How to Write an Executive Summary for a Start Up Business
Today's executive needs the skill of a juggler and the constitution of a triathlon participant to stay ahead of the game, which is why the executive summary has become such a valuable tool. Executive summaries are usually no longer than 10 pages--often, only one--so each word must form a synopsis from which a decision maker can draw enough conclusions to decide whether loaning you money for your business start-up makes sense.
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Instructions
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Write your entire business plan before you draft your executive summary, since the purpose of this recap is to refine everything you've included in the plan down to the most basic language. Ask a business colleague, organization like SCORE or expert on the art of writing business plans to vet your plan so you start out on the right foot.
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Use a format that's easy for readers to navigate. Start with basic information like the business name, corporate address, principles and a sentence explaining the type of product or service you'll offer. Then introduce readers to the body of the summary statement by articulating the plan's thesis: why your business needs underwriting for its start-up and exactly what you plan to do with the funds.
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Fill the next paragraph with salient business points that document your seriousness of purpose and research acumen as it relates to marketing, operational and financial plans for your business start-up. Include sales and profit projections and explain your mission statement, philosophy and goals.
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Ask for a specific amount of investment capital to maintain the forthright nature of the document. Spell out what your start-up is willing to do in return for that investment--e.g., give stock, interest, equity--and drive home the ways your executives plan to position the business so it gains the competitive edge needed to repay the funds within a fixed time schedule.
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Go through your completed first draft with a fine-tooth comb. Proof the spelling, syntax and paragraph structures. Remove every word that's not essential. Double check main points and remove irrelevant or confusing statements. Recheck all of your figures. Consider adding subheads if you feel your summary would benefit.
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Remember that the job of the executive summary is to lure, interest, fascinate and intrigue--and do the job so well, even if the reader never sees a word of your business plan, that she will still understand what your business will entail and why you need help with your start-up.
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Tips & Warnings
Business pros suggest adding graphs, charts and other aids to a summary, but you risk impacting the brevity of your summary, so proceed with caution if you decide to add graphic data.
