{"id":5554,"date":"2021-08-09T08:41:48","date_gmt":"2021-08-09T13:41:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/what-is-a-business-plan.html"},"modified":"2026-05-26T11:45:00","modified_gmt":"2026-05-26T16:45:00","slug":"what-is-a-business-plan","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/what-is-a-business-plan.html","title":{"rendered":"What Is a Business Plan?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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What Is a Business Plan?<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Amber Sheppard, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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Editorial Note: We earn a commission from affiliate partner links on FindLaw. Commissions do not affect the editorial integrity of our legal content.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n

\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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A business plan<\/span> is a comprehensive document that outlines your business goals<\/span>, strategies, and operational details to secure financing and guide your company\u2019s success. It serves as your roadmap<\/span> for starting up and growing your business.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

A good entrepreneur<\/span> knows they need a business plan<\/span>, but a great entrepreneur<\/span> understands that creating one takes considerable time and effort. It\u2019s an operations plan, marketing plan<\/span>, and business model<\/span> all rolled into one document.<\/p>\n

This FindLaw article describes what a business plan<\/span> is, your timeline for creating one, and why it matters for financing and investors.<\/p>\n

We make business formation EASY. <\/em><\/strong>Learn about our DIY business formation services here<\/em><\/strong><\/a>.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n