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How To Write the Funding Request for Your Business Plan

What goes into the funding request, parts of the funding request, important points to remember when writing your request, frequently asked questions (faqs).

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A business plan contains many sections, and if you plan to seek funding for your business, you will need to include the funding request section. The good news is that this section of your business plan is only needed if you plan to ask for outside business funding. If you're not seeking financial help, you can leave it out of your business plan. There are a variety of  ways to fund your business  without debt or investors. Below, we'll cover how to write the funding request section of your business plan.

Key Takeaways

• The funding request section of your business plan is required if you plan to seek funding from a lender or investors.
• You'll want to include information on the business, your current financial situation, how the money will be used, and more.
• Tailor each funding request to the specific funding source, and make sure you ask for enough money to keep your business going.

The funding request section provides information on your future financial plans, such as when and how much money you might need. You will also include the possible sources you could consider for securing your funds, such as loans or crowdfunding. Later, you can update this section when you need outside funding again for business growth.

An Outline of the Business

Yes, you've done this already in past sections, but you want to give potential lenders and investors a recap of your business. In some cases, you might simply share the funding request section so you need to have your business details such as what you provide, information about your target market, your structure (i.e. LLC), owners' and members' information (for partnerships and corporations), and any successes you've had to date in your business.

Current Financial Situation

Again, you've provided some financial information in the financial data section , but it doesn't hurt to summarize. If you're submitting just the funding request, you'll need this information to help financial sources understand your money situation.

Provide financial details such as income and cash flow statements, and balance sheets in your funding request section.

Offer your projected financial information as well. If you're asking for a loan for which you'll be offering collateral, include information about the asset. If the business had debt, outline your plan for paying it off. Finally, share how you'll pay the loan or what sort of return on investment (ROI) investors can expect by investing in your business.

How Much Money Do You Need Now and in the Future?

Indicate what type of funding you're asking for such as a loan or investment. Outline what you need now and what you might need in the future as far as five years out. 

How Will the Funds Be Used?

Detail how you'll be using the money, whether it's for inventory, paying a debt, buying equipment, hiring help, and more. If you plan to use the money for several things, highlight each and how much money will go to each.

Most financial sources would rather invest in things that grow a thriving business than things that pay for debt or overhead expenses. 

Current and Future Financial Plans

Current and future financial plans include items such as loan repayment schedules or plans to sell the business. If you're getting a loan, outline your plans for repayment (although most lenders will have their own schedules). If you have plans to sell the business, let the lender know that and how it will affect them. Other issues to consider are relocation (if you move) or a buyout. Finally, let investors know how they can exit the deal, such as cashing out (and how long before they can do that).

You're asking for money, so you need to always be professional and know your business inside and out. Here are some other things to keep in mind:

• Tailor your funding request to each financial source : Lenders and investors need different information, such as loan repayment versus ROI, so create different reports for each. 
• Keep your funding sources in mind : Each resource will have different questions and concerns. Do a little research so you can address them in your report.
• Ask for enough to keep your business going : Don't be stingy, as you don't want your business to fail from a lack of money. At the same time, don't be greedy, asking for more than you need. 

How do you request funding for a nonprofit?

Most nonprofits seek funding in the form of grants. Write a grant proposal that includes information on the project or organization, preliminary budget needs, and more. Be sure to format it with a cover letter, proposal summary, the introduction of the organization, problem statement, objectives, methods, evaluation, future funding needs, and the budget.

What are three methods of funding?

Grants and scholarships, equity financing, and debt financing are the main three methods of funding for small businesses . Grants and scholarships do not need to be repaid and are often best for nonprofit organizations. Equity financing is when you receive money in exchange for ownership and profits. Debt financing is when you borrow money that needs to be repaid.

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Small Business Administration. " Fund Your Business ."

Congressional Research Service. " How To Develop and Write a Grant Proposal ."

Library of Congress Research Guides. " Types of Financing ."

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Write the Funding Request Section of Your Business Plan

Free Startup Fundraising Checklist

Aayushi Mistry

• December 12, 2023

While writing a business plan to seek funding, you must be clear about what needs to be written under the section where you would request funding. This is an important and essential section of your business plan.

What Is the Funding Request?

A funding request section of your business plan allows you to ask for the required fund. While writing the request, you always have to mention the timeline in which you will utilize the funds. Usually, this timeline is up to the next 5 years from the request.

The funding request may differ on the age of your company. If your company is only a start-up, it will have to provide more details than any older company. Generally, any business up to its 7th year is called a startup company. Although this criterion may differ with respect to location and industry.

Step-by-Step Guide to Writing the Funding Request of Your Business Plan

Before you start writing your requests, be clear about your requirements. And, in the same line, be very clear explaining it. Your readers want you to get to the point. So, they can make accurate decisions just in time. Moreover, it will also save you a lot of time and effort.

Once the facts and figures are drawn (accurately), you need to draft them properly into your business plan. And you have to be very careful and precise while doing it.

So ideally, you need to figure out your requirements. And then put it into the context of the business plan.

So, How to derive your funding requirements?

Deriving funding requirements get a little overwhelming. But if you take it one step at a time, it starts getting easier.

First, determine what you need money for

It could be for hiring new staff, getting new equipment, or starting your business at a new location . Just be very clear with the goals. Then list down the requirements and the required fund for it. In the end, sum it up. If you want funds for recovering your debts, explain all your debts in detail.

Now, It Is Time to Know How Much Amount Can You Get on Your Own.

• Calculate the financial resources: Look out for your saved capital in cash as well as in personal assets. Other than that, see if you can gather the funds from friends and family.
• Grants and subsidies: Check if your company is eligible for any government grants and subsidies. If yes, apply for it and add the amount. Calculate and find the difference between the required amount and the amount you can already put together. And that will be the amount you will be needing from the third party, investors, or from the bank. Once you have the right fund requirement at hand, list out the investors, moneylenders, and loans who can provide you with the sum.

Now, Let’s Start Writing Your Funding Request

1. Provide Business Information

Yes, you still have to give this brief even though you have already explained it in detail. No, it does not get redundant-It does not have to be. In fact, you can take it up as an opportunity to give a little recap to your potential prospects and moneylenders.

Moreover, sometimes, you might have to only send the funding request section and not the entire business plan. In such cases, such information comes handy.

So, here’s what you will have to explain in the funding request section of your business plan-

• Target Market
• Your business structure like LTD, LLC, or more
• Brief about your product/service
• Partners involved
• Business heir, if there exists.

2. Mention the Current Financial Situation

You might have provided some financial information in the financial section. But, you have to add some figures here anyway. Not only will make it contextual, but even easier to have a clear picture in one place.

Here are some financial details that you will have to include in this section:

• Quarterly as well as yearly cash inflow and outflow
• Balance sheets
• P&L statement
• Expected financial condition in the upcoming quarter and year
• Include the list of assets and their ownership details if you are asking loan from the bank
• If your business is in debt, explain the situation in the detail and a brief plan for paying it.
• Mention how much return on investment can they expect.
• In the end, mention how will you pay off the loan or transfer the ownership of the business.

3. Announce How Much Funds Do You Need?

When you explain the situation in brief and have all the facts and figures put aside, narrow it down to your requirements. Mention how much money you need.

4. Discuss Briefly How Will You Use the Money?

Here, you have to narrow down what you need the money for and how you are going to use it. Just list down the details and put the figure for it- so much like how you do your billing. If they are taking the money for multiple things, highlight every detail.

5. Dive Deep into Current and Future Financial Planning

You must have explained a little about the inflow and outflow in the financial section. But over here, you have to get into the details like-

• If you are getting a loan, outline your timelines for payments.
• If you are looking forward to selling, mention how it will affect the investors.
• And then, finally, mention the exit strategy . Your exit strategy includes how you will transfer the business ownership at the end.
• You only have to add the funding request if only you want the funding from outside. If you don’t want to raise your funds from a third party, then you don’t have to include them in your business plan.
• Your investors would like to invest in your business if only it is thriving or promising. They are less likely to lend money if you are in debt.
• You see, you are asking for money. So don’t take this section casually. Know your business inside out and only involve people who know everything about your business.
• Be as specific about your requirements and the funding that you require.
• If you are planning to send it to different investors, tailor your funding request according to the reader.
• All your sources have different mindsets and different funding criteria. Be very specific about it. Do detailed research before starting to write your funding request.
• Don’t hesitate while asking for the funds. Be open and ask just as much as your business really requires. But at the same time, don’t be greedy.

