writing a business plan for cleaning service

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A cleaning company business plan is a comprehensive document outlining your cleaning company’s objectives and explaining your marketing plan , cleaning services, and funding information. It serves as the blueprint for your cleaning business. 

• Savvy entrepreneurs create a business plan when starting a new business, and they continue to update it as their business grows. 
• A well-written business plan will guide you through your journey as a small business owner. It will help you make critical decisions as you work hard to reach your goals over the years.
• You’ll be able to glimpse the bigger picture and keep track of your progress when you’ve got it all written down.
• A business plan will significantly increase your company’s chances of success , setting a clear path to long-term growth and helping you plan efficient organizational processes. 

If you’re aiming to gain the trust of potential investors, a business plan is a must-have tool that will show them if your business is worth taking the risk.

We’ve created a downloadable cleaning services business plan PDF that you can easily edit to fit your needs. Get my sample template below:

Components of a Cleaning Services Business Plan 

Now that you understand the importance of a cleaning company business plan, the next step is to start creating your own. But there’s no need to worry! We’ve done much of the legwork to ease the process of creating a business plan for you. 

Our free downloadable cleaning services business plan PDF contains essential components to help you define your goals and make better business decisions. 

However, keep in mind that every business plan is unique. You can remove or add any section as you deem necessary to create the best business plan for your cleaning company. 

Include the following elements to get started in the right direction: 

1. Executive Summary 

The first part of a comprehensive business plan is an executive summary, which provides an overview of your company and summarizes your entire business plan.

Highlight what makes your cleaning business stand out from competitors in the cleaning industry. You can also describe the weaknesses and shortcomings of other cleaning firms and how your company aims to solve these problems. 

You can include the following information in your executive summary: 

• Owner’s experience
• Mission statement
• The leadership team and employees
• Financial and growth goals

2. Company Description 

• Why did you decide to start a cleaning services company?
• What particular problems are you trying to solve, and how do you intend to beat competitors in the cleaning industry?

Your company description is where you emphasize the strengths and competitive advantages of your cleaning business. 

3. Objectives

Set the best objectives that will help keep your cleaning business on the right track.

• Think about the key goals you want to achieve, whether to reach a certain amount of sales revenue or expand your operations to a broader service area.
• When you carefully define your main goals and objectives, you’ll be able to take the proper steps to get where you want to go. 

4. Market Analysis

Market analysis gives you an insight into your target market share, the needs and demands of your customers, and your competitors.

• Do some research about the cleaning company industry and what your competitors lack to know how your company can gain an edge over others.
• With proper market analysis, you can also analyze the need for funding from financial institutions and investors. 

5. Organizational Structure 

• Define the specific roles that need to be filled, such as cleaners, an office manager, and a project manager.
• You can also talk about hiring competent personnel as your company grows and outsourcing services for processes like digital marketing and accounting. 

6. Cleaning Services

An essential part of a cleaning company business plan is identifying the type of cleaning services you intend to provide: 

• Scope of Cleaning Services – Do you plan to focus on bidding on commercial janitorial jobs , residential cleaning, housekeeping, post-construction cleaning or all types?
• List of Specific Cleaning Services – Talk about your company’s services and prices, from interior home cleaning and damage restoration to industrial cleaning. 
• Benefits of Your Cleaning Services – How will your target market benefit from your company’s services? Think about the problems you’re trying to solve for your customers, like giving them a wide selection of cleaning services to reduce the need for hiring multiple contractors. 

7. Marketing and Sales 

To survive in a competitive industry, your cleaning business needs to employ tailored marketing strategies to help you stand out and beat competitors.

Outline your marketing and sales strategies to promote your cleaning services, gain leads, and ultimately boost sales. You should determine the number of clients you must win to achieve your cleaning company’s profit goals. 

The most effective marketing strategies for cleaning businesses include: 

• Online Marketing – Your objectives can include building an authoritative business cleaning service website design , using paid advertising like Facebook ads , leveraging social media, implementing email marketing, and maintaining an excellent reputation online. 
• Offline Advertising – Timeless strategies include direct mail, distributing pamphlets and flyers, connecting with the local community, and creating branded merchandise. 

8. Funding Requests 

• Add this section if you need additional funding for day-to-day functions and operational expenses.
• You can create a table outlining your cleaning company’s expenses, letting potential investors and lenders know precisely where their money will go. 

9. Financial Projections 

Your cleaning company business plan should have a realistic financial forecast based on your extensive market analysis and company goals.

• It should include well-researched financial projections for the future to demonstrate your targeted profits. 
• Try to include a cash flow estimate, capital expenditures, and approximate payrolls for the next few years.
• You can create an annual or quarterly target profit that your team can work to accomplish. 

Pro-Top : include a cash flow estimate, capital expenditures, and approximate payrolls for the next few years. You can create an annual or quarterly target profit that your team can work to accomplish. 

10. Appendix

Your business plan ends with an appendix where you add all relevant documents, definitions, legal notes, and other critical information.

• You can include resumes, certifications, bank statements, credit reports, charts, and other supporting documents. 
• Refer readers to this section anywhere in your business plan when necessary. For example: “See Appendix, page 5, for management team certifications.”

Example of a Cleaning Services Business Plan PDF

You can open or download our free cleaning business plan PDF below:

To get an editable version on Google Docs, enter your email below:

Why Does My Cleaning Company Need a Business Plan? 

You might think, “But making a business plan sounds like a lot of work! Do I really need it for my cleaning company?” The quick answer is: Yes, you definitely need that business plan!

As tedious as it sounds, preparing a strategic business plan is crucial to set yourself up for success and not get lost along the way. 

Take a look at the following key reasons why your business will benefit from a cleaning company business plan: 

Find Out If Your Cleaning Services Business Idea Is Viable

Creating a business plan will help you test if your business idea is feasible, saving you time, money, and energy. Many aspiring entrepreneurs believe they have outstanding ideas that could never fail.

However, around 20% of business startups fail during the first year due to a lack of planning, among other things. 

To survive the cleaning business startup phase, you must perform careful and methodical planning and create a well-developed business plan. It’s the key step between visualizing the concept for your cleaning company and turning your vision into a successful business. 

Increase Your Chances of Growth and Success 

The cleaning industry is enormous, and competitive residential and commercial cleaning businesses are everywhere. There’s always demand for cleaning services. Around 80% of households in the US are expected to use home cleaning services by 2024. 

Considering the competition you’ll be facing, it helps to create a business plan that will help you identify how your cleaning company will stand out. 

• Extensive planning will help you pinpoint your target market, determine your unique selling proposition, and develop a startup and operating expenses budget.
• This process will ultimately set your cleaning business up for long-term growth and success.

Secure Financing

Established financial institutions, lenders, and investors typically perform an extensive investigation before committing to an investment. With a solid business plan, you’ll be more likely to secure the funds you need to get your business up and running. 

Common Questions about Cleaning Company Business Plans

A business plan will help you determine if your cleaning business idea is viable, increase your chances of success, and secure financing.

An executive summary includes a mission statement, information about the leadership team, and financial goals.

Final Thoughts: Driving Your Cleaning Company’s Success With a Solid Business Plan 

Equipped with a well-researched business plan, you’ll have much higher chances of succeeding in the cleaning services industry. It’s also a valuable tool that can help you secure funding for your operational expenses as a cleaning startup. 

After downloading our free cleaning services business plan PDF, make sure to edit each section and include all essential information to create a comprehensive document.

Our free sample cleaning company business plan serves as an excellent starting point – a helpful template that you can personalize as necessary.

Written by Nelmie Jane Pardo

Nelmie Jane Pardo is a senior contributing writer who lends insight into digital marketing methods and business solutions. She regularly writes at BusinessHue to help business owners take their online marketing to the next level.

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Expert business plan and financial models

Business Plan for a Cleaning Business: Complete Guide

• January 30, 2023

👇 Check all our resources on cleaning businesses 👇

Whether you’re looking to raise funding from private investors or to get a loan from a bank (like a SBA loan) for your cleaning business, you will need to prepare a solid business plan.

In this article we go through, step-by-step, all the different sections you need in the business plan of your cleaning business. Use this template to create a complete, clear and solid business plan that get you funded.

1. Executive Summary

The executive summary of a business plan gives a sneak peek of the information about your business plan to lenders and/or investors.

If the information you provide here is not concise, informative, and scannable, potential lenders and investors may lose interest.

Why do you need a business plan for a cleaning business?

The purpose of a business plan is to secure funding through one of the following channels:

• Obtain bank financing or secure a loan from other lenders (such as a SBA loan )
• Obtain private investments from investment funds, angel investors, etc.
• Obtain a public or private grant

How to write an executive summary for a cleaning business?

Provide a precise and high-level summary of every section that you have included in the business plan for your cleaning business. The information and the data you include in this segment should grab the attention of potential investors and lenders immediately. Ensure that the executive summary doesn’t exceed 2 pages in total.

The executive summary usually consists of the five major sub-sections that include:

• Business overview : introduce what services your cleaning business offers (commercial vs. residential cleaning), what type of customers you focus on (individuals, businesses, factories, etc.), any specific cleaning service you focus on (e.g. carpet cleaning), your company structure and, more importantly, how and why you want to start such a business today
• Market overview : the market overview section will contain an overview of the expected market size and growth of the cleaning industry in your area as well as your target customers. Another important part of any market overview is a clear and thorough analysis of your competitors
• People : introduce your company’s management and employee structure. Provide a brief (no more than a couple of sentences each) of the experience of the team. Also, speak about your hiring plans: who will you hire and who will report to whom?
• Financial plan : how much profit and revenue do you expect in the next 5 years? When will you reach break-even point and start making profits? Include here your key financials such as revenue, gross profits, and net profit
• Funding ask : what loan/investment/grant are you seeking? How much do you need? How long will this last?

Cleaning Financial Model

Download an expert-built 5-year Excel financial model for your business plan

2. Business Overview

The business overview section is sometimes called the company description and is one of the most important parts of the cleaning business plan.

Here, you will want to provide crucial information about your cleaning business, including your services, pricing structure , customers, and company structure.

a) History of the Project

This is a brief description of your business, outlining its origin and your reasons for venturing into this field. As one would put it, it answers a major question about business; why a cleaning company? 

When starting a cleaning business, you want to use all your best tools to show the lenders and investors that your passion is deeply built around the need to fill an existing market gap. For example, you would argue that many customers in your area need eco-friendly cleaning, tile and grout cleaning, or commercial kitchen cleaning services.

b) Business Model

You should be clear if you are opening an independent cleaning company or partnering. Also, make it clear if you are buying an existing franchise.

Franchising has an added advantage of simplicity, given an already established market base. However, every model has its risks and benefits. So, choose what’s best for your target market and long-term goals. 

c) Services

Don’t get it twisted. Cleaning companies offer a range of services to their consumers depending on the business location and demand. So, an important aspect of laying a solid foundation is to explain to your customers what they should expect from your business. In other words, what type of cleaning services do you intend to offer? 

The 2 main categories of cleaning services are: residential and commercial cleaning.

Residential cleaning targets private residences and homes. If you choose this option, you can specialize in home maintenance, move-in and move-out cleaning, deep cleaning, green cleaning, and residential event cleanups. 

On the other hand, commercial cleaning suits businesses and requires significant manpower, more space, and sophisticated equipment. You can’t run this business in some regions without enough vehicles to transport your equipment. 

If you plan to specialize in commercial cleaning, you can focus on general office cleaning tasks, large-scale specialized cleaning, construction cleanups, commercial kitchen cleaning, and hazardous waste cleaning.

d) Pricing Strategy

Another important part of the business overview section is your pricing structure. It should be as clear as possible because investors will rely on it when assessing your financial need.

Most cleaning companies in the US set their rates per square foot, per room, per hour, or as a flat fee. And the standard national hourly cost of house cleaning services in the US ranges from $50 to $90 per hour per cleaner.  

e) Target Customers

Who is your ideal customer? And which cleaning services do they need? You might have already identified your target market if you can answer these questions correctly. 

For instance, if private residences and apartments dominate the region, many individuals will probably need residential cleaning services. Make sure you offer that.

Similarly, a busy city center with many offices and commercial properties will probably benefit from commercial cleaning services as mentioned above. Identifying your target market is one of the fastest ways to increase revenue potential after assessing the competition. 

f) Legal Structure

Finally, your business overview section should specify what type of business structure you want. Is this a corporation or a partnership (LLC)? Who are the investors? How much equity percentage do they own? Is there a Board of Directors? If so, whom? Do they have experience in the industry?

3. Market Overview

To run a successful business, you need all the facts that back your decision to start a cleaning company in the region at that time. Market analysis will help you identify the level of competition in the region and whether the investment is worth it. 

For example, offering commercial cleaning services in a residential setup would make little sense. Similarly, overpricing your services when the dominant population is low to middle-income earners won’t fast-track business growth. 

a) Cleaning Business Industry Status Quo

This section should answer two obvious questions about your cleaning business;

• What is the market size of the cleaning industry in your area? 
• How fast is the cleaning industry growing? 

Both questions will help you set realistic expectations when getting into this field, having analyzed the market trends and size. 

How big is the cleaning industry in the US?

It’s always good to start any market overview by assessing the market size at a national level.

Of course, the figures may not represent the actual status of the cleaning business in your region, but they offer a solid foundation for building a thriving business. According to the latest statistics, the cleaning service industry in the US had a value of $97.6 billion in 2022 . 

The staggering need for cleaning services means that the commercial cleaning sector will likely grow at a steady rate of 5.4% up to 2025 . Although this may be a good sign for setting up your cleaning business, you should also assess market growth in your area (see below).

How big is the cleaning industry in your area?

Getting the market data at the city level gives you a clearer picture of what to expect from the market. It may complicated, but you only need the total number of cleaning companies in your region and their services to assess your area’s market size.

For example, let’s assume you want to get into the carpet cleaning business. With close to 32,000 carpet cleaning businesses in the US, and a total market value of $4 billion (carpet cleaning US market), we can safely assume each carpet cleaning business generates $125,000 in sales per year on average.

Now, assuming there are 25 competitors in your area, the estimated market size of the carpet cleaning industry in your area is $3.1 million.

How fast is the cleaning industry growing in your area?

You may need to analyze multiple factors to determine the growth rate of the cleaning industry in your region. Sometimes, this involves a few calculations to get an actual figure when drawing your conclusion. 

For example, if the region had 120 cleaning companies in 2020, which increased to 150 in 2022, you can assume that the industry is growing at a steady rate of 12% per year. 

Pay attention to all factors that may directly impact the growth rate, including a population influx, increased demand, and increased income potential. 

However, don’t be shocked if you notice a successive drop in the demand for cleaning services in the region. This is possible even when the national statistics show otherwise. Its part and parcel of the business and could indicate that this isn’t the right time to launch a cleaning company. 

b) Cleaning Business Competitor Analysis

Another crucial step in the business plan of your cleaning company is to assess the existing competition. There are a couple of questions to guide you here, including;

• How many cleaning companies are there in your region?
• What services do they offer (residential, commercial cleaning, or both)?
• What’s the average price of hiring a cleaning company in the region?
• What’s the total number of individuals employed by a typical cleaning company in the region? 
• How many customers do they serve per week/month? 

Why do you need a competitive analysis in the business plan of your cleaning business?

Assessing the competition in the area where you plan to start your cleaning business will allow to better understand whether there is sufficient demand, and whether you are well positioned to take market share from competitors.

For example, starting a new business would make perfect sense under the following circumstances;

• There’s a clear market gap that you can fill in the region (For example, offering a service that other companies might have missed, like eco-friendly/green cleaning) 
• There are no or inadequate cleaning companies in the region. This would present the perfect opportunity to tap into the market potential and grow a thriving business. 

c) Cleaning Business Customer Analysis

The customer analysis section is almost similar to your target audience . However, this is your chance to prove to the lenders that your target market is real and available. You can use the following questions to analyze your client base; 

• Which individuals need cleaning services in the region? 
• What’s the average income of the individuals in the region? (This is also important when determining your pricing structure)
• Which cleaning services are they interested in?
• How often do they need cleaning services? (daily, weekly, monthly)
• Are they more likely to benefit from commercial or residential cleaning services?

Usually, the level of competition in the region also influences your customer analysis. So, that should be clear to help you determine the market demand or predict the success of your cleaning business.

4. Sales & Marketing

The sales and marketing strategy sums up your plans for acquiring new clients. Here are a few helpful questions to guide you:

• Which marketing channels are best suited to your business (online vs. offline marketing)?
• Do you have a unique selling point? If so, what is it?
• What is your marketing budget for the first months / year?
• How can you track the success of your marketing strategy?
• Do you plan to offer any promotions to attract new customers? 

Cleaning Business Marketing Channels

You can use the following channels for marketing your cleaning business locally;

• Pay-per-click campaigns (e.g. Google ads)
• Email, SMS marketing
• Social media content & ads 
• Word-of-mouth advertising
• TV and radio advertisement

What are your Unique Selling Points (USPs)?

A unique selling point is what puts you ahead of the rest. It’s no secret that you will face stiff competition from established cleaning companies in the field. So, how you set yourself apart matters. Some factors to consider include;

• Price : Cheaper services than your competitors
• Location : Your proximity to the target market gives you a slight edge over the rest
• Quality : Stellar cleaning services with modern equipment will attract more clients

5. Management & People

You must address 2 things here:

• The management team and their experience/track record
• The organizational structure: different team members and who reports to whom?

a) Management

Small businesses often fail because of managerial weaknesses . Thus, having a strong management team is vital. Highlight the experience and education of senior managers that you intend to hire to oversee your commercial cleaning business.

Describe their duties, responsibilities, and roles. Also, highlight their previous experience and explain how they succeeded in their previous roles.

It is also important that you explain how their experiences and qualifications help you in offering the services you are proposing. If they have specialized training and education (such as carpet cleaning, industrial cleaning, etc.), add that information too.

b) Organizational Structure

Even if you haven’t already hired a senior manager and any other relevant staff members, you must provide a flowchart of the organizational structure defining the hierarchy of reporting as shown below.

6. Financial Plan

The financial plan is perhaps, with the executive summary, the most important section of any business plan for a cleaning company.

Indeed, a solid financial plan tells lenders that your business is viable and can repay the loan you need from them. If you’re looking to raise equity from private investors, a solid financial plan will prove them your cleaning business is an attractive investment.

There should be 3 sections to your financial plan section:

• Your historical financials (only if you already operate the business and have financial accounts to show)
• The startup costs of your project (if you plan to start a new cleaning business, purchase new equipment, etc.)
• The 5-year financial projections

a) Historical Financials (if any)

In the scenario where you already have some historical financials (a few quarters or a few years), include them. A summary of your financial statements in the form of charts e.g. revenue, gross profit and net profit is enough, save the rest for the appendix.

If you don’t have any, don’t worry, most new businesses don’t have any historical financials and that’s ok. If so, jump to Startup Costs instead.

b) Startup Costs

Before we expand on 5-year financial projections in the following section, it’s always best practice to start with listing the startup costs of your project.

For a cleaning business, startup costs are all the expenses you incur before you start making sales. Luckily, these expenses are rather low for cleaning companies and mostly include the cost to purchase equipment and the vehicle you will use to transport them.

As an example, it costs on average $73,500 – $167,500 to start a small commercial cleaning business with 2 vans and 4 employees. We have laid out below estimates for the key startup costs you can expect for a cleaning business.

