Here are immediate, actionable resources to get your Joint Business Plan (JBP) template today, plus a complete framework you can copy-paste into your own document right now.

🚀 Immediate Free Download Options

Microsoft/Office Users:

• Microsoft 365 Templates: Search "Joint Business Plan" or "Partnership Plan" in Word/Excel template galleries (File > New > Search)
• PowerPoint: Look for "Strategic Partnership" or "Account Planning" templates for presentation-ready formats

Google Workspace:

• Google Docs: Go to Template Gallery → "Project proposals" → Adapt the "Partnership Proposal" template
• Sheets: Use the "Project planning" template and rename sections for joint business planning

Specialized Sources:

• HubSpot: Free Strategic Partnership Plan template (PDF + editable Word doc)
• Smartsheet: Joint Venture and Partnership templates (requires free signup)
• SCORE.org: Partnership agreement planning worksheets (editable PDFs)

📋 Copy-Paste Ready Template Structure

Use this framework in Word, Google Docs, or PowerPoint. Save this outline as your master template:

1. Partnership Overview

• Partner A Profile: [Company name, key stakeholders, current revenue/volume]
• Partner B Profile: [Company name, key stakeholders, current revenue/volume]
• Relationship History: Win/loss analysis, previous collaboration results
• Current State Snapshot: Market position, category performance, competitive landscape

2. Joint Vision & Strategic Alignment

• Shared 12-Month Goal: One sentence defining mutual success (e.g., "Grow Category X by 25% while reducing supply chain costs by 8%")
• 3-Year Strategic Vision: Long-term market position
• Value Exchange: What each partner brings (data, distribution, innovation, capital)

3. Growth Initiatives (The "Meat")

4. Joint Operating Model

• Governance Structure:
  • Steering committee members (names/titles)
  • Meeting cadence (monthly business reviews, quarterly strategic sessions)
  • Decision-making protocols
• Data Sharing Agreements: What metrics are shared, how often, confidentiality terms
• Conflict Resolution Process: Escalation paths

5. Metrics & Accountability

• Leading Indicators: [Joint pipeline, engagement rates, trial conversions]
• Lagging Indicators: [Revenue, market share, profit pool growth]
• Individual KPIs: How each partner's team is incentivized on joint success

6. Resource & Investment Plan

• Financial Commitments: Marketing dollars, R&D spend, operational investment
• Human Resources: Dedicated account managers, technical specialists, executive sponsors
• Technology/Tools: Shared platforms, data integration requirements

7. 90-Day Action Plan

• Month 1: [Specific milestones, e.g., "Finalize data sharing agreement"]
• Month 2: [e.g., "Launch pilot program in Region X"]
• Month 3: [e.g., "First joint business review + course corrections"]

8. Risk Assessment & Mitigation

• Top 3 Risks: [Market shifts, regulatory changes, resource constraints]
• Contingency Plans: Exit clauses if goals aren't met

🎯 Step-by-Step Implementation Guide

Week 1: Discovery & Alignment

• Schedule joint discovery session with key stakeholders from both sides
• Audit current performance data (last 12 months)
• Identify 3-5 "joint value creation" opportunities (not just "what can you do for us")

Week 2: Drafting

• Use the template above—assign one "owner" from each company to co-write
• Focus on Initiative #1 first (don't overcomplicate with too many projects)
• Validate financial assumptions with finance teams from both sides

Week 3: Validation & Socialization

• Share draft with "critical friends" (middle managers who will execute)
• Create one-page executive summary for C-suite approval
• Negotiate resource commitments

Week 4: Finalization & Activation

• Legal review (if investment commitments are binding)
• Schedule the first Quarterly Business Review (QBR) date
• Set up shared project workspace (Teams, Slack, or Asana)

⚠️ Critical Success Tips

1. Make it mutual: If the plan reads like a vendor pitch or customer demand list, start over. True JBPs require shared risk and reward.

2. Start with data: Come to the first planning session with 3 specific insights about your partner's business that they don't already know (market white space, competitor moves, operational inefficiencies).

3. Keep it alive: The biggest failure mode is creating a beautiful 20-page document that lives in a drawer. Schedule the next 4 quarterly reviews before signing the plan.

4. Use the "2-Page Rule": If you can't summarize the plan on 2 pages for executives, it's too complex to execute.

🔧 Recommended Tools to Build This

• Canva: Free business plan presentation templates (search "Partnership Deck")
• Notion: Free "Strategic Planning" templates you can customize for joint use
• Miro: Free templates for collaborative workshop facilitation during the planning phase

To help you customize this further:

1. What type of partnership is this? (Supplier-retailer, tech vendor-client, co-marketing alliance, or joint venture?) This changes the KPIs significantly.

