3 Free Executive Summary Templates [+ How to Write a Executive Summary]

The primary advantage of project management lies in its ability to plan, manage, organise, and execute all aspects of employee work efficiently. However, most entrepreneurs and investors lack the time to peruse lengthy business documents. Consequently, it's crucial to provide them with a concise summary of your project or business plan. This is where executive summaries prove invaluable. These summaries allow you to create an engaging document that succinctly presents key points about your project to stakeholders, new employees, and potential investors.

In this article, we will explain what an executive summary is and how you can create one!

If you’re ready, let’s get started!

TL; DR

• Executive summary is a brief synopsis of a larger document such as a project, business plan, marketing plan, or project scope.
• The purpose of executive summaries is to attract the attention of stakeholders and potential investors and convince them to invest.
• Although there are different types of executive summary that you can use for your different projects, the two most commonly used are project and business plan.
• To write a project executive summary, you need to fill in the problem, solution, value proposition and conclusion sections.
• To prepare an executive summary for a business plan, you need to write the company, product or service, market & competitive analysis, funding request and financial projections sections.
• If you are looking for an AI assistant who can write an executive summary using your error-free and internal data, ZenoChat is the way to go with its multiple LLMs, powerful RAG and knowledge bases.

What is an Executive Summary?

An executive summary is a concise synopsis of a larger document, such as a project proposal, business plan, or comprehensive report. It offers a high-level overview, incorporating crucial details like financial information, problem identification, proposed solutions, market analysis, and competitive landscape. These summaries are primarily crafted for lenders, investors, stakeholder groups, and time-constrained executives. A well-crafted executive summary succinctly and clearly conveys the information that project sponsors deem most critical. Given that most stakeholders and investors often read only the executive summary of a business plan, this section must deliver all key information effectively.

Executive Summary vs Abstract

An abstract is often used to convey a summary of academic papers to professors. An executive summary is aimed at a business audience. Executive summaries contain information to help executives make funding decisions. An abstract is written in a technical tone of voice, while an executive summary is written in a non-technical tone of voice. This allows potential investors to understand your business plan without wasting time on technical jargon.

Executive Summary vs Introduction

An introduction is the first part of your executive summary. It explains what the project is about, its goals, and achievements. An executive summary is a document consisting of several paragraphs and headings that summarise the parts of your business plan. An executive summary also facilitates the decision-making process of investors, while an introduction only provides information. You can think of an introduction as the introductory paragraph of the document and an executive summary as a one-page summary of the document.

Executive Summary Types

Before we dive into the steps of writing an executive summary, you need to know that there are several different types. The two most commonly used executive summary types are the project proposal and the business plan, although you may need to use other types from time to time. Executive summary types include:

• Business Plan Executive Summary
• Project Proposal Executive Summary
• Research Report Executive Summary
• Marketing Plan Executive Summary
• Sales Executive Summary
• Customer Journey Executive Summary
• Business Highlights Executive Summary
• Project Scope Executive Summary

How to Write an Executive Summary for a Project?

The most common type of executive summary you will use is the project executive summary, which is mostly used to conduct a project and explain it to investors. Writing a project executive summary is a straightforward task if you know the outline.

Problem

In your project executive summary, you should first mention the problem your project will solve. You should write the answers to questions such as what is your product plan, what is customer feedback, or what are your insights about realising this project in this section. In this way, you can make an introduction that will attract the attention of investors or stakeholders and convince them.

Solution

Since you mentioned the potential problems of your business in the previous section, you need to explain what your project’s solutions are to these problems. You should explain the steps you need to take to solve the problems you listed and your project’s goals and objectives. In this section, you should explain in detail how your project will solve the problems.

Value Proposition

In this section, you need to explain why the problem needs to be solved and explain the ROI (Return on Investment) of your project. If your project will increase the profitability of investors by solving the problems, you should highlight it in this section. This is the part where you will list the benefits your project will provide to the business.

Conclusion

In this section, you should summarise in a few sentences why the problem is important and why it needs to be solved and explain the actions you want the reader to take. This will take the first step to launching your project.

How to Write an Executive Summary for a Business Plan

Business plan executive summaries represent one of the two most common types of executive summaries. A business plan is a comprehensive document that outlines your company's objectives and the strategies to achieve them. This concise yet detailed overview serves as a crucial tool for presenting your business concept to potential investors, partners, or stakeholders.

Introduction

The introduction section for a business plan executive summary explains the purpose of the document. Your goal is to grab and hold readers' attention and inform them about the value of your business and desired outcome.

Company Description

In this section, you need to provide the business name and location, contact information, description of the purpose, leadership, founders and current investors at your company, and the team responsible for the project.

Products and Services

Briefly explain the problem you will solve and include the findings you have obtained as a result of your research. Also, write down how you will reach your project goals and what you need in this process.

