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Professional Organizing Business

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How to Start Your Own Professional Organizing Business

Written by: Carolyn Young

Carolyn Young is a business writer who focuses on entrepreneurial concepts and the business formation. She has over 25 years of experience in business roles, and has authored several entrepreneurship textbooks.

Edited by: David Lepeska

David has been writing and learning about business, finance and globalization for a quarter-century, starting with a small New York consulting firm in the 1990s.

Published on January 5, 2022

Investment range

$2,050 - $5,500

Revenue potential

$78,000 - $260,000 p.a.

Time to build

0 – 3 months

Profit potential

$70,000 - $234,000 p.a.

Industry trend

When opening your professional organizing business, keep these essential aspects in mind:

• Services — Decide on the types of organizing services you will offer, such as home organization, office organization, decluttering, downsizing, moving coordination, and digital organization.
• Certification — Consider obtaining certification from a recognized organization such as the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO) to enhance your credibility.
• Equipment — Invest in essential tools and supplies such as storage bins, labels, filing systems, and organizing products. Ensure you have reliable transportation to travel to clients’ locations.
• Home office — Set up a home office or small commercial space to handle administrative tasks, client consultations, and planning.
• Register your business — A limited liability company (LLC) is the best legal structure for new businesses because it is fast and simple. Form your business immediately using ZenBusiness LLC formation service or hire one of the best LLC services on the market.
• Legal business aspects — Register for taxes, open a business bank account, and get an EIN .
• Website and online presence — Create a professional website showcasing your services, portfolio, and client testimonials. Maintain active social media profiles to engage with potential clients.
• Personalized plans — Create personalized organizing plans for each client based on their specific needs and preferences.
• Partnerships — Build relationships with related businesses such as real estate agents, interior designers, and moving companies to generate referrals and collaborate on projects.

Interactive Checklist at your fingertips—begin your professional organizing business today!

You May Also Wonder:

Can a professional organizing business be profitable?

Absolutely!  The average organizing job costs $500, so even if you just have 3 clients a week, you can make a healthy profit. Your ongoing expenses are very low, so most of what you make will stay in your pocket.

Do I need training to be a professional organizer?

Training is not required, but it can certainly add to your credibility, particularly if you are trained by a professional association. You can take classes through the  National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals (NAPO) . 

What are the duties of a professional organizer?

The duties of a professional organizer include assessing clients’ organizing needs, developing personalized organizing plans, decluttering and purging belongings, creating efficient storage systems, providing guidance and support, teaching organizing skills, and collaborating with clients to maximize space utilization.

How do professional organizers get clients?

Professional organizers can acquire clients through networking with related professionals, building an online presence, offering workshops or webinars, seeking referrals from satisfied clients, collaborating with local businesses, and utilizing targeted advertising or direct mail campaigns.

What types of spaces or areas can a professional organizing business help organize?

A professional organizing business can help organize various spaces, including residential spaces such as homes, apartments, closets, garages, basements, attics, and storage areas, as well as office spaces like home offices, corporate offices, and workspaces.

Can I start a professional organizing business on the side?

Professional organizing makes a great side hustle. Starting small and gradually expanding your client base can help manage workload and accommodate your other responsibilities. 

Step 1: Decide if the Business Is Right for You

Pros and cons.

Starting a professional organizing business has pros and cons you should consider before deciding if it’s right for you.

• Low Startup Costs – No equipment or office needed
• Great Profit Margin – Few ongoing expenses
• Broad Market – Both individuals and businesses could be customers
• Messy – People can be slobs and things will get dirty
• Patience Needed – People may not want to get rid of their junk

Professional organizing industry trends

Industry size and growth.

• Industry size and past growth – The US home organization market has grown more than 40% over the last decade.(( https://www.statista.com/statistics/622446/value-of-the-us-home-organization-market/ )) Analyst Research and Markets values the US home organization products market at $12.2 billion in 2021.(( https://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/5389715/us-home-organization-products-market-2021-2030 ))  
• Growth forecast – Between 2018 and 2028, demand for professional organizers is expected to grow 7% and create 9,600 job opportunities across the US.(( https://www.zippia.com/organizer-jobs/ ))
• Number of people employed – There are nearly 45,000 organizers employed in the US.(( https://www.zippia.com/organizer-jobs/demographics/ ))

Trends and challenges

Trends in professional organizing include:

• The aesthetics of organizing is becoming just as important as usability due to the social media influence. People are posting pictures of their closets and want them to be visually appealing.
• Professional organizing is becoming more of a science, considering the psychology of the customer and their needs. For example, some care more about what is most visible rather than making the most used items the easiest to reach.

Some challenges also exist in the professional organizing industry including:

• Big players are entering the industry such as The Container store, creating a more competitive environment.
• Barriers to entry into the industry are low, increasing the competitive environment even more.

What kind of people work in professional organizing?

• Gender – 53% of all organizers are female, while nearly 47% are male.(( https://www.zippia.com/organizer-jobs/demographics/#gender-statistics ))
• Average level of education – 62% of organizers hold a bachelor’s degree and 11% finished high school. Organizers usually study political science, business, or psychology. (( https://www.zippia.com/organizer-jobs/education/ ))
• Average age – The average age of organizers is 40+ years old.(( https://www.zippia.com/organizer-jobs/demographics/#age-statistics ))

How much does it cost to start a professional organizing business?

Startup costs for a professional organizing business range from about $2,000 to $5,000. The largest expenses are for a website set up and an initial marketing budget. The high end also includes professional organizing classes which are not required but can add to your credibility. You can take classes through the National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals (NAPO) . 

How much can you earn from a professional organizing business?

The average price that customers pay for an organizing job is about $500. The price will vary based on the size of the job and the time that it takes. Your profit margin should be around 90%. 

In your first year or two, you could do 3 organizing jobs per week, bringing in $78,000 in annual revenue. This would mean $70,000 in profit, assuming that 90% margin. As your brand gains recognition, sales could climb to 10 jobs per week. With expected annual revenue of $260,000, you would make about $234,000.

What barriers to entry are there?

There are a few barriers to entry for a professional organizing business. Your biggest challenges will be:

• You need to know good organizational methods
• It will take some marketing dollars to get a large customer base

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Step 2: hone your idea.

Now that you know what’s involved in starting a professional organizing business, it’s a good idea to hone your concept in preparation to enter a competitive market. 

Market research will give you the upper hand, even if you’re already positive that you have a perfect product or service. Conducting market research is important, because it can help you understand your customers better, who your competitors are, and your business landscape.

Why? Identify an opportunity

Research professional organizing businesses in your area to examine their services, price points, and customer reviews. You’re looking for a market gap to fill. For instance, maybe the local market is missing a professional business organizer. 

You might consider targeting a niche market by specializing in a certain aspect of your industry such as closet organization.

This could jumpstart your word-of-mouth marketing and attract clients right away. 

What? Determine your services

You need to determine what types of organizing services you will do. You could specialize in something like closets, or you could organize a variety of things including:

• Kitchen cabinets and pantries
• Business establishments
• Home offices

How much should you charge for professional organizing services?

Prices for organizing jobs range from $250 to $800 and average about $500. You should determine your prices based on the time that the job takes you. Prices should work out to an average of $50 to $100 per hour. Your ongoing expenses should be limited to fuel and marketing so you should aim for a profit margin of about 90%.

Once you know your costs, you can use this Step By Step profit margin calculator to determine your mark-up and final price point. Remember, the price you use at launch should be subject to change if warranted by the market.

Who? Identify your target market

Your target market will be broad, although the people that will be willing and able to pay for your services are probably more established. You can find them on sites like Facebook and LinkedIn. 

Where? Choose your business premises

In the early stages, you may want to run your business from home to keep costs low. But as your business grows, you’ll likely need to hire workers for various roles and may need to rent out an office. You can find commercial space to rent in your area on sites such as Craigslist , Crexi , and Instant Offices .

When choosing a commercial space, you may want to follow these rules of thumb:

• Central location accessible via public transport
• Ventilated and spacious, with good natural light
• Flexible lease that can be extended as your business grows
• Ready-to-use space with no major renovations or repairs needed

Step 3: Brainstorm a Professional Organizing Business Name

Here are some ideas for brainstorming your business name:

• Short, unique, and catchy names tend to stand out
• Names that are easy to say and spell tend to do better 
• Name should be relevant to your product or service offerings
• Ask around — family, friends, colleagues, social media — for suggestions
• Including keywords, such as “professional organizing” or “home organizing”, boosts SEO
• Name should allow for expansion, for ex: “TidyUp Solutions” over “Office Organizers”
• A location-based name can help establish a strong connection with your local community and help with the SEO but might hinder future expansion

Once you’ve got a list of potential names, visit the website of the US Patent and Trademark Office to make sure they are available for registration and check the availability of related domain names using our Domain Name Search tool. Using “.com” or “.org” sharply increases credibility, so it’s best to focus on these. 

Find a Domain

Powered by GoDaddy.com

Finally, make your choice among the names that pass this screening and go ahead with domain registration and social media account creation. Your business name is one of the key differentiators that sets your business apart. Once you pick your company name, and start with the branding, it is hard to change the business name. Therefore, it’s important to carefully consider your choice before you start a business entity.

Step 4: Create a Professional Organizing Business Plan

Here are the key components of a business plan:

• Executive Summary: Highlight the vision of your professional organizing business, its services, target market, and what will make it successful.
• Business Overview: Detail what organizing services your business will provide and the organizational problems it aims to solve.
• Product and Services: Describe the specific organizing packages you offer, like home decluttering, office systematization, or digital organization.
• Market Analysis: Examine the demand for organizing services in your area, including potential customer segments and their needs.
• Competitive Analysis: Identify other professional organizers in the market and how your business will differentiate itself in service quality, methods, and prices.
• Sales and Marketing: Outline how you will market your services and what strategies you will use to sell them, such as social media campaigns or partnerships.
• Management Team: Present the experience and qualifications of the team that will manage and grow the business.
• Operations Plan: Explain the process of how services will be delivered, client management, and workflow.
• Financial Plan: Summarize the financial aspects, including startup costs, pricing strategy, and projected financial growth.
• Appendix: Include any additional documents like client testimonials, detailed market research, or organizational certifications that support your business plan.

If you’ve never created a business plan yourself before, it can be an intimidating task. Consider hiring an experienced business plan writer to create a professional business plan for you.

Step 5: Register Your Business

Registering your business is an absolutely crucial step — it’s the prerequisite to paying taxes, raising capital, opening a bank account, and other guideposts on the road to getting a business up and running.

Plus, registration is exciting because it makes the entire process official. Once it’s complete, you’ll have your own business! 

Choose where to register your company

Your business location is important because it can affect taxes, legal requirements, and revenue. Most people will register their business in the state where they live, but if you are planning to expand, you might consider looking elsewhere, as some states could offer real advantages when it comes to professional organizing businesses. 

If you’re willing to move, you could really maximize your business! Keep in mind, it’s relatively easy to transfer your business to another state. 

Choose your business structure

Business entities come in several varieties, each with its pros and cons. The legal structure you choose for your professional organizing business will shape your taxes, personal liability, and business registration requirements, so choose wisely. 

Here are the main options:

• Sole Proprietorship – The most common structure for small businesses makes no legal distinction between company and owner. All income goes to the owner, who’s also liable for any debts, losses, or liabilities incurred by the business. The owner pays taxes on business income on his or her personal tax return.
• Partnership – Similar to a sole proprietorship, but for two or more people. Again, owners keep the profits and are liable for losses. The partners pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.
• Limited Liability Company (LLC) – Combines the characteristics of corporations with those of sole proprietorships or partnerships. Again, the owners are not personally liable for debts.
• C Corp – Under this structure, the business is a distinct legal entity and the owner or owners are not personally liable for its debts. Owners take profits through shareholder dividends, rather than directly. The corporation pays taxes, and owners pay taxes on their dividends, which is sometimes referred to as double taxation.
• S Corp – An S-Corporation refers to the tax classification of the business but is not a business entity. An S-Corp can be either a corporation or an LLC , which just need to elect to be an S-Corp for tax status. In an S-Corp, income is passed through directly to shareholders, who pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.

We recommend that new business owners choose LLC as it offers liability protection and pass-through taxation while being simpler to form than a corporation. You can form an LLC in as little as five minutes using an online LLC formation service. They will check that your business name is available before filing, submit your articles of organization , and answer any questions you might have.

Form Your LLC

Choose Your State

We recommend ZenBusiness as the Best LLC Service for 2024

Step 6: Register for Taxes

The final step before you’re able to pay taxes is getting an Employer Identification Number , or EIN. You can file for your EIN online or by mail or fax: visit the IRS website to learn more. Keep in mind, if you’ve chosen to be a sole proprietorship you can simply use your social security number as your EIN. 

Once you have your EIN, you’ll need to choose your tax year. Financially speaking, your business will operate in a calendar year (January–December) or a fiscal year, a 12-month period that can start in any month. This will determine your tax cycle, while your business structure will determine which taxes you’ll pay.

The IRS website also offers a tax-payers checklist , and taxes can be filed online.

It is important to consult an accountant or other professional to help you with your taxes to ensure you are completing them correctly.

Step 7: Fund your Business

Securing financing is your next step and there are plenty of ways to raise capital:

• Bank loans : This is the most common method but getting approved requires a rock-solid business plan and strong credit history.
• SBA-guaranteed loans : The Small Business Administration can act as guarantor, helping gain that elusive bank approval via an SBA-guaranteed loan .
• Government grants : A handful of financial assistance programs help fund entrepreneurs. Visit Grants.gov to learn which might work for you.
• Friends and Family : Reach out to friends and family to provide a business loan or investment in your concept. It’s a good idea to have legal advice when doing so because SEC regulations apply.
• Personal : Self-fund your business via your savings or the sale of property or other assets.

For a professional organizing business you probably won’t need any outside financing and can just use your personal funds since startup costs are low.

Step 8: Apply for Licenses and Permits

Starting a professional organizing business requires obtaining a number of licenses and permits from local, state, and federal governments. You can become a certified professional organizer through NAPO to add credibility to your business. 

Federal regulations, licenses, and permits associated with starting your business include doing business as, health license and permit from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration ( OSHA ), trademarks, copyrights, patents, and other intellectual properties, as well as industry-specific licenses and permits. 

You may also need state-level licenses and local county or city-based licenses and permits. The license requirements and how to obtain them vary, so check the websites of your state, city, and county governments or contact the appropriate person to learn more. You could also check this SBA guide for your state’s requirements. 

This is not a step to be taken lightly, as failing to comply with legal requirements can result in hefty penalties.

If you feel overwhelmed by this step or don’t know how to begin, it might be a good idea to hire a professional to help you check all the legal boxes.

For peace of mind and to save time, we recommend using MyCorporation’s Business License Compliance Package . They will research the exact forms you need for your business and state, and provide them to you to make sure you’re fully compliant.

Step 9: Open a Business Bank Account

Before you start making money, you’ll need a place to keep it, and that requires opening a bank account . Keeping your business finances separate from your personal account makes it easy to file taxes and track your company’s income, so it’s worth doing even if you’re running your professional organizing business as a sole proprietorship. 

Opening a business bank account is quite simple, and similar to opening a personal one. Most major banks offer accounts tailored for businesses — just inquire at your preferred bank to learn about their rates and features.

Banks vary in terms of offerings, so it’s a good idea to examine your options and select the best plan for you. Once you choose your bank, bring in your EIN (or Social Security Number if you decide on a sole proprietorship), articles of incorporation, and other legal documents and open your new account. 

Step 10: Get Business Insurance

Business insurance is an area that often gets overlooked yet it can be vital to your success as an entrepreneur. Insurance protects you from unexpected events that can have a devastating impact on your business.

Here are some types of insurance to consider:

• General liability : The most comprehensive type of insurance, acting as a catch-all for many business elements that require coverage. If you get just one kind of insurance, this is it. It even protects against bodily injury and property damage.
• Business Property : Provides coverage for your equipment and supplies.
• Equipment Breakdown Insurance : Covers the cost of replacing or repairing equipment that has broken due to mechanical issues.
• Worker’s compensation : Provides compensation to employees injured on the job.
• Property : Covers your physical space, whether it is a cart, storefront, or office.
• Commercial auto : Protection for your company-owned vehicle.
• Professional liability : Protects against claims from a client who says they suffered a loss due to an error or omission in your work.
• Business owner’s policy (BOP) : This is an insurance plan that acts as an all-in-one insurance policy, a combination of any of the above insurance types.

Step 11: Prepare to Launch

As opening day nears, prepare for launch by reviewing and improving some key elements of your business. 

Essential software and tools

Being an entrepreneur often means wearing many hats, from marketing to sales to accounting, which can be overwhelming. Fortunately, many websites and digital tools are available to help simplify many business tasks. 

You can use industry-specific software, such as SMM Ware , to manage your sales, scheduling, quotes, and billing. 

• Popular web-based accounting programs for smaller businesses include Quickbooks , Freshbooks , and Xero . 
• If you’re unfamiliar with basic accounting, you may want to hire a professional, especially as you begin. The consequences for filing incorrect tax documents can be harsh, so accuracy is crucial.

Develop your website

Website development is crucial because your site is your online presence and needs to convince prospective clients of your expertise and professionalism.

You can create your own website using services like WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace . This route is very affordable, but figuring out how to build a website can be time-consuming. If you lack tech-savvy, you can hire a web designer or developer to create a custom website for your business.

They are unlikely to find your website, however, unless you follow Search Engine Optimization ( SEO ) practices. These are steps that help pages rank higher in the results of top search engines like Google. 

Here are some powerful marketing strategies for your future business:

• Targeted Workshops and Seminars: Offer free or low-cost organizing workshops or seminars in your local community to showcase your expertise and attract potential clients.
• Collaborate with Realtors: Partner with real estate agents to offer your organizing services to clients preparing to sell their homes, emphasizing the appeal of an organized space.
• Social Media Challenges: Engage your audience on social media by creating organizing challenges or tips series, encouraging followers to share their progress and experiences.
• Client Testimonials and Before/After Photos: Build credibility by sharing success stories and visually striking before/after photos on your website and social media platforms to demonstrate the tangible benefits of your services.
• Referral Programs: Implement a referral program that rewards existing clients or partners who refer new business to you, fostering a network of advocates for your services.
• Local Partnerships: Establish partnerships with local businesses like furniture stores, cleaning services, or home improvement stores to cross-promote services and tap into each other’s customer base.
• Printed Materials and Direct Mail: Design eye-catching brochures, flyers, or postcards to distribute in local businesses or mail to targeted neighborhoods, showcasing your services and offering exclusive discounts.
• Online Presence Optimization: Enhance your online presence through search engine optimization (SEO) techniques, ensuring that your business ranks high in local search results.
• Community Sponsorships: Sponsor local events, sports teams, or community activities to increase brand visibility and demonstrate your commitment to the community.
• Specialized Packages or Seasonal Promotions: Create special packages or promotions during peak seasons, such as spring cleaning or back-to-school, to attract clients looking for specific organizational solutions.

Focus on USPs

Unique selling propositions, or USPs, are the characteristics of a product or service that sets it apart from the competition. Customers today are inundated with buying options, so you’ll have a real advantage if they are able to quickly grasp how your professional organizing business meets their needs or wishes. It’s wise to do all you can to ensure your USPs stand out on your website and in your marketing and promotional materials, stimulating buyer desire. 

Global pizza chain Domino’s is renowned for its USP: “Hot pizza in 30 minutes or less, guaranteed.” Signature USPs for your professional organizing business could be: 

• Make your closet shine
• Can’t find stuff? Let us put your house in order
• De-clutter your office and improve your business efficiency

You may not like to network or use personal connections for business gain. But your personal and professional networks likely offer considerable untapped business potential. Maybe that Facebook friend you met in college is now running a professional organizing business, or a LinkedIn contact of yours is connected to dozens of potential clients. Maybe your cousin or neighbor has been working in professional organizing for years and can offer invaluable insight and industry connections. 

The possibilities are endless, so it’s a good idea to review your personal and professional networks and reach out to those with possible links to or interest in professional organizing. You’ll probably generate new customers or find companies with which you could establish a partnership. 

Step 12: Build Your Team

If you’re starting out small from a home office, you may not need any employees. But as your business grows, you might want to hire an assistant to help you with organizing jobs.

Free-of-charge methods to recruit employees include posting ads on popular platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, or Jobs.com. You might also consider a premium recruitment option, such as advertising on Indeed , Glassdoor , or ZipRecruiter . Further, if you have the resources, you could consider hiring a recruitment agency to help you find talent. 

Step 13: Run a Professional Organizing Business – Start Making Money!

In a busy world, people need to stay organized to have time to do all there is to do. Professional organizers have expertise that can help to streamline people’s lives. Organizing has also risen in demand because people want their spaces to look nice, as well as be utilitarian, and they are willing to pay for a professional’s help. 

By starting a professional organizing business, you can capitalize on that demand and make a healthy profit. Now that you have all the knowledge that you need, you’re ready to start organizing your entrepreneurial plan and launch a successful business! 

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• Decide if the Business Is Right for You
• Hone Your Idea
• Brainstorm a Professional Organizing Business Name
• Create a Professional Organizing Business Plan
• Register Your Business
• Register for Taxes
• Fund your Business
• Apply for Licenses and Permits
• Open a Business Bank Account
• Get Business Insurance
• Prepare to Launch
• Build Your Team
• Run a Professional Organizing Business - Start Making Money!

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How to Start an Organizing Business in 14 Steps (In-Depth Guide)

Updated:   February 13, 2024

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The home organizing market is booming. After reaching $11.4 billion in 2021 , organizing is estimated to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4% from 2021 to 2025. It’s a good time for newcomers to join the professional organizing business.

With the right business plan and organizational skills, aspiring entrepreneurs can capitalize on this demand and build a successful business. From decluttering homes to streamlining offices, professional organizers help clients take control of their spaces and lives.

This guide will walk you through how to start a organizing business. Topics include market research, registering an EIN, forming a business entity, competitive analysis, marketing, and more. Here’s everything you need to know about starting your own professional organizing business.

1. Conduct Organizing Market Research

To start a professional organizing career you need to know about the professional organizing industry. Market research offers insight into your target market, service trends, local market saturation, and more.

Some details you’ll learn as you sort through research on organizing and storage solutions include:

• The target market for professional organizers is vast and varied.
• The most typical clients are middle-to-upper-income households overwhelmed by clutter and disorganization.
• 80% of US households feel cluttered, indicating massive market potential.
• Key demographics include parents with busy kids, young professionals in small city apartments, seniors downsizing, and small business owners.
• With hectic modern lifestyles, people increasingly value time over organizing themselves.
• Hiring a professional organizer saves clients time and stress.
• As more baby boomers near retirement, demand for downsizing and estate organization will also rise.
• Competitive advantage can come from specialization.
• Some organizers focus on specific client groups like hoarders, seniors, or families with ADHD. Others specialize in spaces like garages, offices, closets, and kitchens.
• Virtual organizing is a new trend that provides added convenience.
• Pricing is an important consideration. The typical hourly rate is $50-150 , with higher prices in major metro areas.
• Packages and memberships that offer ongoing maintenance are also popular. To build a client base, new organizers may consider discounted intro offers.
• Specializing in an underserved niche can also enable higher rates.
• A key driver of growth is increased consumer awareness of the benefits of an organized space and lifestyle.
• Social media posts and home-organizing TV shows have made organizing cool and accessible. As more people use professional organizers, word-of-mouth also builds momentum.

Specialization allows organizers to dominate a niche. Low startup costs and the remote/virtual organizing models also minimize risk for new solo entrepreneurs. For organized, empathetic individuals, now is the prime time to capitalize on demand and launch a profitable organizing business.

2. Analyze the Competition

Thorough competitive analysis is crucial when launching an organizing business. Assess both local brick-and-mortar competitors and larger national brands with an online presence.

Some ways to better analyze other professional organizing businesses include:

• Visit their websites and social media pages to evaluate services, pricing, and branding.
• Note specialties, target client demographics, and any unique offerings.
• Drive by physical office locations if applicable.
• Research national organizing franchises and chains like The Container Store and Neat Method .
• Browse their websites and visit local franchises if possible.
• Evaluate their service menus and fee structures.
• Take note of any services lacking in your area that present an opportunity. Review their brand messaging and marketing content.
• Analyze the online presence and visibility of local and national competitors.
• Search key organizing terms on Google to see whose website, blog posts, and local business listings rank highly.
• Check how many and what kinds of reviews they have on sites like Yelp.
• Visit their Instagram and Facebook pages to assess follower count and engagement.

A detailed understanding of established competitors will inform your organizing business strategy. You can decide about your niche, pricing, services, and marketing with your competitors’ strengths and weaknesses.

3. Costs to Start an Organizing Business

Starting an organizing business has relatively low barriers to entry compared to other service industries. With careful planning and budgeting, the initial investments can be minimal. Here is an overview of typical start-up and ongoing costs to factor into your organizing business plan:

Start-Up Costs

• Business Licensing Fees – $50-$500+ depending on your state and local municipality. Most areas require at least a basic business license to operate legally.
• Professional Organizing Certification – $200-$500 for various training programs and certificates like the Board of Certification for Professional Organizers (BCPO) or Certified Professional Organizers (CPO) credentials. While optional, certification bolsters your expertise and credibility.
• Website – $50-300+ to purchase a domain, security certificate, and basic website hosting package. Many website builders like Wix and Squarespace offer free templates to create your site affordably.
• Business Cards – $50-100 for starter packs of 250-500 basic cards to hand out to prospective clients.
• Insurance – $300-1000+ for general liability insurance to protect yourself from any damages, injuries, or lawsuits, especially if working inside client homes. Quotes will vary based on your location and coverage levels.
• Technology – $200-500+ for a laptop, smartphone, cloud storage, productivity software, CRM, and other core tech needs.
• Office Supplies – $100-300 for storage bins, labels, hanging files, shelving, and other inventory to equip your organizing office or vehicle.
• Marketing Materials – $100-300+ for flyers, brochures, business cards, and promotional giveaways for networking and advertising.

Total Minimum Start-Up Costs: $1,000 – $3,000

Ongoing Costs

• Insurance – $50-150 to pay premiums on your liability and any other business insurance.
• Office Rent – $200-1000+ depending on if you lease dedicated office space or work from home. Virtual organizing businesses can skip this cost.
• Utilities – $50-200 for cell phone, internet, electricity, and other services to run your business, especially if leasing an office.
• Accounting Software – $10-50 per month for apps like Quickbooks or Wave to manage billing, expenses, and taxes.
• Website Hosting – $10-20 for hosting fees to keep your site online.
• Marketing – $50-500+ per month for advertising, content creation, SEO, and other promotion of your services.
• Professional Fees – $100-500 for legal, accounting, consulting, or other specialized services.
• Transportation – $100-300 for gas, maintenance, parking, etc. to travel to client locations.
• Supplies – $50-100 to replenish any inventory of organizing products and tools.

Annual Ongoing Expenses

• Taxes and Licenses – $500-2000 to file quarterly/annual taxes and renew your business license and certificates.
• Continuing Education – $100-500 for courses, conferences, and training to maintain your professional organizing credentials.
• Website Maintenance – $100-500 for updates, security, and enhancing your online presence.
• Financial Planning & Accounting – $300-1000 to work with accountants and advisors to manage your finances and cash flow.

These estimates provide an approximate overview of what starting an organizing business entails. Your exact costs will vary based on your location, professional experience, services offered, number of employees, and other factors.

4. Form a Legal Business Entity

When starting an organizing business, one of the first legal steps is choosing your business structure. The four main options each have advantages and disadvantages to consider:

Sole Proprietorship

A sole proprietorship is the simplest structure with no formal business registration needed beyond licenses. You operate as an individual managing all aspects of the business.

