Business startup template
One-page business action plan
Set one business goal, list your top priorities, and break the work into clear actions, deadlines, and responsibilities on one page.
What this template is for
Use this one-page action plan when you want a simple business roadmap that shows what must happen next, who will do it, and what support or money is needed.
Who should use it
- Small businesses that need a short plan for the next few weeks or months.
- Entrepreneurs preparing to apply for grants, programmes, or marketplace opportunities.
- People who feel busy but need to focus on the most important actions first.
Before you start
- Be clear about your main business goal for the next 1 to 3 months.
- Write down your current situation honestly, including any challenges around stock, cash, equipment, or customers.
- Decide who is helping you, even if it is only one family member, partner, or assistant.
The template
Use the sections below as a worksheet. You can print this page or copy the headings into a notebook, document, or spreadsheet.
Goal and current situation
Start with one clear target and a short view of where the business stands now.
| Section item | What to write | Your notes |
|---|---|---|
| Main goal | What result do you want by the end of this plan period? | |
| Current situation | What is happening in the business right now? | |
| Main challenge | What is the biggest thing slowing progress? |
Top three priorities
Choose the three priorities that matter most right now.
| Section item | What to write | Your notes |
|---|---|---|
| Priority 1 | What must happen first? | |
| Priority 2 | What is next after that? | |
| Priority 3 | What else is important in this period? |
Actions
Break each priority into practical tasks.
| Section item | What to write | Your notes |
|---|---|---|
| Action steps | List the actions you must complete for each priority. | |
| Who is responsible | Who will do each action? | |
| Timeline | When will each action be done? |
Resources needed
List what you need so you can spot gaps early.
| Section item | What to write | Your notes |
|---|---|---|
| Materials or tools | What equipment, materials, or stock do you need? | |
| Money needed | How much cash is required and for what purpose? | |
| Outside support | Do you need training, approval, transport, or a partner? |
Review and follow-up
Decide how you will check progress and adjust the plan.
| Section item | What to write | Your notes |
|---|---|---|
| Review date | When will you review this plan? | |
| Success signs | What signs will show you are on track? | |
| Adjustment point | What will you change if progress is too slow? |
Example for a Dzaleka small business
Zikomo Mobile Services is a mobile money, airtime, and phone charging kiosk. A kiosk owner wants to grow daily customer numbers and reduce days when float runs too low.
Goal and priorities
- Goal: increase daily transactions by 20 percent within 8 weeks.
- Priority 1: improve float planning for busy days.
- Priority 2: make the kiosk easier to find and trust.
Actions
- Track daily float use for two weeks.
- Paint a clear service sign and display hours.
- Offer a simple customer reminder on WhatsApp for weekend availability.
Resources and review
- Need MWK 35,000 for sign updates and extra charging cable stock.
- Need one family member to cover lunch hours on market days.
- Review after 4 weeks using daily transaction records.