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How to Create a Startup Funding Proposal: 8 Samples and Templates to Guide You

Being a founder is difficult. Managing the day-to-day as a founder while trying to secure capital for your business can almost feel impossible. Thankfully, there are different tools and techniques that founders can use to systemize their fundraise to focus on what truly matters, building their business.

One of those tools is a startup funding proposal. In this guide, we’ll break down what a startup funding proposal is and how you can leverage it to build momentum in your fundraise.

What Is a Startup Funding Proposal?

A startup funding proposal is a document that helps startup founders share an overview of their business and make the case for why they should receive funding. A startup funding proposal can be boiled down to help founders layout 3 things:

• What — what does your startup do
• How — how does your startup or product help customers accomplish what they are seeking
• Why — why does your startup need funding and why should an investor fund your business

Related Resource: How to Write a Business Plan For Your Startup

Types of Startup Funding Proposals

Like any business document, there are many ways to approach a startup funding proposal. Ultimately it will come down to pulling the pieces and tactics that work best for your business. Investors are seeing hundreds, if not thousands, of deals a month so it is important to have your assets buttoned up to move quickly and build conviction during a raise. Check out a couple of popular types of funding proposals below:

Traditional Startup Funding Proposal

The most traditional or “standard” standard funding proposal is generally a written and visual document that is created using word processing software and/or design tools.

A traditional proposal is great because it allows you to share context with every aspect of your business. For example, if you include a chart of growth you’ll be able to explicitly write out why that was and what your plan is for future growth.

This document is generally designed to fit your brand and will hit on the key components of your business is structured and predictable way. We hit on what to include in your proposal below.

Startup Funding Proposal Pitch or Presentation

The most common approach we see to a fundraise or proposal is the pitch deck. Pitch decks take the same components as any proposal and fit them into a visual pitch deck that can be easily navigated and understood by a potential investor.

Pitch decks are not required by investors by are generally expected and are a great tool that can help you efficiently close your round. To learn more about building your pitch deck, check out a few of our key resources below:

• Tips for Creating an Investor Pitch Deck
• 18 Pitch Deck Examples for Any Startup
• Our Teaser Pitch Deck Template

1-on-1 Proposals (Elevator Pitch)

A 1 on 1 proposal or an elevator pitch is the quickest version of any proposal. Every founder should have an elevator pitch in their back pocket and is a complementary tool to any of the other funding proposals mentioned here.

As the team at VestBee puts it, “Elevator pitch” or “elevator speech” is a laconic but compelling introduction that can be communicated in the amount of time it takes someone to ride an elevator, usually around 30 seconds. It can serve you for fundraising purposes, personal introduction, or landing a prospective client.”

Email Proposal

Another common way to share a startup funding proposal via email. While the content might be similar to what is seen in a “traditional” funding proposal this allows you to hit investors where they spend their time – their inbox.

The format will follow a traditional proposal with less emphasis on visual aspects and more emphasis on the written content. Check out an example from our Update Template Library below:

Related Resource: How to Write the Perfect Investment Memo

Investor Relationship Hub

Lastly, there is an investor relationship hub or data room that can be used to share your proposal with potential investors. A hub is a great place to curate multiple documents or assets that will be needed during your fundraise. For example, you could share your funding proposal and your financials if they are requested by a potential investor.

Related Resource: What Should be in an Investor Data Room?

What to Include in Your Startup Funding Proposal

How you share your funding proposal might differ but ultimately the components are generally closely related from one proposal to the next. However, be sure that you are building this for your business. There is no prescriptive template that will work for every business.

Project Summary

First things first, you’ll want to start with a summary of your project or your business. This can be a high-level overview of what your proposal encompasses and will give an investor the context they need for the rest of the proposal. A couple of ideas that are worth hitting on:

• What your company does and how it’s different from existing solutions to pressing problems.
• Existing market gaps and how your product covers them.
• The importance of your product in your industry and how it improves the industry.
• Existing resources and manpower, investment requirements, and potential limitations.

Current Performance and Financial Report

Of course, investors want to see how your business has been performing. The data and metrics around your business are generally how an investor builds conviction and further interest in your business. We suggest using your best judgment when it comes to the level of metrics or financials that you’d like to share. A couple examples of what you might share:

• Current assets and liabilities
• MVP presentation for companies still in the ideation stage
• Appendix with financial reports

Related Resource: ​​ Building A Startup Financial Model That Works

Existing Investors and Partners

Inevitably investors will want to know who else you have raised capital from and partnered with in the past. Include a brief description of the different investors you have on your cap table and be ready to field additional questions if they have any.

Pro tip: The first place an investor will go to when performing due diligence is your current investors. Make sure you have a strong relationship and good communication with your current investors.

Market Study and Sales Goals

Investors will also care about your customer acquisition efforts and want to make sure you can repeatably find and close new customers. A couple of things that might be important to include in this section:

• Product pricing and information
• Revenue targets and goals
• Customer acquisition model and efforts
• Sales and marketing related KPIs
• Stories or testimonials from happy customers

Current Valuation, Investment Requirements, and Expected Returns

This is an opportunity to lay out your cap table and explain your current valuation, investment requirements, and what future valuations could look like. As always, we suggest using your best judgment when it comes to what level of detail you’d like to share about your cap table.

Potential Pitfalls and Solutions

There is an inherent risk when investing in any startup. It is important to make sure potential investors are aware of this. Layout the common pitfalls your startup might face and stop you from achieving your goals. Next, lay out the solutions to these problems and how you plan to tackle them if/when they arise.

8 Startup Funding Proposal Samples and Templates

Below are 8 proposal templates to help you kick off your next fundraise. Note that some of these are technically investor updates and not designed for first-time fundraising. Keep in mind that a startup funding proposal could also be utilized for additional funding after the first round of funding.

1. An Investment Summary Template by Underscore VC

Underscore VC is a seed-stage venture fund based out of Boston. As the team at Underscore writes :

“As part of this, we strongly recommend you write out a pitch narrative before you start to build a pitch deck. “Writing the prose forces you to fill in the gaps that can remain if you just put bullets on a slide,” says Lily Lyman, Underscore VC Partner. “It becomes less about how you present, and more about what you present.”

This exercise can help you synthesize your thoughts, smooth transitions, and craft a logical, compelling story. It also helps you include all necessary information and think through your answers to tough questions.

Check out the template here .

2. The Visible “Standard” Investor Update Template

Our Standard investor update template is great for communicating with existing investors. If you are regularly sending Updates to their investors they should know when you are beginning to raise capital again and can almost be treated as an investment proposal.

Check out the template for our standard investor update template here .

3. Sharing a Fundraising Pitch via Video

Videos are a great way to give the right context to the right investors in a concise and quick way. Video is a great supporting tool for any other information or documents you might be sending over. For example, you can include a few charts or metrics and some company information and use the video to further explain the data and growth plans. Check out the template here .

4. Financial Funding Proposal

The team at Revv put together a plug-and-play financial funding proposal. As they wrote, “A funding proposal must provide details of your company’s financials to obtain the right amount of funding. Check out our funding proposal template personalized for your business.” Check out the template here .

5. Investor Proposal Template for SaaS Companies

The team at Revv put together a template to help founders grab the attention of investors. As they wrote, “With so many Investing Agencies, this Investor proposal will surely leave an impact on your company in the long run.” Check out the template here .

6. Startup Funding Proposal Sample

Template.net has created a downloadable funding proposal template that can be edited using any tool. As they wrote, “Get your business idea off the ground by winning investors for your business through this Startup Investment Proposal. Fascinate investors with how you are going to get your business into the spotlight and explain in vivid detail your goals or target for the business.” Check out the template here .

7. Simple Proposal Template

Best Templates has created a generic proposal template that can be molded to fit most use cases. As they wrote, “Use this Simple Proposal Template for any of your proposal needs. This 14-page proposal template is easily editable and fully customizable using any chosen application or program that supports MS Word or Pages file formats.”