• Pros: Easy and inexpensive to set up. No complex paperwork or legal fees. You retain full control and get to keep all profits.
• Cons: You have unlimited personal liability for debts and any legal issues. No options for investment funding. Less credibility with clients than a registered corporation. Difficult to scale if you want to grow and hire employees.

Partnership

A partnership allows two or more owners to establish and manage the business together. You register a partnership agreement outlining financial and managerial details.

• Pros: Easy to establish with minimal legal paperwork. Shared expertise and investment between partners.
• Cons: Partners are jointly liable for all financial and legal obligations. A poorly executed partnership can lead to disputes and gridlock. Turnover in partners can disrupt operations. Difficult to raise outside investments and funding.

Another definition of a partnership is working together with specific companies on a regular basis. For instance, you could partner with pallet businesses , laundromats , restaurants, furniture stores, locksmiths , car shops, bike shops , and more, to organize their inventory.

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

An LLC combines the pass-through taxation of a partnership with the limited liability of a corporation. Owners aren’t personally responsible for debts and legal issues beyond their investment.

• Pros: Liability protection for owners’ assets. Flexible management options. Easy to add new investors or owners. Credibility of formal business registration.
• Cons: More complex paperwork and registration requirements than a sole proprietorship. Must comply with regulations to maintain LLC status. Self-employment taxes still apply.

Corporation

A corporation is a separate legal entity from its owners. Shareholders have limited liability based on their ownership percentage.

• Pros: Complete liability protection for owners. Additional tax deductions. Can raise funds through stock offerings. Continuity even with changes in ownership. High credibility with customers.
• Cons: Most expensive and complex entity to establish with extensive legal paperwork. Double taxation of profits and dividends. Extensive record-keeping and reporting requirements.

5. Register Your Business For Taxes

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a unique tax ID number that identifies your business to the IRS and state tax authorities. An EIN is required to legally operate any type of business entity besides a sole proprietorship.

As an LLC or corporation, your organizing business needs its own EIN for important tax and banking purposes. An EIN is necessary to:

• Open a business bank account
• File business tax returns
• Hire employees and process payroll
• Apply for business licenses and permits

Applying for an EIN is free and can be done online via the IRS in just a few minutes:

• Go to IRS EIN Assistant and select Apply Online
• Choose View Additional Types including Limited Liability Companies, and select Continue
• Select Limited Liability Company, enter your LLC information, and submit the online form
• Receive your EIN immediately on submission

It’s that simple! Be sure to keep your EIN private and secure. Once you have your EIN, contact your state revenue agency to register for any tax accounts needed for sales, payroll, or other business taxes in your state.

6. Setup Your Accounting

As an organizing business owner, ensuring your financial records and taxes are in order is crucial. Investing in quality accounting tools and services from the start will save you significant time and headaches down the road.

Accounting Software

Using small business accounting software like QuickBooks is highly recommended. QuickBooks seamlessly syncs with your business bank accounts and credit cards, automatically importing and categorizing transactions to simplify bookkeeping.

It generates invoices, tracks receivables and payables, monitors cash flow, and runs reports for taxes. The automation frees you to focus on clients, not manual paperwork.

Hire an Accountant

Pairing software with an accountant provides maximum financial oversight and expertise. A bookkeeper can handle tasks like monthly reconciliations in Quickbooks to ensure accuracy. Come tax time, your accountant will prepare and file business tax returns, advise on deductions and credits, and navigate any IRS correspondence.

Expect to invest around $200-$500 monthly for a bookkeeper and $1000-$3000 to have your accountant prepare fiscal year-end filings.

Open a Business Bank Account

Keeping personal and business expenses completely separate is also non-negotiable. Register for an Employer ID Number (EIN) and open a dedicated business checking account in your LLC’s name. Never commingle funds or pay personal expenses from the business account.

Apply for a Business Credit Card

Applying for a business credit card in your LLC’s name is also advised. Business cards don’t use your credit score, so you can establish a spending limit and history tied solely to your organizing company. Dedicated business accounts and cards simplify expense tracking and year-end reporting.

7. Obtain Licenses and Permits

Before welcoming your first organizing clients, it’s crucial to ensure your business is properly licensed and permitted at both the state and local levels. Find federal license requirements through the U.S. Small Business Administration . The SBA local search tool offers insight into state requirements.

One of the first steps is to check with your city or county clerk’s office on any general business licenses required locally. Most municipalities require at least a basic business license to legally operate within their jurisdiction. Fees are generally $50-$100 annually.

If you plan to operate your organizing business out of a commercial office space, you’ll likely need a certificate of occupancy (COO) from the local building department. A COO confirms the space is zoned for commercial use and meets code requirements. Expect to pay $200-$500 for the necessary inspections and certificates.

Check your state’s Secretary of State website for any business registrations required at the state level. For example, California requires LLCs to file a Statement of Information. Florida mandates an annual report for LLCs. Stay compliant with any annual state filings.

Most states also require a reseller permit or sales tax license if selling physical products. For organizing businesses focusing solely on services, this may not apply but double check with your state revenue department. Optional specialty licenses like waste transport licenses may also apply depending on your services.

Do you plan to travel to organize clients’ homes? States often regulate service industries like home contractors. In Texas, household organizing requires a Property Tax Consultant license. Louisiana enacted a Home Organizer license category. Check for any similar regulations in your state.

At the local level, some cities require additional business licenses for service providers working inside residences. Verify the rules in the municipalities you plan to serve. You want to avoid expensive compliance violations.

8. Get Business Insurance

Carrying adequate business insurance is highly advised to protect your organizing company against unexpected liabilities. Without coverage, a single incident could destroy everything you’ve built.

Imagine a client slips and falls in your office, resulting in an expensive injury claim. Or while organizing a client’s home, you accidentally damage a prized furniture piece or art object. Your assets could be seized in a lawsuit if you lack insurance.

Other risks like fire, theft, or natural disasters could destroy your office and equipment. Cyber incidents could expose private customer data. Employees may be injured on the job. Insurance covers these disruptions so your business can survive.

Follow this process to get insured:

• Research policy options like general liability, commercial property, professional liability, workers’ compensation, cyber, and business auto. Review costs and coverage explanations on sites like CoverWallet .
• Speak with an insurance broker who can assess your specific risks and make coverage recommendations. Expect to pay $500-$2,000 annually depending on your needs.
• Provide requested information like your employee count, office details, service regions, revenue projections, and client contracts. Insurers will use this data to quote premiums.
• Review multiple quotes in detail and ask brokers to clarify exclusions or limitations. Select a policy that fits your budget while providing robust protection.
• Pay your policy premium to activate coverage. Ensure you understand the requirements for submitting claims if incidents occur.

Don’t wait until it’s too late—get insured from the start. Comprehensive business insurance gives organizing entrepreneurs peace of mind to grow without fear of financial ruin from unforeseen events.

9. Create an Office Space

Having a professional office space can give your organizing business credibility and provide a centralized hub for meeting with clients. The right office setup for your needs depends on your budget, location, and work style.

Home Office

A home office is the most affordable option, with no leasing costs beyond dedicated supplies and furnishings. It offers convenience and flexibility for solo entrepreneurs. However, home offices lack the legitimacy of commercial spaces and can hamper productivity with household distractions. They also provide no space for employees as you scale.

Coworking Office

Coworking spaces like WeWork offer affordable monthly memberships ($200-$500) for shared office environments. You gain amenities like meeting rooms, office equipment, and networking without the cost of solo leased space. Downsides are potential distractions and no long-term stability if you later relocate.

Retail Office

Short-term retail spaces may suit organizing consultants who meet clients on-site. Kiosks in malls or booths at markets let you book affordable space ($25-$100/day) only when needed versus a permanent lease. You gain exposure to customer traffic but spaces are small and lack privacy.

Commercial Office

For established agencies, leasing dedicated commercial office space provides the most professional setup for meeting clients on your turf. Expect monthly rents of $1000-$5000 depending on location, size, and amenities. The fixed overhead is substantial but offers long-term stability and unlimited growth capacity on-site.

10. Source Your Equipment

An organizing business has relatively minimal equipment needs, with most materials able to be sourced affordably. Here are some options for acquiring the necessary supplies:

Core inventory like storage bins, shelves, and hanging files can be purchased new from general retailers like Target , Walmart , and Amazon . Office supply stores also carry essentials like labels, binders, and organization systems. Expect to invest $500-$1000 to stock up on quality gear to use with clients and outfit your office.

Buying Used

Used and vintage storage containers, shelving units, file cabinets and more can be sourced secondhand for cost savings. Scout local thrift stores, garage sales, estate sales, and online markets like Craigslist , Facebook Marketplace , and eBay for unique bins, baskets, and shelves to add character to your office.

Consider renting a storage unit near your office to house surplus inventory between client jobs. A 5×5 unit rents for approximately $50-$150 monthly, providing flexible overflow storage without buying unnecessary supplies. Portable shelving units and storage pods can also be rented on demand for large client projects.

Leasing options are limited for organizing equipment, though new companies like Fernish rent premium furniture and decor to stage organized spaces for clients. There are also office equipment leasing companies for copiers, printers, and technology needs.

11. Establish Your Brand Assets

Developing a strong brand identity is crucial for organizing businesses to stand out and be remembered.

Follow these key steps to create professional brand assets as you launch your company:

Getting a Business Phone Number

A business phone number lends legitimacy versus using a personal cell. Services like RingCentral offer virtual phone numbers with custom greetings, extensions, call routing, and more for $25-$50 monthly. A professional number builds trust when prospects call your organizing business.

Creating a Logo and Brand Assets

A logo encapsulates your brand identity. Consider an organizing logo with clean lines and categories or a fun character like “The Clutter Slayer.” Looka makes custom logo design easy starting at $20.

Use your logo across assets like business cards, invoices, office signage, your website, and social media. Brand consistency boosts recognition so prospects remember you.

Creating Business Cards and Signage

Business cards establish your professionalism in person. Signage marks your organizing office. Vistaprint offers affordable custom cards, door decals, banners, and more starting at $10.

Hand your card to prospects at networking events, client meetings, and when asked what you do. Display signage so passersby can easily find your office.

Purchasing a Domain Name

Secure a domain like YourOrganizingBiz.com using a registrar like Namecheap . Pick a name that’s memorable, short, and describes your services. Buying the .com establishes brand authority online.

Building a Website

Every home-organizing business needs a professional organizing business website. Use DIY builders like Wix to create your site for free. Or hire a contractor on Fiverr for $500.

Your site is a digital brochure for services, credentials, and booking. Ensure a professional design aligned with your brand.

Investing in core brand assets gives startups like organizing businesses an instantly polished identity. This engages prospects and builds company value.

12. Join Associations and Groups

Joining relevant local groups and associations provides invaluable connections when starting an organizing business.

Local Associations

Look for local chapters of larger professional organizing associations like NAPO ( National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals ) or ICD ( Institute for Challenging Disorganization ).

Attending association events puts you in touch with fellow organizers to exchange insights, leads, and advice. Displaying association membership also builds your credibility with clients.

Local Meetups

Sites like Meetup list events for organizers and small business owners in your city. Attend these meetups to connect face-to-face with potential mentors, partners, and clients.

Look for meetups focused on decluttering, productivity, home organization, small business marketing, women entrepreneurs, and related topics. Bring plenty of business cards to distribute.

Facebook Groups

Facebook communities create valuable virtual networking at your fingertips. Search for and join groups like CLEANING BUSINESS OWNERS , Organizers Unleashed: The Art of Professional Organizing , and Organizing Experts to tap into thousands of fellow organizers worldwide.

13. How to Market an Organizing Business

Implementing an effective marketing strategy is essential for organizing businesses to attract clients and expand. Try these key tactics to get the word out:

Referral Marketing

Marketing builds awareness so prospects seek out and hire your services. Satisfied clients also provide invaluable referrals, so prioritize excellence. Offer referral rewards like a $25 gift card or account credit to incentivize shares. Send thank you notes and testimonial requests to happy customers.

Digital Marketing

• Search ads – Run Google/Bing ads targeting and organizing keywords in your area. Pay only when prospects click your ad.
• Social media ads – Facebook and Instagram ads can target local demographics who may need organizing help.
• SEO optimization – Ensure your website has organized keywords to rank highly in search engines.
• Video content – Create a YouTube channel sharing organizing tips and tour client projects.
• Blogging – Write weekly organizing advice posts to build website traffic and expertise.
• Email marketing – Send emails to subscribers with decluttering tips and special offers.
• Social media – Post regularly on your business’s Facebook and Instagram pages. Share before/after photos, client testimonials, etc.

Traditional Marketing

• Direct mail – Send promotional postcards showcasing your services to local households.
• Flyers – Distribute flyers at community centers, libraries, real estate offices, and other high-traffic areas.
• Radio ads – Ads on local radio stations can promote your organizing business.
• Newspaper ads – Local paper ads target older demographics who may need organizing help.
• Billboards – A roadside billboard offers high visibility but can be costly.
• Vehicle wrap – Brand your car or van to essentially make it a moving advertisement.

While digital marketing provides advantages like better targeting and measurement, don’t rule out traditional mediums completely. A mix of digital and traditional tactics combined with an amazing client experience is the recipe for rapid organizing business growth.

14. Focus on the Customer

Providing an incredible customer service experience is crucial for organizing businesses to drive referrals and growth. Some ways to improve your customer focus as a successful professional organizing business include:

• After you’ve helped organize a home or office, ask happy customers to share their positive experiences on review sites like Yelp.
• Send follow-up thank you notes after a job and include a referral code they can pass to friends for 10% off.
• Offer additional value like free maintenance visits every 3-6 months.
• Check-in on your organizing systems and make tweaks.
• Clients will appreciate the continued attention and be more inclined to tell contacts about your amazing service.
• Be transparent about your fees and timeline so clients know what to expect. Thoroughly explain your organizing process and methods during a consultation.
• Avoid pressuring clients to purchase add-ons or extras. Deliver services on time as promised.
• Personal touches also build lasting relationships with customers. Remember and use client names frequently.
• Ask about any upcoming events or milestones in their lives. Send a handwritten congratulations card if a client mentions a new baby or promotion at work.

Providing this level of customer service shows you care about more than just a transaction. Clients are so impressed that they can’t help but share your organizing business with family and friends. Word travels fast, bringing in a stream of new clients from referrals.

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How to Start a Professional Organizing Business

Today's busy world means people are responsible for doing more than ever before. This multi-tasking environment requires a high-level of organization which few people have naturally. A professional organizing business helps clients develop these critical organizing skills through training and can jumpstart the process by providing a full range of organizing services.

You may also be interested in additional side hustle ideas .

Ready to turn your business idea into a reality? We recommend forming an LLC as it is the most affordable way to protect your personal assets. You can do this yourself or with our trusted partner for a small fee. Northwest ($29 + State Fees) DIY: How to Start an LLC

Start a professional organizing business by following these 10 steps:

• Plan your Professional Organizing Business
• Form your Professional Organizing Business into a Legal Entity
• Register your Professional Organizing Business for Taxes
• Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
• Set up Accounting for your Professional Organizing Business
• Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Professional Organizing Business
• Get Professional Organizing Business Insurance
• Define your Professional Organizing Business Brand
• Create your Professional Organizing Business Website
• Set up your Business Phone System

We have put together this simple guide to starting your professional organizing business. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.

Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas .

STEP 1: Plan your business

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:

What will you name your business?

• What are the startup and ongoing costs?
• Who is your target market?

How much can you charge customers?

Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.

Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Professional Organizing Business Name Generator

If you operate a sole proprietorship , you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.

When registering a business name , we recommend researching your business name by checking:

• Your state's business records
• Federal and state trademark records
• Social media platforms
• Web domain availability .

It's very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.

Find a Domain Now

Powered by godaddy.com, what are the costs involved in opening a professional organizing business.

The costs for starting a professional organizing business are minimal as most businesses of these type work from home. In addition to the typical costs of registering a business and getting legal, typical startup costs may include:

• Liability insurance, the cost depending on your area and how much insurance you need.
• Website design and hosting. This cost can range from very low to much more expensive. Since your site will be the main contact point for new customers, it is worth spending more. A budget of $1000 dollars should be more than enough to cover a well-designed site with one year of hosting.
• Transportation. Most likely you will use your own vehicle, so you won't need to invest in a new one.
• Computer. Chances are you already have one.
• Education. This is where you will spend the bulk of your startup capital. Professional organizer are not required to have a particular educational background, but certain certificates and education can make you stand out. One of the most sought-after programs is from the National Association of Professional Organizers whose NAPO University offers courses ranging from free to hundreds of dollars.
• Membership fees in a national organization. Becoming a member of industry organization can help you attract clients and help manage your business. There are several organizations you can choose to join, including NAPO .

What are the ongoing expenses for a professional organizing business?

The monthly expenses are minimal, and usually just include advertising and transportation costs.

Who is the target market?

The best clients for a professional organizing business are people who lack the skills to get and stay organized, those who don't have the time to stay organized, or individuals who hate to organize on their own. Many clients who employ professional organizers are busy professionals who are used to hiring assistants to take care of everyday tasks and are comfortable with handing over control without micromanaging.

How does a professional organizing business make money?

This business makes money by providing organizing services and training clients how to become better at organizing. Most professional organizers charge clients by the hour or per day. Other professional organizers choose to charge on a per task basis.

According to PayScale.com , the average hourly pay is just under $26 per hour.

How much profit can a professional organizing business make?

The income range for a professional organizer as listed on PayScale.com , is approximately $30,000 to $115,000 a year.

How can you make your business more profitable?

One of the best ways to make your business more profitable is to become a specialist in a particular aspect of the organization industry, such as moving organization. Choose whichever aspect of organizing is the most interesting to you, but it is usually more profitable to specialize in business-related areas.

Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC's free Small Business Startup Guide - a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!

STEP 2: Form a legal entity

One crucial aspect that cannot be overlooked when starting your professional organizing business is the importance of establishing a solid business foundation. While sole proprietorships and partnerships are the most common entity types for small businesses, they're a far less stable and advantageous option than LLCs.

This is because unincorporated business structures (i.e., sole proprietorships and partnerships) expose you as an owner to personal liability for your business's debts and legal actions, while LLCs protect you by keeping your personal assets separate from your business's liabilities.

In practice, this means that if your professional organizing business were to face a lawsuit or incur any debts, your savings, home, and other personal assets could not be used to cover these costs. On top of this, forming your business as an LLC also helps it to appear more legitimate and trustworthy.

More than 84% of our readers opt to collaborate with a professional LLC formation service to kickstart their venture. We've negotiated a tailored discount for our readers, bringing the total down to just $29.

Form Your LLC Now

Note: If you're interested in more information before getting started, we recommend having a look at our state-specific How to Start an LLC guide (DIY) or our in-depth Best LLC Services review (for those opting for a professional service).

STEP 3: Register for taxes

You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.

In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It's really easy and free!

You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website . If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?

There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.

STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card

Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil .

Open a business bank account

Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:

• Separates your personal assets from your company's assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
• Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.

Get a business credit card

Getting a business credit card helps you:

• Separate personal and business expenses by putting your business' expenses all in one place.
• Build your company's credit history , which can be useful to raise money later on.

Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.

STEP 5: Set up business accounting

Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.

Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.

STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.

State & Local Business Licensing Requirements

Certain state permits and licenses may be needed to operate a professional organizing business. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits .

Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses .

Services Contract

Having a concise service contract will only help you. This will minimize your legal exposure to unknown factors, as well as align expectations between you and your client. Your contract should outline exactly what types of organization you will offer your clients, so there is no confusion.  Here is an example service agreement.

Recommended: Rocket Lawyer makes it easy to create a professional service agreement for your professional organizing business when you sign up for their premium membership. For $39.95 per month, members receive access to hundreds of legal agreements and on call attorneys to get complimentary legal advice.

STEP 7: Get business insurance

Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.

There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance . This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.

Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance . If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers' Compensation Coverage.

FInd out what types of insurance your Professional Organizing Business needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Professional Organizing Business.

STEP 8: Define your brand

Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.

If you aren't feeling confident about designing your small business logo, then check out our Design Guides for Beginners , we'll give you helpful tips and advice for creating the best unique logo for your business.

Recommended : Get a logo using Truic's free logo Generator no email or sign up required, or use a Premium Logo Maker .

If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator . Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.

How to promote & market a professional organizing business

Most clients look for services online, therefore, a website is essential for promoting your business. In addition to a company website, you should have a visible and active social media account. Opening an account on third-party sites like Angie's List or HomeAdvisor can expose your business to more potential clients. Depending on the type of client you are targeting, you may want to advertise in the local newspaper or an industry-specific publication.

How to keep customers coming back

The main barrier to getting more customers is that most people don't know that the professional organizing industry exists. Use social media and volunteer to give public talks on different organizing topics as promotions for your business.

STEP 9: Create your business website

After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business .

While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.

Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:

• All legitimate businesses have websites - full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
• Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
• Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.

Recommended : Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders .

Other popular website builders are: WordPress , WIX , Weebly , Squarespace , and Shopify .

STEP 10: Set up your business phone system

Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.

There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2023 to find the best phone service for your small business.

Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com

Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it's fair pricing.

Is this Business Right For You?

Starting a professional organizing business is perfect for anyone who is good at creating systems to keep things organized. Successful owners of this type of business love to work directly with a variety of different types of people, and have the ability help others learn new skills. A professional organizing business offers flexible hours, but owners will need to be able to stick to project deadlines without any oversight.

Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?

Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!

Entrepreneurship Quiz

What happens during a typical day at a professional organizing business?

A large portion of the day is spent time working with clients in their home or office. If a professional organizer is hired to organize a business, the work usually revolves around organizing and creating storage solutions for business and financial documents. A professional organizer may also help business clients to find better ways to manage their time and put easy-to-follow systems in place. Meeting with a client at their home can mean organizing just about anything in the home from helping to arrange a functional clothing system to sorting through piles of boxes. When professional organizers are not visiting clients, they are usually promoting their businesses online or communicating with potential clients by email or on the phone.

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful professional organizing business?

Of course, to succeed in the professional organizing business, you need to know how to organize, but that is not the only skill you need. A solid foundation in marketing, especially online marketing is important. There are a variety of companies that offer help with developing the type of skills you need to run a professional organizing business. Try contacting one of the several organizations which support businesses in this organization like the National Association of Professional Organizers to learn more.

What is the growth potential for a professional organizing business?

The growth potential for this type of business is very good due to the increasing demands on people from work. The job of a professional organizer is still quite new, and the market is not yet saturated. There are plenty of potential clients who are not yet aware of this type of service.

Not sure if a professional organizing business is right for you? Try our free Business Idea Generator and find your perfect idea.

TRUiC's YouTube Channel

For fun informative videos about starting a business visit the TRUiC YouTube Channel or subscribe to view later.

Take the Next Step

Find a business mentor.

One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.

Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.

Learn from other business owners

Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.

Resources to Help Women in Business

There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:

If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.

What are some insider tips for jump starting a professional organizing business?

Those new to the professional organizing business industry tend to have better luck concentrating on residential clients in the beginning. Unless you have an extensive business background, or are confident in your ability you may want to look for work organizing homes. Try to market your business to families living in your area at first. Volunteering to speak about organizing and productivity at your local library is a great way to drum up business.  

How and when to build a team

Many professional organizing businesses are owner operated. It may be feasible to run a business managing a team of professional organizers, but you would need to build up an extensive list of clients beforehand to make it profitable.

Useful Links

Industry opportunities.

• Clutterbusters - Franchise Opportunity
• The Tailored Closet - Franchise Opportunity

Real World Examples

• Ann Arbor, Michigan - A2 Home Organizers
• New York, New York - Andrew Mellen

Further Reading

• National Association of Professional Organizers

Additional Sources

• Metropolitan Organizing - 6 Steps for Starting a Professional Organizing Business
• Your Organizing Business - How to Start a Professional Organizing Business

Have a Question? Leave a Comment!

How to Start a Profitable Organizing Business [11 Steps]

By Nick Cotter Updated Feb 02, 2024

Business Steps:

1. perform market analysis., 2. draft a organizing business plan., 3. develop a organizing brand., 4. formalize your business registration., 5. acquire necessary licenses and permits for organizing., 6. open a business bank account and secure funding as needed., 7. set pricing for organizing services., 8. acquire organizing equipment and supplies., 9. obtain business insurance for organizing, if required., 10. begin marketing your organizing services., 11. expand your organizing business..

Before launching an organizing business, it's crucial to understand the market you're entering. A thorough market analysis will help you identify potential customers, understand the competition, and carve out a niche for your services. Here's how to get started:

• Research the demand for organizing services in your target area by looking into demographic data, such as income levels and household sizes, which can influence the need for such services.
• Analyze competitors by examining their services, pricing, and marketing strategies. Identify any gaps in the market that you can fill with your unique selling points.
• Understand the trends in the organizing industry, such as the growing interest in minimalism or eco-friendly organizing solutions, to align your services with what potential clients are seeking.
• Survey potential clients to gather firsthand information on what people are looking for in an organizing service, how much they are willing to pay, and what their main challenges are.
• Evaluate the indirect competition, such as do-it-yourself organizing resources and technology apps, to anticipate how they might affect your business model.

Are Organizing businesses profitable?

Yes, organizing businesses can be highly profitable depending on the services and products offered, the target market, and the pricing structure. Successful organizing businesses can generate a good return on investment and can provide a good income for the business owners.

Creating a business plan is a critical step in launching your organizing business. It will serve as a roadmap to guide you through setting up, managing, and growing your venture effectively. Here's a concise guide to help you draft an essential business plan for your organizing business:

• Define your organizing services, target market, and unique value proposition to differentiate your business from competitors.
• Establish your business goals and objectives, including short-term and long-term milestones.
• Conduct market research to understand industry trends and identify potential clients' needs and preferences.
• Outline your marketing and sales strategies, including branding, pricing, advertising, and customer acquisition tactics.
• Develop a financial plan that includes startup costs, pricing structure, revenue streams, and projections.
• Identify required resources, such as organizing supplies, transportation, and technology tools needed to operate efficiently.
• Create an operational plan detailing your service delivery process, client onboarding, and quality assurance measures.
• Assess potential risks and challenges, and devise contingency plans to address them.
• Include an appendix with supporting documents like resumes, references, legal documents, and any other relevant materials.

How does a Organizing business make money?

Organizing businesses make money by charging clients an hourly rate or a flat fee for services. They may also offer additional services such as decluttering, home staging, or interior design for an additional fee.

Creating a strong brand for your organizing business is crucial as it communicates your identity, values, and professionalism to potential clients. A well-defined brand helps you stand out in the market, creates a memorable impression, and fosters trust. Here are some key points to consider when developing your organizing brand:

• Define Your Brand Personality: Choose attributes that represent your business ethos – whether it's friendly, sophisticated, or eco-conscious, your brand should reflect your unique approach to organizing.
• Select a Memorable Name and Logo: Your business name and logo are often the first things people will notice. Make sure they are catchy, easy to remember, and visually represent your brand's personality.
• Establish Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP): Identify what sets you apart from competitors, such as specialized services or unique methods, and highlight this in your branding.
• Choose a Color Scheme and Typography: Consistent use of colors and fonts can enhance brand recognition. Select a palette and typography that align with your brand's mood and message.
• Create a Professional Website and Social Media Presence: In today's digital age, a sleek website and active social media profiles are key to reaching your audience and showcasing your brand.

How to come up with a name for your Organizing business?

When it comes to naming your organizing business, the best way to come up with an original and catchy name is to brainstorm ideas. Think about what values you want to represent and incorporate them into the name. Think about words that evoke the qualities and services you offer, and then use a thesaurus to find alternative versions of those words. Finally, check to make sure the name is available and not taken by another business.

