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How to Build a Company Profile for Funding

Create a professional company profile and capability statement for funding and tender applications. Step-by-step guide with templates and examples.

18 min readUpdated 1 December 2025
Applies to:All businesses • Tender applicants • Funding seekers

A company profile (also called a capability statement) is a concise document showcasing your business's capabilities, experience, and credentials. It is essential for funding applications, tender submissions, and partnership discussions.

Typical length: 2-4 pages. Keep it concise and visually appealing. This is your business's CV.

Who This Is For

  • All businesses applying for funding
  • Companies responding to tenders
  • Businesses seeking partnerships or major clients
  • Service providers building credibility

When You Need a Company Profile

  • All funding applications (attached as supporting document)
  • Tender submissions (SBD 4 - Proof of Capability)
  • Supplier registrations
  • Partnership discussions
  • Client pitches

Company Profile Structure

1. Company Overview

Start with essential company information that establishes credibility.

What to Include

  • Company name: Full legal name
  • Registration: CIPC registration number and date
  • Legal structure: (Pty) Ltd, Close Corporation, etc.
  • Location: Physical address and provinces of operation
  • Ownership: % black ownership, % women ownership, % youth ownership
  • B-BBEE Level: Current B-BBEE verification level
  • Year established: How long you've been in business
  • Number of employees: Full-time and contract staff

Example: Company Overview Section

GreenTech Solutions (Pty) Ltd

CIPC Registration: 2022/123456/07

GreenTech Solutions is a 100% black-owned, 51% women-owned renewable energy company based in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. Established in 2022, we manufacture and install affordable solar home systems for low-income households across South Africa.

B-BBEE Level

Level 1

Employees

18 full-time

Operating Since

2022 (3 years)

Annual Turnover

R8.4 million

2. Products and Services

Clearly describe what you offer. Use bullet points for easy scanning.

What to Include

  • Product/service categories: Main offerings
  • Value proposition: What makes your offering valuable
  • Unique features: What sets you apart
  • Industries served: Target sectors

Example: Products and Services

Our Services

  • Solar Home System Manufacturing: Affordable 100W-300W systems for off-grid and load-shedding backup
  • Professional Installation: Full turnkey installation with 5-year warranty
  • Maintenance Contracts: Preventative maintenance and emergency callouts
  • Pay-As-You-Go Financing: Flexible payment plans for low-income customers (launching Q2 2026)

Industries Served: Residential, Small Business, Community Organizations, NPOs

3. Experience and Track Record

Demonstrate your experience with quantifiable achievements.

What to Include

  • Years of experience: Total and in specific sectors
  • Projects completed: Number and value
  • Clients served: Total number
  • Key achievements: Awards, milestones, impact metrics
  • Geographic reach: Provinces/regions covered

Example: Track Record

1,200+

Systems Installed

R8.4m

Revenue (2024)

98%

Customer Satisfaction

Key Achievement: Winner of KZN Green Economy Award 2024 for innovative solar financing model.

4. Certifications and Credentials

List all relevant certifications, licenses, and registrations.

Common South African Certifications

  • B-BBEE Certificate (specify level)
  • CIDB Registration (for construction)
  • ISO 9001 (Quality Management)
  • ISO 14001 (Environmental Management)
  • OHSAS 18001 / ISO 45001 (Health and Safety)
  • Professional body memberships (SAICA, SACPCMP, ECSA, etc.)
  • Industry-specific licenses

5. Management Team

Showcase key team members with brief credentials. Include photos if space permits.

What to Include for Each Person

  • Name and title
  • Years of experience
  • Relevant qualifications
  • Previous roles or achievements

Example: Management Team

Thembi Nkosi - CEO & Co-Founder

BSc Electrical Engineering (UKZN), 10 years in renewable energy sector. Previously Senior Engineer at Eskom. Led R50m solar park project in Northern Cape.

John Mlambo - COO & Co-Founder

BCom Supply Chain Management (Wits), 8 years manufacturing experience. Previously Operations Manager at SolarWorld SA.

6. Key Clients and Projects

Showcase notable clients and projects (with permission). This builds trust.

What to Include

  • Client names: Recognizable organizations (with permission)
  • Project descriptions: Brief scope and deliverables
  • Contract values: If significant and allowed to disclose
  • Testimonials: Short quotes from satisfied clients
Tip: If you can't name clients due to NDAs, describe projects generically (e.g., "Provincial government department - 500kW solar installation").

7. Competitive Advantages

Explain what makes you different and better than competitors.

Common Competitive Advantages

  • Local presence: Offices/teams in multiple provinces
  • B-BBEE credentials: Level 1-2 with strong scorecards
  • Speed: Faster delivery than competitors
  • Quality certifications: ISO, industry standards
  • Pricing: Competitive pricing with value justification
  • Innovation: Unique technology or approach
  • Warranty/support: Extended warranties, 24/7 support

8. Contact Information

Make it easy for funders to reach you.

Include

  • Physical address
  • Postal address (if different)
  • Main phone number
  • Email address (info@ or contact@)
  • Website
  • Social media (LinkedIn, Facebook if professional)

Design and Formatting

Your company profile must look professional. Poor design undermines credibility.

Design Best Practices

  • Branded design: Use your company colors, logo, and fonts consistently
  • Visual hierarchy: Clear headers, subheaders, and sections
  • White space: Don't cram text. Use margins and spacing
  • Icons and graphics: Use visuals to break up text (charts, icons, photos)
  • Professional photos: High-quality images of team, projects, products
  • Consistent formatting: Same font sizes, bullet styles, colors throughout
  • PDF format: Always save as PDF to preserve formatting
Tools: Use Canva (free templates), Microsoft Word, or hire a designer on Fiverr (R500-R2000) for a professional layout.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Too long: 10-page profiles rarely get read. Keep it 2-4 pages.
  • Generic content: "We provide excellent service" says nothing
  • No proof points: Claims without evidence or metrics
  • Outdated information: Old logos, expired certificates, wrong contact details
  • Poor design: Unprofessional layout damages credibility
  • Spelling errors: Proofread multiple times
  • Missing B-BBEE level: Critical in South Africa

South African Elements to Emphasize

Critical SA Credentials

  • B-BBEE Level: Display prominently (preferably on page 1)
  • Ownership breakdown: % black, % women, % youth, % people with disabilities
  • EME/QSE status: If applicable
  • Local content: % of local suppliers, South African manufacturing
  • Job creation: Number of permanent jobs, youth employment
  • Skills development: Training programmes, learnerships, internships
  • CSI initiatives: Corporate social investment activities
  • Provincial presence: Especially if operating in priority provinces

Next Steps

Need Help Creating Your Company Profile?

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  • Funding application support
  • Pitch deck preparation
How to Build a Company Profile for Funding | Okhantu | Okhantu