Proposal Writing – Writing Business Plans for Clients – Solid Business Plan

Writing a Business Proposal / Business Plan

As a freelancer (or a person that wants to learn how to write business/ venture proposals, here are a few things you need to know.

• The questions you need to ask the client/ information you need from the client so that you can do a stellar proposal
• The structure of a proposal. There are many templates that are fit for different purposes or recipients of proposals. Check the tips below to know what works for you.
• Basic Business Proposal structure if the client leaves the discretion of template choice to you.

What should you do as soon as you get that job/ have that business idea?

I would advise that you ask the client if s/he has a preferred template. If not, you will use your discretion to choose a template that works for you.

If the business idea is for your use, you need to consider why you are writing it and who will receive it. See specific instructions further below.

What Determines a Business Proposal / Business Plan?

NB: Please note that the proposal’s template may be dependent on the purpose it’s intended for. For instance, if it is a funding proposal that will be submitted to other actors such as a bank or each of the organization’s board, etc, then it should capture the relevant information without being overly lengthy or boring. Depending on the ‘purpose’ of the proposal and the people/ person/ institution that will receive this proposal, you can find the specific template on Google

What is the Basic Structure of a Business Proposal/ Business Plan?

If the client gives you the freedom to choose whatever template works for you (as long as it delivers the information s/he wants, consider the following:

1. Title/ cover page: Clearly indicate the name of this proposal, e.g Proposal for joint venture between A, B, and C… Submitted to (xyz) on (insert date), by (you can leave this blank so that your client can fill in relevant details

2. Summarize what’s in the proposal, (e.g, say “this proposal defines the joint venture between A, B, C…”), the terms of engagement, as well as the way forward. You could also mention, in this section, why the three organizations came together (if this information has been provided to you.

3. Background of each of the organizations. Consider having a paragraph or two for each organization detailing who they are, what they do, an organogram, etc. This section will help anyone having a quick scan (or a detailed eye) to get relevant information about the organizations…

4. Terms of Engagement/ Terms of Reference. Detail that these three organizations have agreed to do a joint venture named….. List the Terms Of engagement such as: the role of each organization, contribution (percentages of resources – money, physical assets, etc. – or expertise/ human resource, etc.)

5. A draft operational plan. This could look something like:

1. Registration of the venture with relevant authorities (set a timeline or dates/ month),
2. Acquisition of venture assets/ equipments/ tools of trade. You could specify and describe the items, indicate rough estimates on quantities and pricing, etc.),
3. Who is tasked to do what, etc…………..

6. Attach a draft budget. If you don’t have the figures, the information you have in section 5 will help the client and partners develop a realistic budget.