Method Clean Biz

Sample Janitorial and Commercial Cleaning Business Plan

Example commercial cleaning & janitorial service business plan.

This is a comprehensive tutorial on putting together a sample janitorial & commercial cleaning service business plan. This template can be used by cleaning services, janitorial service, commercial cleaning specialty and carpet cleaning businesses.

The goal was to write out a custom business plan using practical information and cover the main topics.

Some of the topics were too big and we had to use an introduction and then provide a link to the full resource. Every section has a link to view details of specific sections.

The plan divided into 6 sections:

  • Business Description

Table of Contents

Commercial Cleaning- Janitorial, Carpet Cleaning, VCT, Tile, Office Cleaning

In the executive summary we list all the main sections and then give a brief description of the topic.

  • Business Description – Next Door commercial cleaning service located in Toledo Ohio and was incorporated as an S Corp July 2020. We are currently in the start up stage with August 1st 2020 as our first day of business. We currently have 3 employees, one marketing person and 2 cleaning technicians. ND currently leases 5 000 sqr feet of office and warehouse space out of Toledo. Our current target market is employers with 50- 100 plus employees, primarily professional offices with cleanable office space of 10,000 sqr feet minimum.
  • Services – Next Door will provide daily cleaning services to local businesses including an emphasis on specialty cleaning services such as : Carpet cleaning, hard tile cleaning, VCT waxing, furniture and general disinfecting. Most businesses don’t have the time to recruit, hire and especially training cleaning staff. It can take 3-6 months to train a good cleaner, this is time, money most businesses would rather devote to their specialty and their clients and not on maintaining a clean building.
  • Marketing – The company is going to use Account Based Marketing, what this means is weighting our budget to best payoffs. The strategy is to shift our resources to the biggest payoff and not market to every business equally. Some businesses will spend $1200 year, while others might spend $50k. We want our marketing plan to reflect that . This can really hit home – if we apply 80% of our effort to just 20% of our leads (our Key Accounts) we will receive 80% of the  rewards.
  • Management – As we grow especially in commercial services where its common for businesses to have 10, 20 and even hundreds of employees. We want to avoid this first slide of every employee, every customer, invoice, equipment question coming to you directly. This is guaranteed to fail eventually and create lots of stress in the process.
  • Operations – Commercial cleaning employee manual or handbook, this can be used for janitorial, carpet cleaning and commercial cleaning services. The purpose of this sample is to share some topics and general information to include in an employee manual.
  • Financial – The financial part is the final part of the business plan and here we will use charts, graphs and spreadsheets mainly to map out a long term successful future.

1.Business Plan- Summary

Next Door commercial cleaning service located in Toledo Ohio and was incorporated as an S Corp July 2020. We are currently in the start up stage with August 1 st 2020 as our first day of business. We currently have 3 employees, one marketing person and 2 cleaning technicians. ND currently leases 5 000 sqr feet of office and warehouse space out of Toledo.

Our current target market is employers with 50- 100 plus employees, primarily professional offices with cleanable office space of 10,000 sqr feet minimum.

Client sustainability is going to be the main variable to consider when deciding which business to market to. We want to be thinking of industries that will be in business for the next 20 years.

Medical, clinics, doctor, technology, professional services like architect, law, financial. We see these as basic services that will survive the ups and downs of the macro economy. The main threat long term is the use of remote workers but we feel this is still a long ways out in large numbers.

Next Door plans to be diverse offering daily building cleaning services and also high margin specialty services. We believe this mix will balance our revenue/profits out over long term macro changes.

1.1 Industry Overview

Currently the retail sector of the industry is a mess and very difficult to make work. As more people continue to buy online retail stores continue to close stores and significantly cut back on cleaning budgets.

Right this second hospitality is also in shambles with pandemic and government ordered shutdowns or limitations on capacity. This includes restaurants, hotels, leisure, etc. We believe there will be permanent damage to this sector and will stay away for the first couple years. Even when they do get back on their feet they will be keeping budgets tight.

Industrial businesses are hit and miss, really depends on the specific product they make. This will be a sector ND will keep in the marketing mix

Medical, including hospitals clinics and doctor services are always needed and with an aging population only will be needed more. The only risk long term is more doctors using online tools to speak with patients but they will always need to see patients face to face somewhat.

Professional services including technology, lawyers, engineers, management, etc is one of the safest in our opinion long term. These are services that can’t be replaced easily by future robots. These services require thinking and not just repeating tasks. The risk is remote staffing but we feel in large numbers there will always be enough office space needed.

Commercial Property Management is currently experiencing a lot of financial problems with 20-30% of tenants not paying leases. We will be avoiding this sector over the short term.

1.2 Company Description

Next Door is an S Corporation formed in the state of Georgia with 2 shareholders Jason & Lisa Jones. The state or city does not require any special permits or licenses. The company will provide building cleaning services to other businesses.

The office/shop is located in between 2 main thruways giving access to all areas throughout the metro area within 30 minutes. This was a major reason for choosing this location, it is centrally located. Also with commercial cleaning businesses we needed warehouse space to hold various equipment and store misc cleaning products.

 Office is currently leased for 5 years.

Most cleaning staff will report directly to the buildings they service and not come to the office often. The office will be staffed with marketing, management and human resources. Supervisors will share workspace in the office but mainly work in the field at client buildings.

Because of this we only needed 3000 sqr feet of office space and 2000 sqr ft of warehouse.

Mission Statement Our goal is to provide a clean and healthy environment for our customers through state of the art cleaning technology and a commitment to customer service Method Clean Biz
Safety is a priority for our customers and employees, while in your facility we follow a detailed health & safety program, This insures quality service, happy employees and competitive prices.

One of the things Next Door wants to be about is safety, this is as a value proposition for marketing but also be aggressive in training, supervising employees through monthly safety meetings. We feel this is a topic that will be important in the forseeable future.

Also the large employers we target are generally the ones that care about safety. Under 50 employees you will start to see the topic be less and less important.

12 month cleaning business safety policy

1.3 History and Current Status

The company is a start a up and we don’t have any history to share. Jason and partner Lisa Jones started the company August 1 st 2020. Jason has worked in the commercial cleaning industry for 20 years as a former franchise owner, operations manager and salesperson for 2 different businesses in the industry.

Lisa is a former office manager and salesperson for a landscaping service for 7 years with an MBA from Georgia University.

Jason feels after 20 years in the industry with practical real life experience in various management roles that the industry is changing and one variable is to focus more on high margin project work to combine with lower margin cleaning contracts.

Lisa has an MBA and can add the business structure needed to grow and sustain long term growth.

Both have experience in sales specifically in the service industry and know how to market, sell contracts.

1.4 Goals and Objectives

The goal is to build the business to about $1.5 million in sales with an owner benefit of about 20% which equals about $300k in benefits, wages and profit for the shareholders. The timeline is 5 years with a slower rate in the first 2 years while they are building the core infrastructure and then dramatically scale that up in years 3-5 after the core is solid.

One of the experiences Jason has had is small businesses growing too fast too early and then crashing because they don’t have enough management in place. Often owners try to do everything themselves and burn out.

1.5 Critical Success Factors

The key to success in the cleaning industry is human resources, people. Recruiting, hiring, training and supervising staff and also developing management, supervision talent in house. We feel the best way to grow and sustain it long term is by developing our cleaners into supervisors.

Each lead person is creating the next lead person. Trying to hire supervisor’s from other cleaning businesses comes with a lot of challenges, some have bad habits to begin with that are difficult to change. Also run the risk they quit after a short time and have information about the internal workings of the business and client lists, training material etc.

Training and supervision will be key success factors. The challenge In the cleaning business is employees are working at the customers location, mainly unsupervised on an hour by hour basis. This is why hiring the right people in the first place is so critical and then getting them in a routine through training.

We will create a culture of everyone sticking together and supporting each other. With 90% of the workforce working remotely it becomes important we communicate with each other on a regular basis and trust each other.

There will be a big emphasis on communicating nightly through email, text, phone so employees are tuned in.

1.6 Company Ownership and Exit

The company has 2 shareholders with Lisa owning 40% of the shares and Jason 60%. Each has the option to buy the other out at an agreed upon price after 5 years. Shares cannot be sold to a third party unless agreed to by both.

Jason will hold the title of CEO and have direct authority over Operations dept. Lisa will have the title of President with administrative and Sales/Marketing directly reporting to her.

