How to Write an Executive Summary (Example+Template)

An executive summary is a concise gist of a larger document, often designed for busy stakeholders who may not read the entire report. It should highlight the most important information, such as goals, findings, recommendations, and conclusions in a clear and digestible way.

When Should You Use an Executive Summary?

Executive summaries are commonly used in:

• Business plans

• Project proposals

• Grant applications

• Marketing plans

• Research reports

• Investor pitch decks

How to Write an Executive Summary (Step-by-Step)

1. Know Your Audience

Understand who will be reading your summary—investors, board members, executives—and tailor the tone and content to them.

2. Start with the Purpose

Briefly state what the document is about and why it matters. For example:
"This proposal outlines a scalable plan to expand our logistics operations across four new markets."

3. Highlight the Key Points

Summarize the most critical sections of the document, including:

• The problem or opportunity

• Your proposed solution or product

• Market potential

• Financial highlights or projections

• Call to action or recommendation

4. Keep It Concise

Aim for 1–2 pages (or 5–10% of the full document length). Avoid unnecessary jargon or technical details—this is about clarity and impact.

5. Write It Last

Although it appears first, write the executive summary after the main content is complete. That way, you’re summarizing rather than guessing.

Example for a Business Plan

Executive Summary

GreenWheels is a bike-sharing startup focused on providing affordable and eco-friendly transportation in urban areas. With the increasing demand for sustainable transport, GreenWheels aims to deploy 10,000 bikes across five cities in the next 12 months.

Our business model combines mobile app convenience with city-wide docking stations. The initial funding of $1.5 million will be used for bike manufacturing, marketing, and team expansion.

We forecast break-even in 18 months, with $5M in annual revenue projected by Year 3. This summary outlines our launch strategy, market research, and financial roadmap.

Tips for Writing a Strong Executive Summary

• Use bullet points for clarity

• Avoid clichés—focus on facts

• Write in a confident, positive tone

• Make it scannable with subheadings if needed

• Include a call to action (e.g., funding request, next meeting)

Executive summary template

You can download it using the link below:

Download Executive_Summary_Template_Plox.docx

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