8. Sample Investment Proposal for Morgan Stanley

Another example is from the team at Morgan Stanley. The template is commonly used by their team and can be applied to most proposal use cases.

Connect With More Investors and Tell Your Story With Visible

Being able to tie everything together and build a strategy for your fundraise will be an integral part of your fundraising success. Check out how Visible can help you every step of the way below:

Visible Connect — Finding the right investors for your business can be tricky. Using Visible Connect, filter investors by different categories (like stage, check size, geography, focus, and more) to find the right investors for your business. Give it a try here .

Pitch Deck Sharing — Once you’ve built out your target list of investors, you can start sharing your pitch deck with them directly from Visible. You can customize your sharing settings (like email gated, password gated, etc.) and even add your own domain. Give it a try here .

Fundraising CRM — Our Fundraising CRM brings all of your data together. Set up tailored stages , custom fields , take notes, and track activity for different investors to help you build momentum in your raise. We’ll show how each individual investor is engaging with your Updates, Decks, and Dashboards. Give it a try here .

Business Plan Section 8: Funding Request

These guidelines will help you prepare a funding request to present to a potential lender alongside your loan application.

We’ve talked before about the benefits of having a business plan for every business, but the truth is, most companies don’t put one together until they want to apply for funding, whether from a bank or investor. Sometimes, even if you don’t need a full business plan when applying for a loan, you will be asked for a funding request. You can also follow the guidelines below to prepare a stand-alone proposal to present to a potential lender with your application.

If the purpose of your business plan is NOT to get funding, feel free to skip this section.

As we’ve said before about writing a business plan, it’s important to keep your audience in mind. You can certainly prepare different versions of your funding request depending on whether you’re applying for a loan or approaching an investor. The terms of each would be different, and you might be looking for different amounts of money or types of funding, especially if you’re approaching several potential partners.

Be clear about whom you’re directing the request to, and think about the questions they might have and what they would want to see. Make sure you’ve done your homework regarding the costs involved with your plans. This is where the financial section of your plan will work hand in hand with this one. Be consistent with your numbers, and ask for enough to cover your needs fully so you don’t fall short and remain unable to complete your goals. At the same time, don’t ask for more than you need.

What to Include in Your Funding Request

1. a summary of the business.

If the request is part of your business plan, you will have already put together all the information found in a business summary. If you’re creating a funding request as a stand-alone document, explain what the company is, where you’re located, what you sell or what services you offer, and who your customers are. Mention whether you’re incorporated, and if so, what type of corporation it is, along with who the owners and key staff members are. Briefly list your business successes and accomplishment thus far.

2. How much money you’re requesting

How much cash are you looking for now, and if you anticipate this being the first part of an ongoing growth plan, how much more money do you plan to request over time? What would the specific timeline look like? The Small Business Administration suggests thinking as far as five years down the road when putting your funding request together. Also spell out what type of funding you’re looking for, whether a loan or investment, and the terms you’re asking for. (As we suggested above, you can put together different versions of the request for different types of funding.)

3. What you will use the money for

Do you need some extra funds for working capital to buy more inventory? Are you paying off a high-interest loan? Buying a building, new equipment, or another company? Expanding your advertising campaign, or hiring more staff? Whatever it is, explain how much each aspect will cost.

4. Financial information

This will be the heart of the financial information section of your business plan , but you need to include it here if you’re putting together a stand-alone funding request.

You’ll need historical data on the company (if it’s an established business), like income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements for the last three to five years. If the funding request is for a loan that requires collateral, document what you have to offer. If you’ve invested your own money in the company or there are other investors, state that along with how much.

Offer realistic projections for the future, and explain how this new funding would help you reach those goals. Prepare yearly forecasts for income, balance sheets, cash flow and capital expenditure budgets for the next five years. Be even more specific for the first year, with projections for each month or quarter.

You also need to cover how you plan to pay off the debt, or what kind of return on investment you can offer a potential investor. Potential funders will pay particular attention to this, wanting to maximize their gains and minimize their risk as much as possible. If the plan is targeted to investors, what would their exit plan be? Can they cash out in a specific number of years? Do you plan to go public and offer stock?

Finally, address anything that might affect your ability to repay, whether positively or negatively, such as being acquired, buying out another business, relocating, etc.

Getting money to fund your business may very well be the point of creating your entire business plan, so take the time to carefully prepare your funding request, making sure to include all the information a decision-maker will need.

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Business Plan Funding Request Section: How to Write Guide .

Sep 17, 2023 | Business Consulting , Business Growth , Business Performance , Business Plan , Financial Plan , Funding Needs , Funding Request , Small Business , Startup , Strategy

How to Write the Business Plan Funding Request

“It is more rewarding to watch money change the world than to watch it accumulate.” –Gloria Steinem.

By now, you’ve made significant progress in developing your business plan. With this, the eighth article in our Creating a Detailed Business Plan series will focus on including a funding request.

Business plans are generally the catalyst for requesting banks, lenders, and investors to invest money into a company . Usually, the business plan and funding help support business growth or rapidly scale a startup company.

As you can imagine, this makes the funding request section extremely important . Business plans can be written even with ample existing funding and can be in stages to support different business expansion phases. You can omit a funding request if you aren’t looking for outside investment.

The funding request section of your business plan is required if you plan to seek funding from a lender or investors.

Benefits of including a business plan funding request section

A business plan typically consists of various areas, and if you intend to secure funding for your business, it’s crucial to include the funding request section. Fortunately, this part of your business plan is only necessary if you plan to seek external financial assistance. If you don’t require any funding, you can skip this section.

There are various ways to fund your business without debt or investors. This article will help you create a persuasive funding request for your business plan.

What information is needed for the business plan funding request?

The business plan funding request section of your plan outlines your financial needs for the future, including how much money you require and when you will need it. You should also mention the various sources you could use to secure funding, such as loans or crowdfunding.

Remember that you can constantly update this section in the future if you require additional funding for business expansion.

How much money and how much duration must you include in your funding request?

A funding request is no time to be shy. Your readers will know what funding you’re after when they get to this section, so be forthright. Declare your business funding needs now and in the future. Give exact figures, and spell out any further infusions you’ll require over the next five years.

Explain how long the funds will be needed , when you plan on repayments, and when the investor can expect a return. It’s also helpful to spell out whether you’d prefer a loan, a grant, a direct investment, and any other relevant terms you would like included . For example, are you willing to give up equity in your business to secure the loan, or will you be personally underwriting the loan from your assets?

How do you plan to use the requested funds?

It’s unlikely that anyone will give you money if they don’t understand how you plan on using the funds. So be explicit when explaining the purpose of your request. For example, note whether the funding will go toward working capital, additional equipment, or business expansion to new premises or regions.

Describe your plans if you are growing your team or expanding your operation. If you plan on buying another company, explain what this will do for your bottom line and cash flow.

You might also use the funds to retire debt, create and market a new product line, or combine things. Whatever the use, be rigorous in your explanations.

Business banks and investors aim to secure a reasonable return on their investment. So, they’re far more likely to fund businesses that plan to use the money to grow and become more profitable.

But, on the other hand, if they get the sense that the money is just helping to string along a failing enterprise or the owner is not clear on the funding required, they’ll stay away.

What are your long-term plans for the business?

If you have any solid, situational plans for the business that might positively impact investors, you should spell them out.

Consider your plans for scaling your business. If there’s an expectation of a lucrative buyout or acquisition after meeting specific benchmarks, mention this. Describe your goals if you plan on selling a portion of the company to focus your efforts on more profitable areas.

Mention any primary debt service you plan to make, mainly if it will put your company on a firmer footing for the future.

Why should investors trust you?

This question is critical. It would help convince your readers that you would be a good steward of their money and your business. It’s essential to remember that those who are providing you with money are doing so with the expectation of being paid back and making a profit. If they don’t trust you or doubt your ability to make this happen, they may not be willing to get involved.

Explain the assumptions you’re making in your plans and provide the proper financials to support your contentions. Let the data speak. If you’re correct, the research will bear out our position.

