business plan for civil engineering students

Civil Engineering Business Plan [Sample Template]

By: Author Tony Martins Ajaero

Home » Business Plans » Construction & Engineering

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

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

Starting a civil engineering business is capital intensive because of the heavy duty equipment that are required to carry out construction projects and also the cost of managing a large workforce.

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Despite the fact that the construction industry requires huge startup capital, the industry is highly profitable especially if you have the expertise and capacity to deliver quality jobs. The major clients for civil engineering companies are governments and the private sector.

Major civil engineering companies all over the world head towards developing countries, because they know that they are going to get juicy construction contracts there. The fact that they have infrastructure deficit means that the government must be up and doing in terms of road constructions, bridge construction, public facility construction (hospitals, schools, office facilities and estates et al) etc.

If you are truly convinced that starting a civil engineering company is the right business for you, then you need to write your own business plan. The essence of writing a business plan before starting any business is for you to have a roadmap and a blueprint of how you would want to setup, manage and expand your business.

Below is a sample civil engineering company business plan template that will help you successfully write yours with little or no stress.

A Sample Civil Engineering Business Plan Template

1. industry overview.

Civil engineering business is a subset of the Construction industry and the Construction industry consists of establishments that are majorly into building construction, heavy and civil engineering construction, specialty trade contracting and other related activities.

The construction industry is responsible for the infrastructural development of the world. In other words, all the edifices, bridges, dams, roads, estates, campuses, shopping malls, office complexes, skyscrapers and massive structures that you see around are all products of the construction industry.

The value of private nonresidential construction includes new construction and renovations associated with all nonresidential buildings, including commercial, industrial, educational and religious structures. The Construction sector derives just over 70.0 percent of its revenue from new construction, renovation and repairs on nonresidential buildings.

As a result, construction contractors benefit from increased private nonresidential construction. The value of private nonresidential construction is expected to increase in 2018, presenting a potential opportunity for the sector.

Statistics has it that in the united states of America alone, there are about 3,186,774 registered and licensed construction companies scattered all across the United States responsible for employing about 8,761,382 people and the industry rakes in a whooping sum of $2 trillion annually.

The industry is projected to grow at a 3.4 percent annual growth within 2013 and 2018. It is important to state that the companies holding the largest market share in the industry include D.R. Horton Inc., Fluor Corp., Turner Construction Company, AECOM and EMCOR Group Inc.

A recent report published by IBISWorld shows that the Construction sector has performed well over the past five years to 2018, exhibiting a strong turnaround following the early economic recovery.

Revenue for the sector rose 4.3 percent in 2013, a level unmatched since the beginning of the economic recession, as improved household finances and increased consumer sentiment encouraged building activity to resume at a rapid pace.

Sector revenue continued to grow robustly in 2014, 2015 and 2016, bolstered by favorable interest rates, easing access to credit and accommodative lending standards by banks. The report also indicated that growth for the sector stagnated in 2017, as the yield on the 10-year Treasury note soared 26.5 percent, stifling investment in new projects.

As a matter of fact, over the past five years, the Construction industry in the US has grown by 3.4 percent to reach revenue of $2tr in 2018. In the same timeframe, the number of businesses have grown by 1.0 percent and the number of employees has grown by 2.2 percent.

The success of civil engineering companies to a larger extent depends on their relationship with the biggest clients in the industry; the government of any country. No doubt, there is always enough construction contracts to go round as long as a civil engineering company is competent and well positioned.

2. Executive Summary

Justin Wellington® Civil Engineering Company is an international civil engineering company that has its headquarters in Santa Fe, New Mexico – USA. The fact that we are based in the United States does not in any way restrict our scope of operations. We are an international civil engineering company and we work for clients in any part of the world.

Justin Wellington® Civil Engineering Company is world class civil engineering company that will be specialized in the constructions of skyscrapers, bridges, stadiums, roads, dams, office complexes, shopping malls, schools, campuses and estates et al. Creativity, excellence and timely completion of projects will be our signature.

We intend starting our civil engineering business on a small scale in Santa Fe – New Mexico, but we intend to have our presence in any part of the world that our clients want us to work. We hope to achieve this feat within the first 8 years of launching the company.

