“The pitch deck you created for us caught an investor's attention, and they’re now asking for a more detailed presentation—a business plan presentation. I’m not sure what that means,” said a founder who's our new client.
“That's a positive sign! Their request for a business plan indicates they’re interested and want to explore further. In this presentation, we'll build on the overview from your pitch deck and provide in-depth details about your revenue model, financial projections, and profitability strategy.”
Hearing the founder’s confusion about what a business plan is inspired me to write this article to help others understand the topic better.
On a side note: If you'd like to chat with us, feel free to schedule a meeting here.
What is a business plan presentation?
A business plan presentation is a powerful tool that helps bring your business vision to life, especially when you're trying to win over investors, partners, or stakeholders. It’s more than just a document; it’s your chance to communicate the big picture—your strategy, financial goals, and how you’ll capture opportunities in the market. In a way, it’s like telling the story of your business, but with a razor-sharp focus on the details that matter most to decision-makers.
Unlike the traditional business plan that might span pages and pages, a business plan presentation is concise and engaging, relying on visuals and storytelling to make a lasting impact. The goal? To convince your audience that your business is the one worth investing in.
Example,
Check out this case study of our work for a business plan presentation we developed for a cannabis company. The approach we used was to highlight key problems, solutions, and strong financial projections.
Purpose Of A Business Plan Deck
Attract Investment: A compelling business plan deck is your ticket to capturing investor interest. By clearly outlining your business model, market potential, and financial forecasts, you demonstrate the viability and profit potential of your venture.
Guide Business Strategy: Think of the deck as your business’s roadmap. It helps you sharpen your goals, pinpoint your target audience, and outline your marketing and operational strategies, keeping you focused and aligned as you navigate growth.
Facilitate Stakeholder Communication: This deck is your go-to tool for engaging stakeholders. It presents your business vision, goals, and strategies in a clear, concise manner, ensuring everyone—team members, partners, and advisors—is aligned and understands the company's direction.
What to include in your business plan presentation?
A well-organized presentation with a clear flow will keep your audience engaged and focused. Here's a recommended structure...
Introduction (5 minutes)
Hook: Grab attention with a compelling opening statement, a relevant statistic, or a captivating story that introduces your business idea.
Company Overview: Briefly introduce your company, its mission, and the value proposition it offers.
The Problem: Clearly define the problem your business aims to solve and its impact on the target market.
The Solution (10 minutes)
Your Product or Service: Explain your offering in detail, highlighting its unique features and benefits.
Competitive Advantage: Differentiate yourself from competitors and showcase what makes your business solution stand out.
Market Opportunity: Quantify the market size, growth potential, and target customer segments.
Business Model & Execution (10 minutes)
Revenue Streams: Explain how your business will generate revenue, outlining pricing strategies and sales channels.
Marketing & Sales Strategy: Describe your plan to reach your target audience, acquire customers, and retain them.
Management Team: Introduce your team members, emphasizing their expertise and experience relevant to your business.
Financials (5 minutes)
Financial Projections: Present key financial metrics like projected sales, revenue, and profitability. Use charts and graphs for clarity.
Funding Requirements: If seeking funding, clearly state the amount you need and how it will be used.
Conclusion & Call to Action (5 minutes)
Recap the Key Points: Summarize the main takeaways of your presentation and reiterate your value proposition.
Call to Action: Clearly state your desired outcome, whether it's an investment, partnership, or collaboration.
Q&A: Allocate time for audience questions and be prepared to address their concerns confidently.
How to make your business plan presentation?
A well-crafted presentation not only showcases your business strategy but also shows your preparedness.
Here’s how to create an impactful business plan presentation...
1. Setting Up a Good Narrative Structure
A solid narrative structure is the backbone of your presentation. It guides your audience through your story, making it engaging and memorable. Here’s how to set up your narrative:
Start with an Engaging Hook
Begin your presentation with an attention-grabbing opening. This could be a startling statistic, a brief anecdote, or a thought-provoking question. For example, if you’re presenting a tech startup, you might start with a statistic about the rapid growth of your industry to illustrate the market potential.
Outline the Problem
Clearly articulate the problem your business aims to solve. This sets the stage for your solution and establishes relevance. For instance, if your startup focuses on sustainable packaging, explain the environmental impact of plastic waste and the growing consumer demand for eco-friendly alternatives.
Present Your Solution
Once the problem is established, introduce your solution. Explain how your product or service addresses the issue and highlights its unique selling points (USPs). Use visuals or diagrams to enhance understanding. For example, show a comparison between traditional packaging and your sustainable option to illustrate benefits.
Detail Your Business Model
Describe how your business intends to make money. Outline your revenue streams, pricing strategy, and customer acquisition plan. This is crucial for investors who want to understand the financial viability of your business. For instance, a subscription-based model might require you to explain customer retention strategies and lifetime value calculations.