The long term plan is operate the business for approximately 15 years and sell to the general public splitting the sale price 60/40.

janitorial business planning

2. Services

Next Door will provide daily cleaning services to local businesses including an emphasis on specialty cleaning services such as : Carpet cleaning, hard tile cleaning, VCT waxing, furniture and general disinfecting.

Most businesses don’t have the time to recruit, hire and especially training cleaning staff. It can take 3-6 months to train a good cleaner, this is time, money most businesses would rather devote to their specialty and their clients and not on maintaining a clean building.

The 2 nd part is specialty work. Most businesses do not want to invest $10ks of dollars of capital into cleaning equipment that is used 1x month or maybe even only a couple times a year. Also the training of employees required, again for a task that might only need to be done a couple times a year.

Businesses would rather spend that capital on areas where there is a much bigger payoff.

2.1 Service Description

  • Daily janitorial and office cleaning
  • Carpet steam cleaning truckmount
  • Carpet cleaning low moisture
  • Hard surface steam cleaning including ceramic, porcelain and quarry tile
  • VCT floor waxing, polishing
  • Office furniture steam cleaning
  • Disinfecting services

Daily Janitorial and office cleaning

The company feels the key to success in daily cleaning is one initial training and two communication. Often cleaning businesses are small and lack management talent, understaffed and overall desperate for bodies on any given day.

We feel the competitive advantage is in training cleaners not only the technical skills but also the importance of service skills. Often clients will like a cleaner and think they are the greatest in the world even if their technical skills are average.

NEXT DOOR wants to make this a key part of training cleaning staff. Some of the training elements will be uniform, appearance, communication with the client, body language, how to address complaints, safety equipment like wet floor signs, tone to use when speaking with clients, etc.

Training will take approximately 3-6 months with technical training only taking 30% of the time. The company feels not only will we have happier clients but cut down on employee turnover by reducing the stress. We feel by training employee’s customer service skills they will also feel like we care about them and want to see them succeed in life in general.

More than anything clients want to know you care and we want to focus on training staff to be proactive in relaying that message. Most clients understand people are human and will make technical mistakes. BUT it is unacceptable to not care about a client building or the staff that works in that building when they are paying you.

2 nd Key element is communication. Most cleaning employees work remotely and does not interact with management on a daily basis. This more than anything can lead to cleaners feeling like nobody is watching and worse nobody cares.

The company is going to be very aggressive in creating a communication system so we interact with every cleaner, every day in some way. Either by a supervisor stopping by, calling, texting or maybe even email in some situations. Our thinking currently is daily text alerts mixed with phone calls.

commercial cleaning employee manual

Carpet Steam Cleaning- Truckmount

The company will invest almost $40k in a van based carpet cleaning system. This system will allow us to steam clean carpets at a very high level of quality and production. With advanced systems we can have a 10 on quality and a 10 in production. This system can also clean up to 300 feet away from the van, targeting large employers we will need to work at great distances on a regular basis.

Carpet Cleaning- Low Moisture

An emerging and often overlooked service is using low moisture technology to clean carpets. With this service the company can sell high margin services at an affordable price. Often in larger buildings access can be a problem or they need the area turned over quickly, low moisture provides a quick 30 minute dry time.

Hard Tile Steam Cleaning

Using the van based carpet cleaning system we can quickly change tools and offer steam cleaning of various tools. This is another high margin service to offer and it makes the daily office cleaning a lot easier and quicker.

Often these areas are the toughest areas to clean: restrooms, lobbies, cafeterias and also the areas that receive the most complaints.

The long term goal is create a route just cleaning hard tile surfaces, the benefit is it’s a high margin service and also can help get our foot in the door to sell big monthly cleaning contracts.

VCT Floor waxing, Polishing

VCT flooring is usually located in high traffic areas like hallways, cafeterias and restrooms. We have found the overall appearance of a building can be greatly impacted by having shiny, clean looking floors. This can be accomplished by stripping old finish off and applying new or high speed polishing.

How clients “feel” about a cleaning service overall can come from how well a cafeteria floor looks. This is medium profit margin service in most cases because how labor intensive it can be. But can help greatly in the overall satisfaction of clients.

Office Furniture Cleaning

Office furniture is another high margin but niche service. The company will use the van based truckmount system in most cases to keep production high. This can include partitions, chairs and small sofas

2.2 Competitive Advantage

In section 2.1 we covered what we believe our competitive advantage is for janitorial and daily office cleaning.

Specialty cleaning services: carpet cleaning, upholstery, office furniture, VCT, hard surface cleaning has some of the same focus but there are two key points to make.

Two things we have found true with specialty services is most janitorial businesses are not very good at them. The main reasons are lack of training in staff and equipment. We believe in buying the highest production equipment available and spending considerable resources in training of technicians.

These two variables can give NEXT DOOR a significant advantage over competitors and get our foot in the door for janitorial services at client buildings of competitors.

#1 Using van based truckmounted system and also current low moisture carpet cleaning systems.

#2 Using dedicated technicians that have been through specialized training at certified organizations like the IICRC.

Often janitorial services will send general cleaners out to complete these tasks with limited training and modest equipment.

janitorial marketing plan

3. Marketing Plan

Marketing is a huge subject in itself, we already have a large section with a specific marketing plan. In this section we will give a brief overview and then the link to the full marketing plan.

3.1 Marketing Research

Toldeo Ohio metro area is the designated service area. Toledo has a total of 18,000 businesses but we need to narrow that number down to a manageable number.

Key Accounts – businesses with 100+ employees = 328

Businesses with 50 + = 659

Key Account total = 987 businesses

These represent where we will dedicate 75% of our budget and resources

Growth Accounts- businesses with 10 -50 employees = 4300

These are growing businesses that we will dedicate roughly 15% of our budget too. Remember some of them will grow to 50 employees over the long term.

Advertising – misc. advertsing will receive the smallest piece of the pie of 10%. This will include google, adwords, social media etc. The reason is we can’t control always who calls from a big advertising campaign, some will be big and most small but its still an opportunity for PR/Marketing and fill in gaps. 

3.2 Competitors- High Barriers To Entry

Part of our marketing strategy is coming up with areas that are difficult for our competitors to easily repeat. If there is one thing we know about human behavior its if something is easy everyone will do it. So we want to look for tactics that are very difficult for our competitors to do.

Difficult to do: targeting businesses with 50 plus employees is a key part of this strategy. Most commercial cleaning services will find it very hard to do consistently over long periods of time. One of the biggest reasons is patience, larger jobs take a lot more patience and lets face it most cleaners are not very patient and our current society is built for on demand.

EASY To Do:

  • Lead generation service
  • Google search adwords
  • Facebook marketing

HARD To Do:

  • Telemarketing
  • Door to Door sales
  • Highly Targeted Google display ads
  • Direct Mail

3.3 Sales Plan

6 Simple Steps To Creating a Commercial Cleaning Sales Plan

How to create a commercial cleaning sales plan, this can apply to commercial cleaning, carpet cleaning and janitorial services. We are going to cover 6 steps to creating a dedicated sales plan we can follow every day, month and year. A sales plan is meant to be a living document that as we learn will be updated and improved over time.

Step 1 What is our objective or financial goal?

Step 2 What Resources are available, what is your commitment level?

Step 3 Targeting, who are the types of businesses you will focus on?

Step 4 Services, what services will you focus on?

Step 5 Activity Log- What physical actions will you take on a daily/weekly/monthly rotation

Step 6 Training- What Training do you need to accomplish your goals?

3.4 Pricing Strategy

Pricing Strategy- After deciding on a goal we then can create a pricing strategy.

Cost Plus – we figure our costs for a job and then add our gross margin. Our gross margin goals will be as follows

  • Specialty cleaning  jobs including carpet, tile, furniture and VCT- gross profit- 70%
  • Small cleaning jobs less than $10k per year- 60% profit
  • Medium jobs- $10k – $30k per year – 50% profit
  • Large Jobs- $30k plus- 40% profit

The reason is smaller jobs require much more office support in fill in staff, supervision, training, supplies, etc.

Larger jobs are self contained with a team leader working on site at a client building to provide all those tasks.Supervisor will inspect 1x week.

Square foot – sqr ft or unit pricing is best when you have experience with a specific service and type of client. Sqr ft pricing will be used using the above gross profit goals.