Planning for your finances now and in the future

When it comes to financial planning and funding your growth , it’s essential to consider factors such as loan repayment schedules and potential business sales. If you are seeking a loan, it’s wise to detail your repayment plans, although lenders will likely have their agenda in place. If you plan to sell your business, it’s crucial to inform the lender and explain how this may impact them. Additionally, you should consider possible relocation if you plan to move or a buyout if that’s on the table. Lastly, informing investors of their exit options, such as the ability to cash out and the timeline for doing so, is essential.

Our upcoming article will focus on creating financial projections for a business plan.

You can achieve your goals, and Noirwolf is here to assist you.

Putting together a funding request can be daunting. Asking your accountant for help is always a good idea. You can also use tools like Microsoft Excel and financial planning software like LivePlan . If you need further assistance, we’re ready to help out.

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Blog » Business » How to Write the Funding Request Section of Your Business Plan

How to Write the Funding Request Section of Your Business Plan

So you’ve got that idea and you’re ready to launch your business . You started to prepare your business plan, but… Not every business plan will need a funding request section. If you’re looking for outside funding though, you’re going to need to ensure this section goes in. You’ll need it whether you’re going to apply for a loan for your business or approach an investor . Here’s how to write your funding request and get the cash you need.

Write an Outline of Your Business

This may sound as though it would be rather pointless, as your entire business plan will be outlining your business. However, you’ll need to outline your business as this section may be used separately from the rest of your plan.

Create an outline that focuses on giving your readers the main points of your business plan. In short, you’re going to want to summarise what your business does and how it plans to operate. This should be enough for your reader to move forward but won’t be repeating anything if they do happen to have the entire document to hand.

Spell Out What You Need in the Funding Request

When it comes to the funding section of your business plan, there’s no point beating around the bush because the reader is going to know exactly what you’re there for and may not have the time to play games trying to figure out what you’re asking for.

Nor are they going to bother to call or email you asking what you meant. Your funding request will simply be denied.

You’ll need to ask for the amount of money you need straight, but that won’t be everything you include in this funding request. Here’s a full list of what you’ll need to include:

• Amount needed: Ask for the full amount you’ll need. Will you use this cash in one lump sum, or will you need further investments over time? Consider this when thinking of how much you need to ask for.
• Loan or investment: How do you want this money? Both a loan and investment have benefits and downfalls, so make sure you’re researching each possibility to see what works best for your business.
• The terms you’re asking for: These will need to be agreed upon before you put this funding request forward and will be a defining factor in your contract, so you’ll want to make sure that you’re investing a good amount of time in ensuring these terms and conditions work well and in favour of your business.

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How you will use the funds.

If you know how much money you need, then it’s safe to say that you’ll have an idea of what it’s going to be used for.

However, make sure that you’re only outlining what your funding is going to be used for. If you’re going to be using it for several different reasons, perhaps dividing it into several areas of your business, such as product development, marketing, and staff costs, make sure that you take the time to outline each use and explain how much will go towards it.

Always remember that the vast majority of investors and lenders would give their money to help a business grow. Rather than trying to help you scrape through on a failing business idea in which they’ll see very little, potentially no, return on investment.

That means you’ll find they’re more likely to fund staff or equipment, rather than help you pay down debt.

Use Tools to Help You Write the Request

The more professionally and comprehensively you’ve written your business funding request, the more likely it is to be fulfilled by your potential investors. This means you’ll need to check your proposal before sending it to ensure that it’s free from errors and mistakes that could seriously damage the credibility and reputation of your business.

Here are some tools that will help you get it written to the highest quality possible:

• State Of Writing and My Writing Way : These writing guides are full of good advice.
• Assignment Help : This service can edit and proofread your request.
• Via Writing and Grammar Check : Get help with your grammar here to ensure a professional standard in your funding request, and your entire business plan.
• Boom Essays & Academized : Writing agencies recommended by the Huffington Post that will help you with editing and proofreading.
• Cite It In : Cite any sources you use correctly and professionally using this free online tool.
• Essayroo and Big Assignments : These writing agencies can help you put your requests together.
• Easy Word Count : Keep your writing concise with this tool by monitoring its word count to ensure you don’t bore your reader.

Include Financial Information

If someone is to invest in your business, they’ll need to have all the information at hand before they make a decision. You need to be including your business’ financial information in this document, to show them how you handle the income you get. You’ll need to include income statements. Such as cash flow statements, balance sheets, and any other information that may be relevant.

If you’re taking a loan, you’ll need to think about how you’re going to pay the money back, and when. If it’s an investment, what can you offer the investor to show them you’re worth investing in?

Read Your Request Over Before Submitting It

“Finally, you’ll need to proofread and edit your request before you send it out. It’s an essential part of the writing process. No matter how careful you were, you can still make errors in your writing,” says Jenna Gallivan, writer at Elite Assignment Help . Give yourself enough time to sit and read your request through carefully. Give it several passes, to ensure you catch everything. The more you edit, the more professional your request will be.

These tips will help you write finance requests that are reasonable, thorough, and help you get the cash your business needs. Follow this advice and you’ll be able to get the help you need easily. Write it well and you’ll be on your feet in no time.

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• Writing Tips

Funding Request Letter Template

4-minute read

• 28th May 2023

Do you need financial backing for a volunteer project or nonprofit organization? If the answer is yes, then you’ll need to a write funding request letter – a formal letter asking for financial support or funding for a specific organization or project.

Since this may be your only form of communication with potential donors, it’s important to get the tone and content right. In this post, we’ll take you through the basics of writing an effective funding request letter – including a customizable sample template.

What Is a Funding Request Letter?

Most nonprofits rely on funding from others to operate, and they often request money from individual donors, companies, or local governments to fund events and projects. To do this, they use funding request letters that outline their objectives and the details of their organization or project.

When writing a letter like this, it’s important to be polite, use a formal, business-like tone of voice , and clearly communicate your goals for the funding.

All letters that request funding should contain the same basic information:

●  Your contact information/the name of your organization.

●  The date.

●  The recipient’s contact information, full name, and title (if applicable).

●  A salutation .

●  An introduction and relevant background information.

●  The funding request, including the exact amount you’re requesting and a breakdown of how the funds will be used.

●  Supporting information, such as the timeline and budget of the project.

●  A closing and signature.

●  Supporting documents.

Let’s look at a sample template.

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[Your Name] [Your Organization’s Name] [Your Address] [City, State ZIP Code] [Date]

[Donor’s Name] [Donor’s Organization’s Name] [Donor’s Address] [City, State ZIP Code]

Dear [Donor’s Name],

I am writing to request funding for [briefly describe the project or initiative for which you are seeking funding]. Our organization has a long-standing history of [briefly describe your organization’s mission and track record of success in achieving its goals].

The project we are proposing is [briefly describe the project, including its goals, expected outcomes, and how it aligns with your organization’s mission]. We believe that this project has the potential to [describe the potential impact of the project and how it will benefit your target population or community].

To achieve these goals, we are seeking a total funding amount of [specify the amount of funding you’re requesting]. This funding will be used to cover [briefly describe the specific expenses that the funding will cover, such as staffing, materials, or other costs].

We have a solid plan for the successful implementation of this project, including [describe the specific steps you will take to ensure that the project is successful, such as project timelines, staffing plans, and quality control measures].

We would be happy to provide additional information about the project or our organization upon your request. We believe that this project has the potential to make a significant impact, and your support would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your time and consideration of this matter.

[Your Name] [Organization] [Phone Number]

What to Include in a Funding Request Letter

Always make sure to use the recipient’s full name and title in your salutation; if you’re unsure of the spelling, look it up online (using their LinkedIn profile or company website).

As shown in the sample above, the first two paragraphs should clearly address your reason for writing and provide some background on your organization. This is where you can describe your organization’s history, mission, and previous successful projects or programming.

You can then summarize how you plan to use the requested funds, including the budget for the project and a list of expenses . You should also briefly outline any collaborations or partnerships your organization has formed, a basic timeline for the project, and the expected outcomes or goals.

For your concluding paragraph, reiterate the importance of the project and its potential impact. Thank the donor for their consideration and support and provide contact information for your organization’s staff, including names, phone numbers, and email addresses. Sign off with a respectful salutation using your full name.

