Screen showing how to get started fast with Sales, Service, and Marketing

How to Write a Business Proposal for Small Businesses

Help your small business stand out with a well-crafted business proposal — here’s how.

Caylin White, Editorial Lead

Grow fast with the #1 CRM for small businesses.

Get started and scale fast with the #1 AI CRM for small businesses in any industry. Connect marketing, sales, service, and commerce on one platform. Save time with simple setup and built-in guidance. Set the foundation for growth with unified data and AI.

Take the first step with Starter Suite.

Discover the all-in-one CRM for small businesses. Starter Suite brings marketing, sales, service, and commerce tools together, so you can grow your business with one easy-to-use suite.

Business Proposal FAQs

A business proposal is a written offer from a seller to a prospective buyer. It outlines the products or services a business offers, highlighting how they can solve a client's problem or meet a specific need. It aims to persuade the client to do business with the company.

An effective business proposal typically includes a title page, table of contents, executive summary, problem statement, proposed solution, qualifications, pricing, and terms and conditions. Clarity, conciseness, and a focus on client benefits are important for success.

The length of a business proposal varies based on the complexity of the project and the client's requirements. While there's no fixed rule, it should be comprehensive enough to cover all necessary details without being excessively long, usually ranging from a few pages to over twenty.

The primary purpose of a business proposal is to convince prospects to purchase your products or services. It serves as a formal sales document, clearly outlining the value proposition and demonstrating how the proposed solution aligns with the client's objectives.

To make a proposal stand out, a small business should customize it for each client, focusing on their specific pain points and offering tailored solutions. Highlighting unique selling propositions, showcasing past successes, and presenting a professional, visually appealing document can also help differentiate it.