Ohio 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.

Ohio Investors

United States > Ohio

I am a 43 year old married mother of 2 teenage boys who lives in rural northwest Ohio. I have a bachelors degree in nursing. I started my career as an oncology nurse before transitioning into the home health field. I spent time in case management and quality nursing before working my way up to director of home health at our local hospital. 4 years ago, I started a home care agency from scratch. I recently sold it and am looking for opportunities as a silent investor. I consider myself well rounded, as prior to my career in nursing, I had experience in the investment, engineering, and hospitality industries. I'm not part of an investment group and would be acting as an individual investor.

$10,000 to $50,000

United States > Ohio

I reside in NW Ohio. I have been an active entrepreneur for the last 15 years. I current own/invest in businesses within construction/real estate and the financial categories but I am always looking for exciting new opportunities. I received a masters in degree and have a deep passion for making positive experiences within this world. I am looking to invest in people that have an idea/product/service that can help shape the world around them in a positive way. I will always be a source of information and help for my investments and I am open to any role they would like me to play.

$1,000 to $100,000

United States > Ohio

Army veteran. Degree in marketing and masters in public relations. Entrepreneur who has started several businesses. Individual investor.

$1,000 to $100,000

United States > Ohio

I am a seasoned investor with over 12 years of experience in car, mortgage, and business banking sales, providing me with deep insights into financial services and entrepreneurial challenges. I currently own my own business, which gives me firsthand understanding of business operations and growth strategies. My educational background includes relevant qualifications in finance and business management, equipping me with strong analytical and investment skills. As an individual investor, I bring a hands-on approach, offering not only capital but also valuable expertise, strategic guidance, and a robust network of industry contacts. My goal is to partner with innovative entrepreneurs, providing both financial support and strategic mentorship.

$1,000 to $20,000

United States > Ohio

I am a 29 yr old male who resides in Ohio, NYC, and Florida. I have been self employed since 19. I have owned my own business in the insurance industry(usa) since 2005 and an energy reduction business (international) since 2010. I am an individual investor actively looking for additional business opportunity's in several fields, but do want to limit that the ownership group of the current business be based in the USA. There are currently several types of investments I am looking for. If you are a start up with any new technology I do demand that all needed patent's have been obtained. Another alternative I am actively seeking is any small company/start-up that may have energy saving's technology that would 1) help me to present with my current fortune 500 clients for greater achieved savings goals, but 2) to help allow me to channel your products into the right business owner hands to maximize your/our potential future success.

$1 to $600,000

United States > Ohio

CEO of a holding company of eCommerce Brands

$1,000 to $100,000

United States > Ohio

I am a 67 year old retired man, married 47 years. Worked in positions of increasing responsibility in manufacturing for my entire career. Extensive domestic and international experience in all aspects of setting up and running both high volume, repetitive and large capital equipment manufacturing operations. Recently retired from full time work, but looking to stay active and help build manufacturing operations. Located in NE Ohio.

$10,000 to $100,000

United States > Ohio

Private Equity Group with Operations, Sales & Hiring Expertise. Focus on small owner led businesses that are undercapitalized.

$50,000 to $500,000