Market Analysis

In this section, you need to explain your target audience and how you meet their needs with your business plan. You should also write how you will grow your customer base and what your business plan expects in 5 years.

Competitive Analysis

You need to explain the situation of rival companies and initiatives regarding the problem you have solved, what you can do differently and more than them, and how you will gain an advantage over your competitors in your marketing plan.

Funding Request and Use

In this section, you need to explain how much investment you want from investors, the benefits of investors and the profitability of your business plan. This section is important for convincing investors and making requests from them.

Financial Projections

You should include financial data that supports your research and business plan, such as:

• The budget baseline
• The projected revenue
• Financial management strategy
• The current and future finances

Conclusion

In this section, you need to recap the problem, solution, and state what you want from the reader. It should also be intriguing to encourage investors to examine your entire business plan.

Free Executive Summary Templates (Created by ZenoChat)

Creating executive summaries manually can take days or even weeks, and your final product needs to be error-free and concise. With ZenoChat, you can create error-free, clear, and concise executive summaries or improve existing executive summaries. ZenoChat is an AI companion developed by TextCortex designed to ease the workload of enterprises. ZenoChat offers web search, multiple LLMs, sophisticated Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), individual personas, knowledge bases, and 30,000+ integrations to boost your enterprise.

Executive Summary Template #1: Non-Profit Funding Proposal

Executive Summary

Introduction: [Non-Profit Organization Name] is on a mission to [brief description of mission or vision]. This funding proposal seeks support for our [specific program or project], which aims to [purpose or goal of the project].

Problem Statement: Our community faces [detailed description of the problem or need]. This problem affects [number and demographic of people affected] and has [negative impacts described briefly].

Program Overview: Our proposed project, [Project Name], will address this issue by [brief description of project activities]. The key components of the program include [list major components or activities].

Outcomes: We expect to achieve [specific, measurable outcomes]. This will lead to [detailed description of the benefits and impact on the community].

Budget: The total budget for this project is [amount]. Funding will be allocated to [brief breakdown of major expenses]. We are requesting [specific amount requested] to support this initiative.

Evaluation Plan: We will measure our success through [evaluation methods such as surveys, metrics, reports]. Our reporting process will include [frequency and type of reports to be provided to funders].

Conclusion: Your support will enable [Non-Profit Organization Name] to [specific impact of the funding]. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in addressing [the identified problem]. We appreciate your consideration of our proposal and look forward to the opportunity to partner with you.

Executive Summary Template #2: Academic Research Project

Executive Summary

Introduction: This research project, titled [Title of the Research], aims to investigate [brief description of the research objective]. Conducted by [Research Team/Institution], this study explores [key topics or questions of the research].

Background: The background of this research is rooted in [brief history or context]. Previous studies have shown [summary of relevant past research or findings], indicating the need for further investigation in [specific area].

Methodology: Our research design includes [qualitative/quantitative/mixed methods]. We will collect data through [methods of data collection such as surveys, experiments, interviews], with a sample size of [number].

Key Findings: Preliminary findings suggest [brief summary of initial results or expected outcomes]. These findings indicate [potential implications or significance of the research].

Implications: The results of this study are expected to [how the findings will contribute to the field, potential applications, policy recommendations, etc.]. This research will provide valuable insights into [specific area of study].

Conclusion: We anticipate that this research will [brief summary of expected impact or next steps]. We are committed to advancing knowledge in [field of study] and look forward to sharing our findings with the academic community.

Executive Summary Template #3: Business Proposal

Executive Summary

Introduction: [Company Name] is dedicated to [brief description of company mission or vision]. This proposal outlines our plan to [purpose of the proposal, such as launching a new product, entering a new market, or expanding services].

Market Opportunity: The [industry/market] is currently experiencing [current trends, statistics, and growth potential]. There is a significant opportunity for [Company Name] to [how your company plans to capitalize on this opportunity].

Solution Overview: We propose to [brief description of the solution or project]. This solution will provide [key benefits, such as cost savings, increased efficiency, customer satisfaction, etc.].

Financial Projections: Our financial analysis forecasts [revenue projections, cost estimates, ROI, etc.]. We project a [specific percentage or amount] increase in [revenue/customer base/market share] within [time frame].

Competitive Advantage: [Company Name] stands out due to [unique strengths, such as experienced team, innovative technology, strong partnerships, etc.]. Our competitive analysis shows that we have a distinct advantage in [key areas].

Implementation Plan: The project will be executed in [time frame], with key milestones including [list major milestones]. We have a detailed plan to ensure [successful implementation/delivery].

Conclusion: We believe that this project aligns with our strategic goals and offers significant growth potential for [Company Name]. We look forward to discussing this proposal in more detail and answering any questions you may have.

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