You might be using an unsupported or outdated browser. To get the best possible experience please use the latest version of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Microsoft Edge to view this website. |
Business Plan Executive Summary Example & Template
Updated: Jun 3, 2024, 1:03pm
Table of Contents
Components of an executive summary, how to write an executive summary, example of an executive summary, frequently asked questions.
A business plan is a document that you create that outlines your company’s objectives and how you plan to meet those objectives. Every business plan has key sections such as management and marketing. It should also have an executive summary, which is a synopsis of each of the plan sections in a one- to two-page overview. This guide will help you create an executive summary for your business plan that is comprehensive while being concise.
Featured Partners
ZenBusiness
$0 + State Fees
Varies By State & Package
On ZenBusiness' Website
Northwest Registered Agent
$39 + State Fees
On Northwest Registered Agent's Website
Tailor Brands
$0 + state fee + up to $50 Amazon gift card
Free expedited filing (within 48 hours)
On Tailor Brands' Website
$0 + State Fee
On Formations' Website
The executive summary should mimic the sections found in the business plan . It is just a more concise way of stating what’s in the plan so that a reader can get a broad overview of what to expect.
State the company’s mission statement and provide a few sentences on what the company’s purpose is.
Company History and Management
This section describes the basics of where the company is located, how long it has been in operation, who is running it and what their level of experience is. Remember that this is a summary and that you’ll expand on management experience within the business plan itself. But the reader should know the basics of the company structure and who is running the company from this section.
Products or Services
This section tells the reader what the product or service of the company is. Every company does something. This is where you outline exactly what you do and how you solve a problem for the consumer.
This is an important section that summarizes how large the market is for the product or service. In the business plan, you’ll do a complete market analysis. Here, you will write the key takeaways that show that you have the potential to grow the business because there are consumers in the market for it.
Competitive Advantages
This is where you will summarize what makes you better than the competitors. Identify key strengths that will be reasons why consumers will choose you over another company.
Financial Projections
This is where you estimate the sales projections for the first years in business. At a minimum, you should have at least one year’s projections, but it may be better to have three to five years if you can project that far ahead.
Startup Financing Requirements
This states what it will cost to get the company launched and running. You may tackle this as a first-year requirement or if you have made further projections, look at two to three years of cost needs.
The executive summary is found at the start of the business plan, even though it is a summary of the plan. However, you should write the executive summary last. Writing the summary once you have done the work and written the business plan will be easier. After all, it is a summary of what is in the plan. Keep the executive summary limited to two pages so that it doesn’t take someone a long time to peruse what the summary says.
Start A Limited Liability Company Online Today with ZenBusiness
Click to get started.
It might be easier to write an executive summary if you know what to expect. Here is an example of an executive summary that you can use as a template.
Bottom Line
Writing an executive summary doesn’t need to be difficult if you’ve already done the work of writing the business plan itself. Take the elements from the plan and summarize each section. Point out key details that will make the reader want to learn more about the company and its financing needs.
How long is an executive summary?
An executive summary should be one to two pages and no more. This is just enough information to help the reader determine their overall interest in the company.
Does an executive summary have keywords?
The executive summary uses keywords to help sell the idea of the business. As such, there may be enumeration, causation and contrasting words.
How do I write a business plan?
If you have business partners, make sure to collaborate with them to ensure that the plan accurately reflects the goals of all parties involved. You can use our simple business plan template to get started.
What basic items should be included in a business plan?
When writing out a business plan, you want to make sure that you cover everything related to your concept for the business, an analysis of the industry―including potential customers and an overview of the market for your goods or services―how you plan to execute your vision for the business, how you plan to grow the business if it becomes successful and all financial data around the business, including current cash on hand, potential investors and budget plans for the next few years.
- Best LLC Services
- Best Registered Agent Services
- Best Trademark Registration Services
- Top LegalZoom Competitors
- Best Business Loans
- Best Business Plan Software
- ZenBusiness Review
- LegalZoom LLC Review
- Northwest Registered Agent Review
- Rocket Lawyer Review
- Inc. Authority Review
- Rocket Lawyer vs. LegalZoom
- Bizee Review (Formerly Incfile)
- Swyft Filings Review
- Harbor Compliance Review
- Sole Proprietorship vs. LLC
- LLC vs. Corporation
- LLC vs. S Corp
- LLP vs. LLC
- DBA vs. LLC
- LegalZoom vs. Incfile
- LegalZoom vs. ZenBusiness
- LegalZoom vs. Rocket Lawyer
- ZenBusiness vs. Incfile
- How To Start A Business
- How to Set Up an LLC
- How to Get a Business License
- LLC Operating Agreement Template
- 501(c)(3) Application Guide
- What is a Business License?
