Free business proposal template

A strong business proposal should have the ‘three ps’: problem, propose solution, and pricing. Download our free business proposal template for a polished, professional look to your sales and marketing presentations.

A blank business proposal template with fields for users to fill out.

Streamlined proposal creation

An intuitive structure guides you through each section, creating a polished proposal quickly and easily.

Customisable design elements

Tailor logos, fonts, and layouts to showcase your brand and stand out from the competition.

Built-in financial calculators

Our integrated formulas give you accurate budget projections and estimates for foolproof financials.

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Fill in the form to get a business proposal template as an editable PDF. We'll send a one-page and multi-page version.

Why should you make your pitch with a business proposal?

A business proposal outlines a project, products, or services for a potential client. It presents a solution to a problem or an opportunity, then details the scope, your approach, and the expected outcomes.

  • Included
    Establishes credibility and professionalism by clearly identifying the client’s needs
  • Included
    Communicates value and presents a unique solution that the client can instantly agree to
  • Included
    Provides a roadmap for the project by setting out its goals, timelines, and budget

Once the client has accepted the proposal, there’s accounting involved, such as sending invoices.

How to use the business proposal template

This business proposal example takes you through the steps to create a professional presentation. Get our business proposal guide for writing a business proposal..

  1. Download and fill out your proposal

    Download your free business proposal template and fill out the various sections to create your proposal.

  2. Structure and format your proposal efficiently

    A template for a business proposal format saves time and ensures you provide the essential components.

  3. Tailor your template to different scenarios

    A customised, well-structured business proposal can unlock new business, partnerships, and funding.

Types of business proposals

These proposals are requested by clients with specific requirements, often through a formal request for proposal (RFP). These demand strict adherence to client specifications and expectations. To make your proposal more competitive, research the target market, emphasise your ethical practices, and showcase your staff’s expertise.

Download and use as a formally solicited proposal.Market research in Australia

These proposals are requested by clients with specific requirements, often through a formal request for proposal (RFP). These demand strict adherence to client specifications and expectations. To make your proposal more competitive, research the target market, emphasise your ethical practices, and showcase your staff’s expertise.

Download and use as a formally solicited proposal.Market research in Australia

You might make these proposals after a conversation or an informal request from a prospective client. These proposals need to clearly define your client’s needs and your proposed solutions, and should include your unique value proposition (UVP) as part of your proposal format. Download and use this template as an informally solicited business proposal or project proposal example.

Download and use as informally solicited business proposal.

You might make these proposals after a conversation or an informal request from a prospective client. These proposals need to clearly define your client’s needs and your proposed solutions, and should include your unique value proposition (UVP) as part of your proposal format. Download and use this template as an informally solicited business proposal or project proposal example.

Download and use as informally solicited business proposal.

An unsolicited proposal doesn’t stem from a request, but presents new ideas or solutions to a potential client. An unsolicited proposal example might be a unique solution to a common industry problem.

Download and use as an unsolicited proposal.

An unsolicited proposal doesn’t stem from a request, but presents new ideas or solutions to a potential client. An unsolicited proposal example might be a unique solution to a common industry problem.

Download and use as an unsolicited proposal.

Business proposal examples

Our business proposal template is flexible, so you can always present the most effective, relevant information.

Budget proposals

Outline financial plans for projects or activities, setting out costs and expected returns.

Investor proposals

Attract investors by showcasing your business potential, market analysis, and growth projections.

Sales proposals

Craft compelling pitches that highlight your unique value to potential clients.

FAQs

A business proposal aims to persuade a client to buy a product or service; a business plan outlines the strategy for running a company. Proposals are typically used when pitching to potential clients or partners, and focus on problems and solutions. Business plans, however, are more common for internal stakeholders or investors. They describe business structure, market analysis, and long-term goals.

Get our business plan template.

A business proposal aims to persuade a client to buy a product or service; a business plan outlines the strategy for running a company. Proposals are typically used when pitching to potential clients or partners, and focus on problems and solutions. Business plans, however, are more common for internal stakeholders or investors. They describe business structure, market analysis, and long-term goals.

Get our business plan template.

A business proposal is usually between 5 and 50 pages, depending on the project’s and the client’s requirements. Quality is more important than page count. Use clear, concise language and include an executive summary (much like an executive summary in a business plan) to quickly engage your prospect. Tailor the length to your audience: busy executives might prefer shorter proposals, while technical teams might expect more detail. Download one page and multi-page business proposals.

Read more executive summaries in business plans.

A business proposal is usually between 5 and 50 pages, depending on the project’s and the client’s requirements. Quality is more important than page count. Use clear, concise language and include an executive summary (much like an executive summary in a business plan) to quickly engage your prospect. Tailor the length to your audience: busy executives might prefer shorter proposals, while technical teams might expect more detail. Download one page and multi-page business proposals.

Read more executive summaries in business plans.

A proposal outline serves as a skeleton, setting up the final document for success. A well-organised outline demonstrates professionalism, and makes it easier for clients to understand and evaluate your offer. Break the proposal into clear sections, such as the cover page, a table of contents, executive summary, a problem statement, proposed solution, qualifications, timeline, budget, and a conclusion. Structure each section clearly with headings, subheadings, bullet points, and numbering to improve readability and help the reader quickly grasp your proposal.

Here’s more guidance on writing a business proposal.

A proposal outline serves as a skeleton, setting up the final document for success. A well-organised outline demonstrates professionalism, and makes it easier for clients to understand and evaluate your offer. Break the proposal into clear sections, such as the cover page, a table of contents, executive summary, a problem statement, proposed solution, qualifications, timeline, budget, and a conclusion. Structure each section clearly with headings, subheadings, bullet points, and numbering to improve readability and help the reader quickly grasp your proposal.

Here’s more guidance on writing a business proposal.

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Disclaimer

Xero does not provide accounting, tax, business or legal advice. This template has been provided for information purposes only. You should consult your own professional advisors for advice directly relating to your business.

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