How to write an executive summary for your business plan

Published Wednesday 3 September 2025

Table of contents

• Why write an executive summary?
• What is an executive summary in a business plan?
• What to include in an executive summary
• How to write an executive summary
• Executive summary examples
• FAQs on executive summaries

Key takeaways

• Prioritize high-impact, low-effort cost reductions by focusing on discretionary spending like unused subscriptions, excessive travel, and non-essential office perks that can be eliminated without affecting core business operations.
• Engage front-line employees and department managers to identify cost-saving opportunities since they work directly with business processes and can spot inefficiencies and waste that management might miss.
• Implement strategic cost restructuring by negotiating longer payment terms with suppliers, converting fixed costs to variable costs through outsourcing, and refinancing high-interest loans to improve cash flow without reducing business quality.
• Automate administrative tasks and optimize inventory levels to reduce labor costs and free up cash flow while maintaining operational efficiency and customer service standards.

Why write an executive summary?

An executive summary is the first thing a potential investor, lender, or partner will read. A strong summary helps you make a positive first impression and encourages them to keep reading.

It saves time for busy readers. They can quickly understand your business idea without reading the full plan. Writing your executive summary also helps you clarify your main message.

What is an executive summary in a business plan?

An executive summary gives a brief overview of your business plan. It highlights what you do, why you do it, and how you will succeed.

Why it matters:

• First impressions count: It's often the first section readers see, making it your chance to sell your idea
• Saves time: Busy readers can understand your business without reading the full document
• Builds interest: A compelling summary encourages people to keep reading

Consider your audience and the complexity of your business plan before including an executive summary. If your plan is simple or for internal use, you may not need one.

How does an executive summary differ from a mission statement or business objective?

A mission statement outlines the overall purpose and vision of your business, and a business objective is a specific goal or target you'll aim for to help you achieve that vision.

The executive summary can include your mission statement and business objectives, but it should mainly summarise your entire business plan.

What to include in an executive summary

Treat your executive summary as a standalone document – assume it's the only section someone will read.

Essential elements to include:

Business foundation:

• What your business does and why you do it
• Your mission statement (if you have one)
• The product or service you're selling

Market focus:

• Your target customers and the problem they face
• How you solve their problem better than competitors
• Key market research that supports your opportunity

Implementation:

• Timeline to launch or key implementation steps
• Financial projections and funding needs (for investor-focused plans)

How to write an executive summary

Write your executive summary last – complete other business plan sections first so you have full information to draw from.

Writing approach:

• Use plain language to summarise key sections
• Include supporting data to back up your ideas
• Avoid copying and pasting from other sections; write fresh, specific content

Tailor to your audience:

• Emphasise market opportunity size and funding requirements for lenders
• Highlight competitive advantages and growth potential for partners
• Highlight operational priorities and key milestones for internal use

Keep your executive summary to one page to maintain attention.

An effective executive summary lays out your key information clearly and simply. It helps others understand your plan and needs, so they can offer guidance and support your success.

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Find more tips in our guide to starting a business.

Executive summary examples

Example for a small graphic design studio

The business: BrightSpark Design is a boutique graphic design studio specialising in brand identity for local start-ups.

The problem: New businesses in your city may struggle to access affordable, high-quality branding that helps them stand out. Many rely on generic online tools that do not capture their unique story.

The solution: BrightSpark Design offers three tiered branding packages, from a basic logo and colour palette to a comprehensive brand guide with marketing materials. You get personalised service to create a professional identity that builds customer trust and growth.

The opportunity: With over 200 new businesses registering in the area each year, there is clear demand. You could aim to capture 10% of this market within your first two years.

Financials: You may seek a $15,000 loan to fund initial marketing and purchase industry-standard software. You could reach profitability within 18 months by securing two new clients per month.

FAQs on executive summaries

Here are some common questions and answers most businesses might have about executive summaries for their business plans.

How long should an executive summary be?

A good rule of thumb is to keep it to one page. It should be long enough to cover the key points of your business plan but short and direct enough to hold the reader's attention.

What are the five key components of an executive summary?

A strong executive summary typically includes:

• An overview of your business
• The problem you are solving
• Your proposed solution (your product or service)
• The market opportunity
• Key financial highlights or funding requests

When should you write the executive summary?

Write your executive summary last. Complete your business plan first, then summarise the most important highlights.

Do all business plans need an executive summary?

Include an executive summary if you plan to share your business plan with investors, banks, or partners.