Lean Business Plan [Template]

Lean Business Plan Template

Designed to be concise, flexible, and action-oriented, lean business plans are a powerful tool for entrepreneurs and small business owners who want to quickly adapt to changing market conditions and drive their businesses forward.

Unlike traditional business plans that can be dozens or even hundreds of pages long, lean business plans focus on the key elements necessary to guide your business strategy and operations. A lean business plan should be one page, no longer than two (if necessary).

Here are the key steps to creating a lean business plan.

DELETE AFTER READING: Here's a generic template that you can outline and share with Scribe.

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Problem and Solution

Describe the problem that your business aims to solve.

• Provide a clear and concise explanation of the problem and why it is important to address.

• Highlight key customer insights and validated needs.

• Focus on your value proposition: why should customers choose you over existing solutions?

Minimum Viable Product (MVP)

Describe your Minimum Viable Product (MVP) — the most basic version of your product or service that allows you to test and validate your business idea. Explain the core features and functionalities of your MVP and how it addresses the problem.

Customer Segments and Validation

Identify and describe your target customer segments.

• Outline the characteristics, needs, and pain points for each segment.

• Explain how you'll reach and engage your target audience for MVP testing.

• Outline your customer validation methods, including metrics and key learning objectives. This can include market research, surveys, interviews, or any other relevant data.

Here's a quick guide on how to create a Markets and Markets account to access competitive intelligence and market research.

Go-to-Market Strategy

In this section, outline your go-to-market strategy, which is how you plan to reach and acquire customers.

• Describe the marketing and sales channels you will use, such as online advertising, social media, partnerships, or direct sales.

• Include any unique strategies or tactics that will differentiate your approach from competitors.

• Focus on gaining a foothold in the market rather than extensive marketing plans.

Here are a few quick guides to help you build your go-to market strategy.

Here's a guide on how to use Ahrefs to identify keyword ranking opportunities in your target market.

If you prefer to use SEMRush, follow this guide on how gain insights into your competitors' strategies and performance.

Here's a guide on how to use Salesforce to create and manage marketing campaigns in order to better understand customer behavior and target the right audiences with the right messages.

Key Activities and Resources

Identify and describe the key activities and resources required to successfully operate your business. This can include product development, manufacturing, distribution, customer support, marketing, and more.

• List the essential activities necessary to build and deliver your MVP.

• Identify the critical resources you need, including team members, skills, and tools.

• Outline any partnerships, technology, or expertise that will be crucial for your business's operations.

Highlight resource efficiency and lean operations to minimize your startup costs.

Financial Projections

Provide financial projections for your business. This section should give a clear overview of the financial viability of your business.

• Include sales forecasts, revenue projections, and expense estimates for at least the first year of operation.

• Outline any funding requirements and how you plan to generate revenue and achieve profitability.

Action Plan and Timeline

Outline the specific actions and milestones that need to be achieved to launch your business.

• Break down your plan into actionable steps and assign responsible parties and deadlines.

• Provide a timeline for the launch, as well as any key milestones.

Developing a solid lean business plan can help you set a clear direction for your business and increase your chances of success. By following the steps outlined in this guide and referring to other helpful resources, you can create a plan that helps you validate your assumptions, learn from customers, and iterate quickly.