How to Write an SBA Business Plan Step by Step
Table of Contents
Introduction
The right SBA business plan can help you secure funding quickly and avoid costly delays. But writing one from scratch can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re also running a business.
This guide walks you through the seven essential steps to creating a lender-ready SBA plan. You can also grab our free checklist to keep your plan organized from start to finish.
Step 1: Executive Summary
Think of this as your elevator pitch in writing. It should briefly explain:
- Your business model
- Why you need funding
- Your growth plan and repayment strategy
Tip: Even though this section appears first, it’s easier to write it last—after you’ve completed all other sections.
Step 2: Business Overview
Here you’ll detail your:
- Legal structure (LLC, corporation, etc.)
- Business history and milestones
- Mission and vision statements
If you’re a startup, highlight your unique value proposition and what sets you apart from competitors.
Step 3: Market Research
Lenders want to see that you understand your market. Include:
- Target demographics – Age, income, location, buying habits.
- Competitive analysis – Who you’re up against and how you’re different.
- Industry trends – Data showing the market is growing or stable.
Step 4: Marketing & Sales Strategy
Explain exactly how you’ll reach customers and generate revenue:
- Pricing models
- Sales channels (online, retail, wholesale)
- Promotion strategies (ads, partnerships, social media)
Step 5: Organizational Chart & Management Bios
This section is critical—SBA lenders fund people as much as they fund ideas. Highlight:
- Leadership experience
- Relevant industry expertise
- Any advisory board members or key hires
Step 6: Loan Request & Use of Funds
Be specific:
- State the exact loan amount requested.
- Break down how the funds will be used (e.g., $50,000 equipment, $30,000 marketing
Step 7: 3–5 Year Financial Projections
Include:
- Income statements
- Cash flow forecasts
- Balance sheets
- Break-even analysis
Base your numbers on realistic, well-researched assumptions—not wishful thinking.
Final Thoughts
If writing this feels overwhelming, you’re not alone. At Wise Business Plans, we can create a custom SBA-ready plan from scratch—saving you time and increasing your odds of approval. Get expert business plan writer to make your SBA business plan detailed, compliant, and investor-ready.
Contact us today to get started.