1. Getting startedBusiness Planning

How to Write Your Business Plan with Free Cleaning Business Plan Template

how to write a business plan - pen and paper image

Summary

So far in the ‘Getting Started’ module, you’ve been researching and clarifying exactly what kind of cleaning business you want to be. 
In this lesson, we’ll walk you through the process of creating a cleaning Business Plan, using everything you’ve learnt so far.
A Business Plan is an essential document; it can be used to secure loans and hire staff, as well as serving as a ‘roadmap’ for your business.  
Before you get started, you’ll need to download our free Cleaning Business Plan template by clicking here. This is a simple template for a small business. 
Once you’re ready, follow our guide to set concrete business goals that will guide you as you grow your business!

Filling in your Cleaning Business Plan Template

Title Page

Replace all the text with the key information about your business. 

1. Executive Summary

You will want to write this part last, despite it being the first section of the plan. It is essentially a summary of the most important parts of your business plan. 
Most people make their mind up about the business just off the Executive Summary alone. Bare this in mind If you plan on sharing this plan with anyone you are trying to get to believe in your business (be that a bank manager or new member of staff).
Include: 

  • 1.1 Problem: What are you solving for customers?
  • 1.2 Solution: What service you will be offering to solve this problem. Who the founders of the business are, what they bring to the business. 
  • 1.3 Market: Who you will be targeting  
  • 1.4 Competition: Who your main competitors are and a quick explanation of how you are different to them. 
  • 1.5 Financial Highlights: Sales, profits and performance to date. 

 

2. Business Owner

This section is all about you and what makes you able to lead this business to success. Include:

  • 2.1 Background: What have you done so far that has led to this? What skills do you bring to the business?
  • 2.2 Training: What plans for further development and training do you have?

 

3. Products and Services

  • 3.1 Service Offered: What service will your cleaning business be offering? Give a basic description.
  • 3.2 Service Portfolio: What different types of service will you be offering?

 

4. The Market

  • 4.1 Market: Will you be servicing commercial or domestic customers? Why?
  • 4.2 Typical Customer: What will your typical customer look like? Describe them. 
  • 4.3 Location: Where will you service? Where will your most profitable areas be?
  • 4.4 What prompts the purchase: What incidents, seasons, holidays etc prompt a customer to call you for your service?
  • 4.5 Why they will choose [insert business name]?: Explain what you offer that solves your typical customer’s problem. How is it unique? 
  • 4.6 [optional] Purchases made to date: If relevant, discuss sales you have made to date and how they prove a need for your business. 

 

5. Market Research

This is where the information you collected in the Market Research lesson is going to come in handy!

  • 5.1 Secondary Research: Key Findings: Such as how many households are in your service area, how affluent your market is etc. 
  • 5.2 Primary Research: Key Findings: Such as insights from your online surveys or from talking to your potential customers. 

 

6. Marketing Strategy 

  • Method: Describe what marketing you will use, such as email marketing, flyers or Google Ads. 
  • Reason: Why will the method be suitable for your audience? 
  • Cost: How much will it cost your business to use these methods? 

 

7. Competitor Analysis

  • 7.1 Key Competitors: Use the information you collected in your market research to fill this one out!
  • 7.2 SWOT Analysis: Use the information you collected in your SWOT (Strategic Planning) template to fill this out. 

 

8. Operations 

  • 8.1 Appointment Booking: How will your customers book your service? By calling you? By sending you a message? 
  • 8.2 Equipment: What equipment do you have? What equipment do you need? How much will that cost? 
  • 8.3 Payment Terms: How will customers pay you? By Direct Debit, BACS, cash or another method? How soon after the service will they pay you?
  • 8.4 Transport: How will you or your staff members reach your customers? Do you have any requirements for new vehicles
  • 8.5 Insurance: What are your insurance needs? What will they cost?
  • 8.6 Staff Requirements: Will you need staff? Would you like to have staff in the future? What will you pay them?

 

9. Pricing 

Use this simple table to break down the cost of providing your service vs. the price you will charge for it. Add extra columns for extra services if needed. A more detailed table may be required for more complex services. We breakdown what that would look like in this video. 

10. Financials

This is the most challenging section of your business plan. We recommend referring to Start Up Loans resources on Cash Flow Forecasting. They have a great spreadsheet template you can download and start using here. 
Filling out your business plan is a little time consuming, but will be a crucial and often referred to document as you grow your business. Take your time getting it right. 


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