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

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

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

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

I represent a Venture Capital firm in Southern CA. We have access to many avenues of capital and our strategies are flexible. We look for companies with great growth potential, consider every company's individual situation, and adjust our approach accordingly.

$500,000 to $15,000,000

United States > Michigan

Looking for investment opportunities to generate capital to help with funding my investment interests.

$100 to $20,000

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

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

33 Year old married professional who works in the finance and business planning field. I hold a MBA and have made small (under $50k) investments with success. I prefer to be a completely silent partner and invest with a group.

$1,000 to $50,000