How to Write a Business Plan that Can Win Over Lenders and Investors

6 steps to writing a successful business plan.

1. Grab attention wit

Your executive summary is a crisp one-page snapshot of your business. Summarize what you do, who you serve, and why your idea works. Make it easy for someone skimming your plan to see the potential you see.

2. Share the story behind your business.

Explain how your business started, what you’ve achieved so far, and what sets you apart from competitors. Include basics like your legal structure and location, but keep the emphasis on what makes your business unique.

3. Prove you know your market.

Show that you know your market inside and out. Define who your customers are, how large the opportunity is, and who else is trying to reach them. Use a few credible data points to strengthen your case. (Here are some tips from the SBA on finding relevant data.)

4. Introduce the team. 

Introduce the people behind the business. Lenders and investors want to know who is leading the company, what experience they bring, and how responsibilities are divided among your team.

5. Explain what you sell and why it matters.

Outline your products or services in plain terms. Emphasize what makes them different, how they solve customer problems, and why people will choose you over other options.

6. Back it up with realistic numbers.

Your numbers will tell the story of whether your vision is viable. Include sales projections, a profit-and-loss forecast, and any funding you’ll need. Double-check your math, keep your projections realistic, and your presentation clear.

Here’s how a local dental office put a business plan to work. 

A local dental office developed a business plan to secure a $150,000 loan for expansion. By demonstrating consistent growth in customers and appointments, and outlining how additional chairs would help meet rising customer demand, the owner convinced lenders to support the dental owners plans for a second location.

Above all, make your business plan clear, not complicated.

A business plan doesn’t need to be a glossy brochure. A focused, well-written and easy-to-read plan will give you clarity and build lenders' confidence.

Create a roadmap for starting, managing, and growing your business with the help of our friends at SCORE. Download their free business plan template to get started. Then meet with one of our business lenders to review your draft before you apply for financing.