Lean Model Canvas versus Business Model Canvas. What canvas will be the most helpful for you to work through?
There are various business model, business planning, business canvas tools out there. How do you know which one will be the most helpful for you and your business or business idea? Below we share details about the two most popular canvases to help you develop and/or optimize your business model.
Lean Startup
Lean Canvas
Lean Canvas helps you deconstruct your business idea into its key assumptions. It is adapted from the Business Model Canvas and optimized for Lean Startups.
The lean model canvas features nine blocks, with three add-ons: Problem (with Existing Alternatives), Solution, Key Metrics, Unique Value Proposition (with High-Level Concept), Unfair Advantage, Channels, Customer Segments (with Early Adopters), Cost Structure, and Revenue Streams. This canvas is a variation of the Business Model Canvas. The creator of the Lean Canvas wanted something that was hyper focused on the mindset of a "Lean" startup entreprenuer/business. A lean business model focuses on improving processes to eliminate waste while optimizing value to the customer.
Intended for Startups
Focuses on Lean methodology
Utilizes Problem-Solution Approach
Explore & Learn More about
the Lean Canvas!
the Lean Canvas!

Design & Optimize
Business Model Canvas
The Business Model Canvas, is a strategic management and entrepreneurial tool. It allows you to describe, design, challenge, invent, and pivot your business model.
The business model canvas features the nine fundamental building blocks of all business models: Key Partners, Key Activities, Key Resources, Value Propositions, Customer Relationships, Channels, Customer Segments, Cost Structure, and Revenue Streams. The business model canvas was created to provide a shared understanding of what a business model actually is—something everyone understands. The canvas helps you think through your business, your competitors, or any other enterprise, all with a common shared langauge—a shared language you can use to describe and manipulate business models to create new strategic alternatives.
Intended for all business stages
Focuses on model design & testing
Utilizes Customer Jobs-to-be-done Approach
Explore & Learn More about
the Business Model Canvas!
the Business Model Canvas!

Pathway coaches can help walk you through which canvas is best for you!
Pathway coaches are experts in their field—former executives, CPA's, and more with expertise ranging from accounting to sales & marketing. We're ready to help you and your business start and grow!
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