Practical worksheet

Business plan template

A practical plan you can revisit as you learn what customers need and what the numbers show.

Last reviewed 2 October 2026

Before you start

Use short, testable statements. Mark assumptions you have not yet checked. Update the plan after speaking with customers and your accountant.

A practical plan you can revisit as you learn what customers need and what the numbers show.

Use it when planning a decision, then update it as actual figures become available.

It makes your assumptions visible so you can compare your plan with what happens in the business.

Each prompt explains what to enter. The example is a guide, not a target for your business.

01. Business and customer

What do you sell, to whom, and what problem does it solve? Describe the customer precisely.

Example: weekday lunch catering for offices with 20–80 staff within 5 km.

02. Evidence of demand

What have customers actually done or said? Record conversations, early sales, tests and what would disprove the idea.

Example: 12 office managers interviewed; 4 requested quotes; 2 placed a paid trial order.

03. Market and competitors

List direct alternatives, typical prices and the reason a customer would choose you.

Compare service area, delivery reliability, menu options and total cost.

04. Pricing and delivery

Record price, direct cost, capacity, suppliers and the steps needed to deliver consistently.

A $20 lunch with $9 direct costs leaves $11 before rent, wages and other overhead.

05. People and systems

Who does what? Note licences, premises, software, records and professional advice to confirm.

Owner handles sales; kitchen lead handles production; bookkeeper reconciles weekly.

06. Cash and funding

Estimate setup costs, regular costs, expected receipt dates and a cash buffer. State any funding need and alternatives.

Link this section to a cash-flow forecast, not only a sales target.

07. Risks and tests

What could interrupt sales or delivery? What early signal would tell you to change course?

If repeat orders stay below 30% after eight weeks, revisit the offer and customer interviews.

08. Next 90 days

List three measurable milestones, owners and dates. Schedule a review of this plan.

Secure five trial customers; document weekly margin; choose accounting software.

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This worksheet is general planning information. Ask a qualified accountant, tax agent or lawyer where your decision needs specialist advice.