Note that these costs are for illustrative purposes and may not be fully relevant for your business. For more information on how much it costs to start and run a cleaning business, read our article here .

c) Financial Projections

In addition to startup costs, you will now need to build a solid 5-year financial model for your cleaning business.

Your financial projections should be built using a spreadsheet (e.g. Excel or Google Sheets) and presented in the form of tables and charts in the business plan of your cleaning business.

As usual, keep it concise here and save details (for example detailed financial statements, financial metrics, key assumptions used for the projections) for the appendix instead.

Your financial projections should answer at least the following questions:

• How much revenue do you expect to generate over the next 5 years?
• When do you expect to break even?
• How much cash will you burn until you get there?
• What’s the impact of a change in pricing (say 20%) on your margins?
• What is your average customer acquisition cost?

You should include here your 3 financial statements (income statement, balance sheet and cash flow statement). This means you must forecast:

• The number of customers over time ;
• Your expected revenue ;
• Operating costs to run the business ;
• Any other cash flow items (e.g. capex, debt repayment, etc.).

When projecting your revenue, make sure to sensitize pricing and the number of customers as a small change in these assumptions will have a big impact on your revenues.

7. Funding Ask

This is the last section of the business plan of your cleaning business. Now that we have explained what your company is about, the services you offer and to whom, what’s your strategy, where you go and how you get there, this section must answer the following questions:

• How much funding do you need?
• What financial instrument(s) do you need: is this equity or debt, or even a free-money public grant?
• How long will this funding last?
• Where else does the money come from? If you apply for a SBA loan for example, where does the other part of the investment come from (your own capital, private investors?)

If you raise debt:

• What percentage of the total funding the loan represents?
• What is the corresponding Debt Service Coverage Ratio ?

If you raise equity

• What percentage ownership are you selling as part of this funding round?
• What is the corresponding valuation of your business?

Use of Funds

Any business plan should include a clear use of funds section. This is where you explain how the money will be spent.

Will you spend most of the loan / investment in paying your employees’ salaries? Or will it cover mostly the cost for the lease deposit and the renovation?

Those are very important questions you should be able to answer in the blink of an eye. Don’t worry, this should come straight from your financial projections. If you’ve built solid projections like in our Cleaning financial model template , you won’t have any issues answering these questions.

For the use of funds, we also recommend using a pie chart like the one we have in our financial model template where we outline the main expenses categories as shown below.

Related Posts

How to Build a Financial Model for a Cleaning Business

Starting a Cleaning Business Costs $73,500 – $167,500

• May 8, 2023

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How to write a cleaning business plan, with example

GorillaDesk Staff

“If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” – Benjamin Franklin

A house cleaning service business plan can help you get a loan. It’s also a roadmap to a successful cleaning company. But — 

There are seven key elements every business plan must have. It’s not hard to write one, but you’ll need to know the answers to some questions before you start.

See how to write a cleaning business plan below, along with tips, advice, and a sample cleaning business plan to get you off on the right foot.

What is a cleaning business plan?

A cleaning business plan is a document that shows why your business should exist, what it will do, how you’ll do it, and who you’ll do it for. It maps out your path to success, including financial projections, a market analysis, your services, and a description of your organizational structure.

Most banks will want to see a business plan before they’ll lend you money. Even if you don’t need a loan, a plan can guide you as you start and scale your business.

Pro Tip: If you’re just looking for the steps to create a successful cleaning company, one of the most important is to set your prices higher than you think. See our article on how to start a cleaning business for more.

The 7 parts of a cleaning business plan

Each cleaning service business plan has seven important parts. The best way to write your own plan is to read this article, then come back with a pen and notebook and jot down your best answers and to-do items. Writing the plan will be a lot easier if you’ve answered all the questions first.

1. Executive summary

Since you haven’t written your house cleaning business plan yet, you’ll skip this part for now. Then when you’ve finished writing the rest, you’ll come back and summarize your plan at the top.

• Your business name
• A very brief overview of your services
• Your mission and vision statements (see examples here and here )
• Why you’re writing the plan (for example, to get a loan or to increase your odds of success)

2. Company description

What is your company all about, and how will it be structured? Write about 100 words on:

• Your business structure ( LLC , corporation , sole proprietorship )
• The types of consumers you’ll serve
• A complete list of your service offerings (for example, cleaning homes and Airbnbs)
• Your business goals

3. Cleaning services you’ll offer

Re-list your service offerings, and this time, write a short description of each one. Include:

• Benefits to the customer of each service
• Why your services are better than the competition’s

4. Market analysis

This is where you show how much you understand the cleaning industry. Include:

• A list of your different types of customers (like property managers and homeowners)
• How many customers are in your area
• A detailed description of the other cleaning companies near you and their strengths and weaknesses

Pro Tip: Make it easier by introducing yourself to a few cleaning company owners and asking how-to questions. (You can find them by searching “cleaning business owner” on LinkedIn.)

5. Strategy

Describe your sales and marketing plan and how you’ll put it into action, including:

• Your operating hours and locations
• Your service area
• How many employees you’ll have, and where you’ll find them
• How you’ll find and connect with customers
• Your pricing
• Your costs, both fixed and per cleaning
• How the company will function (from getting a new customer to doing a cleaning and invoicing)

6. Leadership

Who’s in charge of your cleaning company, and what are they responsible for? Make:

• A list of your company’s leaders and job descriptions
• Names of the owners, what percent of the business they own, their background, and how much they’ll be involved
• Names and bios of any advisors or mentors who will help, including attorneys or other professionals

7. Financial plan and projections

You’ll most likely need to pay an accountant to help with creating financial projections. Create 3-year projections of:

• P&L statement
• Balance sheet
• Cash flow statement

You can see examples of all three projections below, at the bottom of the cleaning company business plan template below.

Pro Tip: Writer’s block? Tell ChatGPT the answers to the questions above, then ask it to write your plan up for you. Then read and adjust it to fit it to your business goals.

Example cleaning business plan

You can copy, paste, and edit this sample cleaning service business plan template to get started:

1) Executive Summary

Business Name: [Your Business Name]

Owner: [Your Name]

Location: [City, State]

Business Structure: Sole Proprietorship / LLC

Services Offered: Residential Cleaning, Deep Cleaning, Move-In/Move-Out Cleaning, Seasonal Cleaning

Mission Statement: Our mission is to provide high-quality, reliable, and affordable cleaning services that make our clients’ homes healthier and more comfortable.

2) Business Description

A) Company Overview:

[Your Business Name] is a residential cleaning service committed to offering top-tier cleaning solutions to homeowners. We specialize in maintaining a clean, organized, and hygienic living space that enhances the well-being of our clients. Our services cater to a variety of needs, from regular upkeep to deep cleaning sessions.

B) Target Market:

Our primary target market includes busy professionals, families, and elderly individuals who require assistance with maintaining their homes. Our services are also ideal for property managers and real estate agents in need of cleaning services for move-in/move-out or post-renovation scenarios.

C) Unique Selling Proposition (USP):

We stand out by offering personalized cleaning plans tailored to each client’s specific needs. Our commitment to using eco-friendly products and methods sets us apart, ensuring a safe environment for children, pets, and allergy-sensitive individuals.

3) Market Analysis

A) Industry Overview:

The residential cleaning industry is a growing market with increasing demand due to busy lifestyles, dual-income households, and an aging population. The shift towards eco-friendly cleaning solutions is also driving growth.

B) Competitor Analysis:

• Competitor A: Offers basic cleaning services at low prices but lacks personalized service.
• Competitor B: Focuses on high-end clients with premium pricing but limited availability.
• Competitor C: Uses eco-friendly products but charges extra for this service.

C) Market Trends:

• Increasing demand for green cleaning services.
• Growing preference for personalized and flexible cleaning schedules.
• Rising use of online booking platforms for convenience.

D) Target Customer:

• Demographics: Ages 25-65, middle to upper-middle income, homeowners, renters, and property managers.
• Geographic: Residential areas within [City/Region].
• Psychographics: Value convenience, cleanliness, and a healthy living environment.

4) Services Offered

• Standard Residential Cleaning: Regular cleaning services including dusting, vacuuming, mopping, and bathroom/kitchen cleaning.
• Deep Cleaning: Comprehensive cleaning, including areas not typically covered in standard cleaning, such as baseboards, inside appliances, and behind furniture.
• Move-In/Move-Out Cleaning: Specialized cleaning service for homes being prepared for new occupants or post-move-out.
• Seasonal Cleaning: Deep cleaning services tailored to specific seasonal needs, like spring cleaning or pre-holiday preparation.
• Customized Cleaning Plans: Tailored cleaning schedules and services based on individual client preferences.

5) Marketing Strategy

A) Branding:

Develop a professional brand image with a clean, modern logo, and a user-friendly website. Emphasize your commitment to eco-friendly products and personalized service.

B) Marketing Channels:

• Online Presence: Develop a website with online booking options, service descriptions, and testimonials. Use SEO strategies to increase visibility.
• Social Media: Engage potential clients on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn with before-and-after photos, cleaning tips, and promotions.
• Local Advertising: Distribute flyers, post ads in local newspapers, and participate in community events.
• Referral Program: Offer discounts or free services for clients who refer new customers.

C) Pricing Strategy:

• Competitive Pricing: Set prices based on market research, offering competitive rates that reflect the quality and value of your services.
• Package Deals: Create cleaning packages for regular clients, offering discounted rates for long-term contracts.

6) Operations Plan

A) Location and Equipment:

• Location: Operate from a home office with a storage area for supplies and equipment.
• Equipment: Invest in high-quality cleaning tools, vacuum cleaners, mops, and eco-friendly cleaning products.

B) Staffing Plan:

• Initial Staffing: Start as a sole proprietor or with a small team. As the business grows, hire part-time cleaners or contract workers.
• Training: Provide thorough training in cleaning techniques, customer service, and safety protocols.

C) Operations Workflow:

• Client Consultation: Discuss client needs, schedule, and pricing.
• Service Delivery: Perform the cleaning service based on the agreed plan.
• Quality Control: Conduct follow-up checks to ensure client satisfaction.
• Billing and Payment: Use an invoicing system for easy payment processing.

7) Financial Plan

A) Startup Costs:

• Initial Equipment: $2,000
• Supplies (3 months): $500
• Marketing Materials: $1,000
• Website Development: $1,500
• Legal and Licensing Fees: $500
• Total: $5,500

B) Revenue Projections:

• Year 1: $50,000
• Year 2: $75,000
• Year 3: $100,000

C) Break-Even Analysis:

• Monthly Fixed Costs: $2,000
• Variable Costs per Job: $50
• Average Revenue per Job: $150
• Break-Even Point: 14 jobs per month

D)) Funding Requirements:

Seeking $5,500 in startup funding, which will be used to cover initial costs and establish the business.

• Legal Documents: Business license, insurance, contracts.
• Sample Cleaning Checklist: Detailed checklist for standard and deep cleaning services.
• Client Testimonials: Positive reviews from early clients to build credibility.

This house cleaning business plan template outlines the key steps and strategies for launching and growing [Your Business Name], positioning it as a trusted and reliable cleaning service provider in [City/Region]. With a focus on quality, customer satisfaction, and eco-friendly practices, we aim to build a loyal client base and achieve sustainable growth.

Once you’ve used the cleaning business plan template above to start your company, it’s time to grow it fast. Start by breaking up with bad customers. See our article on how to grow a cleaning business for more tips.

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How To Write a Cleaning Services Business Plan + Template

Creating a business plan is essential for any business, but it can be especially helpful for cleaning services businesses that want to improve their strategy and/or raise funding.

A well-crafted business plan not only outlines the vision for your company, but also documents a step-by-step roadmap of how you are going to accomplish it. In order to create an effective business plan, you must first understand the components that are essential to its success.

This article provides an overview of the key elements that every cleaning services business owner should include in their business plan.

Download the Ultimate Cleaning Business Plan Template

What is a Cleaning Services Business Plan?

A cleaning services business plan is a formal written document that describes your company’s business strategy and its feasibility. It documents the reasons you will be successful, your areas of competitive advantage, and it includes information about your team members. Your business plan is a key document that will convince investors and lenders (if needed) that you are positioned to become a successful venture.

Why Write a Cleaning Services Business Plan?

A cleaning services business plan is required for banks and investors. The document is a clear and concise guide of your business idea and the steps you will take to make it profitable.

Entrepreneurs can also use this as a roadmap when starting their new company or venture, especially if they are inexperienced in starting a business.

Writing an Effective Cleaning Services Business Plan

The following are the key components of a successful cleaning services business plan:

Executive Summary

The executive summary of a cleaning services business plan is a one to two page overview of your entire business plan. It should summarize the main points, which will be presented in full in the rest of your business plan.

• Start with a one-line description of your cleaning services company
• Provide a short summary of the key points in each section of your business plan, which includes information about your company’s management team, industry analysis, competitive analysis, and financial forecast among others.

Company Description

This section should include a brief history of your company. Include a short description of how your company started, and provide a timeline of milestones your company has achieved.

If you are just starting your cleaning services business, you may not have a long company history. Instead, you can include information about your professional experience in this industry and how and why you conceived your new venture. If you have worked for a similar company before or have been involved in an entrepreneurial venture before starting your cleaning services firm, mention this.

Industry Analysis

The industry or market analysis is an important component of a cleaning services business plan. Conduct thorough market research to determine industry trends and document the size of your market. 

Questions to answer include:

• What part of the cleaning services industry are you targeting?
• How big is the market?
• What trends are happening in the industry right now (and if applicable, how do these trends support the success of your company)?

You should also include sources for the information you provide, such as published research reports and expert opinions.

Customer Analysis

This section should include a list of your target audience(s) with demographic and psychographic profiles (e.g., age, gender, income level, profession, job titles, interests). You will need to provide a profile of each customer segment separately, including their needs and wants.

For example, the customers of a cleaning services business may include:

• Small businesses
• Commercial businesses
• Industrial businesses

List the needs and wants of each customer segment, as they relate to your cleaning services. For example, a small business owner may need their office cleaned on a regular basis, but may not have the time or resources to do it themselves. Conversely, a homeowner may want their home cleaned but may not be willing to pay for professional services.

You can include information about how your customers make the decision to buy from you as well as what keeps them buying from you.

Develop a strategy for targeting those customers who are most likely to buy from you, as well as those that might be influenced to buy your products or cleaning services with the right marketing.

Competitive Analysis

The competitive analysis helps you determine how your product or service will be different from competitors, and what your unique selling proposition (USP) might be that will set you apart in this industry.

For each competitor, list their strengths and weaknesses. Next, determine your areas of competitive differentiation and/or advantage; that is, in what ways are you different from and ideally better than your competitors.

Marketing Plan

This part of the business plan is where you determine and document your marketing plan. . Your plan should be clearly laid out, including the following 4 Ps.

• Product/Service : Detail your service offerings here. Document their features and benefits.
• Price : Document your pricing strategy here. In addition to stating the prices for your services, mention how your pricing compares to your competition.
• Place : Where will your customers find you? What channels of distribution (e.g., partnerships) will you use to reach them if applicable?
• Promotion : How will you reach your target customers? For example, you may use social media, write blog posts, create an email marketing campaign, use pay-per-click advertising, launch a direct mail campaign. Or, you may promote your cleaning services business via word-of-mouth.

Operations Plan

This part of your cleaning services business plan should include the following information:

• How will you deliver your product/service to customers? For example, will you do it in person or over the phone only?
• What infrastructure, equipment, and resources are needed to operate successfully? How can you meet those requirements within budget constraints?

The operations plan is where you also need to include your company’s business policies. You will want to establish policies related to everything from customer service to pricing, to the overall brand image you are trying to present.

Finally, and most importantly, in your Operations Plan, you will lay out the milestones your company hopes to achieve within the next five years. Create a chart that shows the key milestone(s) you hope to achieve each quarter for the next four quarters, and then each year for the following four years. Examples of milestones for a cleaning services business include reaching $X in sales. Other examples include expanding to a new city or adding additional services.

Management Team

List your team members here including their names and titles, as well as their expertise and experience relevant to your specific cleaning services industry. Include brief biography sketches for each team member.

Particularly if you are seeking funding, the goal of this section is to convince investors and lenders that your team has the expertise and experience to execute on your plan. If you are missing key team members, document the roles and responsibilities you plan to hire for in the future.

Financial Plan

Here you will include a summary of your complete and detailed financial plan (your full financial projections go in the Appendix). 

This includes the following three financial statements:

Income Statement

Your income statement should include:

• Revenue : how much revenue you generate.
• Cost of Goods Sold : These are your direct costs associated with generating revenue. This includes labor costs, as well as the cost of any equipment and supplies used to deliver the product/service offering.
• Net Income (or loss) : Once expenses and revenue are totaled and deducted from each other, this is the net income or loss.

Sample Income Statement for a Startup Cleaning Services Business

Balance Sheet

Include a balance sheet that shows your assets, liabilities, and equity. Your balance sheet should include:

• Assets : All of the things you own (including cash).
• Liabilities : This is what you owe against your company’s assets, such as accounts payable or loans.
• Equity : The worth of your business after all liabilities and assets are totaled and deducted from each other.

Sample Balance Sheet for a Startup Cleaning Services Business

Cash Flow Statement

Include a cash flow statement showing how much cash comes in, how much cash goes out and a net cash flow for each year. The cash flow statement should include:

• Cash Flow From Operations
• Cash Flow From Investments
• Cash Flow From Financing

Below is a sample of a projected cash flow statement for a startup cleaning services business.

Sample Cash Flow Statement for a Startup Cleaning Services Business

You will also want to include an appendix section which will include:

• Your complete financial projections
• A complete list of your company’s business policies and procedures related to the rest of the business plan (marketing, operations, etc.)
• Any other documentation which supports what you included in the body of your business plan.

Writing a good business plan gives you the advantage of being fully prepared to launch and/or grow your cleaning services company. It not only outlines your business vision, but also provides a step-by-step process of how you are going to accomplish it.

Now that you know what should be included in a cleaning services business plan, it’s time to get started on writing your own. The template we’ve provided can help you get started, but don’t forget to personalize it to reflect your unique company and its goals.   

Finish Your Cleaning Business Plan in 1 Day!

Wish there was a faster, easier way to finish your Cleaning business plan?

With our Ultimate Cleaning Business Plan Template you can finish your plan in just 8 hours or less!

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• Sample Business Plans

How to Write a Cleaning Company Business Plan + Free Template

Ever dreamed of starting your own cleaning services business?

If yes, you’ve come to the right place. It’s time for you to venture into an exciting world of clean and nicely organized spaces.

However, you need to think about resources and funding for navigating the ins and outs of the cleaning business.

Also, you need to identify if there’s a market opportunity to be successful, how many competitors you’ll face, and what potential clients expect from companies like yours.

Surprisingly, a professional business plan will help you answer all these questions. Here’s our sample Cleaning Company Business Plan to give you enough motivation.

We have created this sample business plan for you to get a good idea about how a comprehensive business plan should look alike and what elements you need to include in your business plan.

But before you start writing a business plan for your new cleaning company, consider a few tips and business planning hacks compiled for you.

Industry Overview

The commercial cleaning services industry stood at an impressive value of $89.7 billion , and its growth shows that it’s not going to slow down.

Especially after the pandemic, the significance of cleaning has grown. The household cleaners or residential cleaning market is projected to be $40.38 billion by 2025.

And if you have a knack for cleaning and organizing spaces, there’s a golden opportunity to build a thriving business.

Before you go, we have some important things that you have to keep in mind.

Things to Consider Before Writing Your Cleaning Business Plan

Choose what you’ll clean.

