The Executive Summary is the most important part of your business plan and as such it deserves much of your attention. This is the document that will sell your business idea to a potential investor. Although there is no standard way of writing an executive summary there are certain information that every savvy investor is looking for in an executive summary, which will help her/him decide if your business plan is worth reading. Below is a sample outline of an executive summary.

EXECUTIVE  SUMMARY OUTLINE

A. Who – Company Name and paragraph on history/concept, mission and team/owners

B. What – What you plan to sale or do; the product/service offering.  Describe what business the firm is in and what you want to accomplish and when.

C. How/Where – Business model selected, geographic location and main target market(s) — how big are these markets and their potential for growth.

D. Why – The solution this business provides; the market that is unfulfilled; the ‘pain’ the firm/venture will solve.  Why you want to be in this business.

E. Technology/Intellectual Property – Any patents, unique advantages?

F. Competition – Who is the key competition and what is this firm’s competitive advantage?

G. Funds Needed, Source and Timing – How much, timing, and assumed source(s)

H. Funds Usage – Amount & percentage for Start-up expenses, capital purchases, working capital and other.  What’s been invested to date and by whom?

I. Key Financial Information – Return of Investment/debt payoff plan, Exit strategy if venture capital is to be used, Business valuation calculation, Charts of -  Income Summary, Cash Flow Summary, and Uses & Sources of Initial Funds.

Related posts:

1. Sample Executive Summaries
2. Executive Summary – What You Should Know
3. Before You Begin to Write Your Business Plan…
4. Financial Plan – Part I