Justin Wellington® Civil Engineering Company is fully aware that starting a civil engineering business requires huge capital base, which is why we have perfected plans for steady flow of cash from private investors who are interested in working with us.

We can confidently say that we have a robust financial standing and we are ready to take on any construction project that comes our way as long as the project is duly commissioned by the required authority.

Justin Wellington® Civil Engineering Company will be owned by Engr. Justin Wellington and other partners. They also have plans to sell shares of the company in the nearest future to interested investors. Justin Wellington who is the principal partner has a degree in Civil Engineering and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

He has over 25 years’ experience in the construction industry. Before starting his own civil engineering company, he was a senior project manager and consultant with one of the largest civil engineering companies based in the United States.

3. Our Products and Services

Justin Wellington® Civil Engineering Company will undertake both small and massive construction projects for governments, private sectors and for individuals which is why we do not intend to place limitations of the scope of the projects we handle.

We know that if we are good at what we do, it will make it easier for our brand to grow beyond Santa Fe – New Mexico to other parts of the United States of America. Our business offerings are listed below;

• Road Construction
• Bridge Construction
• Dam construction
• Airports and Helipads Construction
• Seaports Construction
• Skyscrapers construction
• Estate construction
• Public facility construction (hospitals, schools, shopping malls, office complexes and industrial facilities et al)
• Construction of residential facilities
• Property Makeover Services
• Construction Consultancy and Advisory Services

4. Our Mission and Vision Statement

• Our vision is to build a first class civil engineering company that will have active presence in North America, South America, Africa and Asia.
• At Justin Wellington® Civil Engineering Company, our mission and values are to help governments, the private sector and individuals in the United States and throughout the world realize their dreams of building structures that can compete on a global stage.

Our Business Structure

We will ensure that we build a team that will work together towards achieving the company’s corporate vision. We will build a business that has the right structures and processes in place that can support growth.

In view of the above, we have made provisions for the following positions in our organization based on the size of the company we intend starting, but as the business grows, we will create senior level positions and also create a structure that will support the business growth.

• President/Chief Executive Officer (President)

Project Manager

Civil Engineer

• Structural Engineer
• Quantity Surveyor

Land Surveyor

• Company Lawyer/Secretary

Admin and HR Manager

Business Developer

• Front Desk Officer

5. Job Roles and Responsibilities

Chief Executive Officer – CEO (President):

• Increases management’s effectiveness by recruiting, selecting, orienting, training, coaching, counseling, and disciplining managers; communicating values, strategies, and objectives; assigning accountabilities; planning, monitoring, and appraising job results
• Produces, connects, and implements the organization’s vision, mission, and overall direction – i.e. leading the development and implementation of the overall organization’s strategy.
• Accountable for fixing prices and signing business deals
• Responsible for providing direction for the business
• Accountable for signing checks and documents on behalf of the company
• Evaluates the success of the organization
• Reports to the board
• Responsible for the planning, management and coordinating all projects on behalf of the company
• Supervise projects
• Ensures compliance during project executions
• Provides advice on the management of projects
• Responsible for carrying out risk assessment
• Uses IT systems and software to keep track of people and progress of ongoing projects
• Responsible for overseeing the accounting, costing and billing of every project
• Represents the organization’s interest at various stakeholders’ meetings
• Ensures that project desired result is achieved, the most efficient resources are utilized and different interests involved are satisfied.
• Responsible for preparing bids for tenders, and reporting to clients, public agencies and planning bodies
• Ensures that sites meet legal guidelines, and health and safety requirements
• Assesses the environment impact and risks connected to projects
• Responsible for judging whether projects are workable by assessing materials, costs and time requirements
• Draws up blueprints, using Computer Aided Design (CAD) packages
• Discusses requirements with the client and other professionals (e.g. architects and project managers et al)
• Responsible for managing, directing and monitoring progress during each phase of a project
• Responsible for creating building designs and highly detailed drawings
• Works around constraining factors such as town planning legislation, environmental impact and project budget
• Adapts plans according to circumstances and resolving any problems that may arise during construction
• Works with project team and management to achieve a common goal
• Responsible for undertaking land surveys / measurements using a variety of specialist technical equipment
• Accountable for producing and advising about construction plans and drawings
• Responsible for advising about technical matters and whether the construction plans are viable

