SmallBusinessNewz

The Executive Summary is the first section of a business plan and is usually the first part to be read. However, it should be written last. As strange as that sounds, it is actually easier to summarize the details of the other sections after you've written them.

Since the Executive Summary could the first and last impression you make on your reader, you want to make it interesting and compelling. Near the beginning, you should state your mission statement, which should include why your business exists, what its goals are, and how you will achieve those goals.

Secondly, explain the concept behind your business by briefly describing:

1. When you would like to open your business or the current status of your business
2. What type of business it is
3. Who the target market is
4. Name or names of founders and what each one does
5. Number of employees or potential employees
6. Facility and location
7. Products or services

Thirdly, state your financial position including your start-up costs and your future projections.

Fourthly, explain your business timeline. If you've already started your business, give the beginning date and if your planning to expand. If your business is still in the idea phase, give your potential start-up date.

Wrap your Executive Summary up by telling why your business is a success if it's already started, or how it will be a success or if it hasn't yet started.

Although this is a lot of information, remember you are simply highlighting the rest of your plan. Put the details in later. Most business plans range from one-to-four pages, but the shorter you can be the better.

Business expert Tim Berry recommends having a single page Executive Summary to prevent from boring the reader.

For much more information on writing the Executive Summary of your business plan, check out this video.