A business plan is a formal statement of a set of business goals, the reasons why they are believed attainable, and the plan for reaching those goals. It may also contain background information about the organization or team attempting to reach those goals".
Focus of a business plan
Externally focused plans target goals that are important to external stakeholders, particularly financial stakeholders. They typically have detailed information about the organization or team attempting to reach the goals
Internally focused business plans target intermediate goals required to reach the external goals. They may cover the development of a new product, a new service, a new IT system, a restructuring of finance, or the refurbishing of a factory.
Categories of a Business Plan
Business Plan For Profit - Typically focuses on financial goals
Marketing Plan - Targets changes in perception and branding as its primary goals
Project Plan - Describes the goals of a particular project
Business Plan for Non-profit and government agency - Tends to focus on service goals
Operational Plans - Describes the goals of an internal organization, working group or department.
