Menu
When you need to justify a strategic investment, launching a new product, adopting a new technology, or scaling operations, having the right business case example can be the difference between approval and rejection.
But what does a truly effective business case look like in practice?
In this article, you’ll find three proven frameworks used by ex-leaders from Google and Meta, as well as top-tier strategy consultants. Each framework gives you a clear, repeatable way to build a persuasive, data-backed business case that decision-makers actually say yes to.
If you want expert support practicing real-world business cases that help you get hired or secure internal approval, reach out to Gogotechy.
A business case is not a generic business plan. It is a focused, decision-oriented document or presentation designed to answer one critical question: is this initiative worth doing now?
A strong business case example does several things at once:
When done well, a business case becomes the bridge between ideas and execution. Without it, even strong ideas often fail to get buy-in.
Below are three widely used frameworks that former Google and Meta leaders, along with consultants from firms like McKinsey & Company, Bain & Company, and Boston Consulting Group, rely on when building business cases.
Each framework fits a different context, from large corporate investments to fast-moving startup initiatives.
This classic consulting framework is one of the most common foundations behind a high-quality business case example.
It works because it mirrors how senior decision-makers think: what’s happening, why it’s a problem, and what should be done about it.
This framework is especially effective for transformative initiatives such as new infrastructure investments, product launches, or organizational changes.
Problem, Options, Recommendation, ROI
This is the most common format used in enterprise environments and formal approval processes. It systematically addresses every concern a decision-maker might have.
Typical Structure:
This framework is ideal when multiple stakeholders from finance, operations, IT, and leadership need alignment.
In startups, product teams, or fast-moving tech environments, long decks can slow momentum. That’s where a lean business case example is often more effective.
This format strips the business case down to its essentials.
What to include:
This approach is especially popular in product-led organizations and innovation teams because it enables fast, data-driven decisions.
| Scenario | Recommended Framework |
|---|---|
| Large-scale investment, capital budget, cross-departmental impact | Situation–Complication–Resolution (SCR) or Structured Template |
| Corporate or enterprise-level project needing formal approval | Structured Business Case Template (Problem → Options → Recommendation → ROI) |
| Startup or small team, early stage project, pilot or MVP | Lean / MVP-Focused Business Case |
Every credible business case starts with facts. Before writing anything, invest time in understanding the current state of the business.
Collect internal data such as current costs, performance metrics, operational bottlenecks, and historical trends. Look for inefficiencies, missed opportunities, or risks that already have a measurable impact.
Complement this with external data. Market trends, competitor benchmarks, pricing models, and customer feedback help validate that the problem is real and not just internal perception. Decision-makers trust cases that are grounded in reality beyond the company’s four walls.
Finally, speak directly with stakeholders across operations, finance, sales, product, and end users. These conversations often reveal hidden constraints, dependencies, and opportunities that data alone does not capture.
Not all business cases require the same level of rigor or detail. Selecting the wrong structure is one of the most common mistakes.
If the decision involves significant budget, long-term impact, or cross-functional change, a structured or consulting-style framework is usually expected. If you are proposing a pilot, MVP, or early-stage initiative, a leaner format often leads to faster approval.
The framework should serve the decision, not the other way around.
Although it appears at the beginning, the executive summary should be written once the analysis is complete.
A strong executive summary clearly states:
It should stand on its own and allow a senior leader to understand the entire business case in under two minutes.
If the executive summary is unclear, the rest of the document rarely saves the case.
The body of your business case should read like a logical progression rather than a collection of sections.
Start with a precise problem or opportunity statement, supported by data. If multiple options exist, compare them objectively, including the option to do nothing, and explain the trade-offs.
Then articulate the recommended solution in practical terms. Define scope, assumptions, dependencies, and what success looks like. This is where credibility is built or lost.
Numbers transform a good idea into a convincing business case.
Estimate financial impact such as revenue growth, cost reduction, productivity gains, or risk avoidance. When exact figures are not available, use ranges, scenarios, or conservative assumptions and explain them transparently.
Decision-makers are not looking for perfect precision. They are looking for disciplined thinking and realistic estimates.
A strong business case example does not exist in isolation.
Explicitly link the initiative to broader strategic goals such as growth, scalability, operational efficiency, innovation, or customer experience. When leaders see how the proposal supports what the organization already cares about, approval becomes significantly easier.
This step is often overlooked, yet it is one of the most powerful persuasion levers.
A business case is rarely approved in its first version.
Expect questions, challenges, and requests for clarification, especially in cross-functional or high-stakes decisions. Be prepared to refine assumptions, adjust scope, or reframe benefits based on feedback.
The strongest business cases evolve through discussion and iteration, not perfection on the first draft.
Imagine you’re proposing a new SaaS-based CRM implementation across your sales and support teams to improve customer retention and streamline operations.
A perfect business case example using the structured template could look like this:
This is the kind of robust, data-driven, persuasive business case that gets a “yes” from decision-makers.
At Gogotechy, we help professionals get hired into roles where business case thinking is non-negotiable. From strategy and product roles to consulting, operations, and leadership positions, we work with candidates who need to perform under real interview pressure.
Our focus is not on writing theoretical business cases, but on helping you think, structure, and communicate like someone already in the role. We combine practical frameworks, financial intuition, and interviewer-level expectations to help you build business case examples that sound credible, structured, and decision-ready.
If you want to pass business case interviews, stand out in competitive hiring processes, and confidently defend your recommendations in front of senior stakeholders, contact us at Gogotechy! We will help you get there faster and with clarity.
How can we help you?