how to write a security business plan

Security Company Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Security Company Business Plan

Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 500 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans to start and grow their security companies.

If you’re unfamiliar with creating a security company business plan, you may think creating one will be a time-consuming and frustrating process. For most entrepreneurs it is, but for you, it won’t be since we’re here to help. We have the experience, resources, and knowledge to help you create a great business plan.

In this article, you will learn some background information on why business planning is important. Then, you will learn how to write a security company business plan step-by-step so you can create your plan today.

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here >

What is a Security Company Business Plan?

A business plan provides a snapshot of your security company as it stands today, and lays out your growth plan for the next five years. It explains your business goals and your strategies for reaching them. It also includes market research to support your plans.

Why You Need a Business Plan for a Security Company

If you’re looking to start a security company or grow your existing security company, you need a business plan. A business plan will help you raise funding, if needed, and plan out the growth of your security company to improve your chances of success. Your security company business plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your company grows and changes.

Sources of Funding for Security Companies

With regards to funding, the main sources of funding for a security company are personal savings, credit cards, bank loans, and angel investors. When it comes to bank loans, banks will want to review your business plan and gain confidence that you will be able to repay your loan and interest. To acquire this confidence, the loan officer will not only want to ensure that your financials are reasonable, but they will also want to see a professional plan. Such a plan will give them the confidence that you can successfully and professionally operate a business. Personal savings and bank loans are the most common funding paths for security companies.

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How to Write a Business Plan for a Security Company

If you want to start a security company or expand your current one, you need a business plan. The guide below details the necessary information for how to write each essential component of your security company business plan.

Executive Summary

Your executive summary provides an introduction to your business plan, but it is normally the last section you write because it provides a summary of each key section of your plan.

The goal of your executive summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the kind of security company you are running and the status. For example, are you a startup, do you have a security company that you would like to grow, or are you operating a chain of security companies?

Next, provide an overview of each of the subsequent sections of your plan.

• Give a brief overview of the security company industry.
• Discuss the type of security company you are operating.
• Detail your direct competitors. Give an overview of your target customers.
• Provide a snapshot of your marketing strategy. Identify the key members of your team.
• Offer an overview of your financial plan.

Company Overview

In your company overview, you will detail the type of security company you are operating.

For example, you might specialize in one of the following types of security companies::

• Crisis management: This type of security business deploys security officers trained in crisis situations such as natural disasters, terrorist attacks, or other emergencies.
• Security guards: This type of security business provides security guards to government or private clients to provide protection against theft or harm to personal or public property.
• Surveillance company: This type of security business provides surveillance equipment and monitoring services that can include security alarms, cameras, and on-call security officers.
• Security patrol: This type of security company deploys security officers who drive around the designated area, patrolling from car, motorcycle, or other vehicle.

In addition to explaining the type of security company you will operate, the company overview needs to provide background on the business.

Include answers to questions such as:

• When and why did you start the business?
• What milestones have you achieved to date? Milestones could include the number of customers served, the number of security cameras sold, or reaching $X amount in revenue, etc.
• Your legal business Are you incorporated as an S-Corp? An LLC? A sole proprietorship? Explain your legal structure here.

Industry Analysis

In your industry or market analysis, you need to provide an overview of the security company industry.

While this may seem unnecessary, it serves multiple purposes.

First, researching the security company industry educates you. It helps you understand the market in which you are operating.

Secondly, market research can improve your marketing strategy, particularly if your analysis identifies market trends.

The third reason is to prove to readers that you are an expert in your industry. By conducting the research and presenting it in your plan, you achieve just that.

The following questions should be answered in the industry analysis section of your security guard business plan:

• How big is the security company industry (in dollars)?
• Is the market declining or increasing?
• Who are the key competitors in the market?
• Who are the key suppliers in the market?
• What trends are affecting the industry?
• What is the industry’s growth forecast over the next 5 – 10 years?
• What is the relevant market size? That is, how big is the potential target market for your security company? You can extrapolate such a figure by assessing the size of the market in the entire country and then applying that figure to your local population.

Customer Analysis

The customer analysis section of your security company business plan must detail the customers you serve and/or expect to serve.

The following are examples of customer segments: individuals, schools, families, and corporations.

As you can imagine, the customer segment(s) you choose will have a great impact on the type of security company you operate. Clearly, individuals would respond to different marketing promotions than corporations, for example.

