How to Write a Business Plan That'll Get You Noticed

So, you’ve got a business idea that just won’t let go, and now you’re ready to bring it to life. Before you dive in, there’s one important step to take: write a business plan.

We know it might sound intense, but trust us, it’s one of the smartest, most empowering things you can do as a new business owner. A business plan gives your idea structure. It maps out your goals, outlines your strategy, and shows investors (and yourself) that you're serious about building something real.

Let’s break it down in a way that’s simple, practical, and tailored to South African entrepreneurs, just like you.

What is a business plan?

Think of a business plan like a GPS for your startup journey. You wouldn’t drive to a new place without directions, right? The same idea applies here. Your business plan helps you figure out where you’re going, how to get there, and what you’ll need along the way.

It’s not just for big companies or fancy boardrooms. Whether you’re launching a side hustle, opening a spaza shop, or building the next big thing, your plan is the foundation that holds everything together.

Why you need a business plan

Here’s why a written plan is a game-changer:

It sharpens your thinking You’ll be forced to define your goals, understand your audience, and figure out what makes your business unique. It helps you zoom out, spot gaps, and build a solid foundation.

It helps you manage your money Budgeting, forecasting, and knowing where your money’s going, your plan helps with all of that. Financial projections may sound fancy, but they’re essential to staying on track.

It attracts investors and funders Thinking about applying for funding or pitching to a potential investor? They’ll want to see your plan. It shows them that you’ve done the work and thought through the details.

It keeps you focused As your business grows, your plan becomes your reference point. You can adapt it as things change, but it always keeps your bigger vision in check.

What else can a business plan do for you?

Still on the fence? Here's what else it helps with:

Understanding your market – Know who you’re up against and where you can stand out.
Getting to know your customer – Learn what they want, how they behave, and how you can serve them better.
Defining your brand – Position your business clearly and build something memorable.
Planning your marketing – From social media to good old word of mouth, a plan helps you reach the right people.
Finding the right partners – Want to collaborate? A plan shows others you’re prepared and worth backing.

What to include in Your startup business plan

Every business is different, but these sections are a great place to start:

Company Overview – Who you are and what problem you're solving.
Products or Services – What you're selling and why it matters.
Market Research – What’s happening in your industry, who your competitors are, and what trends you need to watch.
Marketing Plan – How you’ll attract and retain customers.
Financials and Funding – What you need to get started and how you plan to grow.

Need a little help? Download our free business plan template and fill in the blanks with your own details.

How to build a business plan step by step

Let’s break it into easy, manageable steps:

1. Company Description

Explain who you are, what your business does, and who it’s for. What problem are you solving, and how are you solving it better than anyone else?

2. Products or Services

Go into detail about what you’re offering. Is it a physical product, a service, or maybe both? What makes it valuable? How does it meet your customers’ needs?

3. Market Research

This is where you show you’ve done your homework. Who are your ideal customers? What are your competitors doing right (or wrong)? What’s happening in your industry that could affect you?

Use facts where you can. Stats from reliable sources help build credibility.

4. Marketing Plan

How will people find your business? Think about the channels you’ll use, like social media, flyers, your website, or word of mouth. How will you encourage repeat customers? Set a budget and track your results.

5. Financials and Funding

This section matters, even if you're not applying for funding yet. Start by outlining how much money you’ll need to launch and run your business. This includes once-off setup costs like equipment or stock, and monthly expenses like rent, salaries, and marketing.

Then, set realistic income goals based on your pricing and how many customers you expect to reach. This gives you your projected revenue.

If you're seeking funding, explain exactly:

How much you’re asking for
What the money will be used for
When you expect to break even or start turning a profit

Use simple tables or bullet points if numbers feel overwhelming. Clarity is key.

Common mistakes to avoid

A business plan doesn’t have to be perfect, but watch out for these common errors:

Trying to impress instead of explain
Don’t overcomplicate things. Speak like you’re explaining your business to a friend.
Guessing without research
It’s okay to make estimates, but base them on research or logic, not assumptions.
Skipping the numbers
Many new entrepreneurs avoid the finance section. Don’t. Even a simple budget shows you’re thinking ahead.
Writing it and forgetting it
Your plan isn’t a once-off task. Review and update it as your business grows.
Ignoring your competitors
Even if you believe your idea is unique, there’s always competition. Know who they are and learn from them.

FAQs: Writing a business plan in South Africa

1. Do I need a business plan to register a company? No, a plan isn’t required to register a company with the CIPC. But it is crucial if you're applying for funding or planning long-term growth.

2. How long should my business plan be? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Aim for 6 to 10 pages that cover the essentials in clear, practical detail. Don’t worry about fluff, focus on value.

3. Can I use this plan for funding applications? Absolutely. Many banks, investors, and small business funding platforms will expect a clear business plan outlining your financial needs and growth strategy.

4. Do I have to use a template? No, but it helps. A template gives your plan structure and ensures you don’t leave anything out. You can customise it to suit your goals.

You’re ready to get started

There’s no perfect formula for writing a business plan. What matters is that you’ve taken the time to think things through and write it down. Whether you’re applying for funding, pitching your idea, or just making sure your side hustle is set up for success, this plan is your first big step.

Ready to begin? Download our free business plan template and start putting your vision on paper.

You’ve got this.