Time and Materials – or another way to use this is hours X hourly rate. This is often used when you are unfamiliar with a service or type of client building. This strategy will be used when we are unfamiliar with a job, misc tasks, obscure requests and 1x jobs.

marketing commercial cleaning business

3.5 Sales Strategy

Strategy section: objective is increase cashflow, measure by percentage increase, goal is 30%. How do I increase our cash flow? How does this change our sales strategy?

 In commercial cleaning, carpet cleaning or janitorial cashflow is extremely important, maybe the most important challenge we face. What happens whenever taking on a new project is we have costs of labor, chemicals, equipment, gas but might not see a payment for 30, 60 or even 90 days. First is the data or analytical part, we currently are at 22% and in previous months hovered around 24% but now need to greatly increase that.

How to: look at the current client list, is there a pattern with accounts that fall below our goals? Reduce invoice terms, is there a pattern of industries, sizes or areas that are paying in terms greater than 30 days net? Change our terms to 15 days net for all one time jobs, these are usually specialty cleaning services carpet cleaning, windows, small construction projects.

Over time I think most of us find certain industries have industry logic built in that it is commonplace to pay in certain invoice cycles. This is fine but something we have to think about as we grow.

For example you are currently cleaning a lot of property managers and they are all paying 60 days plus, that might be a situation where its time to stop marketing to that group and find a new target

3.6 Sales Forecasting

This is a quick video on using forecasting to determine when it is time to hire a new technician. Often us contractors wait until the last minute to hire new staff and that usually doesnt work out too well. Regardless if hiring a part, full time or casual employee its always best to plant the seed and start the process months before we actually need someone.

The easiest way is to create a table in word or spreadsheet in excel or just take a piece of paper and a pencil. This is an example of a sales forecasting table separate by 3 columns. Customer, estimate amount and probability or forecast.

In the first column list name of the customer or bid, examples medical building, restaurant and property management account. Second column list the gross amount of the bid, in this example we put $1000 dollars for medical, $12000 restaurant and $3000 for property management company. The total comes to $16,000.

To forecast list low,medium and high of 25 percent%, 50 percent % and 75 percent %. Now this is subjective, sometimes we win low % bids and lose bids we think we have nailed down, it happens.

At this point its time to start placing ads, time to collect and read resumes, interview the best applicants. You want to have all this pre-planned and set up 2 weeks, 2months and 4 months in advanced so when the work does come in you have a list of contacts to put in place.

4. Management

4.1 company organization.

As we grow especially in commercial services where its common for businesses to have 10, 20 and even hundreds of employees. We want to avoid this first slide of every employee, every customer, invoice, equipment question coming to you directly. This is guaranteed to fail eventually and create lots of stress in the process.

This second example is more of a traditional organizational chart for a commercial cleaning service, janitorial service. In this slide we show 3 departments: operations, sales and administration. You can see a big difference right away in this structure, instead of every employee reporting directly to you, now they report to the managers and the manager’s report to you.

The Operations Manager will have all the supervisors, team leaders, technicians, specialty cleaners and cleaning staff reporting directly to them.

Sales Person might have 1-2 assistants working for them setting appointments, sending out direct mail, emails etc. Often these can be part-time staff that either work inside sales setting appointments over the phone or outside sales/networker going door to door and attending events.

Office Manager or Administration might have the bookkeeper and 1-2 office assistants helping with employee interviews, HR, fact checking resumes etc. Note, some owners prefer to have the bookkeeper/financial staff next to them and report directly to owner and not under admin.

4.2 Professional Support

The company needs to make a list of various vendors, suppliers and professional services. Below is a starting list of vendors will need to hire.

  • Accountant/ Tax
  • Financial advisor
  • Equipment supplier
  • Day to day cleaning solutions supplier Main
  • Back up supplier
  • Payroll service
  • Credit card
  • Credit card processing
  • Website hosting
  • Digital marketing
  • Design marketing
  • CRM provider
  • Technical consultants – IICRC or ISSA
  • Business specialty consultants
  • Phone service
  • Van mechanic- tires, inspection, etc.

commercial cleaning management structure

4.3 Management Structure

In this section we will show some examples of organizational charts to structure a commercial cleaning, janitorial or commercial carpet cleaning service.

cleaning service management structure

5. Operations

5.1 employee handbook.

Commercial cleaning employee manual or handbook, this can be used for janitorial, carpet cleaning and commercial cleaning services. The purpose of this sample is to share some topics and general information to include in an employee manual.

** Note this is not a legal document and any employee manual should be customized and verified with a local consultant or lawyer based on your specific state laws.

Welcome to Commercial Cleaning Service!

On behalf of our big family of fellow associates, owner, vendors, customers and management we want to welcome you to our team.

At Commercial Cleaning Service, we believe that every associate contributes to our growth and are also rewarded equally. We want every team member to take pride in driving our van, wearing our uniform and serving our customers to the best of your ability.

This employee handbook is a simple way to describe the expectations of our team members and outline the policy and procedures we follow to provide the absolute best service experience possible.

All associates are expected to become familiar with the contents of this handbook in the first 30 days of employment and share all questions they may have with management.

Topics to be covered:

  • Timekeeping
  • Direct deposit
  • Termination
  • Phone usage
  • Equipment usage

5.2 Recruiting, Hiring and Interview Process

How to hire employees for your commercial cleaning service. The goal is to create a flow chart to map out the hiring process, I find it very helpful to be able to see processes and map out the different steps involved. I feel it helps a lot in understanding and the actual follow through.

The 10 Essential Steps To Hiring Amazing Employees For Your Commercial Cleaning Service

  • Job opening

Job Description

  • Create Database

Find Recruits

Phone Interview

Onsite Interview

The first step is determining we have a job opening or several job openings and writing a job description. A job description has the basic tasks involved, hours/days, full time or part time, any certification or education requirements.

Identify the type of person we would like to hire. Some positions require a detail minded person while others need a lot of physical labor. It is our job to find good matches of the recruits with the position.

Before running ads we want to create a database to hold all of this information and make it easily searchable in the future. Often we will have several qualified candidates but only one opening currently and want to find the other candidates later on.

Run Advertisements

Decide where we will run advertisements on, for how long and what is our total budget. The best place to start is referrals of course by sharing on social media and through email blasts of our current database and reaching out to former candidates. Some options for advertising are indeed, monster, local newspaper.

Go over the resumes and score the best qualified candidates for contact.

I personally like the phone interview first to reach out and get a feel for the candidate, ask a couple basic questions and make sure they understand the job description.

This will depend on the position of course, next an onsite face to face interview. Also can meet in a coffee shop, some people prefer a relaxed setting so candidates are more comfortable.

Go over all the information and make a final decision.

This is where we have the new employee fill out required paperwork, insurance, sign off on employee manual’s and layout the next steps.

commercial cleaning sales training

5.3 Safety Meetings

The goal of this template is to create a 12 step safety manual with meetings on a monthly basis covering different topics. Cleaning businesses encounter several situations at clients building’s, company shop, office and driving to commercial carpet & tile cleaning jobs.

12 Month Health & Safety

Month 1 Introduction

The purpose of this health and safety program is to establish company standards for working in client buildings, driving in company vehicles and working in company office/shop.

The company has identified 12 key topics to be covered in monthly safety meetings that all employees must attend. It is intended that this manual is a “living” document to be upgraded and added to with input from employees, owners and managers.

  • Introduction
  • PPE- personal protective wear
  • Electrical Cords
  • Work area signs, tape
  • Vans/Equipment maintenance
  • SDS Sheets, Chemical storage, mixing

5.4 Employee Compensation

Often, we try to reward employee behavior through bonus programs and focus on one specific performance at a time, for example an attendance bonus.

In this example instead, we are going to create a Balanced Scorecard using a point system. The difference is we will have 5 different performances instead of focusing on only one.

The points vary from poor to satisfactory to excellent and at the end of the review we will add the points up give a financial bonus based on the number of points.

The five variables we will be using in this bonus evaluation are

  • Inspections
  • Customer Survey or Review

The Top 5 Performance Evaluations

Attendance- Attendance will depend on if the employee is full time or part time. I think we definitely have to weight this somehow. We could deduct a point for every day missed but honestly anymore than 1 is too many and even 1 is not good.

On Time- I understand some cleaning jobs when they clock in doesn’t matter a lot but for project work like carpet cleaning, floor work, etc. often clients are waiting for us, so it is critical.

