15 Best Free Simple Business Project Proposals Templates (2021 Format)

Ready to win some new business for your company? To do that, you'll need to create a killer proposal. A business project proposal is the ideal way to gain new clients, or to interest potential business partners in a new venture.

To be sure your business proposal stands out, consider using a business project proposal template. It's a great way to ensure that you've got all the elements you need without having to create them from scratch yourself. 

In this guide, I'll share the best premium and free simple proposal templates you can find on Envato Elements. You can also find more business proposal design inspiration on GraphicRiver.

Best Premium Simple Project Proposal Templates on Envato Elements (with Unlimited Use)

If you're looking for an eye-catching proposal template for your next business proposal, Envato Elements has a great offer you won't want to miss. Download as many simple business proposal templates as you want, all for one low price. 

When thinking about your business proposal format, there are a few reasons why using a premium project proposal template makes sense. For one thing, using a template speeds up the process of creating your project proposal. And if you're not sure exactly what to include, a proposal template can guide you in the right direction. 

Plus, a premium template is usually well-designed and well-supported. So, you've got a point of contact if you need more information about it. And you'll end up with a professional proposal that makes your business shine. 

Here's how you find appealing business proposal templates on Envato Elements. When you're on the site, select Graphic Templates to the right of the on-screen search box. Type in proposal. You'll see hundreds of business proposal examples. 

Check out the template previews. Click Download when you find the template you want. Then, start customizing it immediately.

5 Best Premium Proposal Format Templates on Envato Elements and GraphicRiver

Here are some of the best simple project proposal templates available on Envato Elements. These premium offerings are beautifully designed and available for download, right now:

1. Fairytale Project Proposal Template

Fairytale is a great choice for presenting your business proposal ideas. It includes a well-designed front and back cover. It's available in US Letter and A4 sizes. 

This template includes layouts for presenting business data. There's a PDF preview you can use as inspiration when preparing your own proposal.

2. Clean Simple Project Proposal Template

This is a 16-page simple proposal template with a grid-based layout. Edit it in Microsoft Word or Adobe InDesign. With A4 and US Letter sizes, it's easy to create proposals for global audiences. 

The template is in a cool blue and white color scheme, but you can change that to match your brand with a single click. 

3. Sponsorship Project Proposal Template

Sponsorship Proposal is a vivid proposal template with 12 page layouts. These make it easy for you to present key business data in a memorable and eye-catching way. This is an A4 proposal that you can edit with Adobe InDesign.

The Envato Elements offer is a great deal, especially if you create business proposals regularly and want to keep their look fresh. But if you want a single simple business proposal template for one-off use, consider the sample business proposal templates available on GraphicRiver. 

To get business proposal design inspiration on GraphicRiver, click on Graphics in the top navigation bar. Type simple proposal into the search box. There are thousands of premium simple proposal templates to choose from. Here are a couple to get you started. 

Here are some of our premium business proposal ideas on GraphicRiver:

4. Premium Simple Business Proposal Template

This simple proposal template includes 22 page layouts. By default, it's in black and white, but you can easily change colors to match your brand with just a couple of clicks. 

This proposal template makes it easy to present your team and business data. It's also quick to customize. It's available in both A4 and US Letter. Edit it with Adobe InDesign.

5. Simple Business Proposal Booklet (Premium Design)

This template includes eight page layouts to help you create a simple project proposal. It's available in US Letter size. Edit it with Adobe InDesign. It includes two color schemes and uses free fonts.

15+ Best Free Simple Business Proposal Templates

If you want a well-designed and well-supported proposal format template, then going for a premium template makes sense. They're also easy to use and customize and will create a professional look for your business or brand. 

That's why it makes sense to check out the freebies offered by Envato Elements before you look elsewhere. These are premium templates available for free, and not just for business proposals. In fact, the types of free files vary each month. 

Here's how it works: 

• Every month Envato Elements offers 12 hand-selected files (including fonts, web templates, presentations and more). Create a free account and download this month's free premium files today. 

