Michigan Investment Network

Business Plan Tips

What Investors Are Looking For In A Plan

Investors, whether angels or VC's, are looking for the same things when reading a business plan. They want to know how big the opportunity is, whether this is the right team to exploit the opportunity, who the competition is, what the risks are, and why they can expect this team to implement successfully. Your job in writing the business plan is to address these questions convincingly and clearly.

Emphasize Your Real Strengths

Highlight what your team brings to the table. If your business hinges on a particular competency (for example, understanding the procurement process), your plan will be more persuasive if one of your team members knows something about it and that is brought out in your plan. Rather than including generic resumes of team members, tailor the resumes to draw out the experience each member has that will make him or her a valuable contributor.

Get To The Point And Make It Clear And Comprehensive

Investors see many business plans. A 20-page plan which clearly lays out your business is far more likely to be read than a 100 page plan. Today, some entrepreneurs are using a 15 slide Powerpoint presentation. If your text is short and punchy, you won't need to repeat yourself, because the reader won't be bogged down keeping ten chapters in their head. Reading the same thing over and over, even if it's in different words, can get really tiring. The more you use brevity and give each concept a single home in your document, the more people will want to read it.

Write In Plain English

If you can't explain your idea in English, either you don't understand what you're talking about (What is a transaction enabled atomic journaling database server, anyway?) or you haven't simplified the idea enough. Think, revise, and try again.

Get Rid Of The Hype

Yes, we know you will be the "premier insert product category here of the Internet, achieving 99% market penetration with 60% customer retention in 3 months". Your product will reach "new heights in customer experience through the use of personalization and one-to-one profiling and customization". It will be "user friendly" because you will be creating a truly "ecstatic customer experience". It is a "quantum leap forward" in the marketplace for product category here. Um, yeah. Believe me, we've read it before. About a dozen times today, in fact. (And by the way, the phrase "quantum leap" really doesn't mean anything.) Stick to a tight, simple explanation of your idea. Convince your reader you'll be the best because your idea is the best, not because you can string a dozen buzzwords together.

Use Quantifiable Information

In each section, back up your assertions with solid facts. Even if you are a new venture and cannot give specific figures on the performance of your business, quote figures for the industry or your competitors. These real figures carry more weight than your assumed projections and give more reality to your plan.

Choose A Huge Market

Especially in the internet world, investors are looking more at the market than at the detailed specifics of your financials. Choose a market that is big enough to be an obvious good opportunity. A business which targets teenage girls who listen to music and has a reasonable chance of capturing 90% of the girls that are online is a huge opportunity. A business which targets net-savvy SAAB mechanics who need prosthetic limbs is not.

Michigan Investors

United States > Michigan

I am working with partners providing funding, debt and equity, for businesses in need of capital. ($0-2.5 Mil) Specifically, I am looking for growth and transition opportunities. I am a Michigan native and have spent the last seven years doing numerous deals (20+ deals, over $50 Million invested or lent) working with companies to create the optimal capital structures. These deals have been across multiple industries and geographies, mostly in Michigan and the Midwest. Repeatedly, deals struggle to get done due to lack of collateral or equity. I am looking for opportunities to help managers have the ability to acquire their businesses and sellers be able to keep their companies local, after the sale. I have an extensive network of lenders, operators, and advisors to help in various situations.

$0 to $2,500,000

United States > Michigan

38 year old female in the Title industry. I’m looking for investment opportunities to provide financial independence and security. I want to diversify my portfolio. I would like to be a silent partner or partner to learn more on investing.

$1,000 to $40,000

United States > Michigan

I am a 49-year-old husband of 23 years and father of a college and high school student. We live in Oakland County, Michigan. I work full-time as a manager in the marketing industry and have my own side consulting business providing marketing, communications, copywriting and PR support. I have been investing in the market since I was 20 and am looking to diversify my profile with aspiring or existing entrepreneurs. I would not only be willing to provide money but can serve as a consultant and advisor as needed. I've thought about starting my own business but at this point in my career prefer to participate in this way. Would love to learn more about business ideas from professionals and entrepreneurs with a drive and passion! Let's chat and see if there's a fit.

$1 to $50,000

United States > Michigan

Married. Battle Creek, MI. Bachelors - Consumer Goods. Experience: Kellog, Kraft Foods, Stryker Medical. Status: Individual Investor Involvement: Any. Have access to top producers in all areas. Marketing top 100 marketing executive. Analysts from major corporations.

$10,000 to $150,000

United States > Michigan

I have hands-on experience as a learning consultant using Learning Management Systems. I started personally investing and looking for other companies and industries that suit my interests to enhance my portfolio.

$100 to $20,000

United States > Michigan

I’m a sales and biz dev leader with 12 years of experience in the semiconductor industry, where I’ve worked with global OEMs and high-growth tech companies to bring new products to market and scale revenue. I've also spent 3 years in strategy consulting at McKinsey, helping clients solve growth, go-to-market, and operational challenges across tech and industrial sectors. I hold an MBA from the University of Chicago (Booth), and I’ve also spent time on the founder side - launching two companies, one of which was successfully acquired. Outside of operating roles, I’ve been an active real estate investor for more than seven years, focusing on long-term, cash-flowing assets. I grew up in Toronto and have since lived in Dallas, Chicago, and Philadelphia. Today, I’m based near Ann Arbor with my wife and our two young boys, ages 2 and 4. I enjoy connecting with entrepreneurs, supporting early-stage teams, and getting involved where I can add both strategic insight and hands-on help

$1,000 to $50,000

United States > Michigan

I am in the process of moving to Georgetown Texas having just sold my consulting firm in Michigan. I started a consulting business 14 years ago after retiring from teaching. The firm has greatly impacted education throughout the entire state of Michigan as the 9+ consultants have developed disruptive formats for educating students on a personalized level. My investments have been largely in technology and other sectors that are unique and unconventional. I hope to be involved in a hands-on, advisory capacity as an individual investor.

$5,000 to $100,000

United States > Michigan

Single male, located in Michigan. Currently work as a Firefighter and have experience in public service, transportation management, property management, and am a self taught home renovator. Hoping to collaborate on new business venture - open to explore many industries. Looking to serve day to day or as needed - silent partner is optional. Would prefer to be hands-on and have a mentor or someone willing to teach the ropes of the business.

$5,000 to $100,000