. When a major event needs to run smoothly — whether it's a trade show, nonprofit gala or a major anniversary — people will enlist an event planning service or coordinator. Event planners are key service providers who ensure event production and execution goes off without a hitch , most often used for purposes like:

• Corporate events, like after-work cocktail hours and galas.
• Educational conventions, like graduations or conferences.
• Major promotional events including product launches and fashion shows.
• Celebrations and social events including parades, weddings, birthdays and reunions.

The primary duties of full-time or part-time on-site event planners include:

• Researching venues and vendors prior to the event.
• Selecting the appropriate site for the event.
• Event design and team-building for project management.
• Creating budgets and running fundraisers if necessary.
• Coordinating decor, entertainment and food for the event.
• Sending invitations to attendees.
• Coordinating transportation for attendees to and from the event.
• Arranging accommodations, including seating charts and place settings.
• Coordinating tasks for onsite event personnel, including caterers or entertainers.
• Being on call for any questions or problems that arise in the event-planning process.
• Supervising activities at the event site.

Why do people hire event planning services?

People primarily hire event planning services for two reasons: So that hosts and guests don't have to focus on the inner workings of the event, and so that the event runs smoothly from beginning to end.

Consider a wedding. Many engaged couples hire event planners or event planning services to coordinate, organize and carry out their wedding plans. This helps the couple enjoy their special day and gives them the freedom to focus on getting married rather than worrying about details like catering, parking or the timeline.

Some events are so complex — particularly those with hundreds of guests or more — that it's almost impossible to properly plan and organize them without the help of a specialist. Knowledgeable, experienced event planners know how to organize groups of people, how much food to provide and other details that can make or break an important event.

Related: The Price Is Right: Turning a Profit in the Event Planning Business

Who should become an event planner?

You might consider becoming an event planner if you're organized, love hosting parties and find the challenge of coordinating large events to be thrilling. Planners handle many moving parts at once, some of which require overseeing chaotic work and competing agendas. Event planners also often work weekends and holidays since these are the days when most people schedule events.

Many event planners have backgrounds as managers or coordinators in other industries. The events industry, both for wedding planning and other events, requires excellent communication skills. Obtaining a bachelor's degree in public relations , marketing or related fields can be helpful but is not required. You should also consider acquiring certification for your event planning service, as it can help you cultivate relevant professional skills and attract more job opportunities. Meeting Professionals International (MPI) offers a list of degrees and certificates from various colleges and universities.

You can also become a Certified Special Events Professional or Certified Meeting Planner , both of which are offered by the MPI or the International Live Events Association (ILEA). By earning these certifications , potential clients will know you have the training and experience necessary to take on a complex event.

How to start an event planning business

Step 1: form your company.

To get your event planning business off the ground, you must first form a company, file the right paperwork and create a business plan — which should include the following details:

• The business's name.
• The business's tax structure (Sole proprietorship, LLC, S corp etc.).
• What services you'll provide.
• Market research .
• A management plan.
• Financial factors, including how you'll turn a profit.

Related: Check out these business plan templates to get started.

You'll also want to apply for an employer identification number (EIN), which is essentially a social security number for your business assigned to you by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This will allow you to operate your business independently of your personal affairs, help you hire employees and make it easier to file taxes quarterly.

Step 2: Choose your target market

Building on the research you performed to create your business plan, it's essential to find the right market for your services. For instance, if you want to primarily work with weddings, you need to determine how many other planners are in your area, how much you should charge for your services and what offerings you'll need to be competitive.

By doing enough research ahead of time, you'll know exactly what kind of clients to target and what their expectations will be. This will help you advertise your event planning service to be competitive relative to other local planners.

Step 3: Make a financial plan

When you start an event planning business, you'll have to consider not only startup costs but also how the enterprise will grow and how many clients you'll need in order to be profitable. For instance, working from home and primarily by yourself will keep costs low. But if you hire employees, rent office space, or expand to new markets, your monthly expenses will significantly increase – all of these things can add up.

You can always scale your business after acquiring steady work. You may start off as a one-person event planning service that only takes on small events. As you earn money from successful jobs, you can hire employees and rent a warehouse for your equipment, like cameras, chairs and more. You don't have to have all of the growth questions answered when you launch your business, but you should at least have them in mind.

