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Executive Summary

[] This Executive Summary is excerpted from BizPlan Builder (word-processing template version).
[] This section is an abstract of your company's present status and future direction. Keep it to 1-3 pages.
[] Because it gives the reader an overview of your business and indicates how your business plan is organized, the Executive Summary is usually written after all the other sections of your business plan are completed.

Vision/Mission

In [date], [Company] was [formed/created] to produce and distribute [x], take advantage of [x], fill the void of ...[describe the goal of your business].
[] Include company vision and mission statements covering your line of products and services: What kind of company do you want to be?

Now, [Company] is at a point where [what you need or want to do next].
[] Describe the [concept/opportunity/niche] in your marketplace to exploit as you build your business to the next level, etc.

Company Overview

Legal Business Description

The legal name of [Company] is [list full name of company as listed with your local government].

The legal form of [Company] is [Sole Proprietorship/General or Limited Partnership/Corporation/Subchapter S-Corporation].
[] Explain choice of form.

The business location of [Company] is [list primary business address as well as satellite locations].
[] Corporate Headquarters

Management Team

Our management team consists of [00] men and women whose backgrounds consist of [000] years of marketing with [list company names], and [000] years of corporate development with [list company names].

Our management team also includes [00] men and women with [00] years of engineering and design with [company], a chief financial officer with [000] years of accounting, administrative, merger and acquisition, banking experience with [company].
[] Strong company backgrounds pertinent to your management team's functions are good references to demonstrate a solid background and assure a higher probability of future success.

Management Team

In-House Management

[xxx], President

[xxx], Vice President of Marketing

[xxx], Vice President of Sales

[xxx], Vice President of Finance

[xxx], Vice President of R&D

[xxx], Vice President of Operations

[xxx], Controller

Outside Management Support [hourly/project basis]

[xxx], Accountant/CPA

[xxx], Corporate Attorney

[xxx], Type of Consultant

Additionally, our outside management advisors provide tremendous support for management decisions and creativity.

Product Strategy

Current Product

[Company] currently offers [00] products:

• [List products and resources]
• xxx
• xxx

[xxx] our principal product consists of [xxx]. Overall our existing product line is [give status].

Our product technology consists of [xxx].

Research & Development

In response to demonstrated needs of our market, new products or services are being developed to include [x], [x], and [x]. The planned released date is [month], 20[xx] and [month], 20[xx].

Production & Delivery

The key factors in our [production or service] delivery include [x]. Our current [product or service] is produced at [x]. Because of [x], our future facility will need to [x]. Our biggest advantage is [x].

Market Analysis

The [x] market is growing at a rapid rate. The market for these products amounted to $[x] million in 20[00]-representing a [x]% growth over $[x] million in 20[00].

According to the [research firm/industry report/trade journal], the overall market for the [x] industry [worldwide/nationwide/in this region] is projected to be $[x] [billion/million] by the end of 20[00].

The area of biggest growth in the [x] market is in the area of "[x]".
Currently, the market distribution is shared by [x] participants, with [top competitor] considered the market leader.

In the next [x] to [x] years it is estimated that there will be more than [x] [thousand/million] of [product]s distributed by [Company]. The market potential for [product] in these quantities-with a current retail price of $[x] per unit-is approximately $[x] [thousand/million]. This translates to a market share of [x]% of the overall market.

Customer Profile
[Company]'s target market includes [types of customers]. The most typical customer of our products is someone who is in the [x] field, and who currently uses [product] for [give application/purpose].
[] If you feel it is necessary, further describe the demographics of your target customer in 1 or 2 lines.

Competition

Companies that compete in this market are [Competitor 1], [Competitor 2] and [Competitor 3]. All companies charge competitive prices: [list examples and range of prices].

Key factors of [list top factors] have resulted in the present competitive position in the industry.
[] Add a couple lines of further explanation of the current competitive situation, if necessary.

Risk
The top business risks that [Company] faces as it begins to [enter/expand in] the [x] market are:
[] Give a 1 to 2 line description of your top 2 or 3 business risks.

An environmental risk that may cause some concern is [top environmental risk].
[] Give a brief summary of your existing and projected marketplace.

Marketing Plan

[Company]'s marketing strategy is to enhance, promote and support the fact that our products [list your unique features, benefits, established market position/presence].

Sales Strategy
Because of [product]'s special market characteristics], [seasonal/geographic/etc., as mentioned in your Market Analysis section], our sales strategy includes…
[] Briefly describe how your sales strategy will address specific market/environmental conditions.

Distribution Channels
[Company]'s marketing strategy incorporates plans to sell our [product] through several channels.
[] Give a 1 to 2 line description of your major channels of distributing your product or service.