Embarking on your journey to establish a professional organizing business involves several crucial steps, with formalizing your business registration being a pivotal milestone. This process lays the legal foundation for your company and varies depending on your location and business structure. Below are the essential steps to ensure your business is properly registered and compliant with local regulations:

• Choose a Business Structure: Decide whether your organizing business will be a Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, Limited Liability Company (LLC), or Corporation. Each has different implications for taxes, liability, and ongoing compliance requirements.
• Register Your Business Name: If you're using a name other than your own, you'll need to register a Doing Business As (DBA). Ensure the name is unique by checking with your state's business registry.
• Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN): If your business structure requires it, apply for an EIN via the IRS website. This number is necessary for tax purposes and to open a business bank account.
• Register with State and Local Agencies: Depending on your location, you may need to register your business with state and local agencies, securing necessary permits and licenses to operate legally.
• Understand Tax Obligations: Familiarize yourself with the tax obligations associated with your chosen business structure, including sales tax, self-employment tax, and any other applicable state and federal taxes.

Resources to help get you started:

Explore crucial resources designed for home organizing entrepreneurs aiming for insights into market trends, operational excellence, and strategic business expansion:

• NAPO's Annual Conference: National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals offers an annual event for networking, education, and exposure to the latest industry trends. https://www.napo.net/page/annual_conference
• Organize 365 Podcast: A weekly podcast offering strategies for home organization, time management, and business productivity for professional organizers. https://organize365.com/podcast/
• The Home Edit Blog: Provides innovative organizing tips and visual inspiration for making the most of any space, crucial for both DIY enthusiasts and professional organizers. https://www.thehomeedit.com/blog/
• The Institute for Challenging Disorganization (ICD): Offers resources and courses for understanding chronic disorganization, a valuable niche for home organizing professionals. https://www.challengingdisorganization.org/
• Minimalism Life: A website and newsletter offering insights into minimalist living and organizing, which can provide fresh approaches for home organization services. https://minimalism.life/

Starting an organizing business requires compliance with various legal regulations to operate smoothly and legally. Here's a rundown of the essential licenses and permits you might need to acquire:

• Business License: Obtain a general business license from your city or county clerk's office to legally conduct business in your area.
• DBA Filing: If you're operating under a name different from your legal name, file a 'Doing Business As' (DBA) with your local government.
• Professional Organizer License: Some regions require a specific license for professional organizers, so check with your local licensing board.
• Home Occupation Permit: If you're running your business from home, you may need this permit to comply with zoning laws.
• Insurance: Not a permit or license, but it's essential to have liability insurance to protect your business from potential claims.

Remember to renew these documents as required to ensure your organizing business remains in compliance with local, state, and federal laws.

What licenses and permits are needed to run a organizing business?

Licenses and permits required to run an organizing business may vary depending on the location, but in general they may include a business license, a tax ID number and any permits required by local or state regulations. Depending on the services offered, additional specific licenses and permits may be required.

Securing your financial base is essential when starting your organizing business. A dedicated business bank account will help you manage your finances effectively, while securing funding can provide the necessary capital to grow your venture. Follow these steps to ensure your business is financially prepared:

• Research banks and credit unions to find the best business banking options. Look for low fees, good customer service, and any benefits tailored to small businesses.
• Gather required documents to open your business bank account, such as your business license, EIN, and any incorporation paperwork.
• Consider the need for a business credit card to help manage expenses and build your business credit profile.
• Assess your funding requirements and explore options like business loans, lines of credit, investors, or crowdfunding platforms.
• Prepare a solid business plan to present to potential lenders or investors, demonstrating the viability and profitability of your organizing business.
• Keep personal and business finances separate to simplify accounting, tax preparation, and to protect your personal assets.

Setting the right price for your organizing services is crucial as it affects your marketability and profitability. It's important to consider your costs, the value you provide, and your target market's willingness to pay. Below are some key points to consider when setting your prices:

• Research Competitor Pricing: Look at what other organizers in your area are charging to get an idea of the market rate.
• Cost-Plus Pricing: Calculate your costs (travel, supplies, labor) and add a markup for profit. This ensures you cover expenses and earn a living.
• Value-Based Pricing: Set prices based on the value you bring to clients, such as time saved, stress reduction, and the quality of your service.
• Package Deals: Offer bundled services at a discount to encourage larger commitments from clients.
• Hourly vs. Project Rates: Decide whether to charge by the hour or by the project. Hourly rates are straightforward, while project rates align with completing a task regardless of time spent.
• Adjust for Experience: As you gain experience and a portfolio of successful projects, increase your rates to reflect your expertise.
• Clear Communication: Be transparent about your pricing structure to avoid misunderstandings and build trust with clients.

What does it cost to start a Organizing business?

Initiating a organizing business can involve substantial financial commitment, the scale of which is significantly influenced by factors such as geographical location, market dynamics, and operational expenses, among others. Nonetheless, our extensive research and hands-on experience have revealed an estimated starting cost of approximately $3350 for launching such an business. Please note, not all of these costs may be necessary to start up your organizing business.

To ensure your organizing business operates smoothly, it’s vital to acquire the right equipment and supplies. These tools will not only help you stay organized yourself but will also enable you to offer professional services to your clients. Consider the following essentials for your organizing toolkit:

• Label Maker: A label maker for clear, consistent labeling of files, bins, and other organizational systems.
• Quality Storage Solutions: Invest in a variety of storage containers, shelving units, and drawer organizers to suit different clients' needs.
• Measuring Tape: Essential for planning spaces and fitting organizing systems correctly.
• Inventory Management Software: Helps in tracking your supplies and managing clients' inventories.
• Office Supplies: Stock up on pens, notebooks, clipboards, and other office supplies for planning and note-taking.
• Protective Gear: Gloves and masks for handling dusty or dirty items during decluttering sessions.
• Cleaning Supplies: Basic cleaning products to tidy spaces as you organize.
• Transportation: A reliable vehicle large enough to transport your supplies to and from clients' homes or offices.

List of Software, Tools and Supplies Needed to Start a Organizing Business:

• Organizing software (e.g., time tracking, project management, task management, etc.)
• Financial software (e.g., accounting software, invoicing software, etc.)
• Advertising and marketing materials (e.g., business cards, flyers, postcards, etc.)
• Business forms (e.g., contracts, order forms, etc.)
• Office equipment (e.g., fax machine, printer, scanner, etc.)
• Website and email hosting services
• Office supplies (e.g., pens, paper, folders, etc.)
• Organizing tools (e.g., labels, storage containers, shelving, etc.)

Securing the right business insurance is a critical step in safeguarding your organizing business from various risks and liabilities. It not only protects your financial stability in the event of unexpected circumstances but also adds credibility to your enterprise. Here’s how to go about obtaining business insurance:

• Identify the types of insurance relevant to your industry, such as general liability insurance, professional liability insurance, and property insurance.
• Consult with an insurance broker or agent who specializes in small businesses to get advice tailored to your specific needs.
• Compare quotes from multiple insurance providers to find the best coverage options at the most reasonable rates.
• Consider the scope of your services and any potential risks to determine the appropriate level of coverage for your business.
• Review the insurance policies periodically to ensure they remain aligned with the growth and changes in your business operations.
• Keep all insurance documents organized and accessible, and familiarize yourself with the process for filing a claim should the need arise.

Launching your organizing business into the public eye is crucial for attracting clients and establishing your brand. A strategic marketing plan can help you reach potential customers where they are and highlight the unique benefits of your services. Here are some ways to effectively market your organizing services:

• Develop a Strong Online Presence: Create a professional website and engage with potential clients on social media platforms. Use before-and-after photos of your work to showcase your skills.
• Networking: Join local business groups, attend community events, and connect with related businesses such as real estate agents or home stores to build referrals.
• Content Marketing: Write blog posts or create videos with organizing tips and tricks to demonstrate your expertise and provide value to your audience.
• Offer Workshops or Seminars: Host local events to share your organizing knowledge and attract potential clients interested in learning more about your services.
• User Testimonials: Collect and share testimonials from satisfied clients to build trust and credibility with prospects.
• Paid Advertising: Consider using targeted ads on social media and search engines to reach a broader audience specifically interested in organizing services.

Taking your organizing business to the next level requires strategic planning and a clear vision for growth. Whether it's by diversifying your services, reaching new markets, or leveraging partnerships, expanding your business can create new opportunities for success. Here are some key strategies to consider:

• Explore Niche Markets: Identify and cater to specific niches within the organizing industry, such as corporate offices, downsizing seniors, or clients with special needs.
• Offer Additional Services: Add related services like virtual organizing, productivity coaching, or workshops to provide more value to your clients.
• Develop a Product Line: Create and sell organizing products or starter kits that complement your services.
• Franchise Your Concept: If your business model is successful, consider franchising to allow others to carry your brand to new locations.
• Collaborate with Related Businesses: Partner with moving companies, interior designers, or home stagers to cross-promote services.
• Invest in Marketing: Boost your online presence with a professional website, SEO, and social media advertising to reach a broader audience.
• Train and Hire Staff: As demand grows, hire and train additional organizers to maintain service quality and expand your reach.

How to Start an Organizing Business Plan

Help others tidy up as a professional organizer..

By: Deborah Sweeney

Do you think of yourself as an organizer? For instance, are you naturally tidy? In addition, do you enjoy storing everything in a neat place? Likewise, do you view cleaning up as an opportunity to refresh a space?

Did you say yes to each of these questions? In short, you may be ready to start a business as a professional organizer.

What is a Professional Organizing Business Plan?

A professional organizing business plan is a roadmap for how you’ll run your professional organizing business. It outlines your services, target market, and marketing strategies, helping guide you through building a successful organization business.

A professional organizer clears out the clutter. They develop a system that creates functional, mess-free spaces. Many people seek organization in their personal and professional lives. In other words, these may be your future clients! Therefore, follow these steps to start your business.

What are the Benefits of Running an Organizing Business?

Starting an organizing business offers flexibility, low startup costs, and the ability to help clients create order in their lives. It’s a rewarding career path that allows you to grow at your own pace while providing essential services. Next, we’ll explain the 11 steps to starting an organizing business.

1. Determine Your Service Offerings

This is a little like starting a business in an industry like landscaping and lawn care . You must determine what kinds of professional organizer services you will offer clients. Consider organizing in a specific category:

• Closet or refrigerator organization.
• Kitchen, attic, home office, or garage organization.
• Professional office organization. This niche allows you to design storage spaces for large firms and corporations.
• Paper management. You may manually organizing paperwork. Or you may create planners. Individuals will buy and use these planners to organize their days. What else can you offer besides paper management? Similarly, you may offer photo and memorabilia organization services.

2. Join Relevant Organizations

Technically, there isn’t official training to become a professional organizer.

However, you should understand what it means to be an organizer. Understand the ins and outs of your niche. Be ready to differentiate yourself from other professional organizers. Know how to work with clients. Learn which organizational challenges they struggle with the most. For example, some might have difficulty parting with their belongings. Similarly, others may have a tough time keeping their space neat.

Read books about organization. Review blog posts. Listen to relevant podcasts. Watch vlogs. In addition, join a networking organization. Consider the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO). Attend virtual conferences. Consult other professional organizers. In short, you may receive their mentoring and coaching expertise.

3. Draft a Business Plan

A professional organizing business needs a written business plan . This document allows you to set goals for the business. Similarly, it establishes a common vision for the business.

Your professional organizing business plan should detail challenges facing your clients.  Similarly, develop an organizational system to address these issues. Document the types of services you’ll offer. Determine how much you will charge. Understand your target audience. In addition, conduct an industry analysis of your competition. Do you need additional funding for your business? Make a note as part of your funding request.

4. Incorporate the Business

One of the best ways to protect your professional organizer business is to form an LLC . Certainly, we recommend forming a limited liability company. This entity provides limited liability protection. This creates a separation between personal and professional assets.

An LLC allows you to save a bit of money on taxes. Moreover, it helps build credibility with clients. For instance, they may be likely to work with you. Above all, this is because your business is fully incorporated.

5. File for a Trademark

The name of your professional organizer business should be original. Clients should be able to hear it and easily identify you. In conclusion, this is your trademark.

Likewise, come up with a clever business name. After that, conduct a name search . This allows you to check if the trademark is available. The mark may also be pending registration elsewhere. Is the trademark available? After that, file to register the trademark . Registering the trademark gives the owner exclusive rights. In addition, it ensures nobody plagiarizes the mark.

6. File for a DBA

Will you operate your business under a different name? This is a doing business as name (DBA) which differs from your existing business name. You may file for a doing business as name (DBA) in your state of incorporation.

7. Obtain Business Licenses

You may need to obtain certain business licenses . These licenses allow you to conduct business in the city, county, and state.

Therefore, check in with your local Secretary of State. Find out which documents your professional organizing business needs to operate. After that, obtain the necessary business licenses.

8. Apply for a Tax ID

Your company will need its own business bank account. This ensures the money you make from your organization business doesn’t co-mingle with personal funds. You may open a business bank account by obtaining a tax ID. This is known as an employer identification number (EIN) .

An EIN is a federal tax ID. It is a nine-digit number. The IRS issues it to businesses to legally identify the business. This tax ID ensures the business pays federal and payroll taxes. In short, it helps businesses stay in compliance.

9. Build a Website

Your business website acts as a portfolio. It allows you to showcase your professional organizer business. In addition, you may use it for a variety of branding purposes.

• Introduce yourself and share a bit about your background.
• Highlight projects you have successfully completed. For example, these may include before and after photos.
• Offer tidying tips and additional advice on your blog.
• Share testimonials and positive customer reviews.
• Provide your contact information. This includes your email address, phone number, and social media handles. In short, this helps connect with new clients.

In addition, obtain a relevant, keyword-rich domain name for your website. Create business cards . Print marketing materials may also be beneficial. For example, you may hand out brochures to prospective clients.

10. Build Your Team

As your organizing business grows, hiring staff can help you scale effectively. Build a team of skilled professionals who align with your values and services. This allows you to take on more clients and expand your offerings.

11. Launch and Market Your Organizing Business

Launching your business successfully means getting the word out. A strategic marketing plan will help you attract clients and build your brand in the organizing industry.

Leverage Social Media

Social media platforms are powerful tools for marketing your organizing business. Share tips, showcase transformations, and engage with potential clients to build a strong online presence.

Attend Networking Events

Attending local and industry-specific networking events helps you meet potential clients and partners. These connections can lead to business referrals and growth opportunities for your organizing business.

Offer Promotions or Discounts

Offering special promotions or discounts can help attract new clients when starting an organizing business. It encourages prospects to try your services and can lead to long-term customers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a professional organizer do.

A professional organizer helps individuals and businesses declutter and create functional systems. They assist clients in organizing spaces, improving efficiency, and maintaining order.

What services can a professional organizer offer?

Professional organizers offer various services, including home and office organization, digital decluttering, time management assistance, and creating custom storage solutions for clients.

How can I find clients for my professional organizing business?

You can find clients by leveraging social media, networking, attending local events, and offering promotions. Word of mouth and referrals also play a big role.

How should I price my organizing services?

Pricing should reflect your experience, market demand, and the complexity of each project. Consider hourly rates, flat fees, or package deals tailored to client needs.

What tools and supplies do I need to start my business?

To start a professional organizing business, you’ll need basic supplies like storage containers, label makers, and calendars, as well as tools for digital organization solutions.

Additional Professional Organization Startup Information

In conclusion, this is a basic guide for starting a professional organizer business. To sum up, you can find more information through additional resources. These include the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO) and the Institute for Professional Organizers .

Let’s help incorporate your business today! Visit us at mycorporation.com or call us at 877-692-6772.  

If you experience any difficulty in accessing our content, please contact us at 877.692.6772 or email us at [email protected] .

How to Start a Professional Organizing Business in 2024

by Katherine Lawrence | Become a Professional Organizer

There are so many benefits to starting your own organizing business. Professional Organizers are creative problem solvers who use their talents and experience to help others live a more serene and ordered life. Your organizing business plan will evolve over time by getting both specialized and on-the-job training. 

When I’m coaching a new student to become a professional home organizer, we look at these three aspects of their professional organizing business plan:

•          Establish a Client Process
•          Set up a Legit Business
•          Find Customers 

For more free professional organizer training, watch my tutorials on YouTube and get your free launch guide HERE

Step 1 Establish a Client Process

You get an email, DM, text, call, or just a plain old face-to-face question: “How can I hire you to help me organize my life/home/workspace?” 

OH NO … DON’T PANIC !!!

You have skills, a fab label maker, know the Container Store like the back of your hand, and your own home is masterfully organized. But you have no idea how to walk into someone else’s house and create order from chaos.

Then you ask yourself: “What would I charge? How long will it take? What products will I need?” And of course, they are asking you the same questions. 

Before you are faced with that scenario, I recommend you create a simple process to take your client through that looks something like this:

My simple client process:

• Book a Call or Video Chat

Schedule an Initial Consultation

Schedule a project session.

• Follow up & Repeat

Book a Call or Video Chat to Assess your Client’s Needs

Book a call or video chat to learn more about the space and your (potential) client’s needs, goals, and budget. This is your intake process. I recommend asking open-ended questions that get your client talking. Believe it or not, the more your client is speaking the more likely you are to book the job.

Being patient, friendly, and an active listener builds trust with your client. Before they hire an organizer, your potential customer will need to know, like, and trust you. And it all begins with that first contact. 

▶get my intake form HERE + all the forms I use to run my business

▶get my exact client process + project management tips in this intro course designed to give you the confidence to book your first paid client.

From that first contact with your potential customer, be prepared to offer a paid service. You may find it easier to book an in-home consultation first, so have a rate prepared to offer them for an initial service. Come up with a rate you feel is fair for three to four hours of your time that is consistent with other home service rates in your market. 

This time will be spent – 

•          Commuting to your client’s home
•          Touring their home
•          Discussing challenges and solutions 
•          Creating an action plan 
•          Following up with your client and answering questions

I call this: “organizing your home on paper.” Essentially you are providing your client with resources, design, and space planning ideas, storage solutions, and product recommendations. You are also a sounding board and creative facilitator. 

▶Why organizers should charge for consultations

But Katherine, what if my client just wants me to organize one space like a closet or garage, can’t I just go in and start? 

Of course, you can (and should!) take paid organizing projects. You’ll need to decide on a rate before you book that initial call with your (soon to be) paying customer. But I will warn you, without an initial planning session you may run into challenges like – 

I showed up to organize a closet that I thought was filled with clothing, but it also contains boxes of papers that may need shredding .

We planned on organizing the garage, but it’s filled with books, clothes, and other household items that need a place inside the house .

I was hired to set-up a home office, but the office is hoarded with unopened QVC and Amazon packages. Do I deal with that first? 

Book a project session that is a few hours in length to provide time for dealing with the unexpected and follow a basic project plan. My basic project planning method is called GDP which stands for 

• G – Gather and sort like items
• D – Make Decisions
• P – Put away items in a neat and orderly fashion 

Whether I’m organizing a junk drawer, a closet, an attic, playroom, or home office, following this method breaks the project down into manageable tasks, keeps me focused, and helps establish a timeline. 

▶learn basic project management for Professional Organizers in my intro course

Follow up and repeat..

A client in the hand is worth two in the bush. Ok, that’s not the exact phrase. But think of it this way –

If you are only working a few hours with each new client on only one space in their home, you will need 5 to 10 new clients each week to create a full-time business and salary.

Maybe you are a marketing genius or have a hit organizing show on TV, but more likely you’re like me. Someone who loves to organize and hates to sell themselves. If I had to secure 10 new clients every week, I would have given up years ago. So how can I work as a full-time organizer without marketing full-time?

Because I often declutter and downsize an entire home (not just one closet) and I have repeat customers. Building lasting relationships and connections around your ideal client base is essential to creating a sustainable organizing business.

Step 2 Set up a Legit Business

Once you have mastered your client process and understand how to manage an organizing project, you’ll need to set-up a legit business to minimize tax and legal challenges when taking organizing jobs.

Professional Organizing can be a lucrative business, but you do not want liability, legal, or financial issues to derail your business plan.

Here is a checklist to get you started –

• Decide on a Name for your business
• Ask your local government if you need a license or other requirements to operate in your area
• Meet with an attorney to determine your best legal structure
• Meet with an accountant to set-up bookkeeping + instructions on filing taxes
• Get business insurance
• Set up a business bank account
• Set up credit card processing
• Create a budget
• Set up a home office space
• Set up business e-mail, voicemail, and/or other messaging options
• Create forms and contracts

One of the best resources we have in the U.S. is SCORE. SCORE provides workshops and free mentoring to business startups. Connect with a SCORE mentor HERE.

▶click here for my Professional Organizer’s workbook + planner

Do not be afraid to set-up a legit business! It could save you a lot of hassles in the future and give you the confidence to become a transformative force in the lives of others!

Step 3 Find Customers 

Now you know what to do when a potential customer wants to hire you and what it takes to set-up a legitimate business.

But wait … Katherine … I don’t have any customers and no one is hiring me!!

Yes! The primary ingredient for any successful business is paying customers. I know I titled this section “find customers,” but really we need customers to find you.

You need to be top-of-mind in your community to attract your ideal client. To do that you will need to –

Be Visible + Be Known + Be Credible

▶7 Ways to Get Customers for your Home Organizing business

Make your organizing business visible.

•          Design a logo or color scheme (try Canva ❤❤❤)
•          Get a business card (again, Canva )
•          Create a website
•          Set-up your business on Google
•          Create a Facebook business page
•          Create an Instagram business account
•          Create a LinkedIn profile (or update your existing one with your organizing credentials)
•          Create other social media business accounts where your ideal client could see (YouTube, Tik Tok, Twitter, Pinterest … really the list is endless)

It is a little overwhelming to think of all the places our customers can find us and nearly impossible to be known everywhere without a full-time marketing team. It will also take time to establish your business’s online profile.

Start with a platform where you are already engaged and have a community.

For example, if you spend a lot of time on Facebook or Instagram already and have a following, it will be easier to inform them of your new business venture. But if you have never shot a video in your life, YouTube can be a bit overwhelming. You may want to just start by listing your business with Google, creating a simple website, and build from there.

Be Known as the Professional Organizer who…

• Unpacks houses
• Loves staging and redesign
• Works with hoarders
• Downsizes seniors
• Teaches the KonMari Method
• Works with ADHD Clients
• Installs closet systems

What will set you apart from the competition? Even more important, what types of clients will other organizers refer to you? I call this niche marketing.

▶Free Niche Worksheet + Launch Guide

You must be known for something unique before others can refer business to you!!

Build your Credibility by…

• Speaking + giving workshops
• Attending networking events
• Getting to know related business and service providers IRL (in real life) over coffee, at trade shows, or community events
• Networking with other Professional Organizers like in NAPO or POC
• Writing and posting content to social media accounts and/or blog
• Following up with existing clients or e-mail list
• Making media appearances
• Getting published
• Training or earning a certification
• Writing and speaking for others  
• Getting referrals from existing clients
• Posting content (tips and advice) to other’s social media accounts

Ok, yes, I’m listing writing and speaking twice. Here’s why:

You can post tips and advice via your own business channels like social media accounts, website, or IRL. And also you gain credibility when sharing information with another communit y ‘s audience.

In the blogging world, this is called a backlink, or when another site posts a link to your content, blog, or website. Here is a backlink I received for garage organizing tips –

https://www.familyhandyman.com/list/things-organized-garages-have-in-common/

When I was a total newbie, I asked a closet design company if I could work their booth at a trade show. It gave me an opportunity to talk about my services in front of an ideal client.

I’ve presented to local neighborhood associations, thrift stores, libraries, and senior centers. In addition to gaining an audience, each group would publish my contact information on their website, newsletters, and social media accounts.

Yes! It is free and relatively easy to become visible and credible in your community.

What to do next …

If you are starting a home organizing business this year you will need to establish a client process, create a unique client experience, set up a legit business, and find customers. I would love to help you out!

>Watch tutorials on my YouTube Channel

>get your free launch guide, >read more about becoming an organizer.

Happy Organizing!

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How to Start an Organizing Business [45-Point Checklist]

• May 8, 2024

Are you interested in learning how to start an organizing business? Are you looking to turn your passion into a profitable business venture?

Starting a professional organizing business can be a lucrative and rewarding career path for those with a passion for tidying up.

But where do you even begin?

With so many moving parts to starting a business, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. But fear not. We’ve compiled a comprehensive 45-point checklist to help guide you through starting your own organizing business.

So grab a pen and paper, and let’s dive and start a professional organizing business!

Research the Professional Organizing Industry

Researching the professional organizing industry as a whole and your local market is step one. Pursuing further education through professional organizing books, blogs, YouTube videos, podcasts, courses, and coaching can help you develop the knowledge necessary to excel in the industry.

These resources can provide you with valuable insights into organizing professionals’ methodologies and ways to grow your business from those who have already done it. Additionally, being aware of the competition in your local market is crucial. Understanding who and what you are competing with is important. Consider reviewing local competitors’ social media, websites, and other marketing material to gauge your local market. Once you’ve researched the industry and your local market, it’s time to name and set up your business.

Name & Set Up Your Professional Organizer Business

When starting an organizing business, one of the first things you’ll need to do is choose a name for your company. The name you choose should be easy to remember, descriptive of what you do, and not already in use by another business.

You should also consider how the name will look in your logo, on your website, and on social media platforms.

While the process of naming your organizing business and setting it up legally may seem overwhelming, it’s important to remember that these are crucial steps that will set you up for success in the long run. It’s not uncommon for organizers to get stuck at this stage, but don’t let that discourage you!

Once you have these important pieces in place, you’ll be able to focus on what you do best: helping your clients organize their spaces and simplify their lives. So, take a deep breath, do your research, and move forward with confidence!

Set Up Accounts and Systems for Business Administration

Set Up Banking & Payments

Another crucial step in starting your business is setting up a system to take payments. Without this step, you can’t make any money! First, set up your business bank account online or in person at your local bank. Once you’ve set up your bank account, consider getting a credit card for business purchases and setting up your payment processing system.

We personally use Square for payments and highly recommend it. Square allows you to create contracts and invoices, store customer information, take payments, and more.

Additionally, it’s recommended to set up your business accounting with a highly recommended tool such as QuickBooks.

Develop Your Brand & Begin Marketing

Marketing and branding are critical components for any professional organizing businesses.

Your marketing efforts are what will set you apart from other professional organizers and attract clients to your business. By investing the time and resources into creating a strong brand and marketing strategy, you’ll be able to build credibility, increase visibility, and ultimately grow your business.

Fortunately, there are a variety of online and offline marketing channels that can help you do just that. Online channels include social media accounts, email marketing, search engine optimization (SEO), pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, and more. Each channel offers unique advantages, and we personally use all of them to drive new leads to our organizing business.

Offline marketing channels can also be effective, particularly for reaching local clients. These can include networking events, community outreach programs, tradeshows, and print advertising in local publications. By combining online and offline marketing efforts, you can create a well-rounded marketing strategy that reaches potential clients through multiple channels.

One important factor to remember when it comes to marketing is the return on investment (ROI) . This refers to the amount of revenue generated from a given marketing initiative compared to the amount of money invested.

By tracking your ROI for each marketing channel, you can make informed decisions about where to invest more of your marketing budget and which channels drive the most new leads and business.

Develop Your Organizing Services & Pricing

When developing your pricing, it’s important to consider your costs and set your prices appropriately. (Think marketing costs, gas, business insurance, paying team members, etc)

It’s okay to start your prices lower and raise them as you gain more experience. I actually encourage it!

When developing your services, consider what services you enjoy. Get crystal clear on the services you offer and let it be known on all of your marketing material.

Create descriptions for each service of what each entails (such as the total amount of hours and whether it includes donation hauls, etc.).

If you’re really unsure of what to offer, take a look at other successful professional organizers, and see how they’ve mapped out their services and pricing.

Finally, it’s important to regularly review and evaluate your pricing and services to ensure that they are still meeting the needs of your business and your clients.

