business plan of a cyber cafe

Every business starts with research and planning. The main purpose for writing a business plan is to get aware of those things that you might not have known or thought of yet. Depending on your case, you might be interested in devising a gaming lounge business plan or an esports arena business plan. As these are very close to the concept of Internet cafe we offer to use this as a template, expanding it with additional points where necessary. Besides, in this article you will find many useful information to assist you on the way.

Executive summary

Starting an internet cafe business can be a challenging task, especially if you lack entrepreneuring experience. However, devising a business plan will greatly facilitate you along the way. First of all, it will help you to gather many important information and facts, come up with a variety of internet cafe business ideas, decide on the format, consider pros and cons of this business, and even think about its future development. When getting down to work, the first questions coming to your mind might be whether it is a profitable business, how much does it cost to open an Internet cafe or what equipment do you need to start an internet cafe? This article probably won’t furnish you with a full answer, rather it will give you a general description of internet cafe business, while adding more questions for you to consider.

Internet cafe business overview

An Internet cafe (also cybercafe) is by no means new, yet a still relevant idea. The service of providing the public with a PC along with access to the Internet for a charge has been in expanding request since a long time ago. The first online cafe was launched in 1988 in Seoul and had only two 16-bit-computers connected to the online system of networks. Today internet cafes can be found all around the globe, while their purpose has evolved from basic webmail and instant messaging to multiplayer gaming. Since modern games often require modern computers and expensive gadgets more and more gamers prefer shared-access models over personal ownership.

Depending on location, target audience, and social agenda of the proprietors, cybercafés come in a wide range of formats and can be quite a profitable business. Internet cafes also appear as gaming lounges, cybersports arenas, or PC bangs – equipped with VR headsets, gaming consoles like Xbox and Playstation, and broadcasting esports tournaments on a big screen.

The majority of the entrepreneurs, engaged in this field are men of 22 – 50 years old, who understand computers at the level between the advanced user and system admin. Most of them also enjoy playing online games, keep abreast of new developments in the realm of computers and gaming equipment, be up to date with the latest developments in the cyber industry, follow the news about gaming teams and tournaments. As a rule, these people don’t have a wage job. Their work is focused on Internet cafes, gaming lounge business, bets, and sometimes other related businesses. Usually, these people start with a small budget and gradually increase their income.Those who managed to properly organize their business and make a profit, begin to open a chain of Internet cafes, some sell franchises.

On rare occasions, there are businessmen, possessing entrepreneurial experience from other projects, with a million-turnover, who open Internet cafe out of curiosity and desire to try something new. In this case, they invest a lot of money at once. Often, these business owners are interested in holding tournaments in specially equipped cyber arenas.

There are also those who don’t know anything about this kind of business, rather they’ve been told that opening an Internet cafe business is a way to make money easily and fast.

No matter which group you belong to if you are considering launching an Internet (cyber) cafe you will need to devise a business plan. Hereby we introduce an example of an internet cafe business plan, which can be modified according to your geographies and goals.

Pros & Cons of starting an Internet Cafe

Before establishing a business it is always useful to make up a list of advantages and disadvantages. We have gathered some of them, which are relevant for an Internet cafe business, yet keep in mind, that it might look different in each case, depending on the particular market and the entrepreneurial experience of yours.