Company’s Lawyer/Secretary

• Responsible for drawing up contracts and other legal documents for the company
• Consults and handle all corporate legal processes (e.g. intellectual property, mergers & acquisitions, financial/securities offerings, compliance issues, transactions, agreements, lawsuits and patents et al)
• Develops company policy and position on legal issues
• Researches, anticipates and guards company against legal risks
• Represents company in legal proceedings (administrative boards, court trials et al)
• Plays a part in business deal negotiations and take minutes of meetings
• Responsible for overseeing the smooth running of HR and administrative tasks for the organization
• Designs job descriptions with KPI to drive performance management for clients
• Regularly hold meetings with key stakeholders to review the effectiveness of HR Policies, Procedures and Processes
• Maintains office supplies by checking stocks; placing and expediting orders; evaluating new products.
• Ensures operation of equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; calling for repairs.
• Outlines job positions for recruitment and managing interviewing process
• Carries out staff induction for new team members
• Accountable for training, evaluation and assessment of employees
• Responsible for arranging travel, meetings and appointments
• Oversees the smooth running of the daily office activities.
• Identifies, prioritizes, and reaches out to new partners, and business opportunities et al
• Identifies development opportunities; follows up on development leads and contacts
• Accountable for supervising implementation, advocate for the customer’s needs, and communicate with clients
• Documents all customer contact and information
• Represents the company in strategic meetings
• Helps to increase sales and growth for the company
• Responsible for preparing financial reports, budgets, and financial statements for the organization
• Provides managers with financial analyses, development budgets, and accounting reports
• Responsible for financial forecasting and risks analysis.
• Performs cash management, general ledger accounting, and financial reporting for one or more properties.
• In charge of developing and managing financial systems and policies
• Accountable for administering payrolls
• Ensures compliance with taxation legislation
• Handles all financial transactions for the company
• Serves as internal auditor for the company

Front Desk/Customer’s Service Officer

• Receives Visitors/clients on behalf of the organization
• Receives parcels/documents for the company
• Handles enquiries via email and phone calls for the organization
• Distributes mails in the organization
• Ensures that all contacts with clients (e-mail, walk-In center, SMS or phone) provides the client with a personalized customer service experience of the highest level
• Through interaction with clients on the phone, uses every opportunity to build client’s interest in the company’s products and services
• Consistently stays abreast of any new information on the company’s properties that are put up for sale, promotional campaigns etc. to ensure accurate and helpful information are supplied to clients when they make enquiries.

6. SWOT Analysis

We know that surviving in the business world as a civil engineering company requires more than knowing how to deliver standard projects but also how to network with key people that matters; decision makers that can decide who a construction project is giving to.

We know that it will be a bit difficult to compete with already established civil engineering companies in the United States especially because we are new in the industry.

In order to properly position our company for growth and to favorably compete in the construction industry, we engaged the services of Dr. Andrew Trump, a renowned HR and business consultant in the United States of America to help us run a SWOT analysis for the business.

It is important that we know our strengths, weaknesses, the opportunities that we can leverage on in the industry and the threats that we are likely going to be confronted with. With that we will be able to map out strategies that will not only help us to survive in the industry but also to build a global civil engineering brand.

Here is a summary from the result of the SWOT analysis that was conducted on behalf of Justin Wellington® Civil Engineering Company;

Justin Wellington® Civil Engineering Company can confidently boast of having a competent management team that are some of the best hands in New Mexico. Although we are a new civil engineering company, but our president and board of trustees are respectable people in the United States of America who have served the US government in various capacities.

The fact that we are a new civil engineering company could count as a weakness. It is normal for clients to think twice before awarding construction contracts to newbies in the industry. Another weakness that can count against us in the industry is the fact that we may not have the financial muscle to drive the business the way we ought to drive it.