Try to break out your target customers in terms of their demographic and psychographic profiles. With regards to demographics, including a discussion of the ages, genders, locations, and income levels of the potential customers you seek to serve.

Psychographic profiles explain the wants and needs of your target customers. The more you can recognize and define these needs, the better you will do in attracting and retaining your customers.

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Competitive Analysis

Your competitive analysis should identify the indirect and direct competitors your business faces and then focus on the latter.

Direct competitors are other security companies..

Indirect competitors are other options that customers have to purchase from that aren’t directly competing with your product or service. This includes other types of security service providers, in-house security personnel, and do-it-yourself security equipment. You need to mention such competition as well.

For each such competitor, provide an overview of their business and document their strengths and weaknesses. Unless you once worked at your competitors’ businesses, it will be impossible to know everything about them. But you should be able to find out key things about them such as

• What types of customers do they serve?
• What type of security company are they?
• What is their pricing (premium, low, etc.)?
• What are they good at?
• What are their weaknesses?

With regards to the last two questions, think about your answers from the customers’ perspective. And don’t be afraid to ask your competitors’ customers what they like most and least about them.

The final part of your competitive analysis section is to document your areas of competitive advantage. For example:

• Will you make it easier for clients to acquire your services?
• Will you offer products or services that your competition doesn’t?
• Will you provide better customer service?
• Will you offer better pricing?

Think about ways you will outperform your competition and document them in this section of your plan.  

Marketing Plan

Traditionally, a marketing plan includes the four P’s: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. For a security guard business plan, your marketing strategy should include the following:

Product : In the product section, you should reiterate the type of security company that you documented in your company overview. Then, detail the specific products or services you will be offering. For example, will you provide on-call security guard services, crisis management, or surveillance equipment?

Price : Document the prices you will offer and how they compare to your competitors. Essentially in the product and price sub-sections of your plan, you are presenting the products and/or services you offer and their prices.

Place : Place refers to the site of your security company. Document where your company is situated and mention how the site will impact your success. For example, is your security company located in a busy retail district, a business district, a standalone office, or purely online? Discuss how your site might be the ideal location for your customers.

Promotions : The final part of your security company marketing plan is where you will document how you will drive potential customers to your location(s). The following are some promotional methods you might consider:

• Advertise in local papers, radio stations and/or magazines
• Reach out to websites
• Distribute flyers
• Engage in email marketing
• Advertise on social media platforms
• Improve the SEO (search engine optimization) on your website for targeted keywords

Operations Plan

While the earlier sections of your business plan explained your goals, your operations plan describes how you will meet them. Your operations plan should have two distinct sections as follows.

Everyday short-term processes include all of the tasks involved in running your security company, including answering calls, scheduling security personnel, billing clients and collecting payments, etc.

Long-term goals are the milestones you hope to achieve. These could include the dates when you expect to acquire your Xth client, or when you hope to reach $X in revenue. It could also be when you expect to expand your security company to a new city.  

Management Team

To demonstrate your security company’s potential to succeed, a strong management team is essential. Highlight your key players’ backgrounds, emphasizing those skills and experiences that prove their ability to grow a company.

Ideally, you and/or your team members have direct experience in managing security businesses. If so, highlight this experience and expertise. But also highlight any experience that you think will help your business succeed.

If your team is lacking, consider assembling an advisory board. An advisory board would include 2 to 8 individuals who would act as mentors to your business. They would help answer questions and provide strategic guidance. If needed, look for advisory board members with experience in managing a security company.  

Financial Plan

Your financial plan should include your 5-year financial statement broken out both monthly or quarterly for the first year and then annually. Your financial statements include your income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statements.

Income Statement

An income statement is more commonly called a Profit and Loss statement or P&L. It shows your revenue and then subtracts your costs to show whether you turned a profit or not.

In developing your income statement, you need to devise assumptions. For example, will you employ a staff of 10 security officers, and will you charge an hourly fee of $150 for each security officer deployed ? And will sales grow by 2% or 10% per year? As you can imagine, your choice of assumptions will greatly impact the financial forecasts for your business. As much as possible, conduct research to try to root your assumptions in reality.

Balance Sheets

Balance sheets show your assets and liabilities. While balance sheets can include much information, try to simplify them to the key items you need to know about. For instance, if you spend $50,000 on building out your security company, this will not give you immediate profits. Rather it is an asset that will hopefully help you generate profits for years to come. Likewise, if a lender writes you a check for $50,000, you don’t need to pay it back immediately. Rather, that is a liability you will pay back over time.

