How to Write a Business Plan: Organizational Structure
By Dr. Paul Borosky, MBA – Business Growth Consultant & Business Plan Writer
What Is the Organizational Structure in a Business Plan?
When writing a business plan, the organizational structure section outlines how your company is legally and operationally structured. This includes whether the business is a sole proprietorship, LLC, partnership, or corporation. It also defines who manages the business, the responsibilities of each team member, and how the company will scale over time.
As a business plan writer and business growth consultant, I’ve helped hundreds of clients create SBA- and investor-ready business plans. The organizational structure section is one of the most important parts because it provides insight into your management team’s qualifications and your company's ability to execute its strategy.
Why Is the Organizational Structure Section Important?
This section gives readers—especially lenders and investors—confidence that your leadership team has the experience, structure, and discipline to make the business successful. Specifically, it should:
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Clarify ownership roles and responsibilities
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Showcase the management team’s industry experience
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Highlight operational strategies and compensation expectations
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Provide resumes or bios to support claims about experience and qualifications
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Show strategic alignment between your business model and your leadership structure
As a fractional COO/CFO, I regularly advise business owners on how to align their team structure with long-term growth strategies. A well-thought-out organizational structure is the foundation of scalability.
When Should You Write the Organizational Structure?
In your business plan, the organizational structure section typically follows the company description. Once you’ve explained what your company does and the problems it solves, this section answers the question: Who will lead the company and how will it function day-to-day?
How to Write the Organizational Structure Section
Here’s how I structure this section when working with clients:
1. Ownership Summary
Start with your company name and legal structure (LLC, corporation, etc.). Then briefly introduce the owners and key management. If you're seeking funding, clearly define equity ownership and investor roles.
2. Management Team Biographies
Detail the background of each owner or manager. Include relevant industry experience, leadership history, and examples of past business successes. This builds trust with lenders and investors.
🔍 Pro Tip from a Business Plan Writer: Use this section to show how your team’s experience directly supports your business goals. It’s not just about qualifications—it’s about strategic alignment.
3. Job Responsibilities
Clearly outline the roles of each person involved. I recommend using bullet points for each job title to describe day-to-day responsibilities. This helps show organizational foresight and clarity.
Example Job Responsibilities:
CEO
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Develop strategic growth plans
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Manage vendor relationships
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Lead marketing initiatives
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Ensure legal compliance
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Oversee financial planning and forecasting
General Manager
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Handle daily operations
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Manage staffing and scheduling
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Monitor inventory and supplies
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Ensure customer satisfaction
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Maintain quality control standards
Cook
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Prep and cook menu items
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Ensure kitchen cleanliness
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Follow food safety protocols
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Monitor portion and waste control
Servers
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Greet customers
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Take and deliver orders
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Maintain dining area cleanliness
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Provide customer service
4. Resumes or Experience Summaries
This is where you attach or summarize your management resumes. Use this to validate any claims of expertise. If you're seeking an SBA loan or private funding, this section can strengthen your credibility significantly.
5. Compensation Structure
Investors want to see fair and responsible compensation. Overpaying owners is a red flag. Underpaying key roles may suggest turnover risk. Show that your team is compensated appropriately based on industry benchmarks.
6. Achievements and Recognition
Close the section with key awards, milestones, or notable accomplishments of your leadership team. This reinforces your team's credibility and makes your plan more persuasive.
Sample Organizational Structure Section
Legal Structure
ABC Restaurant will operate as a Limited Liability Company (LLC).
Management Team
John Smith, Sr., MBA, is the founder and CEO. With over 10 years of experience owning food service businesses—including cafes, food trucks, and diners—John brings deep industry knowledge and operational excellence.
Job Responsibilities
CEO
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Lead business development
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Align operations with strategic goals
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Oversee financials and compliance
General Manager
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Supervise restaurant operations
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Hire and train staff
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Manage vendor orders and inventory
Cook
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Prepare menu items to standard
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Maintain cleanliness and safety standards
Servers
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Deliver excellent customer service
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Assist with food and beverage recommendations
Need Help Writing the Organizational Structure Section?
Writing a business plan can be overwhelming—especially when you're also managing your business. If you need help crafting a compelling, SBA-compliant organizational structure, I offer:
✅ Professional Business Plan Writing
✅ Business Growth Consulting
✅ Financial Projections and Modeling
✅ Fractional COO and CFO Services
📞 Call or Text Dr. Paul Borosky, MBA – 321-948-9588
📧 Email: Paulb@QualityBusinessPlan.com
Let’s make your business plan investment-worthy.