Decide what kind of spaces you want to clean. You can go for anything from cleaning outdoor areas, hotels, schools, or office space.

This will help you hire employees who are the best at specific jobs. After all, cleaning different spaces requires a different set of skills and precision.

So, having a niche would help you become a specialist at your work and make your customers avail of your service more often.

Decide what additional services you can provide

Sometimes business is all about going that extra mile. Decide what additional services you can provide apart from the primary ones.

This would also largely depend upon your potential clients and the industry sector you are in.

For example, if you clean office spaces, you can specialize in the organizational services that can set you apart from competitors. Also, this will open opportunities for additional revenue.

Know your competitors

Knowing your competitors is crucial. Identify their strengths, weaknesses, and position in the market. It helps you stay ahead of them and have a foresight of what might happen next in the industry.

Hence, maintaining a competitive advantage in this dynamic and rapidly evolving sector is a must.

Adapt to technology

The cleaning industry is a lot about putting technology to maximum use. So, embrace technological advancements, such as online booking systems and machines for better cleaning.

This will ensure that your business remains competitive and aligns with the evolving needs of your customers. And to keep up you’ll have to change too.

How to Write a Cleaning Company Business Plan?

1. write an executive summary.

An executive summary is the first and most significant section of any business plan, usually written in the last when the entire plan is ready.

It provides a high-level overview of your cleaning company business plan, offering a quick understanding of your business. So, keep your executive summary clear, concise, and engaging to grab readers’ attention.

This section includes the business name, concept, core values, objectives, marketing plan, management team, and financial projections.

You may start your executive summary with a compelling introduction to the cleaning business, including what is your idea behind this business and what type of business you are running.

Briefly outline your cleaning services and clarify how your services will be different. Describe your target customers, and don’t forget to explain how your cleaning business satisfies their needs.

Name all the key members of your team and provide a summary of your cleaning company’s financial projections for 3-5 years.

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2. Provide a Company Overview

As the name suggests, the company overview section provides a detailed description of your small business.

It includes the business name, owners, legal structure, location, history, and other such information, providing an in-depth understanding of your company.

You may start this section by providing all the basic information about your cleaning business, such as the name of your company, type of business, legal structure, location, and the reason for choosing that place.

Highlight the owners of your cleaning company, along with their percentage shares and responsibilities. Include vision-mission statements that summarize your business objectives and core principles.

After that, mention your cleaning service business’s history and explain how it came into its recent position. Also, describe your future business goals.

Here is an example of PristineClean’s business goals written using Upmetrics AI-writing assistant :

Next, you may outline some personality and intriguing details like business achievements or recognition, if any.

3. Conduct an Industry and Market Analysis

Starting a cleaning services business requires a strategic roadmap, and the key to developing it lies in a complete industry and market analysis.

This chapter provides valuable insights into your external business environment, including the cleaning industry in which your business operates and its dynamics.

It helps your readers or potential investors to better understand the broader cleaning industry, local market, target customers, emerging market trends, potential challenges, and opportunities.

Here are a few key components your industry and market analysis section must include:

Market Size and Growth Potential

Give a detailed overview of the cleaning industry and determine its market size, growth potential, and target market. Use industry publications, market reports, and statistical data for thorough research.

Also, Identify and describe a few market influencing factors, such as increased hygiene awareness, growing urbanization, eco-friendliness, and changing lifestyles.

Target Market

Specify your target market and define the attributes of your ideal clients. Try to break down the market into segments based on residential or commercial focus, demographics, and specific cleaning service needs.

Learn more about your customers and define the geographic regions you wish to serve. Recognize the local cleaning services demand and identify whether your cleaning business will focus on certain services.

You may also display your cleaning business’s market distribution as follow s:

Competitive Analysis

Explore all the commercial cleaning businesses in the local market and identify key competitors, including direct and indirect competitors.

To know more about the competitive landscape, analyze their strengths & weaknesses and evaluate their market positioning. From that, pinpoint untapped areas in the market and understand the scope of competitive advantage.

Try to explain how you can offer qualitative cleaning services and develop unique selling propositions(USPs) that set your cleaning business apart.

Conduct a SWOT analysis to evaluate internal & external factors and get better insights.

Market trends

Stay updated on emerging market trends and recent industry practices to write this section. Observe current innovations in cleaning technology and eco-friendly practices. Also, explore ways to implement online booking systems, automated scheduling, or smart cleaning equipment.

Regulatory Environment

Highlight regulatory considerations for your cleaning services business. It includes local regulations, business licenses or permits, health & safety compliance, and insurance requirements.

Have a look at the PristineClean’s regulatory environment:

Regulatory environment

In [Westminster] and its adjacent areas, the commercial cleaning industry is bound by several regulations to ensure quality, safety, and environmental responsibility:

• Safety Codes: Adherence to [specific state/city safety codes] is mandatory for all cleaning operations.
• Licensing: Obtaining a [specific janitorial license] is crucial for operating within the city limits.
• Eco-regulations: Guidelines to limit the use of harmful chemicals, ensuring the safety of both clients and the environment.

“[PristineClean Commercial Solutions]” is committed to full compliance with all regulatory requirements, ensuring our clients receive services that are not only superior but also responsible.

4. List Your Service Offerings

This section provides details of your service offerings and elaborates on your service range, description, pricing strategies, and more.

You may start by describing specific cleaning services that you will be going to offer your customers. Also, highlight the overarching benefits and solutions your cleaning service business will serve.

Your cleaning services might be any of the following:

• Commercial cleaning services
• Residential cleaning services
• Window and Glass Cleaning
• Carpet cleaning services
• Furniture and general disinfecting
• Janitorial Services
• Green cleaning services

Effectively communicate your cleaning services to the customers by sharing clear pricing plans and service descriptions with project timelines.

Here, you may refer to the below example to draft your own cleaning business’s service offerings:

Next, mention any additional services or customized cleaning service packages based on specific client needs.

5. Outline a Sales and Marketing Plan

The sales and marketing strategy section involves a list of strategies you will use to attract new customers and retain existing ones.

It will help you streamline your marketing tactics and develop effective marketing campaigns to reach your target audience while keeping track of the projected budget and maximizing return on investment.

Here are some of the sales and marketing strategies for your cleaning services business:

Unique Selling Points (USPs)

Specify the USPs for your business that set you apart from the other cleaning services. Emphasize a few aspects, such as specialty services, environmentally friendly cleaning services, or customizable options.

Pricing strategy

Create a pricing strategy that is affordable and competitive, yet profitable. Consider proposing discounts, promotions, or cleaning service packages to entice new customers.

Refer to the below example written for a commercial cleaning business:

Pricing Strategy for PristineClean Commercial Solutions

Our pricing structure is meticulously crafted, reflecting the quality we offer while remaining competitive:

Base Pricing: Competitive hourly rate per [sq. ft./service] to ensure accessibility for various businesses. Our gross margin objectives are outlined based on the nature and scale of the cleaning projects:

• 70% for specialty cleaning services(carpet, tile, furniture, VCT)
• 60% for small cleaning jobs (less than $10k per year)
• 50% for medium job ($10k – $30k per year)
• 40% for large project work (more than $30k)

Promotions: Seasonal discounts or offers for first-time clients to encourage trial.

Packages: Bundled cleaning solutions tailored for businesses of varying scales, providing savings on combined services.

Professional Branding

Implement a strong online presence through a user-friendly website and spreads a wider reach. Show your project work with virtual tours and 3D imaging to build trust among potential clients.

Social media advertising

Use engaging social media channels to enhance online visibility. Share industry trends, news, and other events on social media to attract potential customers searching for cleaning services.

Partnerships

Always try to build strong relationships with local businesses and real estate agencies. Also, offer special promotions for collaboration. This will expand your reach and generate referrals.

Customer retention strategy

Explain how your commercial cleaning business will build loyalty and retain clients. Try to mention loyalty programs, personalized cleaning services, or various packages.

6. Introduce Your Team

A management team is crucial to demonstrate your business’s ultimate success in the cleaning industry.

This section introduces the business owners and key managers, along with their roles & responsibilities, qualifications, work experience, and compensation plan.

A dynamic and experienced leadership team can be important to weigh authority and help investors to be confident about your cleaning services business’s idea and vision.

You may start by introducing the cleaning business’s owners/founders and key employees, such as the operations manager, marketing director, cleaners, etc. Highlight their education, professional background, and relevant experience in the industry.

Try to include an organizational chart for the management team that depicts the reporting lines and the decision-making flow.

For your reference, you may have a look at the PristineClean’s organizational structure:

Don’t forget to describe your compensation plan in this section. Include salaries, incentives, or benefits for the management team and cleaning staff.

If your team is lacking, consider mentioning the board of advisors for your business. Also, define their roles and experience in handling cleaning services or small businesses.

7. Outline Business Operations

Now, it’s time to highlight an impactful description of daily business operations and activities. This section includes key aspects such as staffing, operational processes, and quality control measures.

Operational excellence can be critical to achieving your business goals and optimal results committed to clients.

So, briefly outline operational planning, emphasize how it directly impacts the quality of services, and pique the reader’s interest. Here are a few key factors that your operations plan section must include:

Convey the staffing needs for your cleaning services business, including the number of cleaning professionals required, experience, and responsibilities. Also, mention the employee perks and training programs you will provide.

Here is an illustration of a staffing requirement with the help of Upmetrics:

Cleaning operations

Summarize the processes and methods you will use to run your cleaning business. It includes the scheduling of appointments, strict cleaning protocols, responsive customer service, communication channels, etc.

Quality control measures

Discuss the regular cleaning service inspections, compliance verifications, and ongoing improvement initiatives through client feedback surveys. This will help you maintain customer service excellence.

Equipment and cleaning supplies

Describe equipment and cleaning supplies to guarantee that all your cleaners have the resources and tools required for high-quality cleaning services. Include inventory, replenishing supplies, latest cleaning techniques, and technology.

8. Prepare Financial Projections

A well-structured and in-depth financial plan is the most crucial and demanding section of any business plan.

In fact, it’s one of the deciding factors for potential investors, banks, or partners to invest or lend money in your cleaning services business.

This section is a detailed blueprint of your company’s financial information and the strategies you will use to reach its long-term goal. It may include all the cash flow & revenue streams, initial startup costs, and earned profits.

This financial forecast is significant in terms of whether you secure funding or not. So, highlight all the below key components in your cleaning business plan:

• Profit and loss statement(Income statement)
• Sales forecast
• Cash flow statement
• Balance sheet
• Break-even analysis
• Tax considerations
• Business ratios

From the above financial statements, you can identify the funding needs and evaluate the funding resources for your cleaning company, including bank loans, SBA-guaranteed loans, investors, or personal savings.

Download Cleaning Company Business Plan Template

Need help writing your business plan from scratch? Here you go; download our free cleaning company business plan pdf to start.

It’s a modern business plan template specifically designed for your cleaning company business. Use the example business plan as a guide for writing your own.

The Quickest Way to turn a Business Idea into a Business Plan

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With Upmetrics, you will receive easy-to-follow steps, 400+ business plan examples, AI support , and a financial forecasting tool to simplify your entire business planning process.

Whether you’re venturing into a new business or expanding an existing one, Upmetrics provides valuable insights and resources you need to create a successful business plan that perfectly aligns with your goals.

So, don’t wait; start planning now!

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Frequently asked questions, what sections are included in the cleaning company business plan.

A professional cleaning company business plan should include the following sections:

• Executive summary
• Company overview
• Industry & market analysis
• Service offerings
• Sales and marketing plan
• Management team
• Business operations plan
• Financial plan

What financial information should I include in the business plan?

You should include below financial information in your business plan:

• Income statement
• Use of funds

How often should I update my cleaning company business plan?

It is advisable to review and update your cleaning company business plan at least once annually or more often to reflect specific changes in the business environment, service offerings, or market trends.

Can a business plan template help me secure funding?

Indeed, a well-prepared business plan helps you secure funding or bring on new business partners. It offers a clear overview of your business model, strategies, target market, and financial projections. So, this will significantly enhance your chances of securing funding.

Can the template be customized to fit various types of cleaning businesses?

Absolutely! A modern business plan template can be easily customized to fit various cleaning businesses, such as commercial cleaning, residential cleaning, or other specialized services. Upmetrics provides customizable templates for your specific business needs and cleaning services.

About the Author

Vinay Kevadiya

Vinay Kevadiya is the founder and CEO of Upmetrics, the #1 business planning software. His ultimate goal with Upmetrics is to revolutionize how entrepreneurs create, manage, and execute their business plans. He enjoys sharing his insights on business planning and other relevant topics through his articles and blog posts. Read more

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Cleaning Business Plan Template (+Free PDF Download)

Read Time 8 minutes

Author Joanne Bratton

Published March 29, 2024

Table of Contents

Executive summary: Setting the foundation

Industry analysis: understanding the market landscape, marketing plan: promoting your cleaning services, financial plan: estimating costs and projections, operations plan: running a thriving cleaning company, set up your commercial cleaning business for success.

A commercial cleaning business plan can kickstart a new endeavor or clear the way for growth for an existing enterprise.

Crafting a comprehensive commercial cleaning business plan is pivotal to starting a new venture or fostering significant growth in an existing service. A well-structured business plan becomes a cornerstone for:

Making informed decisions

Setting objectives

Navigating the competitive commercial cleaning market

A cleaning company business plan isn’t a one-and-done task. You should regularly review and revise your business plan to evolve as your company grows to reflect your current vision, market, and financial targets.

This template provides a sample to help create a business plan.

An executive summary is an overview of your entire business plan.

While the executive summary is the first section of a business plan, most business owners find it makes sense to write it last. The executive summary often is one to two pages, but you should keep it as short as possible.

Essential components of an executive summary include:

Mission statement: Defines your company's mission, vision, and core values.

Company overview: Write a company description of services, locations, and number of cleaning staff. Include a short history of how the business started, names of owners, and business growth milestones.

Market synopsis: Provide an overview of your market, mentioning your commercial cleaning business's size and competitive advantages.

Financial elements: Summarize your business financials, including sales, profits, and projections for one to two years.

Future objectives: Outline your company’s plans for growth, such as offering new services, adding verticals, or expanding your service area.

Your executive summary must be clear and concise. If you’re seeking funding for your small business, the executive summary should demonstrate your cleaning company’s value to potential investors.

An industry analysis identifies the potential market for your commercial cleaning or janitorial services. This involves defining and comprehending key elements such as:

Target customers

Competition

Cleaning industry trends 

Customer’s changing demands

Customer analysis

Commercial cleaning companies perform a customer analysis to understand and meet customer needs. This research-based process identifies your potential client base's demographics, values, and behaviors.

To perform a customer analysis:

Gather information about your target market through your existing customer data, industry research, online tools such as Google Analytics, and social media surveys.

Segment your customers based on similar demographics, traits, preferences, and pain points.

Create customer personas, or fictional profiles, of your target customers and their specific needs.

Leverage your customer analysis to inform business services, products, and prices.

Customer relationship management (CRM) software assists market analysis by providing invaluable information about your customers and their buying journeys.

→ Aspire commercial cleaning business software helps businesses connect the dots with real-time customer data, feedback, and analysis. 

CRM data empowers companies to retain existing customers and expand their customer base by cultivating strong relationships with prospects and customers through:

Efficient communication

Personalized offers

Proactive support to address potential issues before they escalate

Competitor analysis

A competitive analysis identifies the competitors in your market. It helps you understand market demand and gives your business a competitive edge.

For instance, if you plan to specialize in carpet cleaning or window cleaning, you’ll want to know if competitors offer these services and what they charge.

Steps to perform a competitor analysis include:

Identify and gather information about your competitors.

Evaluate competitors’ services, service areas, prices, promotions, reputation, sales tactics, marketing strategies, target audience, and online presence.

Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of your business.

Develop sales, marketing, and pricing strategies to gain a competitive advantage.

Once you know your customers and competitors, these assessments will help you develop effective marketing campaigns.

While a service business plan template provides a guideline for developing a marketing plan , it’s crucial to identify your company’s marketing goals and include methods to measure outcomes.

An effective marketing plan includes the following components:

Market research: Know your audience, their preferences, and their preferred online channels.

Marketing objectives: What do you want to accomplish? Increase cleaning contracts? Generate leads? The more specific your objectives, the better.

Marketing strategies: The marketing channels you use depend on your target audience. The most effective marketing campaigns use an omnichannel approach to share a consistent message online and offline.

Pricing strategy : A cleaning service pricing strategy should cover costs and include an appropriate profit margin. Your target market preferences and competitor pricing should also be factored into your pricing strategy.

Marketing budget: Determine the percentage of revenue for your marketing budget. Focus on the channels that deliver the best return on investment (ROI). You can adjust your budget depending on objectives, channels, and results.

Key performance indicators (KPIs): Measure marketing effectiveness with KPIs. These could include conversion rate, customer acquisition cost, cost per lead, customer lifetime value, and overall ROI. Track KPIs to make better marketing decisions and improve your ROI.

Review your marketing plan annually. Some businesses review their marketing strategy and budget quarterly to adjust as needed.

A solid financial plan ensures your commercial cleaning business doesn’t just stay afloat but thrives.

To get funding for business operations, you’ll need a realistic estimate of: 

Initial startup costs

Ongoing operational expenses

Financial projections 

A comprehensive, realistic financial plan shows potential partners and investors the value of your company and outlines business growth.

→ Include graphs and visuals in your financial plan to break down the numbers and easily communicate business information.

If you struggle with financial planning or creating budgets and forecasts, consider hiring a professional financial advisor.

The right business management software makes collecting accurate data in your initial months much easier to ensure your initial estimate and projections are sound. 

→ The earlier you can adjust operations and pricing to maintain profitability, the quicker you can set and achieve new goals.

The following sections provide more detail about key areas of a financial plan.

Calculating initial startup costs

Initial startup costs cover one-time expenses for a new cleaning or janitorial business.

While startup expenses vary based on several factors, the average cleaning service spends $3,500 on startup costs .

Startup costs may include:

Legal fees: If you seek the advice of legal professionals, you’ll need to budget for legal expenses.

Business licenses and permits: Check on local regulations because you may need to register in additional states if your business performs work or hires employees from another state.

Cleaning equipment: Equipment such as floor buffers, vacuums, brooms, mops, cleaning supplies , cleaning products, and other specialty equipment.

Office space and equipment: Property purchase or rental deposit for an office space and technology costs.

Company vehicles: Depending on the size of your company, you may use a fleet of branded company vehicles.

Operational software : Instead of implementing siloed solutions for different aspects of your business, look at comprehensive software capable of scaling with you as you build. 

You’ll also want to consider additional marketing and advertising dollars to spread the word about your business.

A clear understanding of operational expenses ensures you correctly price cleaning jobs and target realistic revenue goals.

Recurring expenses are costs you pay regularly to keep your business running. Ongoing expenditures include:

Employee payroll and benefits

Mortgage or rental payments

Office utilities

Business insurance

Vehicle insurance

Cleaning products and supplies

Equipment maintenance

Technology subscriptions

Some expenses may be fixed, such as the mortgage payment, while others may be variable, such as the cost of cleaning products. 

Follow a budget, use best-practice accounting procedures, and track expenses to make needed financial adjustments.

Aspire’s comprehensive business management software collects financials above the gross margin line and pushes them in a one-way data sync to your accounting platform so you have clean, accurate data to inform your business plan updates. 

Financial projections and realism

Financial projections predict business revenue over a certain period. Data-backed financial plans drive better business decisions and help you plan for the future.

