Creative Concepts Computer Design offers computer and technical consulting to small businesses and home PC users. The company focuses on marketing, responsiveness, quality, and customer relations.

Initially, Creative Concepts will be a sole proprietorship with minimal outside financing. It will operate from a home office in Eugene, Oregon, serving local customers. Bram Ekstrand will be the owner, and the company may hire more employees and expand in the future.

Market research shows that there is a niche for additional businesses in the computing industry due to its rapid technological development. Home PC users will be the primary source of revenue, requiring minor upgrades, services, and advice. Business Week predicts a 12% growth rate in the computing industry, offering sales opportunities.

Creative Concepts will primarily target the home PC market due to its simplicity, speed, and flexibility in service times. The company will focus on Eugene and the surrounding areas, where market research indicates a high demand. If needed, promotional mediums like radio or print ads may be explored.

The main competitors in the Eugene/Springfield area are VOS and Suntech Computers, who charge higher rates than Creative Concepts. Therefore, the company anticipates attracting price-sensitive customers easily.

As a service-based business, start-up expenses will be modest. Operational costs should remain low as there are no physical products involved. Fixed costs have been accurately estimated on a monthly basis to cover equipment maintenance and basic tools. Variable costs have been set per unit to account for additional expenses like travel.

Objectives:

1. Provide a profitable service that meets community demands.

2. Establish a loyal customer base for growth.

3. Contribute positively to the community.

Mission:

To deliver exceptional quality and timely products while being a valued member of society. Every customer will be treated as a priority.

SOHO Computer Consulting Business Plan Example

1.3 Keys to Success

  • Marketing and Networking (being known to the public).
  • Responsiveness (being an on-call computer paramedic with fast response time).
  • Quality (getting the job done right the first time, offering a 100% guarantee).
  • Relationships (developing loyal repeat customers–retainers).

Company Summary

Creative Concepts will initially be a sole proprietorship.

The goal will be to start the venture inexpensively, with minimal outside financing.

Creative Concepts will be a home office start-up, utilizing one studio room in the owner’s home.

2.1 Company Ownership

Creative Concepts will be initially owned by Bram Ekstrand as a sole proprietorship. Possibly later adding additional employees and expanding operations as well as clientele.

2.2 Start-up Summary

Total start-up expenses are modest. This consists mostly of equipment costs along with a few dollars for research of consumer wants and desires and a few pads of stationary. Exact allocations are shown on the table. Since this is a service business and not product oriented, operational costs should remain low during the start-up process.

SOHO Computer Consulting Business Plan Example

Start-up Requirements

Start-up Expenses

Legal – $150

Stationery etc. – $50

Brochures – $0

Consultants – $0

Insurance – $0

Rent – $0

Research and development – $20

Expensed equipment – $500

Other – $0

Total Start-up Expenses – $720

Start-up Assets

Cash Required – $280

Other Current Assets – $0

Long-term Assets – $0

Total Assets – $280

Total Requirements – $1,000

Start-up Funding

Start-up Expenses to Fund – $720

Start-up Assets to Fund – $280

Total Funding Required – $1,000

Assets

Non-cash Assets from Start-up – $0

Cash Requirements from Start-up – $280

Additional Cash Raised – $0

Cash Balance on Starting Date – $280

Total Assets – $280

Liabilities and Capital

Liabilities

Current Borrowing – $0

Long-term Liabilities – $0

Accounts Payable (Outstanding Bills) – $0

Other Current Liabilities (interest-free) – $0

Total Liabilities – $0

Capital

Planned Investment

Investor 1 – $1,000

Investor 2 – $0

Other – $0

Additional Investment Requirement – $0

Total Planned Investment – $1,000

Loss at Start-up (Start-up Expenses) – ($720)

Total Capital – $280

Total Capital and Liabilities – $280

Total Funding – $1,000

Services

Creative Concepts will offer computer support and upgrade service to clients of two major categories, home PC users and small office users. These categories will define 95% of our operations.

Service Description

Our services can be obtained through direct hourly compensation or through a contract situation with pre-defined limits.