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Blog Business

15+ Business Plan Examples to Win Your Next Round of Funding

By Jennifer Gaskin , Jun 09, 2021

“If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail,” according to words of wisdom dubiously attributed to Benjamin Franklin. While there’s no solid evidence that Franklin actually coined this phrase, the sentiment rings true for any business.

Not having a solid plan makes it unlikely you’ll achieve the goals you seek, whether the goals are getting your to-do list done or launching a successful organization.

In the early stages of a company, that means developing things like pitch decks, business plans, one-sheeters and more. With Venngage’s Business Plan Builder , you can easily organize your business plan into a visually appealing format that can help you win over investors, lenders or partners.

Learn more about  how to create a business plan  so you can hit the ground running after reading through this list for inspirational examples of business plans.

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Simple business plan example, startup business plan example, small business plan example, nonprofit business plan example, strategic business plan example, market analysis business plan example, sales business plan example, organization and management business plan example, marketing and sales strategy business plan example, apple business plan example, airbnb business plan example, sequoia capital business plan example.

While your business plan should be supported by thorough and exhaustive research into your market and competitors, the resulting document does not have to be overwhelming for the reader. In fact, if you can boil your business plan down to a few key pages, all the better.

CREATE THIS PLAN TEMPLATE

The simple, bold visual aesthetic of this  business plan template  pairs well with the straightforward approach to the content and various elements of the business plan itself.

Use Venngage’s My Brand Kit  to automatically add your brand colors and fonts to your business plan with just a few clicks.

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An essential startup business plan should include a clear and compelling value proposition, market analysis, competitive analysis, target audience identification, financial projections, and a well-defined marketing and operational strategy.

For a typical startup, the need to appear disruptive in the industry is important. After all, if you’re not offering anything truly new, why would an investor turn their attention toward your organization. That means establishing a problem and the ways in which you solve it right away.

CREATE THIS PRESENTATION TEMPLATE

Whether it’s a full-scale business plan or, in this case, a pitch deck, the ideal way for a startup to make a splash with its plans is to be bold. This successful business plan example is memorable and aspirational.

In the Venngage editor, you can upload images of your business. Add these images to your plans and reports to make them uniquely your own.

All businesses start out small at first, but that doesn’t mean their communications have to be small. One of the best ways to get investors, lenders and talent on board is to show that you’ve done your due diligence.

In this small business plan example, the content is spread over many pages, which is useful in making lengthy, in-depth research feel less like a chore than packing everyone on as few pages as possible.

Organizations that set out to solve problems rather than earning profits also benefit from creating compelling business plans that stir an emotional response in potential donors, benefactors, potential staff members or even media.

CREATE THIS REPORT TEMPLATE

Simplicity is the goal for nonprofits when it comes to business plans, particularly in their early days. Explain the crisis at hand and exactly how your organization will make a difference, which will help donors visualize how their money will be used to help.

Business plans are also helpful for companies that have been around for a while. Whether they’re considering new products to launch or looking for new opportunities, companies can approach business plans from the strategy side of the equation as well.

Strategic business plans or strategy infographics should be highly focused on a single area or problem to be solved rather than taking a holistic approach to the entire business. Expanding scope too much can make a strategy seem too difficult to implement.

Easily share your business plan with Venngage’s multiple download options, including PNG, PNG HD, and as an interactive PDF.

One-page business plan example

For organizations with a simple business model, often a one-page business plan is all that’s needed. This is possible in any industry, but the most common are traditional ones like retail, where few complex concepts need to be explained.

This one-page strategic business plan example could be easily replicated for an organization that offers goods or services across multiple channels or one with three core business areas. It’s a good business plan example for companies whose plans can be easily boiled down to a few bullet points per area.

Especially when entering a saturated market, understanding the landscape and players is crucial to understanding how your organization can fit it—and stand out. That’s why centering your business plan around a market analysis is often a good idea.

In this example, the majority of the content and about half the pages are focused on the market analysis, including competitors, trends, pricing, demographics and more. This successful business plan example ensures the artwork and style used perfectly matches the company’s aesthetic, which further reinforces its position in the market.

You can find more memorable business plan templates to customize in the Venngage editor. Browse Venngage’s  business plan templates  to find plans that work for you and start editing.

Company description business plan example

Depending on the market, focusing on your company story and what makes you different can drive your narrative home with potential investors. By focusing your business plan on a company description, you center yourself and your organization in the minds of your audience.

This abbreviated plan is a good business plan example. It uses most of the content to tell the organization’s story. In addition to background about the company, potential investors or clients can see how this design firm’s process is different from their rivals.

With Venngage Business , you can collaborate with team members in real-time to create a business plan that will be effective when presenting to investors.

Five-year business plan example

For most startups or young companies, showing potential investors or partners exactly how and when the company will become profitable is a key aspect of presenting a business plan. Whether it’s woven into a larger presentation or stands alone, you should be sure to include your five-year business plan so investors know you’re looking far beyond the present.

CREATE THIS PROPOSAL TEMPLATE

With Venngage’s Business Plan Builder , you can customize a schedule like this to quickly illustrate for investors or partners what your revenue targets are for the first three to five years your company is in operation.

The lifeblood of any company is the sales team. These are the energetic folks who bring in new business, develop leads and turn prospects into customers. Focusing your energy on creating a sales business plan would prove to investors that you understand what will make your company money.

In this example sales business plan, several facets of ideal buyers are detailed. These include a perfect customer profile that helps to convey to your audience that customer relationships will be at the heart of your operation.

You can include business infographics in your plan to visualize your goals. And with Venngage’s gallery of images and icons, you can customize the template to better reflect your business ethos.

Company mergers and shakeups are also major reasons for organizations to require strong business planning. Creating new departments, deciding which staff to retain and charting a course forward can be even more complex than starting a business from scratch.

This organization and management business plan focuses on how the company can optimize operations through a few key organizational projects.

Executive summary for business plan example

Executive summaries give your business plan a strong human touch, and they set the tone for what’s to follow. That could mean having your executive leadership team write a personal note or singling out some huge achievements of which you’re particularly proud in a business plan infographic .

In this executive summary for a business plan, a brief note is accompanied by a few notable achievements that signal the organization and leadership team’s authority in the industry.

Marketing and sales are two sides of the same coin, and clever companies know how they play off each other. That’s why centering your business plan around your marketing and sales strategy can pay dividends when it comes time to find investors and potential partners.

This marketing and sales business plan example is the picture of a sleek, modern aesthetic, which is appropriate across many industries and will speak volumes to numbers-obsesses sales and marketing leaders.

Do business plans really help? Well, here’s some math for you; in 1981, Apple had just gone public and was in the midst of marketing an absolute flop , the Apple III computer.  The company’s market cap, or total estimated market value,  could hit $3 trillion this year.

Did this Apple business plan make the difference? No, it’s not possible to attribute the success of Apple entirely to this business plan from July 1981, but this ancient artifact goes to show that even the most groundbreaking companies need to take an honest stock of their situation.

Apple’s 1981 business plan example pdf covers everything from the market landscape for computing to the products that founder Steve Jobs expects to roll out over the next few years, and the advanced analysis contained in the document shows how strategic Jobs and other Apple executives were in those early days.

Inviting strangers to stay in your house for the weekend seemed like a crazy concept before Airbnb became one of the world’s biggest companies. Like all disruptive startups, Airbnb had to create a robust, active system from nothing.

As this Airbnb business plan pitch deck example shows, for companies that are introducing entirely new concepts, it’s helpful not to get too into the weeds. Explain the problem simply and boil down the essence of your solution into a few words; in this case, “A web platform where users can rent out their space” perfectly sums up this popular company.

Sequoia Capital is one of the most successful venture capital firms in the world, backing startups that now have a combined stock market value of more than $1 trillion, according to a Forbes analysis .

For young companies and startups that want to play in the big leagues, tailoring your pitch to something that would appeal to a company like Sequoia Capital is a good idea. That’s why the company has a standard business plan format it recommends .

Using Sequoia Capital’s business plan example means being simple and clear with your content, like the above deck. Note how no slide contains much copy, and even when all slides appear on the screen at once, the text is legible.