Cash Flow Statement

Your cash flow statement will help determine how much money you need to start or grow your business, and ensure you never run out of money. What most entrepreneurs and business owners don’t realize is that you can turn a profit but run out of money and go bankrupt.

When creating your Income Statement and Balance Sheets be sure to include several of the key costs needed in starting or growing a security company:

• Cost of equipment and office supplies
• Payroll or salaries paid to staff
• Business insurance
• Other start-up expenses (if you’re a new business) like legal expenses, permits, computer software, and equipment

Attach your full financial projections in the appendix of your plan along with any supporting documents that make your plan more compelling. For example, you might include your office location lease or a list of your security guards and their credentials.  

Writing a business plan for your security company is a worthwhile endeavor. If you follow the template above, by the time you are done, you will truly be an expert. You will understand the security company industry, your competition, and your customers. You will develop a marketing strategy and will understand what it takes to launch and grow a successful security company.

Don’t you wish there was a faster, easier way to finish your Security Company business plan?

OR, Let Us Develop Your Plan For You

Since 1999, Growthink has developed business plans for thousands of companies who have gone on to achieve tremendous success.   See how Growthink’s business planning advisors can create your business plan for you.

Other Helpful Business Plan Articles & Templates

Security Company Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Security Company Business Plan

You’ve come to the right place to create your Security Company business plan.

We have helped over 5,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans and many have used them to start or grow their Security Companies.

Below is a template to help you create each section of your Security Company business plan.

Executive Summary

Business overview.

KB Security is a new security company located in San Antonio, Texas. KB Security provides security professionals to local establishments that need protection for their business or assets. We train our professionals for numerous situations, so they are prepared for any security job. This includes anything from theft prevention to handling crisis situations. Whatever our clients’ concerns are, they can rest assured that they have hired the best security professionals in the San Antonio area.

KB Security is founded by Keith Baldwin, who has been a security professional for ten years. He has worked both as a professional security guard and as a certified trainer. In addition to his experience, he also holds an MBA. Keith’s combination of experience and education have given him the knowledge and skills to run a successful security company.

Product Offering

KB Security provides security professionals that can help businesses with all their security and surveillance needs. These can include but are not limited to:

• Protecting individuals
• Guarding property
• Preventing theft
• Helping with crisis situations

Businesses can sign up with one of our flexible contract programs when hiring our security services. We also offer a discounted trial period for those who are considering a long-term contract and want to test out our services before signing.

Customer Focus

KB Security will target local businesses, government organizations, and individuals located in San Antonio who need to hire security professionals. We expect most of our clients to be retail establishments who need help with theft prevention and guarding property and assets.

Management Team

KB Security is founded by Keith Baldwin, who has been a security professional for ten years. He has worked both as a professional security guard and as a certified trainer and received an MBA from the University of Texas. Keith’s education and experience has given him all the essential skills to run his dream security company. However, he will also hire other administrative staff to help him with the essential day-to-day functions.

Success Factors

KB Security will be able to achieve success by offering the following competitive advantages:

• Expert Security Professionals: KB Security only hires the best security professionals that have extensive training in security protocols.
• Location: KB Security is in a prime location, giving us quick and easy access to prime commercial districts. This is ideal especially when hired to handle crisis situations or alarm response.
• Affordable Pricing: The services offered by KB Security are similar in quality to its most premium-positioned competitors but are offered at a more affordable price.
• Management: Our management team has years of security and business experience that allows us to market to and serve customers in a much more sophisticated manner than our competitors.

Financial Highlights

KB Security is seeking a total funding of $300,000 of debt capital to open its office. The funding will be dedicated towards securing the office space and the office build-out. Funding will also be dedicated towards three months of overhead costs to include payroll of the staff, rent, and working capital. The breakout of the funding is below:

• Office design/build: $100,000
• Three months of overhead expenses (payroll, rent, utilities): $100,000
• Marketing & advertising: $50,000
• Working capital: $50,000

The following graph below outlines the pro forma financial projections for KB Security.

Company Overview

Who is kb security.

