A solid business proposal can open doors to funding, partnerships, new clients, or government contracts — but writing one the right way is where most Nigerians struggle.
If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a blank document, wondering where to start, this article is for you.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to write a compelling business proposal in Nigeria, the key elements to include, and simple tips to make yours stand out.
What Is a Business Proposal?
A business proposal is a formal document you send to a prospective client, investor, organization, or partner to convince them to work with you, fund your business, or buy your product/service.
It’s not the same as a business plan — a business plan outlines your long-term strategy, while a proposal is a pitch for a specific opportunity.
Types of Business Proposals in Nigeria
- Solicited Proposal: When a company, government, or NGO requests proposals (RFP, RFQ).
- Unsolicited Proposal: Sent without a prior request to pitch your idea, product, or service.
- Grant Proposal: Sent to donors, international bodies, or government schemes.
- Investor Proposal: Sent to convince someone to invest in your business or startup.
Why You Need a Great Business Proposal
- Helps you secure contracts or funding
- Builds credibility and trust
- Sets you apart from other vendors or service providers
- Shows you’re professional and organized
Structure: How to Write a Business Proposal in Nigeria
Here’s a simple and proven structure that works:
1. Cover Page
Include:
- Business name
- Proposal title
- Submitted by (your name/company)
- Contact information
- Date
📝 Example:
Proposal for Logistics & Delivery Services
Submitted by: RapidGo Express
Phone: 0802 XXX XXXX | Email: info@rapidgo.ng
Date: July 2025
2. Executive Summary
This is the “elevator pitch” — a brief summary of what your proposal is about and why the reader should be interested.
🔑 Focus on:
- The opportunity or problem
- Your solution
- Why you’re qualified
- What you’re asking for (partnership, funding, etc.)
3. Problem Statement / Opportunity
Clearly state the problem or need the organization or market is facing.
📝 Example:
“Many SMEs in Lagos struggle with same-day delivery to customers due to poor logistics infrastructure…”
4. Your Solution
Explain how your product/service solves the problem. Highlight what makes you different or better.
Include:
- Features
- Benefits
- Timeline of delivery (if applicable)
🧠 Pro Tip: Use visuals, mockups, or images to illustrate your solution (especially if it’s tech-related).
5. Company Profile / About You
Provide a brief overview of your business, including:
- Mission
- Team members
- Experience
- Clients served
- Registered name (include CAC status)
This section builds trust and credibility.
6. Pricing / Financials
Clearly state how much your solution costs and what the investment covers.
If it’s a service:
- Breakdown by milestones or packages
If it’s a funding proposal:
- State how much you’re seeking
- What it will be used for (equipment, marketing, operations)
7. Implementation Plan
Break down how you’ll execute the project and how long it will take.
You can present this as:
- Timeline (e.g. Week 1 – Setup, Week 2 – Launch)
- Milestones
- Deliverables
8. Call to Action
End your proposal by telling the reader what you want next:
- “We’d love to discuss this further.”
- “Please find our contact details attached.”
- “Looking forward to scheduling a meeting at your convenience.”
9. Appendices (Optional)
Add supporting documents such as:
- CAC registration
- Past project samples
- Client testimonials
- Price lists
- Certifications
- Bank details or invoice
💡 Use a tool like ProInvoice to create and attach professional quotes or invoices.
Pro Tips for a Winning Business Proposal in Nigeria
✅ Keep it clear and concise (3–5 pages is often enough)
✅ Use simple English — avoid too much jargon
✅ Customize each proposal to fit the client’s needs
✅ Highlight value, not just features
✅ Make it visually appealing with clean formatting
✅ Include your logo and branding for professionalism
✅ Always proofread before sending
Sample Use Cases for Business Proposals in Nigeria
- A caterer submitting a proposal for a corporate event
- A digital agency pitching for social media management
- A fashion entrepreneur seeking N5m investment
- A tech startup applying for a grant from a development agency
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re seeking a deal with a corporate client, responding to a tender, or trying to secure an investor, a well-written business proposal can change your business trajectory.
Don’t overthink it — follow this structure, keep it professional, and communicate your value clearly.
Bonus Tool: Send Professional Invoices with ProInvoice
After your proposal is approved, you’ll need to bill your client professionally.
With ProInvoice, you can:
- Send branded invoices in minutes
- Track payments and overdue clients
- Automate receipts and reminders
- Export your financials easily
🧾 Ready to look more professional?
👉 Create a Free ProInvoice Account
