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'm looking to invest in the Marijuana Business. I'm looking to invest in a operating or a newly formed company. I have owned bars my whole life and would love to get in on the Dispensary/Grow operations. I'm looking to be hands on ...I live 20 min north of Detroit area. If you need some working capital / investor partner let me know thanks, I have a clean record and good credit. Thanks for your time! BTW, I'm 49 single so I can work anytime!

$100 to $50,000

United States > Michigan

Currently working in healthcare and real estate. Looking to be either active or silent.

$1,000 to $50,000

United States > Michigan

BSc (Computer Science) MBA Extensive experience as an entrepreneur. Have started companies from startup stage, to international franchising and publicly listed a US based franchise on the Frankfurt Exchange. Extensive experience in B2B and service based industries. Well versed with international business, different cultures and how to build businesses across borders. Dual citizen (Australian, United States). I am looking to be a part of a team to help run and build an established business that does not require "on-site" attendance. I am looking for something that I be involved in remotely. I am willing to travel internationally. So I am looking for active involvement and can also invest.

$20,000 to $100,000

United States > Michigan

I am a successful business woman that believes anyone that puts hard work in should have a chance at success and if I may be able to help with a small loan I would like to be that person. Each loan will be an investment on my behalf.

$5,000 to $50,000

United States > Michigan

Hello, I am a 38 y.o., looking to invest in wide range of industries to diversify my portfolio. I have experience in residential real estate and beginning to invest in commercial real estate. My wife and I are healthcare professionals and Michigan has been our home for the past 13yrs. I could serve as hands-on or silent partner, depending on the needs of a business.

$10,000 to $100,000

United States > Michigan

Retired and looking at investments

$25,000 to $300,000

United States > Michigan

Healthcare executive in Grand Rapids. Partner in multiple different companies. Looking to expand my investment portfolio. Most interested in a silent or advisory role.

$0 to $100,000

United States > Michigan

I am looking for active and passive investments, as well as opportunities for hands-on involvement in a business. Having served in various capacities in the healthcare industry for years, including most recently as an executive, I have a broad range of experience. I have my JD and MBA, and am admitted to practice law in the State of Michigan. I am quite open to the subject matter of the business to be involved with, but will look for something that I find attractive, holds sensible promise, and has honest, hardworking, and bright people involved.

$10,000 to $4,000,000