Competitive Comparison

Our services are more thorough and precise than any existing competition in the surrounding metro area. Since we have no extravagant overhead, we can focus on delivering exactly what the customer wants, something other computer support providers in this area have a hard time with.

Technology

Creative Concepts will operate in an environment with constantly evolving technology. Keeping up to date will be vital to the profitability of this venture. We will maintain working knowledge of all the latest software available to the public. Our customers will receive the most current versions of all software and hardware upgrades requested.

Market Analysis Summary

Creative Concepts Computer Design will provide computer support in both a consulting and technical capacity to home PC users and small business owners. Since Creative Concepts is currently a one-man operation, it will be limited in growth to the capacity of work able to be completed. Personal market research indicates an available market niche for additional businesses of this nature. The computing industry’s rapid technological development creates a constant need for businesses skilled in updating and advising customers on computer-related issues.

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Market Segmentation

The existing computer service market is extensive, making it difficult to categorize. For our revenue-oriented purposes, we will define the market into home PC users and small business clients. Home PC users will provide the majority of our revenue and typically consist of minor upgrade services and advising. The small business market will be defined as customers with five or more computers or a network requiring service or repair.

SOHO Computer Consulting Business Plan Example

Market Analysis

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5
Growth CAGR
Potential Customers 2% 25,000 25,500 26,010 26,530 27,061
Small Business Contracts 1% 10,000 10,100 10,201 10,303 10,406
Other 0% 0 0 0 0 0
Total 1.72% 35,000 35,600 36,211 36,833 37,467

4.2 Target Market Segment Strategy

Creative Concepts focuses primarily on the home PC market for various reasons. Home customers often request jobs that are easier, faster, and less resource-intensive than small business customers. This market also offers more flexibility for service times, allowing a more productive workday.

4.2.1 Market Needs

According to ComputingNet magazine, there is a substantial need for individuals capable of performing computer upgrades and repairs in a timely and cost-effective manner. Creative Concepts targets that market niche.

4.2.2 Market Trends

The computer industry continues to release new and revised computer components at alarming rates. This provides job security for Creative Concepts.

4.2.3 Market Growth

As reported by the Wall Street Journal, the computer market shows no signs of slowing down. Business Week expects the computing industry to grow at a rate of 12%, with processor speeds continuing to expand.

4.3 Service Business Analysis

Secondary market research indicates that computer service customers are loyal to providers that do good work and satisfy their needs. Analysis of Creative Concepts’ main competitors reveals no significant barriers to potential success. Identifying competitors’ weaknesses has illuminated several areas Creative Concepts can target as marketing strategies.

4.3.1 Main Competitors

The area has two main competitors for the computer upgrade business:

1. VOS: A well-established provider.

2. Suntech Computers: Smaller and less known than VOS, serving East and South Eugene residents.

Both of these companies charge rates higher than Creative Concepts, making it easier to attract price-sensitive customers. Additionally, the accessibility of Creative Concepts’ services appeals to time-conscious customers.

4.3.2 Competition and Buying Patterns

Other providers offer similar services in the area. Creative Concepts will provide superior service and competitive prices. Word of mouth will bring in new clients, and customer satisfaction will retain business.

Strategy and Implementation Summary

Creative Concepts’ value proposition is timely and practical solutions at a reasonable rate, backed by a 100% guarantee. The company’s competitive edge lies in cultivating existing customer relationships. The target market is Eugene and the surrounding areas, which offer ample business opportunities. If more business is needed, promotional mediums such as radio or print ads can be explored.

5.1 Competitive Edge

Creative Concepts differentiates itself by quickly completing customer requests. Most home PC user requests aim for a 48-hour completion, while small business obligations take slightly longer. Services are offered at or slightly below the going wage. This strategy allows Creative Concepts to undercut competitors and gain local market power.

5.2 Value Proposition

Creative Concepts’ business is simple: providing quality services at reasonable prices and prioritizing customer care.

5.3 Sales Strategy

Customer satisfaction leads to repeat business and referrals. Happy customers will spread the word, attracting more business.

