4.3 (32)
4 Weeks
·Cohort-based Course
In this masterclass, learn the fundamentals of proposal development from capture to submission.
4.3 (32)
4 Weeks
·Cohort-based Course
In this masterclass, learn the fundamentals of proposal development from capture to submission.
Course overview
You will learn how to craft persuasive and compelling proposals through expert-guided instruction, hands-on exercises, and group discussions. We'll provide a comprehensive overview of the USAID proposal process through discussion of the planning and budgeting process, pre-positioning, strategy development, pricing to win, and best practices for proposal management.
01
New Partners who want to break into the USAID market
02
Development professionals that are new to the proposal process
03
Business development teams that want to improve their win rates and increase competitiveness
Understand the proposal process from A to Z
Understand what goes into a typical USAID proposal and the fundamentals of proposal preparation
Become familiar with the core regulations and requirements
Learn what governs USAID proposals and how to avoid common pitfalls
Learn best practices for writing proposals
You'll learn writing fundamentals like outlining, and what makes a competitive and compelling proposal from real experts with decades of experience
Understand how to manage proposals
You'll learn what it takes to successfully manage a USAID proposal and will be equipped with tools and resources to help
Learn how to build competitive cost proposals
Understand what evaluators look for in a cost proposal, how to make your proposal competitive, and the do's and don'ts of proposal budgeting
Live sessions
Learn directly from your instructors in a real-time, interactive format.
Lifetime access
Go back to course content and recordings whenever you need to.
Community of peers
Stay accountable and share insights with like-minded professionals.
Certificate of completion
Share your new skills with your employer or on LinkedIn.
Maven Guarantee
This course is backed by the Maven Guarantee. Students are eligible for a full refund up until the halfway point of the course.
Mastering Business Development
16 lessons • 2 projects
4.3 (32 ratings)
Join an upcoming cohort
Cohort 14 - Fall 2025
$2,000
Dates
Payment Deadline
Prior to joining Keylime, Jordann was a successful business development director at Chemonics International, USAID's largest implementing partner by volume. During her 11 years at the company she consistently exceeded corporate win rate and sales targets, bringing in more than $600 million in USAID work. She is excited to share some of the tools and strategies she employs to make proposal development a little less painful and a lot more fun!
Sarah has more than 12 years of experience in business development and project management for both international and U.S.-based programs. She has managed business development teams at some of USAID's top implementing partners and is an expert in proposal writing, proposal management, and recruitment.
Kristen leads Keylime Academy's Cost & Pricing curriculum. She is a seasoned project implementation, business development, and program management specialist with more than 15 years of experience managing and implementing USAID-funded programs. As a cost and pricing expert, Kristen provides pricing advisory expertise to clients within the USAID market, as well as those looking to enter the USAID market or increase their USAID portfolios. Previously as a manager in Chemonics International's Cost and Pricing Department, Kristen provided formal cost proposal preparation trainings, mentored staff members, and provided pricing strategy and analysis to proposal teams and senior leadership.
Deborah has edited around 400 proposals—most to USAID—since 2008. She developed and co-facilitates sessions on persuasive writing for Keylime. She draws on her experience, good and bad examples from proposals, and the insights of communication professionals to help participants unlearn the complex and often over-the-top writing that earned high marks in school. We’ll brainstorm to improve sample text, critique proposal graphics, and share pain points as we seek ways to keep our writing compelling and readable.
Join an upcoming cohort
Cohort 14 - Fall 2025
$2,000
Dates
Payment Deadline
4-6 hours per week
Tuesdays & Thursdays
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM EST
We'll meet live for 90 minutes over Zoom twice a week, from October 5-October 31.
Weekly projects
2 hours per week
You'll have short homework assignments to complete outside of class. Team up with your peers to reap the full benefits!
Join an upcoming cohort
Cohort 14 - Fall 2025
$2,000
Dates
Payment Deadline
Active learning, not passive watching
This course builds on live workshops and hands-on projects
Interactive and project-based
You’ll be interacting with other learners through breakout rooms and project teams
Learn with a cohort of peers
Join a community of like-minded people who want to learn and grow alongside you
Join an upcoming cohort
Cohort 14 - Fall 2025
$2,000
Dates
Payment Deadline