A startup cleaning business uses projected financial statements to determine future revenue and expenses. Industry and market analysis data can provide a starting point. In the case of an established cleaning business, use your historical data to project a percentage of financial growth.

To create a financial projection, you’ll need the following financial statements:

Income statement: An income statement, or profit and loss statement (P&L), shows your income and expenses. Your income statement should cover one year.

Cash flow statement: This statement projects all incoming and outgoing expenses for one year. A break-even analysis shows you how much revenue you need to break even with your expenses.

Balance sheet: This document lists business assets and liabilities and shows a summary of a business at present. 

In financial projections, accuracy is key. You don’t want to inflate your numbers, fail to reach your goals, or underestimate and miss out on growth opportunities.

As your business continues to operate, it’s important to use the right software to capture accurate financial data to achieve financial objectives and increase the accuracy of future projections. 

Aspire commercial cleaning business software integrates purchasing, invoicing, accounting, and payroll for full financial visibility. Robust reporting allows you to drill into sales, financials, job costs, and KPIs.

With real-time data , you gain deeper insight into business performance and can develop more effective business growth strategies.

A business operations plan outlines how your company will deliver high-quality service and achieve operational goals.

As you create an operations plan, involve your management team for ideas and input. After all, your managers are the ones who provide on-the-job oversight and remain accountable for operational goals.

An operations plan includes these elements:

Determine operational goals: Set business and departmental  goals. For instance, you could set a goal to increase annual revenue by 20% or a sales goal of 10 new cleaning contracts monthly.

Create roles and job descriptions: Clearly define the roles and responsibilities of each position. This ensures accountability and the ability to measure performance.

Plan the how-tos: Detail business processes and workflows in every department so your team delivers consistent, efficient results. This includes investing in commercial cleaning business software to centralize data and streamline operations.

Track performance: Set KPIs to measure short-term goals and identify areas for improvement. Operational KPIs measure the performance of your operations, such as average contract amount, contract renewal conversion rate, closing percentage, and gross profit percentage by department. 

Aspire provides user-based dashboards so every role can see the KPIs relevant to their short- and long-term goals. Having accurate, real-time information fuels responsive management, building ongoing growth momentum.

Commercial cleaning business owners who optimize operations experience the greatest profitability and growth. Aspire commercial cleaning business software provides seamless workflows in every area of business, including:

Crew management

Job costing

Equipment and supply management

Streamlined processes reduce waste, increase efficiency, and improve performance in your operations.

Creating a thorough commercial cleaning business plan sets the stage for business growth. But successful results rely on how well you execute your plan.

Aspire commercial cleaning business software provides industry-specific management tools to empower business owners to take control of operations. From simplified scheduling to accepting customer credit card payments online, Aspire’s advanced features give cleaning contractors full visibility into business operations and finances.

To get your business plan off the ground, implement the right tools to improve business and boost year-over-year growth.

Ready to see what Aspire can do for you? Request a demo to see Aspire features in action.

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Sample Cleaning Service Business Plan

Writing a business plan is a crucial step in starting a cleaning service business. Not only does it provide structure and guidance for the future, but it also helps to create funding opportunities and attract potential investors. For aspiring cleaning service business owners, having access to a sample cleaning service business plan can be especially helpful in providing direction and gaining insight into how to draft their own cleaning service business plan.

Download our Ultimate Cleaning Service Business Plan Template

Having a thorough business plan in place is critical for any successful cleaning service venture. It will serve as the foundation for your operations, setting out the goals and objectives that will help guide your decisions and actions. A well-written business plan can give you clarity on realistic financial projections and help you secure financing from lenders or investors. A cleaning service business plan example can be a great resource to draw upon when creating your own plan, making sure that all the key components are included in your document.

The cleaning service business plan sample below will give you an idea of what one should look like. It is not as comprehensive and successful in raising capital for your cleaning service business as Growthink’s Ultimate Cleaning Service Business Plan Template , but it can help you write a cleaning service business plan of your own.

Cleaning Service Business Plan Example – PristineClean Experts

Table of contents, executive summary, company overview, industry analysis, customer analysis, competitive analysis, marketing plan, operations plan, management team, financial plan.

PristineClean Experts is a professional cleaning service located in Jacksonville, FL, dedicated to providing top-notch cleaning solutions for residential and commercial clients. We are committed to maintaining a high standard of cleanliness and hygiene, with services tailored to meet the diverse needs of our clients, ranging from regular home cleanings to comprehensive commercial maintenance. Our team, equipped with the latest cleaning technology and eco-friendly products, aims to offer an unparalleled cleaning experience, ensuring customer satisfaction and loyalty. Our focus on quality, reliability, and customer service positions us as a leading choice for cleaning services in the Jacksonville area.

Our success is driven by our unwavering commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. We’ve built a strong reputation in the Jacksonville area through our reliable service, attention to detail, and the ability to tailor our offerings to meet the unique needs of each customer. Our team’s expertise and use of advanced cleaning technologies have set us apart in the industry. To date, we’ve achieved significant milestones, including a growing base of loyal residential and commercial clients, and we are continuously expanding our services to cater to the evolving needs of our community.

The cleaning services industry is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing demand from both residential and commercial sectors. In Jacksonville, FL, this upward trend is reflected in the growing number of households and businesses seeking professional cleaning services to maintain hygiene and appeal. The industry’s expansion is further fueled by heightened health awareness and the need for sanitized environments, particularly in the wake of health crises. PristineClean Experts is well-positioned to capitalize on this demand, offering comprehensive cleaning solutions that cater to the specific needs of our diverse client base.

PristineClean Experts targets a wide range of customers in Jacksonville, FL, focusing primarily on homeowners and apartment dwellers seeking regular and one-off cleaning services. Our tailored approach aims to accommodate the unique cleaning needs of each homeowner, ensuring their spaces are impeccably maintained. Additionally, we serve landlords and small to medium-sized businesses, including office spaces and retail stores, who value professional cleaning to enhance their environment for tenants and clients alike. By addressing the distinct requirements of these customer segments, we ensure high satisfaction and loyalty.

Top Competitors:

CleanMaster Solutions: Offers a range of residential and commercial cleaning services. Sparkle Homes: Specializes in residential cleaning with customizable packages. OfficeClean Express: Focuses on commercial spaces, providing tailored cleaning services.

Competitive Advantages: PristineClean Experts stands out through our commitment to using eco-friendly cleaning products and state-of-the-art equipment, ensuring a thorough and environmentally safe clean. Our highly trained staff and personalized service plans offer a superior cleaning experience, setting us apart from competitors and making us the preferred choice in Jacksonville.

Our marketing plan emphasizes the diversity and quality of our cleaning services, with competitive pricing to match. We offer a range of services from basic home cleaning to specialized commercial maintenance, ensuring a tailored approach to meet the specific needs of our clients. Pricing is structured to provide value while reflecting the high standard of our services. Promotions will be conducted through various channels including social media, local advertising, and word-of-mouth referrals. Special offers and discounts for first-time clients and loyalty programs for regular customers are key strategies to attract and retain our customer base.

Our operations are centered around efficiency and customer satisfaction. Key processes include streamlined booking and scheduling, responsive customer service, rigorous staff training, and stringent quality control measures. We employ reliable scheduling software and maintain excellent communication with clients. Our equipment and inventory are regularly checked to ensure operational readiness. Financial management, marketing efforts, and compliance with safety regulations are also integral parts of our daily operations. Achieving these operational milestones is essential for delivering consistent, high-quality service.

Our management team consists of experienced professionals with diverse backgrounds in business management, customer service, and the cleaning industry. Their collective expertise provides the strategic direction and operational oversight necessary to achieve our business objectives. This strong leadership is instrumental in fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and customer-centricity within PristineClean Experts.

Welcome to PristineClean Experts, a new Cleaning Service making waves in Jacksonville, FL. We pride ourselves on being a local cleaning service business, filling a much-needed gap in the community. Our mission is to provide unparalleled cleaning services, as we’ve identified a lack of high-quality local cleaning service businesses in the area. Our team is dedicated to ensuring every corner of your space shines, offering a comprehensive suite of cleaning solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of each client.

At PristineClean Experts, our services cater to a wide range of needs including Residential Cleaning, Commercial Cleaning, Janitorial Services, Move-In/Move-Out Cleaning, and Specialized Cleaning Services. We understand the importance of maintaining a clean and healthy environment, whether it’s the comfort of your home or the professionalism of your business space. Our team is equipped with the latest cleaning technology and practices, ensuring efficient and thorough service delivery. We are here to simplify your life, providing hassle-free and reliable cleaning solutions right at your doorstep.

Based in Jacksonville, FL, PristineClean Experts is strategically located to serve customers throughout the city. This prime location allows us to respond quickly to our clients’ needs, ensuring timely and reliable service. We are committed to making a noticeable difference in our community, one clean space at a time.

PristineClean Experts is uniquely qualified to succeed for several reasons. Firstly, our founder brings a wealth of experience from running a successful cleaning service business previously. This experience is invaluable in understanding the intricacies of the industry and ensuring that we stay ahead of the competition. Moreover, we are confident in our ability to offer better cleaning services than our competitors, thanks to our dedicated team, state-of-the-art equipment, and innovative cleaning techniques.

Since our inception on January 3, 2024, as a S Corporation, we have achieved several milestones that we’re incredibly proud of. Our journey began with the creation of a unique logo that represents our brand’s ethos and dedication to cleanliness. We also invested time in developing a memorable company name that resonates with our mission and values. Additionally, we secured a great location that serves as the hub for our operations, enabling us to efficiently manage our services and cater to the needs of our clients in Jacksonville, FL. These accomplishments are just the beginning, and we are excited about the future of PristineClean Experts.

The Cleaning Service industry in the United States is currently experiencing significant growth and is poised for continued expansion in the coming years. According to a market research report, the industry generated approximately $46.3 billion in revenue in 2020. This indicates a substantial market size and highlights the demand for professional cleaning services across the country. Furthermore, the market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.2% from 2021 to 2028, reaching a projected value of $74.3 billion. These figures demonstrate the immense potential for growth and profitability within the Cleaning Service industry.

Several trends in the Cleaning Service industry are contributing to its positive outlook, which bodes well for PristineClean Experts. Firstly, there is a growing emphasis on cleanliness and hygiene, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Customers are now more conscious of the importance of maintaining cleanliness and sanitization in their homes and workplaces. This increased awareness has led to a surge in demand for professional cleaning services. Secondly, an aging population and busy lifestyles have resulted in a greater need for outsourcing household chores, including cleaning. As more individuals seek convenience and time-saving solutions, the demand for Cleaning Service providers like PristineClean Experts is expected to rise.

Furthermore, technological advancements and the adoption of innovative cleaning methods are shaping the future of the industry. Cleaning companies are increasingly utilizing advanced equipment, environmentally friendly cleaning products, and digital platforms to enhance their efficiency and effectiveness. PristineClean Experts can capitalize on these industry trends by offering state-of-the-art cleaning solutions and leveraging digital marketing strategies to reach a wider customer base. By staying ahead of the curve and providing exceptional service, PristineClean Experts is well-positioned to thrive in the growing Cleaning Service industry in Jacksonville, FL.

Below is a description of our target customers and their core needs.

Target Customers

PristineClean Experts will target a broad spectrum of local residents in Jacksonville, FL, focusing on homeowners looking for regular and one-time cleaning services. This group is expected to form the core of their customer base, seeking to maintain their homes in pristine condition without dedicating personal time to the task. The company will tailor its offerings to meet the specific needs of these homeowners, ranging from basic cleaning to deep cleaning services.

Aside from individual homeowners, PristineClean Experts will also cater to apartment dwellers and landlords who require cleaning services for move-ins and move-outs. This segment recognizes the value of maintaining clean living spaces to attract and retain tenants. By offering flexible and customizable cleaning plans, PristineClean Experts will address the unique demands of apartment cleaning, ensuring spaces are spotless for current and future residents.

Moreover, PristineClean Experts will extend its services to small and medium-sized businesses in Jacksonville, FL. This customer segment comprises office spaces, retail stores, and small clinics that must uphold a high standard of cleanliness to ensure a healthy and appealing environment for employees and clients alike. The company will develop commercial cleaning packages that guarantee thorough cleaning, disinfection, and maintenance of business premises, aligning with the professional image these establishments aim to project.

Customer Needs

PristineClean Experts can fulfill the profound need for high-quality cleaning services among Jacksonville residents who desire a spotless living environment without the time or energy to achieve it themselves. Clients expect thoroughness and attention to detail, ensuring that every corner of their home meets their high standards of cleanliness. This demand highlights the necessity for a service that can consistently deliver exceptional results, tailored to the individual needs of each household.

In addition to the basic expectation of cleanliness, customers also seek reliability and trustworthiness in their cleaning service provider. PristineClean Experts understands the importance of sending only well-vetted, professional cleaners into clients’ homes. Customers can rest assured knowing that their personal spaces are being treated with the utmost respect and care, fostering a relationship based on trust and mutual respect.

Moreover, the modern customer values convenience and flexibility in service arrangements. PristineClean Experts addresses this need by offering easy scheduling options and customizable cleaning plans. By accommodating the busy lifestyles of Jacksonville residents, PristineClean Experts ensures that maintaining a clean and healthy home environment does not add to the stresses of daily life but rather alleviates them.

PristineClean Experts’s competitors include the following companies:

Bonnie’s Maids offers a comprehensive suite of cleaning services tailored for residential properties, including standard house cleaning, deep cleaning, and move-in/move-out services. Their price points are competitive, aiming to offer value through quality services at accessible rates. Revenues for Bonnie’s Maids suggest a strong local market presence, indicative of their ability to retain and satisfy a diverse client base. They operate primarily within the Jacksonville area, focusing on residential customers seeking regular or one-time cleaning services. Key strengths include their established reputation and customer loyalty, while a potential weakness is their limited service offerings beyond residential cleaning.

Evolution DR Cleaning Service specializes in both residential and commercial cleaning solutions, providing a broad spectrum of services ranging from regular housekeeping to specialized cleaning for offices and retail spaces. Their pricing strategy is flexible, offering customized quotes based on the size and specific needs of the job, allowing them to cater to a wide range of budget considerations. Evolution DR Cleaning Service generates significant revenue, reflecting their broad service offerings and ability to serve both households and businesses effectively. They serve the greater Jacksonville area, including some neighboring regions, targeting both homeowners and commercial entities. Their key strengths lie in their versatility and ability to handle diverse cleaning needs. A potential weakness could be the complexity of managing a wide range of services, which might impact service consistency.

Nicki’s House Cleaning focuses on delivering personalized cleaning services to residential clients, emphasizing customer satisfaction and attention to detail. They offer a variety of packages from basic cleaning to premium services, including eco-friendly options, with pricing that varies based on service depth and frequency. This approach allows them to attract different segments of the market, from budget-conscious to premium clients. Nicki’s House Cleaning has a solid revenue stream, supported by a loyal customer base and strong word-of-mouth referrals in Jacksonville and its suburbs. They exclusively serve the residential segment, providing them with a focused market approach but potentially limiting their growth in the commercial sector. Their strengths include high customer satisfaction and personalization of services. However, their focus on only residential services and the absence of commercial offerings could be seen as a weakness in diversifying their customer base.

Competitive Advantages

At PristineClean Experts, we pride ourselves on offering superior cleaning services compared to our competition. Our team is dedicated to providing meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that every nook and cranny of our clients’ spaces are impeccably cleaned. We understand the unique needs of each customer and adapt our services accordingly, which allows us to deliver personalized cleaning solutions that exceed expectations. Additionally, our use of eco-friendly cleaning products not only ensures a thorough clean but also promotes a healthier environment for our clients and their families.

Moreover, our competitive advantage extends beyond just the quality of our cleaning services. We are committed to exceptional customer service, making sure that we are always accessible and responsive to our clients’ needs and feedback. Our flexible scheduling options can accommodate even the busiest of lifestyles, making it convenient for our customers to enjoy a pristine clean without disrupting their daily routines. Furthermore, our team consists of highly trained and trustworthy professionals who are passionate about what they do, which reflects in the quality of their work. With PristineClean Experts, clients can expect a seamless and satisfactory cleaning experience every time.

Our marketing plan, included below, details our products/services, pricing and promotions plan.

Products and Services

PristineClean Experts caters to a wide array of cleaning needs for both residential and commercial clients. Their comprehensive service offerings ensure that every nook and cranny, whether at home or in the office, is meticulously cleaned to perfection. The services they provide are not only varied but are also customized to meet the unique requirements of each client, ensuring satisfaction across the board.

Starting with Residential Cleaning, PristineClean Experts offers a thorough cleaning solution for homes of all sizes. This service includes dusting, vacuuming, mopping, bathroom cleaning, and kitchen cleaning, aiming to create a pristine living environment for homeowners. Prices for their residential cleaning services start at an average of $120 for a small home, scaling up based on the size of the property and specific cleaning requirements.

For businesses looking to maintain a clean and professional atmosphere, Commercial Cleaning services are available. PristineClean Experts understands the importance of a spotless workspace for both employee productivity and customer perception. Their commercial cleaning package includes office cleaning, restroom sanitation, trash removal, and floor care, with prices beginning at $200 for small office spaces. Larger commercial spaces can expect custom quotes based on the area to be cleaned and the services required.

Their Janitorial Services are designed to cater to institutions such as schools, hospitals, and large office buildings that require daily or weekly maintenance. This service focuses on ensuring that these high-traffic areas are consistently clean and sanitized. The starting price for janitorial services is around $250, adjusting for the frequency of cleaning and the scope of work.

Understanding the chaos associated with moving, PristineClean Experts offers Move-In/Move-Out Cleaning services to ease the transition. This comprehensive cleaning ensures that new residents step into a spotless space, and those moving out leave behind a clean slate. Prices for these services begin at $150 for small apartments, with variations depending on the size of the property and the extent of cleaning needed.

Lastly, Specialized Cleaning Services are available for those requiring more than just the standard cleaning procedures. This includes deep cleaning, carpet cleaning, window washing, and pressure washing, among others. These services are tailored to the specific needs of the client, with prices starting at $100 and increasing based on the complexity and requirements of the job.

In summary, PristineClean Experts offers a broad spectrum of cleaning services designed to meet the needs of both residential and commercial clients in Jacksonville, FL. Their commitment to providing impeccable cleaning solutions is reflected in their diverse service offerings and competitive pricing, ensuring that every space they touch is left in pristine condition.

Promotions Plan

PristineClean Experts leverage a dynamic mix of promotional methods to attract customers in Jacksonville, FL, with a primary focus on online marketing. They understand that in today’s digital age, a strong online presence will not just be beneficial but essential for reaching their target audience effectively. Hence, they will engage in a comprehensive online marketing strategy that includes the use of social media platforms, search engine optimization (SEO), and targeted advertising campaigns. Through these channels, PristineClean Experts will showcase their cleaning services, share customer testimonials, and provide valuable cleaning tips to engage with potential customers.

In addition to online marketing, PristineClean Experts will also deploy traditional marketing techniques such as distributing flyers and placing ads in local newspapers. These methods will complement their digital efforts by reaching potential customers who may not be as active online but are equally valuable to their business. Moreover, PristineClean Experts will establish partnerships with local businesses and real estate agents, creating a referral network that will help spread the word about their exceptional cleaning services.

