Introduction

Writing a business plan is overwhelming. Most people stare at a blank page not knowing where to start. Traditional business plans take weeks to write and often end up too generic or too complicated.

AI can help you create a solid business plan faster. But only if you use the right prompts that guide you through each section clearly.

You can use all the prompts on this page for free. A small reading window applies, but you still get full access to the content. Lucy+ simply unlocks unlimited reading time and more than 30,000 pro prompts.

This guide gives you 25 step-by-step prompts to create a complete business plan using AI.

Why Most Business Plans Fail

Most business plans fail because they are too vague, too optimistic, or copy templates without real thinking. Investors and lenders read hundreds of plans. They spot generic content instantly.

The best business plans are specific, realistic, and show deep understanding of the market and customer. They answer real questions with real data.

AI cannot do all the thinking for you. But it can help you organize ideas, identify gaps, and write clearly.

What Makes a Strong Business Plan

A strong business plan has clear sections: executive summary, company description, market analysis, organization structure, products or services, marketing strategy, financial projections, and funding needs.

Each section should be specific. Vague statements like "we will capture market share" mean nothing. Real plans include numbers, timelines, and actionable steps.

Your business plan should prove three things: there is a real problem, your solution works, and you can execute it.

How to Use These Prompts Correctly

These prompts follow the standard business plan structure. Use them in order, building each section before moving to the next.

Before you start, gather this information:

• Your business idea and what problem it solves

• Your target customer clearly defined

• Your competitors and what makes you different

• Your revenue model

• Your startup costs and funding needs

Every prompt includes instructions to keep AI responses clear, specific, and useful.

Top 25 Prompts for Business Plan Creation

Prompt 1: Executive Summary

Here is my business: [business name, what you sell or offer, to whom].
Here is the problem we solve: [customer pain point].
Here is our solution: [how your product or service helps].
Here is our market opportunity: [market size or growth].
Here is what we need: [funding amount or next milestone]

When to use this: Start here. This summarizes your entire plan.

Prompt 2: Company Description

Here is our company: [name, legal structure, location].
Here is what we do: [products or services in detail].
Here is our mission: [why we exist].
Here is what makes us different: [unique value proposition]

When to use this: After the executive summary.

Prompt 3: Problem Statement

Here is the problem our customers face: [describe the pain point in detail].
Here is how they currently deal with it: [existing solutions or workarounds].
Here is why current solutions fail: [gaps or limitations]

When to use this: To establish why your business matters.

Prompt 4: Solution Description

Here is our solution: [product or service details].
Here is how it solves the problem: [specific benefits].
Here is how it works: [key features or process]

When to use this: After defining the problem.

Prompt 5: Target Market Definition

Here is our ideal customer: [demographics, behaviors, needs].
Here is where they are: [geographic location or online presence].
Here is why they will buy: [motivations and pain points].
Here is how many exist: [market size estimate]

When to use this: To prove you understand your customer.

Prompt 6: Market Size Analysis

Here is our total addressable market: [total market size with source].
Here is our serviceable market: [portion we can realistically reach].
Here is our target market: [realistic first-year capture]

When to use this: To show market opportunity.

Prompt 7: Competitive Analysis

Here are our main competitors: [list 3-5 competitors].
Here is what they do well: [their strengths].
Here is where they fall short: [their weaknesses].
Here is how we are different: [our competitive advantage]

When to use this: To prove you understand your competition.

Prompt 8: Unique Value Proposition

Here is what we offer: [product or service].
Here is what makes us different: [specific differentiators].
Here is why customers will choose us: [compelling reasons]

When to use this: To articulate what sets you apart.

Prompt 9: Revenue Model

Here is how we make money: [revenue streams].
Here is our pricing: [price points and structure].
Here is why customers will pay this: [value justification]

When to use this: To show how you will generate income.