- What is an LLC?
- What is an S Corp?
- What is a C Corp?
- What is a DBA?
- What is a Sole Proprietorship?
- What is a Registered Agent?
- How to Dissolve an LLC
- How to File a DBA
- What Are Articles Of Incorporation?
- Types Of Business Ownership
Next Up In Business
- Best Online Legal Services
- How To Write A Business Plan
- Member-Managed LLC Vs. Manager-Managed LLC
- Starting An S-Corp
- LLC Vs. C Corp
- How Much Does It Cost To Start An LLC?
What Is SNMP? Simple Network Management Protocol Explained
What Is A Single-Member LLC? Definition, Pros And Cons
What Is Penetration Testing? Definition & Best Practices
What Is Network Access Control (NAC)?
What Is Network Segmentation?
How To Start A Business In Louisiana (2024 Guide)
Kimberlee Leonard has 22 years of experience as a freelance writer. Her work has been featured on US News and World Report, Business.com and Fit Small Business. She brings practical experience as a business owner and insurance agent to her role as a small business writer.
Cassie is a former deputy editor who collaborated with teams around the world while living in the beautiful hills of Kentucky. Focusing on bringing growth to small businesses, she is passionate about economic development and has held positions on the boards of directors of two non-profit organizations seeking to revitalize her former railroad town. Prior to joining the team at Forbes Advisor, Cassie was a content operations manager and copywriting manager.
Executive Summary Examples & Templates
When introducing your business to angel investors, stakeholders, and venture capitalists, they won’t want to sit through fifty pages explaining why they should work with you. A simple and effective way to present your business in a palatable way is to write an executive summary. This document can tell the potential investors what to expect from the meeting where you will discuss your business plan or investment proposal. It will summarize the reason for your project.
Have you ever prepared an executive summary? If not, the following guideline and Executive Summary Example should help you create a concise and compelling one.
What Is an Executive Summary?
An executive summary is a broad overview of a business document that tells the reader everything they need to know about a business plan or investment proposal. While the length and scope will often depend on the document being summarized, most executive summaries are about one to two pages long. Important documents that usually include an executive summary include:
- Project plans
- Business cases
- Project proposals
- Environmental studies
- Research documents
- Market surveys
Purpose of an Executive Summary
As mentioned, most lenders, executives, managers, and investors will not want to take time out of their busy day to read an entire novel-sized document. Still, they will want to know what your plan is about and why they should invest in or approve it. A summarized version of the plan – the executive summary – presents an analysis of all your arguments, funding considerations, and projected returns, among other key details. This is often enough to convince them to take a better look at your plan.
Essential Elements of an Executive Summary
A business plan consists of your company’s mission, vision, product or service description, brand identity, goals, target market, and financial projections. In turn, an executive summary should be a short version of your business plan. It should contain the following details:
- Your company’s name and office locations
- Mission and vision
- A brief history and company description
- An overview of your management, advisors, and employees
- A product or service description, including its niche market and competition status – how does it stand out from products from other companies?
- Company goals and objectives
- Startup financial budget and projected returns
- A review of how the reader can help you accomplish your goals
How to Write an Executive Summary
Most executive summaries have four main parts: the problem, the solution, the value of the solution, and the takeaway. The following step-by-step guide will help you flesh out these elements with information that your stakeholders want to know.
Step 1: Define the Pain Point
Start by defining the problem that your business plan or project proposal aims to solve. Include market research and customer feedback to back up your claims and explain why this problem is worth solving. How will solve it helps your target market? Why does it matter?
Step 2: Outline Your Solution
Next, explain your solution and convince the stakeholder that it is the right approach to the problem. Answer the question, ‘how will my product or service solve the problem?’ Once you have, support your solution with facts and figures.
