Thinking through your business idea carefully and putting together a solid business plan is essential for every entrepreneur. This is true whether or not you need to raise money to start up your business — even if you don’t need to approach a bank or other lender, putting your business plan on paper is a key step in the path to success.

Despite what many people think, business plans do not need to be complicated or intimidating. To help you get started, WESST offers a business plan template, sample business plan and marketing plan sample — all free downloads from this page. Feel free to adapt the templates to suit your own unique business needs.

Getting Started

Business Plan Outline (PDF file)
Sample Business Plan – Whispers in the Wind (PDF file)

Your Business

Sample Mission Statements (PDF file)
Goal Setting Worksheet (PDF file)

Your Market

Industry Analysis Worksheet (PDF file)
Marketing and Promotion Worksheet (PDF file)
Marketing Methods Worksheet (PDF file)

Your Product

Product Analysis Worksheet (PDF file)
Pricing Worksheet (PDF file)

Finances

Financial Statements with Formulas (Interactive Excel Template)
Startup/Expansion Cost Calculator (Interactive PDF file)