• Business works 24/7. In practice this means that as an entrepreneur you have to be constantly in touch to solve problems that may arise (e.g., violation of the rules by clients, various unforeseeable situations etc.) At least in the beginning you need to be fully involved in order to understand the specifics of the business, the target audience, identify weak spots etc. It is also necessary to be aware of the latest innovations in the field of gaming and esports.
• It is difficult to scale the business.  Internet cafe business has its limits. Once a company is launched, pays back and starts to bring net profit, there are just a couple of options to scale: either to sell franchises or open a network of Internet cafes. You can establish a business and get a stable income, yet it will always remain at the same level.
• Regular update/replacement of equipment.  Each product has its life cycle. Since computers in Internet cafes are used constantly, their wear and tear happens way faster. Besides regular maintenance, cleaning, and minor repairs of the computers, it is necessary to completely replace the equipment every 2-4 years. First of all, because of its wear and secondly, due to outdated parameters. Every year new games are released, increasing the requirements to the computer components – processor, video card, memory etc. Fast and powerful computers are one of the reasons why gamers visit cyber cafes. Thus, if you do not update the equipment, you risk to lose part of the target audience.
• Low budget needed for start.  Compared to other businesses, cyber cafes are generally simple to set up. Main costs for launching an Internet cafe comprise computers, monitors and consoles. An average business with 15-20 computers, will require between $30,000 and $50,000. This is a rather small budget for business, which in time will bring you regular income.
• Payback after 12 months (average).  Cyber cafe business, you can quickly setup and configure all the processes, provided you thought everything through and made preliminary calculations. The payback of such a business can take from 9 to 14 months. Then you get a net income and can plan to expand. Of course, everything depends on your particular case, and if you add a bar and kitchen in parallel, then it may take more time.
• Little competition.  15 years ago, when Internet cafes were very popular, there was a big competition. There were many cybercafes where one could go, and there were a few or no empty seats. Today, the focus has shifted, as everyone has a computer at home. Cyber cafes are made for the atmosphere, community, and a possibility to play on professional PCs. The second wave of popularity of cybercafes has just begun, yet still few competitors, which makes it possible to quickly attract the target audience to your place. At the same time, more tournaments are being held every year.
• Combination with other types of business.  As a rule, the main service of your business will be providing access to the Internet, and/or new games on PCs and consoles. In addition, you can expand your business with related services. If you decided to start a cybercafe business you might face the situations when some of your clients ask for photocopies, printing documents, photos, etc. By simply buying a printer-scanner you can get additional income, while it will also be useful in the daily work of the cybercafe. Also, when players spend more than 3-4 hours in the Internet cafe, they need at least one break to eat and drink. Thus, building a coffee area will bring extra income and allow your clients to spend more time in your cybercafe.

What products and services cybercafe business provides?

When devising a business plan for your Internet cafe it is helpful to distinguish between the primary and additional services.

Primary service  – within this section think of the core service that your cyber cafe company provides. Is it good connection to the Internet, gaming facilities, possibility to use expensive software for a small price, or an equipped coworking space? Pick out one thing that will serve as a pillar for your business, think of it as your unique selling proposition (USP).

While choosing a core service mention in your business plan the impact that it will cause. Speculate on how your customers’ life will be affected by the service(s) that you provide? Maybe you make people happy, satisfied, productive, entertained. You help the local community to stay connected with the rest of the world and fulfil their goals by the help of Internet connection / modern computers / gaming facilities etc.

It might be that your core service will be focused on esports. This field is getting more and more popularity, encouraging e-Sports schools being opened around the world. With this regard, many cybercafes nowadays also provide separate rooms for training esports teams.

Additional products/services.  Now time to brainstorm further. Make up a list of accompanying services that will be offered in your Internet (cyber) cafe and one-by-one write about the impact they are supposed to make for your customers. You can also use the items that were mentioned above, yet were not defined as a primary service. Additionally, you can include the following options to your service list:

• Cafe serving beverages / snacks / healthy meals
• Copy center services
• Private working space (rooms)
• Kicker, darts, etc.

Once your list of primary and additional services is ready keep it at hand. The next step would be to define their prices. Easily said, but this task will require thoughtful consideration. Besides checking the prices of your competitors and willingness of customers to pay, you will also need to count your expenses and comply with financial goals you set. You should also observe the habits of your customers, and possibly introduce a dynamic pricing scheme (when prices are flexible and depend on the day time and demand). You should also consider introducing system of discounts, special offers for loyal customers etc.

Comparison to competitors

Check your competitors, define their market share, strong and weak spots. This will then help you to find your position or niche on the market, as well as set more realistic goals on sales and profit.

Why should customers choose you over your competitor? This question is very important for defining your unique selling proposition (USP), discovering the pillars of your internet cafe. Check the list below, pick the points that are relevant for your case and expand if necessary.

