10 Free Business Planning Courses Every Entrepreneur Should Take

Your Business Plan Matters by Udemy, Business Plan Writing 101 by Wharton School, Business Planning Foundations by Udemy, and Nuts and Bolts of Business Plans by MIT OpenCourseWare are some of the free business planning courses that every entrepreneur should take. Let's explore more about these courses. 

A meticulously crafted business plan is more than just a document; it is a strategic blueprint that provides direction, outlines objectives, and sets actionable steps for achieving business success. Whether one is at the inception stage or looking to scale an existing enterprise, a well-structured business plan is essential for defining vision, securing funding, and ensuring sustainable growth. 

These plans address multiple facets, such as organisational structure, market positioning, financial forecasts, and marketing strategies. For aspiring entrepreneurs, free online courses offer a practical and accessible way to build or refine these critical skills. 

Below is a comprehensive list of ten free business planning courses that equip learners with the tools necessary to excel.

10 free business planning courses

1. Your Business Plan Matters

Platform: Udemy
Duration: 34 minutes

This concise yet impactful course on Udemy focuses on helping participants align their business objectives with strategic planning. Although particularly tailored for authors, the principles it outlines are widely applicable. The course delves into evaluating key components of a business, such as market positioning, revenue streams, and areas requiring improvement. By offering a framework to create a personalised business plan playbook, the course enhances participants' strategic thinking capabilities. It equips learners with the tools to design a well-defined and persuasive plan that effectively guides their career aspirations and business goals.

2. Small Business: The Business Plan

Platform: Alison
Duration: 1.5–3 hours

This comprehensive course provides a thorough understanding of how to create a detailed business plan. It covers the entire process, from conceptualising an idea to its execution, and offers insights into choosing the right funding strategies for various business models. The curriculum includes guidance on managing startup costs, projecting financial outcomes, and navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship. By bridging theoretical knowledge with real-world application, this course is ideal for those new to entrepreneurship and eager to master the nuances of business planning.

3. Business Plan Writing 101

Platform: Wharton School, YouTube
Duration: Self-paced

This workshop, presented by Patrick FitzGerald of the Wharton School, is an excellent resource for understanding the essentials of creating an effective business plan. Drawing on FitzGerald’s extensive experience at DreamIt Ventures, the course focuses on critical elements such as financial forecasting, market analysis, and articulating a clear value proposition. It emphasises practical approaches to structuring a plan and avoiding common pitfalls, making it particularly useful for entrepreneurs seeking to meet the expectations of investors and stakeholders.

4. Plan Your Business

Platform: Udemy
Duration: 1.15 hours

"Plan Your Business" offers a detailed exploration of modern business model frameworks and canvas development. The course introduces concepts such as value proposition design, entrepreneurial evolution, and organisational structure within startups. Participants gain a robust understanding of the essential elements required to navigate the business landscape effectively. Modules on business model innovation and organisational dynamics are particularly beneficial for entrepreneurs refining their ideas and enhancing their strategic planning skills.

5. The Complete How to Write Business Plan Course

Platform: Young Entrepreneurs Forum, YouTube
Duration: Self-paced

This extensive course simplifies the complexities of creating a business plan. It begins by addressing the purpose of such a plan and progresses to teach participants how to outline goals, strategies, and financial projections. Core topics include market analysis, organisational structuring, and product or service development. By breaking down each component, the course enables learners to produce compelling, investor-ready business plans that effectively communicate their vision and objectives.

6. How to Create a Simple Business Plan in Hours

Platform: Udemy
Duration: 1.25 hours

This course demystifies the business planning process by breaking it into digestible sections. It provides participants with actionable guidance on developing clear objectives, conducting market research, and formulating growth strategies. The course also addresses the importance of effective communication, ensuring that business plans resonate with stakeholders, including investors and internal teams. Its emphasis on simplicity and clarity makes it an ideal starting point for beginners.

7. Business Planning: How to Write Your Business Plan (Canada)

Platform: Alison
Duration: 2–3 hours

This course is tailored specifically for entrepreneurs operating in or entering the Canadian market. It thoroughly examines key components of a business plan, including market research, operational strategies, and financial forecasting. Participants are guided through interactive lessons on drafting and refining business strategies while considering Canada’s regulatory and business environment. This course equips learners with the tools to create plans that appeal to Canadian investors and comply with local requirements.

8. Business Planning Foundations

Platform: Udemy
Duration: 32 minutes

This concise course offers a foundational understanding of business planning, focusing on defining product or service offerings and creating revenue models. It also explores strategies for designing a product development roadmap and establishing a go-to-market strategy. This course is particularly useful for entrepreneurs seeking a quick yet thorough introduction to business planning essentials, enabling them to apply insights immediately to their ventures.

9. Nuts and Bolts of Business Plans

Platform: MIT OpenCourseWare, YouTube
Duration: Self-paced

Offered by MIT, this course provides a detailed and practical guide to business plan creation. It highlights the importance of understanding target audiences, identifying their needs, and crafting solutions that address these requirements. The course also covers effective strategies for presenting business plans to investors, including articulating value propositions and defending business models. Entrepreneurs aiming to create scalable and sustainable ventures will find this course invaluable.

10. Making a Business Plan that Investors Like

Platform: Udemy
Duration: 1.15 hours

This course is designed to help entrepreneurs create investor-friendly business plans. It focuses on conducting a comprehensive SWOT analysis, financial forecasting, and crafting profit and loss projections. Participants learn to finalise business plans with clarity and professionalism, ensuring they appeal to potential investors. The course provides actionable insights into effectively presenting business plans, making it an excellent resource for those seeking funding or partnerships.

Final thoughts 

Business planning is a vital skill for entrepreneurs, providing the foundation for turning innovative ideas into thriving enterprises. The ten courses outlined here offer valuable tools and practical knowledge to create robust business plans. From financial forecasting to market analysis and strategic goal setting, these courses equip entrepreneurs with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of the business world. 

By participating in these free resources, learners can gain confidence in their ability to craft plans that align with their business aspirations and meet stakeholder expectations. These courses represent a significant step toward ensuring the success and sustainability of any entrepreneurial venture.