Here’s a ready-to-use Joint Business Plan (JBP) template structure you can build in Microsoft Word, along with formatting instructions and content guidance.

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How to Set Up the Word Document

Formatting Setup (Before you start):

1. Styles: Go to Home > Styles. Modify "Heading 1" (14pt, Bold, Blue) and "Heading 2" (12pt, Bold) for consistency
2. Header/Footer: Insert your company logos (both partners) and confidentiality notice
3. Table of Contents: Insert > Table of Contents (automatic) after completing all headings
4. Page Setup: Margins 1", Portrait for text, Landscape for Gantt charts/financial tables

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Joint Business Plan Template

1. COVER PAGE

[Partner A Logo] | [Partner B Logo]

JOINT BUSINESS PLAN [Partnership Initiative Name]

Planning Period: [Start Date] – [End Date]

Prepared by: [Names/Departments from both sides]
Version: [1.0]
Date: [Month Year]
Confidentiality: Private & Confidential

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2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

(1 page maximum)

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3. PARTNERSHIP OVERVIEW

3.1 Background & Context

• Why are we partnering now?
• Market opportunity or problem being solved
• Historical relationship (if existing)

3.2 Partnership Model

• Strategic Alliance
• Co-Marketing Partnership
• Supply Chain Integration
• Joint Venture/Entity
• Technology Licensing

3.3 Guiding Principles

• Decision-making hierarchy
• "Win-Win" criteria (how both parties succeed)
• Exclusivity terms (if any)

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4. JOINT VISION & OBJECTIVES

Shared Vision Statement:
"By [Date], [Partner A] and [Partner B] will [achieve what] to [create what value]..."

SMART Objectives Table:

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5. MARKET & CUSTOMER ANALYSIS

5.1 Target Market

• Joint addressable market size (TAM/SAM/SOM)
• Customer segments both parties bring
• Geographic scope

5.2 Competitive Landscape

• Current competitors
• Differentiation through partnership
• Market threats requiring joint response

5.3 Customer Value Proposition "Together, we offer [specific benefit] that neither partner could deliver alone because..."

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6. ROLES, RESPONSIBILITIES & GOVERNANCE

6.1 Responsibility Matrix (RACI)

Legend: R=Responsible, A=Accountable, C=Consulted, I=Informed

6.2 Governance Structure

• Executive Sponsors: [Name, Title] from each side (monthly check-ins)
• Joint Business Council: Working leads (bi-weekly)
• Operational Teams: Day-to-day managers (weekly)
• Escalation Path: Decision-making when teams disagree

6.3 Communication Protocol

• Weekly standup format
• Shared workspace/tools (Teams/Slack/SharePoint)
• Reporting frequency and format

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7. STRATEGIC INITIATIVES & ACTIVITIES

Create one section per major workstream:

Initiative 1: [Name]

• Description: What we're doing
• Partner A Contribution: Resources, assets, IP
• Partner B Contribution: Resources, assets, IP
• Joint Activities: Collaborative tasks
• Dependencies: What must happen first
• Success Metrics: How we know it worked

Initiative 2: [Name] [Repeat structure]

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8. FINANCIAL PLAN & INVESTMENT

8.1 Investment Summary

8.2 Revenue Sharing / Commercial Terms

• Revenue split methodology (percentage vs. fee-based)
• Cost allocation principles
• Payment terms and invoicing process

8.3 Financial Projections

• Year 1-3 revenue forecast (joint)
• Break-even analysis
• Investment recovery timeline

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9. PERFORMANCE METRICS & KPI DASHBOARD

Joint Scorecard (Review Monthly):

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10. RISK MANAGEMENT & MITIGATION

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11. TIMELINE & MILESTONES

Insert Gantt Chart or Roadmap Table:

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12. LEGAL & COMPLIANCE CONSIDERATIONS

• Data sharing agreements (GDPR/privacy)
• IP ownership and licensing terms
• Confidentiality requirements
• Termination clauses and exit strategy
• Regulatory approvals needed

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13. APPENDICES

• Appendix A: Detailed financial models
• Appendix B: Technical specifications
• Appendix C: Org charts for both partners
• Appendix D: Market research data

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Next Steps to Activate This Template

1. Save as Template: File > Save As > Word Template (.dotx) so you can reuse for future partnerships
2. Insert Placeholders: Use Ctrl+F to find [brackets] and replace with your specific terms
3. Add Visuals: Insert SmartArt for the governance structure and charts for financial projections
4. Protect Sections: Review > Restrict Editing (if sharing externally to prevent changes to key terms)

Would you like me to help you customize specific sections? For example:

• Is this for a supplier-retailer partnership, technology alliance, or co-marketing arrangement?
• Do you need specific KPI recommendations for your industry (e.g., retail, manufacturing, SaaS)?
• Should I provide sample language for the legal/governance sections based on your risk tolerance?

