Research Guides: Entrepreneurship &amp; Startups: Canvas, Models, & Plans

Guidance for Developing your Canvas, Model, or Plan

A business canvas or plan typically serves as the framework that directs your information and data seeking. While a compelling pitch is critical for hooking investors, a solid business canvas/plan and business model is essential for acing the subsequent due diligence process.

Business Model Generation by Alexander Osterwalder & Yves Pigneur
Learn how to systematically understand, design, and implement a business model using the "business model canvas" framework developed by Osterwalder.
Value Proposition Design by Alexander Osterwalder, Yves Pigneur & Gregory Bernarda
Explains how to use the "Value Proposition Canvas" to design, test, create, and manage products and services.
Business Model Navigator by Oliver Gassmann, Karolin Frankenberger, Michaela Choudury
Discusses how to drive business model innovation and details 55 business models that are responsible for 90% of the world's most successful businesses. Download an infographic overview of the models and explore their free web-based resources.
Business Plans Handbook
Ebook series updated annually that includes real business plans compiled by, and aimed at, entrepreneurs seeking funding for small businesses across many industries. Includes a business plan template.

Understanding Investors

Developing Business Plans and Pitching Opportunities: This reading from Harvard includes pitch and business plan evaluation forms created from an investor's perspective that will help you understand their point of view.