Whether you're embarking on a new business venture or refining your current strategy, a well-crafted business plan is crucial for steering your growth. If you're uncertain about where to start, we've curated a selection of the top free online business plan templates.
1. Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment Business Plan Templates
In partnership with Stats NZ, MBIE has crafted two Business Plan templates tailored to meet the diverse needs of both budding entrepreneurs and seasoned businesses. The comprehensive full business plan template, available in Word format, is meticulously designed for those embarking on their business journey. It provides a ready-to-use framework, complete with detailed explanations and helpful links throughout. Meanwhile, the quick-focus template, available as a PDF, is perfect for regular business health and strategy evaluations, making it ideal for quarterly or annual reviews.
Tip: MBIE recommends using Stats NZ’s Data for Business website to find useful business tools and statistics.
2. ANZ Biz Hub Business Plan Tool
Are you just starting out with business planning? This user-friendly online template is an excellent choice for beginners. It confidently guides you through the process of crafting a comprehensive business plan, offering supportive prompts and insightful tips for each section. Once your plan is complete, you can effortlessly download and print the final version in Word document format.
3. Chat GPT
Are you confident in your vision for a successful 2025 but need assistance articulating your plan? Consider leveraging AI to efficiently capture your strategies and ideas. Check out this Forbes article for prompts that can streamline your planning process, allowing you to complete it in hours rather than days.
4. Microsoft Office Business Plan Template
Microsoft Office offers a wide range of business document templates that integrate seamlessly with their suite of products. These templates come with various charts and graphs to effectively present your market research and forecasting data. Plus, get comprehensive, step-by-step instructions to guide you in crafting a professional and organised business plan with confidence.
Bonus: Want to dive deep and DIY your plan? Check out these best practice tips
5. Strategyzer Business Model Canvas
The Strategyzer Business Model Canvas is not your typical business plan template. This is a robust visual tool to map out all the essential elements of your business. It provides a deeper understanding of how these elements interconnect, serving as an invaluable brainstorming aid. With this canvas, you can confidently capture your innovative ideas, key facts, and vital figures, setting the stage for a comprehensive business plan. It's an ideal way to organise your thoughts and lay a strong foundation for future success.
Tip: Use the Business Model Canvas as a tool for running a thought-starter exercise with your team to review and refine your strategy and goals before you write your business plan.
Comments