Here’s what every new business owner needs: an extra eight hours in the day, an endless supply of coffee, and, most importantly, a really strong business proposal.
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A business proposal is a formal document that’s created by a company and given to a prospect to secure a business agreement.
It’s a common misconception that business proposals and business plans are the same. However, a proposal helps you sell your product or service — not your business itself.
Think of it this way: Instead of assisting your search for investors to fund your business, a proposal helps you seek new customers.
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There are two types of business proposals: unsolicited and solicited.
In a solicited business proposal, the other organization asks for a request for proposal (RFP). When a company needs a problem solved, they invite other businesses to submit a proposal that details how they’d solve it.
Whether the proposal is solicited or unsolicited, the steps to create your proposal are similar. Make sure it includes three main points:
Before writing your business proposal, it’s crucial you understand the company. If they’ve sent you an RFP, make sure you read it carefully, so you know exactly what they want.
I recommend having an initial call or meeting with any new clients to ensure you fully understand their objectives. Ask open-ended questions to understand not just what they want but why they want it.
Once you’ve done your research, it’s time to begin writing your business proposal. While there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to writing a business proposal, there are several elements most proposals include. (I designed this example business proposal using Canva.)
You have to convey some basic information here. Introduce yourself and your business. Be sure to include:
Your title page should reconcile engagement with professionalism. I think of it as your first tone-setter, so you need to make sure yours is sleek, aesthetically appealing, and not too “out there.”
Here’s an example of what a business proposal template looks like when done right.
The executive summary details exactly why you’re sending the proposal and why your solution is the best for the prospective client.
Specificity is key here. Why are you the best choice for them?
Like a value proposition, your executive summary outlines the benefits of your company’s products or services and how they can solve your potential client’s problem.
After reading your executive summary, the prospect should have a clear idea of how you can help them, even if they don’t read the entire proposal. Here’s what one should look like.
That example conveys both what the business does as a whole and how it can serve the reader’s needs.
When drafting an executive summary, it can be helpful to see what yours shouldn’t look like. Here’s an example I came across recently, which I found far too vague.
Additionally, it doesn’t allude to what the reader specifically stands to gain from doing business with Outbound Telecom. It also fails to speak to why it should be considered “the best in its industry.”
This is where you share a summary of the issue impacting the potential client. This is your opportunity to show them you understand their needs and the problem they need help solving.
Research and critical thinking are key here. Then, follow these steps:
In my opinion, there are two factors that make a business proposal really stand out: specificity and personalization.
Make sure your proposed solution is customized to the client’s needs. Find ways to show that you’ve created this proposal specifically for them.
Be sure to include:
You know you’re qualified to solve this prospect’s problem, but how do they know they can trust you?
Use this section of your business proposal template to communicate why you’re best for the job.
In the example above, I included several signals to showcase my expertise — that I’ve been in the photography biz for 10 years, that I’ve worked with over 500 clients, and that I’ve been featured in a number of publications.
As you approach this section, focus on presenting yourself as an authority. Consider leveraging tools like:
Pricing is where things can get a bit tricky, as you don’t want to under- or over-price your product.
The pricing section of your proposal could include:
After sharing the above information, simplify it all into one final section.
Propose your business as the ideal solution using our Free Business Proposal Templates
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In the business template example below, Social Portal Consulting (SPC) pitches a marketing proposal to Graphic Bean. At first sight, this proposal appeals to the creative. I recommend going a step forward and designing the layout in your or your client’s brand colors.
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Besides the design, the social media icons quickly tell the prospect what platforms Social Portal is pitching. Because we see Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest icons, the client instantly knows that this proposal doesn’t include LinkedIn, YouTube, or other platforms.
While maintaining its design, this example outlines Social Portal Consulting’s plans efficiently. It begins by providing insight into Graphic Bean and its goals before elaborating on how SPC can leverage its expertise to help them achieve them.
Overall, this is an excellent example of how to combine the elements of social media marketing into a creative and concise business proposal.
What I like: This business proposal template includes an easy-to-follow timeframe for goals and objectives while keeping the client abreast of how payment will happen across the project.
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My attention is immediately drawn to the cover page’s professional design. I like how the proposal title, prepared by, and company name are prominently displayed, so it’s easy to see what’s important.
The clear headings for the Purpose of Research, Research Question, Summary of Proposal, and Methodology provide a logical flow and make the document simple to navigate.
Overall, I really like the design and structure of this research proposal. Layout highlights key components of the research project, while clean design makes it easier to read.
What I like: I like the nice “Preliminary Data” section with a graph and key statistics. This graph offers a lot of value, in my opinion.
The “Project Mercury” project proposal outlines the scope, objectives, and financial aspects of a construction project.
There’s a company summary, mission and vision statements, and specific goals for the quarter. The sections give background on Whimson, the company proposing the project, and highlight their alignment with them.
The timeline suggests a well-structured approach to project management. It breaks down the project into discrete phases, milestones, and deliverables to give you a clear understanding of how the project progresses.
While the cover page could use more specific project details, the proposal overall seems comprehensive and well-organized.
What I like: This project proposal communicates Whimson’s capabilities, project plan, and financial considerations. It provides a solid foundation for the client to make an informed decision on moving forward with the project.
In this sponsorship business proposal template, the company pitches its services to a potential sponsor. A clear title page states what the proposal is about and includes details like the recipient, the company making the pitch, and their website.
