How To Write a Company Overview for a Business Plan

The Company Overview is a key section of your business plan where you will describe your company. This section comes second after the executive summary of your business plan, but before the industry analysis section.

The Company Overview section of your business plan has three main goals:

1. to give a brief company description and profile
2. to detail your past accomplishments
3. to specify your unique qualifications

Note that a detailed description of your products/services generally does not belong in your company section; rather that will go in the Products/Services section of your marketing plan.

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What is a Company Overview in a Business Plan?

The company overview, also known as the business overview, provides a concise and compelling snapshot of your business. This critical section is designed to captivate your reader and offer a clear understanding of your business’s purpose and core identity. It should highlight your legal structure, company history, mission statement, long-term vision, operational model, geographic location, and revenue generation strategy. By effectively conveying this basic information, you’ll establish a strong foundation for your business plan and position your company for success.

Tips for an Effective Company Overview

• Keep it Concise: While providing essential details, strive for brevity. Aim to convey your company’s essence in a few well-crafted paragraphs.
• Focus on the Future: While acknowledging past achievements, emphasize your future aspirations and growth potential.
• Highlight Unique Selling Proposition (USP): Clearly articulate what sets your company apart from competitors.
• Tailor to Your Audience: Consider the specific needs and interests of your target audience (e.g., investors, lenders, business partners).
• Use Strong, Active Voice: Employ vivid language to engage your reader and create a memorable impression.

 

Why Your Company Overview is Important

A well-crafted Company Overview sets the stage for the entire document, captivating your reader’s attention and providing a clear understanding of your business. This section:

• Establishes Credibility: A concise and informative business overview demonstrates your professionalism and commitment to your business.
• Informs Decision-Makers: It provides essential details about your business structure, company mission statement, and operations, helping potential investors, lenders, and partners assess your business potential.
• Guides Your Business: The process of writing a business overview forces you to articulate your core values, long-term business goals, and strategic direction, which can serve as a valuable roadmap for your business.

Investing time and effort into this section can significantly enhance the overall impact of your business plan.

 

What to Include When Writing a Company Overview

Here are the 3 essential components of the Company Overview section of your business plan:

1. Company Profile

In just a few sentences, this is where you craft a compelling narrative about your business including its origins, mission, and the company’s vision. Imagine painting a picture with words, highlighting your unique selling proposition (USP) and the value you bring to the market. Start with a detailed company description including your:

• Legal Structure: Clearly outline your company’s legal structure (e.g., sole proprietorship, Limited Liability Company (LLC), S-Corp, C-Corp, or Partnership).
• Date of Formation: Specify the year your company was established.
• Geographic Location: Indicate the primary location of your operations, including any specific regions or markets you serve.
• Business Stage: Detail your company’s current stage of development (e.g., startup, early-stage, growth stage, mature).
• Business Type: Briefly describe the industry or sector in which your company operates (e.g., technology, healthcare, retail).

 

2. Past Accomplishments

This section showcases your company’s track record and demonstrates its ability to execute on its business plan. To effectively convey your accomplishments, consider using a combination of paragraphs and a bullet list or table, including a description and date accomplished when:

• Funding Rounds: Date, amount raised, investor names (if applicable)
• Product/Service Launches: Product/service name, launch date, key features, and benefits
• Revenue Milestones: Year-over-year revenue growth, specific revenue figures, or significant sales contracts
• Partnerships: Partner names, nature of partnership (e.g., strategic, distribution, technology), and key benefits
• Customer Acquisition: Number of customers acquired, key customer segments, or significant customer wins
• Team Building: Key hires, team expansion, or leadership changes
• Awards and Recognition: Industry awards, certifications, or media coverage

This information is critical to investors as it indicates the company’s ability to execute upon a previous game plan. Attaining milestones is an excellent indicator for potential investors that their money will be used to create value and lead to a liquidity event.

 

3. Unique Qualifications

This section is crucial for highlighting your company’s competitive advantages. It should be a compelling blend of narrative and data, showcasing your unique selling proposition (USP) and why your company is poised for success. Consider including information about your:

Management Team:

• Briefly introduce your core management team members and their relevant experience and expertise.
• Highlight any unique qualifications or industry connections that set your team apart.

Intellectual Property:

• Describe any patents, trademarks, copyrights, or proprietary technology that your company owns.
• Explain how these assets contribute to your competitive advantage and protect your business.

Strategic Partnerships:

• Detail any strategic partnerships or alliances with key industry players.
• Explain how these partnerships enhance your market position and provide access to valuable resources.

Customer Relationships:

• Highlight any long-standing customer relationships or significant customer wins.
• Discuss any customer loyalty programs, retention strategies, or unique customer value propositions.

Operational Excellence:

• Describe any proprietary operational systems, processes, or methodologies that improve efficiency and reduce costs.
• Highlight any certifications or industry standards that your company adheres to.

Financial Performance:

• If applicable, provide a brief overview of your company’s financial performance, including revenue growth, profitability, and cash flow.
• Highlight any significant financial milestones or achievements.

By effectively communicating your unique qualifications, you can strengthen your company’s credibility and increase your chances of securing funding or partnerships.

 

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Company Overview Examples

The following Company Overview examples are for two fictional businesses: a medical spa and a private school.

Example #1 – Company Overview for a Medical Spa Business Plan

 

Example #2 – Company Overview for a Private School Business Plan

 

Conclusion

Crafting a compelling Company Overview is a crucial step in developing a successful business plan. By clearly articulating your company’s mission, vision, and unique selling proposition, you can capture the attention of potential investors, lenders, and partners. Keep your business overview concise, focused, and informative, highlighting your company’s strengths and future potential. By following the guidelines and examples provided in this article, you can create a powerful Company Overview that sets the stage for the rest of your business plan.