Free business plan template: the lender-ready plan
Answer short questions. Get a 3 or 4 page business plan in the shape a lender reads. It has a list of your business assets, to print or save. It is free, with no sign-up. Nothing you type is sent to us.
Our team are finance brokers in Scotland. We help businesses across the whole UK.
Two more free tools help. The business finance checklist lists the documents to send with your plan. The business loan calculator works out payments at your own rate, for step 4.
Who is this plan for?
This free plan has one job: to help you ask for asset finance or a business loan. So most of it is about that, and less about grants. Other business plan services are out there too. For a full plan, a harder finance request, a grant or other funding, ask your own accountant. They can help you all the way. Business Gateway also gives help with full business plans.
What does a lender read first?
A lender reads your numbers first, and how the money gets paid back. Make those two parts clear and true. Say what you have assumed. A short plan is easier to read than a long one.
What parts does a business plan have?
A plan for finance has ten parts. Our template makes all ten:
- A short summary.
- The business: what it does, where, and for how long.
- Who runs it, and their experience.
- What you want, and how much.
- Why it helps the business.
- A list of the business assets.
- Last year's sales and profit.
- Money in and out for the next 12 months.
- The finance you have now.
- How it gets paid back, what you would do if work slowed, and any security.
A start-up plan often covers more. It says who your customers are, who else does the same work, and what could go wrong. For finance, keep those short. Put them in the summary or the reasons.
Why list each asset?
Lenders ask for the details of each asset. When you buy, they want to know what it is and who sells it. When you release cash, the lender lends against what the business owns. One neat list, with photos, answers their first questions. It is like an asset register, made for a lender.
Can a new business get finance?
In most cases, yes, with a workable plan. Show how the business is funded, and how it will win work. Lenders look for both.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a free business plan template?
Yes. This one is free, with no sign-up and no email. It fills itself in from your answers, and your answers stay on your device.
How do I write a business plan in the UK?
Use a short template made for finance, like this one. Answer five steps in your own words. Use your own true figures. Then print it, or save it as a PDF.
How long should a business plan be?
For finance, 3 or 4 pages is often enough. A lender wants the key facts fast.
Can ChatGPT write a business plan?
It can help with the words. But the figures must be your own, and true. A lender will check them.
Will a lender accept this plan?
A lender wants the key facts, clear and true. This plan gives them in the order a lender reads. Each lender may still ask for more.
Is my plan sent to you?
No. It is made on your device and stays there. Save your answers as a small file to carry on later.