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

What can you expect from my involvement? As over a 20-year Information Technology professional working with multiple organizations in manufacturing, inventory and distribution capacities, as well as being a 5-year experienced entrepreneur myself in the transportation sector, I can lend my expertise and experiences towards any startup or fledgling business. Equitable funding is available for the right fit. If you have a legitimate business or business plan, I am interested in discussing how I can help. I have always come to believe that you get out of a business exactly what you put into it. It is this value of hard work that can reap rewards towards fulfilling your dreams, especially if you are passionate about it. I want to take the next step and engage with others in reaching these goals. New opportunities are abound, and I can share my experiences and financial gains towards these new prospects.

$0 to $500,000

United States > Michigan

My Vice President role for a 100+ employee marketing agency and creative production studio has given me a unique perspective on what it takes to provide successful business management, strategic planning, operational support and team leadership to service the world’s largest companies and brands. As Vice President of Account Management, I created a completely new leadership and operational structure with an emphasis on service, quality and value. During my tenure, the account team grew from 6 to 14, sales doubled and the company experienced 6 of its most profitable years in history. In addition, I successfully began implementing a lean continuous improvement culture to reduce waste, speed training and improve quality. Recently parted from my agency, I am currently looking for new entrepreneurial investment opportunities and am committed to bringing continuous improvement to the operations of any organization.

$10,000 to $200,000

United States > Michigan

I'm a 31 year old married father who just recently moved to the Grand Rapids area, but have spent most of my life in the Midwest. I'm currently in a mid-level management position in the environmental services industry with responsibilities overseeing operations, environmental regulations, and P&L performance. I have an MBA from Indiana University with a focus on Analytics, Operations & Finance. I have a strong affinity for the Midwest and am looking to help small businesses in the local area grow. I'd be looking to provide assistance in market-analytics, financials, and operational improvement. I'd prefer to be in an advisory role but open to being a silent partner pending discussions. Individual investor.

$1,000 to $40,000

United States > Michigan

Our firm has successfull invested in small to medium cap manufacturing firms since 1982 and an International Trading Company for 15 years. We now operate two Private Equity Funds with $500 AUM. We also have a new Fund with US OPIC backing supporting investment in Sub- Sahara Africa and are interested in products or services applicable to that region that is economically sustanable and provides social improvements to the local population.

$2,500,000 to $250,000,000

United States > Michigan

CPA with 5 years of experience in the Financial Services Industry now working in Finance and Accounting for one of the United States largest Cannabis Cultivation and Processing Companies. Interested in investing in the Cannabis Industry.

$10,000 to $200,000

United States > Michigan

36+ year IT professional nearing retirement, currently VP of Technology at a billion dollar construction management firm with ownership equity. Current investment experience is mainly Stocks, Mutual Funds, EFTs, and some Bonds, then of course all the various retirement accounts and company stock. Looking to retire at 60yo and will need mostly stability, but also looking to take some limited risks on higher risk/reward ventures if a solid opportunity presents itself.

$10,000 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