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Sample business plans and templates

Sample business plans and templates can help you develop a professional document that will serve as an in-depth marketing tool to convince others of your venture's potential for success. However, creating your own plan can be a complex process, and you may need the assistance of a professional (like an accountant) depending on the type of business you have (or want to run), and what you are seeking in terms of investment.

Business development organizations and Canadian banks have free templates, writing guides, sample plans, and even interactive tools available online. These resources allow you to walk through a plan line by line. You will get a sense of the information you might be asked to provide when you are looking for financing, for example.

While many of these online tools are free, you may choose to purchase software that will help you prepare your plans and forecasts.

Business development organizations

These organizations may provide tools to help their clients prepare professional business plans through their regional offices or via the Web.

SBC Ontario - What is a Business Plan? Take a free online small business course about various types of business plans and how these might fit your business and intended audience.
CBDC - Business Plan You can use this fillable business planning tool to prepare your business plan.
BDC - Business plan template You can create your own professional business plan with the help of the BDC sample plan and business plan template.
Futurpreneur Canada - Business Plan Writer Are you ready to start your business? You can use this online tool to develop, write, and download your business plan.
Planning for success: your guide to preparing a business and marketing plan Learn about 9 essential sections of a business plan and what to include in each one.

Canadian banks and lenders

If you approach a bank for help with financing, the bankers will want your business plan to include the specific information they need to make their decision. These requirements may vary from one bank to another, and from one type of business to another. Therefore, if you know which institution(s) you would like to speak with, it's a good idea to see what key sections they would like included.

Bank of Montreal - Tools and tips for small business owners Find planning resources that can help you start, grow and improve your business.
RBC Royal Bank - Starting a Business Learn about key sections of a business plan.
Scotiabank - Business Plan Writer Access an interactive tool to help you create an effective business plan.
National Bank - My Business Model If you are starting or growing a business, use this business model tool to help with your planning process.
Farm Credit Canada - Business Plan Tools for Producers Get business plan information specific to farm operations and agriculture businesses.

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Planning a business

Assessing your readiness, choosing a business structure, market research and writing a business plan.

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Developing your business idea.

Turning your idea into a profitable business model

Types of business ownership

Determining whether incorporation, partnership or sole proprietorship is right for your business

Writing a business plan

How to write a successful business plan

Business plan template

Download templates and examples of a business plan and financial plan

Choosing a location for your business

What to consider when selecting a commercial space for your business

Researching your target market

Get the demographic data you need to better understand your potential customers and their needs

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Page details

How to start a business – Your business plan

Cost: Free

Duration: 15 minutes

Course Format: E-learning

Language: Available in English or French

Device Compatibility: Computer (optimal), tablet, smart phone

Category: Start or buy a business

Level: Basic

Author: BDC

Note: To have the best learning experience, we recommend you view this course on a computer with the latest version of Google Chrome or Firefox and a strong Wi-Fi connection. If you decide to view this course on a mobile device, we recommend you use Chrome.

A business plan guides you as you plan and start your business. It provides a snapshot of your business—who you are, what you do and how you do it. This short course presents the importance of having a business plan and what it should contain. You’ll also hear from an entrepreneur on how he put together his business plan and how it helped him get the support and financing he needed.

At the end of the course, you’ll be able to work on your ideas in a handy travel journal—a great place to keep notes and start writing your business plan. Your journal will also contain tips on, and additional resources for doing business in Canada.

This course is part of the comprehensive program, How to Start a Business , which guides you through all aspects of starting a business in Canada.

The program covers the following topics:

defining your business structure
an overview of the business plan
financing your business
hiring and retaining employees

Click here if you would like to enroll in the program instead.

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