Sample business plans and templates

Sample business plans and templates can help you develop a professional document that will serve as an in-depth marketing tool to convince others of your venture's potential for success. However, creating your own plan can be a complex process, and you may need the assistance of a professional (like an accountant) depending on the type of business you have (or want to run), and what you are seeking in terms of investment.

Business development organizations and Canadian banks have free templates, writing guides, sample plans, and even interactive tools available online. These resources allow you to walk through a plan line by line. You will get a sense of the information you might be asked to provide when you are looking for financing, for example.

While many of these online tools are free, you may choose to purchase software that will help you prepare your plans and forecasts.

Business development organizations

These organizations may provide tools to help their clients prepare professional business plans through their regional offices or via the Web.

• Business Plan — CBDC
  You can use this fillable business planning tool to prepare your business plan.
• BDC  business plan templates
  You can create your own professional business plan with the help of the  BDC  sample plan and business plan template.
• Futurpreneur Canada Business Plan Writer
  Are you ready to start your business? You can use this online tool to develop, write, and download your business plan.
• Planning for Success: Your Guide to Preparing a Business and Marketing Plan
  Learn about 9 essential sections of a business plan and what to include in each one.

Canadian banks

If you approach a bank for help with financing, the bankers will want your business plan to include the specific information they need to make their decision. These requirements may vary from one bank to another, and from one type of business to another. Therefore, if you know which institution(s) you would like to speak with, it's a good idea to see what key sections they would like included.

• Bank of Montreal's tools and tips for small business owners
  Find planning resources that can help you start, grow and improve your business.
• Starting a Business — RBC Royal Bank
  Learn about the 7 key sections of a business plan and find examples to help you prepare your plan.
• Start Strong Program for Business —  CIBC
  Start planning with the help of this line-by-line approach to business plan writing that takes you through the process one step at a time.
• Scotiabank — Writing a Business Plan
  Access an interactive tool to help you create an effective business plan.
• Interactive Business Plan — Desjardins
  A step-by-step tool to help you develop your business plan.
• National Bank — My Business Model
  If you are starting or growing a business, use this business model tool to help with your planning process.