Essay #3 Business Proposal

Directions in Full Tips

There are Several Parts

• Cover/Title Page• Letter/Memo of Transmittal• Table of Contents with List of Illustrations

(optional)• Executive Summary• Introduction• Discussion Sections• Conclusion

Cover/Title Page

• Title: Proposal for Town of _____ (fill in the blank) Small Business Grant

• Come up with a name for your company• Come up with a company logo• “Prepared for ______” (Town Board of ____

(name of town).TIP:

Spacing, Fonts, Logo, and Layout are Important

Letter/Memo of Transmittal

• Use the company logo in your heading

• Write to a specific person on the town board - - find out the name and address of the town supervisor or mayor

Letter/Memo of Transmittal

TIPS:• Proper Business Letter Format is Important.• Do not put in too much detail at this point

but do include enough to create a positive first impression. 250 words, maximum.

• Refer to the small business grant and your application—you are submitting a proposal to receive a grant of $150,000.

Table of Contents

• Follow the outline provided in the textbook and on Blackboard

• Your subheading under Features and Benefits will differ from the subheadings in the sample proposal in the textbook - - think carefully about your subheading titles

Suggested Subheadings in TOC

– Overview of Business– Location of Business– Immediate Benefits– Long-Term Benefits– Potential Concerns – Competitors – Initial Plans for Grant Money

Table of Contents

TIPS:• The wording of the headings in the TOC

should match that of the ones you actually use within the proposal text.

• Page references should be correct.

Executive Summary

• Present a concise overview of your proposal’s most important points. DO NOT merely repeat yourself.

• Make a brief mention of the town’s need for your business/service and how your business/service will meet that need.

TIPS:• Your first sentences should engage your reader’s attention.• Focus on only 2-3 “selling points” - - do not go into too much

detail.• Limit yourself to 250 words.• Write the summary after you have finished the entire proposal.

Introduction

• State the purpose of your proposal: You are seeking a $150,000 small business grant from the town

• Provide an overview of the town: Why does it need your business? What is going on now? What do residents do now, without your business/service?

• Provide an overview of the current economic/demographic context: Who is living in your town in 2012? What needs do they have at present? (Do some research about this.)

• Describe how your business/service will meet their needs. • Include mention of your expertise.

Introduction

TIPS:• There are various sites that provide

demographic information including real estate sites. However, start with the US Census site: http://www.census.gov/#

• If you use outside information at this point, remember to cite it.

Discussion SectionsSuggested Subheadings

• Provide supporting information in this section; this is the longest part of your proposal.

• Subheadings:– Overview of ________ (Use the name of your

business/service); provide a detailed description of your business/service and your target customer base.

– Proposed Location of _____ (Describe—include a map—the location of the business, explaining why it is suitable.) (The map will be an outside source.)

Discussion Sections

– Competition: Identify regional competitors. How will your business/service stand out from that of competitors?

– Immediate Benefits to _____ (name of town); explain the immediate (within the first 12 months let’s say) benefits that your business/service will bring to the town.

– Long-Term Benefits to _____ (Discuss the long-term benefits)

Discussion Sections

– Possible Objections: This will depend upon what type of business you are starting. If you can honestly not think of any, then leave this section out.

– Initial Use of Grant Money

Conclusion

• Summarize your main points briefly, stressing the benefits to the town.

• Look to the future. What are your next steps going to be assuming that you get the money?

• Reassure your reader that you are around and are willing to answer follow-up questions.