Business Model Canvas Template for Small Business
This business model canvas template helps you map your business model on one page. It is ideal for testing an idea, clarifying how you make money and aligning your priorities before writing a longer plan.
What is a business model canvas?
A business model canvas is a simple framework that shows how your business creates value, delivers it and captures revenue. It is useful for early stage planning, strategy refreshes and communicating the model clearly.
How to fill out the canvas
- Customer segments who you serve and who pays
- Value proposition what you do and why customers choose you
- Channels how customers find you and buy
- Customer relationships how you support and retain customers
- Revenue streams how you earn and pricing structure
- Key activities what must happen weekly for the business to run
- Key resources tools, people, skills or assets required
- Key partners suppliers or partners that support delivery
- Cost structure core costs and major expense drivers
Canvas vs business plan
The canvas is a fast strategic overview. A business plan turns the overview into goals, actions, timelines and financial detail. Many small businesses use the canvas first, then build a simple plan around it.
Examples and guidance
If you want to see how plans are structured in practice, use this page for reference. View small business plan examples.
Related templates and tools
- Simple Business Plan Template
- Business Proposal Template
- Cash Flow Template for Small Business
- Business Budget Template
- Financial Projections Template
Tip: keep answers specific. If a box feels vague, rewrite it until it describes what you actually do in plain language.
FAQ
What is a business model canvas?
A business model canvas is a one page framework that shows how a business creates value, delivers it to customers and generates revenue.
What are the 9 sections of the business model canvas?
Customer segments, value proposition, channels, customer relationships, revenue streams, key activities, key resources, key partners, and cost structure.
Business model canvas vs business plan, what is the difference?
A canvas is a fast strategic overview. A business plan turns the overview into goals, actions, timelines and financial detail. Related page: Simple Business Plan Template.
Do I need cash flow and budgeting with a business model canvas?
If you want the model to be realistic, it helps to map costs and revenue assumptions using budget, cash flow and projections templates. Related pages: Business Budget Template, Cash Flow Template, Financial Projections Template.
Where can I see examples of small business plans?
You can review example plan structures to support your planning and writing. Related page: Small Business Plan Examples.