Step 4: Understand the work involved and consider hiring employees

For your event planning service to be successful , you need to fully grasp the nature of each job and determine if — or when — it's time to hire employees. This will vary event to event, so you'll need to determine how much work each event will require. Even the smallest event demands careful attention to detail and advance planning, but as you acquire experience you'll become more adept at forecasting how much help you'll need, if any. For instance, you might hire two or three people to be on-site for a specific event, just to make sure things run smoothly.

Related: The Event Planning Recipe for Success

Step 5: Settle on a price structure and fee basis

How you price your event planning offerings will impact how much business you attract. You can determine your pricing structure and fee basis by things like:

• The market segment you serve: For instance, nonprofit events may have different fee structures than weddings or corporate events. By understanding your event type, you'll know how much to charge and how to structure your fees.
• Your location: If you live in a place with a higher cost of living or a competitive events market, you'll need to price your services accordingly.
• Your reputation: As your business gains a reputation for success — and especially if you're so busy clients are competing for your services — you'll be able to charge a higher premium.

Step 6: Start marketing your event planning service

Once you know how much to charge your clients, it's time to start marketing your event planning service. Consider using tools like Google ads, social media profiles and other digital marketing efforts like email to get the word out about your business. You may even consider newspaper ads, flyers in public buildings or other traditional low-cost marketing tactics . As your business grows, so too will your reputation, meaning you'll likely have to spend less on marketing once you're known. Before you get there, though, it's important to dedicate significant time and resources to marketing your services (learn more here about the tools and strategies that should be part of creating your marketing plan).

Related: 8 Savvy Ways to Promote Your Event Planning Business

Costs of starting an event planning business

The costs of launching your business will vary greatly based on where you live, what kind of clients you work with and how large you intend to scale your operation. At a minimum, you'll need to pay fees to incorporate your business , purchase basic technology like a computer, buy business insurance and spend money advertising. But there are many other potential costs, including certification programs, hiring additional employees , renting office space and more. Here's a breakdown of common expenses associated with event planning, as well as a range of what it might take to get your enterprise off the ground.

Consider Startup Costs

As with any business, the startup costs for event planning vary by the region, the size of your operation and the type of clients you attract. Below are estimates that will help you determine what you can expect to spend in your first year.

*All figures are estimates and subject to change based on factors including location, business size and clientele.

Check out Entrepreneur's other guides and resources today.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick Red Arrow

• Lock 3 Things Your Business Idea Must Have to Succeed — as Proven By Famous Harvard Business School Startups
• This Couple Cashed in Their 401ks to Launch a Virtual Business — Here's How It Led to a 9-Figure Exit and Co-Owning 2 Professional Soccer Teams
• Lock The No. 1 State to Retire in Might Not Even Be on Your Radar, According to a New Report
• Lock 12 Books That Self-Made Millionaires Swear By
• Lock These Are the Highest-Paying Side Hustles for a Single Day of Work
• Use These 3 Steps to Find the Perfect Franchise Opportunity for You

Most Popular Red Arrow

How to become an ai-centric business (and why it's crucial for long-term success).

Learn the essential steps to integrate AI at the core of your operations and stay competitive in an ever-evolving landscape.

Kickstarter's CEO Explains Why the Platform Is Changing After 15 Years

In an interview with Entrepreneur, Kickstarter CEO Everette Taylor explains the decision-making behind the changes, how he approaches leading Kickstarter, and his advice for future CEOs.

Melinda French Gates Reveals Her Next Move After Leaving Gates Foundation: 'Set Your Own Agenda or Someone Else Will Set It For You'

French Gates announced that she is donating $1 billion over the next two years.

5 Steps to Preparing an Engaging Industry Presentation

You can make a great impression and generate interest with an exciting, informative presentation. Find out my five secrets to creating an industry presentation guaranteed to wow.

Amazon Fresh Is Lowering Prices on Thousands of Items to Keep Up With Competition

The grocer will offer weekly savings.

Save on a Lifetime of PDF Management for Memorial Day

Easily convert, edit, and annotate PDFs for work and business with this deal.

Successfully copied link

Money blog: 'He bought it on eBay thinking it was a toy' - How £600 car turning up at a mum's house helped inspire GoHenry

In the first of our Women in Business series, we speak to GoHenry founder Louise Hill about her journey to the top. Read this and the rest of today's consumer and personal finance news in the Money blog below, and leave your thoughts in the comments box.

