The Ultimate Business Plan Guide
How to Write a Winning Business Plan
Why Every Business Needs a Business Plan
A well-structured business plan is the foundation of a successful business. A strategic business plan helps you secure funding, set clear goals, and navigate challenges. Below, we break down all the critical sections of a professional strategic business plan and why working with an expert can make all the difference.
What is a Business Plan and Why is it Important?
A business plan is a roadmap that outlines your business objectives, strategies, financial forecasts, and operational structure.
Without a professional business plan, you could miss out on funding opportunities and critical insights that drive success.
A business plan serves multiple purposes:
Attract Investors and Secure Funding – Banks and investors require a well-documented plan.
Set Clear Business Goals – Aligns your team and ensures strategic growth.
Identify Market Opportunities – Helps in understanding customer needs and competitors.
Avoid Costly Mistakes – Provides a risk management framework.
Enhance Business Performance – Keeps your operations streamlined and efficient.
Comprehensive Business Plan Structure
1. Executive Summary: Your Business at a Glance
Business overview and core offering
Mission, vision, and strategic goals
Financial highlights and projections
Unique selling proposition (USP)
2. Business Snapshot: Who You Are and How You Operate
Business structure and legal setup
Key people and leadership roles
Registered name, domains, trademarks, and patents
3. SWOT & Risk Assessment: Knowing Your Position
Strengths and internal capabilities
Weaknesses and risk factors
Opportunities and external threats
Risk mitigation strategies
4. Industry & Market Research: Understanding Your Niche
Market trends and growth potential
Target customers and buying behaviours
Competitor landscape and positioning
5. Marketing Plan: Reaching and Engaging Customers
Brand strategy and marketing focus
Pricing, promotions, and distribution
Customer management and digital presence
6. Sales Strategy: Converting Leads into Revenue
Revenue streams and sales performance
Sales methods and conversion tactics
Customer segmentation
7. Operations Plan: Managing the Day-to-Day
Core operations and business processes
Team responsibilities and structure
Leadership and management focus
8. Financial Plan: Proving Business Viability
Revenue, costs, and cash flow forecasts
P&L, balance sheet, and break-even analysis
Funding needs, ROI, and exit strategy
9. Strategic Action Plan: Driving Improvement and Growth
Priority areas for improvement
Key initiatives and milestones
Take Your Business to the Next Level with a Strategic Business Plan Workshop
Don't leave your business success to chance—work with an expert to create a clear, actionable strategic business plan that sets you up for growth, funding, and long-term success.
More Insights Into Business Planning
What our Clients Have To Say…
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"Excellent business planning process - Suzzanne made the daunting task of thinking ahead both simple and exciting! I highly recommend it!."
Fiona, Wise Legacy
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"I found it extremely valuable, walked out with a clear plan to achieve my business goals and a new found understanding of business financials. I would highly recommend Suzzane Laidlaw's program and I only wish I had done so earlier."
Carmen, SHEQ Management
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"If we could give it more than 5 stars we would!! It was so valuable to have a clear overview of our business, our bigger vision and a clear action steps for our future success. If you’re a business owner and you don’t have a business plan, then you call Suzzanne!"
Matt, Wild Chiropractic
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"Working with Suzzanne has been a game changer for our business, helping us craft a comprehensive and actionable business plan, that not only clarified our vision but also laid out a clear path to achieve our goals. "
Josh, Arena Real Estate
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"My business is going from strength to strength everyday since completing her 2 day workshop. With Suzzanne it literally feels like you are declaring your dreams then systematically making them happen by an easy to follow step by step process. 5 stars all the way."
John, Morfit Personal Training
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"Suzzanne seems to know how to identify the key aspects of a business that will give it the most improvement and she is very determined to push a business owner to make these improvements."
Neil, Accolade Accounting
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"Suzzanne has a wealth of knowledge, super supportive, motivated and above all a wonderful human being. I could not speak any higher of my experience with Suzzanne and would highly recommend her to anyone looking for support in their business."
