The power of a plan
If you run a small business in Nelson or the wider Tasman region, you’ve probably been told you need a business plan.
But do you know just how powerful it can be?
As experienced Nelson accountants and business advisors, our team sees first-hand how a clear, actionable business plan can take a business from just “getting by” to truly thriving.
Whether you’re launching a start-up or have been in business for years, your business plan is the roadmap to growth, financial stability, and long-term success.
Why a business plan matters
A business plan isn’t just a document for the bank. It’s a strategic tool that keeps you focused, organised, and prepared for opportunities and challenges.
A well-structured plan helps you:
Clarify your goals – Know exactly what you want to achieve and by when.
Guide decision-making – Stay on track even when things get tough.
Attract funding – Lenders and investors want to see a solid strategy.
Track progress – Measure performance, adapt quickly, and stay accountable.
For owners seeking small business accounting support, a business plan also plays a direct role in financial management - setting realistic budgets, forecasting cashflow, and setting achievable profit targets.
The seven rules for an annual business plan
At GoAccounting, we recommend keeping your plan short, sharp, and actionable:
Do it every year – No exceptions.
Keep it to one page – Print double-sided if you must.
Set no more than four main goals – Break them into 90-day actions.
Track no more than five KPIs – Any more and focus suffers.
Share it with your team – Align their personal goals with the business plan.
Keep it visible – Celebrate wins along the way.
Review quarterly – Ideally with someone independent holding you accountable.
The real power: partnering with your accountant or business advisor
The true value of a business plan comes when you work alongside someone who understands your numbers, your market, and the challenges you face.
By combining your expertise with the insights of experienced Nelson accountants, you get the advantage of:
Seeing opportunities and risks you may miss.
Learning from what other successful business owners are doing.
Having measurable, financially grounded steps to follow.
It’s synergy in action - where 1 + 1 can equal 5.
How often should you review your plan?
Your business plan is a living document - not something you set and forget. At a minimum, review it:
Annually – To reset for the new financial year.
Quarterly – To track progress against KPIs.
Whenever circumstances change – New opportunities, market shifts, or unexpected challenges.
Ready to strengthen your business plan?
We’re right in the middle of business planning season - the perfect time to refresh your plan and back it with strong financial insights.
If you’re a small business owner in Nelson or Tasman, our team of experienced Nelson accountants can help you create or review your business plan so it’s practical, measurable, and geared for growth.
Let’s go!