If you’ve ever worried your French business plan might not quite “land” with the authorities, you’re not alone. Over the years, I’ve seen all kinds of business plans, from detailed and clear, to, well… less so.
The good news? Most mistakes are fixable once you know what to look out for. Here are the most common red flags I see in real applications, and how to sidestep them from the outset
1. Copy-Paste from the Internet
It’s tempting to copy whole sections (especially in awkward, stilted English) or ask Chat GPT, but reviewers read hundreds of these, if yours sounds generic or mismatched to your actual business, you’ll be on the back foot.
What works instead:
Use prompts or structure, but write in your own voice. Show you understand your business and the French market. If writing feels overwhelming, a proper template with guidance, can help you stay original.
2. Wild Revenue Claims (With No Evidence)
I’ve seen plans that promise to “earn €200,000 in year one” or double their customer base each month, without showing how. While confidence is good, unsupported claims make your whole plan look less credible.
What works instead:
Show your workings. Include realistic numbers, a few supporting assumptions, and context from your market research. It’s far better to be conservative and credible than to oversell.
3. Missing (or Vague) Market Fit
Many plans fall flat when they don’t clearly answer: “Who is this for, and why will it work in France?”
Skipping market research, using only UK or US stats, or being too broad (e.g. “my customers are everyone who likes wellness”) just isn’t specific enough.
What works instead:
Reference actual demand or trends in France, even if it’s a small niche. Show you’ve thought about the local context. Authorities want to see you’re building something that fits, not just recycling a global business idea.
4. Ignoring the Practical Details
Some applications outline a great concept, but gloss over logistics, like where you’ll live, how you’ll run things, or basic legal steps. This signals you might not be ready for the practical realities of running a business in France and won’t be able to sustain the income requirements.
What works instead:
Include a few clear points on how you’ll operate day to day, how clients will find you, and where you’ll be based. You don’t need to have everything figured out, but some grounded detail helps.
5. Overcomplicating (Or Over-Designing) the Plan
It’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to impress with complex diagrams, long-winded text, or startup jargon. The real people reading your plan prefer clarity and brevity.
What works instead:
Write simply, keep each section focused, and aim for clarity above all. The best plans are the ones that get straight to the point.
Want to Stay Off the Red Flag List?
The French Business Plan Template is designed to help you build a plan that ticks all the right boxes with clear prompts, no jargon, and real guidance on what to include (and what to avoid). Skip the guesswork and submit your plan with confidence.
