Len McDowall

Getting your business plan read is one of the first steps towards an investor providing venture capital for your business. Investors are faced with hundreds of business plans and investment opportunities a year. Typically they are initially looking for a well executed summary of the business plan to assist them to quickly evaluate and determine if the proposal is of interest.

A summary or executive summary if well written is an effective way of capturing the investor’s interest. It also an effective tool for the party wishing to raise capital to quickly help qualify the investor’s interest.

So what should you include in your Executive Summary?

The summary should be 2-3 pages covering the purpose of presenting the plan, which is to attract investment and the goals that the company wishes to achieve. Highlight the key points about the business, it founders, expertise in their field; market opportunity, size, growth and potential market share; products and services, their key unique selling proposition; past trading record and achievements and the expected financial projects.

A precise and distinct summary of the key points will outline to the investor the unique features and how the business goals can be realised.

And finally, don’t forget to outline the size of capital funding that is required and how the investment will be used in the business.

Remember, this is your “moment of truth”, your first impression to the investor, make it relevant, highlight the most significant points and it needs to be convincing.

The Executive Summary should be the last component of your business plan that you write, take your time, do it well as it will typically be the first thing the investor reads.

Once written the business plan is a very useful tool for being “Investor Ready”. It not only provides valuable information for potential investors, but in the event you may wish to float your company, the business plan will help assist in preparing the Pre-IPO opportunity . It is also beneficial if you choose to seek corporate advisory services.

There is lots of great Free advice on writing business plans, I have included a 12 Part Series on “How to write a business plan to Raise Capital”, on my website or check out government information sites.

Len McDowall