Plan a Business Retreat
(the Hay&Co way)
Every year I take a couple days to step back, reset, and dream a little bigger for my business, and it always works better when I do it with a friend or fellow business owner for accountability (and honestly, more fun).
This simple 2-Day Business Retreat Template is the exact structure I use. It’s flexible, easy to follow, and designed to help you get clear on where you’re headed without overthinking it.
Use it as-is or tweak it to fit your style. The goal is just to get away, zoom out, and give yourself space to think.
Grab the retreat outline below and start planning your retreat:
Biz retreat
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Small Business Owner
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Biz retreat ✳︎ Small Business Owner ✳︎
HOw to prep for a retreat
A little prep goes a long way. Here’s what I always do before heading into a 2-day reset:
1. Pick your partner
Choose a friend or fellow business owner you trust, someone who will dream big with you and hold you accountable. You don’t need to have the same kind of business, you just need good energy.
2. Choose a location that feels inspiring
This doesn’t need to be fancy. A cozy Airbnb, a borrowed cabin, a quiet coffee shop rotation, or even your dining room if that’s what works. The only rule: it should feel like a step out of your normal routine.
3. Bring your essentials
Laptop, notebook, and favorite pens
Snacks + coffee/tea situation
Anything that helps you focus (noise-canceling headphones, playlists, comfy clothes)
4. Set intentions before you go
Take 5–10 minutes to jot down what you really want from these two days. More clarity? A refreshed game plan? Space to dream? This helps guide the whole experience.
5. Plan for breaks (and boundaries)
Some of the best ideas come when you step away—but also, give yourself permission to step out of your daily life. Don’t get pulled into client emails, chores, or your normal work routine. This time is for working on your business, not in it.
6. Remember this is about you too
Yes, it’s a business retreat, but the magic happens when you look at your whole life, not just your workload. I use these retreats to get clear on what I want my life to feel like: how I want to spend my time, what I want for my family, and how I can build my business around my needs, not the other way around.