How to write a company profile for clients and tenders
By Uminathi Business Start-Up ServicesPublished Updated 3 min read
Quick answer
A company profile is a short document, usually 4 to 12 pages, that introduces your business to clients and tender evaluators. It should cover who you are, what you do, who you have done it for, your team and equipment, your compliance status (CIPC, SARS, CSD, B-BBEE, COIDA and industry registrations) and your contact details. Keep it factual, recent and specific to the type of client you want.
Every time you finish a notable project or your documents change
What is a company profile?
A company profile is your business's CV. Prospective clients, procurement officers and funders use it to decide quickly whether you can do the job. Unlike a business plan, it looks outward: it shows what you have already done and can do now.
What should a company profile include?
Section
What to include
Cover and contents
Company name, logo, contact details
About us
When you started, what you do, where you operate, your mission in one or two sentences
Services
Each service in plain language, with who it is for
Experience and projects
Recent projects: client (with permission), scope, value range, dates, results
Team
Key people, their roles and relevant qualifications or experience
Equipment and capacity
Vehicles, machines, staff numbers, the size of jobs you can handle
Contact people who have agreed to confirm your work
Contact
Phone, email, website, physical address
How do I write a company profile with no experience?
If you are new, focus on the experience of the people in the business, any work done as individuals or subcontractors, your equipment and capacity, and your compliance documents. Be honest. Do not claim projects, clients or awards you don't have; procurement officers check, and a false claim can disqualify you.
How do I make my company profile stand out?
Tailor it: a cleaning company approaching a hospital should lead with infection-control experience
Show evidence: photos of real work, completion letters and reference contacts
Keep it short and scannable, with headings and bullet points
Make sure every compliance detail is current
Do tenders require a company profile?
Many tenders and supplier registrations ask for one, especially where functionality is scored on experience and capacity. Even when it is not compulsory, a good profile supports the evaluation. See how to get government tenders.
Frequently asked questions
How many pages should a company profile be?
Usually 4 to 12 pages. Long enough to show capability, short enough to read in a few minutes.
Can I include clients' names in my company profile?
Only with their permission. Many businesses list the sector and scope instead, or provide reference contacts who have agreed to be named.
What is the difference between a company profile and a business plan?
A company profile introduces your business to clients and shows what it can do. A business plan explains how the business will make money and is used for planning and funding.
Should my company profile include prices?
Usually not. Prices change and depend on the job. Send a separate quotation.
Uminathi Business Start-Up Services is a private company. We are not part of, or acting for, CIPC, SARS, National Treasury (CSD), CIDB, the Department of Employment and Labour or any other government body. Requirements change, so always confirm with the official source.