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BMC: Business Model Canvas for Startups

The Best Steps and Tools to Fill Out a Business Model Canvas in 2025

BMC

The Best Steps and Tools to Fill Out a Business Model Canvas in 2025

In 2025, filling out a Business Model Canvas (BMC) has become more streamlined, thanks to innovative tools and resources. The BMC is an essential strategic management template for startups and entrepreneurs aiming to visualize and develop their business models. This guide provides a comprehensive step-by-step approach to filling out a Business Model Canvas, highlights key mistakes to avoid, and introduces some top tools available today.
Try our FREE AI Business Model Canvas generator to automatically create a BMC by answering just two questions. You will get an editable Google Presentation and an extensive guide on what to do next.

Introduction to Business Model Canvas

A Business Model Canvas is a strategic tool that allows businesses to visualize, describe, and develop their business models. Created by Alexander Osterwalder and Yves Pigneur, the BMC consists of nine essential building blocks:
  1. Customer Segments
  2. Value Proposition
  3. Channels
  4. Customer Relationships
  5. Revenue Streams
  6. Key Resources
  7. Key Activities
  8. Key Partners
  9. Cost Structure
Each bloc should be filled with granular and relevant data points to provide a complete picture of your business model.

How to Fill Out a Business Model Canvas: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Customer Segments

Identify the different groups of people or organizations you aim to reach and serve. Understanding your customers' needs and behaviors is crucial.

2. Value Proposition

Define your value proposition by listing the unique benefits and solutions your product or service offers to your customers.

3. Channels

Outline the channels you will use to reach and deliver your product or service to your customer segments.

4. Customer Relationships

Specify the types of relationships you will maintain with your customer segments, such as personal assistance, self-service, or automated services.

5. Revenue Streams

Identify the sources of revenue for your business. Think about how you will drive cash inflows from each customer segment.

6. Key Resources

List the most important assets required to make your business model work, including human, intellectual, physical, and financial resources.

7. Key Activities

Outline the critical actions and activities needed to deliver your value proposition, reach customers, and maintain customer relationships.

8. Key Partners

Identify the network of suppliers and partners that help you operate your business, noting how these partnerships will add value to your business model.

9. Cost Structure

Finally, detail the costs involved in operating your business. Include details about both fixed and variable costs.

Most Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Over-reliance on AI: While AI can provide valuable insights and automate processes, it's essential to use your unique understanding to refine your business model.
  2. Ignoring Collaboration: Inclusive input from team members can ensure all aspects of your business model are aligned.
  3. Skipping Updates: Regularly updating your BMC to reflect market changes and internal adjustments is crucial.

Top Tools for Filling Out a Business Model Canvas in 2025

1. DocHub

A user-friendly tool for modifying and filling out BMC templates in PDF format online.

2. upGrad: Business Model Canvas Explained

This platform offers a comprehensive guide with examples to help you understand and fill out your BMC.

3. Lucidspark

Lucidspark provides a detailed guide on creating and using a BMC, making the process easier with visual tools.

4. Isaac Jeffries

Isaac Jeffries provides insights and steps on the practical application of the BMC.

5. Litslink

Litslink offers a complete guide to understanding and using a BMC.

6. Creately

Creately provides tools and templates to visualize and map out your BMC.

7. GB Times

GB Times offers guidance on creating a BMC using Microsoft Word.

8. Wrike

Wrike provides templates and tools to help you quickly create and refine your BMC.

9. Gary Fox

Gary Fox’s step-by-step guide helps you understand and fill out each part of your BMC.

10. Lucidchart

Lucidchart offers a quick guide on how to effectively use a BMC.

Free F/MS AI Business Model Canvas Tool

If you're seeking a simpler, fast approach to building your BMC, try the Free F/MS AI Business Model Canvas Tool. By answering just two questions about your problem and target audience, you'll receive a highly personalized canvas straight to your inbox.

Conclusion

Filling out a Business Model Canvas requires careful thought and detailed inputs across all nine building blocks. Leveraging the right tools and understanding the process can significantly enhance the clarity and effectiveness of your business model. Tools like the Free F/MS AI Business Model Canvas can streamline this process, making business planning more efficient and accessible.
Embark on your business planning journey with confidence, knowing the Business Model Canvas will help you and your team visualize, discuss, and innovate your business strategy effectively.

FAQ

1. What is a Business Model Canvas?
A Business Model Canvas is a strategic tool that allows businesses to visualize, describe, and develop their business models. The canvas consists of nine essential building blocks that encompass customer segments, value propositions, channels, customer relationships, revenue streams, key resources, key activities, key partners, and cost structure. Discover more about the Business Model Canvas
2. How do you fill out the Customer Segments block?
To fill out the Customer Segments block, identify the different groups of people or organizations your business aims to reach and serve. Understanding your customers' needs and behaviors is crucial for this step. Learn more about creating a Business Model Canvas
3. What information should be included in the Value Proposition block?
The Value Proposition block should include the unique benefits and solutions your product or service offers to your customers. Clearly define how your business creates value for its customers. More details on filling out a Business Model Canvas
4. How do channels factor into the Business Model Canvas?
Channels are the means through which you will reach and deliver your product or service to your customer segments. This block should outline the various channels you'll use. Find out more about channels in BMC
5. What should be included in the Customer Relationships block?
In the Customer Relationships block, specify the types of relationships you will maintain with your customer segments, such as personal assistance, self-service, or automated services. Read up more about customer relationships
6. What is the importance of the Revenue Streams block?
The Revenue Streams block identifies the sources of revenue for your business and considers how you will drive cash inflows from each customer segment. Explore more on revenue streams
7. What resources are considered in the Key Resources block?
Key Resources include the most important assets required to make your business model work, including human, intellectual, physical, and financial resources. Detailed guide on filling out a Business Model Canvas
8. What activities fall under the Key Activities block?
Key Activities detail the critical actions and activities needed to deliver your value proposition, reach customers, and maintain customer relationships. Step-by-step guidance on BMC
9. Who should be listed in the Key Partners block?
The Key Partners block should list the network of suppliers and partners that help you operate your business, noting how these partnerships will add value to your business model. Business Model Canvas explained
10. What should be included in the Cost Structure block?
The Cost Structure block details the costs involved in operating your business, including both fixed and variable costs. Complete guide to the Business Model Canvas