• Upscale equipment (laptops, computers, printers, scanners, headsets, consoles (Xbox, Playstation), gaming mice, professional keyboards, additional gadgets- VR glasses, Gaming wheels, controllers etc.)
• Comfortable gaming chairs
• Fast and reliable Internet & Wi-Fi hotspots
• Besides state-of-the-art hardware the computers will also come with professional software (e.g., Adobe Cloud Programs) and gaming platforms (e.g., Steam). Upon customer request, the Internet cafe business can also acquire a license for a particular software.
• Possibility for open space and private working rooms/cabins
• Convenient (central, unique, extraordinary) location
• Fair prices, convenient booking system and payment options, bonuses, client discounts etc.

Internet cafe business plan introduction

Business name.  Give your internet cafe a name. Be creative, make sure it fits into the whole picture of your business concept. Double-check that it’s different from those of your competitors and easy to remember for your customers. Here you can also consider buying a franchise. In this case, you will build your institution based on the existing internet cafe business model which proved its success. Basically, you will get a ready-to-use guide on how to open an Internet cafe, which will save you time, resources and efforts. However, keep in mind that along with convenience and support that you get as franchisee, you are limited to a certain level in strategic and managerial decisions. Thus, for experienced and ambitious entrepreneurs, nurturing novel and fresh business ideas in mind, franchising won’t be a suitable option.

Legal business structure.  Every business is a legal unit with a specific structure. Think of yours. Will it be a sole proprietorship or a partnership, Limited Liability Company (LLC) or a corporation? Are there any investors involved? While choosing a structure for your business consider such impacting factors as flexibility, complexity, control, permits, licenses, taxes and other regulations.

Brief description of what your business does.  Here you should be able to explain in a nutshell your business concept.

Mission.  Besides making profit your internet cafe first of all should serve a public good. Think of those social solutions that you bring. Your cybercafé can, for example, fulfill the following missions:

• It provides an easy, reliable, safe and affordable access to the Internet.
• It serves a meeting place for sharing online experiences.
• It accommodates a creative and comfortable environment for people to learn, work, play and relax.

What problem does your Internet cafe solve for your customers?  Possible answers here might be the following:

• bad PCs at home that do not allow people to play at maximum settings or in the latest games;
• no privacy at home (parents/ partner or children interfere, etc.)

Think of any other relevant points, depending on your case. Maybe it is also useful to conduct a focus group to identify other customer needs.

What results does your internet café create?

• Customers get things done by means of having a quick, reliable safe and affordable access to the Internet
• Customers enjoy being in a creative environment, using affordable upscale equipment for their studies, work, gaming or entertainment
• Customers are happy to have another place for making friends and connections, while sharing their online experiences.

Think of any other relevant points, depending on your case.

How does your internet cafe create those results?  By means of providing necessary equipment (computers, software and access to the Internet) in comfortable premises at a convenient location, offering other services (e.g., food & drinks, open-space and private rooms) to meet customer needs and ensure best-in-class user experience.

Who does your company serve?  Again, think of your Personas. Which customer cluster reflects the main target audience? Are these travelers, students, professionals, gamers etc.? What is their average age? What are their core needs? It is important to remember that the choice of business model and related services will change the target audience, and vice versa. As a rule, the majority of players in cyber cafes are pupils and students. At the same time the related services a cybercafe provides will directly influence the target audience. In case the cyber cafe also sells alcohol, hookahs, etc., the clients will then be different. You can also expand the target audience by means of equipping your Internet cafe with gaming consoles, e.g. Xbox or Playstation.

Why do you do what you do?  Reasons for you to run an internet cafe might be numerous and diverse. Yet try to figure out what it means to you. Maybe you’re an exper t in the field of cybercafes or you possess suitable resources for this business. Maybe there is a sharp demand for such a place, but none or little supply. Maybe you yourself belong to the target audience and know the needs of the customers as no one else. Or it has always been your dream to own an internet café. Sincere answer to this question will help you to understand your motives and plan more realistically not just in a short term, but in a long-term perspective.

Thousands of businesses rely upon SENET

Internet cafe setup requirements

Think here on your step-by-step plan or proprietary system. List a complex of providers, suppliers, processes, tools, or systems that you own, granting your internet cafe a benefit or competitive advantage. As a basic think of the following:

• Location (rent or buy or build)
• Design and renovation of the premises
• Supply of furniture (tables, chairs, sofas, bean bag chairs) and equipment (coffee machine, vending machines, etc.)
• Provider of the Internet
• Supplier of computers, and other devices
• Software Licenses
• Supply of additional services (drinks, catering)
• Team – number of employees, their roles, responsibilities, shifts
• Internet cafe management software

Here it is relevant to remind that provided you go with the franchise option, the proprietary system as well as the main cyber cafe requirements will be provided by franchisor for you to use. Of course, the terms and conditions might be different depending on the agreement, but the fundamental restrictive unit for the beginning you will get in most of cases.

