A business plan or an investment proposal? (2024)

What is the difference between a business plan and an investment proposal?

Our clients often ask: "What is the difference between a business plan and an investment proposal, and what document is required to raise finance for a business?" Well, the difference is in the focus the document communicates and the audience it pitches to.

While a business plan considers What the business is selling and Why - the value proposition, its main focus is on the How - the operational aspects of the business. This is because the key purpose of a business plan is not to sell a business idea but rather to show how it is executed through realistic goal setting, rational operational and competitive strategies, and a solid business structure.

An investment proposal, on the other hand, delves into the What and Why of a business concept, persuading investors in the business opportunity attractiveness. The business structure and execution are expected to be of a high standard, but it is not the major focus. The major focus is on the customer value proposition, the business scalability, the strategic capabilities, the competitive advantage and its sustainability - all the aspects which will generate and maintain an above-average return on the funds invested in the business.

A business plan would normally be sufficient for raising somewhat small finance with banks, business angels and other financiers. An investment proposal is a must when raising substantial funds with venture capitalists, business angels or other significant investors.

Julia Podgorbunskaya, CPA, Head Planner at Professional Business Plans
​May 2017

(61) 02 4295 0079
Julia@ProfessionalBusinessPlans.com.au
www.ProfessionalBusinessPlans.com.au

A business plan or an investment proposal? (2024)

FAQs

How do you write an investment proposal for a business plan? ›

What should be included in an investment proposal?
  1. Describe your company. ...
  2. State the problem. ...
  3. Give out your solution. ...
  4. Show market research. ...
  5. Display your traction. ...
  6. Define your goals. ...
  7. Present your team. ...
  8. Reveal your financials, if advisable.

What is the difference between a business plan and an investment proposal? ›

The main differences between an investment proposal and a business plan are purpose and audience. An investment proposal helps find potential investors. A business plan helps define the goals of a business and determine how well it's doing. You can secure funding with only a business plan.

What questions to answer in a business proposal? ›

Questions You Should Answer
  • What is you company.
  • Market Analysis.
  • Who is your competition?
  • What is your Marketing Plan?
  • How will you grow your business? Development strategy. ...
  • What risks does your business face? Risks from competitors. ...
  • What type of financing and how much will you need? Loan.
  • What is your financial plan?
Feb 16, 2023

Does making a business plan worth it justify your answer? ›

Having a business plan helps you identify potential pitfalls in your idea. You can also share the plan with others who can give you their opinions and advice. Identify experts and professionals who are in a position to give you invaluable advice and share your plan with them.

How do I write a business plan for a SBA? ›

Traditional business plans use some combination of these nine sections.
  1. Executive summary. Briefly tell your reader what your company is and why it will be successful. ...
  2. Company description. ...
  3. Market analysis. ...
  4. Organization and management. ...
  5. Service or product line. ...
  6. Marketing and sales. ...
  7. Funding request. ...
  8. Financial projections.
Jun 12, 2023

Do I need a business plan or business proposal? ›

The main difference between a business plan and a business proposal is that a business plan documents your growth strategy while a business proposal is a specific ask for someone to take an action you desire (e.g., buy your product/service, invest in your company, partner with you, etc.).

Do you need a business plan for investors? ›

There may be mixed answers to this question. However, if you are looking to raise funds through a bank loan, angel investment or venture capital, you will almost always need a business plan to present to the investors. Even if you write down your business plan as a broad outline, you will have something to start with.

What is the most important thing in a business proposal? ›

The executive summary is arguably the most important section of the business plan. It must be concise, specific, and well-written. Many of the people who review your business plan will decide, based solely on the executive summary, whether to continue reading.

What are the 3 P's of business proposal? ›

If you want your business to succeed, you absolutely must focus on three key variables: people, process, and product. The three Ps, as they're often called, provide the highest return for your efforts because they act as the cornerstone for everything your business does.

What are the 5 questions a business plan must be answer? ›

A Business Plan Checklist: Key Questions To Answer
  • EXECUTIVE SUMMARY • Why will the business succeed? ...
  • BUSINESS DESCRIPTION• What type of business are you planning? ...
  • MARKETING• Who are your potential customers? ...
  • RESEARCH, DESIGN, AND DEVELOPMENT• Have you carefully described your design or development?
Dec 29, 2022

What is the biggest mistake you can make when preparing a business plan? ›

One of the biggest mistakes made in business plans are unrealistic financial projections. The assumption that a start-up business will immediately be profitable is often a naive mistake made by beginning entrepreneurs. Most start-up companies should anticipate being “in the red” for at least the first year of business.

What are the three 3 important purposes of a business plan? ›

What is the Importance of a Business Plan? The 3 most important purposes of a business plan are 1) to create an effective strategy for growth, 2) to determine your future financial needs, and 3) to attract investors (including angel investors and VC funding) and lenders.

What are the 5 reasons why one should write a business plan? ›

Why do you need to write a business plan?
  • Reduce your risk. ...
  • Uncover your business's potential. ...
  • Test a new business idea. ...
  • Attract investors and get funding to start and grow your business. ...
  • Plan for different scenarios. ...
  • Research shows that business plans definitely work. ...
  • Build a better budget and a financial forecast.
Jan 21, 2022

How an investment proposal is written? ›

The investment proposal has to be straight to the point and factual to highlight your competence in your field. Here are some things to avoid along the way: Don't make it complicated. Don't be shy about your need (be precise about the amount of money you want to raise, why you need it, and what you will do with it)

What are the 3 C's of a business plan proposal? ›

The purpose of this article is to provide you with a quick summary of the three C's of a good business plan. These three C's include: (1) having a concept of what your business is all about; (2) identifying who your customer or client will be; and (3) figuring out how the cash flow in your business will actually work.

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