Business planning

Find out how to create a plan for your new or current business, including writing the plan and operational documents, and setting goals.

Start your planning by:

Planning a new business?

Find out how to plan your new business idea—use our guides, checklists and tips to help you develop your idea and sharpen the personal skills you'll need to be a business owner.

Topics

Writing a business plan

Discover what a business plan is and how you can prepare or update one for your business. Download our free business plan template.

Create a business vision

Find out how to create a vision for your business, describing your goals and what success looks like. Use our template to create your own.

Business values

Learn about developing values for your business. Follow our 5-step process to develop and implement your own values.

SWOT analysis

Get an overview of the SWOT analysis business tool, including what it involves, the benefits of using one, and how to conduct one for your business.

Short and long-term goals and KPIs

Learn about setting business goals and tracking them through KPIs. You should set short and long-term goals and review your goals and KPIs regularly.

Business policies, processes, procedures and codes of practice

Discover the value of creating and applying operational documents for your business. Codes of practice explain your legal and industry obligations.

Choosing and working with business advisers

Learn what to consider before choosing a professional to help you achieve your business goals.

Tools and resources

Find out more about the value of a business plan and create one for your business.

Video - Writing a business plan

Watch our video to help you write a business plan.

Download the business plan template

Use our template to create a plan for your new or existing business, or as a guide for making your own.

Download the SWOT analysis template

Use the SWOT analysis template to understand your business’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.