The Company
Background
Describe the start-up and history of your company from the time of inception. State where and when it was organized. State what form of business it is and where it is located. Discuss significant milestones, such as obtaining a patent, building a prototype, or signing a major contract. Discuss the people involved and the roles they have played. Mention any trademarks on the company's name or logo.
Current Status
Discuss where you are now. Talk about the reputation you have built, your strengths, and what limitations are being experienced. Describe how your product is performing in the marketplace. State the amount of money that has been invested to date, by whom, and how it has been used. Give an overview of your sales and services record, if any. Discuss the kind and amount of funding the business needs to begin operations or improve operations.
Future Plans
Discuss your goals for the next three to five years. Describe how you plan to achieve them and what resources will be needed. Allude to improvements and expansion of your existing product line as well as your hopes for increasing your market share and sales.
The Industry
Chief Characteristics
Describe the industry your company is in. Discuss the industry's profile, including size, geographical dispersion, market, history summation, current status, and total sales and profits for each of the last three years.
The Participants
Discuss the competition and other players (suppliers, wholesalers, distributors, etc.) within your industry. Summarize each participant along a spectrum of weakest to strongest. Briefly discuss more thoroughly the participants with whom you will have direct involvement or competition.
Analyst Summaries
Provide a series of quotes and statements that summarize significant facts, figures, and trends about the industry from various reputable sources. Make sure you properly credit the source and provide the date of publication. Use quotes and statements from diverse sources i.e., industry magazines and newspaper articles. Quotes from personal interviews can also have a powerful impact. These statements should clarify where the industry is headed and the various markets to be served within the industry.