5 Templates Small Business Owners Can Use… right NOW
Starting, growing and running a small business can be head spinning. So many moving parts, so many decisions and to-do’s! I’m getting dizzy just thinking about it. There’s always more to do than time to do it. That’s why templates and systems are gold: they cut through the bullsh… fog and give you a framework so you can take action today. Not next month when you “finally have time.”
Here are five free templates you can download and work on right now to bring clarity, direction, and momentum to your business:
1. The Small Business Decision Tree ⭐️The Hub, North Resource
When you’re stuck in decision fatigue - should I hire, borrow, pivot, pause - this template helps you visually map out choices and outcomes. Instead of continuing to spin your wheels, you’ll see the path forward in black and white. Get your Decision Tree Here
👉 Use it when: you’re overthinking a decision and need to get unstick yourself from whatever you’ve stepped in.
2. SCORE’s Business Opening Day Balance Sheet
SCORE (a nonprofit supporting entrepreneurs) offers this simple balance sheet template to help you know your numbers from day one. If you don’t know what’s coming in and going out, you’re flying blind. This is one of the most important documents you need to start and grow your wonderful business! SCORE.org has tons to free templates to get you where you want to be! Get your Opening Day Balance Sheet Here
👉 Use it when: you’re launching or relaunching and need to get a clear financial snapshot.
3. Marie Forleo’s Yearly Goals Map
This isn’t just another “set your goals” worksheet. It’s designed to actually make you follow through. It breaks big dreams into doable steps so you’re not overwhelmed. Team Forleo really does care about the small business community and they have some remarkable resources! Get your Yearly Goals Map Here
👉 Use it when: you’re mapping out your year (or quarter) and want a plan that keeps you on track.
4. PlannThat.com’s Social Media Content Planner
Marketing your business on social media can be one of the most time consuming aspects of small business in 2025. This planner shows you what to post and when, helping you create consistency (without spending hours glued to your phone). The planner is dated for 2024, but the ideas suggested are still relevant. The only problem is actually freaking doing it (talking to myself here 😬). Get Plannthat’s Content Template Here
👉 Use it when: you want to stop posting randomly and start showing consistently.
5. LivePlan’s SWOT Analysis
Don’t get scared. SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) is an oldie but a goodie. This template helps you look honestly at your business from all angles, so you can plan smarter and stay competitive. Plus, you can say sentences like “I’ve just completed my SWOT analysis and this is what I’ve found:____”. Pretty professional, right?! 🤓 Get Liveplan’s SWOT Analysis Here
👉 Use it when: you’re planning growth, thinking about expanding or anytime you need to get a feel for the business as a whole.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a $5,000 coaching program to move the needle (although I am absolutely not against coaching at some point along the way!). You need practical tools that save you time and brainpower. These five templates are ready for you today. Download them, fill them out, and start making moves. 💪🏻
Small business ownership doesn’t have to be so complicated! It just has to be intentional and it has to be yours. I am here, always cheering you on, my friend! If you have a question about any of these templates, or are looking for a particular template or tool to help with whatever you’re dealing with right now, I hope you’ll reach out! I would love to help you to clear the fog in your head.
Sending rapid-fire high-fives to you 🙌🏻 🙌🏻 🙌🏻
If you need a bit more help wading through the waterfall of ideas, consider our program Take Action by Tuesday - that’s exactly what it’s for!