This involves monitoring your costs, analyzing your pricing strategy, and soliciting feedback from clients on the quality of your services. By regularly reviewing your pricing and services, you can make adjustments as needed.

Create Systems to Streamline Your Business

Once you’ve set up your business, it’s important to document the repetitive steps you take to improve efficiency in your own business.

Congratulations, you’re one step closer to starting your own organizing business!

Remember, starting a business takes time, effort, and patience. It’s okay to take things one step at a time and not rush the process. Don’t be too hard on yourself for not starting earlier. You’re doing it now, and that’s what counts. The comprehensive 45-point checklist we’ve compiled lists the exact steps we took to build our successful business. From researching the industry to setting up your branding and marketing, we’ve covered it all. Just remember, building a business takes time and effort, but with passion and dedication, you’ll be well on your way to a rewarding and lucrative business and career!

Before You Start Your Own Professional Organizing Business

Starting a professional organizing business isn’t necessarily that hard. The hardest part, in my experience, is managing it! Sure, a professional organizing business plan sounds nice, but you won’t learn until you get your hands dirty. Starting a home organizing business can be a fun and rewarding experience. So go for it!

One of the keys to success is finding clients to help grow your business. It might seem overwhelming at first, but fear not!

Check out our latest post on how to get more clients and the top marketing strategies we use in our organizing business!

Professional Organizer Marketing Strategies (Ranked Best to Worst) How to Find Clients For Your Professional Organizing Business

I wrote another post on the same topic over on Medium. Check it out! How to start an organizing business .

Download the PDF Version

Download a PDF version of the 45-point checklist to start your professional organizing business!

Aaron Traub

Download the free 45-point checklist for starting a professional organizing business.

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Table of contents

How to start an organizing business in 9 steps.

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From identifying your target market to choosing the perfect business name, launching an organizational business requires a lot of planning and hard work. You may find yourself wondering where to start or what steps to take to make your organizing business a success.

In this article, we will guide you through the essential steps that you should take to launch an organization business effectively. Keep reading to learn more!

Why Start a Professional Organizing Business

There are many reasons why someone might choose to start a professional organizing business. For starters, organizing is an essential skill that many people struggle with, and there is a growing demand for professional organizers who can help individuals and businesses get their spaces in order.

Additionally, running an organization business can be a flexible and rewarding career path that allows you to set your own schedule and work with a diverse range of clients. If you have a passion for organizing, a desire to help others, and an entrepreneurial spirit, starting a professional organizing business may be the perfect fit for you.

6 Benefits of Running a Organizing Business

Running a professional organizing business can come with a wide range of benefits. Here are just a few:

1. Flexibility

As the owner of your own business, you have the flexibility to set your own hours and work around your personal life.

You are in control of your business and the services you offer. You can choose your clients, set your prices, and determine the direction of your business.

3. Fulfilling Work

Helping people declutter and organize their lives can be incredibly rewarding work. You have the opportunity to make a positive impact on people’s lives and help them achieve their goals.

4. High Demand

The need for professional organizers is growing as people increasingly struggle with clutter and organization in their personal and professional lives.

5. Diverse Client Base

Professional organizers work with a wide range of clients, including individuals, families, businesses, and organizations, providing variety in your work.

6. Creative Outlet

Organizing requires creative problem-solving, which can be a fulfilling outlet for those with a passion for design and organization.

9 Steps to Start an Organizing Business

Launching a successful organizational business requires careful planning and execution. Let’s walk through the steps required to start an organizing business.

1. Identify Your Niche

Identifying your niche is an important step in starting an organizational business. This involves determining the specific type of organizational services you want to offer and identifying your target market.

To begin, consider what types of organizing services you are most interested in offering. This could include organizing residential spaces, office spaces, or specialized niches such as storage unit organization.

2. Conduct Market Research

Conducting market research is a critical step in starting an organizational business. This involves researching your target market and competition to determine the demand for your services as well as any potential challenges you may face. By gathering this information, you’ll be in a stronger position to refine your business strategy and identify ways to differentiate your business.

Start by researching your target market to determine their needs, preferences, and pain points. This may involve surveying potential customers or analyzing demographic data to identify trends and patterns.

You’ll also need to take a deep dive into your competition to identify potential challenges and opportunities in the market. This may involve analyzing their pricing, marketing strategies, and service offerings to determine how you can differentiate your business.

Most importantly. you’ll need to understand your ideal client’s pain points, preferences, and budget. You’ll also have to pinpoint how your skills and services can help them solve their organizing problems. This will help you better target customers and position your new organizational business for a competitive advantage.

3. Create a Business Plan

Creating a business plan for your organizational business will help you clarify your goals, identify opportunities and challenges, and develop a roadmap for success. Use it as a tool to communicate your vision to investors, partners, and other stakeholders, and as a reference point for decision-making as you launch and grow your business.

Here’s a breakdown of the key factors to include in your business plan. 

• Executive Summary: This is a brief overview of your business, including your mission statement, goals, and target market
• Company Description: This section provides more detail about your organizational business, including its legal structure, ownership, and history
• Market Analysis: Research your target market and competitors to identify opportunities and challenges (Include: demographics, buying behaviors, and trends impacting your industry)
• Service Offerings: Detail the specific services your organizational business will offer, including how they will be delivered and the value they provide to customers
• Marketing and Sales: Explain how you will market your organizational business to attract new customers and build your brand (Include your pricing strategy, promotional tactics, and sales goals)
• Management and Organization: Describe the management structure of your organizational business (Include key personnel, roles, responsibilities, and experience requirements)
• Financial Projections: Develop a detailed financial plan (Include startup costs, projected revenue, operating expenses, cash flow, and any funding needs)

4. Obtain Licensing and Permits

Obtaining the proper licenses and permits is an essential step in starting any business, including an organizational business. The specific requirements for licensing and permits can vary depending on your location and the type of organizational services you plan to offer.

To ensure that you have all of the necessary licenses and permits, do thorough research on the requirements in your area. This may involve contacting your local government or licensing authority, reviewing local business regulations, or consulting with an attorney or business advisor.

Some of the most common licenses and permits that an organizational business may need to obtain include:

• Business License: This is a basic license that is required for most businesses to operate legally. It typically involves registering your business with the local government and paying a fee.
• State and Local Tax Permits: Depending on your location, you may need to obtain permits for sales tax, use tax, or other state or local taxes.
• Home Occupation Permit: If you plan to run your organizational business from your home, you may need to obtain a home occupation permit to operate legally.
• Professional Licenses: Depending on your location and the nature of your organizational business, you may need to obtain a professional license or certification. For example, if you plan to offer specialized services such as organizing medical records, you may need to obtain a medical records technician certification.

5. Establish Your Brand

A strong brand identity should reflect your business’s personality, values, and service offerings. It can help you make an impression on customers and differentiate yourself from competitors. Your brand identity includes everything from your business name, logo, website, and marketing materials. 

Here are the most important factors to keep in mind.

Identify Your Core Values

Start by identifying your business’s core values, mission, and unique selling points. This can help you establish a brand personality that resonates with your target market and sets your business apart from competitors.

Choose a Business Name

Brainstorm and develop a business name that reflects your values and service offerings. Your business name should be memorable, easy to pronounce, and easy to spell, and should convey a sense of professionalism and expertise. Remember, it’s the first impression your customers will have of your business, so think through it carefully. 

Design a Logo

Design a logo that reflects your brand identity and resonates with your target market. This may involve working with a graphic designer to develop a custom logo that is visually appealing and easy to recognize.

Build Your Website

Your website is another important element of your brand identity. It should be easy to navigate, visually appealing, and contain all the information potential customers need to make an informed decision about your services. Consider working with a professional web designer to ensure your website is user-friendly, ADA-compliant, and optimized for search engines.

Develop Marketing Materials 

It’s important to develop marking materials that reinforce your brand identity and help build awareness of your business. This may include business cards, brochures, flyers, and social media posts. Consistency is key, so make sure all of your marketing materials are visually cohesive and convey the same, clear message about your business.

6. Set Up Your Business Infrastructure

Establish the necessary infrastructure to run your business, such as an office, equipment, supplies, and software tools. This may include establishing a billing and invoicing system, scheduling software, and other instruments to help you manage your business.

7. Register Your Business

Registering your business involves the process of legally establishing your business as a recognized entity. This provides legal protection and allows you to operate your organization’s business with credibility and legitimacy. 

You’ll need to decide on the legal structure of your business, which can be a sole proprietorship , partnership, Limited Liability Company (LLC), or corporation. Each structure has its own legal requirements, tax implications, and liability considerations. Take a look at how they compare:

Sole Proprietorship

This is the simplest and most common type of business structure. In a sole proprietorship, the business is owned and operated by one person. The owner has full control over the business and is personally responsible for all debts and liabilities.

Partnership

A partnership is a business structure where two or more people share ownership and control of the business. Partnerships can be general or limited, with different levels of liability for each partner.

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

An LLC is a hybrid business structure that combines the liability protection of a corporation with the tax benefits and flexibility of a partnership. In an LLC, owners are not personally liable for the company’s debts and losses.

Corporation

A corporation is a separate legal entity that is owned by shareholders. Corporations have a more complex structure and are subject to more regulations and legal requirements than other business structures. However, they offer the most protection against personal liability.

8. Build Your Team

Are you planning on managing and running your business entirely on your own? Or are you looking to take on a bit of help to serve clients and scale? If you do decide to hire employees, it’s important to establish clear roles and responsibilities for each team member. This can help ensure that everyone is working towards a common goal and prevent confusion or misunderstandings down the line. It’s also important to provide adequate training and support to ensure your team members are equipped to do their jobs effectively.

9. Launch and Market Your Organizing Business

Launching and marketing your new organization business is perhaps the most important step of them all. It’s up to you to find and secure clients, so your business’s success depends on how well you execute this. 

Launching and marketing your business requires a combination of creativity, persistence, and strategic thinking. Here are some strategies to consider:

Leverage Social Media

Platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram can be powerful tools for promoting your business and reaching potential customers. Consider posting before-and-after photos of your work, sharing helpful tips and advice, and engaging with your followers to build a strong online presence.

Attend Networking Events

Attending local networking events can be a great way to meet other professionals and potential customers in your area. Be sure to bring business cards and a clear elevator pitch to introduce yourself and your services.

Offer Promotions or Discounts

Consider offering a discount or promotion to new customers to encourage them to try your services. This can help you build a client base and generate positive word-of-mouth buzz about your business.

Ask for Referrals

Once you have established a base of satisfied clients, ask them to refer their friends and family to your business. Word-of-mouth referrals can be one of the most effective forms of marketing, so be sure to encourage your satisfied clients to spread the word.

Get Organizing 

Starting an organizing business is an excellent way to turn your passion for a social cause into a profitable venture. By following the steps outlined above, you’ll be able to develop a successful business that not only benefits the community but is also profitable.

To stay organized while preparing to launch and run your organizational business successfully with the help of doola. Our team of experts can assist you with forming a business entity, opening a business bank account , and access to critical small business tools to help you get your business to where you want it. Explore everything doola has to offer here . 

What skills do I need to start an organizing business?

You need to have excellent organizational skills, good communication skills, and time management skills. It also helps to have experience in decluttering and organizing.

How can I market my organizing business?

You can market your business by creating a professional website, and social media channels, and networking with local businesses to get referrals.

What are the ways of charging for organizing services?

You can charge clients by the hour or offer packages for specific projects. It’s best to research the market rates and set your prices accordingly.

How can I choose the right tools and equipment for organizing-related jobs?

You need to understand the different types of organizing jobs you’ll be doing and choose the proper equipment accordingly. For example, you may need shelves for storing books, bins for toys, or hangers for clothing.

How do I handle challenging clients?

It’s essential to remember that some clients may be emotionally attached to their possessions, making it hard to declutter. You must be patient and empathetic towards their needs and work with them to find a solution.

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How To Write a Professional Organizer Business Plan + Template

Creating a business plan is essential for any business, but it can be especially helpful for professional organizer 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 professional organizer business owner should include in their business plan.

Download the Ultimate Business Plan Template

What is a Professional Organizer Business Plan?

A professional organizer 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 Professional Organizer Business Plan?

A professional organizer 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 Professional Organizer Business Plan

The following are the key components of a successful professional organizer business plan:

Executive Summary

The executive summary of a professional organizer 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 professional organizer 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 professional organizer 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 professional organizer firm, mention this.

You will also include information about your chosen professional organizer business model and how, if applicable, it is different from other companies in your industry.

Industry Analysis

The industry or market analysis is an important component of a professional organizer 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 professional organizer 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 professional organizer business may include:

• Busy professionals
• People who are moving

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 professional organizer 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.

Below are sample competitive advantages your professional organizer business may have:

• Comprehensive services
• Competitive pricing
• Quality customer service
• Varied client base
• Extensive industry experience

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 product/service offerings here. Document their features and benefits.
• Price : Document your pricing strategy here. In addition to stating the prices for your products/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 professional organizer business via public speaking engagements or by exhibiting at trade shows.  

Operations Plan

This part of your professional organizer 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 professional organizer business include reaching $X in sales. Other examples include adding new services, expanding to new markets, or increasing the number of employees.

Management Team

List your team members here including their names and titles, as well as their expertise and experience relevant to your specific professional organizer 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 Professional Organizer 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 Professional Organizer 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 professional organizer business.

Sample Cash Flow Statement for a Startup Professional Organizer 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 professional organizer company. It not only outlines your business vision but also provides a step-by-step process of how you are going to accomplish it.

A professional organizer business plan is an essential document for any business owner looking to start or grow their professional organizer company. Including all the necessary information in your business plan will give you a clear roadmap to success and help you secure the funding you need to grow your professional organizer company.

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Event Planning Company Business Plan

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Event Planning Business Plan

You’ve come to the right place to create your event planning business plan.

We have helped over 10,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans and many have used them to start or grow their event planning companies

Below is an event planning business plan sample to help you create each section of your Event Planning business plan.

Executive Summary

Business overview.

Special Occasions Event Planning is a startup event planning business located in Des Moines, Iowa. The Company is founded by Jennifer Brown, an experienced event planner who has been planning themed weddings and birthday parties as the manager of a local event venue for the past ten years. Now that Jennifer has gained valuable experience managing an event venue and planning special events of various sizes and styles, she is ready to start her own event planning company, Special Occasions Event Planning. Jennifer is confident that her event planning skills, combined with her understanding of business management, will enable her to run a profitable event planning company of her own. Jennifer is recruiting a team of highly qualified professionals to help manage the day-to-day complexities of running an event planning business – sales and marketing, supply sourcing and procurement, customer relationship management, budgeting, financial reporting, and vendor relationship management. 

Special Occasions Event Planning will provide customized event planning services for special occasions big and small. Special Occasions will specialize in themed birthday parties, but will provide planning services for other types of events such as weddings, parties, and corporate gatherings upon request. The Company will be the ultimate choice for unique and memorable themed birthday parties for clients of all ages. 

Product Offering

The following are the event planning products and services that Special Occasions Event Planning will provide:

• Venue Sourcing 
• Tables & Chairs
• Dinnerware & Utensils
• Caterer Coordination
• Entertainment
• Party Favors
• Photography/Videography
• Lighting/Sound
• Bartending/Liquor 
• Set-up/Clean up

Customer Focus

Special Occasions Event Planning will target individuals, families, and social groups in Des Moines, Iowa. The Company will target people looking to plan a one-of-a-kind birthday party for their child, significant other, friend, or other relative. No matter the customer, Special Occasions Event Planning will deliver the best communication, service, and attention to detail. 

Management Team

Special Occasions Event Planning will be owned and operated by Jennifer Brown. Jennifer is a graduate of Iowa University with a degree in Business Management. She has over ten years of experience working as an event planner for another local venue. Jennifer will be the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and the Head Event Planner. She will lead the more complex events and oversee the event planning staff. 

Jennifer has recruited an experienced administrative assistant, Patricia Smith, to help manage the day-to-day business operations. Patricia has been an administrative assistant in the event planning industry for more than 15 years. Jennifer relies on Patricia’s organization, attention to detail, and punctuality when organizing her schedule, managing clients, and maintaining her files. 

Jennifer and Patricia have recruited an experienced marketing director, John Jones, to become a member of the Special Occasions Event Planning management team. John is a graduate of the University of Iowa with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing. Jennifer and Patricia rely on John’s expertise to execute the Company’s marketing plan and advertising strategies.  

Success Factors

Special Occasions Event Planning will be able to achieve success by offering the following competitive advantages:

• Skilled team of event planners who will ensure every client receives exceptional customer service and that all reasonable requests are met. 
• Special Occasions Event Planning’s leadership team has established relationships with local venues, vendors, and entertainers, thus providing customers with a wide selection of options to choose from when planning their special event. 
• The Company specializes in the themed birthday party niche and is well-versed in the latest trends in the industry. 

Financial Highlights

Special Occasions Event Planning is seeking $200,000 in debt financing to launch its event planning business. The funding will be dedicated towards securing an office space and purchasing equipment and supplies. Funding will also be dedicated towards three months of overhead costs to include payroll of the staff and marketing expenses. The breakout of the funding is below:

• Office lease and renovation: $80,000
• Office equipment, supplies, and materials: $20,000
• Three months of overhead expenses (payroll, utilities): $90,000
• Marketing costs: $10,000
• Working capital: $10,000

The following graph below outlines the pro forma financial projections for Special Occasions Event Planning.

Company Overview

Who is special occasions event planning .

Special Occasions Event Planning is a newly established event planning company based in Des Moines, Iowa. Special Occasions will be the first choice for unique themed birthday parties for people of all ages in Des Moines and the surrounding communities. The company will provide customized event planning services for parties large and small. 

Special Occasions Event Planning will be able to provide all the essentials for any special event from highly rated caterers to the hottest entertainment due to the Company’s existing relationships with industry professionals and vendors. The Company’s team of highly qualified event planning professionals will manage the entire planning process from ideation to execution. Special Occasions even provides clean-up services. Clients can opt for full-service event planning services or purchase specific aspects (such as decor or catering) a la carte. 

Special Occasions Event Planning History

Special Occasions Event Planning is owned and operated by Jennifer Brown, an experienced event planner who has been planning themed weddings and birthday parties as the manager of a local event venue for the past ten years. Now that Jennifer has experienced managing an event venue and planning special events of various sizes and styles, she is ready to start her own event planning company. Jennifer is confident that her event planning skills, combined with her understanding of business management, will enable her to run a profitable event planning company of her own. Jennifer is recruiting a team of highly qualified professionals to help manage the day-to-day complexities of running an event planning business – sales and marketing, supply sourcing and procurement, customer relationship management, budgeting, financial reporting, and vendor relationship management. 

Since incorporation, Special Occasions Event Planning has achieved the following milestones:

• Registered Special Occasions Event Planning, LLC to transact business in the state of Iowa. 
• Has signed a contract to lease the office space. 
• Reached out to numerous contacts to include local venues, catering companies, entertainers, and decor suppliers to spread the word about her new business opportunities. 
• Began recruiting a staff of accountants, event planners, sales and marketing associates, and office staff to work at Special Occasions Event Planning Services.

Special Occasions Event Planning Services

Industry analysis.

The Party and Event Planning industry in the United States is valued at approximately $4B, with 70,000 businesses in operation, and over 82,000 employees. The market for event planning services is expected to grow over the next several years due to an aging baby boomer population, many of whom have children and grandchildren who will have weddings, birthday parties, graduations, anniversaries, and other special events in the coming years. Additionally, the corporate event planning segment is expected to grow due to more companies pursuing team building opportunities and hosting events that can serve as marketing for the business. 

The event planning market is split into two broad segments: corporate and social. Corporate events such as holiday parties, meetings, trade shows, conventions, fundraisers, and receptions are just some of the events included in this segment. Corporate customers include companies, non-profit organizations, and charities. The social segment includes a wide range of special occasions such as weddings, bridal showers, birthday parties, anniversary parties, reunions, and more. The largest and most lucrative category in the social event planning segment is wedding planning. 

Industry operators can specialize in one or two niches such as wedding planners or corporate planners. Alternatively, industry operators can provide planning services for a wide range of events. Industry operators that specialize in a specific niche and even narrow their niche to a specific type of event, such as “kids’ parties” or “fashion shows” may have more success because they can become an expert in one area and target a highly specific customer segment. Industry operators who provide a broad range of services to a variety of customers can be successful if they provide high levels of organization, customer service, and unique or highly customized services. 

Customer Analysis

Demographic profile of target market.

Special Occasions Event Planning will target individuals, families, and social groups in Des Moines, Iowa. The Company will target people looking to plan a one-of-a-kind birthday party for their child, significant other, friend, or other relative. Special Occasions Event Planning will also target young adults looking to plan a memorable, themed 21st birthday party. No matter the customer, Special Occasions Event Planning will deliver the best communication, service, and attention to detail. 

The precise demographics for Des Moines, Iowa are:

Customer Segmentation

Special Occasions will primarily target the following customer profiles:

• Millennials
• Individuals with disposable income
• Families with children and disposable income

Competitive Analysis

Direct and indirect competitors.

Special Occasions Event Planning will face competition from other companies with similar business profiles. A description of each competitor company is below.

Emily’s Event Planning

Established in 2017, Emily’s Event Planning is now a well-known event planner in the Des Moines, Iowa area. The company provides event planning services for large corporate events, weddings, and birthday parties. Emily’s Event Planning is most well-known for its picturesque venue choices. The company has relationships with some of the most in-demand venues in the area. Emily’s Event Planning provides an all-inclusive event planning and management service with packages that include venue rental, decor, entertainment, food, and clean-up services. 

While Emily’s Event Planning has an established reputation in the market for quality event planning services, it has a list of predefined event packages and does not customize its services or take unique requests from customers. 

Fancy Event Planner

Fancy Event Planner has been operating in the state of Iowa since 1982. This company is a small business run by a husband and wife team that specializes in event planning and catering services for weddings, birthday parties, and other special occasions. Fancy Event Planner provides decor, venue coordination, and food service for events of up to 100 guests. The company specializes in providing gourmet dinners, desserts, and appetizers. Additionally, Fancy Event Planner provides hand crafted decor and floral arrangements for weddings and parties. Fancy Event Planner is for customers looking for an elegant presentation in a traditional setting. 

Fancy Event Planner has a limited selection of services and does not offer entertainment, set-up/clean-up, lighting/sound, or liquor accommodations. 

Wonderfully Perfect Event Planning Services

Wonderfully Perfect Event Planning Services is a new Des Moines, Iowa-based event planner that provides superior service to its customers. The company is managed by an experienced entrepreneur who has been working in the hospitality industry for over 20 years. She opened Wonderfully Perfect Event Planning Services in 2019 when she discovered a lack of options for themed party planning in the area. The company provides customized planning services for any event and will strive to ensure all customer requests are met to ensure a perfect event experience every time. 

The company does not have established relationships with vendors, venues, or entertainment in the area and as such, trails behind Special Occasions Event Planning in this area. 

Competitive Advantage

Special Occasions Event Planning will be able to offer the following advantages over the competition:

• Skilled team of experienced event planners who are able to provide customized planning services and fulfill any reasonable request. 
• Special Occasions Event Planning’s management team has long-standing relationships with industry professionals and is able to provide customers with a wide selection of options when it comes to venues, entertainment, and catering.  
• The Company specializes in themed birthday parties and keeps up on the latest trends in the industry. 

Marketing Plan

Brand & value proposition.

Special Occasions Event Planning will offer the unique value proposition to its clientele:

• Special Occasions Event Planning provides full-services event planning from ideation to execution. 
• The Company’s wide selection of options allows each customer to create their dream event.  

Promotions Strategy 

The promotions strategy for Special Occasions Event Planning is as follows:

Social Media Marketing

The Company’s marketing director will create accounts on social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube. He will ensure Special Occasions maintains an active social media presence with regular daily updates and fun content to get customers excited about using the Company’s event planning services. 

Professional Associations and Networking

Special Occasions Event Planning will become a member of professional associations such as the Event Planners’ Association, American Party Planning Society, and the Iowa Special Event Association. The leadership team will focus their networking efforts on expanding the Company’s vendor and client network. 

Print Advertising

Special Occasions Event Planning will invest in professionally designed print ads to display in programs or flyers at industry networking events. The Company will also send direct mailers to local businesses with employees who are in the target market. 

Website/SEO Marketing

Special Occasions Event Planning will utilize its in-house marketing director that designed the print ads to also design the Company’s website. The website will be well organized, informative, and list all the services that Special Occasions is able to provide. The website will also list information on the Company’s events and promotions. 

The marketing director will also manage the Company’s website presence with SEO marketing tactics so that when someone types in a search engine “Des Moines Event Planner” or “Event Planner near me”, Special Occasions Event Planning will be listed at the top of the search results.

The pricing of Special Occasions Event Planning will be premium due to the high level of customization and hands-on planning services involved. Customers will feel they receive great value when purchasing the Company’s services.  

Operations Plan

The following will be the operations plan for Special Occasions Event Planning.

Operation Functions:

• Jennifer Brown will be the CEO and Head Event Planner. She will lead the more complex events and oversee the event planning staff. Jennifer has spent the past year recruiting the following staff:
• Patricia Smith – Administrative Assistant who will manage the budgeting, vendor relationships, and logistics.
• Sam Johnson – Accountant/Bookkeeper who will provide all accounting, tax payments, and monthly financial reporting.
• John Jones – Marketing Director who will oversee all marketing strategies for the Company and manage the website, social media, and outreach. 
• Michelle Garcia – Customer Success Officer who will oversee customer relationships. 

Milestones:

Special Occasions Event Planning will have the following milestones complete in the next six months.

11/1/2022 – Finalize contract to lease the office space. 

11/15/2022 – Finalize employment contracts for the Special Occasions Event Planning management team.

12/1/2022 – Begin renovations on the office and purchase office equipment and supplies. 

12/15/2022 – Begin networking at industry events and implement the marketing plan. 

1/15/2023 – Begin recruiting and training office staff and event planners. 

2/15/2023 – Special Occasions Event Planning officially opens for business. 

Financial Plan

Key revenue & costs.

The revenue drivers for Special Occasions Event Planning are the fees charged to customers in exchange for the Company’s event planning services. Customers will be able to purchase full-service, customizable packages or select specific aspects (such as entertainment or catering) a la carte. 

The cost drivers will be the overhead costs required in order to staff an event planning business. The expenses will be the payroll cost, utilities, party supplies, and marketing materials.

Funding Requirements and Use of Funds

Key assumptions.

The following outlines the key assumptions required in order to achieve the revenue and cost numbers in the financials and in order to pay off the startup business loan.

• Average number of events per month: 4 
• Average fees per month: $20,000
• Overhead costs per year: $360,000

Financial Projections

Income statement.

Balance Sheet

Cash Flow Statement

Event Planning Company Business Plan FAQs

What is an event planning company business plan.

An e vent planning company business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your event planning company business. Among other things, it outlines your business concept, identifies your target customers, presents your marketing plan and details your financial projections.

You can easily complete your event planning company business plan using our Event Planning Company Business Plan Template here .

What are the Main Types of Event Planning Companies?

There are a number of different kinds of event planning companies , some examples include: Corporate Events, Social Events, and Niche Events Planning.

How Do You Get Funding for Your Event Planning Company Business Plan?

Event planning companies are often funded through small business loans. Personal savings, credit card financing and angel investors are also popular forms of funding. This is true for an event business plan or an event management business plan.

What are the Steps To Start an Event Planning Business?

Starting an event planning business can be an exciting endeavor. Having a clear roadmap of the steps to start a business will help you stay focused on your goals and get started faster.

1. Develop An Event Planning Company Business Plan - The first step in starting a business is to create a detailed event planning company business plan that outlines all aspects of the venture. This should include potential market size and target customers, the services or products you will offer, pricing strategies and a detailed financial forecast.  

