By Renai Mouton, CEO | First Nations Worthwhile Ventures

Let’s be honest — sitting down to write a business plan can feel a bit like being back at school, staring at a blank page and wondering how you’re going to fill it. You know you should do it. Everyone says it’s important. But it’s easy to put off, especially when you’re busy actually doing the business.

I get it. I’ve felt it too.

Business plans can seem boring, overly structured, and full of questions that feel hard to answer when you’re still figuring things out. But here’s the truth: a business plan isn’t about ticking boxes or impressing someone with fancy words. It’s about you — your dream, your ideas, and where you want to go.

Think of it less like homework and more like a roadmap to building the business you’ve imagined.

When you start answering the questions in a business plan, something really powerful happens. You begin to get clear. You start shaping your direction. You notice gaps — maybe in your skills, your knowledge, or your support network — and that gives you the chance to do something about it before you hit a wall. It also helps you figure out what you really need to get going. Sometimes, it’s less than you think.

And the big one: money. Whether you’re looking for funding, investment, or even just trying to make the most of what you’ve got, a business plan gives you a better understanding of your financial needs — and how to explain them to someone else. Funders and partners want to see a plan because they want to know if you’ve thought things through. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about showing you’re prepared.

One of the most valuable parts of a business plan is how it gets you thinking about your market. Who are you really selling to? What do they need? What’s going to make them choose you? These aren’t always easy questions, but answering them helps you build a business that’s not just based on a good idea — but on real people, real value, and a real strategy.

So, if you’re someone who’s been avoiding the business plan, you’re not alone. But I promise, it’s worth doing. Not for the sake of having a document to wave around, but because the process itself is powerful. It’s not just about the plan — it’s about the clarity, confidence, and direction that comes from creating it.

And if you’re stuck? Get help. Ask questions. Talk it out with someone. There are templates,

workshops, advisors — whatever works for you. Just don’t let the idea of “getting it perfect” stop you from getting started.

Because your business — and your dream — is worth it.