What does an executive summary do for a business plan?

An executive summary serves as a concise overview of a business plan, providing a snapshot of the key elements within the plan. Its primary purpose is to summarize the essential aspects of the business, including the company’s objectives, strategies, and overall vision. By stating the main goals and the approach to achieving them, an executive summary enables readers—such as investors or stakeholders—to quickly grasp the purpose and direction of the proposed business.

This summary is typically positioned at the beginning of the business plan to catch the reader's attention and encourage further reading. It synthesizes information from the entire document, allowing someone to understand the core arguments and metrics without needing to delve into all the supporting details.

While financial projections, marketing strategies, and employee roles are crucial components of a business plan, they are more detailed sections that support the overall narrative constructed in the executive summary. The executive summary pulls together these elements into a coherent and concise format, prioritizing the broader picture over specific aspects.