The One-Page Business Plan for Scrappy Founders

Published on August 12, 2025

Traditional business plans are a joke. They're long, they're boring, and they're usually obsolete the moment they're printed. For a scrappy founder who needs to stay nimble and adapt to a constantly changing market, a 50-page business plan is a waste of time. What you need is a one-page business plan, a simple but powerful tool that can help you stay focused, aligned, and agile.

The Power of a Single Page

A one-page business plan is not about cramming as much information as possible onto a single page. It's about distilling your business down to its essential components. It's about forcing yourself to be clear, concise, and ruthless in your prioritization. It's a living, breathing document that you can update on a regular basis, and it's a powerful tool for communicating your vision to your team, your investors, and yourself.

The Essential Components of a One-Page Business Plan

Here's what you need to include:

  • The Problem: What is the problem you're trying to solve, and for whom?
  • The Solution: What is your unique solution to that problem?
  • The Target Market: Who is your ideal customer? Be as specific as possible.
  • The Competition: Who are your main competitors, and what is your unique advantage over them?
  • The Revenue Model: How will you make money?
  • The Key Metrics: What are the one or two key metrics that you will use to measure your success?

"A good plan, violently executed now, is better than a perfect plan next week." - George S. Patton

A Tool for Action, Not a Work of Art

Your one-page business plan is not a work of art. It's a tool for action. It's a guide that can help you make better decisions, stay focused on what matters, and communicate your vision with clarity and conviction. It's a document that should be on your desk, not in a drawer. It's a constant reminder of why you started this journey in the first place.

So, ditch the 50-page business plan and embrace the power of a single page. It's the scrappy founder's secret weapon, and it might just be the thing that helps you turn your vision into a reality.