Tuesday 28 May 2024 21:44, UK

• NatWest down: Major banking app crashes
• Chocolate bars with 'menopause almonds' branded a 'ridiculous money-making product'
• Raheem Sterling to pay for 14 people to go to university and applications close this Thursday
• Renters Reform Bill shelved - while leasehold bill passes without cap on ground rents

Essential reads

• Women in Business : 'A truck unloaded a £600 car that her son bought on eBay thinking it was a toy' - The schoolgate stories that led to GoHenry
• The pension policy some say is unsustainable - but that no politician will commit to scrapping
• Money Problem : 'My mortgage lender is ending my two-year fix and I haven't been in the house for two years - can they do this?'
• How much is pocket money in 2024 and where are kids spending it?
• Best of the Money blog - an archive

Ask a question or make a comment

Just 18% of companies in the UK are led by women, a nd while data suggests female entrepreneurs are on the rise, men still receive more funding and are entrusted with higher average loans to get them started.  

In a new series every Tuesday,  Money blog reporter Jess Sharp speaks to women who are bossing it in their respective fields - hearing their stories, struggles and advice for those who want to follow in their footsteps. 

First up is the co-founder and CEO of GoHenry, Louise Hill...  

For many women, having kids pauses or unfairly disrupts their careers. For Louise, the opposite happened. 

Growing up in Lowestoft on the east coast of England, she had a childhood filled with days on the beach, kayaking and exploring old boats. But her own kids arrived into a very different world - one of apps and downloads and online market places.

It wasn't long before she started to think about financial education and the importance of practical money skills.  

Back when her two children had iPods and would download music from iTunes, she would print off an invoice every time they landed a bill in her inbox. The invoice would then be stuck on the fridge.

When they came to her at the weekend asking for pocket money, Louise would point to the fridge and deduct the amount they had already spent from their allowance.  

"I was trying to make them understand that money has to come from somewhere, and it really doesn't grow on trees," she told the Money team. 

"I could go through the process of saying, well you'd normally get £5 but here's what you've spent this week, so you only get £1.20." 

How the idea for GoHenry came about

Among school pick-ups and kids' football games, she heard other parents complaining about their children's spending habits.  

One parent told a story about her daughter spending £200 on an online My Little Pony game. Another didn't know what to do when a battered-up car arrived at her driveway on a flatbed truck after her son spent £600 on eBay on what he thought was a toy. 

"Everybody had a story. It was amazing to realise we were all having the same problems and kids were starting to have access through their parents to the digital world, but there was nothing in the market to help parents teach them to access it in a safe way," Louise said.  

"We wanted to create a service that would empower them with freedom, confidence, to use and understand money but in a safe environment."

The idea of GoHenry, a prepaid debit card and learning app, was born.  

With a big mortgage, little money to set up a business and two kids to look after following a divorce, Louise said she and her co-founders (who quickly left the company) "grafted".

"I could have got a fairly safe, well-paid corporate job - jumping off the edge of a cliff into the uncertainty of starting a business was quite a leap," she said.

"But, the idea was too good, frankly. 

"It took a little while to work out the right tool to use, so we worked nights, we worked weekends, we worked holidays, all because we really, really wanted to bring this to market." 

In an initial round of seed funding, she raised more than £650,000, which was followed by several successful crowdfunding campaigns. 

The challenges

Her company eventually launched in 2012 and while it's now a huge success, delivering a service to more than two million people across France, Spain, Italy, the US and the UK, Louise said it hasn't been without its challenges. 

The first one was the name. When it first came to market, the business was called PKTMNY (pronounced pocket money), but the name was changed about 18 months later after she realised it was "stupid".  

"Nobody could say it and nobody could spell it, it was a really silly idea," she added. 

The business got the name GoHenry after its very first customer – an 11-year-old boy named Henry from Bristol.

Another challenge was its scale of growth - GoHenry grew in a big way, very quickly, which meant constant changes needed to be made to the company structure. 

"About six or seven years ago, we were growing incredibly quickly... I know this sounds ridiculous but almost every six months you'd have to step back and look at what we needed," she said. 

This was an issue Louise had faced and failed to overcome years before in a previous business - an ecommerce company called Manners which she was forced to sell after running out of cash to sustain its growth. 

