Is this the same as a Lean Canvas?

They are related. The Lean Canvas replaces some blocks, such as Key Partners, with startup-focused ones like Problem, Solution and Unfair Advantage. You can rename the branches in this template to turn it into a Lean Canvas.

Business

Business Model Canvas Mind Map Template

Q: What are the nine blocks of the Business Model Canvas?

Customer Segments, Value Propositions, Channels, Customer Relationships, Revenue Streams, Key Resources, Key Activities, Key Partners and Cost Structure.

By RP Hobbyist · Updated October 2026

The Business Model Canvas, created by Alexander Osterwalder, describes how an organization creates, delivers and captures value using nine building blocks: customer segments, value propositions, channels, customer relationships, revenue streams, key resources, key activities, key partners and cost structure. It fits a whole business model on one page, which makes it a favorite for startups, product teams and innovation workshops.

This template lays out all nine blocks as branches of a single map. Start with the customer side (segments, value propositions, channels, relationships, revenue), then fill in the infrastructure side (activities, resources, partners, costs) that makes it possible.

Business Model Canvas template as a mind map — The Business Model Canvas template as it opens in the editor.

It opens as a new map with 10 topics already filled in. You don't need an account.

Open in the editor

When to use a Business Model Canvas

Sketching a new startup or side-business idea
Documenting how an existing business actually makes money
Comparing alternative business models before choosing one
Preparing for a pitch or investor conversation

What goes in each branch

Customer Segments: The distinct groups you serve. Be specific: "freelance designers", not "everyone".
Value Propositions: The problem you solve or the gain you create for each segment, and why they would choose you.
Channels: How customers discover, buy and receive what you offer: website, marketplace, retail, a sales team.
Customer Relationships: The relationship each segment expects: self-service, community, personal support, subscription.
Revenue Streams: How each segment pays: one-off sales, subscriptions, licensing, usage fees, advertising.
Key Resources: The assets the model depends on: people, intellectual property, equipment, data, brand.
Key Activities: What you must do well to deliver the value proposition: production, platform development, problem solving.
Key Partners: Suppliers and partners who provide resources or activities you don't do yourself.
Cost Structure: The most important costs of running the model, and whether it is cost-driven or value-driven.

Example: An open-source desktop app funded by donations and paid support

Customer Segments: individual makers; small teams that need support
Value Propositions: a free, private, offline tool; guaranteed response times for teams
Revenue Streams: donations, sponsorships, annual support contracts
Cost Structure: developer time, code-signing certificates, download hosting

Tips

Fill the customer side first; the infrastructure only makes sense once you know who you serve and why.
Give each customer segment its own color and reuse it in the other blocks to see which activities and costs serve which customers.
Treat every note as a hypothesis to test, not a fact, especially for a new venture.
Keep a copy of each version. Comparing canvases side by side shows how your model evolved.

Using this template in Neuron Mapping

Click Open in the editor. The template opens as a new map.
Select a topic and press Tab to add a branch under it, or double-click a topic to change its text.
Select a topic to change its color and shape, or add notes to it in Markdown.
When you're done, export the map as a PDF or PNG, or save it to keep editing later.

Everything runs locally in your browser: your map is saved on your device, works offline, and can be exported as PDF, PNG or an editable .nmm file.