Inspections- This can be a weekly or monthly inspection you would normally have. To make this easier I would just use a 5 point system or grades A,B, C,D,F and then transfer that to the scorecard.

Equipment- will depend on the type of service, for office cleaners we will be mainly looking at floor machines and maintaining vacuums.

For project work though like carpet cleaning, tile cleaning the equipment is critical and cost upwards of $50k plus. In that case I would weight it much higher than an office cleaning position.

Customer Survey or Review- This will break down between residential and commercial cleaning services. With residential nowadays reviews have become very important in digital advertising.

5.5 Inventory

The company will use an inventory control system made with excel spreadsheets managed by the operations manager. Inventory will be made on a 30 day cycle and 14 day cycle when cashflow is tighter in the first 2 years.

  • On site inventory will be delivered and maintained by the building supervisor on a weekly basis. Cleaners and team leaders are to submit to supervisor supply needs and supervisor hands in worksheet to operations manager.
  • Specialty Cleaners working out of shop will complete an inventory checklist daily and hand in to operations manager.

5.6 Credit Policy and Cashflow

The company will extend terms to clients following the sales strategy explained above.

Standard 30 days net

Exceptions 60 day net

60 day plus only authorized by CEO

Specialty cleaning jobs recurring 15-30 day net

1x Specialty jobs due on receipt to 7 day net maximum.

The company will follow this policy regarding tracking accounts receivable and payable

Complete an aging receivable at least monthly to track how much of your money is tied up in credit given to customers, and to alert you to slow payment problems.

Also tracking accounts payable using the same format.

Current- 30 day- 60 Day- 60 day + – Charge offs

sample cleaning service business plan

6. Financials

The financial part is the final part of the business plan and here we will use charts, graphs and spreadsheets mainly to map out a long term successful future.

The main topics we will cover are:

  • Start up funds and 1 st year
  • Income statement
  • Break even point
  • Balance Sheet

business plan for commercial cleaning services

6.1 Start up and 1st Year

In this section we think about all the money we will need to start up including 1x cost and monthly cost.

GENERAL/ADMIN                           

BANKING FEES  $200.00                $15.00

CONSULT FEES   $500.00                $95.00

OFFICE SUPPLIES              $200.00                $60.00

LICENSE FEES      $150.00                $15.00

BUSINESS INSURANCE   $500.00                $380.00

TOTAL GENERAL/ADMIN              $1,550.00            $565.00

SUBSCRIPTIONS                $237.00

TOTAL OPERATIONS       $-            $237.00

MARKETING/PROMO                    

ADVERTISING    $1,500.00            $1,800.00

PROMO $300.00                $50.00

TOTAL MARKETING/PROMO       $1,800.00            $1,850.00

WEBSITE/MOBILE APP                  

DOMAIN              $1,000.00            $30.00

HOSTING             $-            $30.00

TOTAL WEBSITE/MOBILE APP     $1,000.00            $60.00

RENT/LEASE       $-            $750.00

PHONE $-            $137.00

ELECTRIC              $-            $237.00

GAS       $-            $150.00

WATER/SEWAGE              $-            $50.00

WASTE REMOVAL            $-            $40.00

REPAIR/MAINTENANCE $-            $200.00

SECURITY             $-            $25.00

business plan for commercial cleaning services

Then Estimate what the first year will look like.

TOTAL START-UP COSTS $4,850.00

TOTAL RECURRING MONTHLY COSTS               (1 YR = 12 MO)        $87,612.00

TOTAL BUSINESS EXPENSES         $92,462.00

ESTIMATED FIRST-YEAR BUSINESS INCOME          $112,000.00

BUSINESS FIRST-YEAR PROFIT/LOSS         $19,538.00

AVAILABLE CASH/ SAVINGS/OTHER          $30,000.00

BUSINESS BALANCE        $49,538.00

business plan for commercial cleaning services

6.2 Break Even Point

In this section we look at how much revenue we need to generate to break even every month. This can be tricky sometimes for beginners, we want to calculate using a fixed monthly cost like rent and also a percentage of cogs or cost of service.

Fixed Cost            $4,300

Cost of goods sold            $3,000

Number of Jobs 1

Average Job Price             $9,300

business plan for commercial cleaning services

6.3 Income Statement

Our income statement is a profit and loss statement, looking at net income and then minus taxes to see net, net.

business plan for commercial cleaning services

6.4 Cashflow

Cashflow statement is one of the most important financial metrics to follow for a commercial cleaning business. Just because we have invoiced a client doesn’t mean we physically have the money in the bank.

Often what can happen is cleaning services fall behind and then have to start borrowing large sums of money to stay alive each month.

business plan for commercial cleaning services

6.5 Balance Sheet

Lastly is the balance sheet what do we own and what do we owe. Including intangible assets like intellectual property which is difficult to judge so be very conservative.

business plan for commercial cleaning services

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Commercial Cleaning Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Commercial Cleaning Business Plan

You’ve come to the right place to create your Commercial Cleaning business plan.

We have helped over 1,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans and many have used them to start or grow their Commercial Cleaning businesses.

Below is a template to help you create each section of your Commercial Cleaning business plan.

Executive Summary

Business overview.

Denver Corporate Cleaning is a new commercial cleaning service that serves the Denver, Colorado area. We offer the best quality services in the industry and can work with any type of business that needs our services. We offer several cleaning services including office cleaning, emergency cleanings, sanitization, and carpet cleaning. With our stellar work ethic, high-quality cleaning services, and client focused service, we plan to be the #1 commercial cleaning company in the Denver area in the next five years.

Denver Corporate Cleaning is founded by Pedro Hernandez. Pedro has worked in several cleaning companies over the past twenty years, but was disappointed in the lack of good customer service that these companies provided. For years, Pedro has been planning his own business that will provide client focused service as well as a longer list of cleaning services than the competition. After years of planning, he is now ready to launch his business.

Product Offering

Denver Corporate Cleaning offers a full suite of commercial cleaning services for businesses located in Denver, Colorado. These services include office cleaning, breakroom cleaning, window cleaning, emergency cleaning, and sanitizing. Clients can order a one-time cleaning service or regular services that occur monthly, weekly, or daily. Long-term clients will be charged monthly for their plans.

Customer Focus

Denver Corporate Cleaning will provide cleaning services to businesses located in Denver, Colorado. We expect most of our clientele will be corporate offices, but we will also work with churches, gyms, restaurants, schools, and other establishments.

Management Team

Denver Corporate Cleaning is founded by Pedro Hernandez. Pedro has worked in several cleaning companies over the past twenty years, but was disappointed in the lack of client-oriented service that these companies provided. For years, Pedro has been planning his own business that will emphasize client focused service and provide a longer list of cleaning services than the competition. After years of planning, he is now ready to launch his business.

Success Factors

Denver Corporate Cleaning is primed for success by offering the following competitive advantages:

  • Professional cleaning services for an affordable price.
  • Client-focused service where the owner will keep in touch with clients on a monthly basis.
  • A referral program where clients can earn a free cleaning for every business they recruit.
  • A focus on maintaining long-lasting relationships with our clients.

Financial Highlights

Denver Corporate Cleaning is seeking $225,000 in debt financing to launch. The funding will be dedicated to the office build out, purchase of initial supplies, working capital, marketing costs, and startup overhead expenses. The breakout of the funding is below:

  • Office location design/build: $50,000
  • Initial supplies and equipment: $50,000
  • Three months of overhead expenses (payroll, rent, utilities): $50,000
  • Working capital: $25,000
  • Marketing: $50,000

The following graph below outlines the pro forma financial projections for Denver Corporate Cleaning.

Denver Corporate Cleaning Financial Projections

Company Overview

Who is denver corporate cleaning.

Denver Corporate Cleaning is a new commercial cleaning service that serves the Denver, Colorado area. We offer several cleaning services to the businesses located in the area including office cleaning, emergency cleanings, sanitization, and carpet cleaning. We are open to working with any business (including churches, gyms, and restaurants) but we expect much of our clientele will be corporate offices.

  Denver Corporate Cleaning is founded by Pedro Hernandez. Pedro has worked in several cleaning companies over the past twenty years, but wasn’t satisfied with the level of service these companies offered their clientele. Pedro has been planning his business for years and is now ready to launch.

He recently conducted a market analysis and consumer survey to see if the business would be in high demand. The results from these were very positive, with many consumers saying that they would be interested in hiring the company’s services as soon as the business launches.