Email marketing will play a crucial role in their promotional strategy. By collecting email addresses through their website and at local events, PristineClean Experts will send out regular newsletters that include special promotions, cleaning tips, and updates about their services. This direct line of communication will keep them at the forefront of their customers’ minds and encourage repeat business.

Understanding the power of word-of-mouth, PristineClean Experts will implement a customer referral program. Satisfied customers who refer new clients will receive discounts on future services, incentivizing them to spread the word about PristineClean Experts. This approach will not only help in acquiring new customers but also in building a loyal customer base.

Lastly, PristineClean Experts will actively seek out opportunities to sponsor local events or participate in community service projects. This will not only increase their visibility within the community but also build their reputation as a business that cares about the well-being of Jacksonville, FL.

By combining these promotional methods, PristineClean Experts will effectively reach and attract customers, establishing themselves as a leading cleaning service in Jacksonville, FL.

Our Operations Plan details:

• The key day-to-day processes that our business performs to serve our customers
• The key business milestones that our company expects to accomplish as we grow

Key Operational Processes

To ensure the success of PristineClean Experts, there are several key day-to-day operational processes that we will perform.

• Utilize a reliable scheduling software to manage appointments efficiently.
• Confirm appointments with customers a day ahead to ensure readiness and prevent no-shows.
• Maintain a responsive customer service system, including phone, email, and chat support.
• Collect feedback from customers after service completion to improve quality and customer satisfaction.
• Conduct daily briefings with cleaning teams to discuss the day’s assignments and any special instructions from clients.
• Ensure staff are well-trained in cleaning techniques and customer service skills.
• Regularly check and maintain cleaning equipment to ensure they are in good working condition.
• Keep track of inventory levels for cleaning supplies and reorder as necessary to prevent shortages.
• Implement a quality control checklist for all cleaning jobs to ensure high standards are met consistently.
• Conduct random spot checks on cleaning jobs to ensure compliance with company standards.
• Monitor daily expenses and revenues to manage cash flow effectively.
• Process payments promptly and follow up on any outstanding invoices.
• Regularly update the company website and social media platforms with engaging content and special promotions.
• Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews online to enhance the company’s reputation.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations regarding cleaning services and employment.
• Conduct regular safety training sessions for staff to prevent accidents and injuries.

PristineClean Experts expects to complete the following milestones in the coming months in order to ensure its success:

• Secure Necessary Licenses and Insurance: Obtain all required business licenses and insurance policies to operate legally and safely in Jacksonville, FL. This step will mitigate legal risks and protect the company and its customers.
• Establish an Effective Branding and Online Presence: Develop a strong brand identity, including a company logo, website, and social media profiles. This milestone is crucial for attracting customers and establishing trust in the market.
• Hire and Train Cleaning Staff: Recruit, hire, and extensively train cleaning staff to ensure high-quality service. This includes training on cleaning techniques, customer service, and safety protocols, which is fundamental to building a reliable and professional team.
• Launch Our Cleaning Service Business: Officially start offering cleaning services to residential and commercial clients in Jacksonville, FL. This involves marketing the launch to generate initial customers and feedback.
• Secure Key Contracts with Commercial Clients: Obtain contracts with commercial entities such as offices, retail stores, and apartment complexes. This will provide a steady income stream and help in achieving financial stability.
• Implement a Customer Feedback and Quality Control System: Establish mechanisms for collecting customer feedback and conducting regular quality checks. This system will ensure continuous improvement and high customer satisfaction, which is critical for repeat business and referrals.
• Reach $15,000/Month in Revenue: Achieve the financial goal of generating $15,000 in monthly revenue. This milestone will indicate market acceptance and the potential for sustainable growth and profitability.
• Expand Services or Service Area: Depending on market demand and operational capacity, consider expanding the range of services offered or extending the service area beyond Jacksonville, FL. This growth strategy should be based on solid customer demand and the ability to maintain quality standards.

These milestones are designed to build a strong foundation for PristineClean Experts, mitigate risks associated with starting a new business, and guide the company towards achieving success in the competitive cleaning service industry.

SavorFest Caterers management team, which includes the following members, has the experience and expertise to successfully execute on our business plan:

Ava Thompson, President

Ava Thompson, President, brings a wealth of experience to PristineClean Experts, having previously led a successful cleaning service business. Her entrepreneurial journey is marked by her ability to identify market needs and respond with innovative solutions that drive customer satisfaction and loyalty. Ava’s leadership style is characterized by a hands-on approach, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability within her teams. Her proven track record in business management and strategic planning makes her uniquely qualified to guide PristineClean Experts towards achieving its vision of becoming the leading provider in the cleaning services industry.

To reach our growth goals, PristineClean Experts requires significant funding. This investment will be directed towards expanding our service offerings, marketing efforts to increase brand visibility, and enhancing operational efficiencies. By securing the necessary funding, we are poised to capitalize on market opportunities, drive revenue growth, and establish PristineClean Experts as a market leader in the cleaning services industry in Jacksonville, FL.

Financial Statements

Balance sheet.

[insert balance sheet]

Income Statement

[insert income statement]

Cash Flow Statement

[insert cash flow statement]

Cleaning Service Business Plan Example PDF

Download our Cleaning Service Business Plan PDF here. This is a free cleaning service business plan example to help you get started on your own cleaning service plan.  

How to Finish Your Cleaning Service Business Plan in 1 Day!

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With Growthink’s Ultimate Business Plan Template you can finish your plan in just 8 hours or less!

Blueprint for Success: Writing a Business Plan for a Cleaning Service

By alex ryzhkov, get full bundle.

Are you passionate about cleanliness and looking to start your own cleaning company? Well, you're in luck! The cleaning industry is booming, with an estimated market size of $74 billion in 2021 and an annual growth rate of 4.2%. With the rising demand for hygienic and clean environments, there has never been a better time to enter the industry. But how do you go about writing a business plan for your cleaning company? Don't worry, we've got you covered. In this blog post, we'll provide you with a checklist of 9 essential steps to help you create a comprehensive and effective business plan. Let's get started!

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Research The Cleaning Industry And Identify The Target Market.

In order to start a successful cleaning company, it is crucial to thoroughly research the cleaning industry and identify your target market. This step will help you gain valuable insights into the industry, understand its trends and challenges, and determine the potential demand for cleaning services in your area.

Begin by conducting a comprehensive market research to gather information about the cleaning industry. Understand the scope of the industry, including the types of cleaning services that are in demand, the current market trends, and the overall growth potential. This will help you assess the viability and profitability of your cleaning business.

• Research various cleaning niches, such as residential, commercial, or specialized cleaning services, and identify which one aligns best with your skills and expertise.
• Consider the geographical location of your target market and analyze the demand for cleaning services in that area.
• Study the competition in your target market to identify gaps or areas where you can differentiate your cleaning company.

Once you have a clear understanding of the cleaning industry, it is important to identify your target market. This involves defining the specific group of customers or businesses that you will focus your marketing efforts on. Consider factors such as demographics, psychographics, and geographic location to narrow down your target market.

By identifying your target market, you can tailor your cleaning services and marketing strategies to meet their specific needs and preferences. This will enable you to position your cleaning company as the ideal choice for your target customers.

Overall, the research phase of identifying the cleaning industry and target market is a crucial step in developing a successful business plan for your cleaning company. It will provide you with the necessary insights to make informed decisions and design effective strategies that will help you stand out in a competitive industry.

Conduct Market Analysis Including Competitors And Potential Customers.

When starting a cleaning company, conducting a thorough market analysis is essential to understand the competitive landscape and identify potential customers. This analysis will provide valuable insights that can help shape your business strategy and ensure you stand out in the market.

Firstly, research your local cleaning industry to gain a clear understanding of the market size, trends, and growth potential. Identify the major players in your area, their offerings, pricing strategies, target markets, and any gaps in their services that you can capitalize on.

• Consider observing your competitors' marketing efforts, such as flyers, websites, and social media presence, to gain insights into their branding and promotional strategies.
• Explore online platforms and directories where cleaning companies are listed to understand how they present themselves to potential customers.
• Attend industry events and network with cleaning professionals to gain insights and build valuable connections.

Next, identify your potential customers and their specific cleaning needs. Determine the target market segments, such as residential customers, small businesses, or commercial spaces. Analyze their preferences, pain points, and the factors that influence their decision-making process when choosing a cleaning service.

By understanding your target customers, you can tailor your services and marketing messages to address their specific needs. For example, if your research reveals that many potential customers are concerned about the ecological impact of cleaning chemicals, you can highlight your company's commitment to using eco-friendly products and safe cleaning methods.

Additionally, analyze the demographic and geographic factors that can impact your business. Consider factors such as the population density, income levels, and the presence of competitors in specific neighborhoods or commercial districts.

• Consider conducting surveys or interviews with potential customers to gather firsthand insights into their cleaning preferences and pain points.
• Utilize online tools, such as social media analytics or keyword research, to understand the online behavior and preferences of your potential customers.
• Stay updated on industry trends and changes in consumer behavior that may influence the demand for cleaning services.

By conducting a comprehensive market analysis, you can position your cleaning company effectively, differentiate yourself from competitors, and tailor your services to meet the specific needs of your target customers. This understanding will be a valuable foundation for developing a successful business plan.

Define The Unique Selling Proposition And Positioning Of The Cleaning Company.

One of the crucial steps in writing a business plan for a cleaning company is defining its unique selling proposition (USP) and positioning in the market. The USP is what sets your cleaning company apart from the competition and gives it a competitive advantage.

To define your USP, start by understanding the needs and pain points of your target market. What are their specific requirements when it comes to cleaning services? Are they looking for eco-friendly cleaning solutions, prompt and reliable service, or exceptional attention to detail? Identifying these needs will help you build your USP around catering to them.

• Conduct thorough market research to identify gaps or unmet needs in the cleaning industry.
• Consider surveying potential customers to gather insights into their preferences and expectations.

Once you have identified your USP, it's important to highlight it in your positioning strategy. Positioning refers to how you want customers to perceive your cleaning company in relation to competitors. Do you want to be seen as the most affordable option, the most reliable, or the most eco-conscious? Choose a positioning strategy that aligns with your target market's values and preferences.

• Research your competitors' positioning strategies to differentiate your cleaning company effectively.
• Highlight your USP in your company's mission statement, tagline, and marketing materials to reinforce your positioning.

Remember, your USP and positioning strategy should guide all aspects of your business, including your marketing efforts, pricing strategy, and service offerings. By clearly defining your USP and positioning, you can attract and retain customers who value the unique benefits your cleaning company provides.

Determine The Range Of Cleaning Services To Be Offered.

When determining the range of cleaning services to offer as part of your cleaning company, it is important to consider the needs and demands of your target market. Conduct thorough market research and identify the specific cleaning services that are in high demand.

1. Identify popular cleaning services:

• Deep cleaning: Offer a comprehensive deep cleaning service that includes thorough cleaning of all areas and surfaces, ensuring a spotless and sanitized environment.
• Window cleaning: Provide professional window cleaning services for both residential and commercial properties, ensuring crystal clear and streak-free windows.
• Carpet and upholstery cleaning: Offer expert cleaning services for carpets and upholstery, effectively removing stains, dirt, and allergens.
• Office cleaning: Cater to the specific needs of businesses by offering office cleaning services, including dusting, vacuuming, and sanitizing workspaces.
• Consider conducting a customer survey or feedback to determine additional cleaning services that your target market desires.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest cleaning trends and technologies to offer innovative services that set your cleaning company apart.
• Offer customizable cleaning packages or add-on services to cater to specific client preferences and requirements.

2. Evaluate specialization:

Consider specializing in specific cleaning services, such as eco-friendly cleaning or post-construction cleaning, to differentiate your company from competitors and target specific niches within the cleaning industry.

3. Assess equipment and resources:

Ensure you have the necessary equipment, supplies, and resources to provide the selected range of cleaning services. Invest in high-quality cleaning tools and products to deliver exceptional results.

4. Training and certification:

Ensure your cleaning staff receives proper training and certification in the specific services being offered. This will instill confidence in your clients and guarantee professional and efficient service.

By determining the range of cleaning services to offer, you can tailor your business to meet the specific needs of your target market, differentiate yourself from competitors, and position your cleaning company as a reliable and trusted service provider.

Research And Select The Appropriate Legal Structure And Register The Business.

Researching and selecting the appropriate legal structure for your cleaning company is an important step in establishing a solid foundation for your business. The legal structure you choose will determine the level of personal liability, tax obligations, and administrative requirements you will have as a business owner.

First, you need to consider whether you want to operate as a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), or corporation. Each legal structure has its advantages and disadvantages, so it's crucial to thoroughly research and understand the implications of each option.

• A sole proprietorship is the simplest form of business structure, where you operate the business as an individual. You have complete control over decision-making and retain all profits but are personally liable for any debts or legal issues.
• A partnership involves two or more individuals who share ownership and responsibilities. Each partner contributes to the business and shares profits and losses, but also shares the liability.
• An LLC provides limited liability protection to its owners, separating their personal assets from business liabilities. It also offers flexibility in management structure and tax benefits.
• A corporation is a separate legal entity from its owners, providing limited liability protection and the ability to raise capital through the sale of stock. However, it has more complex legal and administrative requirements.

Once you have chosen a legal structure that best suits your cleaning company, you need to register your business with the appropriate government authorities. This typically involves filing necessary documents and paying any required fees. The registration process may vary depending on your location, so it's essential to consult with a legal professional or visit the relevant government websites to ensure you complete all the necessary steps.

• Consult with a business attorney or accountant to understand the legal and tax implications of each legal structure before making a decision.
• Consider the long-term goals and growth plans for your cleaning company when selecting a legal structure.
• Research the local regulations and requirements for registering a business in your area to ensure compliance.
• Keep all necessary documentation and paperwork organized to facilitate the registration process.

Develop A Comprehensive Pricing Strategy For Various Cleaning Services

When it comes to running a cleaning company, one of the most important aspects is developing a comprehensive pricing strategy for the various cleaning services offered. Setting the right prices is essential to ensure that your business remains competitive and profitable. Here are a few key considerations to keep in mind when developing your pricing strategy:

• Research the Market: Conduct thorough market research to understand the pricing trends within the cleaning industry. This will help you determine the average rates charged by competitors for similar services. Take note of any unique features or offerings of your cleaning company that could justify higher prices.
• Consider Costs: Calculate all the costs associated with providing each cleaning service, including labor, cleaning products, equipment, and overhead expenses. This will give you a clear idea of the minimum price required to cover your costs and make a profit. Remember to account for any seasonal or fluctuating expenses.
• Segmentation: Consider segmenting your pricing based on different factors, such as the type of service, the size of the space, or the frequency of cleaning. This can help you provide tailored pricing options to meet the diverse needs of your customers and optimize your revenue potential.
• Value-Based Pricing: Determine the unique value proposition that sets your cleaning company apart from competitors. If you offer specialized services, use eco-friendly products, or have highly trained staff, you can justify charging premium prices. Market the benefits of your services to emphasize the value customers will receive.
• Consider offering different pricing packages to cater to different customer budgets and needs. This can include basic, standard, and premium packages.
• Keep track of industry trends and adjust your pricing strategy accordingly. Regularly review and update your rates to ensure they remain competitive and reflective of your costs.
• Offer discounts or promotions to attract new customers or encourage repeat business. Consider loyalty programs or referral incentives to strengthen customer relationships.
• Regularly analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of your pricing strategy. Use feedback from customers and monitor financial performance to make necessary adjustments.

Developing a comprehensive pricing strategy for your cleaning services is crucial for the success of your business. By conducting thorough research, considering costs, segmenting your pricing, and emphasizing your unique value proposition, you can set prices that are both competitive and profitable. Remember to regularly evaluate and adapt your pricing strategy to remain responsive to market dynamics and customer expectations.

Create A Marketing Plan To Reach The Target Audience And Promote The Business

Once you have defined your target market and identified your unique selling proposition, it's time to create a comprehensive marketing plan to effectively reach your audience and promote your cleaning business. A well-executed marketing plan can help you generate leads, build brand awareness, and ultimately drive sales.

1. Define your marketing objectives: Start by clearly defining your marketing objectives. These could include increasing brand awareness, generating leads, or building customer loyalty. By setting specific and measurable goals, you can better evaluate the success of your marketing efforts.

2. Identify your target audience: Understand your target audience's demographics, needs, and preferences. This will help you tailor your marketing messages and choose the most effective channels to reach your potential customers.

3. Craft a compelling brand message: Develop a unique and compelling brand message that communicates the value and benefits of your cleaning services. Highlight what sets your business apart from competitors and why customers should choose you.

4. Choose your marketing channels: Determine which marketing channels are most relevant and effective for reaching your target audience. This could include online platforms such as social media, search engine marketing, and email marketing, as well as traditional channels like print advertisements and direct mail.

5. Develop a content strategy: Create relevant and engaging content that resonates with your target audience. This could include blog posts, videos, or informative guides that provide valuable cleaning tips and insights. Establish yourself as an authority in the industry and build trust with potential customers.

6. Utilize online platforms: In today's digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial. Create and optimize your website to attract organic traffic and showcase your services. Leverage social media platforms to engage with your audience, share updates and promotions, and build a community of loyal customers.

7. Leverage online reviews and testimonials: Encourage your satisfied customers to leave positive reviews and testimonials online. This will not only help build trust and credibility but also attract new customers who rely on reviews when making purchasing decisions.

• Offer special promotions or discounts to incentivize new customers to try your cleaning services.
• Collaborate with other local businesses or influencers in the industry to expand your reach and gain exposure.
• Monitor and measure the effectiveness of your marketing efforts using analytics tools to make data-driven decisions and optimize your strategies.

By creating a well-rounded marketing plan, you can effectively reach your target audience and promote your cleaning business. Remember to continuously evaluate and refine your strategies based on customer feedback and market trends to stay ahead of the competition.

Identify And Acquire Necessary Cleaning Equipment, Supplies, And Resources.

Once you have determined the range of cleaning services your company will offer, it is crucial to identify and acquire the necessary cleaning equipment, supplies, and resources to effectively carry out these services. By ensuring you have the right tools and products at your disposal, you can deliver high-quality cleaning results, establish client trust, and ultimately build a successful cleaning business.

Tip 1: Begin by making a comprehensive list of the cleaning equipment and supplies needed for each specific service you will provide. This ensures that you have a clear understanding of what is required and can avoid overlooking any essential items.

• Gather information on the best cleaning equipment brands and models available in the market that align with your business needs and budget.
• Consider the specific requirements of your target customers and the cleaning industry standards to determine the ideal equipment and supplies to invest in.
• Take into account the size and scope of your cleaning projects to determine the quantity and capacity of the equipment and supplies needed.

Tip 2: Identify reliable suppliers or vendors who can provide you with the required cleaning equipment, supplies, and resources.

• Research reputable suppliers in your area or online who offer high-quality products and competitive pricing.
• Read customer reviews and testimonials to ensure the supplier has a track record of providing reliable and efficient service.
• Establish a relationship with the supplier to ensure a consistent and ongoing supply of the necessary equipment and supplies.

Tip 3: Consider the environmental impact of the cleaning products and equipment you choose.

• Opt for eco-friendly cleaning products and equipment to align with your company's focus on using safe and sustainable cleaning methods.
• Ensure that the cleaning products and equipment you select are approved and meet industry standards for effectiveness and safety.
• Explore options for recycling or proper disposal of cleaning waste and equipment to minimize environmental harm.

