Business plans typically come in four basic types, each of which serves a different purpose.
The first type is a Start-up Plan. This plan is used to help entrepreneurs get their new businesses up and running. It outlines what the business is, how it will make money, and the team and resources needed to start it.
The second type is a Growth Plan. This plan is used to help existing businesses expand and grow. It considers the current state of the business, where it wants to go and the resources and strategies needed to get there.
The third type is an Operational Plan. This plan is used to guide day-to-day operations and help businesses stay on track towards achieving their goals. It outlines business processes, strategies, systems and operations that need to be tracked, monitored and improved.
The fourth type is a Strategic Plan. This plan is used to align all levels of the organization, from individual contributors all the way up to executives. It outlines the big-picture goals of the organization, how these goals will be achieved and the strategies, tactics, and resources needed to do so.