Denver Corporate Cleaning’s History

After spending several years in the cleaning industry, Pedro Hernandez gained the knowledge, skills, and expertise to start his own commercial cleaning business. In April 2023, he quit his job at his employer and incorporated Denver Corporate Cleaning as an S Corporation.

Since incorporation, Pedro has achieved the following milestones for Denver Corporate Cleaning:

  • Developed the company’s name, logo and website
  • Finished the list of services the company will provide
  • Determined equipment and inventory requirements
  • Found a potential office location

Denver Corporate Cleaning’s Services

Denver Corporate Cleaning will provide the following services to our clientele:

  • Office cleaning
  • Breakroom/kitchen cleaning
  • Emergency cleaning
  • Sanitization
  • Window cleaning
  • Carpet cleaning
  • Weekend services

Industry Analysis

Revenue for the commercial cleaning industry is expected to grow over the next five years. This growth is due partially by the increase in demand from businesses across all sectors. Businesses are expected to continue outsourcing cleaning activities to janitorial and cleaning service specialists. In particular, education, healthcare and medical-related industries, which outsource the majority of their cleaning requirements, will likely provide sustained demand for industry services. Most businesses save money by outsourcing cleaning services, so this will be a major factor in the industry’s growth.

According to Grand View Research, the contract cleaning services industry was valued at $343.34 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3% from now until 2030. This shows that commercial cleaning services are still in great demand and will continue to be. Therefore, this is a great time to start a commercial cleaning business.

Customer Analysis

Demographic profile of target market.

Denver Corporate Cleaning will serve the businesses located in the Denver area. Most of our clientele will include corporate offices, but we will also serve churches, gyms, restaurants, schools, and other establishments.

Customer Segmentation

Denver Corporate Cleaning will primarily target the following customer profiles:

  • Corporate offices
  • Restaurants

Competitive Analysis

Direct and indirect competitors.

Denver Corporate Cleaning will face competition from other companies with similar business profiles. A description of each competitor company is below.

Denver Cleaning Solutions

Denver Cleaning Solutions is a local cleaning business that primarily services office buildings in downtown Denver. The company has a team of over 40 cleaners who provide a long list of services to their clients. These services include cubicle cleaning, office cleaning, breakroom cleaning, and sanitization. Unfortunately Denver Cleaning solutions suffers from high turnover which results in low quality services. Therefore, the company is seen as a low-end budget quality option and will not be a major competitor for clients who want higher quality services.

Smith Premium Family Cleaning Services

Smith Premium Family Cleaning Services is a family-owned company that has operated since 1990. They have a small, yet highly trained cleaning staff that cleans residential homes and commercial spaces located around the Denver area. As the name suggests, they offer premium services that have given them a great reputation, but also allow them to charge premium prices. Though Smith Premium Family Cleaning Services will continue to succeed, the company is small enough that we don’t expect them to be a major competitor.

Denver Maids

Denver Maids is a popular cleaning service that serves the Denver area. They clean both residential and commercial locations and offer a wide suite of services and contract options. They have more than 100 cleaners on staff and are fully equipped to manage hundreds of contracts throughout the year. Though most of Denver Maid’s contracts are for residential cleaning services, they also service many businesses, making them a strong competitor in the market.

Competitive Advantage

Denver Corporate Cleaning will be able to offer the following advantages over their competition:

  • Client-focused service : Customer service is our #1 priority. Our entire mission is to provide high-quality client focused service that focuses on maintaining long-term relationships with our clients.
  • Management : Pedro has significant experience in the industry and knows what it takes to offer the best cleaning services and keep clients happy. Pedro will interact with each client on a weekly or monthly basis to ensure they are completely satisfied with their cleaning service. He will ask for any constructive criticism in order to implement strategies beneficial to client retention and referrals.
  • Referral Program : We will offer a referral program where clients can earn a free cleaning for every business and/or household they recruit.

Marketing Plan

Brand & value proposition.

Denver Corporate Cleaning will offer the unique value proposition to its clientele:

  • Affordable and quality cleaning services
  • Highly trained staff
  • Wide variety of commercial cleaning services
  • Ability to work with any commercial business in the area

Promotions Strategy

The promotions strategy for Denver Corporate Cleaning is as follows:

Referral Program

Denver Corporate Cleaning will implement a referral program that will reward an existing client with a free cleaning service if they recruit a fellow business to our services.

Social Media Marketing

The company will have several social media accounts and invest in ads on all social media platforms. These accounts will showcase pictures of our cleaning crew as well as a list of the services we provide. The company will use targeted marketing to appeal to our target demographics.

SEO Website Marketing

Denver Corporate Cleaning will invest funds into maintaining a strong SEO presence on search engines like Google and Bing. When a person types in “local commercial cleaning services” or “Denver cleaning services”, Denver Corporate Cleaning will appear in the top three choices.

Advertisement

Advertisements in print publications like newspapers, magazines, etc., are an excellent way for businesses to connect with their audience. Denver Corporate Cleaning will advertise its services in popular magazines and news dailies. Obtaining relevant placements in industry magazines and journals will also help in increasing brand visibility.

The pricing of Denver Corporate Cleaning will be moderate and on par with competitors so customers feel they receive value when hiring our cleaning services.

Operations Plan

Denver Corporate Cleaning will utilize the following operations plan. Operation Functions:

  • Pedro Hernandez will be the Owner of Denver Corporate Cleaning. He will oversee the general operations and keep in touch with all clients to ensure they are satisfied with the company’s services. To efficiently run the business, Pedro will hire the following:
  • An Accountant who will manage all client invoicing, billing, and payables.
  • A Human Resources Manager who will oversee all employee hiring, onboarding, payroll, retention, and benefits programs.
  • A Training Manager who will develop and implement a strict cleaning protocol program that every employee will have to pass.
  • 20 hourly cleaning professionals to provide cleaning services to our clients.

Milestones:

Denver Corporate Cleaning will have the following milestones complete in the next six months:

  • 5/1/202X – Finalize lease agreement for office space
  • 6/1/202X – Office build out
  • 7/1/202X – Hire and train essential staff
  • 8/1/202X – Begin marketing campaign
  • 9/1/202X – Launch Denver Corporate Cleaning
  • 10/1/202X – Reach break even

Denver Corporate Cleaning is founded by Pedro Hernandez. Pedro has worked in several cleaning companies over the past twenty years, but was disappointed in the lack of client-oriented service that these companies provided. For years, Pedro has been planning his own business that will emphasize client focused service. We will also provide a longer list of cleaning services than the competition. After years of planning, he is now ready to launch his business.

Since he has worked in the industry for decades, Pedro has in-depth knowledge of what it takes to provide premium cleaning services. Though he has never run a business, he will hire several staff members who will help him run the operations, marketing, management, and accounting aspects of the company.

Financial Plan

Key revenue & costs.

The revenue drivers for Denver Corporate Cleaning will come charging our clients for our professional cleaning services. We expect most of our clients will stick with us long term, so we will charge them monthly for our services. Businesses that need a one-time cleaning will be charged the day of the cleaning.

The cost drivers for Denver Corporate Cleaning will include the overhead costs, salaries, cost of supplies, and marketing expenses.

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 pay off the startup business loan.

  • Number Of Clients:
  • Average Client Contract Per Month: $500
  • Annual Lease: $25,000

Financial Projections

Income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement, commercial cleaning business plan faqs, what is a commercial cleaning business plan.

A commercial cleaning business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your commercial cleaning 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 Commercial Cleaning business plan using our Commercial Cleaning Business Plan Template here .

What are the Main Types of Commercial Cleaning Businesses? 

There are a number of different kinds of commercial cleaning businesses , some examples include: General Commercial Cleaning, Healthcare and Lab Cleaning, and Damage Restoration.

How Do You Get Funding for Your Commercial Cleaning Business Plan?

Commercial Cleaning businesses are often funded through small business loans. Personal savings, credit card financing and angel investors are also popular forms of funding.

What are the Steps To Start a Commercial Cleaning Business?

Starting a commercial cleaning 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 A Commercial Cleaning Business Plan - The first step in starting a business is to create a detailed commercial cleaning 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 commercial cleaning 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 commercial cleaning business is in compliance with local laws.

