Plano muna, bago puhunan

Who asks you for a business plan

Banks, cooperatives and microfinance lenders usually want to see how you will repay a loan, so they ask for a plan with costs and expected sales. Schools ask for one in entrepreneurship subjects and feasibility projects. Advisers at a Negosyo Center will look at your idea more usefully if you bring a draft. A partner putting in puhunan may ask too.

If nobody asks, write one anyway. A sari-sari store or food cart that skips the math often finds out about thin margins only after the savings are gone.

The sections, one page each

Each guide below explains what goes in that part of the plan, with a worked example and a checklist. Most micro businesses can write them in this order and then put the executive summary first.

• Executive summary
• Market analysis and target market
• Competitive analysis
• Objectives
• Marketing plan
• Operations plan
• Management and organization
• Financial plan
• Cover page and appendix

Start from a template or an example

Use the fill-in template if you want prompts for every section, or read the sari-sari store example to see a finished plan. The business plan builder walks you through the same questions online. Pitching one deal to one buyer instead? Read business proposal vs business plan.

Questions people ask

Do I need a business plan to register a business?

No. DTI, the barangay, the city and BIR do not ask for a business plan to register a sole proprietorship. You need one when a lender, school or investor asks, or when you want to check your own numbers.

How long should a micro business plan be?

Five to fifteen pages is usually enough for a small store, cart or service. Lenders care more about clear costs and a believable repayment plan than page count.

Is there a free template?

Yes. Our fill-in template lists every section with prompts, and the business plan builder asks the same questions online.