Seeds Business Foundations

Creating a Business Plan

Queensland Indigenous Business Network

March 18, 2026

Once you have your business idea, business name, and business structure, you can start developing your business plan. Business plans are structured documents that explain what the business does, why it exists and how it intends to keep operating in the future. It brings all the elements of business into one document, including the purpose, market, people, risks, finances and operations. It also helps maintain a record of registrations and other important business details.

The business plan is then built upon throughout your business journey. If you start with the basics and keep it saved somewhere easily accessible, then each time a business decision is made, a registration or licence is acquired, or an asset is purchased, it’s recorded in the business plan. The idea is to provide direction and clarity for the business. The Business Plan can be used to communicate with others, such as lenders, investors, partners, and government agencies, who rely on it to understand how your business operates and whether it’s viable.

To start your business Plan, download the Business Plan Template.

Download Template

One-Page Action Plan

Before or alongside your Business Plan, many business owners find it useful to complete a one-page action plan. This is a short, practical planning tool that focuses on immediate priorities rather than long-term strategy. It helps you translate ideas into concrete next steps.

One-Page Action plans will help you decide what needs to be done, who is responsible, when it will be completed and what resources are required. It’s designed to be simple enough to revisit weekly. While the business plan sets the direction, the action plan keeps daily work aligned with that direction.

Download Plan

SWOT Analysis

As you navigate your business journey, it’s important to take a moment to think about what’s going well and what might need some work. This kind of reflection not only helps you gain a clearer understanding but also enables you to make smart business decisions.

One helpful method for this is called a SWOT analysis. It looks at four key areas: your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. By using this approach, you can honestly evaluate where you stand, without aiming for an unrealistic idea of perfection. To help you with this self-assessment, use the SWOT Template from Business.gov.au, available to help guide you through each important part of your business.

Download Template

Use these documents as the foundation for your business and build on them as your business grows.

Once you have the foundations, we can move on to the Legal, Registration and Compliance requirements of your business.

Next Step - Legal, Registration and Compliance