KB Security is a new security company located in San Antonio, Texas. KB Security provides security professionals to local establishments that need protection for their business or assets. We train our professionals for numerous situations so they are prepared for any security job. This includes anything from theft prevention to handling crisis situations. Whatever our clients’ concerns are, they can rest assured that they have hired the best security professionals in the San Antonio area.

  KB Security is founded by Keith Baldwin, who has been a security professional for ten years. He has worked both as a professional security guard and as a certified trainer. In addition to his experience, he also holds an MBA. Keith’s combination of experience and education have given him the knowledge and skills to run a successful security company.

KB Security’s History

After surveying the local customer base, and finding a potential office location, Keith Baldwin incorporated KB Security as an S-Corporation on May 1st, 2023.

Currently, the business is being run out of Keith’s home office, but once the lease on KB Security’s location is finalized, all operations will be run from there.

Since incorporation, KB Security has achieved the following milestones:

• Found a commercial space and signed a Letter of Intent to lease it
• Developed the company’s name, logo, social media accounts, and website
• Began networking with some of the area’s largest companies to understand their security needs
• Began recruiting key employees

KB Security’s Services

Businesses can sign up with one of our flexible contract programs when hiring our security services. We also offer a discounted trial period for those who are considering a long-term contract and want to test out our services before signing.  

Industry Analysis

With increasing illegal events, terrorism, and fraudulent activities happening all around the world, the demand for professional security is greater than ever. Every establishment needs some form of security, whether it be in the form of security professionals or in the form of cybersecurity. As the world continues to navigate its violent challenges, security professionals will be needed to protect important assets and respond to crisis situations.

The security industry has transformed substantially to meet this demand. In addition to hiring security professionals, many businesses also invest in security tech such as cameras, motion sensors, and software. Security companies that offer a mix of security personnel and technology can provide their clients extensive and tight-knit security options that puts their clients’ minds at ease.

According to research, the security industry is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 8% over the next 10 years. This is substantial growth, which shows just how essential the industry will be in the coming decade. Businesses like KB Security will continue to be in high demand and very profitable.

Customer Analysis

Demographic profile of target market.

The demographics for San Antonio, Texas are as follows:

Customer Segmentation

We will primarily target the following customer segments:

• Individuals
• Local businesses
• Government organizations

Competitive Analysis

Direct and indirect competitors.

KB Security will face competition from other companies with similar business profiles. A description of each competitor company is below.

Sky High Security

Sky High Security is a security company that was established in 2002. It provides a large team of security professionals specifically trained to protect high-value assets, such as museum collections and expensive jewelry. Their services include providing in-person officers as well as high-tech surveillance equipment.

Prime Security

Founded in 2003, Prime Security is the best security company in town for those looking for guard and patrol services. Prime Security aims to protect establishments and offer patrols to deter any unwanted visitors. The company has been highly successful and is the largest security company in the region.

First Responders Security

First Responders Security is the most popular security company for those who have more complex security concerns. They offer a wide range of services, including alarm response, theft prevention, and patrolling. Instead of hiring several companies to do several jobs, companies can depend on First Responders Security to manage all of their security concerns.

Competitive Advantage

KB Security will be able to offer the following advantages over their competition:

Marketing Plan

Brand & value proposition.

KB Security will offer the unique value proposition to its clientele:

• Professional security services
• Flexible contracts and a trial period
• Great security services at moderate rates
• Excellent customer service

Promotions Strategy

The promotions strategy for KB Security is as follows:

KB Security understands that the best promotion comes from satisfied customers. The company will encourage its clients to refer other businesses by providing economic or financial incentives for every new client produced. This strategy will increase in effectiveness after the business has already been established.

Social Media

KB Security will invest heavily in a social media advertising campaign. The brand manager will create the company’s social media accounts and invest in ads on all social media platforms. It will use targeted marketing to appeal to the target demographics.

Website/SEO

KB Security will invest heavily in developing a professional website that displays all of the features and benefits of KB Security. It will also invest heavily in SEO so that the brand’s website will appear at the top of search engine results.

Direct Mail

KB Security will blanket businesses with direct mail pieces. These pieces will provide general information on KB Security, offer discounts, and/or provide other incentives for companies to use our services.

KB Security’s pricing will be on par with competitors, so clients feel they receive great value when hiring our security services.

Operations Plan

The following will be the operations plan for KB Security.

