How to Write a Simple Business Plan That Actually Works

Many Ghanaian entrepreneurs skip writing a business plan because they think it’s only for big companies. But the truth is — if you’re running any kind of business (whether selling food, cosmetics, electronics, or providing services), a simple business plan is your roadmap to success.

A business plan helps you:

• Stay focused and organized

• Attract investors or partners

• Apply for business grants or loans

• Avoid wasting time and money

In this guide, you’ll learn how to write a clear and simple business plan, even if you’ve never written one before.

What is a Business Plan?

A business plan is a written document that explains:

• What your business is

• What you’re selling

• Who your customers are

• How you’ll make money

• What your goals are

• How you’ll achieve those goals

You don’t need fancy English or expensive consultants. You just need to be clear and realistic.

Structure: 7 Simple Sections of a Business Plan

Below are the 7 main parts of a small business plan that you can write on your own:

1. Executive Summary

This is a short summary of your business. Write it last — but place it first.

Include:

• Your business name and location

• What product/service you offer

• Your target customers

• Why your business will succeed

Example:
Ama’s Kitchen is a local food delivery business based in Ho, Volta Region. We prepare healthy Ghanaian meals and deliver to busy workers, students, and households. With increasing demand for convenient, home-cooked food, Ama’s Kitchen aims to serve over 200 customers monthly by 2026.

2. Business Description

This section explains what your business does and your motivation.

Include:

• Business name

• Type of business (retail, service, food, etc.)

• Legal structure (e.g., sole proprietorship)

• Mission/vision statement

Tip: Use simple language.

Example:
Ama’s Kitchen is a food delivery startup that specializes in local dishes like jollof, waakye, and fufu. We operate as a sole proprietorship registered with the Registrar General. Our mission is to make affordable, home-cooked meals accessible to busy people in Ho.

3. Market Research

Show that you understand your customers and your market.

Include:

• Your target market (e.g., students, workers, mothers)

• What problem your product solves

• Your competitors and how you’re different

Example:
Our target market is working-class individuals and students in Ho who do not have time to cook. While other restaurants offer food, many don’t deliver or lack local dishes. Ama’s Kitchen focuses on fast delivery, local meals, and hygiene.

4. Marketing & Sales Strategy

How will you find customers and make sales?

Include:

• Pricing strategy (cheap, moderate, premium)

• Sales channels (WhatsApp, Instagram, shop, referrals)

• Promotions (discounts, loyalty cards, flyers)

Example:
We will use WhatsApp Business to take orders, Facebook to post menus, and offer ₵5 discounts for first-time customers. We’ll also deliver for free within town to increase customer loyalty.

5. Products or Services

List and explain what you sell and why it’s valuable.

Include:

• Your main products or services

• Features and benefits

• Pricing

Example:
Ama’s Kitchen offers lunch and dinner meals including jollof rice, waakye, and fufu with light soup. Prices range from ₵20–₵40. We also cater for small events and corporate offices.

6. Operational Plan

Explain how your business will run day-to-day.

Include:

• Your location and resources

• Tools/equipment needed

• How you’ll deliver your service

Example:
Meals will be prepared from a rented kitchen space in Ho. Deliveries will be made using a motorbike. We’ll use Mobile Money for payment, and a simple Excel sheet to track daily sales.

7. Financial Plan

Show your expected income and expenses.

Include:

• Estimated startup cost

• Monthly operating cost

• Monthly sales projections

• Profit estimate

Example:

Extra Tips for Ghanaian Business Owners

• Keep it short: 3 to 5 pages is fine for a small business

• Use local data: Include observations from your area, not just internet stats

• Be realistic: Don’t overestimate your profit

• Use free tools: Google Docs, Canva, and Google Sheets help with formatting

Who Can Use This Type of Plan?

This plan style is ideal for local businesses in Ghana or West Africa who want to organize and grow without spending on consultants.

Real-Life Example:

Kojo is a university student in Cape Coast. He sells sneakers and t-shirts online. After writing a simple 5-page business plan, he:

• Started tracking his monthly profit

• Switched from regular WhatsApp to WhatsApp Business

• Applied for a ₵5,000 youth loan — and got approved

He now makes over ₵1,200 profit every month — all because he took his hustle seriously.

Summary Checklist for Your Business Plan

Start Simple, Start Smart

Don’t be afraid of the concept of a business plan. Writing a basic plan enables you to think clearly and act with confidence, regardless of whether you sell services, food, clothing, or cosmetics.

Simply write it in your own words, print it, and use it as a guide for your journey; you don’t have to be an expert. It is a map of your business.

Get started now, and you’ll see your side project grow into a well-run, lucrative company!