3. Register Your Commercial Cleaning Business - Once you have chosen a legal structure, the next step is to register your commercial cleaning 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 commercial cleaning 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 Commercial Cleaning Equipment & Supplies - In order to start your commercial cleaning 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 commercial cleaning 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 commercial cleaning business:

  • How to Start a Commercial Cleaning Business

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12+ Best Cleaning Service Business Plan Examples in PDF | MS Word | Pages | Google Docs

Best Cleaning Service Business Plan Examples

There are a lot of reasons why you need a solid business plan for your cleaning service business . One of the most important reasons is that it acts as an official document which helps you with framing your objectives, goals and the ways to achieve them. Preparing a business plan may require little upfront investment and research from your side. However, if you are not getting enough time to reap a quality plan, you can try downloading free business plan documents and modify it according to your business requirements .

Check the below 10+ cleaning services business plan examples and choose the one that fits your business goals .

12+ Best Cleaning Service Business Plan Examples

Cleaning service business plan template.

cleaning service business plan template

  • Google Docs

Size: US, A4

Cleaning or Janitorial Marketing Plan Template

cleaning or janitorial marketing plan template

Commercial Cleaning Service Business Plan Template

commercial cleaning service business plan template

  • Apple Pages

Size: 38 KB

Simple Cleaning Services Business Plan

simple cleaning services business plan

Size: 714KB

Every business plan must be simple and easy to interpret the ideas while implementing it. Similarly, while creating a cleaning service business plan, there must be concise information about the management of your business, the mission statement for your company, location where you are going to offer your services, start-up cost, foreseen profits and losses, local competition, pricing and a lot more. So while creating a business plan make sure you have added all basic information which makes the plan simple yet effective. Check out the sample that highlights five elements essential to winning the competitors.

Sample Cleaning Business Plan

sample cleaning business plan

Size: 570KB

There are many parts you need to keep your eyes on while creating a business plan for cleaning business , budget is one of them. It will take you to the edge of the needle if you overspend your budget. If you are not taking the budget part very seriously while creating a business plan , you may end up with troubles smudging you. You can use the existed equipment for cleaning services instead of buying a new one. Having said that, you need to set the budgetary review on a monthly basis, so that you can review the ins and outs and modify the plan according to it. You can also consult with any cleaning business owner who has been in the field for more than years to learn the ideologies they followed in their journey.

Cleaning Operational Plan

cleaning operational plan

Size: 120KB

Well, everyone can start a cleaning business, but not everyone can turn it into a thriving business. It needs a perfect plan to find a road map to success. A perfect cleaning business plan needs market research and business idea validation in order to differentiate your service offerings. A well-researched business plan asks you research on the present market standards. Once you are done with researching you will know certain strategies to break the ways of competitors to overcome your future plans.

Start-Up Cleaning Service Business Plan

start up cleaning service business plan

A start-up agency must compose a perfect cleaning business plan in order to succeed in the race. It is very important to prepare a well-researched business plan to avoid pitfalls that may happen in future. One of the important things to be aware of is pricing. As a start-up, it is important to identify the ideal target audience before finalizing the charges. Pricing depends on various factors like the size of your house, how often and when you clean and equipment you use to clean the area. Depending on the above-mentioned things, a cleaner can charge the client, however as a newbie in this business you should not overprice for your services. This must be included in the pricing part of the business plan .

‘How to Start’ Cleaning Business Plan

how to start cleaning business plan

If it is a start-up company you need to start with finding answers for why you need a business plan for your service. Even though your target is to boost your audience, you need to make sure you earn potential clients. Audience in common may not be a potential client for your service.

Commercial Cleaning Services Plan

commercial cleaning services business plan

Size: 140KB

The term itself denotes that the commercial cleaning company must earn good response over its commercial aspect. For this, having a perfect business plan is mandatory. Among various business tools for promoting your service and boosting your audience, you need to find the ideal one for you. You can start googling for business plan making software so that you find many ready-made templates available in the market.

Commercial and Residential Cleaning Business Plan

commercial and residential cleaning business plan

It is always essential to have thorough research on the present market status before creating a market plan . You need to analyse over the existing competitors, demographics and size of the market as an initial point. However, the information will not be concise to remember by heart, but you will certainly get an idea of how your business plan should be.

Maid-to-Clean Business Plan Example

maid to clean business plan

Size: 119KB

If it is a cleaning company, the business owner will have to employ four to five maids to offer their services, but as an individual maid, it is out of the pattern. If it is maid to create cleaning business plan for their limited services, then it will be of comprising content includes objective, market analysis, company description and the services they provide. Check out the sample maid-to-clean business plan attached here.

Janitorial Business Plan Sample

janitorial business plan

Size: 196KB

janitorial business includes almost all kind of cleaning services such as housekeeping, building maintenance, commercial cleaning services, etc. So while preparing a business plan for janitorial services you need to be keen on including all the relevant services. A perfect cleaning service business plan must be ended up with proper validating of your idea and the facts. In this, you need to make sure all the information is true to the present market standards in order to avoid future hassles.

Standard Residential Cleaning Service

residential cleaning service business plan

A successful business plan includes sections like an executive summary, a company description, extensive market analysis , business operations , financial projections and a lot more. This sample residential cleaning business plan comes in a way smarter than contemporary plans. This sample document contains details like vision, mission, management of the company, manpower solutions with overall services they provide. Check out the sample now.

business plan for commercial cleaning services

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Commercial Cleaning Business Plan

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Not all firms can afford to keep in-house cleaning personnel, so this business is necessary. Commercial cleaning fill in the gaps of the employees that are needed to keep a firm clean. Thus, this business is profitable.

Are you looking to start writing a business plan for your commercial cleaning? Creating a business plan is essential to starting, growing, and securing funding for your business. We have prepared a commercial cleaning business plan template for you to help in start writing yours.

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Download our free business plan template now and pave the way to success. Let’s turn your vision into an actionable strategy!

  • Fill in the blanks – Outline
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How to Write a Commercial Cleaning Business Plan?

Writing a commercial cleaning business plan is a crucial step toward the success of your business. Here are the key steps to consider when writing a business plan:

1. Executive Summary

An executive summary is the first section of the business plan intended to provide an overview of the whole business plan. Generally, it is written after the entire business plan is ready. Here are some components to add to your summary:

Start with a brief introduction:

Market opportunity:, mention your services:, management team:, financial highlights:, call to action:.

Ensure you keep your executive summary concise and clear, use simple language, and avoid jargon.

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business plan for commercial cleaning services

2. Business Overview

Depending on what details of your business are important, you’ll need different elements in your business overview. Still, there are some foundational elements like business name, legal structure, location, history, and mission statement that every business overview should include:

About the business:

Provide all the basic information about your business in this section like:

  • The name of the commercial cleaning services and the concept behind it like; commercial green cleaning, carpet cleaning, glass cleaning, industrial cleaning services, etc.
  • Company structure of your commercial cleaning business whether it is a sole proprietorship, LLC, partnership firm, or others.
  • Location of your commercial cleaning and the reason why you selected that place.

Mission statement:

Business history:, future goals:.

This section should provide an in-depth understanding of your commercial cleaning business. Also, the business overview section should be engaging and precise.

3. Market Analysis

Market analysis provides a clear understanding of the market in which your commercial cleaning business will run along with the target market, competitors, and growth opportunities. Your market analysis should contain the following essential components:

Target market:

Market size and growth potential:, competitive analysis:, market trends:, regulatory environment:.

Some additional tips for writing the market analysis section of your business plan:

  • Use a variety of sources to gather data, including industry reports, market research studies, and surveys.
  • Be specific and provide detailed information wherever possible.
  • Include charts and graphs to help illustrate your key points.
  • Keep your target audience in mind while writing the business plan.

4. Products And Services

The product and services section of a janitorial services business plan should describe the specific services and products that will be offered to customers. To write this section should include the following:

List the services:

  • Briefly describe the precise cleaning services supplied by your commercial cleaning company, such as floor cleaning, washroom cleaning, and window cleaning. Emphasize any specialty cleaning services that the company provides, such as COVID-19 disinfection or green cleaning.
  • Describe each service: For each service, provide a detailed description of what it entails, the time required, and the qualifications of the professionals who will provide the service. It may include the particular duties carried out, the tools used, and the cleaning agents employed.

Ensure customer satisfaction:

  • Explain any guarantees or warranties that the company provides to assure client satisfaction, such as a promise to refund any money paid or to make good on any cleaning service flaws.