2. Choose Your Legal Structure - It's important to select an appropriate legal entity for your event planning business. This could be a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks so it’s important to do research and choose wisely so that your event planning business is in compliance with local laws.

3. Register Your Event Planning Business - Once you have chosen a legal structure, the next step is to register your event planning business with the government or state where you’re operating from. This includes obtaining licenses and permits as required by federal, state, and local laws. 

4. Identify Financing Options - It’s likely that you’ll need some capital to start your event planning business, so take some time to identify what financing options are available such as bank loans, investor funding, grants, or crowdfunding platforms. 

5. Choose a Location - Whether you plan on operating out of a physical location or not, you should always have an idea of where you’ll be based should it become necessary in the future as well as what kind of space would be suitable for your operations. 

6. Hire Employees - There are several ways to find qualified employees including job boards like LinkedIn or Indeed as well as hiring agencies if needed – depending on what type of employees you need it might also be more effective to reach out directly through networking events. 

7. Acquire Necessary Event Planning Company Equipment & Supplies - In order to start your event planning business, you'll need to purchase all of the necessary equipment and supplies to run a successful operation. 

8. Market & Promote Your Business - Once you have all the necessary pieces in place, it’s time to start promoting and marketing your event planning business. This includes creating a website, utilizing social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter, and having an effective Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy. You should also consider traditional marketing techniques such as radio or print advertising. 

Learn more about how to start a successful event planning business:

• How to Start an Event Planning Business

Other Helpful Business Plan Templates

Photography Business Plan Template Event Venue Business Plan Template Catering Business Plan Template

• Sample Business Plans

How to Write an Event Planning Business Plan + Free Template

Planned a few events in the past?

And, if you feel that event planning is your forte, and you have ideas that are both creative and functional, event planning might be an exciting endeavor for you!

Although most people start out by working under someone, everyone dreams of starting their own event planning business.

Also, you are about to go ahead and start yours; wait a moment!

You might have sufficient knowledge for planning events, but navigating the complexities of the event planning industry needs a well-thought-out roadmap. And that roadmap is a comprehensive event management business plan.

Yes, you read it correctly. A business plan can be of great help while starting your own event planning company. It not only sets the foundation for your venture but also enhances your opportunities for success.

So, we have created a Sample Event Planning Business Plan for you to get a good idea about how a perfect event business plan should look like!

Now, without any further ado; let’s explore all the details you will need to write in your stunning business plan.

Key Takeaways

• Clearly define your goals, mission statement, service offerings, and management team in your business plan.
• Perform thorough market and industry analysis to identify target customers, and adapt to the latest trends.
• Present a realistic financial plan, including startup costs, revenue projections, and a break-even analysis to attract investors.
• Effectively draft your pricing strategy and unique selling propositions to meet the specific needs of your target customers.
• Provide a clear outline of your business operations to efficiently deliver your planning services and seize new opportunities.
• Craft your marketing techniques, sales tactics, and promotional activities to reach a wider audience.
• Recognize your key competitors, and develop strategies that make your event planning business stand out in the competitive landscape.

How to Write an Event Planning Business Plan?

• Get a Business Plan Template
• Write an Executive Summary
• Provide a Company Overview
• Conduct an Industry and Market Analysis
• Describe your Product and Service Offerings
• Outline a Sales and Marketing Plan
• Introduce Your Team
• Outline Business Operations
• Prepare a Financial Plan

1. Get a Business Plan Template

Before you start writing a business plan for your event planning business, it is recommended to get a business plan template first.

It’s like having a valuable resource for your business planning. It not only simplifies the business plan writing process but also helps you include all the essential elements in your plan.

However, you can effectively organize your thoughts and accurately draft a strategically sound business document according to your specific requirements and preferences.

Not only that, it sets the stage for a comprehensive, professional business plan that empowers you to highlight your vision, attract potential investors, and navigate the competitive event planning landscape.

If you are a budding entrepreneur or looking for a polished template, choose Upmetrics’ business plan template now and ensure that you won’t skip any important facts in your plan.

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Plans starting from $7/month

2. Write an Executive Summary

An executive summary is the first and foremost section of your event planning business plan. It provides a brief introduction to the entire business plan.

Make sure that it is clear, concise, and engaging, as it will create your first impression and attract investors or readers to delve further into your plan.

Start this section by describing your idea behind an event planning and type of business; for example, are you a startup business, want to grow an existing one, or running a business chain?

Communicate your business objectives and emphasize how you will be different from other event-planning businesses. Here is an example of event planning objectives using Upmetrics:

Next, give an overview of each of the subsequent sections, including offered services, market opportunities, marketing strategies, and financial projections that will be explored in greater detail within the plan.

Not only that, you can end this summary with a compelling call to action, inviting potential investors or readers to the next meeting if they are interested in your event planning.

Generally, this section is written after the whole event business plan is ready. It is often the easiest way to do so as you have simply gone through and written all the key sections of your plan.

3. Provide a Company Overview

Now, provide detailed information about your event plan business. It contains ownership, legal structure, office location, business history, and other such business-related facts.

Begin with the intro of what type of events you are organizing. For instance, it will be corporate events (catering to businesses), social events/celebrations(wedding planning, birthday parties, etc), or niche events(specialized in just one type).

Discuss a little bit more about your business history, including when you started event planning and what milestones you have accomplished. Also, accentuate your mission statement.

Take reference from the below example describing the mission of the event planning company:

In an ever-changing, fast-paced world, success is determined by good choices for lasting effects. Eventel strives to be the best choice for clients by helping to ease their event planning burden.

Through consistent, predictable professionalism, Eventel will ensure a worry-free and hassle-free event at a reasonable price.

Event also has internal clients to serve. The event will strive to provide the same predictable and professional working environment to its employees and contracted vendors, justly compensating them for their services.

It is also a priority to make a comfortable living wage for its owners, founders, full-time staff, and their families.

Keeping in tune with the needs of the market, utilizing the latest technology and trends, all while ensuring the client receives the individual attention they deserve, is the vision and daily mission of Eventel; The Event Planning Specialists.

In addition to that, you can mention your startup summary and future business goals, as this section gives an in-depth overview of your business.

4. Conduct an Industry and Market Analysis

Starting an event management business requires a strategic events industry and market analysis. So, take some time to go further and locate more accurate data.

Try to include certain key elements in this section:

Market size and growth potential

You need to study specific data about various markets in which you are trying to get into and ensure profitability. So, describe your market size & growth potential and whether you will target a niche or a much broader market.

For instance, the USA industry revenue for event planners has grown at a CAGR of 4.1% over the past five years and reached $5.6 billion in 2023. So, it is crucial to define the target market segment.

Target market segment

Start this section by describing your target market. Define your ideal customer and explain what types of services they prefer. Creating a buyer persona will help you easily define your target market to your readers.

Do proper market research and try to create a buyer’s persona in terms of their demographic and psychographic profiles.

Take reference from the below example written using our innovative AI writing assistant :

Competitive analysis

Identify and analyze your direct and indirect competitors. Recognize their strengths & weaknesses, and describe what differentiates your business from other planners.

Direct competitors can be other event planning businesses, while wedding planners, local venues, caterers, or conference centers can be indirect competitors.

Point out how you have a competitive edge in the market, such as superior event management options, user-friendly methods/tools to book your services, and adequate pricing plans with better services.

Not only that, describe emerging market trends in the industry and explain how you will cope with all the directions. You can also list regulations and licensing requirements that may affect your company.

5. Describe your Product and Service Offerings

Next, specify the scope of your products and service offerings. As an event management business, you can describe the size and type of events you cater to, including a variety of event planning services.

This section must be informative, precise, and client-focused. By providing a clear and compelling description of your offerings, you can help potential investors or readers understand the value of your business.

While drafting your  event planning services and products, you can take reference from the below example:

Eventel provides event planning in a wide range of applications. We guarantee satisfaction in the areas of appearance, performance, and taste. 

The following is a sampling of the types of events we plan every year:

• Corporate events or meetings, Training, and Retreats
• Conferences and Workshops
• Birthday parties, Anniversaries, Graduations, and Holidays
• Weddings, Receptions, and Showers
• Company picnics, banquets, and award ceremonies
• Caterer coordination and decor
• Trade shows and fashion shows

Effectively define your pricing plans for event planning services. Also, communicate your services to the customers by sharing a detailed description of the procedure you use while working with clients.

Mention if your event planning company offers any additional services. You may include services like lighting & sound, vendor negotiation, guest concierge services, etc.

6. Outline a Sales and Marketing Plan

Writing the sales and marketing strategy section means a list of tactics you will use to attract and retain your clients. Here are some key elements to include in your sales & marketing strategies:

Social media marketing

Use social media platforms to present your company’s essence. Regularly post exquisite snapshots or videos of your planned social events, decor, and behind-the-scenes moments.

User-friendly website

Assure that your event management company has a user-friendly website that provides basic information about your services, pricing, and contact

details. Also, share informative blog post content or event videos.

Pricing strategy

Describe your pricing strategy—how you plan to price your services and stay competitive in the local market. You can mention any discounts you plan on offering to attract new customers.

Collaborations

Build an extensive vendor network to expand your reach and draw their existing customers. This might do wonders for your business and enhance your brand image.

Offline advertising

Effectively reach your target audience using offline advertising methods like brochures, newspapers, social gatherings, or events. Also, try to offer a personalized approach or stress-free planning to retain existing clients.

7. Introduce Your Team

A powerful management team is paramount for demonstrating your business’s ability to thrive in the event planning industry.

Letting your readers or investors know about your business leadership or key managers will help them have a clear idea of who is running your event planning company.

So, start this section by introducing key team members and highlighting their event planning skills & previous experience.

Jot down their qualifications and specific responsibilities. You can also shed light on how your experienced event planners contribute to the success of your business.

Next, describe the compensation plan for the leadership team and event planners, including salaries, bonuses, and other benefits. This can help key stakeholders to ascertain how much percentage is allocated to salaries.

If you have a board of advisors for your event management business, then mention them along with their roles and experience.

8. Outline Business Operations

Now, it’s time to outline the processes and procedures involved in your day-to-day business operations. Detail how you will eventually plan to manage your business effectively.

Staffing & training

Highlight your staffing needs by mentioning the number of employees, planners, or coordinators. Also, include their qualifications, the training required, and the duties they will perform.

Operational process

Outline the processes and procedures you will use to run your event planning business. It may include initial client meetings, decor, party favors, caterer coordination, set up/clean up, etc.

Equipment and machinery

You can also include the list of equipment and machinery required for event planning, such as office supplies, camera & photography equipment, event planning software, etc.

Explain how these technologies will help you maintain quality standards and improve the efficiency of your business operations. Refer to the below example written using Upmetrics AI assistant:

9. Prepare a Financial Plan

For a successful event planning business, you need to prepare a well-structured and in-depth financial plan with a realistic financial projection. It comes last in the business plan but is the most important section for investors.

So, mention all the below key components in your financial plan:

• Profit and loss statement
• Sales forecast
• Cash flow statement
• Balance sheet
• Break-even analysis
• Financial needs
• Tax considerations

From the above, you can identify the funding needs and evaluate the funding resources for your event planning company, including bank loans, SBA-guaranteed loans, angel investors, and personal savings.

In this section, you need to make a few assumptions. It will greatly affect the financial forecasts of your business. Refer below table to make important assumptions:

Well, having a realistic financial plan in your hand not only helps you present your business’s fiscal health but also emphasizes its sustainability.

However, calculating all the financial statements from scratch can be an overwhelming task. But, not to worry; use Upmetrics’ financial forecasting tool to formulate all your financial projections.

All you need to do is provide the information you have, and let the tool estimate financial factors, and create visual reports for you. No manual data entry, recalling Excel formulas, or preparing graphs—nothing.

Here’s an example of a projected cash flow statement for an event planning business:

Download Free Event Planning Business Plan Template

Need help writing your event planning business plan from scratch? Well, here you go; download our free event planning business plan template now and start writing.

This modern, user-friendly event management business plan template is specifically designed for your event business.

With a step-by-step guide and example, it assists you in creating your own plan without missing any crucial details.

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

Fill-in-the-blanks and automatic financials make it easy.

Prepare Your Business Plan with Upmetrics AI

Finally! You know how to write an event planning business plan with the help of our free sample business plan template. So, you are one step closer to starting or growing your business confidently- pretty exciting, right?

But you know what else is exciting? Your business planning process can be even faster and easier than this. Yes, you heard it right; it’s possible with the power of the Upmetrics AI assistant tool .

So, take a sigh of relief and focus only on planning the most happening events in the town!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key components of an event planning business plan.

Writing a professional event planning business plan involves the following key components:

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

How often should I update my Event Planning Business Plan?

Your event planning business plan should be reviewed and updated at least once in a year or more often if there are significant changes in your business environment or services.

What are some tips for writing an Event Planning Business Plan?

Consider the following factors before writing an Event Planning Business Plan:

• Define your niche and business objectives
• Clearly mention unique selling points
• Be realistic in the financial statement
• Understand your target customer
• Stay agile in a dynamic industry

How much does it cost to start an event planning business?

A fair estimation for an event planning business can range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars. It can vary widely depending on office space, equipment, and initial inventory.

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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How to Start an Organizing Business

Starting an organizing business can be very profitable. With proper planning, execution and hard work, you can enjoy great success. Below you will learn the keys to launching a successful organizing business.

Importantly, a critical step in starting an organizing business is to complete your business plan. To help you out, you should download Growthink’s Ultimate Business Plan Template here .

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here

14 Steps To Start an Organizing Business :

• Choose the Name for Your Organizing Business
• Develop Your Organizing Business Plan
• Choose the Legal Structure for Your Organizing Business
• Secure Startup Funding for Your Organizing Business (If Needed)
• Secure a Location for Your Business
• Register Your Organizing Business with the IRS
• Open a Business Bank Account
• Get a Business Credit Card
• Get the Required Business Licenses and Permits
• Get Business Insurance for Your Organizing Business
• Buy or Lease the Right Organizing Business Equipment
• Develop Your Organizing Business Marketing Materials
• Purchase and Setup the Software Needed to Run Your Organizing Business
• Open for Business

1. Choose the Name for Your Organizing Business

The first step to starting an organizing business is to choose your business’ name.  

This is a very important choice since your company name is your brand and will last for the lifetime of your business. Ideally you choose a name that is meaningful and memorable. Here are some tips for choosing a name for your organizing business:

• Make sure the name is available . Check your desired name against trademark databases and your state’s list of registered business names to see if it’s available. Also check to see if a suitable domain name is available.
• Keep it simple . The best names are usually ones that are easy to remember, pronounce and spell.
• Think about marketing . Come up with a name that reflects the desired brand and/or focus of your organizing business.

2. Develop Your Organizing Business Plan

One of the most important steps in starting an organizing business is to develop your business plan. The process of creating your plan ensures that you fully understand your market and your business strategy. The plan also provides you with a roadmap to follow and if needed, to present to funding sources to raise capital for your business.

Your professional organizing business plan should include the following sections:

• Executive Summary – this section should summarize your entire business plan so readers can quickly understand the key details of your organizing business.
• Company Overview – this section tells the reader about the history of your organizing business and what type of organizing business you operate. For example, are you a professional organizer, residential organizer, or a commercial organizer?
• Industry Analysis – here you will document key information about the professional organizing industry. Conduct market research and document how big the industry is and what trends are affecting it.
• Customer Analysis – in this section, you will document who your ideal or target customers are and their demographics. For example, how old are they? Where do they live? What do they find important when purchasing services like the ones you will offer?
• Competitive Analysis – here you will document the key direct and indirect competitors you will face and how you will build competitive advantage.
• Marketing Plan – your marketing plan should address the 4Ps: Product, Price, Promotions and Place.
• Product : Determine and document what products/services you will offer 
• Prices : Document the prices of your products/services
• Place : Where will your business be located and how will that location help you increase sales?
• Promotions : What promotional methods will you use to attract customers to your organizing business? For example, you might decide to use pay-per-click advertising, public relations, search engine optimization and/or social media marketing.
• Operations Plan – here you will determine the key processes you will need to run your day-to-day operations. You will also determine your staffing needs. Finally, in this section of your plan, you will create a projected growth timeline showing the milestones you hope to achieve in the coming years.
• Management Team – this section details the background of your company’s management team.
• Financial Plan – finally, the financial plan answers questions including the following:
• What startup costs will you incur?
• How will your organizing business make money?
• What are your projected sales and expenses for the next five years?
• Do you need to raise funding to launch your business?

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3. choose the legal structure for your organizing business.

Next you need to choose a legal business structure for your own professional organizing business and register it and your business name with the Secretary of State in each state where you operate your business.

Below are the five most common legal structures:

1) Sole proprietorship

A sole proprietorship is a business entity in which the owner of the organizing business and the business are the same legal person. The owner of a sole proprietorship is responsible for all debts and obligations of the business. There are no formalities required to establish a sole proprietorship, and it is easy to set up and operate. The main advantage of a sole proprietorship is that it is simple and inexpensive to establish. The main disadvantage is that the owner is liable for all debts and obligations of the business.

2) Partnerships

A partnership is a legal structure that is popular among small business owners. It is an agreement between two or more people who want to start an organizing business together. The partners share in the profits and losses of the business. 

The advantages of a partnership are that it is easy to set up, and the partners share in the profits and losses of the business. The disadvantages of a partnership are that the partners are jointly liable for the debts of the business, and disagreements between partners can be difficult to resolve.

3) Limited Liability Company (LLC)

A limited liability company, or LLC, is a type of business entity that provides limited liability to its owners. This means that the owners of an LLC are not personally responsible for the debts and liabilities of the business. The advantages of an LLC for an organizing business include flexibility in management, pass-through taxation (avoids double taxation as explained below), and limited personal liability. The disadvantages of an LLC include lack of availability in some states and self-employment taxes.

4) C Corporation

A C Corporation is a business entity that is separate from its owners. It has its own tax ID and can have shareholders. The main advantage of a C Corporation for an organizing business is that it offers limited liability to its owners. This means that the owners are not personally responsible for the debts and liabilities of the business. The disadvantage is that C Corporations are subject to double taxation. This means that the corporation pays taxes on its profits, and the shareholders also pay taxes on their dividends.

5) S Corporation

An S Corporation is a type of corporation that provides its owners with limited liability protection and allows them to pass their business income through to their personal income tax returns, thus avoiding double taxation. There are several limitations on S Corporations including the number of shareholders they can have among others.

Once you register your organizing business, your state will send you your official “Articles of Incorporation.” You will need this among other documentation when establishing your banking account (see below). We recommend that you consult an attorney in determining which legal structure is best suited for your company.

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4. Secure Startup Funding for Your Organizing Business (If Needed)

In developing your organizing business plan, you might have determined that you need to raise funding to launch your business. 

If so, the main sources of funding for an organizing business to consider are personal savings, family and friends, credit card financing, bank loans, crowdfunding and angel investors. Angel investors are individuals who provide capital to early-stage businesses. Angel investors typically will invest in an organizing business that they believe has high potential for growth.

5. Secure a Location for Your Business

When starting an organizing business, the first step is to find a great location. The location should be accessible to your target market and have enough space to accommodate your business operations. You should also consider the cost of renting or leasing the space.

6. Register Your Organizing Business with the IRS

Next, you need to register your business with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) which will result in the IRS issuing you an Employer Identification Number (EIN).

Most banks will require you to have an EIN in order to open up an account. In addition, in order to hire employees, you will need an EIN since that is how the IRS tracks your payroll tax payments.

Note that if you are a sole proprietor without employees, you generally do not need to get an EIN. Rather, you would use your social security number (instead of your EIN) as your taxpayer identification number.

7. Open a Business Bank Account

It is important to establish a bank account in your organizing business’ name. This process is fairly simple and involves the following steps:

• Identify and contact the bank you want to use
• Gather and present the required documents (generally include your company’s Articles of Incorporation, driver’s license or passport, and proof of address)
• Complete the bank’s application form and provide all relevant information
• Meet with a banker to discuss your business needs and establish a relationship with them

8. Get a Business Credit Card

You should get a business credit card for your organizing business to help you separate personal and business expenses.

You can either apply for a business credit card through your bank or apply for one through a credit card company.

When you’re applying for a business credit card, you’ll need to provide some information about your business. This includes the name of your business, the address of your business, and the type of business you’re running. You’ll also need to provide some information about yourself, including your name, Social Security number, and date of birth.

Once you’ve been approved for a business credit card, you’ll be able to use it to make purchases for your business. You can also use it to build your credit history which could be very important in securing loans and getting credit lines for your business in the future.

9. Get the Required Business Licenses and Permits

There are a few licenses and permits you will need to start an organizing business. You will need a business license, tax ID, and trade name registration. You may also need a special use permit if your business will be located in a residential area.

10. Get Business Insurance for Your Organizing Business

The type of insurance you need to operate an organizing business depends on the services you offer.

Some business insurance policies you should consider for your organizing business include:

• General liability insurance : This covers accidents and injuries that occur on your property. It also covers damages caused by your employees or products.
• Workers’ compensation insurance : If you have employees, this type of policy works with your general liability policy to protect against workplace injuries and accidents. It also covers medical expenses and lost wages.
• Commercial property insurance : This covers damage to your property caused by fire, theft, or vandalism.
• Business interruption insurance : This covers lost income and expenses if your business is forced to close due to a covered event.
• Professional liability insurance : This protects your business against claims of professional negligence.

Find an insurance agent, tell them about your business and its needs, and they will recommend policies that fit those needs. 

11. Buy or Lease the Right Organizing Business Equipment

To run an organizing business, you will need some basic equipment. This includes a desk, chair, file cabinets, shelving, and boxes. You may also want to invest in some organizational tools such as labels, bins, and folders. It is also important to have a computer and phone to keep in touch with clients.

12. Develop Your Organizing Business Marketing Materials

Marketing materials will be required to attract and retain customers to your own business.

The key marketing materials you will need are as follows:

• Logo : Spend some time developing a good logo for your organizing business. Your logo will be printed on company stationery, business cards, marketing materials and so forth. The right logo can increase customer trust and awareness of your brand.
• Website : Likewise, a professional organizing business website provides potential customers with information about the services you offer, your company’s history, and contact information. Importantly, remember that the look and feel of your website will affect how customers perceive you.
• Social Media Accounts : establish social media accounts in your company’s name. Accounts on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and/or other social media networks will help customers and others find and interact with your organizing business.

13. Purchase and Setup the Software Needed to Run Your Organizing Business

Important software you need for your organizing business is a customer relationship management (CRM) program to keep track of your customers and their contact information. You’ll also need accounting software to manage your finances. Other helpful types of software for professional organizers include project management software, invoicing software, and email marketing software.

14. Open for Business

You are now ready to open your organizing business. If you followed the steps above, you should be in a great position to build a successful business. Below are answers to frequently asked questions that might further help you.  

Additional Resources

Professional Organizer Mavericks  

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

How to Start an Organizing Business FAQs

Is it hard to start an organizing business.

No, it is not hard to start an organizing business. There are many online resources and support groups available to help you learn business skills and get started. You can also find books, articles, and videos about the industry. However, be prepared to work hard and put in the time necessary to make your business successful.

How can I start an organizing business with no experience?

The best way to start an organizing business with no experience is to do some research and attend workshops on how to start a business. There are a lot of resources available online and in your community that can help. You can also reach out to other organizing professionals for advice.

What type of organizing business is most profitable?

The most profitable type of organizing business is a professional organizing business. This type of business is focused on helping clients organize their personal and professional lives. Professional organizers can charge high rates for their organizing services.

How much does it cost to start an organizing business?

The cost to start a small organizing business can range anywhere from $500 to $5,000, depending on the size and scope of the operation. The cost can be much greater if the purchase or lease of a facility will be involved. 

What are the ongoing expenses for an organizing business?

Organizing businesses can have a number of ongoing expenses, such as advertising, employee salaries, and office supplies. Some businesses may also need to pay for outside services, such as bookkeeping or legal assistance.

How does an organizing business make money?

Organizing businesses make money by providing organizing services to clients. This usually includes helping to declutter their home or office, creating a system for organizing their belongings, and teaching them how to stay tidy in the future. Other organizers also offer virtual organizing services where clients are met exclusively using technology via phones, tablets or computers.

Is owning an organizing business profitable?

Yes, an organizing business can be profitable because people often seek assistance to organize their lives. Whether it involves getting their homes, offices, or their time in order, people are willing to pay for help becoming more organized. Additionally, an organizing business can be run from home, making it even more profitable.

Why do organizing businesses fail?

One of the main reasons most professional organizers fail is because they do not have a solid business plan. Without a clear plan, it can be difficult to make your business successful. Additionally, many organizing businesses struggle because they are not able to get enough clients or charge enough for their services.

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Professional Organizer Business Plan

Published Jun.13, 2023

Updated Sep.14, 2024

By: Jakub Babkins

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Table of Content

What is a Professional Organizer Business Plan?

In today’s world, you work and relax better with things in order. Professional organizers help people by making problems go away and making dirty spaces neat and useful. If you like to help others be organized, you can start a professional organizing business to use your skills and talents. And you need a Professional Organizing Business Plan to start one.

A professional organizer business plan is a formal written document that outlines your business goals, strategies, and financial projections. It serves as a roadmap for organizing business, helping you make informed decisions and track progress. Whether starting a small-scale residential organizing service or launching a large-scale corporate organizing firm, a business plan is essential for success.

Why Do You Need a Professional Organizing Business Plan Template?

Writing a professional organizing business plan can be challenging. It requires extensive research and industry knowledge. A sample business plan for professional organizing, like the HR Consultant Business Plan template can help you get started by providing a framework for your plan.

A professional organizer business plan can help you to:

• Structure your ideas and information
• Save time and effort by providing a ready-made format
• Ensure you cover all the essential aspects of your business idea

If you are serious about starting a professional organizing business, OGSCapital can help you. We have business plans for professional organizers, made by good writers, like Brandi Marcene, our business plan expert with more than ten years of experience. Brandi has made many entrepreneurs glad with her professional business plans.

Executive Summary

The executive summary is a short summary of the business plan. It should include information about the business’s mission, history, products or services, target market, competitive advantage, financial projections, and goals. The executive summary must grab potential investors’ and lenders’ attention. It should concisely show them why the business deserves support.

Here is the executive summary of a professional organizing business plan for “ Minimalist Solutions ”, a professional organizng business would include:

Business Overview

Minimalist Solutions helps Texans tidy up and systematize their home and work realms. We design customized strategies for household, office and business areas seeking enhanced time and space efficiency. Our tribe encompasses busy experts, clans and petite enterprises.

Employing a customized methodology, competitively-priced offerings and muscular digital footprint, we proffer unrivaled organizational support. We now quest capital to amplify our operations.

Our quests are increasing our client roster, magnifying web visibility and fusioning strategic alliances. We endeavor to actualize functional, stress-free environments for patrons through quintessential customer service and tailored TLC.

Minimalist Solutions furnishes personalized offerings to assist patrons organize their lives and step up productivity – from household organizing to festivity planning. Our services include:

• Home Organizing
• Office Organizing
• Business Organizing
• Event Planning
• Time Management Coaching

Customer Focus

Minimalist Solutions pledges premier service and customized fixes for each patron’s distinctive necessities. Our quest is to evolve into a trusted companion on their odyssey towards optimization.

We start with a free consultation to understand their goals, then develop a customized plan to achieve them through hands-on decluttering and organizing. Ongoing support helps maintain their newfound organization.

Management Team

Minimalist Solutions is led by a management team with a combined experience of over 20 years in the professional organizing industry. Our team of passionate, certified professional organizers is led by CEO Jane Doe, an industry veteran with over 25 years of experience. Jane is a member of NAPO and a certified time management coach.

