How to Write an Executive Summary (Example+Template)

An executive summary is the short version of a longer document, written for busy people who probably won't read the whole thing. It should pull out the parts that matter, like goals, findings, recommendations, and conclusions, and put them in plain language.

When Should You Use an Executive Summary?

Executive summaries show up 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

Figure out who's reading. Investors, board members, and executives all read differently, so match the tone and the content to them.

2. Start with the Purpose

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

3. Highlight the Key Points

Pull out the parts of the document that carry the most weight:

• 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. Skip the jargon and the technical detail. The point here is clarity and impact.

5. Write It Last

It sits at the front, but you should write it after the rest of the document is done. Then you're summarizing what you actually wrote instead of guessing at it.

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
• Skip the clichés and stick to facts
• Write in a confident, positive tone
• Make it scannable with subheadings if needed
• Include a call to action, like a funding request or a next meeting

Executive summary template

You can download it using the link below:

Download Executive_Summary_Template_Plox.docx

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• Share proposals securely with password-protection
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• Disable downloads or revoke access at any time
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