"We failed to think about how we would scale it. We couldn't grow it any more because we didn't have enough cash in the company. At the time, I was really cross with myself for not having thought about that," she said. 

'I was becoming a roadblock'

In around 2017-18, Louise realised another issue with GoHenry - herself. 

"I was becoming a roadblock. I was working flat out and so much of the information about why we did things the way we did them was in my head or in my laptop files," she explained.

"That kind of snuck up on me and I was fundamentally creating a risk for the business and stopping us growing as quickly as we could." 

She started a campaign across the company, encouraging staff to raise "single points of failure" to see where the problems were. 

"I appeared in there an awful lot," she said. "So, yeah, that's a top tip from me - don't let that sneak up on you. Plan ahead." 

What's been the key to her success? 

Now running for more than 12 years, GoHenry has continued to expand and innovate.

Louise said keeping her mission of "making every kid smart with money" at the forefront had been "fundamental". 

"That is our sole focus. This isn't an add-on product to another business, everyone who joins GoHenry is here for one reason and that's to serve Gen Z and now Generation Alpha's money needs and I think that makes a big difference," she added. 

Louise's advice for others 

"Who am I to give advice?" was her initial response when asked this question, adding that she hoped to see more young girls and women see images of people who look like them succeeding.

"The more that becomes the norm, the more people will think they can do it too," she said. 

"I've been asked many times what's the difference between a founder, an entrepreneur and a non-entrepreneur, and it has to come down to risk appetite," she added.

"I've thought about all sorts of different mindsets, different backgrounds, different abilities with, I don't know, spreadsheets or contacts... But at some point it comes down to being confident enough." 

So practically, she said women looking to set up a business should start by finding support groups.

"There are loads out there. They can be hugely helpful because founding a business can be lonely and a tough move to make. Nobody pretends that it's easy," she said. 

Another tip she had was to plan for scale "from day one", thinking about the partners you work with, the suppliers, how much money you need to bring in and how often you might need to "go out and get more money". 

But the most important lesson, she says, is was to hire people you know are better than you. 

"It's scary to hire people that you know are much better than you but if you can do that and then give them the space they need to do what they can really well, you'll have a much higher chance of a successful business," she said. 

" What's the worst that can happen if you fail? Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, start again." 

Thieves are targeting electric car charging cables in the latest spate of car crimes.

Data from Instavolt, the UK's largest operator of rapid chargers, found gangs had targeted 27 sites in Yorkshire and the Midlands since last November and stolen 174 cables.

With each cable costing at least £1,000, the operator, which runs Osprey Charging and BP Pulse, said this was affecting electric vehicle drivers.

It also risked deterring prospective drivers who wanted to make the move to electric cars, they said.

The company is now introducing a range of measures at charging stations to deter thieves, including installing extra CCTV, security patrols, using SmartWater to tag property and tracking devices.

Instavolt CEO Delvin Lane told Autocar : "These thefts are extremely frustrating for our customers and for us."

He also noted that it was a "misconception" that the copper in chargers brought real financial gain. 

"The value of any metal stolen is insignificant. The thefts just cause disruption to EV drivers - including those in the emergency services - looking to charge their vehicles," he said.

By Sarah Taaffe-Maguire , business reporter

A company that makes microchips for artificial intelligence and became the first chipmaker to be worth first $1trn then $2trn has today reached another record high.

Nvidia shares are now going for a record $1,132.19 after it posted higher-than-expected quarterly profits and made strong forecasts. Its value is now $2.62trn (£2.05trn)

The US-based, New York-listed company is in the ranks of tech giants worth the eye-watering trillion sum, including Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, and Google parent company Alphabet, as investors expect the company will benefit from the AI revolution.

Also making headlines was UK company Boohoo, the Manchester-based fast fashion retailer, as it cancelled annual bonuses worth £3m. 

A pay proposal for bosses was also ditched after talks with shareholders as the company has experienced losses after the pandemic-era online shopping boom faded and a cost of living crisis eroded consumer spending power.

Revolution Bars has rejected a proposed offer from rival Nightcap, warning it is "incapable of being delivered".

The hospitality group launched a sale process and restructuring plans last month amid efforts to stay afloat. The company's restructuring plans include £12.5m in fundraising and the closure of 18 venues.

But Revolution has said the non-binding proposal from Nightcap  did not include the proposed fundraising and would not work as it was "highly conditional".

