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

Former banker in VC Bank. Went on to work in the recreational cannabis industry in Washington. Currently live in Michigan as a real estate and cannabis investor. Looking for a new cannabis related venture in the new Michigan markets. Very selective investor.

$5,000 to $40,000

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

I am married with three kids and I am 30 years old. I have owned and operated 2 companies for the past 10 years employing 5-10 people. My first company is a service provider for pharmaceutical clean room air quality testing and certification. My other company is a pharmaceutical supply company selling specific compounding equipment and small products used within pharmacy clean rooms. I carry the two accreditation’s required for certification work in the compounding pharmaceutical industry. I am a graduate of central Michigan university with a bachelors degree in entrepreneurial studies and minor in sales. I am an individual investor. I have small investment experience as a silent partner with investment under 5K. I recently sold part of my certification company and have liquid capital. I prefer to be hands on if possible. I believe anyone should know and understand the processes of a specific business venture. Thank you

$1,000 to $100,000

United States > Michigan

I'm a 27 year old, single man living currently in Detroit, MI. I am a mechanical engineer with a master's degree and also an MBA in finance and data analytics. I have 5 years experience in B2B operations and logistics. I previously co-founded a startup outside the US that ran successfully before I sold it, specializing in manufacturing of packaging and distribution for food and beverage products. I'm looking for a hands-on investment opportunity to take part in the day-to-day operations and scaling of an existing business with growth potential. I'm currently an individual investor but with connections to deep-pocketed investor groups. Investments made do not have to be long-term, they can be joint ventures for a specified number of years as well.

$25,000 to $100,000

United States > Michigan

Looking to invest and/or have an active role in a Michigan cannabis company. I am 45 years old, married with adult-age children living in northern Oakland county. I am a results-driven leader with over 25 years of experience in the military and Fortune 100 space. My experience is in developing, monitoring, and managing large-scale sales and operational teams. Offering an array of experience in strategic vision implementation, business/financial acumen, talent acquisition and development, performance analysis, campaign management, marketing/advertising, and problem fixer. Proven ability to multi-task and yield results in high-intensity, dynamic environments while driving growth and focusing on customer service excellence. I hold an MBA from Walsh College and love the plant.

$50,000 to $150,000

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

Private equity consultant passionate about entrepreneurship. Would love to invest in the right company/entrepreneur.

$10,000 to $50,000

United States > Michigan

Looking for high yield investment opportunities.

$1,000 to $200,000