In summary: Use Venngage to design business plans that will impress investors

Not every business plan, pitch deck or one-sheeter will net you billions in investment dollars, but every entrepreneur should be adept at crafting impressive, authoritative and informative business plans.

Whether you use one of the inspirational templates shared here or you want to go old school and mimic Apple’s 1981 business plan, using Venngage’s Business Plan Builder helps you bring your company’s vision to life.

How to Create a Funding Request

What is a Funding Request?

A funding request is exactly what it sounds like: a written request to obtain funding from an lender or investor for your business. It’s typically included as part of the overall business plan , specifically focusing on the business’s funding needs. Whether you’re seeking capital from a traditional bank, private investor , or angel investor, you should create a funding request. It’s a critical element that increases your chance of getting approved for funding.

What to Include in a Funding Request

So, what should you include your funding request? According to the Small Business Administration (SBA) , a typical funding request should include a few key points of information, starting with your business’s current funding requirement. In other words, how much money do you currently need to operate your business? To calculate your business’s current funding requirements, consider all associated operating costs and revenue.

With that said, you should also include your business’s projected funding requirements over the next five years. As your business grows — and hopefully it does — you’ll probably need additional funding to sustain its growth. By including this information in your funding request, you can secure this capital early so you don’t have to worry about it later down the road.

Other things to include in your business’s funding request is your plan for using the obtained funding (e.g. payroll, merchandise stock, marketing, capital expenditures, working capital, debt retirement, acquisitions, etc.), as well as any strategic situation plans for the near future. This may include company buyouts, acquisitions, debt repayment, or selling your business. As explained by the SBA, this information is highly important to lenders and investors, as it will affect your ability to repay the loan.

Last but note least, be sure to include a time period for your funding request, informing the lender or investor when exactly you need the money and how/when it will be used.

This article brought to you by Intrepid Private Capital�Group – A Global Financial Services Company. For more information on startup and business funding, please visit our website .

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How to create a funding-request business plan

If you’re ready to launch a new business, you have to know how to ask for funding. Even the most entrepreneurial spirits understand the value of planning, especially when it comes to convincing investors and banks. There are many kinds of business plans , but some have a special section dedicated to funding requests.

What to include in your funding request business plan

• Start planning your business’s financial future

For more detailed funding requests, you’re convincing investors and banks your business is worthwhile. Seeking out sources of external financing requires extra work. With nearly three-fourths of new businesses funded by business loans, credit cards, and lines of credit, you need to know how to ask for funding.

Read on and discover everything you need to include for your funding request business plan. By the end of this guide, you’ll have every important funding detail covered to win investors over.

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Lengthy business plans include many things. Some plans are shorter and more of an overview, while other plans are more detailed. For funding requests, you’ll need to deep dive into each section of your outline, with an emphasis on financial details.

A funding request highlights both your current financial situation and future goals with each aspect of your plan. The financial data included in a funding request is broken up over other parts of your business plan, including:

Business summary

Amount requested, purpose of funding, financial data.

Aside from current and future financial needs, these sections clarify other possible sources of funding. After securing funding, you can always update your funding request for future requests.

Your funding request business plan may be a standalone document. If not, you’ll need to include a summary of your business. This summary explains what your business does.

It also establishes your operating location(s), what goods or services you offer, and who your customers are. If your business is incorporated, you’ll also define the type of corporation in this section, its owners, and key stakeholders. Feel free to list any successes or accomplishments if your funding request is for a business expansion.

Financial projections or forecasts are critical for a funding request business plan. If you’re unclear about how much money you’re requesting, now’s the time to crunch those numbers. Make sure to plan your amount along a timeline, too.

Consider how much financing you need for the initial growth period of your business. Then, think about what you’ll need potentially years down the road—the more clarity in your planning process, the more accurate your funding request.

Make sure you clearly define the type of funding you need, too. There’s a big difference in the requirements between a loan or investment, especially in payback and usage terms.

Explaining how you’ll use any loans or investments is a critical part of asking for funding. If you need extra working capital to expand your business, explain it. If you want to pay off a high-interest loan, purchase new equipment, buy a building, etc., describe this purpose.

The clearer picture banks or investors have of your financial motivation, the more convinced they should support your business. Planning out every anticipated need also helps you  think ahead for your business’s future growth.

Easily the most important part of your funding request business plan, financial data is critical. Any current and future funding information should be quantified and explained in this section. Let’s further explore which elements are part of this section.

• Balance sheet: a statement of assets, liabilities, and capital with past income balance and expenses
• Breakeven analysis: when you’ll cover all your expenses and begin profit generation
• Income statement: information on the income and expenses covering a specific period (i.e., profit and loss)
• Cash flow statement: the amount of cash on hand and spent during a specific period

Information like this can also help your financial projections or forecasting . When you request a certain amount, projections can help you assess current and future needs. The clearer your business growth timeline, the easier it is to estimate future needs.

Start planning your business’s financial future

With a better understanding of how to ask for funding, it’s time to start planning. Setting timelines is only a small part of building your company’s future. If you’re unclear before you create a funding request, you’ll have a better understanding of where your business can move forward.

Outlining payment timelines and planning your company’s financial future isn’t the only way to think ahead. If you truly plan for the long-term, you can also consider things like an exit strategy. A succession plan can even include the transfer of ownership much farther down the line.

You may not be anywhere near this kind of planning yet, but it’s a great way to consider a healthy work-life balance, too. How far ahead you plan can impact more than your business growth but your personal growth, too.

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The five supplies are the introductions to the new chapters of each person’s life. It is the items for your new home, apartment, or dorm room. You would enjoy your next chapter and have the supplies that ease you into the next chapter. The string light poles are for the backyard you always wanted. The travel bartender kit is for those friends you spend all night talking about life. The light clip hooks will keep your lights organized and add that glowing light to your room. The sliding barn door kit is for someone trying to create the best celebration for their family or friends. The noise-canceling muffs will help ease your baby into a deep slumber with any disturbances.

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Top 10 Funding Request Templates with Samples and Examples

Nidhi Aswal

Have you ever wondered how businesses streamline their financial requests? Funding request templates are crucial in this process. They provide a structured format for employees to present their funding needs and are essential for ensuring clarity, consistency, and professionalism in financial proposals within an organization.

By using funding request templates, businesses can expedite decision-making processes, improve communication between departments, and maintain a standardized approach to financial requests. It enhances efficiency, minimizes errors, and ensures all necessary information is included in the proposal.

Interested in the most innovative crowdfunding campaigns driving success for diverse projects? Click here to access our Top 5 selections and propel your fundraising goals forward!

Funding Request PPT Templates by SlideTeam function as a valuable resource for crafting striking and informative presentations that bolster funding requests. These templates can enhance the impact of financial proposals, making them more persuasive and engaging for stakeholders.

Get ready to up your game with our Top 10 funding request templates, complete with samples and examples that will have you wow everyone in the boardroom.

Template 1: Cover Letter

This PowerPoint Presentation focuses on a cover letter for a business funding proposal for ABC Corporation Inc. This PPT Deck is a game-changer in your sales and business presentations. This PPT Layout exemplifies professionalism and precision, setting the stage for success. This PPT Preset can revolutionize your pitch decks and reports, enhancing your business acumen. With this template as a prime example, you can elevate your financial requests and make a lasting impression. This PPT Set is your secret weapon in crafting compelling, persuasive presentations that resonate with your audience. 

Download now!  

Template 2: Table of Content

This PowerPoint Slide features a table of contents for a business plan funding request proposal. This PPT Layout is a pivotal tool in your sales and business arsenal. It covers topics, project context, goals & objectives, budget, timeline, roadmap, clients, team, client testimonials, agreement, and more. This PPT Layout is one of the handpicked template collections at SlideTeam to enrich your presentations and propel business expansion. 

Download now!

Template 3: Project Description

This PPT template, centered on project context within a business plan funding request proposal, is a valuable addition to your funding request proposal. It explores crucial project specifics, offering a concise depiction and objective that establish the foundation for success. With a focus on project clarity and purpose, this PPT Slide enables you to create engaging stories that connect with stakeholders. Partner with SlideTeam to develop compelling presentations that leave a lasting impression. Get this PPT Deck today!