We require huge financial base to be able to higher top government lobbyists and also to acquire some of the latest heavy duty construction equipment.

• Opportunities:

Our business concept, our mission and vision puts us at an advantage in the industry. We will start small to build trust within Santa Fe – New Mexico and there are loads of opportunities for us there simply because we are positioned to work with both the state governments and the private sector.

Civil engineering companies are subject to threats from government policies, global economic downturn and unforeseen natural disasters (disasters that may cause setback). In 2018, the yield on the 10-year Treasury note is expected to increase, posing a potential threat to the sector.

These are the threats that we are likely going to face as a newbie civil engineering company in Santa Fe – New Mexico. Another threat that we are likely going to face is the arrival of a big civil engineering company in the location where our business has strong presence.

7. MARKET ANALYSIS

• Market Trends

The trend in the construction industry is that construction companies are always coming out with processes that will help them achieve more within a short period; construction jobs can be time consuming especially massive infrastructures.

Most players in the construction industry are aware that the government of any country or state is the biggest client they can get and they do all the lobbying to ensure that they get government contracts. No doubt, there are loads of big time investors that have stakes in the construction industry, but one thing is certain, there is room big enough to accommodate both the big and small civil engineering companies.

What smaller construction companies need to do to survive in the industry is to concentrate on developing estates, schools, hospitals and hotels et al before bidding for big construction contracts like road construction, bridge construction, dam construction and skyscrapers et al.

Another obvious trend in the construction industry is subletting of contracts. It is now obvious that construction giants leverage on their brand to win contracts and in some cases after they have won the contract, they will go ahead to sublet the contract to smaller companies that they trust can execute the project at an agreed fee that will be good enough for both parties to make profits.

Smaller civil engineering companies position themselves to be able to leverage on such opportunities once it presents itself.

8. Our Target Market

Our target market cuts across governments at all levels and countries, the organized private sector and people of different classes and from all walks of life. We know that our selling points will be our excellent and timely delivery of construction projects using global best practices. Below is a list of the people and organizations that we have specifically designed our services for;

• Organized private sector (Corporate organizations)
• Land Owners
• Businessmen and women
• University Campuses
• Foreign investors who are interested in owning properties in the United States of America
• The government of the United States of America (Government contracts)
• The governments of other nations of the world

Our competitive advantage

We are quite aware that there are civil engineering companies that are well recognized in the construction industry, and we maybe have to compete with them when it is time to bid for juicy government contracts. It might be challenging competing as a newbie in the construction industry especially in a highly organized market like that of the United States, which is why we were deliberate in choosing our board members and lobbyists.

Our competitive advantage is not limited to the crop of highly experienced professions that are members of our management team but also our board members.

Our board members are highly respected professionals in the United States who have served the government of the United States at various capacities; people who are accomplished business gurus and people who have the right connections and experience to make things happen. For us, it is indeed part of the competitive advantage that we are bringing to the market.

Another positive for Justin Wellington® Civil Engineering Company is the fact that our Chief Executive Officer/President is a renowned Civil Engineer, he has robust experience in the construction industry and he has worked extensively as a senior project manager for one of the world’s leading construction companies.

He is sure going to bring is experience, expertise and network (connections) to make Justin Wellington® Civil Engineering Company one of the leading construction brands in Santa Fe, New Mexico and the global construction market.

9. SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY

We have been able to clearly define our target market and we know how to get them to hire our services which is why we have decided to adopt some of the winning formula that construction giants utilize to win major construction contracts.

We know that it will take different marketing and sales strategies to win clients. For example, there are requirements a civil engineering company would have to meet before they can be awarded a government contract. We have put all these factors in place before creating a workable marketing and sales strategy for Justin Wellington® Civil Engineering Company.

Justin Wellington® Civil Engineering Company is fully aware of the bureaucracy and horse trading that exists in bidding for civil engineering cum construction contracts from the government and even the organized private sector, which is why we were able to put protocols in place to hire some of the best business developer to handle our sales and marketing.

No doubt, our sales and marketing team will be recruited base on their vast experience in the construction industry and their ability to fit into our Business model.