Prompt 10: Marketing Strategy

Here is how we will reach customers: [marketing channels].
Here is our messaging: [key marketing messages].
Here is our budget: [marketing spend allocation].
Here is our timeline: [marketing milestones]

When to use this: To explain customer acquisition.

Prompt 11: Sales Strategy

Here is our sales process: [how you will sell].
Here is our sales team: [who will sell and how many].
Here is our sales cycle: [how long from lead to close].
Here is our conversion rate estimate: [realistic percentage]

When to use this: To explain how you will close deals.

Prompt 12: Operations Plan

Here is how we deliver our product or service: [operations process].
Here are our key resources: [facilities, equipment, technology].
Here are our suppliers or partners: [key relationships].
Here is our timeline: [operational milestones]

When to use this: To show you can actually deliver.

Prompt 13: Management Team

Here is our team: [founders and key hires with backgrounds].
Here are our roles: [who does what].
Here are our qualifications: [relevant experience].
Here are our gaps: [roles we need to fill]

When to use this: To prove you have the right people.

Prompt 14: Organizational Structure

Here is our structure: [organizational chart or hierarchy].
Here are our departments: [key functional areas].
Here is our staffing plan: [hiring timeline and roles]

When to use this: To show how your team is organized.

Prompt 15: Product Development Timeline

Here is our current status: [development stage].
Here are our milestones: [key development goals].
Here is our timeline: [when each milestone will be reached].
Here are our risks: [potential delays or challenges]

When to use this: For products still in development.

Prompt 16: Customer Acquisition Cost

Here is how we acquire customers: [channels and tactics].
Here is what each channel costs: [cost breakdown].
Here is our expected CAC: [total cost per customer].
Here is our lifetime value: [LTV estimate]

When to use this: To show unit economics work.

Prompt 17: Financial Assumptions

Here are our key assumptions: [revenue growth, costs, pricing, etc.].
Here is why these are realistic: [justification for each].
Here are our risks: [what could change these assumptions]

When to use this: Before creating financial projections.

Prompt 18: Revenue Projections

Here are our revenue streams: [list each source].
Here is our year 1 projection: [realistic estimate with breakdown].
Here is our growth rate: [percentage and justification].
Here are our 3-year projections: [yearly breakdown]

When to use this: To forecast income.

Prompt 19: Expense Projections

Here are our fixed costs: [rent, salaries, etc.].
Here are our variable costs: [cost of goods sold, etc.].
Here are our one-time costs: [startup expenses].
Here is our monthly burn rate: [total monthly expenses]

When to use this: To forecast costs.

Prompt 20: Cash Flow Projection

Here is our starting cash: [initial capital].
Here is our monthly revenue: [projected income].
Here is our monthly expenses: [projected costs].
Here is our runway: [months until we need more funding]

When to use this: To show when you run out of money.

Prompt 21: Break-Even Analysis

Here are our fixed costs: [monthly total].
Here are our variable costs per unit: [cost breakdown].
Here is our price per unit: [selling price].
Here is our break-even point: [units or revenue needed]

When to use this: To show path to profitability.

Prompt 22: Funding Request

Here is how much we need: [specific amount].
Here is what we will use it for: [detailed allocation].
Here is our timeline: [when we need it and how we will deploy it].
Here is what investors get: [equity, terms, or return]

When to use this: When seeking investment or loans.

Prompt 23: Exit Strategy

Here are potential exit paths: [acquisition, IPO, etc.].
Here is our timeline: [realistic exit timeframe].
Here are comparable exits: [similar companies that exited]

When to use this: For investor-focused plans.

Prompt 24: Risk Analysis

Here are our key risks: [market, execution, financial, competitive].
Here is how likely each is: [probability assessment].
Here is how we will mitigate: [risk management strategies]

When to use this: To show you understand challenges.

Prompt 25: Milestones and Metrics

Here are our key milestones: [specific goals with dates].
Here are our success metrics: [KPIs we will track].
Here is how we will measure progress: [tracking methods]

When to use this: To show accountability and progress tracking.