Template 4:  Goals and Objectives

This PowerPoint Presentation focuses on goals and objectives for a business plan funding request proposal. This PPT Slide is a strategic asset in your funding request proposal. This PPT Layout hones in on funding proposal goals and objectives, aiming to acquire new clients by showcasing how to accommodate their needs. Let SlideTeam guide you in developing impactful presentations that make a lasting impression. Download this PPT Preset from the link below!

Template 5: Budget

The significance of this particular PowerPoint Template lies in its capacity to streamline the budgeting process for a funding proposal. Designed specifically for business plan funding requests, this PPT Slide offers a structured approach to presenting financial information. This PPT Layout includes a detailed description of expenses and the total budget required. Each item is carefully listed alongside the corresponding amount, with ample space provided for additional textual elaboration. This detailed solution amplifies transparency and encourages well-informed decision-making, paving the way for a smoother progression in obtaining critical funding. Get this PPT Set today!

Template 6: Timeline

Significance of Timeline Template for Business Plan Funding Request Proposal

This Timeline PPT Slide details activities, descriptions, and key dates from start to target. Use this PPT Theme to clearly present the strategic roadmap, enhancing communication and understanding with potential investors. The structured format aids in organizing and visualizing the proposed timeline, fostering a professional and organized image. This PPT slide demonstrates a commitment to transparency and accountability. Its clarity facilitates better understanding and buy-in from potential investors or decision-makers. Get this PPT Layout now that signifies a commitment to professionalism and strategic planning, vital for business success and growth. Download this PPT Set right away! 

Template 7: Roadmap

This Roadmap PPT Template is a vital tool for illustrating the timeline of a business funding proposal. This PPT Theme includes deliverables, phases, and specific durations, providing a clear visual representation of the project's progression. By leveraging this PPT Presentation, businesses can better communicate their project milestones and deadlines to potential investors. The structured PPT Layout facilitates a concise and organized presentation of the funding proposal timeline and showcases a strategic approach to project management. Use this PPT Deck to enhance the impact and credibility of business proposals, increasing the chances of securing funding. Download this PPT Slide right away!

Template 8:  Terms and Agreement

This PowerPoint Presentation is important in outlining the terms and conditions of a business funding proposal. This PPT Slide includes essential aspects such as deadlines, scope of service, privacy policy, payments, service modifications, and termination clauses. This PPT Layout facilitates clarity and precision, ensuring stakeholders grasp the proposed timeline and milestones. The structured format ensures that all key terms are clearly articulated, minimizing misunderstandings and disputes.This PPT Preset serves as a cornerstone for solidifying business relationships and safeguarding interests, enhancing the overall credibility and professionalism of the proposal. Download this PPT Slide right away!

Template 9: Funding Request and Use of Funds

This PPT Template is essential for providing a detailed breakdown of fund allocation within a business proposal. This PPT Layout features a pie chart illustrating the distribution of funds, with 15% allocated to key hires, 65% to marketing efforts, and 20% to product development. Use this PPT Theme to visually communicate the financial strategy to potential investors, highlighting the prioritization of key areas for growth and success. The visual representation enhances the understanding of fund utilization, showcasing a strategic approach to resource allocation. This PPT Slide serves as a persuasive tool for garnering support from potential investors, showcasing a clear roadmap for maximizing the impact of funds injected into the business. Get this PPT Set today! 

Template 10: Funding Request and Use of Funds

Significance of Funding Request and Use of Funds Proposal Template

The significance of this PowerPoint Presentation lies in its capacity to outline a funding request and articulate the planned use of funds. This PPT Deck features two pie charts: one delineating the distribution of spent funds year and month-wise, and the other forecasting expenses totaling $150k. This visual representation offers stakeholders a clear understanding of fund allocation and expenditure projections. By leveraging this PPT Theme, businesses can transparently communicate their financial strategy, instilling confidence and trust in potential investors or partners. This PPT Set serves as a strategic tool for aligning expectations and demonstrating a prudent approach to resource management, enhancing the overall viability and appeal of the proposal. Download this PPT Template right now! 

SlideTeam offers a diverse range of top 10 funding request templates that provide comprehensive and visually appealing solutions for presenting business proposals. These templates, accompanied by samples and examples, empower businesses to communicate their funding needs and strategies to potential investors easily and effectively. Choose from a range of layouts and designs on SlideTeam to ensure a funding request is presented with clarity and professionalism across all aspects. Whether it's showcasing financial data, outlining timelines, or detailing terms and conditions, these templates streamline the presentation process. From comprehensive financial breakdowns to visually compelling charts, each template is designed to impress potential investors and stakeholders. Don't miss out on the opportunity to elevate your funding requests with these powerful tools. Get these premium templates and take the first step toward securing the resources your business needs to thrive. Act now and turn your aspirations into reality!

What’s more?

Curious about the key elements that made Front's Series A Funding pitch a standout for their email startup? Explore the investor presentation that shaped their funding journey! Click here to access it!

Wondering how to make your grant proposals irresistible to funders? Dive into our Top 10 templates with samples and examples for a winning edge in securing funding! Click here to get started!

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How to Write a Business Plan: Funding Request

There are several reasons to write a business plan.  A common reason is to help small business owners gain a better perspective of their business.  However, small business owners often seek out a business plan for the sole purpose of obtaining funds from a bank or investor.  If this is your purpose, then you definitely need a business plan funding request in your document.  Further, to optimize your chances of obtaining funding, some specific steps and strategies should be followed for writing your funding requests.

Need Help Writing a Funding Request for a Business Plan?

Call or Text Paul, Doctoral Candidate, MBA.

321-948-9588

Email: [email protected]

Our business plan writer is located in Orlando, Fl.

Need help with your funding request section of a business plan?  Quality Business Plan offers two popular services for funding request section help, which are business plan templates or professionally prepared business plans.

Business Plan Template

If you prefer to do your funding request on your own, at the very least, use a customizable business plan template. Check out our business plan templates by clicking on the link below.

Professionally Written Business Plan

If you want your funding request done by a professional, then our business plan writing service is for you! Check out our business plan prices by clicking on the link below.

Make your funding request is the last section of your business plan .

Your business plan will include a plethora of information about your business, such as the target market, company information, financials, and products or services sold.  Before requesting funding, make sure to educate the potential investor about your company in its totality.  Because of this need, the funding section should be the last piece of information the reader reviews.  This will help the investor or lender come to an educated decision based on all the information available about our company or proposed company.

Why the funding is needed.

The first portion of your funding request should be focused on explaining why the funds are needed.  For some companies, funds are only required for working capital, which is monies used to fund operations.  For other firms, funding is necessary to start operations.  Regardless of the reason why you need the funds, make sure to explain, in detail, why funds are needed.

The total amount of funding needed.

The second piece of information that should be included in your business funding request is the total amount of funds needed.  This should immediately follow why funding is necessary section.  For this part, make sure to state the required funds in one lump sum.  This prepares an investor or reader for the total dollar amount needed.

Usage of funds.

In this section, make sure to break down where the funds will be spent and when the funds will be needed.  For example, if funds are required for working capital, then make sure to say that funds will not be needed until the business opens its doors and then break down in various components how the funds will be spent, if possible.

Parameters of funding.

After the breakdown of how funds will be used, discuss parameters for accepting funding.  These parameters may include an equity stake in the company or specific loan guidelines.  An example of this would be: “Our firm will offer a 25% equity stake for interested investors”. Once this is stated, make sure to explain how funds will be repaid.

How funds will be repaid.

In this portion, investors will want to know how they are going to get paid for their investment.  A popular method of repayment is through dividend payments.  The structure may vary depending on the situation.  From this, in my personal experience, it's a good idea to include some type of statement that the terms may be negotiable.  This allows the investors to make counteroffers about your set parameters.

Possible future funding needs.

Once an investor takes an equity position in the company, they are not fond of surprises.  A most unwelcoming surprise for an investor is for them to find out after they invest, that additional debt may be needed, or further equity investments are required.  Avoid this unpleasant conversation upfront.  Make sure to provide an outline as to possible situations where additional funding may be necessitated.  In doing this, investors are prepared for either a dilution of their equity stake or understanding that additional funds may be required in certain circumstances.