Operation Functions:

• KB Security will be owned and operated by Keith Baldwin. Keith will oversee the general operations of the company.
• Keith is joined by Jeffrey Liebowitz, who will oversee all financial and accounting aspects of the business, such as accounts payable and receivable, payroll, budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow analysis. Jeffrey will also manage all tax obligations and licensing for KB Security.
• Keith is also joined by Felicia Monroe, who will oversee all marketing and communications for the business. She will handle all in-client calls, appointments, networking, and follow-up. She will manage all advertising aspects with flyers, emails, social media, and the SEO process.
• Keith will hire an Administrative Assistant to help him with general administrative and operations tasks.
• Keith will also hire an extensive staff of security professionals that will help his clients with their security needs. He will also provide these professionals with training as necessary.

Milestones:

KB Security will have the following milestones completed in the next six months.

• 8/1/202X – Finalize contract to lease office space.
• 9/1/202X – Begin build-out and design of staffing agency office.
• 10/1/202X – Begin social media and website advertising campaign.
• 11/1/202X – Attend large industry networking events.
• 12/1/202X – Hire key employees.
• 1/1/202X – Grand opening of KB Security.

Financial Plan

Key revenue & costs.

KB Security’s revenues will come primarily from charging clients for its security services. Depending on the contract in place, KB Security may charge an hourly fee per professional working for the client or a flat fee per month.

The office lease, equipment, supplies, and labor expenses will be the key cost drivers of KB Security. Ongoing marketing expenditures are also notable cost drivers for KB Security, especially in the first few years as the company establishes itself in the market.

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.

• Year 5: 110
• Office Lease per Year: $100,000

Financial Projections

Income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement, security company business plan faqs, what is a security company business plan.

A security company business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your security company 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 Security Company business plan using our Security Company Business Plan Template here .

What are the Main Types of Security Company Businesses?

There are a number of different kinds of security company businesses , some examples include: Crisis management, Security guards, Surveillance company, and Security patrol.

How Do You Get Funding for Your Security Company Business Plan?

Security Companies 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 Security Company Business?

Starting a security company 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 Security Company Business Plan - The first step in starting a business is to create a detailed security company 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 security company 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 security company business is in compliance with local laws.

3. Register Your Security Company Business - Once you have chosen a legal structure, the next step is to register your security company 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 security company 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 Security Company Equipment & Supplies - In order to start your security company 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 security company 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 security company :

• How to Start a Security Company

How To Write a Business Plan For a Security Company + Template

Creating a business plan is essential for any business, but it can be especially helpful for security companies who 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 security company  owner should include in their business plan.

Download the Ultimate Business Plan Template

What is a Security Company Business Plan?

A security company 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 Security Company Business Plan?

A security company 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 Security Company Business Plan

The following are the key components of a successful security company business plan:

Executive Summary

The executive summary of a security company 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 security 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 security company , 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 security company , mention this.

Industry Analysis

The industry or market analysis is an important component of a security company 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 security company 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, customers of a security company may include:

• Small businesses
• Large businesses
• The military or other government organizations

You should also include information about your target customer’s buying habits. What are their purchasing decisions based on? How often do they purchase your type of product or service?

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 who might be influenced to buy your security company 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 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 security company via PR, by doing speaking engagements or other events, or by getting involved with industry associations.

Operations Plan

This part of your security company 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 security company include reaching $X in sales. Other examples include adding new services, hiring new employees, opening new locations, and so on.

Management Team

List your team members here including their names and titles, as well as their expertise and experience relevant to your specific security company 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 Security 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 : 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 Security 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 security company .

Sample Cash Flow Statement for a Startup Security 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 security company. It not only outlines your business vision but also provides a step-by-step process of how you are going to accomplish it. A business plan is also a necessity when seeking funding from investors or lenders.  

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Security Agency Business Plan

If you are planning to start a new security agency business, the first thing you will need is a business plan. Use our sample security company business plan created using upmetrics business plan software to start writing your business plan in no time.

Before you start writing your business plan for your new security company, spend as much time as you can reading through some examples of services-related business plans .

Reading sample business plans will give you a good idea of what you’re aiming for and also it will show you the different sections that different entrepreneurs include and the language they use to write about themselves and their business plans.

We have created this sample Security Company Business Plan for you to get a good idea about how perfect a security agency business plan should look and what details you will need to include in your stunning business plan.

Security Agency Business Plan Outline

This is the standard security agency business plan outline which will cover all important sections that you should include in your business plan.