• Also, try Envato Market for free to get seven handpicked freebies each month. Log in with your account to get this month's handpicked premium freebies. 

But if you're on a tight budget you may be wondering how to get a simple proposal template for free. We've found some free proposal templates on the web to help you get started:

1. Free InDesign Business Project Proposal Template

This beautifully designed corporate brochure could be easily adapted into a business proposal template for your next project. It's free to download and use.

2. Free Simple Business Proposal Template Designs

If you're looking for insights and free downloads, as you're working on your business proposal, check out this resource. It's specifically for business proposals, and you can download these resources for Microsoft Word.

3. Professional Policy Free Business Proposal Template

This small collection of business project proposal templates are free and simple. If you're looking for a basic starting point, check these free templates out.

4. Consulting Simple Business Proposal Sample Designs

This resource offers a number of free templates and insights for consulting businesses in need of a simple business proposal sample. If you're looking for a free and easy proposal template, give this a look.

5. InDesign Free Business Proposal Template

Check out these project proposal examples of free designs. It's the perfect simple business proposal sample that you can adapt any way you prefer. This free business proposal template is definitely worth a look.

6. InDesign Branding Free Business Proposal Template

This collection of branding materials could be easily adapted into a business project proposal. Give them a download and consider using the matching companion pieces too.

7. Simple Project Proposal Template

This is one of 22 free business project proposal templates that are suitable for different business situations. Edit all templates in Microsoft Word or Google Docs. Find the perfect easy proposal template at this resource.

8. Services Proposal Business Blue

This Microsoft Office business project proposal template makes it easy for you to pitch your business ideas. It includes preformatted content and placeholders so you can customize it quickly.

9. Proposal for Fundraising Project

If you're running a nonprofit, this free Microsoft Office template will help you seek funding fast. It's a simple business proposal template that'll help you present everything from project goals to budget, and more.

10. Business Report Professional Design

The maroon and grey color scheme gives this proposal an extra-professional touch. The free template is an excellent way to capture your business proposal ideas and present them to your audience.

11. Blue Business Proposal Free Template

If you're looking for a simple and easy proposal template for free, check out this Microsoft Word template. Keep it simple or adapt it into a longer presentation.

12. PR Proposal

This simple business proposal template from HubSpot is easy to edit and customize in Microsoft Word or Google Docs. It's an easy way to start preparing your next public relations campaign.

13. Business Plan Proposal

This simple proposal template from Hloom is the first step in creating a business plan that works. It's a great way to get your ideas down and see if they hang together before writing a full proposal.

14. Investment Simple Project Proposal Template

Planning to invest in a business, or seeking investment for yours? This investment proposal template is an excellent starting point.

15. Free Project Proposal Templates

SmartSheet offers a range of free simple business project proposal templates for many business cases. Whether you're looking to write a proposal for IT, engineering, or a freelance project, this is a good place to start.

16. Professional Services Free Business Proposal Template

This is one of several business proposal examples for free from Microsoft Office. Give your proposal a professional look with this attractive template.

How to Customize a Project Proposal Template  in Adobe InDesign

Once you've found the perfect project proposal template, what's next? Let's walk through some quick tips to help you customize your template in Adobe InDesign.

We'll use this Adobe InDesign business project proposal in this demonstration. Feel free to download it and work along with these steps. You can also use a different InDesign project proposal template of your choice. These concepts will transfer.

Let's get started:

1. Open Your Pages Panel

When working in a multi-page InDesign document, it's really important to use your Pages panel. This is the place where you can easily navigate through our pages.

To open up the Pages panel go to Window > Pages. A preview of the panel is shown in the screenshot below.

Note that we can also move, duplicate, and delete pages from this panel. To do so just right click on a PC, or control click on Mac, on the layer in question. Then choose from the options.

2. Easily Edit Text With the Type Tool

To edit text, turn to the Type tool in your Tools panel. It's highlighted in the screenshot below.

With your Type tool active, click on any existing type in your layout. This will make it active. Then, type and edit as you would in most word processing software.