What are your objectives? (define your goals)  Last but not least – schedule your goals. Elaborate some plans regarding sales, revenue and profit you intend to make. Devise a roadmap of future development of your business. Think of your goals in terms of short-and long-time perspectives. Draft them for 1-year, 2-years, 5-years time span or longer. While setting your goals on the paper use the rule of S.M.A.R.T. In other words, keep your goals Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound.

Market analysis

At this stage, make sure to gather as much information about the market, as possible. Invest enough time to research the general state of matters and trends. A useful technique to apply at this stage would be PESTLE analysis. The name stands for the abbreviation of the components of the analysis and is used to scan the following macro-environmental factors – political, economic, social, technological, legal and environmental. When analysing the above mentioned factors, try to identify the elements within each of them, as well as seek to understand what is their business impact. For example, does the current political situation create a solid basis for you to start the internet cafe business? Is the economic condition favourable for introducing your service to the market? Is the society open/ willing to pay for your service etc.? The following table provides the respective questions to assist you in conducting PESTLE analysis.

Additionally, you can make a SWOT analysis to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for your business.

Market trends & needs

To gather information about your target market turn to statistical data, relevant market reports, professional periodicals, marketing research agencies. While doing your research check the related industries and fields – Online Gaming, Video Streaming, Cyber Security, esports etc. Also look at associated issues in the respective fields: Internet penetration, number of available commercial wi-fi locations and hotspots, number of Internet users, reasons for using Internet etc.

Some introductory data and insights can be found at statista.com. For example, the esports market has been consistently developing in recent years. It is expected to grow further in the next 3-5 years. More and more people nowadays come to watch how their favourite games are being played by world recognized gamers. As indicated by the Newzoo there are determined to be 646 million viewers of esports worldwide by 2023, which is over 30% expansion from the 395 million in 2018.

The fans are spread over the world, yet the Asia Pacific area is by all accounts a specific hotspot for esports. In the USA, meanwhile, some 9.2 % of web users in 2019 viewed esports, with the figure expected to rise to 15.5 % by 2023.

As the statistics show every year more and more tournaments are held, bigger audience is attracted. Thus, while planning a cybercafe business one should keep in mind that the majority of gamers also make bets in the field of gaming and esports.

Internet cafe marketing plan and strategy

Every marketing action – be it a message, flyer, social post or event – is aimed at people. Thus, when devising an internet cafe marketing plan it is crucial to gather as much information about your audience as possible.

Demographics & Psychographics.  Define the demographics of your target audience – what is their age, gender, income, place of living etc. Then collect their psychographic characteristics – such as interests, desires, fears etc. In the process of collecting these data you might come up to the fact that there are several groups / clusters of you TA. Use Personas method to differentiate them. This will help you achieve the goal of your marketing campaigns, improve your lead generation and conversion strategy, as well as offer more suitable products/ services to your clients.

Remember, that a slight detail can make a huge difference. What if a significant part of your customers are vegans, environmental activists living a sustainable life? How can you make their experience in your cafe more comfortable – provide vegan snacks, supplying the place with renewable energy sources, equipping it with eco-friendly furniture etc. The variations are endless here. Your task is to identify the factors that will signify the interest and bonds of the customers to your Internet cafe.

Where can you find your clients?  Where can you find each of them – online or off-line? Think on which online services and social media they use. Do they actively participate in social media groups, do they read expert magazines or do they attend festivals? The clearer picture you will get on this stage the easier it will be for you on the next steps – when drawing marketing strategy (visibility, lead generation and conversion).