• Business Overview
• Vision & Mission Statement
• Business Objectives
• Corporate Philosophy
• Business Model
• Our Core Values
• 3 Year profit forecast
• Company Resources
• Demography Analysis Of Los Angels, California
• Risks And Risk Mitigation Process
• Company Ownership
• Legal Status
• Our services
• Industry Overview
• System Insights
• End-Use Insights
• Service Insights
• Regional Insights
• Industry Keynote: The Business Side: Policies, Costs, And Compliance
• The Threat Of New Entry
• Competitive Rivalry
• Buyer Power
• Supplier Power
• Threat Of Substitution
• Opportunities
• Our Competitive Advantages
• Marketing Plan
• Marketing & Communication Execution Recommendations
• Marketing Objectives
• Growth Strategy
• Expansion Strategy
• Contingency Plan
• Future Goals
• Average Salary of Employees
• Important Assumptions
• Brake-even Analysis
• Profit Yearly
• Gross Margin Yearly
• Projected Cash Flow
• Projected Balance Sheet
• Business Ratios

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After getting started with Upmetrics , you can copy this sample business plan into your business plan and modify the required information and download your security agency business plan pdf and doc file. It’s the fastest and easiest way to start writing your business plan.

Download a sample security agency business plan

Need help writing your business plan from scratch? Here you go;  download our free security agency business plan pdf  to start.

It’s a modern business plan template specifically designed for your security agency business. Use the example business plan as a guide for writing your own.

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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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Security Guard Business Plan Template + Guide

Learn how to create a standout security guard business plan with practical tips and examples to help your security company thrive.

What makes the most successful security guard companies stand out from the pack? They have a strategic plan that guides them as they tackle industry challenges to stay ahead of the competition and reach their business goals.

A well-crafted business plan is your roadmap to success.

This article will walk you through how to create a standout security guard business plan, packed with practical tips and examples to help you get started.

How to write a killer security guard business plan

Writing a business plan for a security company is simple when you break it down into easy steps. Each part should be clear and practical, covering the key areas that will help your business thrive.

Business plan for a security company: Template + guide to follow

Executive summary.

The executive summary is a quick snapshot of your business. Keep it short and interesting, explaining what your company does, your mission, and why it will do well.

"ABC Security Services offers best-in-class security solutions to businesses and individuals in the Greater Metro area. Our mission is to provide reliable, professional security services that ensure the safety and peace of mind of our clients. With a focus on customer satisfaction and innovative solutions, we aim to become a leading security provider."

Company overview:

Describe your company briefly, highlighting your core values and what makes you special. This section should give an overview of your mission and business goals.

"At ABC Security Services, we pride ourselves on integrity, professionalism, and a relentless focus on safety. Our goal is to become the top security provider in our region by consistently delivering high-quality services and exceeding client expectations."

Business objectives:

List your short-term and long-term goals, and set some key performance indicators (KPIs) to track your progress.

Short-term goal examples:

• Secure five new contracts within the first year.
• Achieve a 90% customer satisfaction rate.

Long-term goal examples:

• Expand services to neighboring states within five years.
• Increase the average contract value by 25% within three years.
• Number of new contracts signed.
• Customer satisfaction scores from surveys.
• Employee retention rates.

Market analysis:

Take a closer look at your target market and industry trends. Check out your competitors to see where you stand and find opportunities to stand out.

" The security industry is on a steady growth trajectory, driven by increasing concerns about safety and the need for specialized security services. Our primary target market includes small to medium-sized enterprises in the retail and hospitality sectors, as well as residential communities. "

Company description

Describe how your business is set up, including its legal status, who owns it, and where it’s located. This part should also give an overview of your facilities and equipment.

Clearly explain the security services you offer. Point out any special services or unique features that make your company stand out from the competition.

"ABC Security Services operates as an LLC, co-owned by John Doe and Jane Smith. Our headquarters are located in downtown Cityville, equipped with state-of-the-art surveillance and training facilities to ensure the highest standards of service. We offer a range of services including armed and unarmed guards, event security, mobile patrols, and advanced surveillance solutions. Our unique selling point is our integration of cutting-edge technology, which enhances our ability to monitor and respond swiftly to incidents."

Market analysis

Giving an overview of the industry, details about your target market, and a competitive analysis helps you see where your business fits in the market.

An industry overview provides a snapshot of the current state and future projections of the industry you're operating in. It includes key trends, growth rates, and factors driving changes within the industry.