Want to add new text to your layout? That's easy too. This time select your Type tool and then click and drag to draw a new text box. Then type and edit as you'd do in the process above.

3. Change Font With the Character Panel

To change some of the visual characteristics of your type, turn to the Character panel. Open it by going to Window > Type & Tables > Character. Here's a preview of what this panel looks like in the screenshot below.

Start by selecting the type you'd like to change with the Selection tool. 

Then, when the type is selected, make the changes you'd like in the Character panel. For example, you can change things like the font itself and the font size.

4. Change Text Alignment and Spacing With the Paragraph Panel

But what if you'd like to change things like line spacing or text alignment? For this, go to the Paragraph panel. You can find this under Window > Type & Tables > Paragraph.

Just like in the process above, use your Selection tool to select the type you'd like to change. If the type isn't selected any changes you make won't be applied.

Then use the Paragraph panel to do things like align your text to the left, right, center, or justify it. You can also do things like increase or decrease line spacing in your body copy.

5. Import Imagery Into Your Design Template

Let's also take a look at adding your own, custom imagery to your business proposal template. 

Start by selecting one of the image placeholders with the Selection tool.

Then, go to File > Place. 

Navigate to the image file on your computer and click OK. Then, InDesign will insert the image into our document. Double click on the image to toggle between resizing the rectangular frame holding the image and the image itself. 

5 Top Ideas to Make Simple Business Proposals Quickly in 2021

Need to get a head start on your business proposal ideas? Here are some tips to help you:

1. Use an Eye-catching Cover 

The first thing prospects will see is your proposal cover. So, make sure it gets the right kind of attention. Depending on your business, you may choose to include an image or series of images, a chart, or photos of the business premises. Along with that, you'll want an appealing proposal title that makes people want to look inside.

2. Keep Your Design Uncluttered

Once they're in, you want to keep your audience interested. That means making it as easy as possible to access key information. An uncluttered design with plenty of white space will make your proposal easy to read.

3. Include Your Logo and Branding 

When updating your business project proposal template, don't forget to change the color scheme to match your brand. Also, include your logo. It's an easy way to make your proposal look even more professional and to benefit from brand awareness.

4. Use Photos to Get Attention

Good photos aren't just for the proposal cover. They also make your whole proposal more interesting. Show the faces of people who'll be working on or affected by the project you're planning, and you're guaranteed to get more attention. That's because we're wired to pay attention to faces.

5. Illustrate Your Data With Charts and Graphs 

When you're brainstorming your proposal, think about how to illustrate data with charts and graphs. These make complex information easier to understand. They'll help things go smoothly when you present your proposal.

Discover More Professional Proposal Templates

We've shared some useful professional proposal templates, both premium and paid, in this guide. To find even more templates, check out the template roundups below:

• 
  Proposals
  
  
  35 Professional Business Project Proposal Templates With Modern Pages 2020
  
  
  
  Laura Spencer


• 
  Proposals
  
  
  24 Best Digital Marketing, Social Media, & SEO Proposal Templates for 2020
  
  
  Tomas Laurinavicius


• 
  Inspiration
  
  
  25+ Top Graphic Design (Branding) Project Proposal Templates (2020)
  
  
  Laura Spencer

5 Benefits of Using the Best Premium PowerPoint Presentation Templates With Pro Designs

Not sure if a business proposal template is right for you and your project? Here are some considerations to keep in mind as you decide the best approach for your project:

1. 
   Design templates can be completely customized. You're not stuck with the default design when you work with a template. You can completely change it and mix it up, resulting in an entirely new, original design. If you choose this approach, you can use your template to jump start your design process.


2. 
   A great proposal template can be multi-purpose. Keep in mind that a template isn't necessarily one time use. With Envato Elements you can remix and reuse a template for different projects.


3. 
   Templates are time saving. Who couldn't use some extra time? Whether you're looking for a completed design or you're looking for something to help get you started, a template can make finishing your project faster and more efficient.


4. 
   Use a template to help carve out your aesthetic. Not sure which visual direction is best for your project? Choosing a template can help you figure that out. Find a design you love and then use it as inspiration as you customize your template to meet your project's needs.