Apart from our chief executive, we have a lead technology guru with over a decade of mastery and a lead marketing maven with 7+ years under their belt. Our experts stay hip to industry shifts while providing bespoke aid and ace assistance.

Success Factor

Several key factors contribute to the success of our Minimalist Solutions troupe:

• Mastery – Our team of seasoned organizers has extensive know-how of the organizing sphere and are hip to the latest organizing trends and techniques.
• Customer relationships – We build strong relationships with our clients by offering customized organizing solutions that meet their individual goals.
• Trailblazing – We are perpetually pioneering and integrating new organizing methodologies to refine our services and furnish our patrons with the crème de la crème experience.

Minimalist Solutions is seeking funding to expand its operations. The financial projections for Minimalist Solutions indicate a steady growth trajectory over the next three years. With an emphasis on cost optimization and strategic marketing maneuvers, we envision elevating our market slice and gains. The company is also endeavoring to snag a petite enterprise cash infusion of $100,000 to assist fuel the scaling.

• Projected revenue in the first year of operation – $100,000
• Projected cost in the first year of operations – $50,000
• Net profit (after adjusting expenses, such as rent, utilities, wages, salaries, and marketing) – $50,000
• Seeking funding to expand its operations.
• Seeking a $100,000 loan to purchase new software and equipment, and to hire additional staff (As explained in our staffing company business plan ).

Company Overview

Who is minimalist solutions.

Minimalist Solutions is an LLC furnishing professional organizing services to Texan individuals and businesses. With highly skilled and innovative organizers, we specialize in decluttering, organizing, and actualising bespoke solutions tailored to each client’s distinct needs. Our vision is aiding individuals in creating tidy, purposeful areas enhancing welfare and efficiency.

Our company’s aims are to:

• Furnish premier and tailored organizing solutions.
• Forge enduring bonds with patrons.
• Enlighten clients on the perks of organizing and outfit them with pointers and materials.
• Amplify the company’s image and renown through word-of-mouth referrals, online kudos, social media maneuvers and networking festivities.
• Grow the company’s revenue and profitability by increasing its market share and reducing its costs.

Minimalist Solutions History

Minimalist Solutions, established in 2019 by CEO Jane Doe, a certified professional organizer, serves various clients: busy professionals, families, small businesses, and corporations. We transform homes and offices into functional spaces reflecting clients’ styles. Recognized by local media, online platforms, and loyal clients, we prioritize integrity, efficiency, and customer service.

Industry Analysis

The professional organizing sphere is an expanding and dynamic arena that proffers diverse services to assist individuals and enterprises refine, systematize, and administer their environments. According to research by Digital Journal , the global Professional Organizer market size is expected to grow with a CAGR of 6.5% from 2023 to 2030.

Herewith are additional intriguing discernments concerning the professional organizing domain:

• The domestic organization sector is projected to proliferate at a CAGR of 4% from 2021 to 2025, contingent absent deviations in extant inclinations. In 2021, the market size of the home organizing industry has reached approximately $11.4 billion. (Source – Onedesk )
• The demand for professional organizers is expected to grow 7% between 2018 and 2028, creating 9,600 job opportunities across the US. (Source – Step by Step Business)
• Most professional organizers work for private companies, with the non-profit sector employing the most professional organizers.
• Education companies employ 25% of professional organizers, public companies employ 15%, private companies employ 54%, and government companies employ 6%. (Source – Zippa )

Customer Analysis

Demographic profile of target market.

Minimalist Solutions’ target market consists of individuals and businesses in the Texas area who need professional help to declutter and organize their spaces. The demographic profile of our target market is as follows:

• Age – 25-65 years old
• Gender – Male and female
• Income – $50,000-$150,000 per year
• Education – College degree or higher
• Occupation – Professionals, managers, executives, entrepreneurs, freelancers (Check our Freelance Business Plan )
• Marital Status – Single, married, divorced, widowed
• Family Size – 1-4 members
• Lifestyle – Busy, active, ambitious, social

Customer Segmentation

• Residential customers – These are individuals or families who need help organizing their homes or specific rooms, such as closets, kitchens, home offices, garages, and attics due to variety of reasons, such as moving, renovating, downsizing, merging households, having a baby, retiring, or simply wanting a change.
• Business customers – These are small businesses or organizations that need professional help to organize their offices or specific areas, such as desks, cabinets, files, and storage rooms. They may have a variety of goals for seeking organizing services, such as improving productivity, efficiency, creativity, collaboration, or image.

Competitive Analysis

This segment elucidates Minimalist Solutions’ direct and indirect competitors, evaluating their strengths and weaknesses. It also illuminates our competitive advantage.

Direct and Indirect Competitors

Direct competitors.

• Organize to Optimize – This is a professional organizing company that helps people transform their homes and offices into stylish, functional spaces. They offer a kaleidoscopic range of services including closet orchestration, home office enhancement, kitchen rectification, garage reconstruction, document administration, and digital synchronization.
• Method Seattle Professional Organizing – This is a professional organizing company based in Bellevue, Washington. They furnish sundry services to help individuals and entities organize, systematize, and optimize their spaces. Their offerings include closet and icebox organization, kitchen, attic, home office and garage enhancement, office renovation, photo curation, and virtual organizing.
• Eliminate Chaos – This is a professional organizing company based in Redmond that provides expert organization, packing, moving and relocation, digital organizing and decluttering services. They provide amenities like household organization, relocation support for residential and commercial spaces, home office consulting, digital decluttering, virtual organizing and coaching.

Indirect Competitors

Indirect competitors offer alternative or complementary solutions to the same problem or need that Minimalist Solutions addresses. They are not directly competing with Minimalist Solutions for the same customers or market share but they may influence the customers’ decision making process or satisfaction level. Some of the indirect competitors are:

• Self-storage facilities – These are businesses that offer storage space for rent to individuals or businesses who need extra space for their belongings.
• Online platforms and apps – These are websites or applications that connect organizers and clients, such as FindMyOrganizer, Sortly, and Clutter.

Competitive Advantage

At Minimalist Solutions, our competitive edge is our all-encompassing approach to organizing. We ponder not only the physical dimensions of a space, but also the emotional and psychological elements of the client. We collaborate with patrons to comprehend their aspirations, obstacles, personality contours, habits, predilections, and lifestyle. Then we architect a bespoke regimen catered to their necessities and budget. We also follow-up with clients post-project to guarantee their contentment and furnish ongoing reinforcement.

Marketing Plan

This section outlines how Minimalist Solutions will promote its services to its target market and generate sales and revenue. It also includes information about the company’s promotions strategy and pricing.

Promotions Strategy

Minimalist Solutions’ promotion strategy is based on three principles:

• Building awareness and credibility – We will increase our visibility and reputation in the market by using various channels, such as online platforms, referrals, social media, local advertising, and networking events.
• Educating and engaging customers – We will enlighten and entrance prospective and current patrons regarding the boons of organizing and the merit of our offerings through diverse conduits. These include blogs, newsletters, webinars, workshops, podcasts, videos, and ebooks.
• Generating leads and conversions – We will generate leads and conversions for our services through various channels, such as online platforms, referrals, social media, local advertising, and networking events.

Minimalist Solutions’ pricing strategy is based on the following principles:

• Value-based pricing
• Competitive pricing
• Flexible pricing

Some of the specific prices that Minimalist Solutions’ will charge for its services are:

• Hourly rate
• $75 per hour for residential customers
• $100 per hour for business customers.

2. Flat fee

• $300 for a closet organization
• $500 for a home office organization
• $800 for a kitchen organization
• $1,000 for a garage organization

3. Project-based fee

• $2,000 for a full home organization
• $3,000 for a small business office organization
• $5,000 for a moving service.

Operations Plan

This section describes how Minimalist Solutions will run its day-to-day operations and achieve its milestones. It should include information about the company’s operation functions and timeline.

Operation Functions

• Marketing – This function is responsible for creating and implementing the marketing plan that was outlined in the previous section.
• Sales – This function is responsible for converting leads into customers and ensuring customer satisfaction.
• Service delivery – This function is responsible for providing high-quality and customized organizing services to customers.
• Administration – This function is responsible for managing the financial and legal aspects of the business.
• Launching the website by January 2023 (Marketing)
• Registering on online platforms by February 2023 (Marketing)
• Creating social media accounts by March 2023 (Marketing)
• Securing 10 residential customers by May 2023 (Sales)
• Securing 5 business customers by June 2023 (Sales)
• Hiring 2 additional staff by July 2023 (Check our Headhunter Business Plan for more information)
• Reaching $50,000 in revenue by August 2023 (Administration)
• Reaching $100,000 in revenue by December 2023 (Administration)
• Reaching $150,000 in revenue by June 2024 (Administration)

This section tells about the people who are in charge of Minimalist Solutions. It should have information about their jobs, duties, skills, experience, abilities, and successes.

Financial Plan

This section provides an overview of the financial performance and projections of Minimalist Solutions. It should include information about the company’s key revenue and costs, funding requirements and use of funds, key assumptions, and financial statements.

Key Revenue and Costs

Minimalist Solutions’ key revenue sources are:

• Residential organizing services
• Business organizing services
• Moving services

Minimalist Solutions’ key costs are:

• Staff salaries
• Marketing expenses
• Travel expenses
• Tools and supplies
• Miscellaneous expenses

Funding Requirements and Use of Funds

Minimalist Solutions requires $50,000 in funding to operate and expand the business. The funding will be used for the following purposes:

• Marketing expenses – $15,000
• Travel expenses – $10,000
• Tools and supplies – $10,000
• Insurance – $5,000
• Taxes – $5,000
• Miscellaneous expenses – $5,000

Key Assumptions

Minimalist Solutions’ financial plan is based on the following key assumptions:

• The market size and growth rate of the professional organizing industry in the US are based on the data from IBISWorld.
• The market share and customer base are based on the data from online platforms and local advertising.
• The revenue and cost projections are based on the data from similar companies in Seattle.
• The inflation rate and tax rate are based on the data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Internal Revenue Service.

Financial Projections

• Income Statement (H4)
• Balance Sheet (H4)
• Cash Flow Statement (H4)

Experience the Expertise of OGSCapital Consultants for Professional Organizing Business Plan

At Minimalist Solutions, we appreciate that a strong business plan is crucial for our success and our goal fulfillment. That’s why we have teamed up with OGSCapital, the best in the business of business planning and consulting, to help us create a detailed and powerful professional organizing business plan.

With OGSCapital Consultants as our reliable ally in business planning, we can boldly start our journey to success. OGSCapital’s industry savvy, personalized approach, and financial acumen will enable us to emerge as a first-rate professional organizing business, provide excellent value to our customers, and achieve our ultimate goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q. How do I start a professional organizing business? If you’re confused about how to start your own organizing business, you need to have a passion and skill for organizing, a business plan, a legal entity, a marketing strategy, and a service delivery system.
• Q. Is professional organizing a lucrative business? Starting a professional organizing business can be profitable if you offer clients real value, build a base of repeat customers, charge competitive rates, and keep your overhead costs low.

Download Professional Organizing Business Plan Sample in PDF

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Professional Organizer Business Plan [Sample Template]

By: Author Tony Martins Ajaero

Home » Business Plans » B2C Sector

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

Okay, so we have considered all the requirements for starting a professional organizer business. We also took it further by analyzing and drafting a sample professional organizer marketing plan template backed up by actionable guerrilla marketing ideas for professional organizers. So let’s proceed to the business planning section.

Being a professional organizer means that you will be engaged in promoting the professional interest of members of your organization and their profession as a whole. You will also conduct research, develop statistics and certification standards, lobby and publish materials for your members and clients.

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Starting a professional organizer company is not too expensive except for the money required to rent and furnish an office space. Running this type of business requires that you should be trained and certified in relevant field and it is indeed a very lucrative business in the United States, Canada, Australia and The United Kingdom.

If you are truly convinced that starting a professional organizer company is the right business for you to do, then you need to write your own business plan. Below is a sample professional organizer company business plan template that will help you successfully write yours with little or no stress;

A Sample Professional Organizer Business Plan Template

1. industry overview.

The professional organizations industry comprises of organizations that are basically engaged in promoting the professional interest of their members and their profession as a whole. These organizations also conduct research, develop statistics and certification standards, lobby or publish materials for their members.

A close study of the Professional Organizations industry shows that the industry has indeed benefited from growing employment, which increases the potential pool of members for a range of organizations, as well as disposable income and corporate profit levels, which raises the propensity of employees or employers on behalf of employees to pay membership dues for industry services.

Going forward, declining unemployment and of course rising disposable income and corporate profit will no doubt increase the number of potential members who would pick up membership from professional organizations.

The Professional Organizations Industry is indeed a large industry and pretty much active in countries such as United States of America, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Holland, Switzerland, Australia and Canada et al.

Statistics has it that in the united states of America alone, there are about 6,506 registered and licensed professional organizer company scattered all across the United States responsible for employing about 87,366and the industry rakes in a whooping sum of $21 billion annually.

The industry is projected to grow at 2.2 percent annual growth within 2011 and 2016. It is important to state that there is no establishment in this industry that has a lion market share.

A recent report published by IBISWORLD shows that the Professional Organizations industry has a low level of capital intensity. They projected that in 2016, wages are expected to account for 31.6 percent of industry revenue and depreciation costs, which stand in as a proxy for capital expenditure, are estimated to account for 2.5 percent in the same year.

As a result, for every $1.00 spent on wages, only $0.08 is allocated toward capital. Although operators are increasingly investing in computers and software to engage members and market their organizations online, the industry remains highly labor intensive.

The research further states that professional organizations companies rely much more heavily on labor than technology to conduct their operations.

Lastly, one thing is certain about starting a professional organizer company, if you are able to conduct your market research and feasibility studies, you are more likely not going to struggle to secure clients because there are always individuals, and corporate organization who would want to hire your services from time to time. Just ensure that the business is properly located and you have the right business network.

2. Executive Summary

Dwight McGregor & Co®, LLP is a standard and licensed professional organizer company that will be based in Annapolis – Maryland close to Washington DC, the capital of the United States. We have been able to secure a standard and well – positioned office facility in a business district in the heart of the city capital.

Dwight McGregor & Co®, LLP will handle all aspect of professional organizer services such as promoting the professional interests of our members and the profession as a whole, conducting research, developing statistics, sponsoring quality and certification standards, lobbying public officials, organizing seminars, conferences, trade shows and other events, publishing directories, periodicals and books and providing training, testing and examination services et al.

We are aware that to run a standard professional organizer company can be demanding which is why we are well trained, licensed and equipped to perform excellently well.

Dwight McGregor & Co®, LLP is a client-focused and result driven professional organizer company that provides broad-based services at an affordable fee that won’t in any way put a hole in the pocket of our clients.  We will offer standard and professional services to all to our individual clients, and corporate clients at local, state, national, and international level.

We will ensure that we work hard to meet and surpass our clients’ expectations whenever they pick up membership our organization. Our client’s best interest would always come first, and everything we do is guided by our values and professional ethics. We will ensure that we hire professionals who are well experienced in the professional organizations et al.

Dwight McGregor & Co®, LLP will at all times demonstrate her commitment to sustainability, both individually and as a firm, by actively participating in our communities and integrating sustainable business practices wherever possible.

We will ensure that we hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards by meeting our client’s needs precisely and completely. We will cultivate a working environment that provides a human, sustainable approach to earning a living, and living in our world, for our partners, employees and for our clients.

Our plan is to position the business to become the leading brand in the professional organizer line of business in the whole of Annapolis – Maryland, and also to be amongst the top 20 professional organizer companies in the United States of America within the first 10 years of launching the business.

This might look too tall a dream but we are optimistic that this will surely come to pass because we have done our research and feasibility studies and we are enthusiastic and confident that Annapolis – Maryland, a location close the Washington DC is the right place to launch our professional organizer company before spreading to other parts of The United States.

Dwight McGregor & Co®, LLP is founded by Dwight McGregor and Calvin Jefferson, his business partner for many years. The organization will be managed by both of them since they have adequate working experience to manage such business.

Dwight McGregor who is the lead partner has well over 10 years of experience working at various capacities within the professional organizer industry in the United States of America.  Dwight McGregor and Calvin Jefferson are Lawyers. They both have the required experience and qualifications to build a world class professional organizer company.

3. Our Products and Services

Dwight McGregor & Co®, LLP is going to offer varieties of services within the scope of the professional organizations industry in the United States of America. Our intention of starting our professional organizer company is to favorably compete with leading players in the professional organizations industry both in the United States of America and in the world at large.

We are well prepared to make profits from the industry and we will do all that is permitted by the law in the United States to achieve our business goals, aim and ambition. Our business offerings are listed below;

• Promoting the professional interests of members and the profession as a whole
• Conducting research
• Developing statistics
• Sponsoring quality and certification standards
• Lobbying public officials
• Organizing seminars, conferences, trade shows and other events
• Publishing directories, periodicals and books
• Providing training, testing and examination services

4. Our Mission and Vision Statement

• Our vision is to build a professional organizer company brand that will become one of the preferred choices for both individual clients and corporate clients in the whole of Annapolis – Maryland. Our vision reflects our values: integrity, service, excellence and teamwork.
• Our mission is to provide professional and trusted professional organizer services that assist individuals, businesses and non-profit organizations in achieving their personal and business goals.

We are going to position the business to become one of the leading brands in the professional organizer line of business in the whole of Annapolis – Maryland, and also to be amongst the top 20 professional organizer companies in the United States of America within the first 10 years of launching the business.

Our Business Structure

Normally we would have settled for two or three full – time employees, but as part of our plans to build a standard professional organizer company in Annapolis – Maryland, we have perfected plans to get it right from the beginning which is why we are going the extra mile to ensure that we have competent, honest and hardworking employees to occupy all the available positions in our organization.

The picture of the kind of professional organizer company we intend building and the business goals we want to achieve is what informed the amount we are ready to pay for the best hands available in and around Annapolis – Maryland.

We will ensure that we only hire people that are qualified, honest, hardworking, customer centric and are ready to work to help us build a prosperous business that will benefit all the stakeholders (the owners, workforce, and customers).

As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our senior management staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of five years or more depending how fast we meet our set target. In view of that, we have decided to hire qualified and competent hands to occupy the following positions;

• Chief Executive Officer / Principal Partner

Event Planning Consultant

Professional Lobbyist / Training and Development Consultant

• Company Lawyer

Admin and HR Manager

• Business Developer
• Customer Care Executives

5. Job Roles and Responsibilities

Chief Executive Office / Principal Partner:

• Increases management’s effectiveness by recruiting, selecting, orienting, training, coaching, counseling, and disciplining managers; communicating values, strategies, and objectives; assigning accountabilities; planning, monitoring, and appraising job results; developing incentives; developing a climate for offering information and opinions; providing educational opportunities.
• Creates, communicates, and implements the organization’s vision, mission, and overall direction – i.e. leading the development and implementation of the overall organization’s strategy.
• Responsible for fixing prices and signing business deals
• Responsible for providing direction for the business
• Responsible for signing checks and documents on behalf of the company
• Evaluates the success of the organization
• Organizes seminars, conferences, trade shows and other events
• Responsible for interviewing and hiring vendors, selecting and ordering materials, negotiating rates, coordinating the sequence of events, following up with guests and vendors and producing full-scale events.
• Plans, designs and produces events while managing all project delivery elements within time limits
• Liaises with clients to identify their needs and to ensure customer satisfaction
• Conducts market research, gathers information and negotiate contracts prior to closing any deals
• Provides feedback and periodic reports to stakeholders
• Proposes ideas to improve provided services and event quality
• Organizes facilities and manage all events’ details such as decor, catering, entertainment, transportation, location, invitee list, special guests, equipment, promotional material etc.
• Ensures compliance with insurance, legal, health and safety obligations
• Specify staff requirements and coordinate their activities
• Cooperates with marketing and PR to promote and publicize event
• Proactively handle any arising issues and troubleshoot any emerging problems on the event day
• Conducts pre- and post – event evaluations and report on outcomes
• Researches market, identify event opportunities and generate interest
• Provides training, testing and examination services
• Promotes the professional interests of members and the profession as a whole
• Develops statistics
• Sponsors quality and certification standards
• Lobbies public officials
• Manages the organization’s training school
• Coordinates training programs facilitated by Dwight McGregor & Co®, LLP
• Writes winning proposal documents, negotiate fees and rates in line with company policy
• Identifies trains and develops needs for staff through job analysis, appraisals and consultation
• Facilitates and coordinates strategic sessions.
• Works directly with clients in a non-advising capacity, such as answering questions, scheduling appointments and making sure all training concerns are properly taken care off
• Responsible for handling all trainings both internal and external trainings

Company’s Lawyer / Secretary / Legal Counsel

• Handles mitigation and remediation regarding any maintenance issues, generally within a budget, with prior or conveyed consent via a Limited Power of Attorney legally agreed to by the property owner.
• Responsible for drawing up contracts and other legal documents for the company
• Consults and handles all corporate legal processes (e.g. intellectual property, mergers & acquisitions, financial / securities offerings, compliance issues, transactions, agreements, lawsuits and patents et al)
• Develops company policy and position on legal issues
• Researches, anticipates and guards company against legal risks
• Represents company in legal proceedings (administrative boards, court trials et al)
• Plays a part in business deals negotiation and take minutes of meetings
• Responsible for analyzing legal documents on behalf of the company
• Prepares annual reports for the company
• Responsible for overseeing the smooth running of HR and administrative tasks for the organization
• Designs job descriptions with KPI to drive performance management for clients
• Regularly hold meetings with key stakeholders to review the effectiveness of HR Policies, Procedures and Processes
• Maintains office supplies by checking stocks; placing and expediting orders; evaluating new products.
• Ensures operation of equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; calling for repairs.
• Defines job positions for recruitment and managing interviewing process
• Carries out staff induction for new team members
• Responsible for training, evaluation and assessment of employees
• Responsible for arranging travel, meetings and appointments
• Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organizations.
• Oversees the smooth running of the daily office activities.

Marketing Executive

• Identifies, prioritizes, and reaches out to new partners, and business opportunities et al
• Identifies development opportunities; follows up on development leads and contacts; participates in the structuring and financing of projects; assures the completion of development projects.
• Responsible for handling business research, marker surveys and feasibility studies for clients
• Responsible for supervising implementation, advocate for the customer’s needs, and communicate with clients
• Develops, executes and evaluates new plans for expanding increase sales
• Documents all customer contact and information
• Represents the company in strategic meetings
• Helps increase sales and growth for the company
• Responsible for preparing financial reports, budgets, and financial statements for the organization
• Provides managements with financial analyses, development budgets, and accounting reports; analyzes financial feasibility for the most complex proposed projects; conducts market research to forecast trends and business conditions.
• Responsible for financial forecasting and risks analysis.
• Performs cash management, general ledger accounting, and financial reporting for one or more properties.
• Responsible for developing and managing financial systems and policies
• Responsible for administering payrolls
• Ensures compliance with taxation legislation
• Handles all financial transactions for the company
• Serves as internal auditor for the company

Client Service Executive

• Welcomes guests and clients by greeting them in person or on the telephone; answering or directing inquiries.
• Ensures that all contacts with clients (e-mail, walk-In center, SMS or phone) provides the client with a personalized customer service experience of the highest level
• Through interaction with clients on the phone, uses every opportunity to build client’s interest in the company’s products and services
• Manages administrative duties assigned by the manager in an effective and timely manner
• Consistently stays abreast of any new information on the company’s products, promotional campaigns etc. to ensure accurate and helpful information is supplied to clients when they make enquiries
• Receives parcels / documents for the company
• Handles enquiries via e-mail and phone calls for the organization
• Distribute mails in the organization
• Handles any other duties as assigned by the line manager

6. SWOT Analysis

Going by our vision, our mission and the kind of business we want to set – up, we don’t have any other option than to follow due process. Following due process involves hiring business consultant to help us conduct SWOT analysis for our business.

Dwight McGregor & Co®, LLP hired the services of a seasoned business consultant with bias in start – ups in the United States to help us conduct a thorough SWOT analysis and to guide us in formulating other business strategies that will help us grow our business and favorable compete in the professional organizations industry.

As a company, we look forward to maximizing our strength and opportunities and also to work around our weaknesses and threats. Here is a summary from the result of the SWOT analysis that was conducted on behalf of Dwight McGregor & Co®, LLP.

Our core strength lies in the power of our team; our workforce. We have a team that are considered experts in the industry, a team with excellent qualifications and experience in the professional organizations industry.

Aside from the synergy that exist in our carefully selected team members and our strong online presence, Dwight McGregor & Co®, LLP is well positioned in a city with the right demography close to Washington DC and we know we will attract loads of corporate and individual clients from the first day we open our doors for business.

As a new professional organizer company in Annapolis – Maryland, it might take some time for our organization to break into the market and gain acceptance especially from top profile clients in the already saturated professional organizations industry; that is perhaps our major weakness. So also, we may not have the required money to give the business the kind of publicity that we would love to give the business.

• Opportunities:

The opportunities available in the professional organization industry is massive considering the number of people lobbying for government positions, contractors and events that takes places on a daily basis in the United States. As a standard and licensed professional organizer company, we are ready to take advantage of any opportunity that comes our way.

Some of the threats that we are likely going to face as a professional organizer company operating in the United States of America are unfavorable government policies , the arrival of a competitor within our location of operations and global economic downturn which usually affects purchasing power. There is hardly anything we can do as regards these threats other than to be optimistic that things will continue to work for our good.

7. MARKET ANALYSIS

• Market Trends

The professional organizations industry is in a continuous state of evolution and as such, ground breaking strategies and ideas that are once highly successful are no longer as productive as they were in time past. Close observation of the trend in the industry reveals that the past few years have seen the rise and proliferation of social media and new tech tools.

The trend also extend to increased attention paid to engagement and new market segments, adopting eco-friendly measures and sustainability when planning events, and of course increase in demands from event sponsors.

Although operators in the professional organizations industry are increasingly investing in computers and software to engage members and market their organizations online, the industry remains highly labor intensive. The research further states that professional organizations companies rely much more heavily on labor than technology to conduct their operations.

As a matter of fact, social media has now become one of the most important tools event planners and lobbyists leverage on to disseminate information about their events, interact with attendees, solicit feedback, and create year-round engagement with their target audience.

Furthermore, new software apps and emerging technology have made it easier for event planners cum professional organizers to gather all the needed data and information that will help them plan and project for the future.

In recent time, mobile event apps are becoming more popular; event planner cum professional organizers can now successfully host events via social media platforms / online platforms. In the United States for example, there several vendors providing mobile apps with more event planners patronizing the apps.

Over and above, with the invention of event apps, it is now compulsory for event planners and venue owners to offer Wi-Fi throughout the event, in all meeting rooms. The truth is that it will no longer be acceptable to not have Wi-Fi accessible at events; people will hardly rent halls without Wi-Fi facility.

8. Our Target Market

Even though Dwight McGregor & Co®, LLP will initially serve small to medium sized business, from new ventures to well established businesses and individual clients, but that does not in any way stop us from growing to be able to compete with the leading professional organizer companies in the United States.

As a standard and licensed professional organizer company, Dwight McGregor & Co®, LLP offers a wide range of services hence we are well trained and equipped to services a wide range of clientele base.

Our target market cuts across people of different class and people from all walks of life, local and international organizations as well. We are coming into the industry with a business concept that will enable us work with the highly – placed people and companies in the country and at the same with the lowly placed people and smaller businesses.

Below is a list of the people and organizations that we have specifically design our products and services for;

• Government contractors
• Blue – chips companies
• Corporate organizations
• Religious organizations
• Political parties / politicians
• Households / families
• The government (public sector)
• Schools (high schools, colleges and universities)
• Sport organizations
• Celebrities and public figures
• Entrepreneurs and Start – Ups

Our competitive advantage

No doubt, the professional organizations industry is indeed a very prolific and highly competitive industry. Clients will only hire your services if they know that you can successfully help them organize their events, win government contracts, secure government positions and achieve their personal and professional goals.