Tip: At the time of writing an executive summary, you will often not have the complete map of your product or service and milestones. Rather than use this document to brainstorm, briefly tell the reader what you plan to do and back it with success-rate research.
Step 3: Expound on the Value of Your Solution
Now, go into detail about how the solution you have described will solve the problem you defined in step 1. Why is your solution important? What results will it yield? This is also where you should highlight potential returns, projected risks, and financial projections for the solution. You should also explain how it ties into your company’s mission, vision, and goals.
Step 4: Supply the Takeaway
Lastly, guide the reader to a takeaway by telling them what they should conclude from your executive summary. Think of this as one final chance to convince them to get on board.
Executive Summary Example
The following is an Executive Summary Example for the imaginary company: Green Future Ltd.
Company Mission
Green Future Ltd. provides green energy solutions to factories, industries, warehouses, and homes, allowing efficient functioning that is safe to both the user and the environment. Our mission is to help you watch TV, drive your tractor, and perform your manufacturing process without worrying about your health or those around you.
Company and Management
The Green Future Ltd.’s main office is located in Jersey City, New Jersey, with branches in Huntington Beach and Bayonne. It is owned and run by Holly Howard, Ph.D., an environmental engineer at MIT, and James Sutton, MBA, who has 30 years of experience in green solar energy solutions.
The company management consists of the two owners and a board of advisors that includes:
- Malcolm Right, CEO of Right Engineering Firm LLP
- Att. Grace Hawkins of the Law Offices of Grace Hawkins (Environmental Law)
- Hellen Irene of ABC Marketing and Accounting
Our Services
We cater to industries, companies, farms, and homeowners that would like to switch to more affordable, environment-friendly, and efficient energy sources and systems. Our services include:
- Solar panel installation
- Panel restorations
- Windmill constructions
- Biogas plant construction
- Bio-digester system installation
- Energy consultations
- Large scale green energy solutions
- Energy recycling
- Round-the-clock repair services
Recently, the call for industries to turn to green energy has become more prominent. More and more companies in New Jersey are looking for ways to optimize their energy use for more efficiency in industrial processes, a smaller carbon footprint, and affordable solutions. According to our market research, eight out of every ten business owners in Jersey City alone plan to switch to solar energy within the next five years.
Competitive Edge
Currently, there are five companies offering green energy solutions in New Jersey but none at our scale. Four of these businesses cater to small-scale farms and homes, while one only focuses on large plants. Green Future Ltd. emphasizes its all-size approach because our solutions can be up or downscaled to meet the needs of a single homeowner or multi-warehouse industry. Our technicians are also highly accredited and from prestigious engineering schools in the country.
Financial Projections
Our market research shows sales projections of $3.6 million for the first year and a steep 20 percent growth rate for the next four years.
Startup Requirements
Green Future Ltd will need $1.5 million in startup costs to finance this first year of operation. The owners have already invested $900,000 toward the capital.
Executive Summary Samples & Templates
An executive summary is a brief overview of a business plan or project proposal, usually found among the first pages of the entire document. It captures the reader’s attention and tells them everything they need to know about the company, your plans, and where they come in – so they can decide whether to invest in or approve your plan (project). If you are preparing to meet with potential stakeholders, this guide and the Executive Summary Example should help you capture and keep their attention.
How did our templates helped you today?
Opps what went wrong, related posts.
23+ Business Travel Itinerary Templates
Apology Letter For Bad Behavior – 7+ Samples & Formats
Restaurant Employee Evaluation Form
Peer Evaluation Form: Templates and Examples
Free Newspaper Templates
40 Free Event Program Templates
44 Open House Sign in Sheet Templates
22+ Free Packing Slip Templates
Thank you for your feedback.
Free Executive Summary Template [PDF + Masterful Examples]
Use these templates to craft an effective executive summary for your business or project.
According to Time Magazine, 55% of people only read a piece of content for 15 seconds. Attention spans across the board are at an all-time low — including those of potential investors and project stakeholders. If you want to capture and hold interest, then you need to craft an engaging executive summary that can effectively hold someone’s focus.
Before you dive into the details of your business plan or project proposal, your first step should be an executive summary that captures the attention of those in a position to give buy-in.
