Creating a business plan: How to steer every phase of your business

What goes into a good business plan?

A solid business plan answers the core questions of your business — but what exactly you describe depends on the stage your business is in. While many people think a business plan is only useful at the start, it remains valuable throughout your entrepreneurial journey.

As a startup, you use a business plan to clearly define what you offer, who your target audience is, and how you stand out from the competition. You outline your investments, revenue expectations, and when you anticipate becoming profitable. You also reflect on potential risks and how you’ll respond to them.

If you already have several years of experience as an entrepreneur, your focus shifts more toward strategic growth. You answer questions such as: How effective is your current approach? Which processes can be improved? What is the impact of investments, hiring, or digitalization on your results? Writing these answers down in a business plan helps you stay on track and seize new opportunities.

In times of reorientation or business transfer, your business plan serves as a foundation for past decisions and a vision for the future. You clarify how your business is structured, what its value is, and what is needed to ensure continuity. It also includes succession or sales strategies where relevant.

Together with Ondernemersklankbord, you’ll work on a realistic and usable business plan tailored to your situation. An experienced OKB advisor will help you translate your story into clear, concrete writing — strengthening your position with investors, partners, or buyers. It will also bring you clarity and focus for yourself.

How can an experienced advisor help create your business plan?

A local OKB advisor supports you as a fellow entrepreneur — on a voluntary basis. Someone who has first-hand experience in developing strategies. Your advisor helps you assess your current situation, determine what you need, and guides you through writing a business plan that fits your goals and context.

Every entrepreneur, in every phase, encounters key challenges. Often, the answers to these challenges lie in a well-written business plan — especially when you’re adjusting your course, looking for investors, or planning succession. A good business plan gives you the confidence to navigate change.

Brothers Bram and Jeroen Joosten of PJP Film & Studio discovered this themselves. Over time, they had lost oversight of their business, but with help from OKB advisor Piet Fleuren, they created a business plan that gave them back control over their finances. They learned to better calculate projects, which helped their company grow again.

A valuable investment in your business

The OKB coaching program typically lasts six months, but you can opt for a shorter period. Extensions are always possible. The one-time fee is €200, regardless of duration. You’ll receive guidance from a dedicated, independent OKB advisor familiar with your region. OKB advisors are former entrepreneurs or were specialists in the business world — think of accountants, directors, legal experts, or marketing professionals.

During this six-month period, you’ll work closely with your advisor on your business plan, track your progress, and receive specific feedback on your plans and approach. This increases your chances of building a successful business.

Start today

Are you currently preparing for the start, growth, reorientation, or transfer of your business? Then now is the perfect time to draft your business plan — and Ondernemersklankbord is here to help. Reach out to us for an initial, no-obligation conversation. You can then decide whether to continue with the program.

Together, we’ll create a business plan that prepares you thoroughly for your next entrepreneurial step. Contact us with any questions or to schedule an intake session. You can also sign up directly.