Sales forecast figures predict slow, controllable growth. Initial focus will be on quality and attention to detail, avoiding potential pitfalls encountered by new businesses. Moderate growth is expected in the home PC market and small business arenas, allowing flexibility to adapt to variations in demand while maintaining profitability.

SOHO Computer Consulting Business Plan Example

SOHO Computer Consulting Business Plan Example

Sales Forecast
Year 1 Year 2 Year 3
Unit Sales
Home PC Unit 396 475 570
Small Business Unit 214 235 259
Other 0 0 0
Total Unit Sales 610 710 829
Unit Prices Year 1 Year 2 Year 3
Home PC Unit $30.00 $33.00 $36.30
Small Business Unit $30.00 $36.00 $43.20
Other $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Sales
Home PC Unit $11,874 $15,674 $20,690
Small Business Unit $6,415 $8,468 $11,178
Other $0 $0 $0
Total Sales $18,289 $24,142 $31,868
Direct Unit Costs Year 1 Year 2 Year 3
Home PC Unit $5.00 $7.00 $10.00
Small Business Unit $7.00 $10.00 $13.00
Other $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Direct Cost of Sales
Home PC Unit $1,979 $3,325 $5,700
Small Business Unit $1,497 $2,352 $3,364
Other $0 $0 $0
Subtotal Direct Cost of Sales $3,476 $5,677 $9,063

5.4 Milestones

The milestones in the table below outline the major events that will promote and ensure the success of Creative Concepts.

Milestones
Milestone Start Date End Date Budget Manager Department
Acquisition of Capital for initial opening 8/1/2002 9/1/2002 $0 BNE Admin
Procurement of materials for opening 9/1/2002 10/1/2002 $500 BNE Admin
Open for Business 10/1/2002 Never $0 BNE Admin
Name me 3/1/1999 4/1/1999 $0 ABC Department
Totals $500

Management Summary

As Creative Concepts is currently a sole proprietorship, this topic is not applicable. However, it will be revised in the future if employees are added.

6.1 Personnel Plan

The following table shows the expected compensation for the sole employee, the owner. The owner’s pay will be directly reflective of the business’s success, and a residual amount of income will be left with the company each month to allow for potential future expansion or hiring of additional employees.

Personnel Plan
Year 1 Year 2 Year 3
Owner $8,102 $12,071 $15,934
Other $0 $0 $0
Total People 0 0 0
Total Payroll $8,102 $12,071 $15,934

Financial Plan

The following sections include the annual estimates for the standard set of financial tables. Detailed monthly pro-forma tables are included in the appendix.

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7.1 Important Assumptions

Fluctuations in Creative Concepts’ customer base may occur due to economic recessions or other circumstances directly related to consumer or industry behavior.

General Assumptions
Year 1 Year 2 Year 3
Plan Month 1 2 3
Current Interest Rate 10.00% 10.00% 10.00%
Long-term Interest Rate 10.00% 10.00% 10.00%
Tax Rate 25.42% 25.00% 25.42%
Other 0 0 0

7.2 Break-even Analysis

Fixed costs have been set at a reasonable monthly level to allow for equipment maintenance and purchase or replacement of basic tools. Variable costs have been set per unit to account for additional expenses such as gas or other travel costs specific to each job.

SOHO Computer Consulting Business Plan Example

Break-even Analysis

Monthly Units Break-even: 28

Monthly Revenue Break-even: $834

Assumptions:

– Average Per-Unit Revenue: $29.98

– Average Per-Unit Variable Cost: $5.70

– Estimated Monthly Fixed Cost: $675

Projected Profit and Loss

The profit and loss shown for this company is inspiring. In the first year of operation, there is a modest net profit, providing flexibility and survival during the start-up phase. The profit margin declines in the following two years due to increased payroll allocations. These allocations depend on the continued success of the business. As this business is operated from home, expenses such as rent, utilities, and insurance are not reflective of the business venture.

