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How to Create a Winning Cleaning Business Plan [Free Template]

profile picture of Shana Cesaire, freelance writer for Jobber Academy
Shana Cesaire
Oct 7, 2024 8 min read
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Starting a cleaning business offers both flexibility and the potential for financial success. But before you grab your broom and start sweeping your way to success, you need a solid plan. 

Whether you want to run a one-person operation or dream of building a cleaning empire, a business plan is your map to make it happen. 

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how to create a winning cleaning business plan—one that’s as spotless as the homes and offices you’ll be cleaning.

1. Cover page and table of contents

Your cover page creates a first impression and sets the tone for the rest of your cleaning business plan. Think of it like the handshake of your business plan, giving potential customers or investors an immediate sense of your brand and business goals. 

A clean, well-designed cover page should include your business name, logo, and contact details. 

To show that you’re organized, include a table of contents for your reader to easily reference while flipping through your cleaning services business plan.

2. Executive summary

An executive summary provides a quick, clear overview of your cleaning business.  

It’s the first section potential investors will read, so it needs to capture their attention and explain the key elements of your business—like your services, goals, and what makes your business unique. 

Here’s what your executive summary should include:

  • Cleaning company background and history
  • Mission statement and/or values
  • Business goals
  • Competitive advantage

3. Company overview

A business overview provides a clear snapshot of your entire business to quickly bring the reader up to speed. It helps set the stage for the rest of your plan, making it easier for the reader to grasp your vision and the value your cleaning services bring to the market.

At a minimum, your overview should briefly highlight your cleaning business’:

  • Location: Customers and investors need to know where your business is located and the areas you service.
  • Business structure: Is your business a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, or corporation? Each of these structures have different tax implications, so it’s important to make it clear which one your business falls under.
  • Services offered: Do you offer commercial cleaning services, house cleaning services, or both? This is something investors want to know from the beginning.

You can go into more detail explaining these elements in other sections of your cleaning business plan.

4. Management team

The management team section of your cleaning business plan showcases the people behind your business. 

Potential investors want to know that your cleaning business is run by a strong, capable team with the skills to deliver excellent service and manage operations smoothly.

Use this section to introduce each member of your management team. Highlight their roles, experience, and expertise to show how each person contributes to your cleaning company’s success. 

The management section should also include:

  • Salaries
  • Labor costs and employee pay
  • Number of employees needed to reach your business goals 

You may not yet have a management team if you are just starting off your cleaning business. If you’re flying solo, you should still include this section and the relevant information about yourself that investors want to know.

5. Services offered

The cleaning industry is big, and there are a range of services that you can choose to provide customers as a cleaning company business owner. 

Your cleaning service business plan should give a detailed breakdown of the exact services your business provides, such as:

  • Residential cleaning
  • Commercial cleaning
  • Carpet cleaning
  • Window cleaning
  • Exterior cleaning
  • Deep cleaning

The type of services you provide will also affect whether you write a house cleaning business plan or a commercial cleaning business plan.

By clearly defining your services, you show potential customers how your business meets their specific needs and investors how your business fills a gap in the market.

READ MORE: Cleaning services ideas: 24 unique ways to kickstart your company

6. Operations plan

By now, your business plan has provided a general overview of how your cleaning business will run, but it’s important to detail the day-to-day operations of your business through an operational plan.

An operational plan covers everything from your cleaning processes, staff management, scheduling, and equipment to how you deliver consistent, high-quality service. 

This shows potential investors that you have a clear, organized approach to running your business smoothly and efficiently.

7. Marketing plan and sales strategy

The marketing and sales strategy section of your cleaning business plan explains how you’re going to attract, convert, and retain customers.

Use this section to identify your target customer and detail the methods you plan on using to get the word out about your cleaning services—whether through digital marketing, local advertising, or referrals.

Take advantage of social media like Instagram, Nextdoor, and Facebook Marketplace to get your cleaning business out there.

Christine Hodge Clearview Washing

If you have a sales team, include information such as the number of sales representatives you need and sales tactics they use.  

Pro Tip: Include a market analysis to show a detailed assessment of your target market and the competitive landscape of the cleaning business. This allows investors to better understand how your cleaning business fits within the industry and your chances of success. 

8. Financial plan

What potential investors care the most about is whether your business is financially feasible, which is why it’s important to include a concise, well-researched financial plan within your cleaning business plan. 

A clear financial plan also helps you manage your money effectively, ensuring you can cover expenses, pay your team, and invest in growth.

Your financial plan should include:

  • Startup costs
  • Pricing strategy
  • Revenue goals
  • Profits
  • Cleaning supplies list, equipment, and estimated cost
  • Business insurance

Why you need a cleaning business plan

A business plan for cleaning services has two main purposes: 

  1. Attracts potential investors and partners to your business
  2. Acts as a roadmap for building and growing your business

A cleaning business plan helps you clearly define your goals, services, target market, and how you’ll stand out from the competition. It also guides your financial decisions, ensuring you manage expenses wisely to turn a profit.

Creating a winning cleaning business plan is like putting together the perfect cleaning kit—once you’ve got all the right tools in place, you’re ready to tackle anything that comes your way.

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