Consulting business plan
Plan your consultancy or freelance business section by section — services, rates, clients and numbers — and download a clean plan. Free, in your browser, no sign-up.
A consultancy sells time and expertise. Your plan should show what problem you solve, who pays for it, what your day rate is based on and how many billable days you can really sell. The prompts below are tailored for consultants and freelancers.
Tips for a plan that convinces
- Plan with realistic billable days: sales, admin and holidays take a big share of the year.
- Base your rate on the value for the client, not only on your old salary.
- Use a clear contract for every assignment: scope, rate, payment terms and liability.
Consulting start-up costs
A consultancy needs little up front, but plan for:
- Laptop, software and a professional email and website
- Professional indemnity insurance
- Accountant and business registration
- Training or certifications that support your rate
- A buffer of several months’ income while your first clients come in
Rules and status
Most consulting needs no licence, unless you advise in a regulated field such as financial or legal services. Pay attention to your employment status: in the UK the IR35 rules decide whether a contract is really self-employment, and other countries have similar tests. A written contract per assignment protects both sides.
Key figures your plan needs
- Day rate or project fee
- Billable days per year
- Number of clients, and the share of your income from your biggest client
- Fixed costs per year
- Break-even: billable days per month that cover your costs and income
More business plan templates
Frequently asked questions
What should a consulting business plan include?
Your services and target clients, your rates and how you set them, how you win assignments, how you deliver and manage the admin, and a financial plan with billable days, costs and tax reserves.
How do I set my consulting day rate?
Start from what you need per year (income, costs, tax and reserves), divide it by the number of days you can realistically bill, and compare the result with the market rate for your expertise.
Is it free?
Yes, entirely in your browser with no account.