For the private security industry, this involves looking at how it's growing, the demand for services, and what’s influencing this growth.

"The global private security industry is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5% from 2023 to 2028. This growth is fueled by heightened security concerns, rising crime rates, and an increasing need for specialized security services in both the public and private sectors." (Source: Security Industry Report 2023)

Target market

Provide an accurate assessment of your target market. Does your company serve businesses requiring 24/7 security coverage, such as retail stores, warehouses, and office buildings needing continuous security presence?

"Local retail stores, such as ROC Retail, and large warehouses like Modern Logistics, require around-the-clock security to protect their assets and ensure employee safety."

Perhaps your target market is that of high-net-worth individuals seeking personal security, like celebrities, executives, and other high-profile clients who require personal protection services.

"High-profile clients, including celebrities and corporate executives, seek personal security to protect against threats and ensure their privacy. Our services cater to individuals like [important person 1], a well-known actor, and [important person 2], CEO of a Fortune 500 company."

Mention notable competitors in the market which offer a range of similar services.

"XYZ Security, a market leader, offers comprehensive security solutions, including armed guards and advanced surveillance systems. DEF Protection Services is another key player, known for its event security and personal protection services."

SWOT analysis:

• Strengths: Technological edge in surveillance and monitoring.
• Weaknesses: Limited brand recognition in new markets.
• Opportunities: Expanding into underserved markets with high crime rates.
• Threats: Increasing competition from established security firms.

"Our company leverages cutting-edge surveillance technology, including AI-driven cameras and real-time monitoring, which sets us apart from competitors. While we excel in our current market, our brand is not widely recognized in neighboring states, presenting a challenge as we expand.

There is significant potential in expanding our services to high-crime areas, where there is a growing demand for reliable security solutions. The market is becoming more competitive, with established firms like XYZ Security and new entrants offering competitive pricing and innovative solutions."

Marketing and sales strategy

Lay out your marketing plan, sales strategy, and how you manage customer relationships.

Marketing plan

Utilize search engine optimization (SEO) to increase online visibility, run social media campaigns to engage with potential clients, and implement email marketing to maintain client relationships and inform them of new services.

"Our digital marketing strategy includes optimizing our website for search engines to attract local businesses, running targeted Facebook and LinkedIn ads to reach decision-makers, and sending monthly newsletters to keep our clients informed about new security technologies and services."

Participate in networking events, attend trade shows, and use local advertising to reach potential clients in your area.

"We regularly attend local Chamber of Commerce meetings and security trade shows to network with potential clients and showcase our services. Additionally, we advertise in local business directories and community newsletters."

Sales strategy

There are varying strategies that will depend on the approach you choose to take. For a direct sales approach, focus on business owners and property managers who require tailored security solutions.

"Our sales team targets property managers of large office buildings and retail store owners, offering customized security plans that meet their specific needs."

When attempting competitive pricing , offer customizable service packages that cater to different client needs and budgets.

"We provide a range of service packages, from basic security patrols to comprehensive security solutions, allowing clients to choose the level of service that fits their budget."

Another approach is the adoption of a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system to track client interactions, manage leads, and improve overall client satisfaction.

"Our CRM system helps us track client interactions, manage follow-ups, and ensure no lead falls through the cracks. This system allows us to maintain high client satisfaction and streamline our sales processes."

Operational plan

An operational plan shows how you’ll handle staffing, training, daily operations, and quality control.

When recruiting, hire experienced security personnel and verify a thorough background check process. Additionally, provide regular training sessions and certifications in first aid, CPR, and conflict resolution to keep skills sharp and up-to-date.

"We recruit experienced security professionals and conduct comprehensive background checks to ensure the safety and reliability of our staff. Our training program includes bi-annual refresher courses in first aid, CPR, and conflict resolution to ensure our team is always prepared for any situation."

Day-to-day operations

Use software tools to efficiently manage schedules and shifts, establishing coverage at all times. Implement real-time incident reporting and record-keeping systems to maintain accurate and up-to-date records.

"We use advanced scheduling software to manage shifts, guaranteeing we always have the right number of guards on duty and minimizing overtime costs. Our incident reporting system allows guards to report incidents in real-time, providing immediate alerts to our central office and confirming timely response and documentation."

Quality control

Performance reviews can be important in the operational plan. Conduct regular performance reviews to evaluate staff and identify areas for improvement.

