Your paper should start with:
An Introduction (Usually a short executive summary)
But after that…
The exact sequence for your paper has many options. Some folks use the Problem….Solution format. Some use the 5 elements in sequence. Others use a very functional approach typified by traditional old-time business plans (Marketing, Finance, Operations, etc).
Your plan should contain no more than 12 pages in the main body. This doesn’t include graphics (e.g. pie charts) nor special tables. If the table is text heavy, it’s half the count. Don’t be tacky about making everything a table, but use it sensibly.
You can put detailed financials and magic number calculations into the appendix. No matter how you tell your story, tou should have material that covers the details of the 5 elements.
1. Unique Product or Service – This might require a sketch of the actual product, especially if it’s an engineering or software product. If it’s a restaurant, a possible layout should be included to help us visualize your intent.
2. Customer - Psychographics and Demographics of target customer segments. Explain how this segment has a pain tha is solved by your company.
3. Reaching the Customer – Marketing plan
4. Making money – Includes Startup Cost and ROI, Breakeven metrics, Summary Cash Flow statement, and eventual profitability. Don’t kill us with details in the main text. If you have a franchising or other unique model, then you can partly explain how it will make financial sense.
5. Team - Who are you? Who will you need to recruit? How will you recruit?
You may conclude not with a plea for money, but rather with something that relates to your spark.
….but…your paper should start with….
An Introduction (Usually a short executive summary)