Executive Summary
Session 4
J0704-Business Plan
Summarized what you’re telling
them first
The last thing one know is what to put
first – Blaise Pascal
J0704-Business Plan
The executive summary is the doorway to
your business plan. It is the single most
important section
The preferred length for the executive
summary is one page.
J0704-Business Plan
Two format of Executive
Summaries
Start-up companies can choose between
two formats for their executive summary.
The first and the most conventional is
referred to as the reviews format
The second format is the preview
executive summary and is usually
preferred for start-up companies
J0704-Business Plan
• Regardless of which format you decide to use,
the key to writing is to write the executive
summary last, so you can capture the important
high-lights of each section and to emphasize
those that are most essential for your business.
• However, you can write in draft form when you
begin, then proceed with the understanding that
this section is to be rewritten after you have
completed the rest of the work in the section
J0704-Business Plan
Strategically repeat important
points
Repeating some information in a
business plan is not only acceptable; it
can be crucial
J0704-Business Plan
Review Executive Summary
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Company description
Industry analysis
Market and competition
Strategies and goals
Products or services
Marketing and sales
Management and organization
Operation
Financial pro forma
Financing requirement
J0704-Business Plan
Preview Executive Summary
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Business Concept
Progress status
Keys to success
Financial Overview
J0704-Business Plan
Business Concept
• Name of company
• Industry, business
specialty and target
market
• Products or service
• Comparison with
competitor
• Long-range goal for the
business
J0704-Business Plan
Progress Status
• Identification of owner
and their involvement
• Important objectives
and achievements
• The milestone
(keydate)
• Financing
• Market research and
the relation with
business
J0704-Business Plan
Key to Success
• Strength
• Advantages
• Key to success
J0704-Business Plan
Financial Overview
• Financial requirement
• Financial summary
J0704-Business Plan