Customer feedback is also a vital boon to your brand. Use surveys and feedback forms to gather client input and make necessary adjustments to services.

Be sure to maintain consistent and continuous improvement by staying current with industry trends and technology to continually enhance service quality.

"Quarterly performance reviews help us assess and improve guard performance by looking at metrics like incident response times and client feedback. We also send out regular customer satisfaction surveys to gather input and pinpoint areas for service improvement. Investing in the latest security technology and providing ongoing training keeps our services top-notch and competitive."

Financial plan

A financial plan gives a detailed look at startup costs, funding needs, financial forecasts, and when you'll break even.

When discussing the initial expenses, include costs for licensing, equipment (such as uniforms, radios, and vehicles), and marketing (like website development and promotional materials). Be sure to include the required funding you seek and also offer up the financial projections for the first five years.

"Initial expenses are projected at $150,000, covering licensing fees, purchase of uniforms and equipment, and a comprehensive marketing campaign to launch our brand. We are seeking $200,000 in startup capital from a combination of small business loans and private investors to fund our initial setup and provide working capital for the first year. Revenue projections for the first year are $300,000, with a steady increase to $1 million by the fifth year, based on market demand and our pricing strategy."

Prepare detailed profit and loss statements to monitor financial health as well as discuss the sufficient cash flow to cover operating expenses and unforeseen costs.

"Our profit and loss statements show a gradual increase in profitability, with expected net profits of $50,000 in the first year, growing to $250,000 by year five. Cash flow projections indicate a positive cash flow within the first six months, with sufficient reserves to handle unexpected expenses and seasonal fluctuations."

Determine the break-even point where revenues equal expenses. Develop strategies to achieve profitability, such as cost control measures and increasing service efficiency.

"Our break-even analysis shows that we will reach break-even within 18 months, with monthly revenue targets of $25,000 needed to cover all operating expenses. To achieve profitability, we will implement cost control measures such as bulk purchasing of equipment and streamlining our service delivery to reduce operational costs."

Legal and regulatory compliance

Covering legal and regulatory compliance helps make sure your business follows the law and avoids potential issues.

Licensing requirements

• Obtain the required security guard and business licenses for operating in your state.
• Follow the state-specific process for obtaining and renewing these licenses.

"We will secure all necessary licenses, including a private security agency license and individual guard licenses, as required by state regulations. Our licensing process involves submitting detailed applications, passing background checks, and completing required training programs to meet state standards."

Insurance coverage

• Secure general liability, workers' compensation, and professional liability insurance to protect your business and employees.
• Research insurance providers to find the best coverage at a reasonable cost.

"We will obtain comprehensive insurance coverage, including general liability insurance for $1 million, workers' compensation for all employees, and professional liability insurance to cover any claims of negligence.

After comparing multiple providers, we have selected XYZ Insurance for our general liability and workers' compensation policies due to their competitive rates and excellent customer service."

Legal considerations

• Develop standard client contracts and employment agreements to outline service terms and conditions.
• Certify adherence to local, state, and federal regulations, including labor laws and safety standards.

"Our legal team has drafted comprehensive contracts that include detailed service descriptions, payment terms, and liability clauses. These contracts are tailored to meet both client needs and legal requirements, ensuring clarity and protection for all parties involved.

We adhere to all relevant regulations, including the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) for employee wages and hours, as well as Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards for workplace safety. Regular audits and legal reviews help maintain compliance."

You’re ready to create a comprehensive business plan for your security company. Remember to adapt each section to fit your unique business needs and goals.

Platforms like Belfry give you more time to focus on creating a comprehensive business plan by decreasing the amount of time spent on manual tasks like calculating overtime and scheduling.

Here’s how Belfry can assist in making your security business more efficient and effective:

• Integrated scheduling and shift management: Belfry’s software simplifies scheduling and shift management , making sure you always have the right number of guards at the right locations. It helps cut down on overtime costs and avoids scheduling conflicts. ‍
• Real-time incident reporting: With Belfry’s mobile app , security guards can report incidents as they happen. This means timely and accurate records, which is crucial for keeping clients informed and staying compliant with laws. ‍
• Advanced payroll integration: Belfry automates payroll, considering different pay rates, overtime, and taxes to assist in reducing the admin workload and makes sure everyone gets paid accurately and on time.

Schedule a Free Demo Today .

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