We’ve assembled the top free business model canvas templates in multiple formats. You’ll learn the main components of a business model canvas, how to create a business model canvas, and when to use a business model canvas. Included in this article, you’ll also find a Lean business model canvas template, a social enterprise business model canvas template, an e-commerce business model canvas template, a tech startup business model canvas template, and more.
By
Kate Eby
|
December 28, 2018
(updated August 29, 2024)
Simple Business Model Canvas Template
Download this template when you need to outline your business ideas or plan a project. To use it, follow the designated sections to record your key partnerships, activities, value proposition, customer relationships, customer segments, resources, channels, cost structure, and revenue streams. Once you’ve filled it out, you’ll have a complete overview of your business strategy.
Entrepreneurs and small businesses can use this template to iterate their business ideas. Use it during the early stages of development when you need to ensure your idea is both viable and competitive. To use it, fill in each section, including customer segments, unique value proposition, solution, channels, key metrics, cost structure, and revenue streams.
Social entrepreneurs and organizations can use this template when determining how their enterprise will achieve both social impact and financial viability. To use it, fill in each section, including social problem and solution, key partnerships, value proposition, customer relationships, revenue streams, and social impact to create an impactful business model.
This template is useful for entrepreneurs and business strategists looking to refine their business models. To use it, fill in each section — including key partners, key activities, key resources, value proposition, and customer relationships — with relevant details specific to your business to create a comprehensive overview and identify areas for improvement.
Smartsheet templates go beyond just a static spreadsheet and provide everything you need in one place. Easily manage your work with a familiar interface, beautiful dashboards, and intuitive reports, so everyone on your team is on the same page.
Founders and strategic planners at tech startups can use this template to outline their business components. Simply enter details for key partners, key activities, key resources, value propositions, customer relationships, channels, customer segments, cost structure, and revenue streams into the designated spaces to create a clear tech business model overview.
Product managers and marketing teams can use this template to define their unique value proposition or how their product meets customer needs and stands out from competitors. Users can fill in the sections with product details; customer wants, needs, and fears; and competitive substitutes to create a comprehensive view of your product's market positioning.
Customer experience managers and marketing teams that need to identify customer segments, needs, pains, and gains can do so with this template. The sections include space to identify customer segments and jobs, value propositions, customer relationships and feedback, key resources, cost structure, and more, resulting in a detailed, customer-first business model.
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Main Components of a Business Model Canvas
The main components of a business model canvas are value propositions, customer segments, channels, customer relationships, revenue streams, key activities, key resources, key partnerships, and cost structure. This framework serves as the basis for your business plan.
A business model canvas is a strategic management tool that allows you to visualize your business model across these nine key areas:
Channels: These describe how your business delivers its value proposition to customers effectively.
Cost Structure: These are the major costs involved in operating the business model.
Customer Relationships: These are the types of relationships you establish with different customer segments to retain them.
Customer Segments: These are the groups of people or organizations your business intends to serve.
Key Activities: These are the most important actions your business must take to operate successfully.
Key Partnerships: This is the network of suppliers and partners that make the business model work.
Key Resources: These are the assets required to offer and deliver the previously mentioned elements.
Revenue Streams: These are the ways your business makes money from its value propositions.
Value Propositions: These are the unique benefits and value your product or service delivers to customers.
A business model canvas template can help you map out, understand, and focus on these core aspects of your business, ensuring you can effectively plan, innovate, and strategize for success. For format-specific template options, see these collections of business model canvas templates for Microsoft Word, Google Docs, PowerPoint, and Google Slides.
How to Create a Business Model Canvas
Create a business model canvas using an existing template that provides a structure to map out your business's key components. Customizing the template allows you to align it with your specific business needs, enabling strategic clarity and facilitating growth planning.
Follow these step-by-step instructions to map out your business model canvas effectively, ensuring a clear path toward achieving your business goals.
Define Your Objectives Clearly articulate what you aim to achieve with your business model canvas, such as understanding your business structure or planning for growth.
Identify Key Partnerships List your main business partners and suppliers, including any strategic alliances that play a crucial role in your business operations.
Outline Key Activities Describe the most critical activities your business must undertake to deliver its value proposition effectively, such as production, marketing, or sales.
Choose an Existing Template Select an existing business model canvas template from a reliable source that suits your objectives, such as this simple business model canvas template.
Customize the Template Adjust the chosen template to better fit your specific needs, which might include adding, removing, or modifying sections to align with your business's unique aspects.
Detail Key Resources Identify the essential partnerships, activities, and resources required for your business to operate, which could be physical, intellectual, human, or financial assets.
Define Value Propositions Clearly state the unique value your product or service provides to customers, highlighting what sets it apart from the competition.
Describe Customer Relationships Explain the type of relationships you establish with different customer segments, whether personal, automated, or self-service.
Specify Channels Outline how your business reaches its customer segments to deliver the value proposition, including marketing, sales, and distribution channels.
Segment Your Customers Divide your target market into segments based on similar needs, behaviors, or other attributes that impact how they value your product or service.
Determine Cost Structure List all major costs involved in operating your business, distinguishing between fixed and variable costs.
Identify Revenue Streams Describe how your business makes money, detailing the specific ways you generate income from each customer segment.
Review and Iterate Regularly review the completed canvas, seek feedback from stakeholders, and be prepared to iterate and refine your model as you gather more insights or as your business evolves.
Following these steps will help you create a comprehensive business model canvas, providing a clear overview of how your business operates and identifies areas for improvement or growth.
When to Use a Business Model Canvas
Use a business model canvas when you're starting a new business or looking to grow your current one. It helps you see how your business works, from what you offer to how you make money, making planning and improving easier.
The business model canvas is an essential tool for entrepreneurs and business managers. Here's more on when to use it:
Starting a New Business: When you have a new business idea, the canvas helps you visualize all aspects of your business on one page. It clarifies your business idea and guides you through the initial planning stages.
Evaluating and Growing Your Current Business: If you're looking to expand or improve your existing business, the canvas can help you identify areas of strength and opportunities for growth. It encourages you to think about new customer segments, revenue streams, and ways to enhance your value proposition.
Introducing a New Product or Service: Before launching a new product or service, use the canvas to map out how it fits into your current business model. This helps ensure it aligns with your business goals and meets the needs of your target market.
Adapting to Market Changes: In response to shifts in the market or industry trends, the business model canvas can help you adapt your strategy. It allows you to reassess your customer segments, channels, and revenue streams to stay competitive.
Seeking Investment: When presenting your business to potential investors, the canvas provides a clear and concise overview of your business model. It highlights how your business operates, your value proposition, and your financial model, making it easier for investors to understand your business.
By using a business model canvas, you can effectively:
Break down complex business concepts into understandable components.
Encourage innovative thinking by exploring different aspects of your business.
Facilitate discussion and collaboration among team members or stakeholders.
In essence, the business model canvas is a versatile tool that supports strategic decision-making and innovation, making it invaluable for businesses at any stage.
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