We are going to pay more emphasis in the training of all our employees so as to give them all they would need to help the company achieve its aim and objectives. Justin Wellington® Civil Engineering Company will adopt the following marketing and sales strategies;

• Introduce our business by sending introductory letters alongside our brochure to all the corporate organizations and government offices in Santa Fe, New Mexico and other States in the US.
• Promptness in bidding for civil engineering cum construction contracts
• Advertise our business in real estate / properties magazines and websites
• List our business on yellow pages
• Promote our business on satellite TV and radio stations.
• Attend expos, seminars, and business fairs et al
• Create different packages for different category of clients in order to work with their budgets and still deliver quality housing/ property to them
• Leverage on the internet (social media platforms and our official websites) to promote our business.

Sources of Income

Justin Wellington® Civil Engineering Company was established with the aim of maximizing profits through delivering standard construction works for our highly esteemed clients. Below are the sources we intend exploring to generate income for Justin Wellington® Civil Engineering Company;

• Construction of residential apartments

10. Sales Forecast

It is a known fact that as long as there are homeowners in the United States of America, there will always be need to for them to construct or reconstruct from time to time to conform with the trends in the neighborhood or city.

We are well positioned to take on the challenges that are synonymous to civil engineering businesses in the United States, and we are quite optimistic that we will meet out set target of generating enough income/profits from the first month of operation and grow the business beyond Santa Fe – New Mexico to other states in the United States of America within record time.

We have been able to examine the construction industry, we have analyzed our chances in the industry and we have been able to come up with the following sales forecast. Below are the sales projections for Justin Wellington® Civil Engineering Company, it is based on the location of our business and the civil engineering cum construction and related services within the construction industry;

• First Fiscal Year:  $1.5 million
• Second Fiscal Year:  $3.5 million
• Third Fiscal Year:  $5 million

N.B : This projection was done based on what is obtainable in the industry and with the assumption that all things that will facilitate easy flow of civil engineering cum construction contracts. From our calculations, we are likely going to make a minimum of 30 percent profits after tax from executing key construction projects.

11. Publicity and Advertising Strategy

We have been able to work with our consultants to help us map out publicity and advertising strategies that will help us walk our way into the heart of our target market. First and foremost, we want our brand to be visible, which is why our publicity strategy has been well crafted to help us achieve our aims and business objectives.

All our publicity materials and jingles are done by some of the best hands in the industry. Below are the platforms we intend to leverage on to promote and advertise our civil engineering business;

• Place adverts on both print and electronic media platforms
• Place our flexi banners with our company’s logo and contacts in every property we put up for sale
• Sponsor relevant TV shows so as to be able to communicate our brand and what we do
• Maximize our company’s website to promote our business
• Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like; Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+ and other platforms (real estate online forums) to promote our business.
• Install our billboards on strategic locations all around Santa Fe – New Mexico
• Distribute our fliers and handbills in targeted areas from time to time
• Ensure that all our workers wear our branded shirts and all our vehicles and trucks are branded with our company’s logo.

12. Our Pricing Strategy

Although our prices may not be outrageously lower than what is obtained in the industry, but we are hopeful that whatever price we bill our customers will be amongst the lowest they can get in the industry. The fact that we are going to be billing our clients lower than what is obtainable in the industry does not in any way affect the quality of our projects.

• Payment Options

At Justin Wellington® Civil Engineering Company our payment policy is all inclusive because we are quite aware that different people prefer different payment options as it suits them but at the same time, we will not accept payment by cash because of the volume of cash that will be involved in most of our transactions.

Here are the payment options that Justin Wellington® Civil Engineering Company will make available to her clients;

• Payment by via bank transfer
• Payment via online bank transfer
• Payment via check
• Payment via bank draft

In view of the above, we have chosen banking platforms that will help us achieve our plans without any itches and we will also pay our lobbyists with same platforms.