Think of the executive summary as the back cover of your book. It convinces readers to purchase a copy because the storyline is worth their time. An investor or C-level executive with limited time probably won’t feel motivated to read a full business or product plan without a compelling executive summary.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to write a captivating executive summary, what to include in the document, and jumpstart yours with customizable templates.
What is an executive summary?
An executive summary is a brief synopsis of a larger document such as a report or business plan. It provides a quick overview of your business plan with details like a description of your company, financial information, and market analysis.
The executive summary is made for lenders, investors, and busy executives who don’t have time to read the full proposal.
Done right, it zeroes in on what your prospective investor or project sponsor wants to hear and clearly communicates the value of your business or plan. Many investors or stakeholders will only read the executive summary during the first contact with your business, so all the information they need should be included.
The goals of an executive summary include:
- Grab the reader’s attention
- Tell them what to expect in the business plan so they are motivated to keep reading
- Provide a high-level overview of your company, your short-term and long-term goals
- Acts as an elevator pitch
What is an executive summary in a business plan?
An executive summary in a business plan is a concise overview that provides a snapshot of the key elements of the plan as it pertains to the business overall. It outlines the business concept, objectives, market analysis, financial projections, and other essential information. The executive summary serves as a summary and introduction to the entire business plan, allowing lenders, investors, and decision-makers to quickly grasp the main points and make informed decisions.
What is an executive summary in project management?
An executive summary in project management is a summary of the most critical information of your project proposal. It’s everything that management needs to know when they land on your project before they review your project plan .
An executive summary in project management shouldn’t be confused with a project overview. While they have similar elements, an executive summary can stand alone as a document, while a project overview needs to be attached to your project.
Executive summary vs abstract
An abstract summarizes a document like a journal article while an executive summary sums up a longer document.
An abstract is mostly used in academia as a requirement when submitting conference papers, book proposals, or applying for a research grant. The abstract is not an excerpt but an original document that is self-sufficient.
An executive summary is aimed at a business audience. It contains information to help executives make funding decisions. Where the language in an abstract is technical, the language of an executive summary is non-technical. An executive summary is written as a condensed version of a project plan to secure buy-in while an abstract is written for orientation.
Executive summary vs introduction
The introduction is the first part of your project plan or business plan. It explains what the project is about and the goals you want to achieve. On the other hand, the executive summary is a standalone document condensed into a few paragraphs. It is thorough and high-level. Decision-makers can choose to read only the executive summary and still get the gist of the entire project proposal.
Think of the introduction as the first few pages of a long book with many chapters and an executive summary like a short book with only one chapter. You can understand both context and storyline when you read a short book.
What should an executive summary include?
For a project .
What is the problem you’re going to solve? What product plan, customer feedback, or insight led to this project? Why should it happen now ? These are questions to lead with in the opening paragraph of your executive summary.
What steps or methods are you taking to solve the problems you’ve listed in the opening paragraph? What are the goals and objectives you’ll achieve at the end of the project? Detail the answers in this section.
Value proposition
This is an important section where you briefly explain the value of the outcome. What is the ROI of the solution you’ve proposed? How will it improve service delivery and customer experience?
In a few sentences reiterate why it’s important to solve the problem now and the next steps or actions you want the reader to take.
For a business plan
Introduction .
For a business plan, the introduction is an opening statement that explains the purpose of the document. Your goal is to grab and hold the reader’s attention by clearly communicating the value of the business and the desired outcome.
Company description
Include the following details in the company description:
- Business name and location
- Contact information
- Description of the purpose
- Leadership, founders, and current investors at your company
- The team responsible for the project
Products and services
Briefly explain the problem you’re going to solve. If you’ve conducted research that shows a need for the proposal, include your findings here. Also, explain how you’ll accomplish the project goals and what you’ll need for success.
Market analysis
A few questions to answer in this section include:
- Is there a market opportunity for the problem?
- How do you plan to grow your customer base and expand your market share?
- What is the five-year growth plan for this product/service?
- What is the most interesting thing you’ve learned about your target audience that the reader should know?
Competitive analysis
Questions to answer as part of your competitive analysis include:
- Who are your competitors?
- What are the present and future opportunities?
- What is the unique value proposition of the product or service?
- Do you have experience with competitors?
- What are the risks particular to this niche or line of product?
- What roadblocks do you expect to address?
