Executive Summary

Definition

An Executive Summary is a description of the whole business. While it will be the first thing people who are reading your business plan will see, it should be the last thing you write. The Executive Summary is usually no more than 1-3 pages long, and it acts as a sales function or a “pitch”. You are selling your concept to an outsider, who does not know anything about what you are doing, however you might want him/her to invest in your company or join the startup team. The Executive Summary runs through your entire business idea in a brief and well thought out manner.

What’s in it

The Executive Summary includes the basic elements from each section of your business plan, and that is why it is written at the very end. You have already done all the work, and every detail is clear to you and can be presented to the investor. It includes the summary of your business, marketing and operations.

Why it’s important

An Executive Summary is extremely important because it is the first thing someone reading your business plan will see. This quick glance may determine whether a potential investor finances your company or not. It also gives readers an overview of what they will read and will act as an introduction to your business. The Executive Summary should be written in a language that will persuade a potential investor to want to learn more about the company.