2. Do you need this for a presentation or a working document? (Board-level pitch vs. operational roadmap)

3. Which partner is taking the lead on writing? (This affects whether you need a "neutral" template or one branded to the initiator)

Would you like me to expand on any specific section, or help you customize the Growth Initiatives section for your particular industry?

Free Joint Business Plan Templates: Download and Get Started Today

Joint business plans (often called Joint Business Planning or JBP) are essential for partnerships, joint ventures, supplier-retailer collaborations, or shared ventures. They outline shared goals, strategies, financials, KPIs, and responsibilities. Below are verified free downloads (no payment or signup required for these). I've prioritized direct, professional templates specific to joint planning.

Recommended Free Templates (Direct Links)

1. Template.net Joint Business Plan (Best for Quick Edits & Presentations)

• Formats: PPT, PDF, Google Slides, Apple Keynote
• Why use it?: Clean, professional design for aligning partners on objectives, strategies, and expectations. Fully editable.
• Download: Free Download Here
• Size/Use: Ideal for visual pitches; customize in minutes.

2. New Zealand Government Joint Business Planning Template (DOCX – Structured & Official)

• Formats: Microsoft Word (.docx)
• Why use it?: Government-backed for agencies/suppliers; focuses on strategic objectives, delivery, and KPIs. Dated May 2025 (current as of 2026).
• Download: Direct Download
• Size/Use: Practical for formal partnerships; easy to adapt.

3. NACDS Joint Business Planning Toolkit (PDF with Multiple Templates)

• Formats: PDF (includes agendas, scorecards, SWOT, financials)
• Why use it?: Comprehensive toolkit for retail/supplier JBP; covers insights, prioritization, scorecards. Sponsored by industry groups.
• Download: Direct PDF Download
• Size/Use: Print or extract for Word; great for teams.

Bonus: Adaptable General Templates

• SBA Traditional Business Plan (Free DOC; add joint sections): Download
• Microsoft Word Business Plan Templates (Free online editor): Explore & Download

Note: Avoid sites requiring subscriptions (e.g., some Template.net pages). These are 100% free and safe (government/NPO sources).

Step-by-Step Guide: Download, Customize, and Launch Your Plan

Follow these actionable steps to have a customized plan ready in 1-2 hours:

1. Select & Download (5 mins):

   • Pick based on format (DOCX for text-heavy, PPT for visuals).
   • Click the link → "Download" or right-click → Save As. No login needed.

2. Open the File (2 mins):

   • DOCX: Use Microsoft Word or Google Docs (upload free).
   • PPT/PDF: PowerPoint, Google Slides, or Adobe Acrobat (free reader/editor).

3. Review Structure (10 mins):

   • Common sections in these templates:

     Section	What to Fill
     Executive Summary	Partners' names, venture overview, shared goals (e.g., revenue targets).
     Objectives & KPIs	SMART goals (e.g., 20% sales growth), responsibilities per partner.
     Strategies	Marketing, operations, assortment/pricing plans.
     Financials	Budgets, projections, shared costs/revenue split.
     SWOT & Risks	Strengths of partnership, risks/mitigations.
     Timeline & Review	Milestones, quarterly check-ins.

4. Customize for Your Venture (30-60 mins):

   • Replace placeholders (e.g., [Company A] + [Company B]).
   • Add specifics: Industry data, partner logos, 3-5 year forecasts (use Excel for financials).
   • Example: For a retail-supplier JBP, detail promotions under "Strategies."
   • Tools: Google Docs for collab (share link with partner).

5. Collaborate & Finalize (15 mins):

   • Share draft via email/Docs.
   • Schedule a 30-min call to align.
   • Add signatures (e-sign with DocuSign free tier).
   • Save versions: "JointPlan_v1_Draft.docx".

6. Track Success:

   • Set up Google Sheet for KPIs.
   • Review quarterly.

Pro Tips for Success

• Keep it Concise: 10-20 pages max.
• Legal Note: Pair with a Joint Venture Agreement (free templates via SBA or search "free JV agreement PDF").
• Tools for Polish: Canva (free) for visuals; Excel for financial models.

What industry or type of partnership is this for (e.g., retail supplier, tech JV)? Do you need help with financial projections or examples for your specific section? Let me know details to refine this!