Funding request and use
Use this section to sweeten the pot for investors. How much will you need to fund your business? What is the profitability of your business? How will investors benefit?
Financial projections
Include financial data that supports your research such as:
- The budget baseline for your business plan
- Your projected revenue for the first three years
- Your plan to manage finances
- Your current and future business finances
Conclusion
The conclusion is a recap of the problem and the solution. Ask about the decision you want the reader to take. The outcomes should be obvious but leave room for intrigue so they feel compelled to read the rest of the business proposal.
Executive summary examples
Executive summary presentation.
Often, executive summaries are presented to stakeholders in addition to the document. Get the templates below to snag these PowerPoint executive summary presentation templates.
One-page executive summary template
A one-page executive summary is a short document with a big impact. You’ll present it as a mini version of a project plan during a meeting with decision-makers or as a business plan when pitching investors.
A few details to include in a one-page executive summary:
- Business name
- Financial information
- Use of funding
- Management team
- Business model
- Unique value proposition
- Competitive advantage
- Go-to-market strategy
Startup executive summary template
Your startup executive summary could be the difference between getting a pitch meeting or not. Venture capitalists and investors and overwhelmed with pitches from startups looking for a partnership.
An executive summary is the fastest way for them to learn about your company and evaluate its potential. It’s usually a one-page document that is concise, yet detailed and engaging. Before writing your startup executive summary, determine the goal and ensure it matches what potential investors want to see.
Details to include in your startup executive summary:
- A description of your product or service
- The value proposition
- Market analysis showing the merit of the project
- Your current business model and future plans
- An explanation of your market and customer base
- Financial projections and funding request
- Other special information that could sway a decision in your favor
Business plan executive summary template
The business plan executive summary shouldn’t exceed two pages. Make sure you’ve tailored it to your audience to show why the opportunity is special. An executive summary for a business plan should include:
- Mission statement
- Company information with details about your services or product
- Business highlights describing how you’ve grown over the years. Include details of revenue increase, number of customers, profitability, revenue increase, and market share
- Future goals
- Financial summary
- A closing sentence that reassures the value of the plan
Project executive summary template
The goal of a project executive summary is to show what life will look like after you’ve executed the project. Your executive summary should tell a story that helps the reader visualize the solution and inspire them to choose you.
The executive summary should be written as the final step of your project proposal template. This way, you save time revising the content.
Details to include in a project executive summary:
- Summary of the challenge the client wants to solve
- Description of how you’ll solve the pain point
- Overview explaining how you’ve solved similar problems in the past
- Unique value that competitors don’t offer
Marketing plan executive summary template
An executive summary for a marketing plan offers an overview of how you’ll reach your intended audience and drive conversions.
Details to include in a marketing plan executive summary:
- Introduction
- Brief description of your company and key leaders
- Project goals and objectives
- Your product or services and the major features and benefits
- Description of market factors and trends affecting them
- Who is your audience and how will you reach them?
- Financial projections
Healthcare executive summary template
A healthcare executive summary template is used in formal communications for hospitals, government health agencies, and nonprofits. The template accommodates longer-research proposal plans targeted at a wider audience of the general public, external investors, and management.
Details to include in healthcare executive summary:
- Project topic
- Overview of the organization
- Two to three key problems that have a profound impact on quality care, operations, or regulatory compliance
- A proposed solution to each identified problem
- Obstacles and opportunities
- Policy changes and program proposal
- Vision and recommendation
Executive summary report template
An executive summary for a research or analyst report offers an overview of key points from the research.
Details to include in a report executive summary report:
- Brief description of your company
- Analysis findings
- Why these findings matter
Here's an example:
How to write an executive summary
1. write a problem-based introduction.
Use the opening paragraph to explain why your project matters. Outline the problem with supporting research or customer feedback to strengthen your claim. The reader should understand why it’s important to solve the problem now and the relevance to your customer base.
A powerful way to grab attention is to open with a customer quote or thought-provoking statistic that forces the reader to sit up and listen.
For example:
“I wish this camera had a longer battery life span so I could record an entire football game on 4K without switching to full HD when the battery is low .” - Customer review
In a recent survey, 70% of our customers expressed a desire for a camera with a longer battery life that could last up to six hours while recording in 4k. 80% said they wouldn’t mind paying more for the convenience of not having to log extra battery packs when going out. To serve our existing clientele and improve our market share, we need to create a camcorder that performs at optimal levels while using fewer resources on battery life.