SOHO Computer Consulting Business Plan Example

SOHO Computer Consulting Business Plan Example

SOHO Computer Consulting Business Plan Example

SOHO Computer Consulting Business Plan Example

Pro Forma Profit and Loss

Pro Forma Profit and Loss
Year 1 Year 2 Year 3
Sales $18,289 $24,142 $31,868
Direct Cost of Sales $3,476 $5,677 $9,063
Other $0 $0 $0
Total Cost of Sales $3,476 $5,677 $9,063
Gross Margin $14,814 $18,465 $22,804
Gross Margin % 80.99% 76.48% 71.56%
Expenses
Payroll $8,102 $12,071 $15,934
Sales and Marketing and Other Expenses $0 $0 $0
Depreciation $0 $0 $0
Leased Equipment $0 $0 $0
Utilities $0 $0 $0
Insurance $0 $0 $0
Rent $0 $0 $0
Payroll Taxes $0 $0 $0
Other $0 $0 $0
Total Operating Expenses $8,102 $12,071 $15,934
Profit Before Interest and Taxes $6,711 $6,394 $6,870
EBITDA $6,711 $6,394 $6,870
Interest Expense $0 $0 $0
Taxes Incurred $1,702 $1,598 $1,746
Net Profit $5,009 $4,795 $5,124
Net Profit/Sales 27.39% 19.86% 16.08%

7.4 Projected Cash Flow

This information is presented in the chart and table below.

SOHO Computer Consulting Business Plan Example

Pro Forma Cash Flow

Pro Forma Cash Flow
Year 1 Year 2 Year 3
Cash Received
Cash from Operations
Cash Sales $0 $0 $0
Cash from Receivables $12,657 $22,340 $29,488
Subtotal Cash from Operations $12,657 $22,340 $29,488
Additional Cash Received
Sales Tax, VAT, HST/GST Received $0 $0 $0
New Current Borrowing $0 $0 $0
New Other Liabilities (interest-free) $0 $0 $0
New Long-term Liabilities $0 $0 $0
Sales of Other Current Assets $0 $0 $0
Sales of Long-term Assets $0 $0 $0
New Investment Received $0 $0 $0
Subtotal Cash Received $12,657 $22,340 $29,488
Expenditures
Expenditures from Operations
Cash Spending $8,102 $12,071 $15,934
Bill Payments $4,391 $7,464 $10,519
Subtotal Spent on Operations $12,493 $19,535 $26,453
Additional Cash Spent
Sales Tax, VAT, HST/GST Paid Out $0 $0 $0
Principal Repayment of Current Borrowing $0 $0 $0
Other Liabilities Principal Repayment $0 $0 $0
Long-term Liabilities Principal Repayment $0 $0 $0
Purchase Other Current Assets $0 $0 $0
Purchase Long-term Assets $0 $0 $0
Dividends $0 $0 $0
Subtotal Cash Spent $12,493 $19,535 $26,453
Net Cash Flow $164 $2,804 $3,035
Cash Balance $444 $3,248 $6,283

7.5 Projected Balance Sheet

This information is presented in the table below.

Pro Forma Balance Sheet
Year 1 Year 2 Year 3
Assets
Cash $444 $3,248 $6,283
Accounts Receivable $5,633 $7,435 $9,815
Other Current Assets $0 $0 $0
Total Current Assets $6,076 $10,683 $16,098
Long-term Assets $0 $0 $0
Total Long-term Assets $0 $0 $0
Total Assets $6,076 $10,683 $16,098
Liabilities and Capital Year 1 Year 2 Year 3
Current Liabilities
Accounts Payable $787 $598 $888
Current Borrowing $0 $0 $0
Other Current Liabilities $0 $0 $0
Subtotal Current Liabilities $787 $598 $888
Long-term Liabilities $0 $0 $0
Total Liabilities $787 $598 $888
Paid-in Capital $1,000 $1,000 $1,000
Retained Earnings ($720) $4,289 $9,085
Earnings $5,009 $4,795 $5,124
Total Capital $5,289 $10,085 $15,209
Total Liabilities and Capital $6,076 $10,683 $16,098
Net Worth $5,289 $10,085 $15,209

7.6 Business Ratios

Business ratios for the years of this plan are shown below. Industry profile ratios based on the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code 7379, Computer Related Services NEC, are shown for comparison.

