Everyone’s provided great tips. I would simplify a few things given the context. Basically, assume all labor is $100/hr. How many people do you need for each function in the business?

Then you can go back and make adjustments like adding a load (additional costs of employee +20-30%), adjusting pay based on job, etc.

Starting with complexity can lead you down rabbit holes. So I would standardize the labor costs and figure out the jobs to be done by your company, and then modify your plan with the added complexities.

Here are some key considerations for your budgeting, particularly focusing on development, marketing, and contingency planning:

1. Development Costs:

   • Freelancers vs. Full-time Developers: Consider hiring freelance developers for initial app development to reduce costs. Platforms like Upwork or Freelancer can help you find skilled developers at competitive rates. • Open-source Tools: Utilize open-source software development tools and platforms. This can significantly reduce your initial development costs. • Lean MVP Approach: Start with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). Develop a basic, functional version of your app first to test the market before investing in more complex features.

2. Low-budget Marketing Tactics:

   • Social Media Presence: Leverage free social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn to build an online presence. Regular posts, engagement with followers, and sharing insights about your app development journey can attract attention. • Content Marketing: Start a blog related to app development and technology. Use SEO strategies to increase your visibility on search engines. • Partnerships and Collaborations: Collaborate with influencers or other app developers to reach a broader audience. Consider barter arrangements where you offer your app’s services in exchange for marketing.

3. Accounting for Unforeseen Costs:

   • Emergency Fund: Allocate a portion of your budget (typically 10-20%) for unforeseen expenses. This could cover unexpected development challenges, software updates, or market shifts. • Flexible Planning: Be prepared to adjust your plan. Agile methodologies in development and marketing can help you adapt quickly and cost-effectively to changes. • Regular Reviews: Schedule monthly budget reviews to monitor and adjust your spending. This helps in identifying and addressing overruns early.

Chose a specific target market segment. That will drive your marketing and pricing, greatly simplifying your business plan. For example, AppCraft is aimed at creating solutions for mid size credit unions in the US. Something specific like this lets you work out how to get a list of mid-size credit unions and a couple different ways to reach them (sales team, email marketing, conferences, etc). If you leave it wide, AppCraft sells application to anyone with a wallet, then you it’s not clear at all how you would find these people in a repeatable way, nor is it clear that any two would have consistent problems and budgets.

Hope that helps.

hey, sounds like a cool project. for development costs, maybe consider using freelancers or part-time developers to keep costs low. for marketing, social media and content marketing can be effective without breaking the bank. good luck with your business plan!