A business proposal is used to pitch products or services to clients with a specific goal (i.e., investment, sales). Business proposals serve as a valuable and formal opening for the proposing business, thus often catering to the recipient’s interests.

Business Proposal vs. Service Contract

Business Proposal – A non-binding business or project plan explicitly presenting estimated costs and revenue.
Service Contract – Legally binds a contractor to provide products and services in exchange for payment (i.e., sales, subscriptions, labor).

By Type

1. Business Proposal’s Cover Page

Capture the recipient’s attention with an attractive cover letter that delivers the proposal’s title as well as basic contact information. For example, use promotional imagery or taglines if appropriate.

Business Name, Company Logo, Contact Details

Contact Information, Business Tagline

Business Identity, Branded Cover Page

Company Overview, Business Details

Business Introduction, Mission Statement

2. Executive Summary

Open the proposal with an engaging summary that gives an overall impression of its attractive features. Keep this section focused on the reader’s interests while making sure the entire proposal is summarized.

Business Overview, Company Profile, Leadership Team

Mission, Strategic Goals, Unique Value Proposition

Market Analysis, Competitive Landscape, Financial Viability

Revenue Projections, Market Opportunity, Risk Management

Target Audience, Product/Service Highlights, Strategic Positioning

3. Business Description

Describe the business in detail. Focus on its services or products as well as its unique selling points and the target market.

Business Solutions, Industry Expertise, Testimonials

Innovation, Strategic Planning, Brand Reputation

Value Proposition, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Unique Selling Points (USPs), Competitive Advantage

Sustainable Practices, Growth Opportunities

4. Business Plan Market Analysis

Demonstrate the business’s market knowledge by explaining the market landscape, industry trends, and, especially, its market projections. It is essential to build the proposal recipient’s confidence in this analysis thus, show as much research as possible.

Market Analysis, Research, Market Trends, Target Market

Demographic Analysis, Profiling, Customer Segments

Industry Growth, Trend Analysis, Consumer Preferences

SWOT Analysis (Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, Threats)

SWOT Matrix, Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

5. Business Organization And Management

Inform the recipient of the business’s legal structure so that its operations are better understood. Furthermore, deliver the business’s management structure and list the C-level executives with their curriculum vitae.

Organizational Structure, Hierarchy, Organizational Chart

Leadership Team, Executives, Management Roles

Executive Credentials, Founder Profiles, Board of Directors

Management Experience, Team Collaboration

Succession Planning, Responsibility Allocation, Staff

6. Business Products or Services

Explicitly discuss the product or service that will fuel the business’s profitability and growth. This section should also include proprietary information, intellectual property, and other relevant administrative factors.

Product Overview, Service Description, Specifications

Service Type, Features, Unique Product Characteristics

Service Advantages, Technical Details, Service Packages

Pricing, Product Models, Service Packages, Life Cycle

Competitive Comparisons, Product/Service Differentiation

7. Business Marketing And Sales Strategy

Include a presentation on the plan the business intends to use for its advertising and sales campaigns, such as its social media strategies. Produce a detailed section that is optimistic but realistic with market growth projections as well as risk factors.

Marketing Strategy, Sales Tactics, Distribution Channels

Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Advertising

Return On Investment (ROI), Customer Acquisition

Target Market, Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO)

KPI Tracking, SEO Optimization (SEO), Sales Forecasting

8. Business Funding Request

If the proposal must secure investment funds, sponsorship support, or contributions, specifically state as much. In such cases, also highlight how requested funds will be allocated and their impact on the budget.

Funding Request, Investment Proposal, Capital Request

Investment Opportunity, Return On Investment (ROI)

Valuation Methodology, Equity Financing, Exit Strategy

Risk Assessment, Risk Management Plan, Funding Sources

Funding Criteria, Allocation, Investor Relations

9. Business Plan Timeline

Share the business plan’s timeline with the recipient while noting when objectives, goals, or milestones are set to occur. For instance, financial deadlines, onboard completion dates, product launches, and market entry dates should be defined.

Project Timeline, Implementation, Project Schedule

Project Phases, Milestone Schedule, Milestone Chart

Rollout Schedule, Gantt Chart, Task Deadlines

Deliverable Timelines, Task Completion Dates

Launch Date, Event Dates, Completion Date

10. Business Plan Budget

Present the business plan budget in this proposal, especially if the purpose is to seek supporting funds. For example, if the objective is to find product investors, then focus on topics such as overhead costs, resource requirements, and funds allocation.

Budget Summary, Financial Plan, Fiscal Outline

Financial Projections, Operating Expenses, Risks

Capital Expenditure, Capital Investment, Reporting

Fixed Costs, Variable Costs, Flexible Expenditures

Revenue Sources, Profit Margins, Contingencies

11. Financial Projections

It is equally important that detailed financial projections for the business accompany the previous presentations. Thus, present the economic viability of the business plan as well as the business’s sustainability.

Financial Projections, Predictive Accuracy

Cost Of Goods Sold (COGS), Operating Cash Forecasts

Income Statement Projections, Profit And Loss Forecasts

Balance Sheet Projections, Cash Flow Predictions

Return On Investment (ROI), Forecast Accuracy

12. Conclusion

Bring the proposal to a close while reminding the recipient of its contents and calling them to action. Also, invite the recipient to initiate contact and proceed to the next step.

Business plan conclusion Competitive advantages

Key Points, Key Takeaways, Call To Action, Contact Information

Strategic Overview, Unique Value Proposition

Social Responsibilities, Environmental Responsibilities

Closing Remarks, Call To action, Success Factors

13. Appendices

Accompany the proposal with a particularly organized appendix. This area is reserved for supplementary information as well as references cited throughout this paperwork and will show professionalism.

Additional Documentation, Supplementary Materials

Supporting Data, Extended financials, Backup Information

Detailed Charts, Graphs, Diagrams, Market Research Data

Statistical Analysis, Prototype Images, In-depth Studies

Legal Documents Survey Results, Licenses, Permits

14. Signatures

Sign this proposal so that it will be taken seriously by the recipient. Additionally, reserve an area for the recipient to agree to its terms, conditions, and scope.

Business Owner/Representative Signature

Business Owner/Representative’s Printed Name

Signature Date Of Business Owner/Representative

Recipient Signature Line

Recipient Printed Name Line, Recipient Date Line