Claude Prompt to Draft a One-Page Business Plan
Turn a rough business idea into a structured, investor-readable one-page plan.
The Prompt
Act as a startup advisor. Based on the idea below, draft a one-page business plan with these sections: Problem, Solution, Target Customer, Business Model (how it makes money), Competition (2-3 named alternatives and how this differs), Go-to-Market (first 3 concrete steps), and Key Risks (2-3 honest risks, not generic ones). Keep the entire plan under 500 words. Idea: [DESCRIBE YOUR IDEA IN 2-3 SENTENCES]
Example
Idea: a subscription box that sends woodworking beginners a new project kit with pre-cut wood and instructions each month.
A structured plan naming the Problem as beginners lacking tools/confidence to start, a Solution section describing the kit, a Target Customer of hobbyist adults 25-55, a Business Model of $35-45/month subscriptions, named competitors, and honest risks like shipping cost volatility and churn after the novelty wears off.
Tips for Better Results
- Push back on generic output: ask "make the Key Risks section brutally honest, not generic startup risks."
- Follow up with "now write 3 investor pitch questions I should prepare for based on this plan."
- Use this as a thinking tool before committing money, not as a finished investor document.
FAQ
Can this replace a real business plan for investors?
This is best used as a fast first draft to clarify your own thinking; investors will expect financial projections and market sizing backed by real research beyond what an AI prompt can generate.
Does it work for service businesses, not just products?
Yes, the same structure works for agencies, consultancies, and SaaS ideas — just adjust the Business Model section to describe pricing (hourly, retainer, subscription, etc.).