Ratio Analysis
Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Industry Profile
Sales Growth 0.00% 32.00% 32.00% 7.20%
Percent of Total Assets
Accounts Receivable 92.70% 69.60% 60.97% 21.70%
Other Current Assets 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 46.70%
Total Current Assets 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 71.90%
Long-term Assets 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 28.10%
Total Assets 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%
Current Liabilities
Accounts Payable 12.95% 5.60% 5.52% 51.40%
Long-term Liabilities 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 19.10%
Total Liabilities 12.95% 5.60% 5.52% 70.50%
Net Worth 87.05% 94.40% 94.48% 29.50%
Percent of Sales
Sales 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%
Gross Margin 80.99% 76.48% 71.56% 0.00%
Selling, General & Administrative Expenses 38.70% 65.72% 64.96% 80.70%
Advertising Expenses 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 1.20%
Profit Before Interest and Taxes 36.69% 26.48% 21.56% 1.70%
Main Ratios
Current 7.72 17.86 18.12 1.27

Sales Forecast:

– Home PC Unit Sales: 10, 12, 14, 17, 21, 25, 30, 36, 43, 52, 62, 74

– Small Business Unit Sales: 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 19, 21, 24, 26, 29

– Other Unit Sales: 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0

– Total Unit Sales: 20, 23, 27, 31, 35, 41, 48, 55, 64, 75, 88, 103

Unit Prices:

– Home PC Unit: $30.00 for all months

– Small Business Unit: $30.00 for all months

– Other: $0.00 for all months

Sales:

– Home PC Unit Sales: $300, $360, $432, $518, $622, $746, $896, $1,075, $1,290, $1,548, $1,858, $2,229

– Small Business Unit Sales: $300, $330, $363, $399, $439, $483, $531, $585, $643, $707, $778, $856

– Other Unit Sales: $0 for all months

– Total Sales: $600, $690, $795, $918, $1,061, $1,230, $1,427, $1,660, $1,933, $2,255, $2,636, $3,085

Personnel Plan:

– Owner: $0, $0, $0, $459, $531, $615, $714, $830, $967, $1,128, $1,318, $1,542

– Other: $0 for all months

– Total People: 0 for all months

– Total Payroll: $0, $0, $0, $459, $531, $615, $714, $830, $967, $1,128, $1,318, $1,542

General Assumptions:

– Plan Month: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

– Current Interest Rate: 10.00% for all months

– Long-term Interest Rate: 10.00% for all months

– Tax Rate: 30.00%, 25.00%, 25.00%, 25.00%, 25.00%, 25.00%, 25.00%, 25.00%, 25.00%, 25.00%, 25.00%, 25.00%

– Other: 0 for all months

Pro Forma Profit and Loss:

– Sales: $600, $690, $795, $918, $1,061, $1,230, $1,427, $1,660, $1,933, $2,255, $2,636, $3,085

– Direct Cost of Sales: $120, $137, $157, $180, $206, $237, $273, $316, $365, $423, $491, $571

– Other: $0 for all months

– Total Cost of Sales: $120, $137, $157, $180, $206, $237, $273, $316, $365, $423, $491, $571

– Gross Margin: $480, $553, $638, $738, $855, $992, $1,154, $1,344, $1,568, $1,832, $2,144, $2,514

– Gross Margin %: 80.00%, 80.14%, 80.29%, 80.43%, 80.57%, 80.71%, 80.85%, 80.98%, 81.12%, 81.24%, 81.37%, 81.48%

– Expenses:

– Payroll: $0, $0, $0, $459, $531, $615, $714, $830, $967, $1,128, $1,318, $1,542