2. Tell your story
Use storytelling to explain the mission statement of your organization. Explain how you’ll use your skill and experience to solve the problem you’ve highlighted in the introduction. Storytelling sets the tone and gets the reader excited about reading the project plan.
3. Make sure you’ve done the research
While an executive summary is short, it’s loaded with research. Research shows that you know your competitors, understand your target audience, and have a plan for capturing a significant market share.
Think of your executive summary like an elevator pitch. If an investor only read your executive summary without making it to the project proposal or business plan, what would you want them to know?
4. Outline the solution
After telling the reader the pain points and explaining your business credentials, use a bullet list to outline the solution. Your goal is to convince the reader that your solution is the best fit. Save deliverables and milestones for the project proposal. Instead, describe what will happen during the project so the user can picture the outcome working for them.
5. Show the value of the solution
This is where you get into more details about the impact of the solution. Explain how the results provide relief and improve ROI for the company. include potential risks that may arise and relevant financial information such as income projections.
6. Formal or informal tone?
While an executive summary usually has a formal tone, your decisions should be based on your audience.
Presenting to your C-level executives in your company? What language do they respond to? Don’t be afraid to break the mold if it gets the desired results. However, avoid clichés as they rub readers the wrong way.
If you’re presenting to investors, use language that resonates with your audience. Use personal pronouns like “I”, “you” and “we” over impersonal pronouns like “they” or “the company.
7. Make sure the summary can stand alone
If you follow the clearly defined structure we’ve listed above, your executive summary can stand on its own merit. Keep revising the document until you’ve achieved this goal. The introduction, problem, solution, and conclusion should be detailed, yet concise.
After writing, take a second look and read from the viewpoint of the decision-maker. Is there any section where more context is needed to clear confusion and help the reader understand the summary? Consider linking to a relevant section in the project proposal or explaining briefly in the summary.
8. Be concise
Every word in your executive summary must have an impact. The executive summary is not the place to brainstorm new ideas as it could jeopardize the project plan.
Avoid using jargon words. Readers without prior knowledge of your company or niche should understand key findings by reading the executive summary alone.
When you find yourself going deep into details, pull back and ask yourself if this belongs in the project proposal or executive summary. The goal is to keep the executive summary engaging and actionable.
9. Proofread for errors
Before sending it off to executives or potential investors, read through the document three times in order to catch errors. It also helps to send it to a colleague to review with a fresh pair of eyes in case you missed a typo here and there.
10. Write the executive summary last
It takes longer to write an executive summary when you haven’t yet written the project proposal or business plan. Instead, wait to create a summary until you’ve written the full document, then pull details. This ensures that your executive summary captures the information you’ve detailed in the project plan.
Manage your executive summary templates with Guru
An executive summary is a quick and easy way to bring stakeholders up to speed on your project proposal. In a few paragraphs, you can communicate the problem, why it matters now and the key information they need to make a decision.
Rather than creating a new executive summary from scratch, these templates will add impact to your report and speed up the process. Use Guru’s knowledge management software to store your templates, collaborate remotely, and work efficiently on projects.
FAQ for executive summaries
Where does an executive summary go in a report.
Place the executive summary before the table of contents and after the title page. Include a page break before and after the executive summary.
How long should an executive summary be?
Most executive summaries are 5-10% of the length of the project proposal. Ideally, aim for one page for a 20-page project proposal.
Who is the audience of an executive summary?
The audience of an executive summary can include:
- Project stakeholders
- Management personnel who make decisions on funding
- Venture capitalists
- C-level executives
What is included in an executive summary?
Elements to include in an executive summary are:
- A summary of the key points of the project proposal report
- Major points of the report you want the reader to remember
- The goal of the report
- Results and recommendations from the report
- Other details that enable the executive summary to function as a standalone document
Free Download
Free Executive Summary Template — Word, PDF, Gdoc
Impress investors, lenders, and other stakeholders with quick access to critical information about your business..
Or build a full plan with expert support in LivePlan. Save 50% today
Available formats:
Downloads: 986
Our executive summary template includes:
Detailed instructions
Examples and in-depth walkthroughs to help you write every section.