13. Startup Expenditure (Budget)

Having done our due diligence , this is what it would cost us to set up Justin Wellington® Civil Engineering Company in the United States of America;

• The total fee for incorporating the business in The United States of America – $750.
• The budget for permits and license – $2,000
• The cost for hiring Consultant – $2,500.
• The cost for computer software apps (Accounting Software, Payroll Software, CRM Software, Microsoft Office, and QuickBooks Pro) – $7,000
• The budget for insurance (general liability, workers’ compensation and property casualty) coverage at a total premium – $5,400.
• The cost for payment of rent for a suitable Office facility with enough space in Santa Fe – New Mexico for 12 months at $1.76 per square feet in the total amount of – $105,600.
• The cost for office remodeling (construction of racks and shelves) – $20,000.
• The cost for equipping the office (computers, printers, fax machines, furniture, telephones, filing cabins, safety gadgets and electronics et al) – $15,000
• Other start-up expenses including stationery ($500) and phone and utility deposits ($2,500)
• The cost for acquiring heavy duty construction equipment: $1 million
• Operational cost for the first 3 months (salaries of employees, payments of bills et al) – $100,000
• The cost of launching our official Website – $600
• Working capital (investment fund): $2,000,000
• Additional Expenditure (Business cards, Signage, Adverts and Promotions et al) – $5,000

Going by the report from our research and feasibility studies, we will need about $4,000,000 (four million Dollar) to set up a construction company in Santa Fe – New Mexico.

It is important to state that most of the heavy duty construction equipment that we will work with will be leased. This is necessary because some of these equipment are really expensive and it won’t be economical for us to acquire them from the start.

Generating Startup Capital for Justin Wellington® Civil Engineering Company

Justin Wellington® Civil Engineering Company is owned and managed by Justin Wellington and other business partners. They decided to restrict the sourcing of the startup capital for the business to just three major sources.

• Generate part of the startup capital from personal savings and sale of his stocks
• Generate part of the startup capital from friends and other extended family members
• Generate a larger chunk of the startup capital from the bank (loan facility).

N.B: We have been able to generate about $1 million (Personal savings $800,000 and soft loan from family members $200,000) and we are at the final stages of obtaining a loan facility of $3 million from our bank. All the papers and documents have been duly signed and submitted, the loan has been approved and any moment from now our account will be credited.

14. Sustainability and Expansion Strategy

Justin Wellington® Civil Engineering Company was established with the aim of building a company that will outlived the founders and partners; a civil engineering company that will have active presence in major cities in the world.

In order to position of company for growth, we have been able to create strong partnerships with the government of the United States of America, organized private sector and construction giants. We are optimistic that we will continue to execute civil engineering cum construction contracts for our clients.

Our marketing team will continue to get the needed support and encouragement that they need to be able to deliver on set goals and targets for the organization, and we will continue to improve our processes and structure to meet up with the changing trend in the construction industry.

Check List/Milestone

• Business Name Availability Check : Completed
• Business Incorporation: Completed
• Opening of Corporate Bank Accounts: Completed
• Opening Online Payment Platforms: Completed
• Application and Obtaining Tax Payer’s ID: In Progress
• Application for business license and permit: Completed
• Purchase of Insurance for the Business: Completed
• Renting of Office Facility and remodeling the facility: Completed
• Conducting Feasibility Studies: Completed
• Generating capital from the CEO/President and Business Partners: Completed
• Applications for Loan from our Bankers: In Progress
• Writing of Business Plan: Completed
• Drafting of Employee’s Handbook: Completed
• Drafting of Contract Documents and other relevant Legal Documents: In Progress
• Design of The Company’s Logo: Completed
• Printing of Promotional Materials: Completed
• Recruitment of employees: In Progress
• Purchase of working tools and equipment, furniture, office equipment, electronic appliances and facility facelift: In progress
• Creating Official Website for the Company: In Progress
• Creating Awareness for the business (Business PR): In Progress
• Health and Safety and Fire Safety Arrangement: In Progress
• Purchase of utility truck: Completed
• Establishing business relationship with key players in the industry (networking and membership of relevant real estate bodies, government lobbyists, construction companies and building materials dealers): In Progress

How To Write a Winning Civil Engineer Business Plan + Template

Creating a business plan is essential for any business, but it can be especially helpful for civil engineering businesses who want to improve their strategy 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 civil engineering business owner should include in their business plan.

