Free Business Case Template (Excel)
A simple one-page template for first-time entrepreneurs
Validate your business idea without the complexity. This Excel template helps you clarify your concept, estimate financials, and make a confident go/no-go decision.
No email required • No macros • Works in Excel and Google Sheets
See What You'll Get
What's Inside
- Business Case Summary - A printable one-page overview of your entire business case
- Financial Calculator - Startup costs, monthly expenses, revenue projections, and break-even analysis
- Instructions - Step-by-step guide with tips for filling out each section
- Inline Examples - Each question includes an example to guide your thinking
Who This Template Is For
Students
Validating a business idea for class, a startup competition, or your first venture
Restaurant Starters
Opening your first cafe, food truck, or restaurant and need to validate the concept
Hair Salon Owners
Planning a salon, spa, or beauty business and want to validate before signing a lease
Boutique Owners
Starting a retail shop, boutique, or e-commerce store and want to run the numbers first
What's Included in the Template
Business Case Summary (One Page)
The heart of the template. Document your business idea, target market, competition, financials, risks, and final decision - all on one printable page.
- What you're selling and who buys it
- Market size and opportunity
- 3 competitors and your differentiation
- Key financial metrics
- Top 3 risks with mitigation plans
- Go / No-Go / Research decision
Financial Calculator
A separate worksheet with formulas to help you estimate startup costs, monthly expenses, and revenue projections.
- Itemized startup costs
- Monthly expense breakdown
- Revenue projections based on your pricing
- Automatic break-even calculation
- 12-month cash flow projection
Instructions and Tips
A step-by-step guide explaining how to fill out each section, with practical tips for first-time entrepreneurs.
- How to define your business idea clearly
- Tips for realistic market sizing
- How to analyze competition
- Common financial mistakes to avoid
- Making the final decision
How to Use This Template
Download and Open
Download the Excel file and open it in Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, or any compatible spreadsheet app.
Fill in Your Details
Start with the Business Case Summary tab. Work through each section, using the examples as a guide.
Run the Numbers
Use the Financial Calculator tab to estimate your startup costs, monthly expenses, and potential revenue.
Make Your Decision
Review your complete business case and decide: Go, No-Go, or Need More Research.
Need Help With Market Research?
Not sure about your market size, competition, or industry trends? The hardest part of filling out a business case is often finding reliable market data.
LuminixAI helps you research your market in minutes, not days. Get AI-powered analysis of market size, competitors, and opportunities for your specific business idea.
Try LuminixAI for Market ResearchFrequently Asked Questions
Is this template really free?
Yes, completely free. No email required, no hidden charges. Just click download and start using it. We created this to help first-time entrepreneurs, and we hope some of you will try LuminixAI for your market research needs.
What format is the template?
The template is in .xlsx format (standard Excel format). It contains no macros - just clean spreadsheet formulas. It works with Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, LibreOffice Calc, and most other spreadsheet applications.
Does it work with Google Sheets?
Yes. Download the Excel file and upload it to Google Drive, or open it directly in Google Sheets. All formulas work correctly in Google Sheets.
Is the Excel file safe to download?
Yes. The file is a plain .xlsx spreadsheet with no macros, no external links, and no tracking. It's just a clean template with formatting and formulas. We take your security seriously.
Can I modify the template for my needs?
Yes, the template is yours to customize however you like. Add sections, remove what you don't need, adjust the financial categories - make it work for your specific business.
Is this suitable for investors or banks?
This template is designed for personal decision-making, not formal investor presentations. If you're seeking funding, you'll likely need a more detailed business plan. However, this template is a great starting point to clarify your thinking before creating a formal plan.
Ready to Validate Your Business Idea?
Download the free template and start building your business case today.