Fast and easy
Structured how investors and lenders expect so you can spend less time formatting.
Works with your business plan
Covers key information from your full plan and is built to work with our free business plan template.
It's shareable
Instantly provide a snapshot of your business and convince stakeholders to read the rest of your plan.
All 100% free. We're here to help you succeed in business, no strings attached.
Write your executive summary today
Whether you're trying to grab the attention of lenders or investors, or just want to create an accurate snapshot of your business — our template will help you craft an engaging executive summary.
5 Tips for a great executive summary
Watch this quick video for exclusive tips to help you write a captivating executive summary.
Executive summary FAQ
What is in an executive summary template?
This executive summary template includes a pre-designed outline, step-by-step instructions, fill-in-the-blanks document, and an exclusive offer for LivePlan.
What should an executive summary include?
An executive summary should include a business overview, problem statement, solution description, target market, competition analysis, team overview, financial summary, funding requirements, and milestones and traction.
How long should your executive summary be?
The executive summary should be as brief as possible—ideally under two pages.
How do you start an executive summary?
tart your executive summary with a compelling introduction that captures the reader's attention, outlining your organization, the problem you solve, your skills, and why you're best suited to address the problem.
Related Resources
How to Write an Executive Summary
4 Mistakes to Avoid in Your Executive Summary
Adapt Your Executive Summary for Specific Audiences
Free Business Plan Template
Download your free executive summary template
Edit in Google Docs
Download as PDF
Download as Docx
Finish your business plan with confidence
Step-by-step guidance and world-class support from the #1 business planning software
The quickest way to turn a business idea into a business plan
Fill-in-the-blanks and automatic financials make it easy.
No thanks, I prefer writing 40-page documents.
Discover the world’s #1 plan building software
Expert business plan and financial models
How to Write an Executive Summary (+ Examples)
- September 4, 2024
The executive summary is the cornerstone of any business plan, serving as a gateway for readers to understand the essence of your proposal.
It summarizes the plan’s key points into a digestible format, making it crucial for capturing the interest of investors, partners, and stakeholders.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what the executive summary is, why we use it, and also how you can create one for your business plan. Let’s dive in!
What is an Executive Summary?
An executive summary is a concise and compelling overview of a business plan (or simply a report), designed to provide readers, such as investors, partners, or upper management, with a quick and clear understanding of the document’s most critical aspects.
For a business plan, it summarizes the key points including the business overview , market analysis , strategy plan timeline and financial projections.
Typically, the executive summary is the first section of a business plan, but it should be written last to ensure it accurately reflects the content of the entire document.
The primary goal of an executive summary is to engage the reader’s interest and encourage them to read the full document.
It should be succinct, typically no more than one to two pages, and articulate enough to stand on its own, presenting the essence of the business proposal or report without requiring the reader to go through the entire document for basic understanding.
Why Do We Use It?
The executive summary plays a crucial role in whether a business plan opens doors to funding, partnerships, or other opportunities . It’s often the first (and sometimes the only) part of the plan that stakeholders read, making it essential for making a strong, positive first impression. As such, we use it in order to:
- Capture Attention: Given the volume of business plans investors, partners, and lenders might receive, an executive summary’s primary function is to grab the reader’s attention quickly. It highlights the most compelling aspects of the business to encourage further reading.
- Save Time: It provides a succinct overview of the business plan, allowing readers to understand the key points without going through the entire document. This is particularly beneficial for busy stakeholders who need to make informed decisions efficiently.
- Facilitate Understanding: An executive summary distills complex business concepts and strategies into a concise format. Therefore, it makes it easier for readers to grasp the business’s core mission, strategic direction, and potential for success.
- Driving Action: By summarizing the financial projections and funding requirements, an executive summary can effectively communicate the investment opportunity. Indeed the investment opportunity, whether to raise money from investors or a loan from a bank, is the most common reason why we prepare business plans.
- Setting the Tone: The executive summary sets the tone for the entire business plan. A well-written summary indicates a well-thought-out business plan, reflecting the professionalism and competence of the management team.
How to Write an Executive Summary in 4 Simple Steps
Here’s a streamlined approach to crafting an impactful executive summary:
1. Start with Your Business Overview
- Company Name: Begin with the name of your business.
