Unleash the Potential of Your Business with a Solid Plan

A strong business plan is your roadmap—and a key step toward financing.

Let’s be honest—writing a business plan can feel like a huge task. But if you’re thinking about applying for a loan, it’s one of the most important things you can do. A strong business plan helps you clarify your vision, plan for growth, and show lenders that you’re prepared and ready to move forward.

At Craft3, we don’t expect perfection. We do want to help you get there—with tools, guidance, and a plan that works for you.

Why this Matters

We’ve worked with hundreds of entrepreneurs who had great ideas but weren’t quite ready for financing. That’s okay. Getting loan-ready is a process—and a business plan is often the first big step.

It’s not just about checking boxes for a lender. It’s about setting your business up for long-term success. Whether you’re still in the idea stage or have years of experience, revisiting your plan with a lender’s perspective can make all the difference.

Key Components of a Loan-Application Ready Plan

You'll want a comprehensive roadmap for your business if you plan to apply for financing.

But here’s the good news: you don’t have to follow a rigid formula. Think of the traditional format below as a guide, not a rulebook. Pick and choose the sections that make sense for your business and where you are in your journey. What matters most is that your plan tells a clear, thoughtful story—and gives you (and your lender) the confidence to move forward.

Most traditional business plans include some mix of these nine sections—but how you use them is up to you.

1.   Executive Summary

This is your big-picture intro—your “elevator pitch” in writing. Use this space to tell readers who you are, what your business does, and why it’s going to succeed.

Think of it like a movie trailer: highlight your mission, your product or service, and a quick snapshot of your leadership team, team members, and where you’re located. If you’re applying for a loan, it’s also helpful to include key financial highlights and a sneak peek at your growth plans. Keep it clear and confident.

2.   Company Description

Here’s your chance to really explain what your business is all about.

What problem are you solving? Who do you serve—and how do you make their lives better? Be specific: Are your customers individuals, families, small businesses, nonprofits?

Then talk about your edge. What makes your business different or better? Maybe it’s your location, your expertise, your personal story, or your approach. Brag a little—this is where you get to show what makes your business special.

3.   Market Analysis

This section shows you understand the landscape you're operating in. Who else is doing similar work—and what can you do differently or better?

Research your industry and competitors. What trends are shaping the market? What are your customers looking for? What makes the successful players succeed?

Use this section to demonstrate that you’ve done your homework—and that you’re ready to compete with a clear plan and understanding of your space. 

4.   Organization + Management

Let readers know who’s running the show—and how your team is set up for success.

Start by explaining your business structure: are you an LLC, sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation? Make it clear.

Then introduce your leadership team. Who’s responsible for what, and why are they the right person for the role? Consider using an org chart to show how your team fits together, and feel free to include resumes or bios that highlight relevant experience. You want readers to see that you’ve got a strong foundation in place. 

5.   Product or Service Line

What exactly are you offering—and why does it matter to your customers?

In this section, describe your product(s) or service(s) in detail. What makes them valuable? How do they help? If there’s a product lifecycle (how it’s developed, launched, improved), explain that too.

Also note any intellectual property plans—like patents, trademarks, or copyrights—and any ongoing research or development that shows your business is thinking ahead. 

6.   Funding Request

If you’re applying for a loan (or investment), this is where you spell out what you need and how you’ll use it.

Be specific. How much funding are you requesting, and over what time period? Do you want a loan or equity investment? What will the funds go toward—equipment, payroll, inventory, marketing?

Also share your future financial goals, like paying off debt, building reserves, or expanding your operations. The more clearly you can connect your request to your business goals, the stronger your plan. 

7.   Marketing + Sales

Now it’s time to explain how you’ll get the word out—and how you’ll bring customers in.

There’s no one-size-fits-all strategy here, so speak to what makes sense for your business. Are you using social media? Word of mouth? A referral network? Pop-up events?

This is also where you describe your sales process. How will people find you, buy from you, and come back again? Be thorough—you’ll reference this section again when you map out your financials.

8.   Funding Request

If you’re applying for a loan (or investment), this is where you spell out what you need and how you’ll use it.

Be specific. How much funding are you requesting, and over what time period? Do you want a loan or equity investment? What will the funds go toward—equipment, payroll, inventory, marketing?

Also share your future financial goals, like paying off debt, building reserves, or expanding your operations. The more clearly you can connect your request to your business goals, the stronger your plan. 

9.   Financial Projections

This section backs up your funding request with numbers that tell your financial story.

If you’ve been in business for a while, include income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements from the past three to five years. If you’re just starting out, focus on forecasts.

Lay out your expected income, expenses, cash flow, and capital needs for the next five years—starting with more detailed projections for year one (quarterly or even monthly). Make sure your projections align with your funding request and marketing strategy.

And don’t be afraid to use visuals! Charts and graphs can help make your numbers easier to understand and more impactful.

Bonus: Take the Pressure Off—It’s a Process

Just like applying for a loan, creating a business plan takes time. You don’t have to finish it in one sitting—and it doesn’t need to be perfect.

Even a partial plan puts you ahead of the game. Getting your ideas out of your head and onto paper will help you make better decisions and prepare for funding down the road.

Need a little extra help?

• Connect with your local SBDC (Small Business Development Center)
• Find a mentor through SCORE, a nonprofit offering free business advice
• Use this step-by-step guide + free template from Intuit QuickBooks
• Download a business plan template from the U.S. Small Business Administration

You’ve got this—one step at a time.