Anthony, Olive Farm Wines
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"Suzzanne's passion for helping people get the most out of themselves is unrivaled - and her motivation, enthusiasm, and eternally optimistic attitude really rubs off on myself and her clients. She's guided us through business growth despite economic uncertainty, and makes you see the forest for the trees."
Steve, Activ IT
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"Sue is very open and honest. She tells you exactly what she sees going on in your business. Often, you're too close to things to notice — but she brings that powerful outsider perspective. The power of planning is hugely beneficial; it gives you insight into the future that you didn’t have before."
Dave, WAComm
Why You Should Work with a Professional Business Plan Facilitator
Common DIY Business Plan Mistakes
Unrealistic financial projections that fail to impress investors.
Lack of industry research, leading to a weak market strategy.
Failure to define competitive advantages, making differentiation difficult.
Weak risk assessment, which discourages investors.
Poorly structured business models, leading to operational inefficiencies.
Overly generic content that fails to reflect the unique value of the business.
Benefits of Working With an Expert
Professionally written business plans build credibility and increase investor confidence.
Clear, well-defined goals and business models help drive focus and strategic alignment.
Expert insights identify market gaps, competitive opportunities, and industry best practices.
Efficient planning processes save time and reduce the risk of costly errors.
Confident presentations backed by solid plans help you pitch investors with clarity and precision.
Our tailored business planning services combine strategic thinking, proven frameworks, and expert facilitation to help you move forward with confidence.
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Private Facilitation
Engage in private group facilitation for you and key business partners, perfect for tailored strategy sessions or corporate events. Your investment will be based on your needs.
$9,995 + GST
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2-Day Workshop
Join a focused, small-group workshop led by a professional coach, with opportunities for peer brainstorming. Ideal for bringing key decision-makers together.
$3,495 AUD + GST (1 seat)
$3,995 + GST (2 seats) -
Online Business Plan
Create your business plan from anywhere through our online course. Self-paced modules and videos provide step-by-step guidance.
Investment: $995 AUD + GST.
Suzzanne has been awarded global leader in business planning for multiple years running, placing her at the top of over 1,000 coaches worldwide.
As one of Australia’s top business coaches and strategic planning consultants, her passion lies in helping business owners to strategically and proactively plan and build a leveraged business model for success
We’ll help you to strategically plan a model that works for you, as we understand every business is unique.
Facilitated by #1 Global Leader in Strategic Business Plan Consulting
FAQ about Business Plans
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A business plan is essential for growth because it provides a strategic roadmap, aligns your team, and supports long-term decision-making. It helps you prioritize resources, identify new revenue opportunities, and communicate your expansion strategy to stakeholders.
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Established businesses should review and update their business plan at least annually. You may need to update it sooner if you're entering new markets, launching new products, or facing major economic changes. A current plan helps keep your goals aligned with market trends and business performance.
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Yes. Investors and lenders require a detailed business plan when evaluating funding requests for growth or expansion. It demonstrates that your business is prepared, financially sound, and has a clear plan for using capital effectively.
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For operational businesses, the most relevant sections include the executive summary, market positioning, SWOT analysis, operations strategy, financial forecasts, and a growth plan. These sections show how you manage day-to-day performance while preparing for future growth.
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Common mistakes include outdated financial data, generic market research, unclear scaling strategies, and vague goals. These oversights can damage your credibility with investors, partners, or lenders.
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A well-structured business plan acts as a strategic guide. It helps you evaluate new opportunities, measure progress with key performance indicators, manage risks, and align operations with long-term objectives across all departments.
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Yes. Whether you're applying for a bank loan, venture capital, or a line of credit, most funders require a current business plan. It helps them assess your growth potential, repayment ability, and level of risk.
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Business plans clarify priorities, define roles, and set measurable goals. When shared with your team, they improve communication, align departments around common objectives, and create accountability across your organization.
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A professional offers a fresh perspective, expert market insights, and advanced financial modeling skills. They can identify weaknesses, enhance your positioning, and help you create a plan that is realistic, compelling, and aligned with your business goals.