Common Business Plan Mistakes to Avoid

Being too optimistic. Conservative projections are more credible.

Ignoring competition. Saying you have no competition is a red flag.

Vague market definition. "Everyone" is not a target market.

No clear revenue model. Explain exactly how you make money.

Unrealistic timelines. Things always take longer than planned.

Missing financial details. Show your math on all projections.

No risk assessment. Every business has risks. Acknowledge them.

Poor formatting. Make it easy to read and navigate.

Typos and errors. Proofread carefully before sharing.

Too long. Keep it under 30 pages unless absolutely necessary.

How to Make These Prompts Work Even Better

Do real research first. AI cannot make up market data or competitive intelligence.

Use actual numbers. Replace estimates with real data whenever possible.

Cite sources. Back up market claims with credible sources.

Get feedback. Show drafts to mentors, advisors, or potential customers.

Update regularly. Business plans should evolve as you learn.

Keep it readable. Use clear headings, bullet points, and white space.

Include visuals. Charts and graphs make financial data clearer.

Test assumptions. Validate your projections with early customers or pilots.

What Investors Look For

Investors want to see three things: a big market opportunity, a strong team, and proof of traction.

They look for realistic projections backed by solid assumptions. They want to understand your competitive advantage. They need to see a clear path to profitability.

The best business plans answer questions before investors ask them.

What Lenders Look For

Lenders care about cash flow and collateral. They want to see that you can repay the loan.

They look for conservative projections, proven revenue, and personal investment from founders.

They need to understand your risk mitigation strategies and backup plans.

How to Edit AI Output for Better Results

AI gives you structure and content. But you must add specifics.

Replace generic statements with specific data. Change "large market" to "15 million potential customers."

Add real customer quotes or examples. Show you have talked to real people.

Include actual financial data. Use real costs, not estimates.

Personalize the writing. Make it sound like you, not a robot.

Cut fluff. Remove any sentence that does not add value.

Verify all claims. Make sure every statement is defensible.

Add supporting documents. Include market research, letters of intent, or partnership agreements in appendix.

Final Tips for Strong Business Plans

Start with research. Do not write until you have data.

Be honest. Overpromising hurts credibility.

Show traction. Early sales or user growth matter more than projections.

Keep it concise. Respect reader time.

Make it visual. Use charts for financial data.

Proofread thoroughly. Errors signal carelessness.

Get professional review. Have an accountant check financials.

Create an executive summary deck. Most investors want a pitch deck too.

Update it regularly. Treat it as a living document.

Practice presenting it. You will need to explain it verbally.

FAQ

1. Can I use these prompts for free?

Yes. You can use every prompt on this page for free. The reading window applies, but the content is fully accessible.

2. Do these prompts work with ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini?

Yes. These prompts work with all major AI tools.

3. How long should my business plan be?

Aim for 15-25 pages for the main plan, plus appendices if needed.

4. Should I edit the AI's output?

Always. Add your specific data, verify claims, and personalize the writing.

5. Do I need all these sections?

Yes for investor-focused plans. You can simplify for internal planning.

6. How detailed should financial projections be?

Show monthly detail for year 1, quarterly for year 2, annually for years 3-5.

7. What is the difference between free prompts and Lucy+ prompts?

Lucy+ unlocks unlimited reading time and access to more than 30,000 professional prompts. The free library already includes powerful, usable prompts.

8. Can AI write my entire business plan?

No. AI can help structure and draft, but you must provide the research, data, and specific details.

9. Should I hire someone to write my business plan?

Only if you truly cannot do it yourself. You need to deeply understand every section.

10. How often should I update my business plan?

Review quarterly and update whenever major assumptions change or you pivot.

If you want to explore more, Lucy+ gives access to more than 30,000 professional prompts for 10 USD per month. No pressure. Most of the powerful prompts are already free in the library.