Florida 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.

Florida Investors

Florida > Delray Beach

We invest in mobile home parks.

$50,000 to $500,000

Florida > Ponte Vedra Beach

I'm a single male living in Ponte Vedra Beach FL. I'm currently a Financial Advisor who is diversified in many different areas including being a partner in real estate and restaurant deals. I would potentially be in a hands on and silent partner role depending on the business.

$1 to $500,000

Florida > Brandon

I’m 44 yrs old. Never been married but have a fiancé with a total of 6 kids. I dropped out in the 9th grade but got my ged at the age of 30. I’m not ashamed to say this as I do well for my self compared to a lot of college graduates. I’m a strong believer that if you work hard for what you want you will achieve your goals but you have to stay focused and believe in yourself. I like having conversation with successful people to learn and create ideas from them. This is what helped me in life. I purchased my first home at the age of 18. I was determined to do this as I knew this could put me ahead considering I had no school background. It all paid off from there, I purchased other properties that I currently rent out and others flipped. I also now hold my real estate licence which helps me find deals for my self & save on commission. On top of my real estate investments I do hold a w2 job which pays pretty well. I work remotely for a transportation company out in the west coast.

$20,000 to $80,000

Florida > Miami

There are no upfront fees associated with our application and underwriting process. I provide funds with reasonable rates and flexible repayment schedules. With our merchant cash advance program, we provide an advance lump sum to you and a small percentage of your future credit card receivables is allocated as repayment for your loan. For business owners who do not use credit card processing, we offer unsecured business loans like our ACH loan program. In this case, payments are made through a daily deductions from your bank account, just like with direct deposit. Whatever type of business you operate, we have the loan solution you are looking for.

$5,000 to $2,000,000

Florida > Miami

I am 42 years old and have worked in operations and business turnaround at both board and delivery management levels. I am married with a child and looking to move back to Miami with my family so am looking at worthwhile investments. I have invested in a number of businesses and currently run a successful business consultancy in the UK. I am expecting to have a hands on approach at the outset but want to make sure the business is staffed up to manage ongoing daily operations whilst I focus in on Mergers, Acquisitions and Agglomerations for the business.

$1,000,000 to $5,000,000

Florida > West Palm Beach

Since May of 2021 (15 months), we have provided funding for 11 deals posted to this network and made firm offers additionally, to 19 more. 30+ years of direct investments, financier, and syndicate manager. Start-up, Seed, and Series A investments. Transitioned growth, Mezzanine level participation as well. Equity and/or Debt, or a combination of both. Active or Passive participation. Advisory role and/or Board seat preferred. Any and all Industries will be considered. Geographic location is unimportant. Strong partnerships within our network with strategic co-investors, so no deal is too large for our consideration. We can also provide a Line of Credit as a "bridge" for companies in as early a stage as even startups. In addition to financing, our firm provides a myriad of corporate development and advisory services in an effort to support long-term growth, and increase shareholder appreciation. We fund, help you grow, advise, build awareness, and develop a profitable exit.

$50,000 to $50,000,000

Florida > Boca Raton

My name is Sonny (45) Married with two kids. I owned and operated a restaurant and wholesale distribution company from 2002-2015. I then sold to spend more time with my family. After, I got licensed as a general contractor. I purchased and renovated houses. I am good at finding solutions to problems. I would prefer to be hands on. I am a hard worker looking to build equity.

$1 to $200,000

Florida > Miami

43 years, married, Brazilian. Industrial director, MBA Degree (Business Administration), Electrical Engineer.

$5,000 to $100,000