Visibility (awareness) strategy.  How people will learn about your Internet cafe – via ads in Google or social media, through paid commercials on TV or in YouTube, by means of influencers, flyers or word-of-mouth? Options and combinations can be numerous. The key factors here are budget and efficacy. You can spend thousands and get zero results, or you can spend almost nothing but hit the target. Look first at the answers from the previous step, identify the channels through which you can reach your audience, compare the prices of the channels. And then build your strategy. Remember, that the advantage(benefit) of digital marketing is that you can test different strategies with relatively low budget, see what works best and then rise the costs. Consider turning to a digital marketing agency if that corresponds to your needs.

Additionally, brainstorm for info drivers and events that can be part of your cybercafe marketing strategy. One of the possible promotion steps for your business can be hosting esports tournaments.

This step requires much thought and effort. The core question here is “How will you establish contact with potential customers?” It is most likely that you will apply digital tools and online marketing. In this case your lead generation will comprise the following elements: content, SEO, promotion, conversion and analytics. Let’s briefly look into each of these.

Content strategy comes first.  This will characterize the story behind your services, the key messages you send to your target audience and, also, the tone of voice in which they will be articulated. The content will be sent through all possible channels you decide for: website, landing pages, emails, social media, blog post as well as Call to Action.

Website strategy.  If your internet cafe can’t be discovered on the web, then it doesn’t exist. In other words to make your cybercafe visible you need to have a website. Besides raising the rating of your Internet cafe, a website is also an excellent informative tool, that helps to attract more clients from organic search. Generally, a website will build trust to your institution from clients and partners. Thus, if one day you decide to grow by selling cyber cafe franchises, a website will be a big plus.

Promotion strategy  as a rule starts nowadays with Social Networks – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Snapchat. Check the most relevant for your type of business. For example, TikTok and Snapchat are the main channels for attracting teenagers, while adults are bound to be found elsewhere. Some question here to help you with the decision are the following:

• Where can you gather most of your TA (target audience)?
• Which of those are most efficient with regard to available budget?
• Which Social Media fits the best to your content strategy and chosen tone of voice?

In case you identify several platforms which are relevant for your internet cafe business it’s then worth trying to try all of them and see which ones work best in your field, region, market. Within your promotion activity you also manage social posts and email communication.

Conversion strategy.  Once you’ve got your leads it’s time to convert them into prospects or customers. The method of communication you decide – be it a phone call, email or personal message in social media. Within this stage you should look at the lead nurturing lifecycle and devise a complex of measures to acquire, keep and grow your customers – e.g. outreach programs, loyalty programs, organisation of events, system of upselling, cross-selling etc.

Analytics strategy.  The essential part of every strategy are the metrics and indicators that help to measure and analyse the results of the steps having been taken. Principal performance indicators are CTR, CPL, (Website) Rate of Conversion, Leads to qualified leads, Leads per channel etc. All the necessary info regarding these and other indicators can be found in the Internet, thus we shall not focus on them within this article.

What you need to keep in mind however, that analytics is an important task, which you better not skip. Once you identify the cost of a lead from each channel, try to reduce it to a minimum without loss in quality. Check the reports and regularly manage your advertising budget. After six months, compare the figures, analyse the amount of money spent on acquired leads to the quality of these leads.

Internet Cafe Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Internet Cafe Business Plan

You’ve come to the right place to create your Internet Cafe business plan.

We have helped over 1,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans and many have used them to start or grow their Internet Cafe businesses.

Below is a template to help you create each section of your Internet Cafe business plan.

Executive Summary

Business overview.

Internet Coffee Cafe is a startup internet cafe company located in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The company is founded by Kurt Stands, who has experience managing internet cafes. Now, with the expertise of knowledge and business acumen, he has determined he can confidently start and effectively grow a successful internet cafe company. Kurt believes his experience of strategic growth, marketing skills, financial capabilities, and wide and deep knowledge of internet installation and maintenance practices will provide everything needed for long-term growth and profitability.

Internet Coffee Cafe will provide a comprehensive array of products and services for a wide variety of clients. Internet Coffee Cafe will be the one-stop internet shop, providing services and products for each customer, while supporting the strategic goals of the company. Internet Coffee Cafe will be the ultimate choice in Tulsa for customers, as the Internet Coffee Cafe ensures that not only will high-speed internet be on the menu, but a variety of beverages and light meals will be offered, as well.

