The Perfect Business Plan Template You Needs to Build Your Hustle
Without having a strong business plan and smart money management, your business becomes hard to sustain, let alone grow. This guide walks you through how to create a realistic business plan your side hustle that works with your lifestyle and helps you build consistently.
If you’re already combining both household activities and business activities together, you are doing an amazing job, not a lot of moms can pull this off. But here’s the truth, if you don’t track your funds or outline a clear business path, it’s easy to get derailed. Daily responsibilities, unexpected expenses, or school runs can swallow up startup capital. Without having a strong business plan and smart money management, your business becomes hard to sustain, let alone grow.
This guide walks you through how to create a realistic business plan for your side hustle that works with your lifestyle and helps you build consistently.
Why a Business Plan Matters
Everybody needs a business plan and here is why. A business plan:
1. Keeps You Focused – A plan keeps your eyes on the goal.
2. Helps Track Finances – It forces you to record income, expenses, and plan future spending.
3. Protects Your Capital – With a plan, you're less likely to dip into your business funds for personal needs.
4. Sets Achievable Milestones – You break down big goals into small, doable tasks.
5. Attracts Growth Opportunities – Should you need a partner or loan later; your business plan will speak for you.
A Simple 6-Month Business Plan Template for Moms like You
Narrow it down to fit your business idea
1. Business Summary
What is your side hustle?
Who is your target audience?
What problem does your business solve?
Example: (Retailing Cooking Items Example)
What is your side hustle? I run a small retail business from home where I package and sell cooking ingredients like crayfish, dry pepper, palm oil, dry fish, and other soup essentials in affordable sizes like mudu and smaller portions for families and busy individuals.
Who is your target audience? My main customers are moms, working-class women, and small food vendors who want clean, ready-to-use ingredients without the stress of going to crowded markets. Most of them are busy people who love homemade taste but want convenience.
What problem does your business solve? I help people save time and avoid the stress of traditional markets by offering neatly packaged, quality cooking items delivered to their doorstep or available for easy pickup. My products help families cook faster, safer, and with trusted ingredients.
2. Goals (Monthly Breakdown)
-Month 1: Launch & announce your business to friends and family.
Example: Start by telling your friends and family that you’re now selling packaged crayfish, pepper, palm oil, and other cooking essentials. Post on your WhatsApp status and Facebook, offering a special discount for first-time customers from your circle.
-Month 2: Reach 10 paying customers/clients.
Example: "To reach your first 10 paying customers, start by offering a small discount or a 'Buy 1, Get 1 Half Off' deal to your friends and family.
-Month 3: Break even or hit your first profit mark.
Break even: This means you've made enough money from sales to cover all the money you've spent (like packaging, buying stock, transport, etc.). You’re not making a profit yet, but you’re no longer running at a loss.
Hit your first profit mark: This means you’ve started making extra money beyond your costs. For example, if you spent ₦50,000 on supplies and operations and made ₦70,000 in sales, you’ve made ₦20,000 profit.
-Month 4: Create a simple marketing strategy (social media, referrals).
Social Media: Start a WhatsApp or Instagram business page. Post clear pictures of your products with prices, run small giveaways (e.g., “Tag 3 friends and win a free mudu of crayfish”), and share daily cooking tips using your items.
Referrals: Offer your regular customers ₦200–₦500 off if they refer someone who buys. Example: “Refer a friend who buys palm oil and get ₦500 off your next purchase.”
-Month 5: Introduce one new product or service.
You can add grounded ogbono or blended crayfish to your product list. Example: “New this month! Pre-ground ogbono now available in 100g packs—perfect for busy moms who want quick soup prep!”
-Month 6: Evaluate and scale – can you invest in tools, trainings, or a small team?
At this point, review how sales have gone. Example: With steady orders coming in weekly, it might be time to buy a sealing machine to package crayfish more professionally or take a short online course on food branding.
3. Financial Plan
Startup Capital: How much do you need to get started?
Monthly Budget: Set limits on expenses like data, materials, or delivery.
Savings Goal: How much should stay in the business every month?
Emergency Fund: Save 10% of your earnings monthly for emergencies.
4. Time Commitment
How many hours a day/week can you realistically commit to this hustle?
Allocate time for learning, working, and family balance.
5. Marketing Strategy
Where will people find you? (Instagram, WhatsApp, flyers?)
What makes your business stand out?
Ask happy customers to refer others. Happy customers are your best advocates! After a successful transaction, kindly ask them to refer friends and family who might benefit from your products.
6. Tools & Support
What do you need to make this easier? (Canva, payment platforms, scheduling tools)
Do you have a mentor or a community like The Mom’s Hub to ask for help? If you don’t, use our link to join in on our platforms to find moms like you.
Join us here at the Mom's Hub.
As a mom, life will always have its surprises, but your side hustle doesn’t have to suffer for it. A good business plan is your anchor. Start small, plan smart, and keep showing up. With structure, clarity, and a little consistency, you’ll turn your side hustle into something strong and sustainable.