Strategic Plan Examples (With Free Templates)

Many businesses get caught up in the daily grind and lose sight of innovation and growth.

Ask any thriving business their recipe for success, and you’ll get a clear answer — set long-term goals routinely and write a plan of action that outlines how to achieve objectives.

Enter the strategic plan. It’s a document that every business (and even professionals) should invest in.

In this blog, I’ll share examples of strategic plans for different industries. If you want to create a strategic plan easily, check out our Plan Maker and strategic plan templates (PS: You don’t need design skills to edit these templates).

Click to jump ahead:

• What is a strategic plan?
• Why use a strategic plan?
• Strategic plan examples
• Conclusion

What is a strategic plan?

A strategic plan is a document that outlines a company’s objectives and how it plans to achieve those objectives. It also outlines the step-by-step process and resources required to drive organizational success.

Why use a strategic plan?

Organizations that invest in strategic plans experience long-term success. Here’s an overview of the benefits of strategic plans.

• Provide clarity: Strategic plans highlight who is responsible for what task or goal, which eliminates confusion and saves time.
• Aid in decision-making: By setting specific goals, strategic plans make it easy to determine which actions, tasks, or activities must be prioritized.
• Enables adaptability: Since strategic involve planning, organizations are better equipped to anticipate and adapt to changes.
• Better communication: Strategic plans promote communication across teams and departments, which helps create a sense of ownership.

Strategic plan examples

For the remainder of this blog, I’ll provide strategic plan templates you can edit in Venngage for different industries and scenarios. Hint: You don’t need design skills to make professional strategic plans!

For each example, you can take our sample text or add your own to the template.

Non-profit organization

A non-profit organization can use strategic plans to guide operations and improve its impact. Here’s an example of how a non-profit might structure a plan.

• Mission: Focus on social impact and community engagement.
• Goals and objectives: Increase beneficiaries served, expand volunteer base, and secure funding.
• Strategies: Implement new programs, launch fundraising campaigns, and build partnerships.

Healthcare organization

Strategic plans help healthcare companies chart out long-term growth, improve patient care, optimize operations, and stay competitive in a rapidly changing industry.

Here’s a sample strategic plan a healthcare company might use.

• Mission: Deliver high-quality and accessible healthcare services.
• Goals and objectives : Improve patient outcomes, enhance operational efficiency, and adopt new technologies.
• Strategies: Invest in staff training, implement new treatment protocols, and upgrade facilities.

Business organization

Most business organizations use strategic plans to help set long-term goals, develop effective growth strategies, and guide decision-making.

Here’s an example of how a business can develop its strategic plan.

• Mission: Maximize profitability and market share.
• Goals and objectives: Increase revenue, expand into new markets, and develop innovative products/services.
• Strategies: Implement marketing campaigns, invest in research and development, and optimize supply chain.

Startup company

Despite being in their infancy, startups also benefit from strategic plans to establish a clear direction for the future, allocate precious resources effectively, and guide growth and development.

Here’s a sample template a startup company can use to create a strategic plan.

• Mission: Disrupt an industry and achieve rapid growth.
• Goals and objectives: Secure funding, develop a minimum viable product (MVP), and acquire initial customers.
• Strategies: Participate in pitch competitions, build a solid online presence, and leverage social media marketing.

Schools

Schools can use strategic plans to meet their vision and mission, enhance student outcomes, and foster a positive educational environment.

Here’s a great example of a strategic plan schools can implement today.

• Mission: Provide a quality education that prepares students for future success.
• Goals and objectives: Improve student academic performance, enhance graduation rates, and create a safe and inclusive learning environment.
• Strategies: Implement new teaching methods, offer personalized learning opportunities, and create after-school programs.

Government agency

Government agencies can use strategic plans to set priorities, allocate resources efficiently, and ensure that their activities align with public needs.

Here’s a strategic plan template that any government agency will find compelling.

• Mission: Deliver essential public services and uphold the law.
• Goals and objectives: Enhance public safety, improve infrastructure, and promote economic development.
• Strategies: Implement new crime-fighting initiatives, invest in infrastructure projects, and enact new regulations.

Student (personal development)

Students can use strategic plans for personal development to set clear goals, create actionable steps, and track progress toward achieving goals.

Here’s a great strategic plan template students can use.

• Mission: Achieve academic goals and personal growth.
• Goals and objectives: Improve study habits, develop time management skills, and explore career options.
• Strategies: Set SMART goals, create a study schedule, and network with professionals.

Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurs can use strategic plans to guide their professional growth and achieve long-term career goals.

If you’re an entrepreneur, check out this strategic plan template.

• Mission: Launch and grow a successful business venture.
• Goals and objectives: Develop a sound business plan, secure funding, and attract and retain customers.
• Strategies: Conduct market research, participate in business incubators, and leverage lean startup methodologies.

Technology company

Technology companies can use strategic plans to navigate the fast-changing environment and adapt for long-term success.

Here’s a strategic plan template that any technology company can use.

• Mission: Develop cutting-edge technologies that improve lives.
• Goals and objectives: Launch innovative products, expand the user base, and stay ahead of the competition.
• Strategies: Invest in research and development, attract top talent, and build a strong brand reputation.

Conclusion: Create strategic plans with ease using Venngage and taste long-term success

Whether you’re a student, educator, non-profit organization, or any other business, strategic plans are handy documents to invest in.

Without a strategic plan (and setting goals and a strategy), it’s difficult, if not impossible, to transform your vision into reality. If you’re worried about the complexities of designing a strategic plan, why not edit a Venngage template?

Take control of your life or business, check out our strategic plan templates and start creating!

Tobi is a content writer at Venngage whose articles cover a range of topics, including infographics, how-tos, strategic planning and social media marketing. Her writing helps marketers understand and use tools and platforms that convert numbers to sales in real time.

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