Download the Ultimate Business Plan Template

What is a civil engineering business plan.

A civil engineering business plan is a formal written document describing your company’s business strategy and 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 Civil Engineering Business Plan?

A civil engineering 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 Civil Engineering Business Plan

The following are the key components of a successful civil engineering business plan:

Executive Summary

The executive summary of a civil engineering 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 civil engineering 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 civil engineering 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 civil engineering firm, mention this.

Industry Analysis

The industry or market analysis is an important component of a civil engineering 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 civil engineering 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 your company’s success)?

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, a civil engineering business’ customers may include:

• ​​ Homeowners
• Local, state, and federal government agencies

Your customer analysis should also include information about your competition and how you will differentiate your company from them. 

You can include information about how your customers decide 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 civil engineering 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 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 laid out, including the following 4 Ps.

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

Operations Plan

This part of your civil engineering 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 civil engineer business include reaching $X in sales. Other examples include hiring a certain number of new employees or acquiring a certain number of new clients.

Management Team

List your team members here, including their names and titles, as well as their expertise and experience relevant to your specific civil engineering 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 and 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 Civil Engineering Company

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 Civil Engineering Company

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 civil engineer business.

Sample Cash Flow Statement for a Startup Civil Engineering Company

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 civil engineering company. It not only outlines your business vision but also provides a step-by-step process of how you will accomplish it.

A well-written business plan is an essential tool for any civil engineering company. The tips we’ve provided in this article should help you write a winning business plan for your civil engineering company.  

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Wish there was a faster, easier way to finish your civil engineer business plan?

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

Business Plan Template for Civil Engineers

• Great for beginners
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Civil engineering firms and individual civil engineers know that a solid business plan is the foundation for success in the industry. It's not just about building structures, it's about building a sustainable and profitable business. That's where ClickUp's Business Plan Template for Civil Engineers comes in!

With ClickUp's template, you can:

• Outline your goals, strategies, and financial projections to attract investors and secure financing
• Streamline your project and operations management to ensure efficiency and profitability
• Collaborate with your team and stakeholders to create a comprehensive and cohesive business plan

Whether you're starting a new venture or looking to grow your existing business, ClickUp's Business Plan Template for Civil Engineers has got you covered. Get started today and take your civil engineering business to new heights!

Business Plan Template for Civil Engineers Benefits

When it comes to creating a business plan for civil engineers, having a template can be a game-changer. Here are some key benefits of using a business plan template:

• Streamline the planning process by providing a structured format to follow
• Clearly define your goals, strategies, and financial projections to effectively communicate your vision to potential investors and stakeholders
• Identify potential risks and challenges, allowing you to proactively develop mitigation strategies
• Secure financing and attract investors by demonstrating a well-thought-out and comprehensive plan
• Efficiently manage projects and operations by having a roadmap that outlines key milestones and timelines

Main Elements of Civil Engineers Business Plan Template

For civil engineers looking to create a comprehensive business plan, ClickUp offers a specialized template packed with essential elements:

• Custom Statuses: Track progress with statuses like Complete, In Progress, Needs Revision, and To Do.
• Custom Fields: Utilize custom fields such as Reference, Approved, and Section to add specific details and organize your business plan effectively.
• Custom Views: Access different perspectives with five distinct views, including Topics, Status, Timeline, Business Plan, and Getting Started Guide, allowing you to analyze your plan from various angles.
• Document Collaboration: Collaborate seamlessly with team members by utilizing ClickUp's Docs feature, allowing you to create, edit, and share your business plan in real-time.
• Task Management: Break down your business plan into actionable tasks using ClickUp's task management features, such as assigning due dates, setting priorities, and tracking progress, ensuring that every aspect of your plan is accounted for.

How To Use Business Plan Template for Civil Engineers

If you're a civil engineer and need to create a business plan, don't worry - ClickUp has got you covered. Just follow these six steps to use the Business Plan Template for Civil Engineers and get your business off the ground:

1. Define your business goals

Start by clearly defining your goals for your civil engineering business. Are you looking to specialize in a specific area, such as structural engineering or environmental consulting? Do you want to target a particular market or client base? Defining your goals will help guide your business plan and set you up for success.