Read the full story here ...

The rate of price rises in UK shops has returned to "normal levels", according to new industry figures.

Overall annual shop inflation eased to 0.6% in May, down from 0.8% in April, the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and NielsenIQ said.

The figure is the lowest since November 2021.

More than 120 business leaders have written an open letter giving their backing to Labour in the general election.

The letter printed in The Times has been signed by figures including the founders of Wikipedia Jimmy Wales, chef Tom Kerridge and former CEOs of Heathrow, JP Morgan and Aston Martin.

Openreach plans to build full fibre broadband in over 500 more locations across the UK, it has been announced.

The new locations include 400,000 sites in the hardest to reach, most rural parts of the country, including Tobermory in Argyll and Bute, Haworth in West Yorkshire, Saundersfoot in South Wales, Pinxton in Derbyshire, Harlow in Essex and Roborough in Devon.

The work, which is part of Openreach's £15bn project to upgrade the UK's broadband infrastructure, will cover a further 2.7 million homes and businesses by the end of 2026.

Clive Selley, chief executive of Openreach, said the plan was to build right across the UK, "from cities and towns to far-flung farms and island communities".

"Over time, we've learnt to deliver predictably, consistently and at a rapid pace - despite this being a hugely complex national engineering project," he said.

Check your full fibre availability here .

London is officially the world's cleverest city, according to an annual study.

Oxford Economics , an independent economic advisory firm, found the capital topped the list when it came to "human capital" - this encompasses the collective knowledge and skills of a city's population.

In its report, the firm found London came out on top in part due to the number of higher education institutions in the city, "which helps it achieve one of the highest rates of educational attainment in the world".

"London also attracts many highly educated people from abroad and several global corporations are headquartered in the city to take advantage of this world-class talent pool," the report added.

In second place was Tokyo and in third place was Riyadh.

Top cities by human capital score: 

1. London, UK

2. Tokyo, Japan

3. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

4. New York, US

5. Seoul, South Korea

6. Paris, France

7. Washington, DC, US

8. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

9. Sydney, Australia

10. Boston, US

Concerns are being raised as fast fashion retailer Shein has its sights set on a London stock market listing.

Our City editor Mark Kleinman previously reported the fast fashion giant had held talks with the London Stock Exchange about staging a blockbuster public listing in the UK. 

Shein has quickly become one of the world's biggest online clothing retailers and the talks came at a time of crisis for the City as a listing venue for large multinationals.

But senior MPs are calling for more scrutiny of the Chinese company, which sells ultra-cheap clothing and has faced allegations of labour malpractices. 

Alicia Kearns, the Conservative chair of the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, wrote on X: "With Shein's prices so low, the London Stock Exchange needs to ask itself, whose suffering is subsiding those prices?

"A company which has failed to make full disclosures about its supply chains as required by UK law, and where there are grave concerns about its factory working conditions, has no place in London."

Sarah Champion, the Labour chair of the International Development Committee, told The Guardian: "Transparency in supply chains is vital and something all governments should be demanding. Serious concerns have been raised about the use of modern slavery by Shein which need investigating."

A Shein spokesperson told the Money blog that it acknowledged its role in "creating a more sustainable and responsible fashion industry" and "believed it was healthy to attract scrutiny and transparency" and "wanted to be held to the highest standards".

"Shein has a zero-tolerance policy for forced labour and we are committed to respecting human rights," they said in a statement.

"We take visibility across our entire supply chain seriously and we require our contract manufacturers to only source cotton from approved regions."

The company also said it was "investing millions of pounds in strengthening governance and compliance across its supply chain".

"Our regular supplier audits are showing a consistent improvement in performance and compliance by our supplier partners. This includes improvements in ensuring that workers are compensated fairly for what they do," they added.

Basically, the triple lock is a commitment from the government to keep the state pension in line with rising prices and wages.

The government's pledge is to uprate the new and basic pension every year by the highest of three things - earnings growth, inflation, or 2.5%. Hence the "triple" reference.

It was first announced by the Conservative-Lib Dem coalition government in the first budget following the 2010 election, and has been in place since the 2011-12 financial year – bar a brief suspension in 2022-23.

Prior to this, pensions had been increased at least in line with prices since 1980.

Why was it introduced?

