The glossary to understand and take action

Business plan

The business plan presents the project, its market, its organisation and its financial forecasts.

Notion comptable, fiscale ou juridique · Luxembourg Fiduciaries Editorial Team · Reviewed on

Understand the scope

Definition and points to distinguish

Assumptions must be explicit and linked across the income statement, cash flow and financing. A plan does not guarantee sales or the obtaining of credit.

In your file

What this changes in practice

The business plan links the offer, the market, human and technical resources to the financing of the project. It should explain assumptions rather than merely juxtapose optimistic figures. Projected sales, costs, investments and payment terms must be consistent. The document evolves with the information obtained and enables discussions with partners, financiers and advisers. It constitutes neither a guarantee of profitability nor a financing decision.

A scenario to help you understand

Educational example

A shop forecasts monthly turnover. Its plan explains the number of customers, the average basket, opening days and the necessary costs, then examines a less favourable assumption.

Fictitious situation, presented to illustrate the concept.

Prepare for what comes next

Points to check

  • Relier hypothèses commerciales et financières
  • Tester un scénario prudent
  • Actualiser les besoins de financement

The practical question

Find out more

Comment rendre un business plan crédible sans historique d’activité ?

Expliquez les hypothèses plutôt que de présenter des chiffres isolés : clientèle visée, prix, volumes, coûts et moyens nécessaires. Appuyez-les sur des éléments disponibles et testez un scénario moins favorable. Le lecteur doit comprendre comment le projet produit du revenu, à quel moment les fonds entrent et ce qui se passe si le démarrage prend du retard.

Connecting concepts

Terms to know as well

Continue with the concepts, contacts and procedures related to this topic.

Financial forecastThe financial forecast translates the project's assumptions into expected results, cash flows and financing needs.Break-even pointThe break-even point is the level of activity at which revenue covers the costs included in the calculation model.Working capital requirement (WCR)The working capital requirement (WCR) measures the financing absorbed by the operating cycle, notably inventory and receivables, less operating liabilities.Business creationBusiness creation organises the transition from a project to an operational activity, as a sole trader or within a company.Business creation supportBusiness creation support helps project holders organise their choices, documents and procedures before starting up.Incentive effect of aidA condition intended to establish that public support plays a role in the decision to carry out a project under the rules of the scheme.

Put it into practice

Explore further with our guides

Practical guideFinancing a startup in Luxembourg: comparing the resources availablePractical guideStarting a startup in Luxembourg: organising support and the first stepsPractical guideBusiness plan in Luxembourg: building verifiable assumptionsPractical guideBusiness aid in Luxembourg: preparing a fundable application

Sources and verification

References consulted on 20 September 2026. Official procedures specify the applicable conditions and exceptions.

This guide explains a general process. The applicable rules depend on your situation; it does not constitute personalised advice. Report a correction.

A definition gives you a reference point. To examine your situation, clarify your question with a professional.