Use custom fields in ClickUp to track your business goals and monitor your progress.

2. Conduct market research

Before diving into your business plan, it's important to conduct thorough market research. Identify your target market, analyze your competitors, and understand the current trends and demands in the civil engineering industry. This research will help you identify unique selling points and opportunities for growth.

Use the Table view in ClickUp to organize your market research data and make informed decisions.

3. Develop your services and pricing

Based on your market research, determine the services you will offer as a civil engineer and establish your pricing structure. Consider factors such as your expertise, the complexity of projects, and the local market rates. It's important to strike a balance between competitive pricing and fair compensation for your services.

Use custom fields in ClickUp to list your services and pricing options, and track your financial projections.

4. Create a marketing plan

A solid marketing plan is crucial for attracting clients and growing your civil engineering business. Identify your target audience and develop strategies to reach them effectively. Consider online marketing, networking, referrals, and partnerships with other professionals or organizations in the industry.

Use the Board view in ClickUp to visualize your marketing plan and track your progress.

5. Outline your operational processes

To ensure smooth operations and efficient project management, outline your operational processes in your business plan. Include details such as project initiation, resource allocation, quality control, and project delivery. This will help you establish a strong foundation for managing your projects and meeting client expectations.

Use the Gantt chart in ClickUp to create project timelines and visualize your operational processes.

6. Monitor and review your business plan

Once your business plan is in place, it's important to regularly monitor and review it. Track your financial performance, assess the effectiveness of your marketing strategies, and make adjustments as needed. Stay adaptable and open to new opportunities and challenges that may arise in the civil engineering industry.

Use Dashboards in ClickUp to track key metrics and monitor the overall performance of your business plan. Regularly review and update your plan to keep it aligned with your evolving business goals.

By following these steps and utilizing the Business Plan Template for Civil Engineers in ClickUp, you'll be well on your way to building a successful and thriving civil engineering business.

Get Started with ClickUp’s Business Plan Template for Civil Engineers

Civil engineering firms and individual civil engineers can use the ClickUp Business Plan Template to streamline the process of creating a comprehensive business plan that covers all aspects of their operations and projects.

To get started, hit “Add Template” to sign up for ClickUp and add the template to your Workspace. Make sure you designate which Space or location in your Workspace you’d like this template applied.

Next, invite relevant members or guests to your Workspace to start collaborating.

Now you can take advantage of the full potential of this template to create a solid business plan:

• Use the Topics View to outline and organize the different sections of your business plan, such as executive summary, market analysis, financial projections, and more.
• The Status View will help you track the progress of each section, with statuses like Complete, In Progress, Needs Revision, and To Do.
• The Timeline View will give you a visual representation of the project timeline, allowing you to set deadlines and milestones for completing each section.
• The Business Plan View provides a comprehensive overview of your entire business plan, allowing you to easily navigate between sections and make updates as needed.
• The Getting Started Guide View offers step-by-step instructions and guidance on how to use the template effectively, ensuring that you have all the information you need to create a successful business plan.
• Utilize custom fields like Reference, Approved, and Section to add additional information and track important details within each section of your business plan.
• Update statuses and custom fields as you progress through each section to keep team members informed and ensure a smooth workflow.
• Monitor and analyze the progress of your business plan using ClickUp's powerful analytics and reporting features, ensuring that you're on track to achieve your goals and attract investors.

With the ClickUp Business Plan Template, civil engineers can confidently create a comprehensive business plan that sets them up for success in their projects and operations.

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Free Civil Engineering Business Plan Template

A successful civil engineering business is based on a solid business plan. To help you out, we've designed a business plan template PDF specifically for civil engineering business owners. Get your copy today!

How can a civil engineering business plan help you?

A solid business plan acts as your strategy guide for building a successful civil engineering business.

Whether you're an existing civil engineering business or just starting out, a business plan helps you get organised.

Use a business plan to help secure funding for your civil engineering business.

Get your free civil engineering business plan template:

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