What is a Capability Statement for Small Business?
A capability statement is a concise document that outlines your business’s key information, including your services, achievements, and capabilities. Think of it like a resume for your business – it’s designed to communicate your business’s strengths and qualifications at a glance.
This document is often a requirement when bidding for government contracts, applying for tenders, or forming partnerships with larger organisations. A well-crafted capability statement positions your business as a reliable, professional, and capable entity.
What are Capability Statements Used For?
A capability statement can open doors to new opportunities by:
- Securing Contracts: Government agencies and large companies often require a capability statement to evaluate potential suppliers or service providers.
- Winning Tenders: A strong capability statement enhances your credibility and competitiveness when bidding for projects.
- Building Partnerships: It helps potential collaborators understand your strengths and what you bring to the table.
- Attracting Investors: For new businesses, a capability statement can convey professionalism and inspire confidence in your venture.
What Should Be Included in a Small Business Capability Statement?
Your capability statement should be clear, professional, and easy to read. Here are the key sections:
Business Overview
- Business name, logo, and branding.
- Mission statement or core values.
- Years of operation, your ‘why/how’ story and industry experience.
- Key certifications, accreditations, or licenses.
Core Competencies
- A summary of your key services or products.
- Highlight what sets you apart from competitors – what is your unique selling proposition (USP)? Include specialised tools, technology or processes, or commitment to sustainability, diversity or other values.
- Include industry-specific expertise or innovations.
Key Personnel and organisational structure
- Professional profiles of your team (name, qualifications, role, experience)
Products and Services:
- A description of your key services or products.
Experience and Past Performance
- Key projects or contracts completed.
- Major clients – plus testimonials or case studies from satisfied clients.
- Metrics showcasing your impact, such as cost savings or performance improvements. Tip: Use quantifiable metrics to substantiate your claims (e.g., “Completed 150+ projects across 10 industries”).
Contact Information
- Primary contact details (email, phone, website).
- ABN or ACN details.
- Social media links, if relevant.
Additional Sections in a Capability Statement
Sometimes, additional information may be included, depending on the purpose of the document. These sections may include:
- Plant and equipment information
- Rate schedules
- Policies and procedures
- Awards and recognition
- Membership of professional associations
- Corporate partnerships
- Community involvement
- Insurance details.
Designing Your Small Business Capability Statement
Designing your capability document requires careful planning to ensure it communicates your business’s strengths effectively and aligns with industry expectations.
Depending on your industry and the document’s purpose, a capability statement can range from 4 to 20 pages. Government and corporate contracts often demand more detailed documents, extending to 10-20 pages, to cover compliance requirements, case studies, and technical expertise. In contrast, small businesses or startups typically require a more concise document, around 4-6 pages, focusing on core services, unique selling points, and brief examples of past work.
Professional branding is a critical aspect of your document’s design. Your logo, fonts, colours, and imagery should align with your brand identity to create a cohesive and professional appearance. Additionally, effective use of white space enhances readability, preventing the page from feeling cluttered or overwhelming.
Strategic use of visuals, such as charts, infographics, and icons, helps break down complex information and makes the document more engaging for your audience.
Highlighting key points is essential for directing attention to the most important details. Use bold text, headings, and carefully chosen formatting to emphasise critical information.
Information Needed to Write a Capability Statement
Creating a strong capability statement requires gathering and synthesising essential information about your business. To begin, refer to foundational documents such as your business plan, which outlines your mission, goals, and strategies. These details will help you articulate your core capabilities and value proposition.
Your website is another valuable resource, as it often highlights your services, products, and testimonials, offering insights into what resonates most with your audience.
Engaging with your employees is another crucial step. They bring unique perspectives on your business’s strengths and operational processes. By consulting with them, you can uncover key differentiators, recent achievements, or innovative solutions that set your company apart.
Similarly, speaking with your customers can provide real-world insights into the value your business delivers. Ask about their experiences, why they chose your company, and how your products or services have benefited them. These testimonials or case studies can become compelling elements of your capability statement.
How We Can Help
We understand the importance of a polished, professional capability statement. We make the process simple by gathering key details about your business and turning them into a document that reflects your strengths and builds your credibility.
Here’s why businesses choose us:
- Customised Solutions: We tailor each capability statement to your specific industry and target audience.
- Professional Design: Our documents are visually appealing and aligned with your branding.
- Fast Turnaround: We deliver high-quality results quickly, so you can focus on growing your business.
Whether you’re a small business just starting out or an established company looking to expand, a capability statement is your gateway to bigger opportunities. Let us help you create a document that speaks volumes about your expertise and professionalism.
Need help with a business capability statement? Contact us below!