By carefully identifying and acquiring the necessary cleaning equipment, supplies, and resources, you can equip your cleaning company with the tools needed to deliver exceptional cleaning services. This will not only help you stand out among competitors but also ensure customer satisfaction, fostering long-term relationships and business growth.

Develop A Financial Plan Including Budgeting, Forecasting, And Securing Financing If Needed.

Developing a comprehensive financial plan is crucial for the success and sustainability of your cleaning company. It involves budgeting, forecasting, and securing financing, if needed, to ensure smooth operations and growth. Here are some important steps to consider:

• Budgeting: Start by creating a detailed budget that outlines your anticipated expenses and projected revenues. Include costs such as equipment, supplies, employee wages, insurance, marketing, and administrative expenses. This will help you determine the amount of capital you need to start your business as well as your monthly operating costs.
• Forecasting: To forecast your financial future, analyze industry trends, competition, and the potential demand for your services. Consider factors such as the growth rate of the cleaning industry, consumer preferences, and economic conditions. Use this information to estimate your future revenues and expenses, allowing you to make informed decisions and plan for contingencies.
• Securing Financing: Assess whether you need financing to start or expand your cleaning company. Research different funding options such as small business loans, lines of credit, or grants. Prepare a solid business plan and financial projections to present to potential lenders or investors. Remember to thoroughly compare terms, interest rates, and repayment options before choosing the right financing solution for your needs.
• Consider starting with a conservative budget to ensure financial stability during the early stages of your business.
• Regularly review and update your financial plan to adapt to changing market conditions and achieve your business goals.
• Explore alternative financing options such as crowdfunding or seeking partnerships to access additional capital.
• Consult with an accountant or financial advisor to ensure accuracy and maximize the effectiveness of your financial plan.

In conclusion, writing a business plan for a cleaning company involves several essential steps. By conducting thorough research of the cleaning industry, identifying the target market, and analyzing competitors, you can position your cleaning company for success. Defining your unique selling proposition, determining the range of services, and developing a comprehensive pricing strategy will help you stand out in the market. Additionally, creating a well-crafted marketing plan, acquiring necessary resources, and developing a solid financial plan will ensure the growth and sustainability of your cleaning business. By following these nine steps, you can confidently start and run a successful cleaning company that provides top-quality services to your clients.

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How to write a business plan for cleaning services

Table of Contents

A cover page

Executive summary, business overview, market and competitor analysis, business strategy, financial plan, capture and manage key business data with a simple app.

If you’re starting a cleaning business, you’ll need to create a plan that tells anyone who reads it anything they need to know about the company. This guide will show you how to write a business plan for your cleaning services. 

You’ll need to include the following elements in your cleaning company’s business plan:

• List of cleaning services

The cover page of your business plan serves as a reference point for investors , future new employees, and so on. It essentially serves as a cover letter for your business and is especially important if you need to apply for g r ants or loans.

Since your cover page is the first thing viewers will see, it’s crucial that it looks professional and includes key information, such as:

• Business name
• Contact information
• Business address (if any)
• Your role in the cleaning business

Next, you need to write an executive summary, a brief summary of your entire cleaning business plan. Here, you’ll explain your business’ main concepts, including your strengths and goals. 

Your executive summary should include things like:

• Company history
• Mission statement
• Business goals and objectives
• Competitive advantage (your keys to success)

Even though your executive summary comes at the beginning of the business plan, a tip is to write it after you’ve finished all the other sections to make sure you don’t miss any key points.

Your business overview allows anyone who reads your business plan to quickly understand how you operate. This is the part where you share all important information about your cleaning business, including:

• Company summary: Here, you share information about your mission, target market , unique selling point , and anything else that sets your cleaning business apart from others. 
• Company ownership: You need to include information about how your company is set up. Will you work as a sole trader or set up a limited company or partnership? Learn more about the difference here .
• Startup costs: This is where you share details about any startup costs you might incur while setting up your cleaning business. Common costs for cleaning startups include uniforms, cleaning chemicals and equipment, office supplies, business software, mileage costs, and marketing expenses.
• List of assets: List any assets that bring value to your business, both short term and long term. Your assets play a huge role in determining your business’ likely success. The more assets you have, the fewer overhead costs you’ll have, meaning you’ll have more revenue going towards your profits.
• Cleaning services: You’ll want to include an extra section that details what cleaning services you plan to offer. Explain which services you can afford to start out with based on your likely startup costs, and include a plan for how you’ll eventually expand your service offering (if you want to do so).

Once you’ve given a clear view of your cleaning business, it’s time to look closer at how your cleaning business will fit into the market.

Market and competitor research will give you information on what the current market looks like, including what competitors already offer and what people might look for. This information will help you decide what cleaning services your business should offer. 

Conducting market analysis also helps you build a profile for your target customers, including their needs, occupation, budget, online activity, age, interests, and so on. This customer profile will help you tailor your marketing strategies to capture your ideal client’s attention and interest.

It’s best to conduct your market and competitor analysis before you even begin writing a business plan for your cleaning startup. The reason is that you might need to adapt your plan depending on the information your research uncovers. 

This is where you share details about how you plan to make your cleaning business a success. All of the previous sections of your cleaning business plan have had a hand in helping you develop your business strategy. Here you need to include:

• Pricing strategy: how will you package your cleaning services, and how much will you charge for them?
• Marketing strategy: how will you spread the word about your new cleaning service and attract new customers to your business?
• Logistics plan: how will you get to your different appointments? Can you manage with public transport or do you need a car for transport?
• Goals and objectives: what do you want to achieve in the first few months or years, and how do you plan to get there?

You’ll also need to share details about your finances, which we’ll explain in the next section.

The final section is perhaps the most important part of a cleaning company business plan as it contains details about the financial aspects of your business. Your financial plan is where you detail your growth strategy, meaning how you will grow your business into a profitable cleaning brand. The financial plan is also key for attracting investors to your business since it describes why it’s a viable investment opportunity. 

Take a look at a few things your financial plan includes:

• Sales forecast: how many sales are you likely to make within a specific time frame?
• Startup funding: if you’re starting a cleaning business , will you need financial backing to get it off the ground?
• Expense budget: how much money will you need to pay for supplies, equipment, and other costs relating to your cleaning services?
• Break-even analysis: when do you expect your business to break even, meaning when your expenses match your sales or service volume?
• Projected cash flow: how much money are you likely to bring in and spend in a specific time frame?

Since this section can be complicated, it’s a good idea to hire a bookkeeper or accountant to help you with it. 

Once your cleaning business gets going, you need a reliable and efficient system to keep on top of your financial transactions. 

Countingup is the business current account with built-in accounting software that allows you to manage all your financial data in one place. With features like automatic expense categorisation, invoicing on the go, receipt capture tools, tax estimates, and cash flow insights, you can confidently keep on top of your business finances wherever you are. 

You can also share your bookkeeping with your accountant instantly without worrying about duplication errors, data lags or inaccuracies. Seamless, simple, and straightforward! 

Find out more here .

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How to Write Cleaning Services Business Plan

• Last Updated: July 13, 2022

People have, now more than ever, become highly dependent on each other for various services. This is because of the increasingly complex nature of services on the one hand and the enhanced level of sophisticated tools used for the provision of services. One such service that is in great demand in the current times is that of cleaning.

Although cleaning services have been around for some time now, the pandemic scare, grander scale of industries, and better living standards of people significantly aided by technology have shot up their acceptability.

Table of Content

Vital Statistics About Global Cleaning Service Industry

Steps to write cleaning services business plan.

• The global industrial cleaning services industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6% in 2021-25, as per ResearchandMarkets.com’s report.
• A similar report by Beroe Inc. puts the CAGR at 6.3% and estimates the market size to be $88.9bn by 2025.
• This surge in demand for cleaning services in the cleaning industry, primarily in North America and the Asia-Pacific, has led to a spike in service prices.
• Naturally, many start-ups have sprung to fill up the market void. A single person often runs these until the profits and scale of business are enough to afford employees.

The most efficient way to check the viability of a business in a given area is to formulate a small business plan. A business plan is a short analysis of the feasibility of the business with data and information pertaining to its functioning.

It involves an overview of the business, mission and vision statements, management, financial plan, marketing prospects, target client, and USP. This could help small businesses raise capital to run it on auto-pilot or expand and diversify, as the case may be.

Having understood the relevance of a cleaning services business plan, let us learn how to write one for your cleaning business.

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Below are steps to follow for developing cleaning services business plan.

1. Overview

Business overview is significant to create an SOP for your daily operations and availability of resources. It would be easy to understand your business for any third party who wants to collaborate with your company.

The most important aspect of presenting a cleaning services business plan to a stakeholder like a prospective investor is to make an impactful first impression. This small trick sets the tone of your business plan by engaging the reader with it.

The overview should summarise the cleaning business plan and basic information like the cleaning company name , logo, contact info, and registered address.

3. Strategy Implementation

To run a successful cleaning business, you need to formulate a thoughtful business strategy to achieve your business goals. For this, you need to set out the periodic goals to be achieved and lay down the standard operating procedures for achieving those goals.

Have a domain of primary service and secondary services.

Every business should operate with a unique selling point to distinguish their service from others. Whether the service is for elderly or corporate-cultured youth or what type of construction is to be catered to, all these things can help identify the market gap in services. This will help your cleaning business to enter from a solid position to address actual demand.

Get a marketing strategy in place. Digital marketing is the go-to platform due to the overwhelming presence of users on different social media. The marketing needs to be catchy and lead to instant conversions.

• Facebook and Instagram target ads
• Google analytics
• Physical publications
• Scoring a few renowned brands or HNIs for mouth publicity and instant popularity
• Referrals work like wildfires in the internet times as everyone eyes a good discount on everything.

Have a timeline for sales targets and keep track of milestones.

Assign geographical areas or other functional parameters to employees.

Ensure good customer support; you can do this through CloudTutorial . It provides a simple self-serve knowledge base that lets a cleaning business automate resolutions to the bulk of redundant queries. It is AI-based software that elevates the efficiency of the management team.

4. Management Summary

The human resource of an organization is the biggest asset and strength of an organization. It needs to be managed well so as not to convert it into a liability. Labor costs can be substantially high in services that require expertise, special care, and handling.

Since cleaning services involve the use of various industry-grade chemicals, the labor employed to handle it should be proficient in their use. Even the slightest mishandling could lead to huge financial losses and even cause harm to human life. It must be evident that the employees and the cleaning business plan as a whole need to be insured for any unforeseen damages.

Some other factors to be forecasted are:

The number of employees required for your business

• More employees are not always good for a business as their salary expense needs to be justified and aligned with their marginal utility.

Number of jobs that can be taken up each day

• This parameter will help the stakeholder speculate on the scalability of the cleaning business plan while also reassuring work and sustenance during trying times.

Pricing acceptable in the market per job work

• Salary should be in consonance with minimum pay as declared by the government.

5. Ownership

No matter what services you provide, you need to get your cleaning company registered (partnership or sole proprietorship). You can add the business description, resources, and equipment that you need while setting up a busines plan. In this process, you may find the questions like:

• What cleaning services will be offered by you?
• How many employees you will need?
• Will you include services for commercial or residential?
• What will be your service cost?

6. Company’s Description

It is crucial to know who runs the show and is responsible for the execution of business. This part of the plan should include information regarding the personnel in charge of different activities in the management, such as procurement, pricing strategy, marketing plan, and accounts.

The company executive summary should also state clearly the mission of the business. This may also include a brief history of the company if this is an update to the Business Plan rather than a new one. The executive summary should have a vision statement that portrays how the organization plans to complete its mission. The pathway needs to be explicit and focused.

For example, if a business is located in North Carolina, it could provide residential cleaning services to all multiple income-source households with an average income of $70,000 and above. The business could have earlier been involved in the provision of services to the corporates. The mention of this detail in the company’s history gives it more gravity and glorifies its expertise in the cleaning service business.

7. Service Details

The company can now explain the range of services it provides with the suitability of different services for target customers. The pricing of additional services offered can also be indicated here.

• Types of services offered
• Packages for bundled services
• Frequency of services
• The pricing schedule for services

8. Legal Entity

Now is the time to talk about the kind of organization you’re running or planning to set up. Whether you want to be a sole proprietor, multi-partner firm, or a corporation limited by shares, you’ll need to have your organization registered to run your business legally.

The information for such registration and any other certifications or eligibility for grants need to be mentioned here. This will help identify the legal owner of the business and the liable person in times of such an instance.

9. Financial Data

Running a business could be a cumbersome task if you do not have a clear view of the costs involved in running the business. There could be high chances of incurring losses if the costs are not appropriately managed. So, it’s essential to list out the startup costs of the business and the assets being used for the operations. If there are any loans or liabilities, such as credit availed on supplies, this section should state the same.

Operating costs include the cost of supplies used, overheads, batteries, uniforms, other disposables, etc.

If there is any loan against any assets, that also needs to be disclosed, along with working capital loans or any other borrowing or interest charges.

• Leased or financed assets need to be disclosed too with their explicit terms of use.

 10. Equipment cost

Before operating your business, you should also consider the equipment and its cost to your business plan. These assets will include the long-term as well as short-term assets used to run the business.

• Long-term assets may include transport vehicles, heavy machinery, office cleaning space, etc.
• Short-term assets may include supplies, stocks of uniforms, cleaning equipment such as vacuum cleaners and vipers or brushes.

Long-term Equipment

Equipment for cleaning services will help you complete large or small projects and that’s why you must consider it while estimating operational costs. These long-term assets don’t need too much maintenance and you don’t have to get them replaced. These assets contribute to your business in such a way that you find them worth buying.

They also denote other parties about how worthy is your business to get grants. When you look out for long-term equipment, you must check out small details like manufacturing year, model number, and retail price. Long-term assets would be generally the company vehicles.

Short-term Equipment

Basically, short-term equipment are those which you use on a daily basis. Some of you may already have such equipment to utilize for ongoing project works. More equipment means you have less overhead and it will eventually result in boosting your profit. Short-term equipment are significant to your business so that you can mention them in the documents and get an idea of your business worth. Assets like dusters, brooms, vacuum cleaners, and mops are examples of short-term equipment.

11. Market Analysis

It is pivotal to know your competitors and what they’re offering to make your services better. Competitive advantages come with an upper hand in either the quality of service provided or the price factor. In the former scenario, you could very well dictate the price in the target market, while in the latter, you need to be always an underdog and fetch quantity.

Identifying your local market position gives an insight into the cleaning businesses model you should choose. There are many other decision points based on the market analysis for the choice of model:

The composition of target clientele wrt age, income, gender affects the service packages more likely to be selected.

Weather conditions of the geographical location affect the frequency of service requests.

• Cleaning services might not be a good business in areas of low pest or favorable weather with less pollution.

The cleaning service plan can be based on the demand for environment-friendly cleaning business agents and biodegradable disposable material in use.

• A company having an affiliate manufacturing such chemicals and products can prove to be market-disrupting, given the role it assumes in the market.
• Prominent players in this industry diversify with such business plans in mind.

Taxes applicable to the services offered play an essential role.

• Taxes paid on inputs need to be factored in.

12. Forecasts

The basic assumption to run a cleaning business is that it’s a going concern and intends to function in the coming three years. If this criterion needs to be fulfilled, you need to develop intelligent forecasts for the future and budget all the expenses to realize the profit potential. There need to be estimated for:

• Marketing Expenses and revenue overlay
• Ratio and break-even analysis
• Cash Flow Statements
• Profit Margin Calculations
• Tax Planning
• Insurance and Litigation Expense

The cleaning services business is being promoted with the shift in culture from DIY to do-it-for-me. The primary reasons for this shift are technological advances and a general attitude of developing expertise in one trade and leaving others to theirs. The adaptation of a work-from-home styled routine makes it all the more convenient for residents to outsource household chores such as cleaning while also supervising the work in real-time.

Word Doc of Cleaning Service Business Plan Template

Follow these steps to develop an effective cleaning business plan.

• Step1: Choose your service area
• Step2: fund your business
• Step3: Collect resources
• Step4: Get your business registered
• Step5: Hire employees
• Step6: Market your products
• Step7: Reach out to potential clients

Yes, a cleaning business would help you gain a profit of $25,000 up to $100,000 depending upon your service and other variables.

Why not? If you are coming up with a strong cleaning business plan, it would be worth starting a new cleaning business from scratch. Luckily, cleaning businesses always have higher demand in the market.

To write a cleaning proposal, you must start with greetings, and then explain your offerings in detail. Let them know how excited you are to serve them in the best possible way. Also, add a short company description in the letter before mentioning thank you note . Here are the steps to remember while making a proposal.

• Write a customer-friendly introduction.
• Offer your proposal.
• Mention goals and objectives.
• Give them a brief idea about the budget.
• Conclude your letter with CTA (Call to action).

A well-thought-out cleaning service plan will definitely have the edge over illegal independent housekeepers who have enjoyed a big chunk of market share in the past. The company needs to provide personal connection services and build long-term relationships with its clients to overcome this competition. The service industry relies on genuine services, which needs to reflect through your Cleaning Services Business Plan.

Once you, as a cleaning business owner, start your own commercial cleaning business plan, all you need to do is manage it smoothly so that you can focus on other important things in your cleaning business like market your cleaning business.

Thus, FieldCamp is one such cleaning business management software that is mainly designed and developed to automate your cleaning business operations. From job scheduling to managing cleaners, invoices to payments, and reports to analysis of your overall cleaning business, FieldCamp is the best option to adopt. Without giving a second thought, you as cleaning business owners can start your FREE Trial and explore the exclusive features of this software.

Gaurang Bhatt

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How to Create a Cleaning Business Plan

Alyssa sanders, published on february 11, 2021.

Many cleaning business owners feel like they don’t need a cleaning business plan, which is why they’re unable to build a scalable cleaning business.

Trying to grow a successful cleaning business without a business plan is like going on a road trip without a map… You know where you want to go but have zero vision or plans of how to get there.

A great cleaning business plan will help you to create, visualize, and conquer your goals. Also, it’ll help you to capture potential market opportunities you can use to grow your business.

In this article, we’ll talk about what makes a great business plan as well as how you can create the best business plan for your cleaning business.

By the end of this article, you’ll have all the tools and information you need to start creating the best cleaning business plan TODAY!

How to Use Your Cleaning Business Plan to Set You Up for Success

Since a business plan helps you to organize your goals and discover growth opportunities, just by creating a cleaning business plan, you’re setting your business up for success!

In addition, a business plan helps you to:

• Stay organized
• Prepare for the unexpected
• Keep your focus on clear goals

As a result, your business plan is one of the most important foundations you can give your business.

Pro tip! A business plan is not a “one-and-done” task. As your business grows and evolves, it’s important to consistently re-evaluate and update your business plan. A good rule of thumb is to conduct your full revisions annually and your financial revisions monthly.

1. Cover Page

Cover pages serve as a great quick-reference point for your new employees. It gives them a quick overview of your management and contact structure.

Plus, as your cleaning business grows, it’ll offer you a great way to streamline your training process and offer new employees a brief business overview.

Also, your cover page provides quick contact information for every viewer. This is especially useful if you apply for any grants or loans.

Think of your cover page as a cover letter for your cleaning business. Since it’s the first thing viewers will see, it’s essentially a brief business overview.

As a result, it’s important that your cleaning business plan emanates the ultimate professionalism. It should resemble a professional booklet and be as pristine and current as possible.

These are some things your cover page should include:

• Business name
• Contact information
• Business address (if any)
• Your role in the cleaning business

After you’ve created your cover page, it’s time to start on the executive summary.