Summarize funding request and include in the executive summary.

The final step to fully utilizing your funding request is to summarize the section into three or four sentences and insert them in your executive summary.  By doing this, investors will know right from the beginning how much funds are being requested and possible terms offered by the company.

Example of a funding request.

Starting a retail bicycle store requires significant upfront funds and working capital to ensure brand building and adequate market penetration.  From this, our firm is requesting $50,000.  Funding will be used as follows:

• Construction Costs
• Storefront design
• Computers and software
• 30 Men bikes
• 25 Women bikes
• 30 Kid bikes
• Safety gear
• Accessories
• Working Capital 25,000

"Bikes and Accessories" will offer potential investors a 15% equity stake in our firm.  Funds will be repaid monthly through dividends based on net profits.  In the event, our firm identifies future opportunities in the marketplace; additional funding may be sought via equity or debt financing.

By: Paul Borosky, MBA., Doctoral Candidate.

Owner of Quality Business Plan.

Updated: 3/4/2022

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Sample Funding Request and Return Statement

Adapted from content excerpted from the  American Express® OPEN Small Business Network

Use the following funding request and return from a start-up retail operation as a model for creating your own.

International News

International News is a new magazine store/newsstand that will set itself apart from other newsstands in the University City area by offering a broad range of domestic magazines, international magazines, specialized periodicals and journals, fan-zines, and other “zines” not available elsewhere in the region. This magazine “superstore” will also offer a variety of candies, snacks and high-end tobacco products (imported cigarettes, cigars, etc.). Its target customers are a mix of upscale shoppers and college students.

We have established that the following are our financial needs:

Capital/Equipment Needs $37,127 Leasehold Improvements $29,250 Start-up Inventory $77,434 Prepaid Expense & Deposits $4,489 Loan & Lease Fees $5,812 Miscellaneous Start-Up Costs $9,000 Cash Reserve $42,697 Total $205,809

We believe that the initial funding of $205,809 will be sufficient to carry International News through to initial profitability. These financial needs will be met through a blend of bank loans, equipment leases and personal cash investment. At present, we anticipate that we will meet our capital/equipment needs by leasing $48,590 of equipment and fixtures. We will seek a start-up capital loan in the amount of $96,500.

The loans and leases will be secured by the value of the capital equipment purchased, the value of the inventory. In addition, Jake Sims, one of the three partners, will continue in his present position as vice-president of ZiTek, thus providing a personal guarantee of payment. The remainder of the funds will come from a personal cash investment of $60,000.

We anticipate that we will be able to sustain minimum gross margins of 39%. We will seek to increase this level through management of our inventory and sourcing. We further anticipate that, after our initial year of operation, we will be able to sustain a net return of sales of 16%-17% – higher than current industry averages.

Furthermore, with this level of performance, we anticipate expanding our presence outside the University City region to other “college towns” after 3 years. Should this concept take off as anticipated, we see “International News” as an ideal candidate for a public stock offering.

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IR-2024-88, April 2, 2024

WASHINGTON — With the April 15 tax deadline approaching, the IRS reminds taxpayers there is still time file their federal income tax return electronically and request direct deposit.

Filing electronically reduces tax return errors as tax software does the calculations, flags common errors and prompts taxpayers for missing information. Most people qualify for electronic filing at no cost and, when they choose direct deposit, receive their refund within 21 days.

Free electronic filing options

Taxpayers with income of $79,000 or less in 2023 can use IRS Free File guided tax software now through Oct 15. IRS Free Fillable forms , a part of this program, is available at no cost to taxpayers of any income level and provides electronic forms for people to fill out and e-file themselves.

IRS Direct File is now open to all eligible taxpayers in 12 pilot states to decide if it is the right option for them to file their 2023 federal tax returns online, for free, directly with the IRS. Go to the Direct File website for more information about Direct File pilot eligibility and the 12 participating states.

Through a network of community partnerships, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs offer free tax return preparation to eligible people in the community by IRS certified volunteers.

MilTax , a Department of Defense program, generally offers free return preparation and electronic filing software for federal income tax returns and up to three state income tax returns for all military members, and some veterans, with no income limit.

Use Where's My Refund? to check refund status

The Where's My Refund? tool will normally show a refund status within 24 hours after e-filing a 2023 tax return, three to four days after e-filing a 2021 or 2022 return and four weeks after filing a tax return by mail. To use the tool, taxpayers need their Social Security number, filing status and exact refund amount. Taxpayers can also check Where's My Refund? by downloading our free mobile app, IRS2Go , from an iPhone or Android device. The tool updates once a day, so people don't need to check more often.

Taxpayers that owe on their tax return

IRS reminds people they can avoid paying interest and some penalties by filing their tax return and, if they have a balance due, paying the total amount due by the tax deadline of Monday, April 15. For residents of Maine or Massachusetts, the tax deadline is Wednesday, April 17, due to Patriot’s Day and Emancipation Day holidays.

Payment options for individuals to pay in full

The IRS offers various options for taxpayers who are making tax payments :

• Direct Pay – Make a payment directly from a checking or savings account without any fees or registration.
• Pay with debit card, credit card or digital wallet – Make a payment directly from a debit card, credit card or digital wallet. Processing fees are paid to the payment processors. The IRS doesn’t receive any fees for these payments. Authorized card processors and phone numbers are available at IRS.gov/payments . 
• Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) – This free service gives taxpayers a safe, convenient way to pay individual and business taxes by phone or online. To enroll and for more information, taxpayers can call 800-555-4477 or visit eftps.gov .
• Electronic funds withdrawal – Taxpayers can file and pay electronically from their bank account when using tax preparation software or a tax professional. This option is free and only available when electronically filing a tax return.
• Check or money order  – Payments made by check or money order should be made payable to the “United States Treasury.”
• Cash  – Make a cash payment through a retail partner and other methods. The IRS urges taxpayers choosing this option to start early because it involves a four-step process. Details, including answers to frequently asked questions, are at IRS.gov/paywithcash .

Payment options for individuals unable to pay their taxes in full

Taxpayers that are unable to pay in full by the tax deadline, should pay what they can now and apply for an online payment plan . They can receive an immediate response of payment plan acceptance or denial without calling or writing to the IRS. Online payment plan options include:

• Short-term payment plan – The total balance owed is less than $100,000 in combined tax, penalties and interest. Additional time of up to 180 days to pay the balance in full.
• Long-term payment plan – The total balance owed is less than $50,000 in combined tax, penalties and interest. Pay in monthly payments for up to 72 months. Payments may be set up using direct debit (automatic bank withdraw) which eliminates the need to send in a payment each month, saving postage costs and reducing the chance of default. For balances between $25,000 and $50,000, direct debit is required.

Though interest and late-payment penalties continue to accrue on any unpaid taxes after April 15, the failure to pay penalty is cut in half while an installment agreement is in effect. Find more information about the costs of payment plans on the IRS’ Additional information on payment plans webpage.

Unable to file by the April 15 deadline?

Individuals unable to file their tax return by the tax deadline can apply for a tax-filing extension in the following ways:

• Individual tax filers, regardless of income, can electronically request an automatic tax-filing extension through IRS Free File by filing a Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return PDF .
• Make an electronic payment using Direct Pay, debit card, credit card or digital wallet and indicate the payment is for an extension.
• Mail Form 4868 by the tax deadline.

Things people should know when requesting a tax-filing extension:

• Tax-filing extension requests are due by the tax deadline date, and it does not give an extension of time to pay the taxes.
• Avoid some penalties by estimating and paying the tax due by the tax deadline.
• Special rules for tax deadlines and automatic tax-filing extensions may apply for taxpayers serving in a combat zone or qualified hazardous duty areas , living outside the United States , and people living in certain disaster areas . They may not need to submit a tax-filing extension; however, people should check to see if they qualify before the tax deadline.

Use IRS.gov for the quickest and easiest information

Taxpayers can visit IRS.gov 24 hours a day for answers to tax questions , more tips and resources by visiting the Let us help you page.

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