As a coach, you are a REAL business owner – even if it’s just you running the show! And as a business owner, you’ve probably heard that you need a business plan. A business plan for coaches sometimes can be very different from traditional business plan templates, so I want to break down what you actually need and how to make sure you create a business plan that is genuinely useful.
If you’ve ever googled “business plan” or looked at a business plan template, you’ve probably found yourself feeling overwhelmed. Pages and pages of information that seem to have little relevance to your business. It’s easy to feel like you don’t even know where to start.
I get it – I’ve seen so many business owners question their ability to create a plan after diving into those traditional business templates. But here’s the thing: it’s 2026, and I’m here to tell you that you probably don’t need most of what you’ll find in those “old school” business plans – especially if you’re not seeking outside funding.
Instead, think of the business plan as a tool for you, the business owner. The point is to make sure it’s useful to you. Anything that doesn’t serve that purpose doesn’t need to be included.
What Should Your Coaching Business Plan Include?
At a high level, here’s what you want to make sure is in your business plan:
- What Is Your Business?
Clearly define what your business is and what you do. For example, as a coach, what specific problems do you solve for your clients? - Who Do You Serve?
Who are your ideal clients? What do they need from you, and how do you help them? Think about your industry and niche. - What Is Your Business Model?
What are your offers, and how are they structured? Will you offer 1:1 coaching, group programs, online courses, or something else? How do you deliver your work? - What Are Your Financial Goals?
What do you want to earn this year, next year, and beyond? Break it down and define how your offers will help you meet these financial goals. - How Will You Market Your Business?
Marketing is a key part of reaching your financial goals. Think about where and how you will market your services. Which social media platforms do you plan to use, and why?
Depending on your business, you might want to tweak these categories or add others that would be helpful to you. But remember, the ultimate purpose of a business plan is to create a useful tool that helps you define and stay aligned with your goals, not to overwhelm you with unnecessary details.
Creating a Business Plan That Works for You
The beauty of a business plan is that it should be customized to what works for YOU. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling, this plan should serve as a roadmap to help you stay focused, take action, and achieve your goals.
If you’re feeling unsure about where to start or need some guidance on how to make your business plan work for you, I can help.
Ready to Get Focused and Build the Business You Want?
If you’re ready to move forward with a clear, actionable plan, I offer 1:1 coaching where we can work together to create a plan that aligns with your business vision and goals. We’ll dive into your offers, strategies, and financial targets, so you can build a business that fits your life and vision. I even offer a single strategy session where we can create your business plan together.
During our sessions, I’ll help you craft a business strategy that makes sense for YOU – not the thing that worked for someone else 5 years ago. Let’s figure out exactly what you need to grow and scale in a way that feels good and brings in clients who are aligned with your work.
Click here to apply for 1:1 coaching and take the next step in building your coaching business.