2. Executive Summary

Think of your executive summary as a brief, one-page summary of your entire cleaning business plan.

This is where you’ll explain your business’ main concepts in order to establish solid growth goals to help scale your cleaning business’ growth.

Your executive summary should include things like:

• Company history
• Mission statement
• Business goals and objectives
• Competitive advantages (your keys to success)

Once your executive summary is complete, you’re ready to create your business overview.

3. Business Overview

Your business overview is important because it explains your business’ basic function, everyday operations, and operational structure.

Upon a mere glance, your business overview allows anyone who enters into your business to quickly understand how you operate. This is especially helpful when someone like an employee or third-party accountant needs a brief business overview.

Company Summary

Your company summary is a brief outline of the vision of your cleaning business.

These are a few things you’ll want to include in your company summary:

• What types of cleaning services will you offer?
• How frequently do you plan on services for your jobs?
• Are you offering services for residential, commercial, or both?
• How do you think the weather (i.e. the rain) will affect how frequently you’ll service the properties?

After answering these questions, you should have a complete company summary for your cleaning business plan.

However, since every cleaning business is different, you might have to add additional information to your company summary.

Your company summary is one of the best ways you can provide an outline of your everyday operational structure to new employees or third party viewers.

A company summary is a great way to help give you a sense of direction. Additionally, this helps to give you a better idea of who your ideal cleaning client is.

Company Ownership

Remember when you first started your cleaning business and you had to decide which business entity in which you wanted to register your business as?

Whether you’re registered as a partnership, corporation, sole proprietorship, or something else, it’s important to include this information in your business plan because of its tax implications.

Since your business entity protects you from being personally liable for your business’ financial implications, it’s an important part of your business.

As a result, it’s important to include your company’s ownership in your company summary.

And if you haven’t registered your cleaning business yet, then click here to read our full guide on starting a cleaning business .

Start-Up Summary

In short, your start-up summary details your startup costs and uses your assets to calculate your cleaning business’ value.

Your assets and startup costs have the potential to be key predictors of your business’ success.

Also, if you ever apply for loans or grants, this is typically the most important section they’ll look at to determine your eligibility.

If you’re just starting out, then this section will be a start-up summary. However, if you’re updating an existing cleaning business plan, then this section will include your business expenses and assets .

Start-Up Costs

In order to calculate your true overhead costs, you’ll need to have an estimate of your start-up costs.

Once you’ve established your cleaning prices , your startup costs can be included in your overhead costs.

In addition, your start-up costs section is important because it can cause you to lose money and undercut yourself on pricing if you skip it or do improperly do it.

As you begin your start-up summary, you’ll start by including all of your start-up costs. This will tell you how much it’ll cost you to buy all of your necessary equipment and chemicals to start or maintain your business.

It’s important to also note that any equipment or assets that you already own should NOT be included in this section. This section is only intended to cover the things that you need to buy.

Typically, your start-up costs will include things like:

• Office supplies
• Business software
• Cleaning equipment or chemicals
• Capital to pay your cleaners (if any)
• Marketing expenses (i.e. you website , ads , etc… )

Include how much all of these things will cost you in your start-up summary.

Regardless of whether or not you’re looking for outside financial assistance, your startup costs help you to create a better financial plan for your cleaning business.

Long-Term Assets

Any assets that you already have that will contribute to your business in the long-term, you should include in your start-up summary.

Since they don’t have to be regularly replaced, an example of a long-term asset in your cleaning business are your company vehicles.

Your business’ assets are a huge predictor of your success because of how much value they bring to the table. As a result, they’re a huge reflection of how much your cleaning business is worth.

Also, your long-term assets are important because they indicate to third party financial advisors how much your business is worth if you need to apply for grants and such.

As you document your long-term assets, don’t forget to be as detailed as possible and note things like the make, year, model, cost, and etc… 

Short-Term Assets

Alternatively to your long-term assets, your short-term assets are the assets you already own that contribute to your business in the short-term.

Just to mention a few, these are a few short-term assets that you might already have:

The more assets you have, the less overhead you have, which means you’ll have more revenue going towards your profit.

As a result, all of your assets are important to document so that you’ll have a better idea of how much your business is worth.

Even though it’s likely tedious work to record all of your short-term assets, it’s a VITAL process for your cleaning business. This will help you later on when you start tracking assets .

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4. Cleaning Services

Depending on how much your calculated costs are from the previous step, you can determine which cleaning services you’ll be able to provide.

You should base your decision on which cleaning services to provide based on these two things:

• Your cleaning equipment: The cleaning services you’re able to offer are limited based on the equipment you’re able to afford.
• Your area: If there’s a demand for a cleaning service that no one offers in your area, then you have the perfect opportunity to quickly soar past your competition.

Now, write a three to five-sentence paragraph explaining the services you’ll offer.

If there’s any seasonality or frequency, be sure to note those factors of your services. This will help you to build a foundation for your everyday business operations.

5. Market Analysis Summary

In essence, your market analysis summary explains how your cleaning business is going to compliment the needs of your target market.

Here, you’ll pinpoint any industry trends and define your ideal client.

Your market analysis summary helps to grow your cleaning business because it helps you to get a picture of your local market and choose your ideal client .

Now, include the answers to these questions in your market analysis summary:

• Age, income, and socioeconomic status
• Identify their wants and desires (what they care most about)
• Find the local target market size (how many locals fall under this category)
• Cleaning services
• Business sizes (team sizes, company size, etc… )
• List services (with prices) that are similar to yours
• Why might your ideal client choose your competitors over you?
• How can you make it to where your ideal clients will hire YOU over your competitors?

Pro tip! If you haven’t already, you can download our FREE cleaning client persona template to help you to define and identify your ideal client. Plus, it’s a great idea to include it in your cleaning business plan to look even more professional!

One of the best parts about your market analysis summary is that you can really customize it and make it as detailed as you need.

6. Business Strategy

All of the previous sections of your cleaning business plan have had a hand in helping you develop your business strategy.

Now, we just need to tie all of the previous information together into this section.

Plus, when you have an excellent cleaning business strategy, it helps you to establish the best cleaning pricing strategy possible.

This section is predominantly focused on building the best business strategy possible, which will help you to better scale your business.

Cleaning Pricing

If you want to build a wildly successful cleaning business, then you’ll have to master the art of pricing your cleaning services for maximum profit.

As you calculate the perfect price for your cleaning business, you should consider things like:

• Profit goals
• Software cost
• Taxes and fees
• Overhead and equipment cost
• Hourly rate (including employee pay)

These are a few among the many factors you should consider before establishing the best possible cleaning price for your services.

Click here to download our FREE pricing calculator build just for cleaning business owners like you! This calculator is quick, easy to use, and it’ll tell you exactly how to price your services.

Fix Your Pricing in Under 10 Minutes

7. implementation strategy.

In essence, your implementation strategy outlines the marketing and sales strategies you use to upsell your cleaning services .

Depending on your overhead costs and services prices, you can determine how many clients you’ll need to win in order to reach your profit goals.

Then, you have to find out how you’re going to win those clients.

Take a look at a few basic marketing strategies to get you started:

• Facebook Ads
• 9-arounds with flyers

Click here to explore more marketing strategies you can use to win more cleaning clients .

In your implementation strategy, you can get as specific as you’d like and include things such as:

• Sales forecast
• Sales strategies
• Milestones (if any)
• Competitive advantages

Your implementation strategy is whatever you need it to be. Use it to explore various ways to determine how you’re going to win more clients and reach your overall goals.

When you properly create an effective implementation strategy, you can establish a clear plan of what your marketing campaigns need to look like in order to surpass your goals .

8 Steps to Effectively Advertise on Facebook (with video instruction)

8. management summary.

Fun fact: Labor costs can make up as much as 30% of your annual revenue costs.

As a result, your management summary makes up an important aspect of your cleaning business plan.

Unlike many of your other costs, you can better control your labor costs than anything else.

Streamlining your everyday operations, increasing your route density, and improving your time management are just a few ways you can control your labor costs.

By the way, did you know that Service Autopilot can automate ALL of these tasks AND MORE using our cleaning software? One of the keys to keeping your labor costs down is knowing when to hire more cleaners.

Click here to check out our free, quick guide to knowing when and how to hire the best of the best cleaning employees!

Your prices + operational costs + your profits will help you find out when you should hire your next cleaners.

Your management summary should include things like:

• Your salary
• Labor costs and employee pay
• Number of employees needed to reach your goals
• How many jobs you can realistically complete in a day (if you’re flying solo)
• Minimum service charge to service a property (and still reach your profit goals)

At first, you might not have enough clients to hire a new cleaner and that’s okay.

Many new cleaning business owners clean houses on their own for a year or two until they win enough clients to hire their first employee.

When you start feeling tired and overworked, then you know it’s time to hire a new employee .

However, if you’re feeling overworked and still can’t afford to hire a new cleaner, then it’s probably time to consider raising your cleaning prices .

Click here to see how much you should be paying your cleaners (there’s also a FREE employee wage calculator inside).

Fix Your Wages in Under 10 Minutes

9. financial plan.

A financial plan gives you a sense of how successful and profitable your cleaning business is.

When you don’t have a financial plan, you’re blindly growing your business without any clue to the state of your finances.

The types of cleaning businesses that skip this step are the types of cleaning businesses that end up leaking profits and going bankrupt.

It’s a good idea to consult with your bookkeeper or accountant as you build out this section of your business plan.

A financial advisor is great because they can evaluate your finances early on and discover profit holes and financial concerns BEFORE they become a problem.

Even though it does cost a bit to speak with a financial advisor, it can determine the success or failure of your cleaning business.

I strongly suggest you speak with a reputable financial advisor ASAP before completing this business plan.

After all, your finances are important and can either make or break your business.

As a result, the margin for error is small and it’s important to get it done right the first time . Make sure you consistently consult with financial advisors.

Take a look at a few things your financial plan includes:

• Balance sheet
• Business ratios
• Start-up funding
• Personnel planning
• Expense budget
• Break-even analysis
• Projected cash flow
• Projected profit and loss

The items above in bold are the ones the bare bones items that you MUST include in your financial plan. The rest of the items are bonuses that you can use to take your business plan to the next level.

Even though not everything listed above will apply to you, it’s a great start in creating your first cleaning business plan.

Use Your Cleaning Business Plan to Build a Successful Cleaning Business

At last, you’re ready to get out there and begin building out your first cleaning business plan!

Even though a business plan can be time-consuming, this complete, step-by-step guide shows you a simplified process of how YOU can create the best business plan for you starting TODAY.

Now, you have all the tools and knowledge you need to use these steps to successfully grow your cleaning business and surpass your goals!

Related: How to Get Your Cleaning Clients to Pay You

Originally published Feb 11, 2021 5:41 PM

Tags: Business Operation , Featured Post

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Cleaning Service Business Plan [Sample Template]

By: Author Tony Martins Ajaero

Home » Business ideas » Home Improvement » Cleaning Service

Are you about starting a cleaning business ? If YES, here is a complete sample cleaning service business plan template & feasibility report you can use for FREE .

Okay, so we have considered all the requirements for starting a cleaning business. We also took it further by analyzing and drafting a sample cleaning service marketing plan template backed up by actionable guerrilla marketing ideas for cleaning businesses.

So let’s proceed to the business planning section. As the business owner of a new cleaning business, you must spend your valuable time and resources in creating a business plan that will give you a head start in the industry and put you ahead of the competition curve from the onset.

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A Sample Cleaning Service Business Plan Template

1. industry overview.

The cleaning industry is almost always moving up the ramp of growth. The expansion of the industry has been specifically rapid in the past several years and experts believe that this exponential increase in the growth is not likely to be stunted anytime soon, at least not in the near future.

As a result, now is a better time than ever for start-up cleaning companies to embark on a journey towards reaching the lands of success in the cleaning industry.

In other words, it is an opportune time for entrepreneurs to start thinking about how they can initiate a highly profitable and successful start-up cleaning company that will cater to the demands of hundreds and thousands of customers in the city and the country.

Our goal is to address the needs of the customers who are looking for top notch cleaning services at reasonable prices for their homes or their workplaces. This need of the customers will be addressed by providing them with the very best cleaning services that will be conducted by highly skilled cleaning professionals working in the united states of America in the state of Illinois.

The characteristics that will set our business apart from the rest will be the top quality of our services, the efficiency of our workers and the first class hospitality treatment that our clients can expect from our professionals every single time.

2. Executive Summary

• Current Situation

We are a start-up cleaning company that was established in the year 2011 in the state of Illinois. The principal owner of our company is Stephanie Ryder who currently serves as the President of the Executive Committee of our company.

Mrs. Ryder has brought several years of experience in the cleaning service industry into our cleaning company, and it is this experience of hers that has helped the company overcome odds during the initial stages of its operations. The key figure in our company who must be mentioned in the same breath as Mrs Ryder is her sister, Clementine Orton.

She contributes greatly to our customer service department, the bookkeeping sector as well as other areas of our business that requires the expertise and experience of someone as knowledgeable, proactive and dynamic as Ms. Orton.

At this current period of our time, the company is looking for some much needed additional equity capital that will be a perfect addition to our own equity investment. Therefore the company is now looking to sign a deal with a bank for funding our inventory and our receivables.

We have assured several clients, both corporate and residential clients, in cities across the state of Illinois, especially in the city of Chicago, to provide a host of different cleaning services in their commercial complexes and residential buildings so that they can live in a clean, safe and secure environment without the fear of having their homes and offices turned into a dirty and inhabitable environment.

Once the financial arrangements for our inventory and receivables funding are finalized by the bank, we hope to resume our cleaning services and expand our services to cities across the state where we are yet to explore and leave a mark on.

• Key Success Factors

When talking about the key success factors, it all comes down to the vision and the goals of our principal owner Stephanie Ryder. It is her energy, exuberance and efficacy to take a start-up company from the realms of oblivion to the echelons of the cleaning service industry that we count on most as the key success factor of our company.

In addition to that, we believe that we have an impressive social network that will allow the business to smoothly float from one client to the other without having redundant periods of unemployment between contracts.

Since the cleaning business is based heavily on service, our priority is to hire the best cleaning staff members available around the country, and therefore our recruitment managers have been well equipped to select the crème of the crop when it comes to assembling a team of money making staff.

We refuse to provide cleaning services that are incomplete and those that fail to meet the expectations of our endeared clients.

This will allow us to give the very best service and cleaning product selection to various clients across the state without being distracted by the very different product and service demands of general market outlets in the cleaning industry. All of this and more will allow your business to draw success towards itself and compete with the very best in the industry for bragging rights and dominant market positions.

• Financial Situation/Needs

A total sum of $300,000 is the minimum that we require to effectively initiate our business and open our doors to our valued clients that who are waiting to subscribe to our top notch services.

The majority portions of the funds we receive will be used to finance and streamline the business operations until we start generating sufficient amounts of revenue and making enough profit to finance our own operations and expand these operations beyond our expectations.

Till then, we must be reliant on external finances whether it be in the form of the funds that we received from the bank or the funds that have been granted to us by the principal owner Stephanie Ryder, the immediate members of the family, her relative, friends, co-workers and previous employers and business partners.

According to our estimations, within the next 2 years (give or take 3 months) the company will have enough clients and will be carrying out the required number of deals to generate healthy revenue and become profitable. Our calculations and research work also tells us that within 4 years of breaking even, the investors in our business will be able to retrieve the entirety of their funds and will be able to cash out with ease.

The founding partners of our company will have the option of purchasing the investment stake or substituting the replacement stake with extra bank funding after the completion of the first 4 years of full-fledged operations provided that the company breaks even and earns considerable profit.

3. Our Mission and Vision Statement

The vision of our company is rather quite simple. We hope to become the first name in the shopping list of homes and offices when they are looking for cleaning services that can lend them a helping hand in creating a beautiful living or working environment.

We will reward our clients for making us their first choice by providing them with cleaning services that are equal, if not better, than the best cleaning service available to them, and one that is certainly most affordable if the client decides to sign a long term contract with us. We do not want to simply become a provider of cleaning services or a supplier of cleaning products.

Rather, we want to be known as a team of cleaning experts who the entire state can rely on to keep their homes and offices sparkling clean and refreshed.

We want to help build a state where people no longer have to compromise with their living and working conditions courtesy of our cleaning services. A cleaner and greener world is certainly our primary objective for starting this start-up business.

• Securing verbal commitments from our first batch of commercial clients who are willing to sign a 6 months contract is complete.
• Securing verbal commitments from the batch of commercial clients who are interested to subscribe to our services for a trial period of 1 month is complete.
• Securing verbal commitments from the first batch of commercial clients who are willing to sign up for our services for a shortened term of 3 months is currently underway.
• A warehouse lease for 6 months has been signed.
• First written orders from suppliers for the next 6 months have been received.
• Purchase of vehicles necessary to transport cleaning products and equipments is currently underway.
• Full catalogue of services and products (used for conducting services) has been completed and revised.
• Presentation to potential investors who are looking to add their money in the investment pool is currently underway.
• Presentation to banks who will be interested to finance our operations and inventory is currently underway.
• Employee recruitment for 3 different cleaning teams is now complete.
• Employee training for 3 different cleaning teams is currently underway under the supervision of professional mentors and experts hired temporarily.
• Securing the insurance for the entire cleaning business is now complete.
• Devising the employee policy is currently underway and is being conducted by Stephanie Ryder and Clementine Orton.

4. SWOT Analysis

• Opportunities in the Cleaning Industry

The room for success in the cleaning industry is quite vast. As the number of commercial buildings and residential homes increase, the demand for cleaning services is likely to enhance along with it.

Furthermore, the healthcare industry and organizations in charge of advocating eco-friendly business practices makes it quite a necessity for businesses around the country to improve sanitation and hygiene standards in their workplaces which compels them to seek the services of cleaning companies.

Therefore, this market offers us terrific growth potential, which we are planning to capitalize on with all our expertise and ambition.

This market may not be the largest in the country, but it is certainly one where a newcomer like us will receive abundant opportunities to register progress in leaps and bounds as long as we have the correct business philosophy and are implementing the right business strategies.

• Threats and Risks

As a small cleaning firm that will be taking baby steps towards growth and development for at least the foreseeable future; we do not anticipate any major reactions from our future competitors upon the entry of our business in the industry.

We are expecting that our introduction into the industry will remain a low profile one and is likely to go unnoticed by some of the more major corporations which rule the cleaning service industry. We also do not think that some of the lesser known cleaning service companies that have been in the industry far longer than us will be have any distinct reactions to the initiation of our business.

However, in the case that they formulate plans to drive us further away from competition, we have come up with contingency plans of our own that will help us survive the threat of expulsion from the industry and assist us to overcome the risks that are associated with engaging in fierce competition with the experienced business owners of established commercial sector cleaning companies.

Competitive Strategies

• Key Competitive Capabilities

Most of the start-up cleaning companies have their sights set on the residential sector, mainly because of their lack of confidence and belief to compete with the major players in the commercial sector. This will not be the case with our company.

We will become one of the very few start-up companies in the state of Illinois which will focus all of its finances, resources and marketing strategies in climbing up the ladder in the cleaning industry and rapidly acquiring larger portions of the market share.

We will not have to compete with a big number of start-ups in the commercial sector, therefore our progress or advancement into the big leagues of the industry will not be hindered by too many competitive obstacles or hurdles in the way.

Our major advantage however lies in the incredible amount of expertise and experience that our principal owner Stephanie Ryder will be bringing into the equation.