The determining factors in choosing these channels are [x].

Our mix of distribution channels will give us the advantages of [list advantages] over our competition.

A partial list of [Company]'s major current customers includes:

• [xxx]
• [xxx]
• [xxx].

Advertising & Promotion

Our advertising and promotion strategy is to position [Company] as the leading [manufacturer/service provider/distributor] in the market.

We will utilize the following media and methods to allow our message to reach our customers:
[] Give a 1 to 2 line description of your top means of advertising and promoting your company and products to your customers.

For the next [x] [months/years], advertising and promotion will require $[000].
[] Figure about 10% to 20% of sales $$$ the first year, depending on your industry.

On an ongoing basis we will budget our advertising investment as [00]% of total sales.

Public Relations

During 20[00] [Company] will focus on the following publicity strategies:
[] Give a 1 to 2 line description of your top 2 or 3 publicity strategies.

We will track, wherever possible, the incremental revenue generated from our publicity efforts. We anticipate at least $[x] of sales will be generated directly from our publicity, and possibly an additional $[x] of indirect increase in sales through our various channels.

Financial Plan

Our objective, at this time, is to propel the company into a prominent market position. We feel that within [x] years [Company] will be in a suitable position for [further expansion, an initial public offering or profitable acquisition].

Capital Requirements

According to the opportunities and requirements for [Company] described in this business plan, and based on what we feel are sound business assumptions, our [initial/first year/total] capital requirements are for $[x] by [date, 19xx].

We anticipate additional investment requirements of $[x] and $[x] in [x] [months/years] and [x] [months/years] to allow us to increase production capacities to meet market demand.

The [loan/equity investment] will be used to [purchase/build/develop/finance] [equipment/facilities/working capital].
[] Choose the activities pertinent to your goals:

• Build manufacturing facilities and ramp up production and inventory to meet customer demands.
• Maximize sales with an extensive campaign to promote our products/services.
• Add retail outlets, regional marketing/sales offices, print a direct-mail catalog.
• Reinforce Customer Support services to handle the increased demands created by the influx of new orders and broader coverage of existing accounts.
• Augment company staff to support and sustain prolonged growth under the new marketing plan.
• Increase Research and Development to create additional follow-on products as well as to further fine-tune our competitive advantages.

Exit/Payback
The attached financial projections indicate that the exit of [investor] will be achievable in [x] years. The exit settlement will be in the form of [x].

[] -OR-

The increase in profits generated by [x] will allow us to have the funds to repay the loan in [x month/years].

Conclusion

[Company] enjoys an established track-record of excellent [support/service] for our customers. Their expressions of satisfaction and encouragement are numerous, and we intend to continue our advances in the [x] marketplace with more unique and effective [product or service].

So far, you have the Executive Summary.

Here's everything else included in BizPlan Builder:
Cover Page
Cover Letter to Investors

Executive Summary
Present Situation
Vision & Philosophy
Mission Statement
Business Goals
Company Overview
Form of Business
Government Regulations

Management Team
Responsibilities
Stock Allocation
Board of Directors
Staffing Requirements
Strategic Alliances
OEM Relationships
Joint Marketing & Development Agreements
Third Party Suppliers

Service / Product Strategy
Current Product(s) / Service(s)
Research & Development
Production & Delivery

Market Analysis
Industry Analysis
Customer Profile
Economic Factors
Demographics
Psychographics
Competition
Risk

Marketing Plan
Sales Strategy
Positioning
Pricing Strategies
Distribution Channels
Customer Service
Advertising & Public Relations

Capital Requirements
How Funds Will Be Used
Exit/Payback Strategy

Financial Statements

Assumptions
12-Month Budget
12-Month / 5-Year Income Statement
12-Month / 5-Year Cash Flow (Allows for aging receivables)
12-Month / 5-Year Balance Sheet
Gross Profit Analysis (by product)
Comprehensive Ratio Analysis
Break-Even Analysis
Sensitivity Analysis (Worst Case / Best Case compared to plan)
Working Capital Worksheet
Personal Financial Statement

Other Documents Included
Presenting Your Plan
Cover Letter & Term Sheet
Non-Disclosure Agreement
Sample Completed Plan
U.S. Government & SBA Resources
State & Local Governments Resources

65 secrets to creative financing

Included is the JIAN Handbook of Business Planning, a comprehensive business planning primer with 65 different methods for doing business with or without outside financing. How to work with vendors, customers, employees, banks, investors and the SBA. Written by business professionals for business owners, BizPlan Builder embodies thousands of hours of research, development and business expertise.

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