Product Offering

The following are the products and services that the Internet Coffee Cafe will provide:

• High-speed reliable internet services
• Comfortable environment for customers
• Social video games for groups
• High top pub-style tables and comfortable stools
• Casual and fully-cushioned sofa, chairs and low tables
• Multiple varieties of cabled internet choices.
• Electrical outlets at each work area
• Resource library with current periodicals
• Discounts for return customers
• Online reservation system to secure an internet line
• “Meet & Greet” customer parties
• Computer and iPad accessories, earbuds, cases and internet-related products for sale

Customer Focus

Internet Coffee Cafe will target all individuals in Tulsa, Oklahoma. They will target individuals who need internet service, such as students, apartment renters, and those in outlying areas of Tulsa, such as on ranches and farms. They will target online social game circles of two or more people. They will target schools and new businesses. They will target those who enjoy a cafe atmosphere while working. They will target individuals seeking a light meal or beverage in a midtown location.

Management Team

The Internet Coffee Cafe will be owned and operated by Kurt Stands. He recruited his former associate, Steve Thoresen, to take the role of manager of the internet cafe. He also recruited his former executive assistant, Carla Manson, to be the back-office operations assistant.

Kurt Stands is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma with a bachelor’s degree in marketing. He has 5 years of experience as a staff member in his first internet cafe position and 5 years of experience in a different internet cafe as the cafe manager. He’s earned a reputation among his customers as being reliable, helpful, and always willing to go the extra mile. Because of this, several customers have already committed to follow him to the new Internet Coffee Cafe.

Steve Thoresen will assume the role of manager of the Internet Coffee Cafe, where he will handle customer requests, assist with internet connections and oversee the food and beverage area of service. Providing an outstanding customer experience will be his main task. Steve has over 6 years of experience as an internet cafe manager and customers frequently compliment the service provided. Steve’s friendly personality and commitment to excellence will serve the Internet Coffee Cafe very well.

Carla Manson, a former work associate with Kurt Stands, will take on the position of back-office operations assistant. This will include overseeing the online social game venues for groups of two or more users, inventory of food, beverage ingredients, kitchen tools and equipment, and all supplies related to the cafe. Her role will also include operation of the internet service, computer systems, and related software and hardware.

Success Factors

Internet Coffee Cafe will be able to achieve success by offering the following competitive advantages:

• Friendly, knowledgeable, and highly-qualified team of Internet Coffee Cafe
• Online social games for groups
• Cafe serving light meals, beverages and snacks
• Online reservation system
• Internet Coffee Cafe offers the best pricing in town. Their pricing structure is the most cost effective compared to the competition.

Financial Highlights

Internet Coffee Cafe is seeking $200,000 in debt financing to launch its internet cafe. The funding will be dedicated toward securing the office space and purchasing office equipment and supplies. Funding will also be dedicated toward three months of overhead costs to include payroll of the staff, rent, and marketing costs for the print ads and marketing costs. The breakout of the funding is below:

• Office space build-out: $20,000
• Office equipment, supplies, and materials: $10,000
• Three months of overhead expenses (payroll, rent, utilities): $150,000
• Marketing costs: $10,000
• Working capital: $10,000

The following graph outlines the financial projections for Internet Coffee Cafe.

Company Overview

Who is internet coffee cafe.

Internet Coffee Cafe is a newly established, full-service internet cafe in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Internet Coffee Cafe will be the most reliable, cost-effective, and enjoyable choice for any individual who requires internet service in the city and the surrounding communities. Internet Coffee Cafe will provide a comprehensive menu of internet access, in addition to a comfortable environment and an online social game venue. In addition, a cafe that serves light meals, snacks and beverages will be on site. Their full-service approach includes a relaxing and enjoyable environment offering internet service.

  Kurt Stands will oversee Steve Thoresen and Carla Manson in their managerial capacity roles. In addition, he will hire the wait staff for the cafe and other personnel who will assist within the cafe. The team of professionals are highly qualified and experienced in operating internet cafes and the environments that make the experiences highly pleasurable. Internet Coffee Cafe removes all headaches and issues of finding and using the internet, and the cafe will ensure all customers are taken care of expeditiously while delivering the best customer service.