Overall, a business plan’s product and services section should be detailed, informative, and customer-focused. By providing a clear and compelling description of your offerings, you can help potential investors and readers understand the value of your business.

5. Sales And Marketing Strategies

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

Develop your unique selling proposition (USP):

Determine your pricing strategy:, marketing strategies:, sales strategies:, customer retention:.

Overall, the sales and marketing strategies section of your business plan should outline your plans to attract and retain customers and generate revenue. Be specific, realistic, and data-driven in your approach, and be prepared to adjust your strategies based on feedback and results.

6. Operations Plan

When writing the operations plan section, it’s important to consider the various aspects of your business processes and procedures involved in operating a business. Here are the components to include in an operations plan:

Hiring plan:

Operational process:, equipment and supplies:.

By including these key elements in your operations plan section, you can create a comprehensive plan that outlines how you will run your commercial cleaning business.

7. Management Team

The management team section provides an overview of the individuals responsible for running the commercial cleaning business. This section should provide a detailed description of the experience and qualifications of each manager, as well as their responsibilities and roles.

Key managers:

Organizational structure:, compensation plan:, board of advisors:.

Describe the key personnel of your company and highlight why your business has the fittest team.

8. Financial Plan

When writing the financial plan section of a business plan, it’s important to provide a comprehensive overview of your financial projections for the first few years of your business.

Profit & loss statement:

Cash flow statement:, balance sheet:, break-even point:, financing needs:.

Remember to be realistic with your financial projections, and to provide supporting evidence for all of your estimates.

9. Appendix

When writing the appendix section, you should include any additional information that supports the main content of your plan. This may include financial statements, market research data, legal documents, and other relevant information.

  • Include a table of contents for the appendix section to make it easy for readers to find specific information.
  • Include financial statements such as income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements. These should be up-to-date and show your financial projections for at least the first three years of your business.
  • Provide market research data, such as statistics on the size of the cleaning industry, consumer demographics, and trends in the industry.
  • Include any legal documents such as permits, licenses, and contracts.
  • Provide any additional documentation related to your business plans, such as marketing materials, product brochures, and operational procedures.
  • Use clear headings and labels for each section of the appendix so that readers can easily find the information they need.

Remember, the appendix section of your commercial cleaning business should only include relevant and important information that supports the main content of your plan.

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This commercial cleaning business plan sample will provide an idea for writing a successful commercial cleaning business plan, including all the essential components of your business.

After this, if you are still confused about how to write an investment-ready business plan to impress your audience, then download our commercial cleaning business plan pdf .

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Frequently asked questions, why do you need a commercial cleaning business plan.

A business plan is an essential tool for anyone looking to start or run a successful commercial cleaning business. It helps to get clarity in your business, secures funding, and identifies potential challenges while starting and growing your business.

Overall, a well-written plan can help you make informed decisions, which can contribute to the long-term success of your business.

How to get funding for your commercial cleaning business?

There are several ways to get funding for your business, but one of the most efficient and speedy funding options is self-funding. Other options for funding are:

Small Business Administration (SBA) loan

Crowdfunding, angel investors.

Apart from all these options, there are small business grants available, check for the same in your location and you can apply for it.

Where to find business plan writers for your commercial cleaning business?

There are many business plan writers available, but no one knows your business and idea better than you, so we recommend you write your commercial cleaning services business plan and outline your vision as you have in your mind.

What is the easiest way to write your commercial cleaning business plan?

A lot of research is necessary for writing a business plan, but you can write your plan most efficiently with the help of any commercial cleaning business plan example and edit it as per your need. You can also quickly finish your plan in just a few hours or less with the help of our business plan software.

About the Author

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Upmetrics is the #1 business planning software that helps entrepreneurs and business owners create investment-ready business plans using AI. We regularly share business planning insights on our blog. Check out the Upmetrics blog for such interesting reads. Read more

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business plan for commercial cleaning services

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

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

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

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

example of a cleaning service business plan

Components of a Cleaning Services Business Plan 

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

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

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

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

components of a cleaning business plan

1. Executive Summary 

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

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

You can include the following information in your executive summary: 

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

2. Company Description 

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

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

3. Objectives

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

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

4. Market Analysis

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

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

5. Organizational Structure 

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

6. Cleaning Services

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

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

7. Marketing and Sales 

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

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

The most effective marketing strategies for cleaning businesses include: 

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

8. Funding Requests 

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

9. Financial Projections 

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

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

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

10. Appendix

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

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

Example of a Cleaning Services Business Plan PDF

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

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

Why Does My Cleaning Company Need a Business Plan? 

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

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

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

Find Out If Your Cleaning Services Business Idea Is Viable

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

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

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

Increase Your Chances of Growth and Success 

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

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

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

Secure Financing

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

Common Questions about Cleaning Company Business Plans

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

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

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

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

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

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

Written by Nelmie Jane Pardo

Nelmie Jane Pardo

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

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Sample Cleaning Service Business Plan

Growthink.com Cleaning Service Business Plan Template

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

Download our Ultimate Cleaning Service Business Plan Template

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

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

Example – PristineClean Experts

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

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

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

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

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

Top Competitors:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Target Customers

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

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

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

Customer Needs

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

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

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

PristineClean Experts’s competitors include the following companies:

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

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

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

Competitive Advantages

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

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

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

Products and Services

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Promotions Plan

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

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

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

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

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

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

Our Operations Plan details:

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

Key Operational Processes

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ava Thompson, President

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

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

Financial Statements

Balance sheet.

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Income Statement

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Cash Flow Statement

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Cleaning Service Business Plan Example PDF

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

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Starting a cleaning business? A good business plan will give you a leg up on the competition. To get an idea of what your business plan should look like, check out these sample business plans for cleaning services, janitorial services, carpet and upholstery cleaning services, and other related businesses.

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business plan for commercial cleaning services

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How To Write a Cleaning Services Business Plan + Template

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

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

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

Download the Ultimate Cleaning Business Plan Template

What is a Cleaning Services Business Plan?

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

Why Write a Cleaning Services Business Plan?

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

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

Writing an Effective Cleaning Services Business Plan

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

Executive Summary

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

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

Company Description

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

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

Industry Analysis

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

Questions to answer include:

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

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

Customer Analysis

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

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

  • Small businesses
  • Commercial businesses
  • Industrial businesses

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

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

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

Competitive Analysis

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

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

Marketing Plan

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

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

Operations Plan

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

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

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

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

Management Team

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

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

Financial Plan

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

This includes the following three financial statements:

Income Statement

Your income statement should include:

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

Sample Income Statement for a Startup Cleaning Services Business

Balance sheet.

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

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

Sample Balance Sheet for a Startup Cleaning Services Business

Cash flow statement.

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

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

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

Sample Cash Flow Statement for a Startup Cleaning Services Business

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

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

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

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

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How to Start a Cleaning Business

Duncan Ferris

Starting a cleaning business could be your opportunity to be your own boss and provide a service with strong demand in a growing industry that has low start-up costs.  

Creating a budget and business plan, acquiring equipment and registering your new cleaning business can all seem daunting, but using our step-by-step guide will make the process simple enough for any budding entrepreneur. 

Why start a cleaning business?

Here are some key reasons a cleaning business might suit you:

  • Low start-up costs: Cleaning equipment is generally inexpensive, and some domestic cleaners will use their customers’ equipment and supplies.
  • Accessible: You do not need specific qualifications or experience to start a cleaning business. Of course, it is a good idea to learn how to use equipment and cleaning chemicals, but barriers to entry are low.
  • Be your own boss: With your own business, you can decide when you work, how many customers you take on and what your company’s processes and culture should be like. This can be particularly useful if you prefer to be self-employed because you need flexibility due to childcare commitments or second jobs. 

Start a cleaning business in 5 steps

Here is our quick guide to all the preparation and considerations that should go into starting your cleaning business in the UK, as well as measures that are legally required.

1. Research and choose your market

Before getting down to cleaning work, market research is an essential step. The objective of this is to find out more about your potential customer base and competitors, a process which will leave you better prepared to set up your business.

You can manage this research in several ways, including conducting online research, talking to potential customers and checking out the competition. 

The two most important questions are:

  • Is there demand for my product or service?
  • Who is my target market?

When it comes to the UK cleaning sector, there is plenty of research to do before you decide what type of cleaning business you want to run. That’s because it’s an industry that employs a huge amount of people, with nearly 1.5 million workers in the cleaning, hygiene and waste sector, according to figures from the British Cleaning Council. With so much competition, it’s important to understand where your business will fit in.

