What is a business plan?

A business plan is a document in which you write out the goals for your business, the steps you'll take to achieve those goals, and the timeframe in which you want to achieve them. You can use a business plan both as an aspirational document to motivate you to perform well in your business and as a tool to attract investors to your business venture. Your business plan may also include strategies for the marketing and promotion of your business. If you consult your business plan regularly, you'll be able to find incentives and encouragement to help you reach the goals you set.

Why is it important to learn to write a business plan?

When you write a business plan, it can serve as a blueprint for developing and growing your business. Your business plan serves as a means of accountability to yourself for the business you seek to start. The goals you set in your business plan, along with the steps and timeframe you map out for reaching those goals, will be your prime motivator for success. When you've written your business plan well, it can help you reach your goals more effectively and efficiently. You can also use your business plan as a way to attract investors. Lenders are more likely to fund your business if you're able to show them a workable plan.

How can online courses on Coursera help me learn how to write a business plan?

Online courses on Coursera can help you write an effective business plan by showing you both the fundamentals and practical applications of business plan development. The suite of online courses on Coursera can show you the basics of entrepreneurship, or you can study deeper topics like social media for startups, business for entrepreneurs in creative fields, and how to seek international financing for your business. Think of online courses on Coursera as a source of knowledge that can help you achieve success as a business owner.

What are the benefits of taking an online Business Plan course?

Online Business Plan courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your existing knowledge or learn new Business Plan skills. With a wide range of Business Plan classes, you can conveniently learn at your own pace to advance your Business Plan career skills.

What Business Plan courses are best for training and upskilling employees or the workforce?

When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Business Plan, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here .

Top Business Plan Courses - Learn Business Plan Online

Explore the Business Plan Course Catalog

HEC Paris
Leading Innovation With Creativity University Certificate
Skills you'll gain: Design Thinking, Active Listening, Innovation, Creativity, Organizational Structure, Business Modeling, Talent Management, Creative Thinking, Self-Awareness, Consumer Behaviour, Leadership Development, Creative Problem-Solving, Organizational Effectiveness, Entrepreneurship, Technology Strategies, Business Strategy, Leadership, Strategic Thinking, Strategic Decision-Making, Human Centered Design
University Certificate · 6 - 12 Months
Status: New
National Academy of Sports Medicine
Self-Guided Wellness Coaching
Skills you'll gain: Goal Setting, Growth Mindedness, Overcoming Obstacles, Goal-Oriented, Personal Development, Empowerment, Coaching, Behavior Management, Self-Awareness, Self-Motivation, Action Oriented, Lifelong Learning, Positivity, Planning
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Universidad de Palermo
Maestría en Dirección de Empresas (MBA)
Skills you'll gain: Business Modeling, Data Storytelling, Selling Techniques, Human Capital, Business Process Management, Portfolio Management, Business Planning, Business Analytics, Strategic Marketing, Digital Transformation, Equities, Management Accounting, Organizational Strategy, Corporate Sustainability, Entrepreneurial Finance, Market Dynamics, B2B Sales, Statistical Methods, Marketing Planning, Teamwork
Earn a degree
Degree · 1 - 4 Years
Status: New
National Academy of Sports Medicine
Protein Intake for Vegan Diets
Skills you'll gain: Planning, Food and Beverage, Preventative Care, Needs Assessment, Detail Oriented
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Universidad de Palermo
Administración de Empresas Certificado MasterTrack®
Skills you'll gain: Human Capital, Human Resource Strategy, Business Process Management, Strategic Marketing, Business Process, Organizational Strategy, Marketing, Strategic Leadership, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Human Resources Management and Planning, Process Management, Talent Management, Technology Strategies, Marketing Management, People Development, Performance Measurement, Consumer Behaviour, Marketing Planning, Brand Strategy, Marketing Strategies
Credit offered
Mastertrack · 6 - 12 Months
Status: New
National Academy of Sports Medicine
Smart Grocery Shopping Choices for Optimal Nutrition
Skills you'll gain: Personal Care, Health Assessment, Food and Beverage, Product Knowledge, Planning, Preventative Care, Decision Making, Learning Strategies, Resourcefulness, Overcoming Obstacles
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
Certificado en Toma de Decisiones Basadas en Datos
Skills you'll gain: Descriptive Analytics, Business Analytics, Database Design, NoSQL, Statistical Reporting, SQL, Data Ethics, Digital Transformation, Query Languages, Data Mining, Databases, Data Analysis, R Programming, Big Data, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Predictive Analytics, Organizational Structure, Business Transformation, Organizational Strategy, Value Propositions
Credit offered
Mastertrack · 6 - 12 Months
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Financial Management Graduate Certificate
Skills you'll gain: Data Visualization, Data Storytelling, Management Accounting, Fund Accounting, Operations Management, Mergers & Acquisitions, Financial Statement Analysis, Marketing, Risk Management, Machine Learning Algorithms, Extract, Transform, Load, Business Strategy, Financial Auditing, Descriptive Statistics, Process Improvement, Marketing Analytics, Generative AI, Financial Market, Strategic Decision-Making, Corporate Tax
Credit offered
Graduate Certificate · 6 - 12 Months
Status: New
National Academy of Sports Medicine
Fitness Coaching Strategies for Weight Loss
Skills you'll gain: Coaching, Health Assessment, Creative Problem-Solving, Program Standards, Mentorship, Injury Prevention, Patient Education and Support, Goal Setting
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Value Chain Management Graduate Certificate
Skills you'll gain: Data Visualization, Data Storytelling, Management Accounting, Fund Accounting, Operations Management, Mergers & Acquisitions, Financial Statement Analysis, Marketing, Risk Management, Machine Learning Algorithms, Extract, Transform, Load, Business Strategy, Financial Auditing, Descriptive Statistics, Process Improvement, Marketing Analytics, Generative AI, Financial Market, Strategic Decision-Making, Corporate Tax
Credit offered
Graduate Certificate · 6 - 12 Months
S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research
Post Graduate Diploma in Management Online
Skills you'll gain: Mergers & Acquisitions, Search Engine Marketing, Design Thinking, Working Capital, Operations Management, Business Valuation, Competitive Analysis, Manufacturing Operations, Business Strategy, Supply Chain Management, Digital Transformation, Consumer Behaviour, Persuasive Communication, Organizational Leadership, Integrated Marketing Communications, Organizational Change, Change Management, Financial Statement Analysis, Portfolio Management, Technical Consulting
Earn a degree
Degree · 1 - 4 Years
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Graduate Certificate in Taxation
Skills you'll gain: Data Visualization, Data Storytelling, Management Accounting, Fund Accounting, Operations Management, Mergers & Acquisitions, Financial Statement Analysis, Marketing, Risk Management, Machine Learning Algorithms, Extract, Transform, Load, Business Strategy, Financial Auditing, Descriptive Statistics, Process Improvement, Marketing Analytics, Generative AI, Financial Market, Strategic Decision-Making, Corporate Tax
Credit offered
Graduate Certificate · 6 - 12 Months