Let me know your partnership type, and I can fill in industry-specific metrics and responsibilities!

Getting Started with a Joint Business Plan Template in Word

A joint business plan (often for joint ventures or partnerships) outlines shared goals, responsibilities, strategies, and financials between two or more parties. Here's a step-by-step guide to download, open, and customize a free Microsoft Word (.docx) template to create yours quickly.

Step 1: Download a Free Word Template

These are reliable, direct-download options (no sign-up required for most). Prioritize government or established sites for quality.

• Top Recommendation: New Zealand Government Joint Business Planning Template (Updated May 2025, fully editable .docx)

  • Direct Download Link
  • Why? Purpose-built for joint value creation, includes sections like Vision, Objectives, Initiatives, KPIs, and Governance. ~10 pages, professional format.

• Template.net Joint Business Plan Template

  • Download in Word
  • Why? Simple, collaboration-focused design. Free editable version available (may prompt for free account).

• Alternative: Smartsheet Simple Business Plan Template (Adapt for joint use)

  • Download Word Version
  • Why? Free, customizable with pre-built headings like Executive Summary, Market Analysis, and Financials. Add joint partner sections easily.

If these don't fit, search Microsoft Create for "business plan" templates: Microsoft Word Business Plan Templates – customize one for joint aspects.

Step 2: Open and Prepare the Template in Microsoft Word

1. Download the .docx file to your computer.
2. Open Microsoft Word (desktop app preferred for full editing; works in Word Online too).
3. Enable Track Changes (Review tab > Track Changes) if collaborating with partners.
4. Save as a new file: YourCompany_JointBusinessPlan_v1.docx.
5. Review the structure – typical sections include:

   Section	Key Content to Fill
   Executive Summary	1-page overview of joint goals, partners, and expected outcomes.
   Vision & Objectives	Shared mission, SMART goals (e.g., revenue targets).
   Market Analysis	Industry overview, target customers, competitors.
   Strategies & Initiatives	Marketing, operations, joint responsibilities (use tables for who-does-what).
   Financial Projections	Budget, revenue forecast, cost-sharing (link Excel if needed).
   KPIs & Governance	Metrics, review meetings, exit clauses.
   Appendices	Agreements, resumes, charts.

Step 3: Customize and Fill It Out (Actionable Checklist)

1. Gather Inputs First:

   • Partner details (names, roles, contributions).
   • Data: Market research, financials (use Excel for projections).

2. Edit Step-by-Step:

   • Replace placeholders (e.g., [Insert Vision Here]) with your info.
   • Add tables/charts: Insert > Table for responsibility matrix; Insert > Chart for financials.
   • Joint-Specific Tweaks:

     Element	Action
     Responsibilities	Create a RACI matrix (Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed).
     Risks	Add SWOT analysis for the partnership.
     Timeline	Use Gantt chart (Insert > Chart > Bar).

3. Format for Professionalism:

   • Use Heading styles (Home > Styles) for navigation.
   • Consistent fonts (e.g., Calibri 11pt), add your logo (Insert > Pictures).
   • Page numbers/headers: Insert > Header/Footer.

4. Collaborate:

   • Share via OneDrive (File > Share) for real-time edits.
   • Schedule a review call to align.

5. Finalize & Export:

   • Proofread (Editor tool in Word).
   • Export PDF for sharing: File > Export > Create PDF.

Step 4: Next Actions for Success

• Integrate financials: Download a free Excel companion like Vertex42's Business Plan Financials.
• Test it: Fill a sample section today (e.g., Executive Summary in 30 mins).
• Legal Note: This is a plan, not a contract – pair with a joint venture agreement template if needed.

What industry is your joint business in (e.g., tech, retail)? How many partners? Any specific sections you need help expanding (e.g., financials)? Let me know for tailored advice!