- Location: Provide the location of your business operations.
- Business model: Briefly describe how you make money, the producfs and/or services your business offers.
2. Highlight the Market Opportunity
- Target Market : Identify your target market and its size.
- Market Trends : Highlight the key market trends that justify the need for your product or service.
- Competitive Landscape : Describe how your business is positioned to meet this need effectively.
3. Present Your Management Team
- Team Overview: Introduce the key members of your management team and their roles.
- Experience: Highlight relevant experience and skills that contribute to the business’s success.
4. Include Financial Projections
- Financial Summary: Provide a snapshot of key financial projections, including revenue, profits, and cash flow over the next three to five years.
- Funding Requirements: If seeking investment, specify the amount needed and how it will be used.
2 Executive Summary Examples
Here are 2 examples you can use as an inspiration to create yours. These are taken from our coffee shop and hair salon business plan templates.
Coffee Shop Executive Summary
Hair Salon Executive Summary
Related Posts
In-N-Out Franchise FDD, Profits, Costs & Fees (2024)
- October 1, 2024
Dollar Tree Franchise FDD, Profits, Costs & Fees (2024)
Wawa Franchise FDD, Profits, Costs & Fees (2024)
Privacy overview.
Cookie | Duration | Description |
---|---|---|
BIGipServerwww_ou_edu_cms_servers | session | This cookie is associated with a computer network load balancer by the website host to ensure requests are routed to the correct endpoint and required sessions are managed. |
cookielawinfo-checkbox-advertisement | 1 year | Set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin, this cookie is used to record the user consent for the cookies in the "Advertisement" category . |
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". |
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional | 11 months | The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". |
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". |
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. |
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". |
CookieLawInfoConsent | 1 year | Records the default button state of the corresponding category & the status of CCPA. It works only in coordination with the primary cookie. |
elementor | never | This cookie is used by the website's WordPress theme. It allows the website owner to implement or change the website's content in real-time. |
viewed_cookie_policy | 11 months | The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data. |
Cookie | Duration | Description |
---|---|---|
__cf_bm | 30 minutes | This cookie, set by Cloudflare, is used to support Cloudflare Bot Management. |
language | session | This cookie is used to store the language preference of the user. |
Cookie | Duration | Description |
---|---|---|
_ga | 2 years | The _ga cookie, installed by Google Analytics, calculates visitor, session and campaign data and also keeps track of site usage for the site's analytics report. The cookie stores information anonymously and assigns a randomly generated number to recognize unique visitors. |
_ga_QP2X5FY328 | 2 years | This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. |
_gat_UA-189374473-1 | 1 minute | A variation of the _gat cookie set by Google Analytics and Google Tag Manager to allow website owners to track visitor behaviour and measure site performance. The pattern element in the name contains the unique identity number of the account or website it relates to. |
_gid | 1 day | Installed by Google Analytics, _gid cookie stores information on how visitors use a website, while also creating an analytics report of the website's performance. Some of the data that are collected include the number of visitors, their source, and the pages they visit anonymously. |
browser_id | 5 years | This cookie is used for identifying the visitor browser on re-visit to the website. |
WMF-Last-Access | 1 month 18 hours 11 minutes | This cookie is used to calculate unique devices accessing the website. |
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
Creating an executive summary for your business plan that is comprehensive and concise will help outline your company’s objectives. Get started here.
An executive summary is a broad overview of a business document that tells the reader everything they need to know about a business plan or investment proposal. While the length and scope will often depend on the document being summarized, most executive summaries are about one to two pages long.
includes an incredible fill-in-the-blanks executive summary along with automated financial model among other things that will save you countless hours and allow you to create a professional business plan that will impress lenders and investors and position your company for long-term success.
An executive summary in a business plan is a concise overview that provides a snapshot of the key elements of the plan as it pertains to the business overall. It outlines the business concept, objectives, market analysis, financial projections, and other essential information.
Step-by-step guidance and world-class support from the #1 business planning software. Download a free executive summary template in word, PDF, or Google doc format. Includes expert guidance and a fill-in-the-blank format to make writing easy.
An executive summary is a concise and compelling overview of a business plan (or simply a report), designed to provide readers, such as investors, partners, or upper management, with a quick and clear understanding of the document’s most critical aspects.