The triple lock was brought in to protect the value of the state pension from being overtaken by increased living costs or the working population's income.

Announcing the scheme in his emergency June 2010 budget, then-chancellor George Osborne said pensioners would "have the income to live with dignity in retirement".

What does it apply to, what is it worth and who's eligible?

The triple lock applies to the basic or "old" state pension (paid to people who reached pension age before 6 April 2016), and the new state pension (6 April 2016 and later).

Last month saw the state pension rise by 8.5% to match the increase in average earnings - following a 10.1% hike the previous year.

It means for the current tax year (2024-25), the full new state pension is:

• £221.20 per week
• £11,502.40 per year

People who reached state pension age from April 2016 need at least 35 years on their national insurance record  to be eligible for the full new state pension.

The basic state pension is currently: 

• £169.50 per week
• £8,814 per year

Men born before 6 April 1945 will need at least 44 qualifying national insurance years to get the full pension, while for women it's 39. Men and women born between April 1945 and April 1951 need 30 years.

Will the triple lock continue?

An ageing population and soaring inflation has raised questions about its long-term affordability.

A 2023 report by the Institute for Fiscal Studies said the triple lock adds an extra £11bn a year to public spending, while the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development warned the "costly" scheme could push up pension spending by about 0.8% of GDP by the 2027-28 tax year.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said back in March that the Conservative Party would commit to keeping the triple lock if it won the general election - after previously saying it was being kept "under review".

The party has now announced plans for a "triple lock plus" that would see pensioners' personal tax allowance rise by the same percentage as their pensions.

The Tories have frozen income tax allowances until 2028 - meaning millions of Britons are paying more tax by "stealth", contributing to a record tax burden on the country.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has also vowed to keep the regular triple lock for at least five years if his party replaces the Tories in power.

Read other entries in our Basically... series...

Raheem Sterling will financially support 14 students to attend university through his scholarship fund, with applications closing this week.

This will be the second year the Chelsea forward's scholarship programme will assist successful applicants at King's College London and the University of Manchester.

Applications for the Raheem Sterling Foundation Scholarship Programme is open to students of black, African and Caribbean heritage from socio-economically under-represented backgrounds to help bridge the equality gap.

It covers their tuition fees, accommodation and other essential costs.

But those who wish to apply will need to send in their application before the deadline this Thursday. 

Speaking to the The Times , Sterling noted that in 2021-22 less than 5% of all UK students starting degrees were black.

He said he wanted to "take away" the worry of finances so that those from minority backgrounds could "go on to achieve their goals".

"It's really nice to see some of what I envisioned coming to life now," he said.

"I wanted to structure the foundation in a way that we could react to need and not be too rigid, as life and circumstances can change quickly. 

"The focus is to provide opportunity to those who wouldn't otherwise have it, going into minority and under-served communities and opening eyes to new experiences."

By Daniel Binns, business reporter

Shares in housebuilder Persimmon have dropped nearly 3% this morning after Sky News revealed it is exploring a £1bn takeover bid for rival Cala Group.

City editor  Mark Kleinman reported on Saturday that the company was considering the move ahead of a deadline for bids.

Analysts at JP Morgan said investors are price sensitive to potential mergers and acquisitions in the sector at the moment, with the UK's competition watchdog already looking into a potential £2.5bn buyout of housebuilder Redrow by its rival Barratt .

It comes amid expectations that housing will be a key issue in the current general election campaign, which got under way last week.

Otherwise, the FTSE 100 is quite flat following the bank holiday, and is currently down 0.15% in early trading.

Gainers this morning include Rolls-Royce, which is up nearly 2%, and grocery delivery firm Ocado, which is up more than 5%.

It comes after industry figures this morning revealed that shop price inflation has "returned to normal" .

On the currency markets, £1 buys $1.27 US or €1.17.

A banking app used by millions of people crashed for thousands this morning.

The NatWest app was displaying an error message for some users, with approximately 3,000 reporting issues on Downdetector from 7am onwards.

Users took to X to complain, with some pointing out the fault had occurred on payday for many.

"NatWest online banking is always broken when I need it," one said.

Customers trying to use the app were greeted with the message: "We're sorry, some kind of error has occurred when trying to establish a connection between your device and ourselves."

Some 9.8 million people use the app, according to the NatWest Group.

A NatWest spokesperson said the issue had now been resolved.

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free