Highlight Market Opportunity
Discuss the market opportunity your business is targeting. Use data and research to substantiate your claims, such as market size, growth trends, and target demographics. Visuals like graphs and charts can effectively convey this information. For example, if your business targets millennials, show statistics about their purchasing behavior and preferences.
Conclude with a Call to Action
Wrap up your presentation with a compelling conclusion that reiterates the main points and includes a strong call to action. Encourage your audience to invest, partner, or take the next steps. For example, you might say, “Join us in revolutionizing sustainable packaging and make a lasting impact on our planet.”
2. Gathering Information
The next step is to gather relevant information that supports your narrative. This includes:
Market Research
Conduct thorough market research to understand your industry landscape, competition, and target audience. This data will inform your business model and marketing strategies.
Financial Projections
Prepare detailed financial projections, including revenue forecasts, expense estimates, and profit margins. This information is crucial for investors who want to assess your business’s financial health.
Team and Expertise
Highlight the skills and experience of your team. Investors want to know who is behind the project and their qualifications. Include brief bios and relevant accomplishments.
Case Studies or Testimonials
Incorporate case studies or testimonials from early users or pilot projects. This adds credibility and demonstrates real-world applicability.
3. Writing Copy for the Presentation
Once you have gathered all the necessary information, it’s time to craft the copy for your presentation. Here are some tips:
Keep It Concise
Be succinct in your wording. Avoid jargon and complex sentences. Your audience should easily grasp your message without getting lost in technical details.
Use Bullet Points
Organize information into bullet points to enhance readability. This format allows the audience to absorb key information quickly. For instance:
Problem: 8 million tons of plastic waste enters the ocean each year.
Solution: Biodegradable packaging made from renewable resources.
Market Opportunity: $400 billion eco-friendly packaging industry projected to grow by 20% annually.
Tell a Story
Incorporate storytelling elements to make your content relatable. Use examples, anecdotes, or quotes that resonate with your audience’s experiences or values. This helps create an emotional connection.
Include Visuals
Integrate visuals such as graphs, images, or infographics to complement your text. Visuals enhance understanding and retention, making your presentation more engaging.
4. Determining Design Style
The design of your business plan presentation should align with your brand identity and guidelines. Consider the following:
Brand Guidelines
Review your brand guidelines to ensure consistency in colors, fonts, and imagery. This consistency reinforces your brand identity and enhances professionalism. For example, if your brand colors are green and blue, use these colors throughout your presentation to create a cohesive look.
Design Style
Choose a design style that complements your narrative. For a tech startup, a modern, sleek design with bold visuals may be appropriate. Alternatively, a more traditional design may suit established industries like finance or healthcare.
Use High-Quality Images
Incorporate high-quality images and graphics to enhance visual appeal. Avoid pixelated or generic stock images, as these can detract from your professionalism. Instead, opt for custom graphics or illustrations that reflect your brand.
5. Presentation Designing
Finally, it’s time to design your presentation. Here are some best practices:
Create a Consistent Layout
Maintain a consistent layout across slides. Use the same font sizes, colors, and header styles to create a unified look. This consistency allows your audience to focus on your content rather than being distracted by design inconsistencies.
Limit Text per Slide
Avoid overcrowding your slides with text. Aim for a maximum of 6-8 lines of text per slide to ensure readability. Use visuals to convey information wherever possible.
Incorporate Transitions and Animations Sparingly
Use transitions and animations to enhance your presentation, but don’t overdo it. Subtle animations can draw attention to key points without overwhelming your audience. For example, you might use a fade-in effect for bullet points to maintain focus.
Practice Your Delivery
Once your presentation is designed, practice delivering it multiple times. Familiarize yourself with the flow, timing, and key points. Practicing boosts your confidence and ensures a smooth delivery on the day of your presentation.
Gather Feedback
If possible, share your presentation with trusted colleagues or mentors for feedback. Fresh eyes can provide valuable insights and help identify areas for improvement.
Tailoring Your Business Plan For Different Audiences
Remember, your presentation should be tailored to your specific audience. Here are some considerations for different scenarios:
Investors: Focus on the market opportunity, your competitive advantage, and your financial projections. Highlight your potential for high returns on their investment.
Lenders: Emphasize the financial viability of your business, your ability to repay loans, and the security you offer.
Partners: Focus on the mutually beneficial aspects of the partnership and how collaboration can create value for both parties.
Internal Stakeholders: Align your presentation with the company's overall goals and objectives. Demonstrate how your business plan contributes to the organization's success.
Work with us
As specialists in presentation design, we offer tailored solutions to suit your needs. If you're currently working on a presentation and require professional assistance, don't hesitate to get in touch with us. We're here to help you make a lasting impression!
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