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

Recently retired police officer, currently working as management in the private sector security. Interested in any possible investment but have my eye on anything in the cannabis industry.

$1 to $100,000

United States > Michigan

I moved here to Michigan about 6 years ago. I went to school for engineering at Oakland University. I have a bachelors and masters in engineering. I worked at Stellantis for 5 years. I now work in a finance role for an aluminum extrusion supplier. I've been active in the real estate market since moving here. I own long and short term rental properties in metro-Detroit. I own a company that offers short term rental property management as well as home remodeling services. I am a licensed realtor. I have many made many contacts throughout the real estate field. I'm open to a hands-on or silent role. It will depend on project, the available roles, and what value I can bring to the table. I'm available as an individual or as a small group of 3. I have two other business partners that are involved with my short term rental properties. They bring a great deal of experience.

$1,000 to $300,000

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

CFO and minority shareholder of a family owned manufacturing business in Jackson, Michigan. Very interested in cash flowing and tax advantaged investments. I invest for myself, my family, and on behalf of an investor network. Experience with acquisitions of operating companies and real estate.

$25,000 to $250,000

United States > Michigan

With a background in healthcare field and working as a dentist in US Army I want to explore the investment opportunities as I gradually transition my life from the 'Army World' to 'Civilian World'. I would like to be a silent investor. I am from Michigan so I would prefer to invest in Michigan. My job does require me to move every couple of years so I am open to out of state opportunities as well.

$50,000 to $100,000

United States > Michigan

Honest and Straightforward CLO Professional. Commercial Real Estate, Construction, Bridge Loans, Multifamily, Industrial, Office, Hotels, Retail, Storage, Business Loans, Equipment Loans, Invoice Financing, Factoring, Land Development, Debt Loans, Hotel Loans, International Loans, Manufacturing

$2,000,000 to $99,000,000

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

I'm a individual investor and young professional in the automotive industry looking to invest in opportunities within the state of Michigan. My educational background includes an undergrad degree in electrical engineering and a MBA from Lawrence Technological University. In regards to involvement in any opportunities, the most I would ask for is advisory but in most cases I would be silent.

$1,000 to $50,000