We are quite aware that to be highly competitive in the professional organizations industry means that you should be able to deliver consistent quality service, your clients should be able to improve the business and PR of your clients and you should be able to meet the expectations of your clients at all times.

Dwight McGregor & Co®, LLP might be a new professional organizer company in Annapolis – Maryland, but the management team and the owner of the business are considered gurus in the industry.

They are people who are core professionals, licensed and highly qualified, people that can successfully help her clients win government contracts, secure political appointment and achieve their professional and personal goal within a short period of time. These are part of what will count as a competitive advantage for us.

Aside from our robust experience and expertise of our team of experts, we have a very strong online presence that will enable us train and promote clients in different parts of the world from our online portals.

Lastly, our employees will be well taken care of, and their welfare package will be among the best within our category (startups professional organizer companies in the United States) in the industry. It will enable them to be more than willing to build the business with us and help deliver our set goals and achieve all our business aims and objectives.

9. SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY

• Sources of Income

Dwight McGregor & Co®, LLP is established with the aim of maximizing profits in the professional organizations industry and we are going to go all the way to ensure that we do all it takes to attract clients on a regular basis and sign retainer – ship with most of our clients.

Dwight McGregor & Co®, LLP will generate income by offering the following services to individual clients and for corporate organizations;

10. Sales Forecast

One thing is certain, there would always be politicians and contractors who are lobbying for contracts and political appointments and also there would always be parties and events in the United States of America and as such the services of professional organizer companies will always be needed.

We are well positioned to take on the available market in the United States and we are quite optimistic that we will meet our set target of generating enough income / profits from the first six month of operations and grow the business and our clientele base beyond Annapolis to other cities in Maryland and other states in the U.S.

We have been able to critically examine the professional organizations market space and we have analyzed our chances in the industry and we have been able to come up with the following sales forecast. The sales projections are based on information gathered on the field and some assumptions that are peculiar to similar startups in Annapolis – Maryland.

Below are the sales projections for Dwight McGregor & Co®, LLP, it is based on the location of our business and the wide range of services that we will be offering;

• First Fiscal Year-: $150,000
• Second Fiscal Year-: $650,000
• Third Fiscal Year-: $1,000,000

N.B : This projection is done based on what is obtainable in the industry and with the assumption that there won’t be any major economic meltdown and natural disasters within the period stated above. There won’t be any major competitor offering same additional services as we do within same location. Please note that the above projection might be lower and at the same time it might be higher.

• Marketing Strategy and Sales Strategy

We are mindful of the fact that there are stiffer competitions amongst professional organizer companies in the United States of America; hence we have been able to hire some of the best business developer to handle our sales and marketing.

Our sales and marketing team will be recruited base on their vast experience in the industry and they will be trained on a regular basis so as to be well equipped to meet their targets and the overall goal of the organization.

We will also ensure that our excellent job deliveries speak for us in the marketplace; we want to build a standard professional organizer business that will leverage on word of mouth advertisement from satisfied clients (both individuals and corporate organizations).

Our goal is to grow our professional organizer company to become one of the top 20 professional organizer companies in the United States of America which is why we have mapped out strategy that will help us take advantage of the available market and grow to become a major force to reckon with not only in the Annapolis – Maryland, but also in other cities in the United States of America.

Dwight McGregor & Co®, LLP is set to make use of the following marketing and sales strategies to attract clients;

• Introduce our business by sending introductory letters alongside our brochure to corporate organizations, contractors, households and key stake holders in Annapolis and other cities in Maryland.
• Promptness in bidding for event planning / event management contracts from the government and other cooperate organizations
• Advertise our business in relevant business magazines, newspapers, TV stations, and radio station.
• List our business on yellow pages ads (local directories)
• Attend relevant international and local expos, seminars, and business fairs et al
• Create different packages for different category of clients in order to work with their budgets and still deliver quality event planning services to them
• Leverage on the internet to promote our business
• Engage direct marketing approach
• Encourage word of mouth marketing from loyal and satisfied clients
• Join local chambers of commerce and industries with the aim of networking and marketing our services

11. Publicity and Advertising Strategy

We have been able to work with our brand and publicity consultants to help us map out publicity and advertising strategies that will help us walk our way into the heart of our target market.

We are set to take the professional organizations industry by storm which is why we have made provisions for effective publicity and advertisement of our company. Below are the platforms we intend to leverage on to promote and advertise Dwight McGregor & Co®, LLP;

• Place adverts on both print (community based newspapers and magazines) and electronic media platforms
• Sponsor relevant community based events / programs
• Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like; Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Google + et al to promote our brand
• Install our Bill Boards on strategic locations all around Annapolis – Maryland
• Engage in road show from time to time in targeted neighborhoods
• Distribute our fliers and handbills in target areas
• Contact corporate organizations by calling them up and informing them of Dwight McGregor & Co®, LLP and the services we offer
• List our private counseling firm in local directories / yellow pages
• Advertise our professional organizer company in our official website and employ strategies that will help us pull traffic to the site.
• Ensure that all our staff members wear our branded shirts and all our vehicles are well branded with our schools’ logo et al

12. Our Pricing Strategy

Just like in consulting business, hourly billing for event planning / event management / training services is also a long – time tradition in the industry. However, for some types of professional organizations services like lobbying for a contract or political appointment, flat fees make more sense because they allow clients to better predict the overall service charges.

As a result of this, Dwight McGregor & Co®, LLP will charge our clients both flat fee and hourly billing as long as it favors both parties.

At Dwight McGregor & Co®, LLP we will keep our fees below the average market rate for all of our clients by keeping our overhead low and by collecting payment in advance.  In addition, we will also offer special discounted rates to start – ups, nonprofits, cooperatives, and small social enterprises.

We are aware that there are some clients that would need regular access to professional organizations consultancy and advisory services and assistance, we will offer flat rate for such services that will be tailored to take care of such clients’ needs.

• Payment Options

The payment policy adopted by Dwight McGregor & Co®, LLP is all inclusive because we are quite aware that different customers prefer different payment options as it suits them but at the same time, we will ensure that we abide by the financial rules and regulation of the United States of America.

Here are the payment options that Dwight McGregor & Co®, LLP will make available to her clients;

• Payment via bank transfer
• Payment with cash
• Payment via online bank transfer
• Payment via mobile money
• Payment via Point of Sales Machines (POS Machines)
• Payment via check
• Payment via bank draft

In view of the above, we have chosen banking platforms that will enable our client make payment for our services without any stress on their part. Our bank account numbers will be made available on our website and promotional materials to clients who may want to deposit cash or make online transfer for our services.

13. Startup Expenditure (Budget)

Starting a professional organization business can be cost effective; this is so because on the average, you are not expected to acquire expensive machines and equipment.

Basically, what you should be concerned about is the amount needed to secure a standard office facility in a good and busy business district, the amount needed to furniture and equip the office, the amount to purchase the required software applications, the amount needed to pay bills, promote the business and obtain the appropriate business license and certifications.

However, this is what it would cost us to start our own standard and world class professional organizer company in the United States of America;

• Business incorporating fees in the United States of America will cost – $750.
• The budget for liability insurance, permits and license will cost – $3,500
• Acquiring an office space that will accommodate the number of employees we intend employing for at least 6 months (Re – Construction of the facility inclusive) will cost – $35,000.
• Equipping the office (computers, printers, projectors, markers, pens and pencils, furniture, telephones, filing cabinets, and electronics) will cost – $10,000
• The cost for accounting software, CRM software and Payroll Software – $3,000
• Other start-up expenses including stationery – $1000
• Phone and Utilities (gas, sewer, water and electric) deposits – ( $3,500 ).
• Launching an official website will cost – $500
• Amount need to pay bills and staff members for at least 2 to 3 months – $70,000
• Additional Expenditure such as Business cards, Signage, Adverts and Promotions will cost – $5,000
• Miscellaneous – $5,000

Going by the report from the market research and feasibility studies conducted, we will need about one hundred and fifty thousand ( 150,000 ) U.S. dollars to successfully set – up a medium scale but standard professional organizer company in the United States of America. Please note that the salary for the payment of staff members for the first 3 months is included.

Generating Funds / Startup Capital for Dwight McGregor & Co®, LLP

Dwight McGregor & Co®, LLP is a partnership business that will be owned by Dwight McGregor and he will run the business with his business partner for many years Calvin Jefferson. They are the sole financial of the business which is why they decided to restrict the sourcing of the start – up capital for the business to just three major sources.

These are the areas we intend generating our start – up capital;

• Generate part of the start – up capital from personal savings and sale of his stocks
• Generate part of the start – up capital from friends and other extended family members
• Generate a larger chunk of the startup capital from the bank (loan facility).

N.B: We have been able to generate about $50,000 ( Personal savings $35,000 and soft loan from family members $15,000 ) and we are at the final stages of obtaining a loan facility of $100,000 from our bank. All the papers and document has been duly signed and submitted, the loan has been approved and any moment from now our account will be credited.

14. Sustainability and Expansion Strategy

The future of a business lies in the numbers of loyal customers that they have the capacity and competence of the employees, their investment strategy and the business structure. If all of these factors are missing from a business (company), then it won’t be too long before the business close shop.

One of our major goals of starting Dwight McGregor & Co®, LLP is to build a business that will survive off its own cash flow without the need for injecting finance from external sources once the business is officially running.

We know that one of the ways of gaining approval and winning customers over is to offer our professional organization services a little bit cheaper than what is obtainable in the market and we are well prepared to survive on lower profit margin for a while.

Dwight McGregor & Co®, LLP will make sure that the right foundation, structures and processes are put in place to ensure that our staff welfare are well taken of. Our company’s corporate culture is designed to drive our business to greater heights and training and re – training of our workforce is at the top burner of our business strategy.

As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our management staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of three years or more as determined by the board of the organization. We know that if that is put in place, we will be able to successfully hire and retain the best hands we can get in the industry; they will be more committed to help us build the business of our dreams.

Check List / Milestone

• Business Name Availability Check: Completed
• Business Incorporation: Completed
• Opening of Corporate Bank Accounts various banks in the United States: Completed
• Opening Online Payment Platforms: Completed
• Application and Obtaining Tax Payer’s ID: In Progress
• Application for business license and permit: Completed
• Purchase of All form of Insurance for the Business: Completed
• Leasing a standard office facility in a good location plus reconstruction: In progress
• Conducting Feasibility Studies: Completed
• Generating part of the start – up capital from the founders: Completed
• Writing of Business Plan: Completed
• Drafting of Employee’s Handbook: Completed
• Drafting of Contract Documents: In Progress
• Design of Logo for the school: Completed
• Graphic Designs and Printing of Packaging Marketing / Promotional Materials: Completed
• Recruitment of employees: In Progress
• Purchase of the needed furniture, office equipment, electronic appliances and facility facelift: In progress
• Creating Official Website for the business: In Progress
• Creating awareness for the business in Smethport – Pennsylvania: In Progress
• Health and Safety and Fire Safety Arrangement: In Progress
• Establishing business relationship with vendors and key players in various industries: In Progress

Table of Contents

How to make a business plan

How to make a good business plan: step-by-step guide.

A business plan is a strategic roadmap used to navigate the challenging journey of entrepreneurship. It's the foundation upon which you build a successful business.

A well-crafted business plan can help you define your vision, clarify your goals, and identify potential problems before they arise.

But where do you start? How do you create a business plan that sets you up for success?

This article will explore the step-by-step process of creating a comprehensive business plan.

What is a business plan?

A business plan is a formal document that outlines a business's objectives, strategies, and operational procedures. It typically includes the following information about a company:

Products or services

Target market

Competitors

Marketing and sales strategies

Financial plan

Management team

A business plan serves as a roadmap for a company's success and provides a blueprint for its growth and development. It helps entrepreneurs and business owners organize their ideas, evaluate the feasibility, and identify potential challenges and opportunities.

As well as serving as a guide for business owners, a business plan can attract investors and secure funding. It demonstrates the company's understanding of the market, its ability to generate revenue and profits, and its strategy for managing risks and achieving success.

Business plan vs. business model canvas

A business plan may seem similar to a business model canvas, but each document serves a different purpose.

A business model canvas is a high-level overview that helps entrepreneurs and business owners quickly test and iterate their ideas. It is often a one-page document that briefly outlines the following:

Key partnerships

Key activities

Key propositions

Customer relationships

Customer segments

Key resources

Cost structure

Revenue streams

On the other hand, a Business Plan Template provides a more in-depth analysis of a company's strategy and operations. It is typically a lengthy document and requires significant time and effort to develop.

A business model shouldn’t replace a business plan, and vice versa. Business owners should lay the foundations and visually capture the most important information with a Business Model Canvas Template . Because this is a fast and efficient way to communicate a business idea, a business model canvas is a good starting point before developing a more comprehensive business plan.

A business plan can aim to secure funding from investors or lenders, while a business model canvas communicates a business idea to potential customers or partners.

Why is a business plan important?

A business plan is crucial for any entrepreneur or business owner wanting to increase their chances of success.

Here are some of the many benefits of having a thorough business plan.

Helps to define the business goals and objectives

A business plan encourages you to think critically about your goals and objectives. Doing so lets you clearly understand what you want to achieve and how you plan to get there.

A well-defined set of goals, objectives, and key results also provides a sense of direction and purpose, which helps keep business owners focused and motivated.

Guides decision-making

A business plan requires you to consider different scenarios and potential problems that may arise in your business. This awareness allows you to devise strategies to deal with these issues and avoid pitfalls.

With a clear plan, entrepreneurs can make informed decisions aligning with their overall business goals and objectives. This helps reduce the risk of making costly mistakes and ensures they make decisions with long-term success in mind.

Attracts investors and secures funding

Investors and lenders often require a business plan before considering investing in your business. A document that outlines the company's goals, objectives, and financial forecasts can help instill confidence in potential investors and lenders.

A well-written business plan demonstrates that you have thoroughly thought through your business idea and have a solid plan for success.

Identifies potential challenges and risks

A business plan requires entrepreneurs to consider potential challenges and risks that could impact their business. For example:

Is there enough demand for my product or service?

Will I have enough capital to start my business?

Is the market oversaturated with too many competitors?

What will happen if my marketing strategy is ineffective?

By identifying these potential challenges, entrepreneurs can develop strategies to mitigate risks and overcome challenges. This can reduce the likelihood of costly mistakes and ensure the business is well-positioned to take on any challenges.

Provides a basis for measuring success

A business plan serves as a framework for measuring success by providing clear goals and financial projections . Entrepreneurs can regularly refer to the original business plan as a benchmark to measure progress. By comparing the current business position to initial forecasts, business owners can answer questions such as:

Are we where we want to be at this point?

Did we achieve our goals?

If not, why not, and what do we need to do?

After assessing whether the business is meeting its objectives or falling short, business owners can adjust their strategies as needed.

How to make a business plan step by step

The steps below will guide you through the process of creating a business plan and what key components you need to include.

1. Create an executive summary

Start with a brief overview of your entire plan. The executive summary should cover your business plan's main points and key takeaways.

Keep your executive summary concise and clear with the Executive Summary Template . The simple design helps readers understand the crux of your business plan without reading the entire document.

2. Write your company description

Provide a detailed explanation of your company. Include information on what your company does, the mission statement, and your vision for the future.

Provide additional background information on the history of your company, the founders, and any notable achievements or milestones.

3. Conduct a market analysis

Conduct an in-depth analysis of your industry, competitors, and target market. This is best done with a SWOT analysis to identify your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Next, identify your target market's needs, demographics, and behaviors.

Use the Competitive Analysis Template to brainstorm answers to simple questions like:

What does the current market look like?

Who are your competitors?

What are they offering?

What will give you a competitive advantage?

Who is your target market?

What are they looking for and why?

How will your product or service satisfy a need?

These questions should give you valuable insights into the current market and where your business stands.

4. Describe your products and services

Provide detailed information about your products and services. This includes pricing information, product features, and any unique selling points.

Use the Product/Market Fit Template to explain how your products meet the needs of your target market. Describe what sets them apart from the competition.

5. Design a marketing and sales strategy

Outline how you plan to promote and sell your products. Your marketing strategy and sales strategy should include information about your:

Pricing strategy

Advertising and promotional tactics

Sales channels

The Go to Market Strategy Template is a great way to visually map how you plan to launch your product or service in a new or existing market.

6. Determine budget and financial projections

Document detailed information on your business’ finances. Describe the current financial position of the company and how you expect the finances to play out.

Some details to include in this section are:

Startup costs

Revenue projections

Profit and loss statement

Funding you have received or plan to receive

Strategy for raising funds

7. Set the organization and management structure

Define how your company is structured and who will be responsible for each aspect of the business. Use the Business Organizational Chart Template to visually map the company’s teams, roles, and hierarchy.

As well as the organization and management structure, discuss the legal structure of your business. Clarify whether your business is a corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship, or LLC.

8. Make an action plan

At this point in your business plan, you’ve described what you’re aiming for. But how are you going to get there? The Action Plan Template describes the following steps to move your business plan forward. Outline the next steps you plan to take to bring your business plan to fruition.

Types of business plans

Several types of business plans cater to different purposes and stages of a company's lifecycle. Here are some of the most common types of business plans.

Startup business plan

A startup business plan is typically an entrepreneur's first business plan. This document helps entrepreneurs articulate their business idea when starting a new business.

Not sure how to make a business plan for a startup? It’s pretty similar to a regular business plan, except the primary purpose of a startup business plan is to convince investors to provide funding for the business. A startup business plan also outlines the potential target market, product/service offering, marketing plan, and financial projections.

Strategic business plan

A strategic business plan is a long-term plan that outlines a company's overall strategy, objectives, and tactics. This type of strategic plan focuses on the big picture and helps business owners set goals and priorities and measure progress.

The primary purpose of a strategic business plan is to provide direction and guidance to the company's management team and stakeholders. The plan typically covers a period of three to five years.

Operational business plan

An operational business plan is a detailed document that outlines the day-to-day operations of a business. It focuses on the specific activities and processes required to run the business, such as:

Organizational structure

Staffing plan

Production plan

Quality control

Inventory management

Supply chain

The primary purpose of an operational business plan is to ensure that the business runs efficiently and effectively. It helps business owners manage their resources, track their performance, and identify areas for improvement.

Growth-business plan

A growth-business plan is a strategic plan that outlines how a company plans to expand its business. It helps business owners identify new market opportunities and increase revenue and profitability. The primary purpose of a growth-business plan is to provide a roadmap for the company's expansion and growth.

The 3 Horizons of Growth Template is a great tool to identify new areas of growth. This framework categorizes growth opportunities into three categories: Horizon 1 (core business), Horizon 2 (emerging business), and Horizon 3 (potential business).

One-page business plan

A one-page business plan is a condensed version of a full business plan that focuses on the most critical aspects of a business. It’s a great tool for entrepreneurs who want to quickly communicate their business idea to potential investors, partners, or employees.

A one-page business plan typically includes sections such as business concept, value proposition, revenue streams, and cost structure.

Best practices for how to make a good business plan

Here are some additional tips for creating a business plan:

Use a template

A template can help you organize your thoughts and effectively communicate your business ideas and strategies. Starting with a template can also save you time and effort when formatting your plan.

Miro’s extensive library of customizable templates includes all the necessary sections for a comprehensive business plan. With our templates, you can confidently present your business plans to stakeholders and investors.

Be practical

Avoid overestimating revenue projections or underestimating expenses. Your business plan should be grounded in practical realities like your budget, resources, and capabilities.

Be specific

Provide as much detail as possible in your business plan. A specific plan is easier to execute because it provides clear guidance on what needs to be done and how. Without specific details, your plan may be too broad or vague, making it difficult to know where to start or how to measure success.

Be thorough with your research

Conduct thorough research to fully understand the market, your competitors, and your target audience . By conducting thorough research, you can identify potential risks and challenges your business may face and develop strategies to mitigate them.

Get input from others

It can be easy to become overly focused on your vision and ideas, leading to tunnel vision and a lack of objectivity. By seeking input from others, you can identify potential opportunities you may have overlooked.

Review and revise regularly

A business plan is a living document. You should update it regularly to reflect market, industry, and business changes. Set aside time for regular reviews and revisions to ensure your plan remains relevant and effective.

Create a winning business plan to chart your path to success

Starting or growing a business can be challenging, but it doesn't have to be. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting, a well-written business plan can make or break your business’ success.

The purpose of a business plan is more than just to secure funding and attract investors. It also serves as a roadmap for achieving your business goals and realizing your vision. With the right mindset, tools, and strategies, you can develop a visually appealing, persuasive business plan.

Ready to make an effective business plan that works for you? Check out our library of ready-made strategy and planning templates and chart your path to success.

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Plans and pricing.

How to Write a Business Plan for a Small Business

Noah Parsons

24 min. read

Updated September 2, 2024

Writing a business plan doesn’t have to be complicated. 

In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to write a business plan that’s detailed enough to impress bankers and potential investors, while giving you the tools to start, run, and grow a successful business.

• The basics of writing a business plan

If you’re reading this guide, then you already know why you need a business plan . 

You understand that writing a business plan helps you: 

• Raise money
• Grow strategically
• Keep your business on the right track 

As you start to write your business plan, it’s useful to zoom out and remember what a business plan is .

At its core, a business plan is an overview of the products and services you sell, and the customers that you sell to. It explains your business strategy: how you’re going to build and grow your business, what your marketing strategy is, and who your competitors are.

Most business plans also include financial forecasts for the future. These set sales goals, budget for expenses, and predict profits and cash flow. 

A good business plan is much more than just a document that you write once and forget about. It’s also a guide that helps you outline and achieve your goals. 

After writing your business plan, you can use it as a management tool to track your progress toward your goals. Updating and adjusting your forecasts and budgets as you go is one of the most important steps you can take to run a healthier, smarter business. 

We’ll dive into how to use your plan later in this article.

There are many different types of plans , but we’ll go over the most common type here, which includes everything you need for an investor-ready plan. However, if you’re just starting out and are looking for something simpler—I recommend starting with a one-page business plan . It’s faster and easier to create. 

It’s also the perfect place to start if you’re just figuring out your idea, or need a simple strategic plan to use inside your business.

Dig deeper : How to write a one-page business plan

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• What to include in your business plan

Executive summary

The executive summary is an overview of your business and your plans. It comes first in your plan and is ideally just one to two pages. Most people write it last because it’s a summary of the complete business plan.

Ideally, the executive summary can act as a stand-alone document that covers the highlights of your detailed plan. 

In fact, it’s common for investors to ask only for the executive summary when evaluating your business. If they like what they see in the executive summary, they’ll often follow up with a request for a complete plan, a pitch presentation , or more in-depth financial forecasts .

Your executive summary should include:

• A summary of the problem you are solving
• A description of your product or service
• An overview of your target market
• A brief description of your team
• A summary of your financials
• Your funding requirements (if you are raising money)

Dig Deeper: How to write an effective executive summary

Products and services description

When writing a business plan, the produces and services section is where you describe exactly what you’re selling, and how it solves a problem for your target market. The best way to organize this part of your plan is to start by describing the problem that exists for your customers. After that, you can describe how you plan to solve that problem with your product or service. 

This is usually called a problem and solution statement .

To truly showcase the value of your products and services, you need to craft a compelling narrative around your offerings. How will your product or service transform your customers’ lives or jobs? A strong narrative will draw in your readers.

This is also the part of the business plan to discuss any competitive advantages you may have, like specific intellectual property or patents that protect your product. If you have any initial sales, contracts, or other evidence that your product or service is likely to sell, include that information as well. It will show that your idea has traction , which can help convince readers that your plan has a high chance of success.

Market analysis

Your target market is a description of the type of people that you plan to sell to. You might even have multiple target markets, depending on your business. 

A market analysis is the part of your plan where you bring together all of the information you know about your target market. Basically, it’s a thorough description of who your customers are and why they need what you’re selling. You’ll also include information about the growth of your market and your industry .

Try to be as specific as possible when you describe your market. 

Include information such as age, income level, and location—these are what’s called “demographics.” If you can, also describe your market’s interests and habits as they relate to your business—these are “psychographics.” 

Related: Target market examples

Essentially, you want to include any knowledge you have about your customers that is relevant to how your product or service is right for them. With a solid target market, it will be easier to create a sales and marketing plan that will reach your customers. That’s because you know who they are, what they like to do, and the best ways to reach them.

Next, provide any additional information you have about your market. 

What is the size of your market ? Is the market growing or shrinking? Ideally, you’ll want to demonstrate that your market is growing over time, and also explain how your business is positioned to take advantage of any expected changes in your industry.

Dig Deeper: Learn how to write a market analysis

Competitive analysis

Part of defining your business opportunity is determining what your competitive advantage is. To do this effectively, you need to know as much about your competitors as your target customers. 

Every business has some form of competition. If you don’t think you have competitors, then explore what alternatives there are in the market for your product or service. 

For example: In the early years of cars, their main competition was horses. For social media, the early competition was reading books, watching TV, and talking on the phone.

A good competitive analysis fully lays out the competitive landscape and then explains how your business is different. Maybe your products are better made, or cheaper, or your customer service is superior. Maybe your competitive advantage is your location – a wide variety of factors can ultimately give you an advantage.

Dig Deeper: How to write a competitive analysis for your business plan

Marketing and sales plan

The marketing and sales plan covers how you will position your product or service in the market, the marketing channels and messaging you will use, and your sales tactics. 

The best place to start with a marketing plan is with a positioning statement . 

This explains how your business fits into the overall market, and how you will explain the advantages of your product or service to customers. You’ll use the information from your competitive analysis to help you with your positioning. 

For example: You might position your company as the premium, most expensive but the highest quality option in the market. Or your positioning might focus on being locally owned and that shoppers support the local economy by buying your products.

Once you understand your positioning, you’ll bring this together with the information about your target market to create your marketing strategy . 

This is how you plan to communicate your message to potential customers. Depending on who your customers are and how they purchase products like yours, you might use many different strategies, from social media advertising to creating a podcast. Your marketing plan is all about how your customers discover who you are and why they should consider your products and services. 

While your marketing plan is about reaching your customers—your sales plan will describe the actual sales process once a customer has decided that they’re interested in what you have to offer. 

If your business requires salespeople and a long sales process, describe that in this section. If your customers can “self-serve” and just make purchases quickly on your website, describe that process. 

A good sales plan picks up where your marketing plan leaves off. The marketing plan brings customers in the door and the sales plan is how you close the deal.

Together, these specific plans paint a picture of how you will connect with your target audience, and how you will turn them into paying customers.

Dig deeper: What to include in your sales and marketing plan

Business operations

When writing a business plan, the operations section describes the necessary requirements for your business to run smoothly. It’s where you talk about how your business works and what day-to-day operations look like. 

Depending on how your business is structured, your operations plan may include elements of the business like:

• Supply chain management
• Manufacturing processes
• Equipment and technology
• Distribution

Some businesses distribute their products and reach their customers through large retailers like Amazon.com, Walmart, Target, and grocery store chains. 

These businesses should review how this part of their business works. The plan should discuss the logistics and costs of getting products onto store shelves and any potential hurdles the business may have to overcome.

If your business is much simpler than this, that’s OK. This section of your business plan can be either extremely short or more detailed, depending on the type of business you are building.

For businesses selling services, such as physical therapy or online software, you can use this section to describe the technology you’ll leverage, what goes into your service, and who you will partner with to deliver your services.

Dig Deeper: Learn how to write the operations chapter of your plan

Key milestones and metrics

Although it’s not required to complete your business plan, mapping out key business milestones and the metrics can be incredibly useful for measuring your success.