As you move to the second page, you’ll find an “About Company” section that introduces the business and a “Why Choose Us” section with bullet points highlighting its unique selling points. This gives the potential sponsor a quick overview of who it is and why it is the best choice.
The third page dives into the specifics with a “Project Background,” “Business Solution,” and “For Business” sections. Here, the company explains the project in detail, outlines their proposed solution, and emphasizes the benefits for the sponsor’s business.
Finally, the proposal wraps up with a “Goals and Objectives” section on the fourth page and a timeline and thank you message on the last page. This ensures the potential sponsor has a clear understanding of what to expect and when.
What I like: The layout is creative yet simple. I like how it catches the eye but doesn’t distract from the proposal’s purpose.
In this IT consulting proposal template, the company lays out a comprehensive plan to address its client’s technology needs.
Flipping to the second page, you’ll find a table of contents that outlines the proposal’s structure. The third page dives into the specific goals and objectives, ensuring that everyone is on the same page about what needs to be achieved.
The fourth page shows that the company understands the client’s unique IT needs. The fifth page is where the real meat of the proposal lies, with the company’s recommendations for addressing those needs.
What I like: Overall, this proposal covers all bases and ensures the recipients have everything they need to make an informed decision.
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This travel budget proposal template provides a clear and simple breakdown of travel package costs. On the first page, you’ll find all the essentials: the company’s address, the recipient’s name, the website, the date, and the phone number. Clients can get in touch if they have any questions.
Let’s look at the details. On the second page, there’s a detailed table with the budget estimate. This is where the proposal shines. The table shows a breakdown of each part of the travel package, including the tour itself, travel insurance, tour guide services, and visa assistance. Each item is clearly listed with its amount, count, and total cost. Detailed breakdowns like this leave no room for confusion.
What I like: This simple proposal covers all the essentials, making it an excellent example to follow.
This startup business proposal template shows the company’s market research and strategy.
As you dive into the market research section, you’ll find key insights about the company’s target market and competitive landscape. Their research and understanding of the industry demonstrate they’ve done their homework.
The next section focuses on the company’s unique selling proposition and how it plans to stand out in the market. Highlighting its key differentiators makes a compelling case for investors to back its venture.
Finally, the proposal wraps up with a detailed financial projection, giving investors a clear picture of the potential return on their investment. The final page on contacting them for investment queries is a smart way to end the proposal and encourage further dialogue with interested parties.
What I like: This startup business proposal is a masterpiece of marketing, aiming to convince investors that their idea is worth it.
In this business proposal template that I sent to a potential client, I provide a clear and concise overview of what I can offer. On the cover page, you’ll find the key information about who’s sending and receiving the proposal.
Moving on to the next page, I dive straight into the scope of work, clearly outlining what services I will provide. This gives the client a tangible understanding of what they can expect from working with me.
I then provide a transparent pricing breakdown, which builds trust by showing that I have nothing to hide in terms of costs. By being upfront about pricing, I avoid any surprises or misunderstandings down the line.
In my “About Me” section, I showcase my qualifications and include testimonials from happy clients. This adds credibility to my proposal and helps the potential client feel more confident in choosing to work with me.
What I like: I value honesty in all my business transactions, so being transparent about pricing is very important to me.
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In this concise two-page product design proposal, Aldenaire & Partners clearly outlines its approach to helping Borcelle identify and solve its product’s key challenges. The cover page gets straight to the point, stating the project’s purpose and the company it’s for.
As you move to the second page, Aldenaire & Partners showcases their expertise by presenting two distinct service packages. Each package is neatly presented in its own box, which makes it easy for the client to compare and contrast what’s included.
The packages cover essential aspects of product design, from identifying the problem to crafting and delivering the solution.
What I like: The straightforward layout and clear language make it simple for Borcelle to understand exactly what they’ll be getting from Aldenaire & Partners. This no-nonsense approach instills confidence that Aldenaire & Partners is the right choice for tackling Borcelle’s product design challenges.
The structure of this grant proposal template is simple and easy to navigate. The organization keeps the proposal to just two pages so the grant committee can digest the most important info.
The cover page immediately identifies the key players — who the project is for and who’s proposing it. The committee can quickly grasp the proposal’s context.
The second page consists entirely of a project description, which is the core of the proposal. Having this section take up a whole page lets the organization give readers a comprehensive overview without overwhelming them.
The description itself is well-structured, starting with the project’s goal and then talking about the tools and methods it will use to get there. Having a logical flow makes it easy for the committee to understand what the project is about.
What I like: By including a section on staff training, the proposal shows a well-rounded approach that takes into account the human element as well as the technology. The organization and the project’s planning benefit from this attention to detail.
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There’s a clear structure in this event proposal template. The Table of Contents provides a quick glance at key sections: Event Background, Overview, and Budgeting. This helps readers know exactly what to expect.
Each section gives just the right amount of information. The Event Background provides context about the event’s purpose, while the Overview covers objectives like digital marketing and group discussions, with dates, times, and speakers neatly listed. This gives potential attendees or sponsors a snapshot of the event’s value.
The budgeting section provides a detailed breakdown of the expected costs and funding sources, showcasing transparency and planning.
What I like: Overall, this template is well-structured and intuitive. It allows readers to grasp the essential details of the event and encourages them to participate.
Propose your business as the ideal solution using our Free Business Proposal Templates