5. 
   Or rely on the template to get the job done. Don't want to make heavy customizations? Just insert your content—your text, your images—and your project is done. Change your mind later? No problem, you still have the flexibility to make all the changes you want. You've got the source files and you've got the ability to make any adaptations you need.

Benefits of Envato Elements (The Power of Unlimited Use)

If you want to try out a business proposal template and you're on a budget, Envato Elements can be a great choice. It gives you access to a huge library of professional content with unlimited downloads.

Sign up for Envato Elements. Download as many business proposal template designs as you'd like, all for one, low flat fee. Choose from templates, fonts, graphics, and much more. It's all included.

Common Business Project Proposal Questions Answered (FAQ)

Let's check out some answers and resources for some of the most common business project proposal questions: 

1. How Do I Write a Great Business Project Proposal?

A great business project proposal is more than a good looking document. The writing needs to be strong too! Remember to keep the dialog professional and appropriate for your audience. Like the design, it's important to be strategic with your writing.

Unsure of some proposal writing best practices? Check out this free guide for some extra help.

• 
  Proposals
  
  
  The Freelancer's Guide to Writing Proposals
  
  
  Thursday Bram

2. What Makes an Effective Business Project Proposal?

A really effective business proposal looks good and works well. Imagine a proposal that looks great, but the content is lackluster. Likewise, great content could be lost on an unprofessional looking proposal. Did you know that there's different types you can consider, too?

Here's a free guide to help you assess the effectiveness of your business proposal.

• 
  Proposals
  
  
  What Are the 6 Most Effective Types of Business Project Proposals for 2020
  
  
  Brenda Barron

3. Where Can I Find More Free Business Proposal Template Designs?

If you're looking for even more free business proposal template designs, you're in luck. We've made quite a few lists here on Envato Tuts+. Here's one of them you can check out right now:

• 
  Proposals
  
  
  18+ Free Marketing Business Proposal Template Examples to Download 2020
  
  
  Daisy Ein

4. How Do I Make my Business Project Proposal More Compelling and Creative?

We all want to create a project that is engaging, interesting, and really hooks our target audience. But doing so is often a lot easier said than done. Remember, a lot of these factors depend on your target audience. You've got to know them to appeal to them.

Want to check out some creative business proposal ideas to help spark your creativity and inspiration? Check out this list today:

• 
  Proposals
  
  
  35+ Best Business Proposal Templates Ideas For New Client Projects in 2020
  
  
  Marc Schenker

5. How Can I Make My Own Business Proposal Template From Scratch?

Working with a business proposal template can be a great option, but what if you want to make your own completely from scratch? It can be a really satisfying project and a rewarding one too. You could even go on to make and sell proposal templates of your own!

Sound appealing? Check out this new course from Envato Tuts+ that teaches you how to do it yourself.

• 
  Print Design
  
  
  New Course: Design a Project Proposal in Adobe InDesign
  
  
  Andrew Blackman

Learn More About Making Great Proposals in 2021

Need more tips on using a simple proposal template to create your proposal? Check out the guides below to ensure your next proposal is great:

• 
  Proposals
  
  
  How to Customize a Simple Business Proposal Template in MS Word
  
  
  Laura Spencer


• 
  Presentations
  
  
  How to Make Business Proposal Presentations in PowerPoint (With PPT Templates)
  
  
  Tomas Laurinavicius


• 
  Proposals
  
  
  13 Creative Business Proposal Ideas for Better Sales in 2020
  
  
  Brenda Barron

Create Your Next Simple Business Project Proposal With Envato Elements

Using templates can help you save time when creating a business project proposal. You'll also benefit from great design and support from the template creators. Get full-featured business proposal templates on Envato Elements, where you can download as many templates as you want for one low price.

Also, check out the simple proposal templates on GraphicRiver, where it's easy to grab a single-use template. Get yours and prepare your business project proposal today!

Editorial Note: Our staff updates this post regularly—adding the best new simple business project proposal templates.