Good milestones clearly lay out the parameters of the task and set expectations for their execution. You’ll want to include:

• A description of each task
• The proposed due date
• Who is responsible for each task

If you have a budget, you can include projected costs to hit each milestone. You don’t need extensive project planning in this section—just list key milestones you want to hit and when you plan to hit them. This is your overall business roadmap. 

Possible milestones might be:

• Website launch date
• Store or office opening date
• First significant sales
• Break even date
• Business licenses and approvals

You should also discuss the key numbers you will track to determine your success. Some common metrics worth tracking include:

• Conversion rates
• Customer acquisition costs
• Profit per customer
• Repeat purchases

It’s perfectly fine to start with just a few metrics and grow the number you are tracking over time. You also may find that some metrics simply aren’t relevant to your business and can narrow down what you’re tracking.

Dig Deeper: How to use milestones in your business plan

Organization and management team

Investors don’t just look for great ideas—they want to find great teams. Use this chapter to describe your current team and who you need to hire . You should also provide a quick overview of your location and history if you’re already up and running.

Briefly highlight the relevant experiences of each key team member in the company. It’s important to make the case for why yours is the right team to turn an idea into a reality. 

Do they have the right industry experience and background? Have members of the team had entrepreneurial successes before? 

If you still need to hire key team members, that’s OK. Just note those gaps in this section.

Your company overview should also include a summary of your company’s current business structure . The most common business structures include:

• Sole proprietor
• Partnership

Be sure to provide an overview of how the business is owned as well. Does each business partner own an equal portion of the business? How is ownership divided? 

Potential lenders and investors will want to know the structure of the business before they will consider a loan or investment.

Dig Deeper: How to write about your company structure and team

Financial plan

The last section of your business plan is your financial plan and forecasts. 

Entrepreneurs often find this section the most daunting. But, business financials for most startups are less complicated than you think, and a business degree is certainly not required to build a solid financial forecast. 

A typical financial forecast in a business plan includes the following:

• Sales forecast : An estimate of the sales expected over a given period. You’ll break down your forecast into the key revenue streams that you expect to have.
• Expense budget : Your planned spending such as personnel costs , marketing expenses, and taxes.
• Profit & Loss : Brings together your sales and expenses and helps you calculate planned profits.
• Cash Flow : Shows how cash moves into and out of your business. It can predict how much cash you’ll have on hand at any given point in the future.
• Balance Sheet : A list of the assets, liabilities, and equity in your company. In short, it provides an overview of the financial health of your business. 

A strong business plan will include a description of assumptions about the future, and potential risks that could impact the financial plan. Including those will be especially important if you’re writing a business plan to pursue a loan or other investment.

Dig Deeper: How to create financial forecasts and budgets

This is the place for additional data, charts, or other information that supports your plan.

Including an appendix can significantly enhance the credibility of your plan by showing readers that you’ve thoroughly considered the details of your business idea, and are backing your ideas up with solid data.

Just remember that the information in the appendix is meant to be supplementary. Your business plan should stand on its own, even if the reader skips this section.

Dig Deeper : What to include in your business plan appendix

Optional: Business plan cover page

Adding a business plan cover page can make your plan, and by extension your business, seem more professional in the eyes of potential investors, lenders, and partners. It serves as the introduction to your document and provides necessary contact information for stakeholders to reference.

Your cover page should be simple and include:

• Company logo
• Business name
• Value proposition (optional)
• Business plan title
• Completion and/or update date
• Address and contact information
• Confidentiality statement

Just remember, the cover page is optional. If you decide to include it, keep it very simple and only spend a short amount of time putting it together.

Dig Deeper: How to create a business plan cover page

How to use AI to help write your business plan

Generative AI tools such as ChatGPT can speed up the business plan writing process and help you think through concepts like market segmentation and competition. These tools are especially useful for taking ideas that you provide and converting them into polished text for your business plan.

The best way to use AI to write a business plan is to leverage it as a collaborator , not a replacement for human creative thinking and ingenuity. 

AI can come up with lots of ideas and act as a brainstorming partner. It’s up to you to filter through those ideas and figure out which ones are realistic enough to resonate with your customers. 

There are pros and cons of using AI to help with your business plan . So, spend some time understanding how it can be most helpful before just outsourcing the job to AI.

Learn more: 10 AI prompts you need to write a business plan

• Writing tips and strategies

To help streamline the business plan writing process, here are a few tips and key questions to answer to make sure you get the most out of your plan and avoid common mistakes .  

Determine why you are writing a business plan

Knowing why you are writing a business plan will determine your approach to your planning project. 

For example: If you are writing a business plan for yourself, or just to use inside your own business , you can probably skip the section about your team and organizational structure. 

If you’re raising money, you’ll want to spend more time explaining why you’re looking to raise the funds and exactly how you will use them.

Regardless of how you intend to use your business plan , think about why you are writing and what you’re trying to get out of the process before you begin.

Keep things concise

Probably the most important tip is to keep your business plan short and simple. There are no prizes for long business plans . The longer your plan is, the less likely people are to read it. 

So focus on trimming things down to the essentials your readers need to know. Skip the extended, wordy descriptions and instead focus on creating a plan that is easy to read —using bullets and short sentences whenever possible.

Have someone review your business plan

Writing a business plan in a vacuum is never a good idea. Sometimes it’s helpful to zoom out and check if your plan makes sense to someone else. You also want to make sure that it’s easy to read and understand.

Don’t wait until your plan is “done” to get a second look. Start sharing your plan early, and find out from readers what questions your plan leaves unanswered. This early review cycle will help you spot shortcomings in your plan and address them quickly, rather than finding out about them right before you present your plan to a lender or investor.

If you need a more detailed review, you may want to explore hiring a professional plan writer to thoroughly examine it.

Use a free business plan template and business plan examples to get started

Knowing what information to include in a business plan is sometimes not quite enough. If you’re struggling to get started or need additional guidance, it may be worth using a business plan template. 

There are plenty of great options available (we’ve rounded up our 8 favorites to streamline your search).

But, if you’re looking for a free downloadable business plan template , you can get one right now; download the template used by more than 1 million businesses. 

Or, if you just want to see what a completed business plan looks like, check out our library of over 550 free business plan examples . 

We even have a growing list of industry business planning guides with tips for what to focus on depending on your business type.

Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

It’s easy to make mistakes when you’re writing your business plan. Some entrepreneurs get sucked into the writing and research process, and don’t focus enough on actually getting their business started. 

Here are a few common mistakes and how to avoid them:

Not talking to your customers : This is one of the most common mistakes. It’s easy to assume that your product or service is something that people want. Before you invest too much in your business and too much in the planning process, make sure you talk to your prospective customers and have a good understanding of their needs.

• Overly optimistic sales and profit forecasts: By nature, entrepreneurs are optimistic about the future. But it’s good to temper that optimism a little when you’re planning, and make sure your forecasts are grounded in reality. 
• Spending too much time planning: Yes, planning is crucial. But you also need to get out and talk to customers, build prototypes of your product and figure out if there’s a market for your idea. Make sure to balance planning with building.
• Not revising the plan: Planning is useful, but nothing ever goes exactly as planned. As you learn more about what’s working and what’s not—revise your plan, your budgets, and your revenue forecast. Doing so will provide a more realistic picture of where your business is going, and what your financial needs will be moving forward.
• Not using the plan to manage your business: A good business plan is a management tool. Don’t just write it and put it on the shelf to collect dust – use it to track your progress and help you reach your goals.
• Presenting your business plan

The planning process forces you to think through every aspect of your business and answer questions that you may not have thought of. That’s the real benefit of writing a business plan – the knowledge you gain about your business that you may not have been able to discover otherwise.

With all of this knowledge, you’re well prepared to convert your business plan into a pitch presentation to present your ideas. 

A pitch presentation is a summary of your plan, just hitting the highlights and key points. It’s the best way to present your business plan to investors and team members.

Dig Deeper: Learn what key slides should be included in your pitch deck

Use your business plan to manage your business

One of the biggest benefits of planning is that it gives you a tool to manage your business better. With a revenue forecast, expense budget, and projected cash flow, you know your targets and where you are headed.

And yet, nothing ever goes exactly as planned – it’s the nature of business.

That’s where using your plan as a management tool comes in. The key to leveraging it for your business is to review it periodically and compare your forecasts and projections to your actual results.

Start by setting up a regular time to review the plan – a monthly review is a good starting point. During this review, answer questions like:

• Did you meet your sales goals?
• Is spending following your budget?
• Has anything gone differently than what you expected?

Now that you see whether you’re meeting your goals or are off track, you can make adjustments and set new targets. 

Maybe you’re exceeding your sales goals and should set new, more aggressive goals. In that case, maybe you should also explore more spending or hiring more employees. 

Or maybe expenses are rising faster than you projected. If that’s the case, you would need to look at where you can cut costs.

A plan, and a method for comparing your plan to your actual results , is the tool you need to steer your business toward success.

Learn More: How to run a regular plan review

How to write a business plan FAQ

What is a business plan?

A document that describes your business , the products and services you sell, and the customers that you sell to. It explains your business strategy, how you’re going to build and grow your business, what your marketing strategy is, and who your competitors are.

What are the benefits of writing a business plan?

A business plan helps you understand where you want to go with your business and what it will take to get there. It reduces your overall risk, helps you uncover your business’s potential, attracts investors, and identifies areas for growth.

Writing a business plan ultimately makes you more confident as a business owner and more likely to succeed for a longer period of time.

What are the 7 steps of writing a business plan?

The seven steps to writing a business plan include:

• Write a brief executive summary
• Describe your products and services.
• Conduct market research and compile data into a cohesive market analysis.
• Describe your marketing and sales strategy.
• Outline your organizational structure and management team.
• Develop financial projections for sales, revenue, and cash flow.
• Add any additional documents to your appendix.

What are the 5 most common business plan mistakes?

There are plenty of mistakes that can be made when writing a business plan. However, these are the 5 most common that you should do your best to avoid:

• 1. Not taking the planning process seriously.
• Having unrealistic financial projections or incomplete financial information.
• Inconsistent information or simple mistakes.
• Failing to establish a sound business model.
• Not having a defined purpose for your business plan.

What questions should be answered in a business plan?

Writing a business plan is all about asking yourself questions about your business and being able to answer them through the planning process. You’ll likely be asking dozens and dozens of questions for each section of your plan.

However, these are the key questions you should ask and answer with your business plan:

• How will your business make money?
• Is there a need for your product or service?
• Who are your customers?
• How are you different from the competition?
• How will you reach your customers?
• How will you measure success?

How long should a business plan be?

The length of your business plan fully depends on what you intend to do with it. From the SBA and traditional lender point of view, a business plan needs to be whatever length necessary to fully explain your business. This means that you prove the viability of your business, show that you understand the market, and have a detailed strategy in place.

If you intend to use your business plan for internal management purposes, you don’t necessarily need a full 25-50 page business plan. Instead, you can start with a one-page plan to get all of the necessary information in place.

What are the different types of business plans?

While all business plans cover similar categories, the style and function fully depend on how you intend to use your plan. Here are a few common business plan types worth considering.

Traditional business plan: The tried-and-true traditional business plan is a formal document meant to be used when applying for funding or pitching to investors. This type of business plan follows the outline above and can be anywhere from 10-50 pages depending on the amount of detail included, the complexity of your business, and what you include in your appendix.

Business model canvas: The business model canvas is a one-page template designed to demystify the business planning process. It removes the need for a traditional, copy-heavy business plan, in favor of a single-page outline that can help you and outside parties better explore your business idea.

One-page business plan: This format is a simplified version of the traditional plan that focuses on the core aspects of your business. You’ll typically stick with bullet points and single sentences. It’s most useful for those exploring ideas, needing to validate their business model, or who need an internal plan to help them run and manage their business.

Lean Plan: The Lean Plan is less of a specific document type and more of a methodology. It takes the simplicity and styling of the one-page business plan and turns it into a process for you to continuously plan, test, review, refine, and take action based on performance. It’s faster, keeps your plan concise, and ensures that your plan is always up-to-date.

What’s the difference between a business plan and a strategic plan?

A business plan covers the “who” and “what” of your business. It explains what your business is doing right now and how it functions. The strategic plan explores long-term goals and explains “how” the business will get there. It encourages you to look more intently toward the future and how you will achieve your vision.

However, when approached correctly, your business plan can actually function as a strategic plan as well. If kept lean, you can define your business, outline strategic steps, and track ongoing operations all with a single plan.

Noah is the COO at Palo Alto Software, makers of the online business plan app LivePlan. He started his career at Yahoo! and then helped start the user review site Epinions.com. From there he started a software distribution business in the UK before coming to Palo Alto Software to run the marketing and product teams.

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Writing the Organization and Management Section of Your Business Plan

What is the organization and management section in a business plan.

• What to Put in the Organization and Management Section

Organization

The management team, helpful tips to write this section, frequently asked questions (faqs).

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Every business plan needs an organization and management section. This document will help you convey your vision for how your business will be structured. Here's how to write a good one.

Key Takeaways

• This section of your business plan details your corporate structure.
• It should explain the hierarchy of management, including details about the owners, the board of directors, and any professional partners.
• The point of this section is to clarify who will be in charge of each aspect of your business, as well as how those individuals will help the business succeed.

The organization and management section of your business plan should summarize information about your business structure and team. It usually comes after the market analysis section in a business plan . It's especially important to include this section if you have a partnership or a multi-member limited liability company (LLC). However, if you're starting a home business or are  writing  a business plan for one that's already operating, and you're the only person involved, then you don't need to include this section.

What To Put in the Organization and Management Section

You can separate the two terms to better understand how to write this section of the business plan.

The "organization" in this section refers to how your business is structured and the people involved. "Management" refers to the responsibilities different managers have and what those individuals bring to the company.

In the opening of the section, you want to give a summary of your management team, including size, composition, and a bit about each member's experience.

For example, you might write something like "Our management team of five has more than 20 years of experience in the industry."

The organization section sets up the hierarchy of the people involved in your business. It's often set up in a chart form. If you have a partnership or multi-member LLC, this is where you indicate who is president or CEO, the CFO, director of marketing, and any other roles you have in your business. If you're a single-person home business, this becomes easy as you're the only one on the chart.

Technically, this part of the plan is about owner members, but if you plan to outsource work or hire a virtual assistant, you can include them here, as well. For example, you might have a freelance webmaster, marketing assistant, and copywriter. You might even have a virtual assistant whose job it is to work with your other freelancers. These people aren't owners but have significant duties in your business.

Some common types of business structures include sole proprietorships, partnerships, LLCs, and corporations.

Sole Proprietorship

This type of business isn't a separate entity. Instead, business assets and liabilities are entwined with your personal finances. You're the sole person in charge, and you won't be allowed to sell stock or bring in new owners. If you don't register as any other kind of business, you'll automatically be considered a sole proprietorship.

Partnership

Partnerships can be either limited (LP) or limited liability (LLP). LPs have one general partner who takes on the bulk of the liability for the company, while all other partner owners have limited liability (and limited control over the business). LLPs are like an LP without a general partner; all partners have limited liability from debts as well as the actions of other partners.

Limited Liability Company

A limited liability company (LLC) combines elements of partnership and corporate structures. Your personal liability is limited, and profits are passed through to your personal returns.

Corporation

There are many variations of corporate structure that an organization might choose. These include C corps, which allow companies to issue stock shares, pay corporate taxes (rather than passing profits through to personal returns), and offer the highest level of personal protection from business activities. There are also nonprofit corporations, which are similar to C corps, but they don't seek profits and don't pay state or federal income taxes.

This section highlights what you and the others involved in the running of your business bring to the table. This not only includes owners and managers but also your board of directors (if you have one) and support professionals. Start by indicating your business structure, and then list the team members.

Owner/Manager/Members

Provide the following information on each owner/manager/member:

• Percentage of ownership (LLC, corporation, etc.)
• Extent of involvement (active or silent partner)
• Type of ownership (stock options, general partner, etc.)
• Position in the business (CEO, CFO, etc.)
• Duties and responsibilities
• Educational background
• Experience or skills that are relevant to the business and the duties
• Past employment
• Skills will benefit the business
• Awards and recognition
• Compensation (how paid)
• How each person's skills and experience will complement you and each other

Board of Directors

A board of directors is another part of your management team. If you don't have a board of directors, you don't need this information. This section provides much of the same information as in the ownership and management team sub-section. 

• Position (if there are positions)
• Involvement with the company

Even a one-person business could benefit from a small group of other business owners providing feedback, support, and accountability as an advisory board. 

Support Professionals

Especially if you're seeking funding, let potential investors know you're on the ball with a lawyer, accountant, and other professionals that are involved in your business. This is the place to list any freelancers or contractors you're using. Like the other sections, you'll want to include:

• Background information such as education or certificates
• Services provided to your business
• Relationship information (retainer, as-needed, regular, etc.)
• Skills and experience making them ideal for the work you need
• Anything else that makes them stand out as quality professionals (awards, etc.)

Writing a business plan seems like an overwhelming activity, especially if you're starting a small, one-person business. But writing a business plan can be fairly simple.

Like other parts of the business plan, this is a section you'll want to update if you have team member changes, or if you and your team members receive any additional training, awards, or other resume changes that benefit the business.

Because it highlights the skills and experience you and your team offer, it can be a great resource to refer to when seeking publicity and marketing opportunities. You can refer to it when creating your media kit or pitching for publicity.

Why are organization and management important to a business plan?

The point of this section is to clarify who's in charge of what. This document can clarify these roles for yourself, as well as investors and employees.

What should you cover in the organization and management section of a business plan?

The organization and management section should explain the chain of command , roles, and responsibilities. It should also explain a bit about what makes each person particularly well-suited to take charge of their area of the business.

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9 chatgpt prompts to write a business plan.

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Virgin Group founder Richard Branson once said , “If your pitch can’t fit on a beer mat, a napkin, or back of envelope, I’d rather listen to someone else’s pitch that can fit.” His thinking was that good ideas can be expressed very succinctly.

There’s a certain romance in those company-origin stories where inspiration strikes in the middle of a crowded bar and the founder jots down their idea on a napkin. In reality, starting a business requires more planning than just a brilliant idea. Whether trying to secure funding or simply creating a roadmap for your team, a well-thought-out business plan must be fastidiously organized and strategic—more than what could ever fit on a napkin. Entrepreneurs who write formal plans are actually 16% more likely to achieve viability than non-planners.

Fortunately for today’s aspiring entrepreneurs, the barriers to starting and planning a business have never been lower. Thanks to AI tools like ChatGPT, founders have efficient, relatively low-cost resources at their fingertips. Had ChatGPT been around nearly two decades ago, when I bootstrapped my online form business, I may have quit my day job sooner. Here are 9 ChatGPT prompts that today’s entrepreneurs can use to write a business plan.

1. Prepare An Executive Summary

Consider your executive summary your elevator pitch—where you concisely summarize your business plan, outline the concept, and spell out key financial data. It’s your reader’s introduction to your business, so you want to make a great first impression. Like the blurb on the back of a book, the purpose of your executive summary is to convince the reader to keep reading.

It’s arguably more efficient to write an executive summary after preparing the other sections of your business plan. That way, they can serve as a guide. With that in mind, here’s a prompt you can use once you’re ready to craft your executive summary.

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“I am developing a business plan for [my company/the company I plan to launch]. Below, I will provide key details about the business, including its mission, [products/services], target market, competitive advantages, growth objectives, and financial plan. Using this information, can you draft a compelling executive summary? If any information is missing or could be expanded, please highlight those areas and suggest what additional details I can provide to make the executive summary more impactful and comprehensive.”

2. Describe Your Company And Its Operations

It’s time to provide an overview of your company. What is the legal structure? What is your product or service? What unique value will your product or service offer your customers? Where is the company located? Is it brick-and-mortar, online, or both? Who are the key stakeholders?

In this section, you want to paint a more detailed picture of how your business will operate on a daily basis. Give this prompt a try:

“I am working on the company overview section of my business plan and need help crafting a detailed description. Here is some information on the company:

Legal structure: [LLC, corporation, etc.]

Product/service: [brief description]

Unique value proposition for customers: [brief description]

Company’s location: [brick-and-mortar address, online, or both]

Key stakeholders: [list key personnel]

How the business will operate: [brief description]

Can you help me draft a company overview using this information? If any important details are missing, please create a bulleted list and suggest how I can make the description more comprehensive.”

3. Draft A Mission Statement

Your mission statement should express why your company exists and its core values. Here, you can also explain what your company aims to achieve in the future.

You can simply draft your mission statement and ask ChatGPT to review it and offer any suggestions. Another option is to tell ChatGPT to rewrite your mission statement in a certain style, even channeling another company’s voice. For example, here’s a version of Jotform’s mission statement:

“Jotform is a powerful online form builder that makes it easy to create robust forms and collect important data. Jotform is a gateway to gathering better information to propel your business.”

Here’s a prompt to rewrite this mission statement:

“I am writing the mission statement of my business plan. Can you rewrite the below mission statement in the style of [Apple/Tesla/Canva/etc.]?”

To demonstrate, here’s how ChatGPT rewrote our mission statement in the style of Apple:

“Jotform empowers businesses to effortlessly create seamless forms and collect valuable data. It’s the intuitive tool that transforms how you gather information, driving smarter decisions and success.”

“Jotform is revolutionizing the way businesses collect and harness data. With powerful, intuitive tools, we empower you to create dynamic forms that unlock smarter insights, driving progress and pushing the boundaries of what your business can achieve.”

“Jotform makes it easy for anyone to create powerful, customizable forms and gather meaningful data, all in one place. We’re simplifying the way businesses collect information, helping you work smarter and unlock new possibilities.”

4. Identify Your Market And Audience

The market analysis part of your business plan begins with defining the target market and audience. Here, you want to describe your business’s current and/or future target audience: the group of people or businesses you plan to sell to and the number of people or businesses who fit that description. This section should show that you understand your target market and how you’re meeting their needs. While ChatGPT can lend a hand in editing, it can also help conduct your research at this juncture. With that in mind, here’s a prompt you can use.

“I am working on my business plan and need help identifying and describing my target market. Here are the key details about my business:

Product or service description:

Unique value or benefit it provides to customers:

Existing research or insights about the market or customer demographics:

Geographic location or regions I plan to serve:

Current competitors:

Pricing strategy and product positioning:

Using this information, can you help me describe the ideal customer profile and target market segments for my business? Please also suggest any additional information that would help make the target market analysis more precise.”

5. Describe The Competitive Landscape

Military strategist Sun Tzu said, “Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.” As a business owner, knowing the competition will enable you to understand their strengths and weaknesses, and figure out how to define yourself.

This section of your business plan should inform readers about the competitive landscape and highlight opportunities in the market. It includes a list of competitors—direct, indirect, and aspirational—and summarizes who they are, what they offer, and who they serve.

To enlist ChatGPT’s help with this section, try the following prompt:

“I'm working on the competitive analysis section of my business plan and need help identifying and analyzing competitors. My business offers [briefly describe your business]. My customers are [brief description, including geographic location, if relevant]. I’d like you to help me identify the following:

Direct competitors (businesses offering similar products/services) and provide a brief summary of their strengths and weaknesses.

Indirect competitors (businesses offering alternatives to my product/service) and outline their strengths and weaknesses.

Aspirational competitors (companies I’m not competing with now but aspire to be like) and explain what makes them successful.

Finally, can you help identify any market opportunities based on this competitive analysis?”

6. Differentiate Your Business

In this section, you carve out your unique selling proposition and explain how you will stand out from competitors. As I tell mentee entrepreneurs, a crowded market doesn’t mean you should shy away from trying—as long as you’re exploiting a gap in that market. Here, you should highlight the products and services, or customer experience aspects that will make your business stand out. Although this section may be brief, it really guides every aspect of your business strategy. Here’s a prompt you can use to continue the above discussion with ChatGPT:

“I’d like to work on the section of my business plan where I differentiate my business. My business offers [briefly describe your business], and I believe we stand out because [list the key factors that define your business, such as unique products, superior customer service, innovative technology, etc.] Can you help me refine this by comparing these differentiating factors against the strengths and weaknesses of the competitors we identified above? I’d also like to know how I can better highlight my unique value proposition in the marketplace, given what my competitors are offering.”

7 & 8. Outline A Roadmap And Define Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

This section provides a more detailed roadmap of how your business will execute its mission and meet its larger objectives. How will you get from point A to point B on your map? You want to identify your goals and key performance indicators (KPIs) that you will use to measure whether the business is succeeding at each step in the journey.

You can set both short- and long-term objectives, spelling out where you want to be in 1, 5, 10 years, etc. Goals should be SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound). Try this prompt:

“I'm working on setting SMART goals for my business plan. My business offers [brief description]. Could you help me formulate SMART goals for both short-term (6-12 months) and long-term (3-5 years) objectives? Make sure each goal is Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Can you also provide suggestions based on the following areas I want to focus on: [revenue growth, customer acquisition, product development, market expansion, etc.]? Also, can you create a list of any missing information that would help refine my SMART goals?”

To develop the goals and KPIs section of your business plan, you can use this prompt:

“I'm working on setting Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for my business plan. My business offers [brief description], and I'm focused on tracking progress in areas like [list areas, like revenue growth, etc]. Can you help me identify:

Relevant KPIs for [areas listed above]?

Suggested benchmarks or targets for each KPI based on short-term (6-12 months) and long-term (3-5 years) goals?

Also, briefly describe how I can use these KPIs to measure success and make data-driven decisions?”

9. Develop A Financial Plan

The basic elements of your business’s financial plan are the income statement, cash flow projection, and balance sheet. This might be the least exciting part of your business plan, but it’s also one the most important. It proves that you’re not just presenting a back-of-the-napkin spark of an idea, but rather, a viable business.

ChatGPT can provide a template so that you can present this financial information in the most clear, organized manner possible. Here’s a simple prompt to try:

“Can you provide a template that I can use to create a clear, organized financial plan for my business plan?”

This alone will generate a thorough template, but feel free to add any information to tailor the template to your business. As always, the more context you can give ChatGPT, the more refined and relevant the answer.

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Intel’s big turnaround plan includes spinning off its chipmaking business

Intel ceo pat gelsinger plans to ‘establish intel foundry as an independent subsidiary.’.

By Emma Roth , a news writer who covers the streaming wars, consumer tech, crypto, social media, and much more. Previously, she was a writer and editor at MUO.

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Intel is spinning off its chipmaking business as part of its plans to reverse billions in losses and a tumbling stock price. In an announcement on Monday , Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger said the Intel Foundry will become an independent subsidiary with “clearer separation and independence” from Intel.

With the change, the Intel Foundry will have its own operating board and report its financial earnings separately from Intel. Intel will also stop work on the factories it’s building in Poland and Germany for two years “based on anticipated market demand.” The company is still moving forward with its plants in Arizona, Oregon, New Mexico, and Ohio, however.

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Additionally, Intel plans on selling part of its stake in Altera, the programmable chip company it acquired in 2015. It will also cut around two-thirds of its global real estate footprint. As part of this announcement, Intel revealed that the Biden administration awarded the company up to $3 billion in funding to make chips for the US military.

These changes will likely be crucial in getting Intel back on track as a leading chipmaker. On top of widespread issues affecting 13th and 14th Gen CPUs, the company reported $1.6 billion in the first quarter of 2024, with its chipmaking business alone racking up $7 billion in operating losses in 2023. In August, Intel announced layoffs affecting 15,000 workers , and now it says it is “more than halfway” to this goal.

“As I’ve said before, this is the most significant transformation of Intel in over four decades. Not since the memory to microprocessor transition have we attempted something so essential,” Gelsinger says. “We succeeded then — and we will meet this moment and build a stronger Intel for decades to come.”

Even though Intel is betting that its new 18A chipmaking process will help stem some of its losses, a recent report from Reuters suggests that early tests have failed when creating Broadcom’s silicon wafers. Starting next year, Intel is planning to produce chips with the 18A process for partners like Microsoft — and now Amazon .

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