Learn what to include in a business plan one-pager & the best doc format. Learn how to write a one-page business plan, either from scratch or using a template.
Your browser does not support the video tag.Dominika Krukowska
14 minute read
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If you make it too complex, dry, or fail to spark the investors’ interest, you’ll bury your chances of securing the funding necessary to get your business off the ground.
Your success lies in how you’re going to structure and deliver your business plan.
This post will provide you with essential tips and templates for creating a winning business plan one-pager .
You'll learn what to include, how to structure, and how to design a visually striking business plan that grabs attention and gets results.
Read on to build your confidence and empower yourself to present any business idea persuasively and stand out from your competition.
Let’s see how it’s done!
A business plan one-pager is a document that summarizes the key elements of a full business plan onto a single page.
It includes an outline of your company's mission, target market, products or services, revenue streams, competitive advantage, marketing and sales strategy, and financial projections.
Business plan one-pagers are often used as a pitch deck for investors, a proposal for business partnerships, or as an executive summary for internal use.
Compared with traditional multi-page business plans, a one-pager has 3 significant advantages.
Probably not. Your business plan one-pager is not meant to replace a full business plan, but rather to supplement it.
While your one-pager provides a high-level overview of your business idea, it may not provide the level of detail some investors or partners require.
TIP: You can use a business plan one-pager as a way to test your business idea and get feedback before investing time and resources in creating a full-scale business plan.
Let’s see how you can distill your business idea into a compelling format that makes you stand out and leave a lasting impression.
By the end, you'll be equipped with the skills and knowledge to make others believe in your vision with just one page.
We've identified 11 key elements that should be included in every highly effective business plan one-pager.
11 critical slides included in a business plan one-pager:
1. Title slide
The title slide of your business plan one-pager is your first chance to make a great impression on potential investors, so make it count!
Adding a video in your cover slide can boost engagement by 32%, get people to read your one-pager 37% longer, and make them 17% more likely to take the desired action at the end.
TIP: You can add the average reading time in the cover slide (right below your company name and logo). This simple little fix can shrink your bounce rate by 24%.
2. Unique value proposition
The Unique Value Proposition (UVP) slide of your business plan one-pager is where you get to showcase what sets your business apart from the competition. You can do it in the form of a tagline that encapsulates your company's essence.
A vision statement that speaks to the heart of your business can capture the interest of investors and entice them to read on.
The mission statement should be snappy, catchy, and memorable.
Example UVPs:
"Transforming the future of sustainable energy"
"Innovating personalized healthcare solutions."
3. Company overview
The company overview slide should tell investors the story behind your business.
A company overview should answer 3 critical questions:
This slide should give investors a clear understanding of the type of business you're running, the problem you're trying to solve, and how your business aims to succeed in the marketplace.
By providing a succinct and compelling overview of your company, you can demonstrate that you have a solid understanding of your business, its strengths, and its potential for success.
A strong company overview slide can set the tone for the rest of your one-pager and make a great impression on investors.
4. The problem you are solving
This section should outline the pain points of your target market and explain why a solution is needed.
Presenting a compelling case for a real-world problem helps convince investors of the potential market demand for your solution.
TIP: Focus on the customer's perspective. Highlight the challenges they face and the impact those challenges have on their lives or businesses.
5. Market analysis
The market analysis slide is your opportunity to showcase your knowledge of the competitive landscape and your potential market.
It should describe your customer segments, the size of your target market, the current players in the market, and any gaps or opportunities that your business can leverage.
A strong market analysis slide demonstrates to investors that you've done your homework and that you have a deep understanding of the market you're entering.
6. The solution you offer
The solution slide should present the key features and benefits of your solution and demonstrate how it uniquely addresses the pain points of your target market.
A strong solution slide is the heart of your business plan one-pager.
It should showcase the innovation and value of your product or service. It should transport investors into a better world brought on by your business solution.
TIP: Carefully choose your words and visuals to describe your solution as transformational. The most successful business plans build excitement and anticipation and leave investors eager to learn more.
7. Marketing and sales plan
Your marketing and sales plan slide is your opportunity to showcase your strategy for reaching your target audience, generating interest in your product or service, and ultimately driving sales.
From pricing strategy and promotion to distribution channels, the marketing and sales plan slide should provide a comprehensive overview of how you plan to turn your vision into reality.
A well-crafted growth plan demonstrates your creativity and strategic thinking, you can inspire confidence in investors and show that you have what it takes to succeed in the competitive world of business.
8. Main objectives and success metrics
Your business plan one-pager's objectives and success metrics slide is where you define your key performance indicators (KPIs) and objectives. It’s important to add this slide early on, as it serves as a roadmap for your business's growth.
Presenting a well-defined set of objectives and metrics will show investors that you have a solid understanding of what it takes to succeed in your industry, as well as a strategic mindset and commitment to achieving your goals.
9. Key team members and their roles
The team slide is where you showcase the people behind the business, including relevant skills, experience, and accreditation. Investors want to see a team that has what it takes to bring the business to life and drive its success.
This slide should highlight each team member's unique contributions, including their roles and responsibilities, as well as any relevant accomplishments. I recommend that you include a brief bio and corporate headshot to add personal depth.
TIP: Remember, you are selling you and your team just as much as you’re selling your business idea. Business success relies on a great team. What takes business from good to great is first “Who” then “What”.
Show that your team brings a diversity of thought, a wealth of experience, and a passion for the business that can inspire investors and make them fall for your team even more than they fall for your business idea.
10. Request for funds and use of funds
When you're asking for funding, it's essential to be crystal clear about how much you need and why.
Whether you're planning to launch a new product, hire more staff, or boost your marketing efforts, make sure to provide specific details and supporting data to back up your request.
In the use of funds section, break down precisely how you plan to allocate the funds you receive.
This involves outlining how much you'll spend on product development, marketing, hiring, or other expenses.
Remember, investors want to see a clear return on investment (ROI). Whether you bringing in a dedicated development team or buying a comprehensive tool stack, by prioritizing your spending based on your business goals and demonstrating how the funds will help you achieve them, you'll show investors that their money is in good hands.
11. Next steps
Don’t end with a thank-you slide! Instead, end your business plan one-pager by providing a clear and actionable call-to-action.
This slide should leave no doubt in investors' minds about what you want them to do next and how they can get involved in your business.
By providing a compelling call-to-action, you can increase the likelihood of securing funding and gaining valuable support for your business.
Our research shows that decks with a clear, singular next step have a 27% higher conversion rate than those which end with a generic “thank you” slide.
Business plan one-pager possible next steps:
Here’s an example of a business plan built with this structure: