The executive summary is the most important part of your business plan, and is typically pulled together after you have completed writing your plan. Don’t assume that people will read your plan cover-to-cover. Succinctly state what your business is about and why it will be successful.

1

Describe your business concept. Be sure to include what industry sector you will be operating in, the market you serve, and your competitive advantage(s).

2

How will you differentiate your product or service from competitors? Are you entering a new or mature market?

3

What is the legal structure of your company? Do you hold special / required licenses of operation and insurance for your particular business? Does the business, or its principals, belong to any associations?

4

Is your company already in operation or in start-up mode? If it is operational, give a brief overview of your progress and achievements to date: history, contracts, and market research indicating that the business is viable.

5

Who is your ownership / management? Briefly describe your management team’s experience and credentials.

6

How much money are you seeking (if any) and for what purpose?

7

How much money has the founder(s) invested to date? How was this money spent?

8

Summarize your projected financial performance. Include gross revenues and net profits in the year of business (three-year actuals, if available, for existing businesses plus projections), and at least one year projected for start-up business.

9

Provide your contact information and where the reader can go to get supporting information about your business, industry, owners — e.g. website, downloadable reports, email, or mobile phone numbers.