One-page business plan template

What the one-page business plan template gives you

A plan does not have to be long to be useful. This one-page template guides you through the questions that matter: the problem you solve, who your customers are, what you sell, how you reach them, what it costs, what you expect to earn and what you will do in the first ninety days, with prompts and space to write.

Who it is for

Founders testing an idea, side-hustlers, students and anyone applying for a small loan or grant who needs a simple plan.

How to use it

1. Print the template and answer each box in plain words.
2. Fill in the numbers as honestly as you can.
3. Show the plan to two people who will challenge it.
4. Revisit the plan every month.
5. Keep a signed or dated copy with your records, so you can show what was agreed or done.

What is inside

• Nine boxes covering the whole idea
• Prompts for each question
• Space for numbers and goals
• A ninety-day action list
• A review line for each month

The document is a ready-to-print PDF with these parts: About the business, 1. The problem and the solution, 2. Your customers, 3. What you sell and for how much, 4. How customers will find you, 5. Costs and money needed, 6. Break-even, 7. Your goals, 8. The first ninety days. It is laid out for A4, with the headings, tables and tick boxes already in place, so you can print it and fill it in by hand, or type into it with a PDF editor.

Tips for getting it right

• Write for a reader who knows nothing about your business.
• Use real prices and real costs.
• Be specific about who will buy and why.
• A plan you update is worth more than a perfect one you do not.

Why it helps

Running a business on memory works until it grows. Writing the numbers down turns opinions into facts you can compare month to month, and shows early which products, customers or costs deserve attention. Even a simple workbook, used every week, usually beats a sophisticated one that is opened once a year.

Questions people ask

Can I edit it? It is a PDF, so it is meant to be printed and completed, or filled with a PDF editor. If you want to change the wording, copy the text into Word or Google Docs and adapt it to your business.

Is it legal advice? No. It is a practical starting point written for Kenya. Rules change, so check the current position and ask a professional where the stakes are high.

Will it work on my phone? Yes for reading. For filling in and printing, a computer or a PDF app works best.

Keeping it safe and up to date

A plan is only as good as the numbers you put in. Start with honest estimates, update the workbook as real figures arrive, and compare the two so your next estimate is better. Save a dated copy each month so you can see how your thinking changed.

Read how to build a cash flow forecast for the wider picture. Free calculators that go with it: Vat registration checker. See more business templates or ask us for a custom one.

This document is general information, not tax, legal or accounting advice, and it is not affiliated with the Kenya Revenue Authority. If something does not work as described, contact us and we will put it right.

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