Twice this week I was asked about what I have used in the past for a business plan, so I figured I would post exactly what I told them.  Both of the people who I spoke to are in the early stages of planning their idea and would be funding the company themselves or with friends, family, and fools.  

Having wasted hours and hours over the years writing long complex business plans I finally found a format that is super effective.  Most of the people I work with are usually creating a formal business plan becuase they feel it is part of the process for starting a company.  What I have learned is that the principal value in the exercise is to force you to think through the core elements of a viable functioning business and organize your thoughts so others can understand your vision.

I found this structure 2 years ago from Guy Kawasaki and it is more of an extended Executive Summary.  The basic elements are below, and should only be a few paragraphs.

1. The Grab
2. The Problem
3. The Solution
4. The Opportunity
5. Competitive Advantage
6. The Model
7. The Team
8. The Promise
9. The Ask