How to Write a Lean Startup Business Plan

One of the key documents every entrepreneur needs when starting a small business is a business plan. When we think of a business plan, we tend to think of its traditional format.

A traditional business plan is typically 30-40 pages long. It is written three to five years out into the future. This comprehensive document allows entrepreneurs to map out goals and milestones they plan to reach with their small business. It gives entrepreneurs the chance to request funding from prospective investors.

Writing a traditional business plan, however, may not fit the needs of every entrepreneur. Some entrepreneurs may prefer to work with a less-intensive document. This is where a lean startup plan comes in handy for your small business. Let’s look at how to write a lean startup plan.

What’s a Lean Startup Business Plan?

Traditional business plans are intensive and thorough. They examine a startup’s feasibility from a critical and objective standpoint and detail how they will be able to reach certain goals. These plans provide a framework which attracts investors to invest in the business.

Lean startup plans are no longer than a page or two. The information in a lean startup plan acts as a quick summary for a business. It’s easy to read and digest, containing much of the necessary information found in a traditional business plan.

How To Write a Lean Startup Plan

Do you feel like a lean startup plan is the best fit for your business? Are you ready to draft this document? Great! Here’s what you need to include in your lean startup plan.  

1. Value Proposition

Take a moment to consider the value of your business. What kinds of original qualities may be found in your startup? How does your business solve problems for its target audience? Clearly sum up the value your small business brings to its respective market.

2. Key Partnerships, Resources, and Activities

Which partners are currently working alongside your business? Detail information about your business partners, like vendors and suppliers, in this section.

Additionally, you’ll need to share some information about the startup’s key activities and resources. Key activities, for example, may include strategies your business is using to gain an upper hand on the competition. Resources, like capital or intellectual property, may create value for your consumers.

3. Customer Segments, Channels, and Relationships

This section looks at your customer base and answers the following questions:

• Who is your audience? Which individuals make up your target market? What are their needs?
• Where can you reach your audience? For example, you may use social media platforms or email to reach out to your audience and engage with them.
• How will you build a lasting relationship with customers? Detail what kind of experience your business will be able to provide customers and strategies for establishing this kind of experience.

4. Revenue Streams

In a traditional business plan, entrepreneurs dedicate a section to financial projections. This covers cash flow as well as additional financial information as it pertains to the business.

Lean startup plans also take stock in their financial information. List each revenue stream associated with your small business. Then, explain how these revenue streams make money. You may also use this section to define the cost structure strategy of your startup, too.

These are the key components necessary to write a lean startup business plan. If you find more details to include or changes to make, you may always go back to this plan and make revisions accordingly. Edits may be made to any business plan, regardless of its initial format.

Incorporate your small business after drafting a lean business plan. Contact MyCorporation at mycorporation.com or give us a call at 877-692-6772.