Mitch Carson |

One reason many new business owners create a business plan is to get investors to invest in their business start-up. How do you create a business plan that stands out to investors and gets the funding you require?

How Much Research Have You Done and How Well Do You Know the Market?
The first thing you should look at, and state clearly, is as much information as possible about the market you are looking at – your target market, your competitors, what advantage you are going to have over your competitors. All of this is important for people who are going to be investing in your business to see whether it is really worth their while.

How Much Money is already invested and how much is still required
Another important point that investors are going to look at is how much money you already have invested and how much you are requiring from them. It is important to mention all sources of income or resources that have already been committed to this project so that investors don’t feel like they are taking the whole burden themselves. Show that you are willing to make an investment into your business yourself, whether it is money, or other resources.

Your Financial Projections and How Realistic They Are
Your business plan should also include some financial projections of how much you are expecting to make, but it is important that these are realistic. You may say you are going to make millions but is this realistic? Investors don’t only want to know that their investment is secure but also that you are being honest about the level of security.

Who Is on Your Management Team
The management of your company is essential to its success and so investors want to know who is running your company and what qualifications they have to be in that position. Do these people have the necessary skills and abilities to run your type of business successfully?

Always Present a Professional Business Plan
Lastly, it is important to always only present a professional looking business plan to your investors. If you have a business plan that looks amateurish then investors are not going to be interested. Show that you have taken the time, care and money to create a proper business plan and you will build their trust.

Creating a business plan to win over investors is not easy and it is important to ensure that you answer all their questions – how much money is involved, how much can they expect to make, who is going to run the business and why? You will also always want to put your best foot forward and make sure that your business plan is professional and well thought out.