As an entrepreneur who has had her fair share of successes and failures in the last decade, Stephanie will have a clear understand of the strategies and tactics that are required to get us across the finishing line ahead of others and avoid major disasters that our competitors may push us into.

The fact that we will be assembling a cleaning team of experienced professionals blended enthusiastic and energetic college students will allow us to achieve a working dynamic that will push our efficiency higher than that of other companies.

Basically, our company will form a cleaning staff that will strive to outwork and outsmart employees of other cleaning companies.

In an industry which is heavily reliant on service, the key is to employ workers who are willing to put in the best performance within the shortest period of time available. Our extensive and rigorous training programs will allow our workers to develop themselves, sharpen their skills at all times and stay updated with the latest developments in the world of cleaning products and equipment.

Our training facility for the workers will turn out to be a game changer and a breeding ground for the best workers in the cleaning industry in the country.

• Key Competitive Weakness

Our key competitive weaknesses stem from our lack of experience being a start-up company. We may have the best cleaning staff in the country assembled, but that will not allow us to strike deals with numerous clients at the same time.

Therefore, our availability is something that may compromise our revenue and income generation. We have a limited number of workers who will not be overworked severely according to the company policy.

Therefore, it will not be possible for us to bring in a massive number of clients every month. We hope to tackle this problem by finding ways to maximize our income and profit generation. That will allow us to employee more workers, even individual contractors with a part time schedule, and we can plan on increasing our portfolio of monthly or annual clients.

Since our current business plan ( which is based on the current financing and funding that is available to us ) only allows us to operate within the boundaries of the state of Illinois, our company will have limited reach unlike the other major corporations in the industry which are willing to provide their services all across the country.

Therefore, we will be missing out on a major chunk of the industry market which is outside the state of Illinois and that will result in a series of missed opportunities that could quite possibly hurt our finances considerably in the long run.

If we are to compete with the major names in the industry, we must generate enough income to expand our business beyond the borders of Illinois and give clients around the country an opportunity to be impressed by our top notch services.

5. MARKET ANALYSIS

• The Overall Market

Before you proceed, it is important to note that this is just an extract of our in-depth marketing plan. Here is the full sample cleaning business marketing plan template.

The overall size of the cleaning industry according to most estimates is somewhere around $750 million in the United States of America.

The state of Illinois is a major location in the industry mainly because of the highly industrialized and commercialized city of Chicago where cleaning services have become a necessity in nearly every neighbourhood that is flocked with commercial complexes and residential buildings.

The analysis of the cleaning industry be easily divided into two categories due to the distinct nature of the two kinds of services that cleaning companies in this industry concentrate on. The first is the commercial cleaning service and the second is the residential cleaning service.

The market analysis for both of them must be done separately because the nature and intensity of the demand in both of them are highly different.

Commercial clients usually demands cleaning companies that can provide them with state of the art janitorial services and garbage removal and disposal services. Residential clients on the other hand look for cleaning companies that can provide comparatively less heavy duty services such as carpet cleaning, upholstery, 6 hour maid services, vacuuming etc.

Changes in the Cleaning Industry Marketplace

During the time of the depression, the office rent rates went up and that comprised the ability of several corporations and large businesses to afford cleaning services. Since the depression faded way into oblivion, the office rent rates have somewhat become flatter and companies and corporations have regained the need and ability to subscribe to cleaning services.

With that being said, certain cities in the state of Illinois are experiencing a rise in rent of residential spaces. If the rates continue to rise in a similar fashion, then cleaning companies who cater to residential clients will be forced to make their prices more competitive and increase the efficiency of their projects.

This may sound like an intimidating scenario for most start-up cleaning businesses, but our company sees this as an opportunity to adapt, evolve and let the market changes mould our path to success.

One of the major changes that led to a boom in the cleaning industry in the recent years is the development and increased authority of the healthcare industry. Residing and working in unclean and filthy places posed several health hazards to residents and workers around the country.

This forces the home owners and corporate heads to resort to cleaning services, since their personal cleaning professionals unable to meet the standards that were set by the esteemed organizations in the healthcare industry.

As a result, cleaning companies were suddenly exposed to far more contracts than before, and most of the clients preferred to have long term arrangements with the cleaning companies instead of having a one off affair with the cleaning services.

One lesser known factor that influenced the growth of the cleaning industry is the ever increasing demand for aestheticism and visual appeal in homes and offices around the United States of America. People want their homes and offices to look good from both the inside and the outside. As a result, they cannot afford to have dirt and filth lying around in their office or residential space.

This prompted them to seek the professional help of cleaning services. Cleaning companies around the company are making sure that homes and offices retain and maintain the visual appeal with which they were built so that they do not become labelled outdated or unsuitable for future tenants.

Market Segments in the Cleaning Industry

Most cleaning companies do not provide an all encompassing service. The cleaning service itself can be divided into various segments, and the demand for these segmented services in the commercial or residential market is quite different from one another.

Some of the most common segmented services include janitorial services, maid services, window cleaning services, carpet cleaning services, dry cleaning, vacuuming, furniture polishing, washroom cleaning, waste removal and disposal etc.

We understand the diversity in the demand for these services across various platforms. For example, it would be erroneous for us to assume that the market demand for window cleaning in commercial complexes is the same as the market demand for window cleaning in residential homes in the suburbs of Illinois.

6. Our Target Market

One of the more impressive aspects of the cleaning industry is the endless possibilities it provides when it comes to the target market and customers.

Sure, each cleaning company that establishes itself in the cleaning industry has its own niche and therefore its own target market and clients. However, for a start-up company like ours, we had the luxury of choosing from a wide selection of target customers.

In the commercial sector, businesses ranging from small companies to large corporations are all in need of cleaning services of one kind or the other. Schools, colleges, libraries and other variants of educational institutions too require the assistance of cleaning companies to provide a cleaner, safer and health hazard free studying environment for the bright minds of tomorrow.

In the residential sector, there are those living modern day busy urban lives who hardly have time to make their bed and keep their shoes aligned. For them, maid services are perfect to restore some order in their homes and their lives. Then again, there are clients within the residential sector who are looking to provide their newborn children with a cleaner and safer abode.

This is when they call upon the cleaning service companies to help make their homes a better place for their children to live in. As far as our operations are concerned, we are looking to cater to the commercial clients simply because we believe that the post depression era in the United States will turn these clients into profitable prospects and accounts for us.

Since we are equipped with the right size of cleaning staff and the appropriate cleaning equipments, we believe that we can cover massive office spaces as long as the clients appoint us a reasonable deadline. Window cleaning services, janitorial services and waste removal services in collaboration with the city authorities will be the major concentration areas of our business going forward.

With that being said, we will be keeping a watchful eye on the residential sector and always be open to the idea of expanding our business if lucrative opportunities present themselves.

• Customer Buying Decisions

Whether or not a client will express their interest to subscribe to a cleaning service company will depend on two things. The first is the expertise and experience of the cleaning service company which is known to people in the neighbourhood, city or the state.

Secondly, the effectiveness and the efficacy of the marketing and advertising strategies that are created by the cleaning company. There can also be a third factor in the mix, and that is the company’s ability to impress their clients during trial periods of service, if there are any on offer.

Our company, being a start-up cleaning business, will lack the experience and renown that is required to draw in new clients.

However, what we lack in experience, we will make up with the high quality of services during the trial cleaning sessions that we will offer to our clients and also through the dynamism and strong appeal of our outbound and inbound marketing campaigns. We hope to build a brand that can consistently influence the buying decision of the customers in the industry.

7. SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY

• Marketing Strategy

Socialization will be at the centre of our marketing strategy. We believe that in order for our business to thrive, we must reach out to people and give them genuine reasons to subscribe to our services. Our brand of marketing will be an aggressive and effervescent one, where we will strive to convert every potential prospect into a client within a period of 30 days.

This is the reason why we will be channelling our resources towards inbound marketing, as it allows us to connect with potential clientele and stay in touch with them at all times.

Not only will be having our own website, blog and newsletter programs, but we will also be taking our business to the social media platform, where the goal would be to change people’s general perception towards cleaning service businesses and keep them informed about the advantages and benefits of hiring a cleaning service company, using both a direct and indirect (more subtle) approach.

Advertising Strategy

Our advertising strategy will be no less exuberant than our marketing strategy. We believe that it is all about forming a brand and enticing people to associate themselves with the brand in ways that appeal to them the most. Unlike other cleaning companies, we do not simply want to sell services that people can make use of. Instead, our goal is to sell experiences that people can thoroughly enjoy.

For example, our janitorial service advertisements will be specifically addressing the needs of those business owners who want to provide a wonderful working environment for their employees and thus curb down the number of complaints about their company’s working conditions.

• Sales Tactics

Once a client shows interest in our cleaning service, our sales team will be implementing a number of different tactics to retain the interest of the client and make sure that a contractual agreement is reached.

In order to do this, we will be offering our first time customers with various unknown complimentary services and discounts that will turn out to be a surprise package for them and will thus intensify their desire to contractually obligate us to clean their offices. The idea is to make the clients feel that they are getting more than what they are paying for.

Our approach to generating publicity for our business will be divided into three steps. The first step is to convince trade magazine to publish a feature on our start-up company and the potential of our services to change offices across the neighbourhood.

The second step is to send our representatives to the local radio stations to promote our business and educate listeners on what we have in store for them. The third and final step is to partner up with manufacturers of cleaning products and provide discounts on our services to people who purchase their cleaning products.

How to Start a Cleaning Business

Candice Landau

11 min. read

Updated April 12, 2024

Free Download:  Sample Cleaning Service Business Plan Template

So, you’re in the market to start a cleaning business? You have the skills. There aren’t that many hurdles or license requirements compared to other operations. And you can get started fast and affordably.

The thing is, you’re not quite sure what, exactly, is involved in starting a cleaning a business.

In this guide, you’ll get a better sense of the industry, what skills you should develop in order to be successful in it, and how to go about starting your own operation.

You will also find information provided by two people currently involved in the industry: Matthew Mercuri, Digital Marketing Manager at Dupray, and Simon Brooks, who founded a cleaning company that was featured by NBC . Simon is testimony to the fact that yes, anyone really can start a cleaning business.

• 1. Overview of the industry

The cleaning services industry is comprised of janitors and cleaners, maids and housekeeping cleaners, first-line supervisors of housekeeping and janitorial workers, and building cleaning workers.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , as of 2023 there were 2.2 million janitors and cleaners in the U.S., 840,00 maids and housekeeping cleaners, 173,000 first-line supervisors of housekeeping and janitorial workers, and 14,000 building cleaning workers.

According to data from PayScale’s salary questionnaire, house cleaners, nationwide, earned an average of $19.70 per hour for pay. Most were women who claimed a high level of job satisfaction. However, just 3 percent reported having health care benefits such as medical, dental, or vision plans.

Products that sold best, and that were used most by the commercial cleaning industry, included brands such as P&G, 3M, Spray Nine, and SC Johnson. Cleaning managers cited high quality and effectiveness of the products, as well as a low price point as key to adding value.

• 2. Skills you need to start this business

Cleaning other people’s houses and offices is a dirty job—pun intended! More than that, it’s an intensely personal job as you will be entering someone’s home, or a private office space that may contain confidential data.

The people that hire you are taking you into their trust.

To be successful in this industry, you will need a number of skills and select character traits. If you do hire employees, they will also need these characteristics:

• Trustworthiness
• Diligence, or the ability to get a job done
• An eye for detail
• The ability to focus
• Excellent timekeeping and time management skills
• Physical stamina and strength
• A polite and professional manner

While it’s important to develop and maintain a positive relationship with your clients, you are not entering a house or office to socialize. A professional manner should be adhered to at all times. This will count greatly in your favor if the client ever has friends who ask for a referral.

If you want to learn more about your own strengths and weaknesses, you can conduct a SWOT analysis on yourself (as well as your company), or you can take this quiz that will help you determine where your strengths lie.

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• 3. Market research and business idea validation

It’s not hard to see why starting a cleaning business is such a popular option: It requires little upfront investment and is not a highly skilled business (in the simplest understanding of that concept) with many barriers to entry. Just about anyone can start doing it.

Of course, while many people may be able to start a cleaning business, not everyone can turn it into a thriving business. To do really well, you need business smarts and you need to stand out from the crowd.

This is where market research comes in.

Don’t skip your market research

Because you’ll be entering an already-saturated market, you will need to figure out a way to differentiate your service offerings. Sometimes this is referred to as figuring out your unique selling proposition, or USP.

Getting a handle on what you specialize in and how you operate—different to your competitors—will come in handy later on. It will help you find customers, and craft the right marketing messages so that they choose you!

Here are some things you might want to think about:

• How far are you willing to travel? 10 miles, 20 miles, 50 miles?
• Will you offer domestic, or commercial cleaning services? Will you offer both?
• Will you charge by the hour, by the room, or in some other way?
• Will you work weekdays and weekends?
• Will you serve everyone, or a select group, perhaps targeted by income bracket, age group, or something else?
• Will you do everything yourself or hire employees?
• What will your role be? Worker or manager?
• What will you pay yourself? And your employees?

If you’re not quite sure how to answer the above questions, you could take a look at the cleaning businesses in your area. Look at what they charge, how they charge, and who they seem to be targeting.

Beyond scouring the competition, conduct your own market research. Here are some additional resources to help you do it.

Pricing your services

Once you’ve figured out who your ideal target audience is, where they’re located, and what type of cleaning services you’re going to offer, you’ll have a much easier time pricing your services.

If you’re going to go down the route of creating estimates for every new contract, you might want to consider a few things.

Factors to consider when pricing your services:

• The size of the house or office (how many rooms?)
• How often you will be cleaning
• When you will be cleaning
• Special requirements such as cleaning ovens, windows, and so on
• Your own experience
• How many people will be involved in cleaning (just your or your team?)
• How you want to charge—by the hour or by the job

Don’t go down the route of charging too little for your services. Not only will you lose money, but people looking to hire you might not think you offer a great service. By that same token, don’t overprice. Take a look at what other companies are charging and be prepared to negotiate.

According to Care.com , in metropolitan areas, individual housekeepers usually charge between $17 and $21.50 per hour. Naturally, you’re going to need to figure out what your target audience is willing to pay. If you’re going into the eco cleaning business and choosing only eco-friendly brands, you can probably charge more.

Here are some additional  strategic ways to price your services. And, you can always start by first determining your own hourly rate: Look at plenty of websites and apps to get a feel for what others are charging.

Validating your idea

So, you’re at a stage now where you know some important things:

• You’ve documented your key assumptions about your business
• You’ve spoken to your customers
• You’ve got a sense of what people are willing to pay
• You know what your startup costs are and what you have to purchase to start

You should now have the information you need to determine if there’s enough interest in your idea to move forward. At this point in the process, we recommend creating a one-page pitch for your business. Either way, by the end of the process, you’ll have a much better handle on who you are, what your competitive advantage is, and who your customers are.

You can learn more about validating your idea in our guide.

• 4. Getting funded and writing a business plan

If you’re going to need an injection of capital in order to get your business going, you’re more than likely thinking of getting a bank loan. If this is the case, you will need a business plan.

Typically, domestic cleaning business operations need very little upfront investment and as such, can bootstrap their business idea, or get started as a part-time operation.

If, however, you are considering a large operation, perhaps a commercial cleaning service , you may want to invest in equipment and more expensive commercial supplies. In this case, you’ll likely need some startup capital.

If you’re considering opting into a franchise, you will need to meet a different set of requirements. You’ll need enough money to buy into one, a good credit history, management experience and skills, and to remember that you’re not the only one in control of the business.

For help on figuring out whether a franchise is right for you, see the FTC’s consumer guide to buying a franchise.

If you do need funding before you can start, there are a few options for you. Let’s review them:

• Bootstrap your business with a side business
• Take out a loan
• Ask friends and family for help
• Seek alternative funding sources

If taking out a loan is an option you’re interested in, speak with the SBA . You can find a local office using their search, and then get help figuring out which loan best suits your needs. To learn more about SBA loans, see our Complete Guide to SBA Loans.

If your credit is in disrepair, today it’s even possible to crowdsource money for a loan! That’s what Simon Brooks did with his social lending site called Kiva .

Simon says, “Our mission is to ‘clean up the cleaning industry,’ which is known for its low pay and culture of fear… Our business model fixes them all.”

Simon says, “I started this business with zero money in my pocket. Six months later we’d moved into our own Palo Alto office and are a viable business. Ours is a good story that shows you only need an idea and tenacity to get going.”

Writing a business plan to get funded

If you are going to go down the route of asking a bank to fund you, you’re definitely going to need a business plan. Lenders will want to see you’ve thought everything through and will pay special attention to the financial section of your plan. Make sure you understand this section.

It also helps to go in knowing how much money you need. In general, it’s better to ask for less, enough to get you started and going, and then to ask for an additional loan later. This is because a bank will be much more likely to give you another loan if you’ve made good on your last one and can show you’re running a profitable operation. It also minimizes your own risk.

Below you will find a selection of sample business plans. Start with a one-hour business plan (something you probably did when you were doing market research), then move to the traditional plan.

Free cleaning business sample plans

On Bplans, you have access to a library of over 550 free sample business plans. Within the services industry, there are a few different cleaning business plans. You can use these plans to get a better sense of how to write your own.

• Cleaning service business plan
• Janitorial service business plan
• Cleaning products business plan
• Carpet and upholstery cleaning services business plan

Dig deeper: How to write a cleaning service business plan

• 5. Making it legal

If you haven’t already, be sure to check out our business startup checklist.  This includes all the things you’ll need to do before you can be considered a legal entity, from choosing a business name through registering for an employer identification ID.

Be sure to register a name that is uniquely your own. It will make it easier for others to remember, will give you a better chance of competing for online real-estate that you can own (a domain name and social media profiles), and will mean you don’t inadvertently send business your competitors’ way.

Some of the key things you’ll need to start with include:

• Registering a business name
• Applying for a federal tax ID number
• Choosing a business structure
• Setting up payment systems, if you’re not just taking cash

You can read more about formally setting up a business in our business startup checklist. If you need additional help, speak with a lawyer.

• 6. Opening your business and marketing it

As a service business, you will rely heavily on your customers for further business. Ensuring you have a process in place to receive reviews, comments, and feedback right from the start will go a long way toward helping you build a reputation.

Ideally, your existing customers will refer acquaintances, friends, and family to your service, so be sure to uphold your values and the things you stand for.

Before you open your business, consider marketing a promotional offer:

Is there some discount or benefit you can provide anyone willing to give your business a try? Maybe you can offer a free additional cleaning service if someone signs up for two services. Or you could offer a free hour of cleaning, or discounted hour of cleaning in exchange for a referral.

Sites like Postcardmania, offer excellent deals on postcards you can send out to prospects via mail.

• 7. Resources for cleaning businesses

Cleaning business associations and forums:

• International Cleaning and Restoration Association
• Building Service Contractors Association International
• International Executive Housekeeper’s Association
• ISSA: The International Sanitary Supply Association

Cleaning supply websites:

• Grainger Industrial Supply
• Office Depot Cleaning Supplies
• Amazon’s Janitorial Supplies

Interesting articles and blogs on the topic:

CleanGuru YouTube Channel:  A YouTube channel that covers everything you could want to know about the industry.

The Janitorial Store: Learn everything from bidding and estimating through marketing your business.

Candice Landau is a marketing consultant with a background in web design and copywriting. She specializes in content strategy, copywriting, website design, and digital marketing for a wide-range of clients including digital marketing agencies and nonprofits.

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