You’ll also need to decide whether you want to specialise. Different types of cleaning companies include:

  • Domestic cleaning: Businesses that tackle regular domestic cleaning tasks, such as vacuuming, dusting, mopping, polishing and cleaning bathroom or kitchen fixtures and fittings. They might also do laundry and ironing, pot washing and some tidying. This is likely to be a low-cost option, as no complex equipment is required.
  • Commercial cleaning: This category includes any cleaning of business premises, which could include offices, restaurants, healthcare facilities and more. Most commercial cleaning businesses will pick one of these areas to specialise in. As the spaces being cleaned are generally larger than homes, these companies tend to have industrial cleaning equipment.
  • Deep cleaning: These are businesses that offer specialist domestic cleaning that takes more time and more equipment. This might be required by customers at the end of a tenancy or following a major incident, such as a flood or fire. Extra attention is paid to tasks such as cleaning behind or underneath furniture, and cleaning appliances and soft furnishings. 
  • Carpet cleaning: These are businesses that remove dust, dirt and allergens, and bugs from carpets. Methods include steam cleaning and dry carpet cleaning, both of which require specialist equipment.
  • Oven cleaning: Removing burnt-on grime and grease is a specialism of professional oven cleaners, who aim to leave ovens, hobs and microwaves sparkling clean. As well as using specialist equipment to get rid of marks and mess, oven cleaners will often replace minor oven parts such as extractor filters, seals and lights. 

Once you have done your market research and decided what type of cleaning business to run, it’s time to dig into the details with a business plan and budget. 

2. Create a budget for your cleaning business

Creating a business plan and budget will give you a better idea of exactly how much money you need, as well as helping you to work out if your ideas can realistically be turned into a business. A business plan will normally also be required if you apply for a start-up loan or business loan.

For a detailed guide read our article on how to write a business plan .

A budget will also be a key part of planning your new cleaning business. It’s important to account for every potential expense, whether one-off or recurring. For a cleaning business, key costs to consider are:

  • Cleaning supplies: If you need to turn up at each job equipped with cleaning products, such as bleaches, polishes and degreasers, it’s important to know how much they cost and how regularly you may need to restock. Explore whether buying products wholesale would be an effective way to save money.
  • Cleaning equipment: This could range from a dustpan and brush to a £6,999 AKM80 battery-powered ride-on sweeper. Whatever the size, account for any machinery or equipment you need to purchase. 
  • Transport: Whether you are a domestic cleaner using public transport or a commercial cleaner in a branded van, you need to have a rough idea of how much it will cost to travel and transport your equipment from job to job. For example, you may need to take out a business car insurance policy .
  • Employee salaries: If you are planning on employing a team, you will need to pay them at least the minimum wage. The average starting salary of a full-time cleaner is £17,000, but there are other costs associated with hiring an employee . 

For further information on budgeting, explore our five-step guide to creating a small business budget .

As you start launching your new cleaning business, you may also want to think about how you’ll  separate your personal budget from your professional one – a business bank account could help here, providing you with a separate platform to track your incoming versus outgoing costs and your income, without interfering with your living expenses.

3. Register your cleaning business

One of the first official steps you will take when starting up is choosing a business structure and then registering your cleaning business. You should take your time and research which business structure will best suit your needs:

  • Sole trader: A sole trader is the exclusive owner of a business and can keep all post-tax profits. It also means there is no separation between you and your business – making you personally responsible for any losses your business makes. You will need to register for self-assessment and complete a tax return at the end of the financial year. 
  • Partnership: A business partnership is when two or more people are partners who share the responsibilities, risks, profits and losses of a business. The three main types of partnerships are business partnerships, limited partnerships and limited liability partnerships.
  • Limited company: If you choose to incorporate your cleaning business as a limited company, you will be legally and financially distinct from your business. As a limited company, you will have shares and shareholders and can keep any post-tax profits. 

 If you are starting a general partnership, you will need to inform HM Revenue & Customs. To set up a limited company, limited partnership or limited liability partnership, you will need to register it at Companies House.

» MORE: Should I register as a sole trader or limited company?

4. Fund your cleaning business

Of course, most businesses need money to get started. Once you have created a budget and registered your business, you are ready to seek funding. You may need to combine the various funding options below in order to get your start up off the ground.

  • Personal savings: Using personal savings to start your business will allow you to retain full ownership, but be careful not to endanger your financial health.
  • Friends and family: Borrowing money from friends and family can be tricky, so it is best to draw up a written agreement in order to avoid any disagreements in the future.
  • Small business grants: There are a range of non-repayable and partially repayable start up business grants across the UK, as well as those based in Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland .
  • Government business loans: Different government business loans may be available to your organisation depending on where you are in the UK.
  • Business loans: A traditional small business loan might be difficult to secure as a start up, but it is not impossible. Loan providers will look at your personal credit history, your business plan and cash-flow projections, for example. 
  • Angel investors: Angel investors tend to be wealthy individuals looking to invest in new businesses in exchange for equity or convertible debt that will eventually become stock.
  • Crowdfunding: This involves securing funding from more than one source in exchange for benefits, such as equity or early access to products. Crowdfunding often takes place through an online campaign. 

5. Find your first customers to clean for

Finding your first customers can be one of the most rewarding steps in starting a new business. There are several ways to promote your cleaning business and get your name out there:

  • Word of mouth: Don’t be shy about your new business. Tell friends, family, neighbours and local businesses. Some of these acquaintances could quickly become key customers.
  • Business cards and flyers: Pin these on notice boards or post them through letterboxes to spread the word about your business far and wide. 
  • Social media: Creating a social media page can be great for lead generation. A Facebook page can build your online presence, while uploading short videos to TikTok, Instagram or YouTube could even send your business viral. This might be a long shot, but some cleaning businesses have racked up millions of views and huge followings due to the satisfying nature of their clips. 
  • Trade platforms: Consider joining websites, such as Checkatrade or Rated People, that allow people to connect with local tradespeople and get a quote – though you will have to pay a membership fee. 
  • Local listings online: For free advertising, you can list your cleaning business on local community groups such as Nextdoor. Also ensure your business is featured in local business listings, which you can do for free on sites such as Yell and Local Pages, so that potential customers searching for cleaning services can find you easily.
  • Ask for reviews: Make sure satisfied customers leave positive reviews on sites such as Google Reviews and Trustpilot.

How much do cleaning businesses charge?

A key consideration is how much to charge your customers. Costs vary across the UK, but rough average figures are:

  • Domestic cleaning: £10 to £20 per hour (individual), £15 to £25 (agency)
  • Commercial cleaning: £15 to £20 per hour for regular cleaning
  • Deep cleaning: £180 for end-of-tenancy studio apartment clean 
  • Carpet cleaning: £50 per small room
  • Oven cleaning: £50 for a standard oven

Does a cleaning business need insurance?

While you are not legally required to have insurance, it could be wise even if you are running a small cleaning business. Getting public liability insurance will protect you against claims of property damage from customers, something that is all too possible when working with spillable chemicals in people’s homes and businesses. 

Commercial cleaners may even be required to prove they have public liability insurance before being allowed to work on a customer’s premises. 

You will also need to acquire employer’s liability insurance if you hire any staff. This insurance, which protects you from employees’ compensation claims, is a legal requirement and business owners can be fined for failing to obtain it.

You may also wish to insure expensive tools and equipment that are required for your business. Specialised portable equipment insurance will cover important and valuable tools, such as vacuum cleaners, floor buffers and even company smartphones against theft, loss or damage.  

Finally, it is worth considering insurance against sickness or injury, particularly if you are self-employed and lacking the safety net of sick pay. This will protect you in periods where you cannot work due to ill health, either by offering a regular benefit throughout your time off work or by giving you a one-time lump sum.

Image source: Getty Images

About the Author

Duncan Ferris is a business writer with expertise in pensions, investing and personal finance. Though he began his career as a pensions industry professional, he transitioned to journalism in 2017.…

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    Create a business plan for your house cleaning business. To start your own house cleaning business, you'll need a solid business plan. ... Next, research other house cleaning and commercial cleaning services in your area to discover what the going rate is. Then calculate your expenses, like cleaning materials, salaries for your employees, and ...

  25. How to Start a Cleaning Business

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