Jump to content

Business Plans & Investors


Recommended Posts

bathtub-row

Anyone here with experience on doing a business plan and working with investors? I’m working on something and want to make sure I haven’t left anything out.

 

The plan is currently just over 50 pages, includes an executive summary, company description, market analysis, organization/management, funding request, financial projections, and exit strategies - among other things.

 

Any suggestions or insights?

Link to post
Share on other sites

Do you live in the US?

 

If so make an appointment with your local SBDC (it's a division of the SBA). One of the counselors there will go over your plan with you.

 

Also reach out to an organization called SCORE.org. They are retired executives, often investors themselves. A committee of 3-4 but sometimes just 1 will meet with you to review & revise your plan. There are confidentiality agreements so your ideas are protected.

 

50 pages sounds long . . . there are probably places you can tighten things up to be more succinct.

 

Do an internet search for preparing for meetings with angel investors & venture capitalists. There is stuff out there but I can't speak to the quality.

Link to post
Share on other sites
  • Author
bathtub-row

I’m in the States. We have connections for investors and I’d prefer to go that route first. But I’ll definitely keep the other thing in mind if it comes to that, and will look at Score to see if they can offer direction. Thank you!

 

Due to the type of business it’ll be, a lot of the pages in the business plan have to do with photos of certain items, which clarifies things for the investor.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Neither organization is a link to investors. They are just business advice groups but you can make appointments for 1 on 1 counseling & it's FREE. I have had hit or miss with them both.

Link to post
Share on other sites
  • Author
bathtub-row

Ok. Good to know. I think you gave me that info once before. I’m glad for the reminder.

Link to post
Share on other sites
  • 2 weeks later...
  • Author
bathtub-row

I’d also like to hear from people who have personally dealt with investors, or even investors. Just curious about first-hand experiences.

Link to post
Share on other sites

I manage a company owned by 4 investors through a LLC. One is the Managing Member and it's with him I have the most interaction. The others only show up quarterly to get paid.

 

There are as many different types of investors as there are investments out there. I'd anticipate in advance things won't always go smoothly and address that possibility in any agreement you might have. I'd also prefer to work with investors with whom I felt some compatibility, especially in corporate and financial goals. The ones to avoid are those that feel 10% ownership gives them 100% control.

 

In any discussion with potential investors, I'd want to under-promise with the hope of over-delivering...

 

Mr. Lucky

Link to post
Share on other sites
  • Author
bathtub-row
I manage a company owned by 4 investors through a LLC. One is the Managing Member and it's with him I have the most interaction. The others only show up quarterly to get paid.

 

There are as many different types of investors as there are investments out there. I'd anticipate in advance things won't always go smoothly and address that possibility in any agreement you might have. I'd also prefer to work with investors with whom I felt some compatibility, especially in corporate and financial goals. The ones to avoid are those that feel 10% ownership gives them 100% control.

 

In any discussion with potential investors, I'd want to under-promise with the hope of over-delivering...

 

Mr. Lucky

 

Good info! Thank you. What are investors looking for when someone presents them with a business idea? Of course, I’m sure the potential to make money is primary. I feel that my business plan is extremely professional looking, as well as the investor slides. Can anything be done to tip the scales in my favor?

Link to post
Share on other sites

Most investors are looking for proven concepts managed by someone with a track record of success in the field. Why are you raising money - start up? Expansion? Acquisition? Each tends to attract a different type of investor...

 

Mr. Lucky

Link to post
Share on other sites
  • Author
bathtub-row

It’s for a start-up retail store in a proven highly successful area. Co-owner has 13 yrs of experience managing a successful retail business. I have many years experience in management. We also bring along two alternate streams of income that can be implemented in conjunction with the store.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Sounds like you’re well planned, would probably come down to a question of ROI for a potential investor...

 

Mr. Lucky

Link to post
Share on other sites
  • Author
bathtub-row
Sounds like you’re well planned, would probably come down to a question of ROI for a potential investor...

 

Mr. Lucky

 

Good! Thank you.

Link to post
Share on other sites
×
×
  • Create New...