– Sales and Marketing and Other Expenses: $0 for all months

– Depreciation: $0 for all months

– Leased Equipment: $0 for all months

– Utilities: $0 for all months

– Insurance: $0 for all months

– Rent: $0 for all months

– Payroll Taxes: 0%, $0 for all months

– Other: $0 for all months

– Total Operating Expenses: $0, $0, $0, $459, $531, $615, $714, $830, $967, $1,128, $1,318, $1,542

– Profit Before Interest and Taxes (EBITDA): $480, $553, $638, $279, $324, $378, $440, $514, $601, $705, $827, $971

– Interest Expense: $0 for all months

– Taxes Incurred: $144, $138, $160, $70, $81, $94, $110, $129, $150, $176, $207, $243

– Net Profit: $336, $415, $479, $209, $243, $283, $330, $386, $451, $528, $620, $728

– Net Profit/Sales: 56.00%, 60.11%, 60.22%, 22.82%, 22.93%, 23.04%, 23.14%, 23.24%, 23.34%, 23.43%, 23.52%, 23.61%

Pro Forma Cash Flow

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Pro Forma Cash Flow
Month 1 Month 2 Month 3 Month 4 Month 5 Month 6 Month 7 Month 8 Month 9 Month 10 Month 11 Month 12
Cash Received Cash from Operations Cash Sales Cash from Receivables Subtotal Cash from Operations Additional Cash Received Sales Tax, VAT, HST/GST Received New Current Borrowing New Other Liabilities (interest-free) New Long-term Liabilities Sales of Other Current Assets Sales of Long-term Assets New Investment Received Subtotal Cash Received
$0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
$0 $20 $603 $694 $799 $922 $1,067 $1,236 $1,435 $1,669 $1,944 $2,268
$0 $0 $20 $603 $694 $799 $922 $1,067 $1,236 $1,435 $1,669 $1,944 $2,268
$0 $20 $603 $694 $799 $922 $1,067 $1,236 $1,435 $1,669 $1,944 $2,268

Pro Forma Balance Sheet

Pro Forma Balance Sheet
Month 1 Month 2 Month 3 Month 4 Month 5 Month 6 Month 7 Month 8 Month 9 Month 10 Month 11 Month 12
Assets Current Assets Cash Accounts Receivable Other Current Assets Total Current Assets Long-term Assets Long-term Assets Accumulated Depreciation Total Long-term Assets Total Assets
$280 $271 $27 $353 $274 $292 $310 $330 $352 $374 $396 $420 $444
$0 $600 $1,270 $1,462 $1,686 $1,948 $2,256 $2,616 $3,039 $3,537 $4,124 $4,816 $5,633
$0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
$280 $871 $1,297 $1,815 $1,960 $2,240 $2,566 $2,946 $3,391 $3,911 $4,520 $5,236 $6,076
Liabilities and Capital Current Liabilities Accounts Payable Current Borrowing Other Current Liabilities Subtotal Current Liabilities Long-term Liabilities Long-term Liabilities Total Liabilities Total Liabilities and Capital
$0 $255 $266 $306 $241 $278 $321 $371 $429 $498 $579 $675 $787
$0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
$0 $255 $266 $306 $241 $278 $321 $371 $429 $498 $579 $675 $787
Paid-in Capital Retained Earnings Earnings Total Capital Total Liabilities and Capital
$1,000 ($720) $0 $280 $280
$1,000 ($720) $336 $616 $871
$1,000 ($720) $751 $1,031 $1,297
$1,000 ($720) $1,229 $1,509 $1,815
$1,000 ($720) $1,439 $1,719 $1,960
$1,000 ($720) $1,682 $1,962 $2,240
$1,000 ($720) $1,966 $2,246 $2,566
$1,000 ($720) $2,296 $2,576 $2,946
$1,000 ($720) $2,681 $2,961 $3,391
$1,000 ($720) $3,133 $3,413 $3,911
$1,000 ($720) $3,661 $3,941 $4,520
$1,000 ($720) $4,281 $4,561 $5,236
$1,000 ($720) $5,009 $5,289 $6,076

SOHO Computer Consulting Business Plan Example

Business Plan Outline

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