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

Engineering manager with 12 years experience in automotive & aerospace including internal combustion engines, turbine engines, and vehicle automation. Product design, design for manufacturing, simulation. Vast network of experts. Based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. PhD, M.S. & B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University. Published research in areas of engine air handling, engine and vehicle controls, and vehicle automation. Private pilot (single-engine, land) with 200+ hours flight time. Interested in hands-on involvement for the right opportunity where it makes sense, otherwise advisory or silent investor.

$5,000 to $50,000

United States > Michigan

My partner and I seek to invest equity into established businesses. We invest our own capital. We seek to deploy Growth Equity Capital into well managed companies that need capital for growth or perpetuation purposes. We do seek to have majority control. We do not look to run our companies on a day to day basis because we seek to leverage existing management teams and help them grow. Our goal is to provide advisory support and to make major decisions (acquisitions, sale of company, etc). My background includes spending 30+ years in Commercial and Investment Banking. I have advised many families and many companies to help maximize their business opportunities.

$1,000,000 to $10,000,000

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

I am 52 years old residing in Novi, MI. I grew up in a family business environment and have been lucky enough to operate businesses from start-up to $50 million in annual revenue. I have experiencing buying and selling companies as well as starting two franchise operations. I have worked in multiple industries including Healthcare, Training and Education, Staffing and Consulting, Software Sales and Training, and Management Consulting. I have worked with clients that ranged from small business to Fortune 100. I currently work as an advisor helping business owners create and implement execution strategies and tools to grow their businesses to the next level. I have a BBA from Western Michigan University. I am interested in both hands-on and advisory roles and investments could be placed as an individual or investment group.

$10,000 to $250,000

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

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

Metro Detroit investor looking to grow portfolio with successful entrepreneurs. Business owner in food and beverage industry and operations experience. Willing to consider both silent or advisory roles.

$1 to $100,000

United States > Michigan

Degree in Electrical Engineering. Currently offer leadership consulting services. I’m looking to be part of the cannabis boom in Michigan and partner with either a dispensary and/or growing facility. I’m not looking to be involved. Just want to be updated and let my investment do the work for me as a silent partner.

$1 to $30,000