Internet Coffee Cafe History

Internet Coffee Cafe is owned and operated by Kurt Stands, who has an extensive degree of experience in managing internet cafes. He holds a marketing degree from the University of Oklahoma and he has successfully managed internet cafes with online social games and food service in various locales. Kurt’s tenure as a manager has given him the skills and technological knowledge to venture out on his own, starting his own company. He has gained the trust and commitment of several former customers, who are now eagerly awaiting the opening of the Internet Coffee Cafe.

Since incorporation, Internet Coffee Cafe has achieved the following milestones:

• Registered Internet Coffee Cafe, LLC to transact business in the state of Oklahoma.
• Has a contract in place for a 10,000 square foot office at one of the midtown buildings
• Reached out to numerous contacts to include Internet Coffee Cafe as their “home base”.
• Began recruiting a staff of cafe team members to work at Internet Coffee Cafe

Internet Coffee Cafe Services

The following will be the services Internet Coffee Cafe will provide:

• Social online game parties for two or more

Industry Analysis

The internet cafe industry is expected to grow over the next five years to over $22 billion. The growth will be driven by online gamers who enjoy the social aspect of gaming together and the competition the games bring. The growth will additionally be driven by the number of consumers who enjoy working out of their own home environment while remote from the office. The growth will also be driven by technology and innovation, as new processes will result and new applications of the internet will be discovered. Growth will be driven by consumers who work in the central portion of the city and will appreciate a midtown cafe that caters to luncheon guests, serving light meals that allow the consumer to briefly take a break and return to the workplace.

Costs will likely be reduced as additional online games and educational uses for high-end computers and high speed internet are innovated using technology and software. With the growing audience and differentiation of the products offered, costs are gradually reduced.

Customer Analysis

Demographic profile of target market.

Customer Segmentation

Internet Coffee Cafe will primarily target the following customer profiles:

• Individuals who do not have internet services in their own residence
• Online game players who play within social circles
• Schools and private learning centers
• Individuals seeking a warm cafe environment
• Individuals seeking a light meal in the midtown area

Competitive Analysis

Direct and indirect competitors.

Internet Coffee Cafe will face competition from other companies with similar business profiles. A description of each competitor company is below.

Goofy’s Gamer Cafe

Goofy’s Gamer Cafe hosts online social games for interactive play. The company is owned and operated by Chad Edwards, a former manager of an internet cafe for seven years. He offered premium customer experience while learning to handle operations, back-office inventory, customer relationships and other strategic aspects of the industry. The company is housed in Tulsa, Oklahoma and caters to those who enjoy competitive online ranching and cowboy video games.

Goofy’s Gamer Cafe caters to a young demographic, ages 15 to 30, and offers beverages and snacks as an additional avenue to gain revenue. The staff consists of a manager, Chad Edwards, three staff hostesses and three beverage and snack servers. The company logo is, “Satisfaction Equals Sales,” which indicates that by keeping their customers satisfied, the customers will purchase additional game play and products.

Tulsa Internet Business Cafe

The Tulsa Internet Business Cafe, located within a few blocks of the Tulsa courthouse and judicial system departments, caters to professionals and business users, such as attorneys and lawmakers. The Tulsa Internet Business Cafe has developed a very high-speed internet service that outshines any government-provided internet connection; therefore, the Tulsa Internet Business Cafe is often packed with professionals who are stretched for time. The Tulsa Internet Business Cafe is owned by Jack Adams who is the previous owner of an internet cafe in a suburb of Tulsa. He sold that internet cafe and brought his concept to the inner core of business areas in Tulsa, where he has provided customers with excellent internet connections and service for over five years. In addition, his business offers document printing, scanning, and small conference rooms.

Mid-City Internet Cafe

The Mid-City Internet Cafe was started by Tracy Harrington in 2019 to meet the needs of small businesses. She innovated the combination of a traditional internet cafe with co-working spaces, which allows patrons to work together as needed, or individually, if preferred. Offering comfortable furnishings and a quiet and serene environment, the Mid-City Internet Cafe includes high-speed internet and other professional amenities in one distinctive workspace. Included are printers, coffee makers, food vending machines in a kitchenette, and desk items such as pens, pencils, and staplers.

The Mid-City Internet Cafe is most popular with freelance professionals who are in downtown Tulsa and need a workspace for a morning or afternoon. Entrepreneurs and remote workers often visit the Mid-City Internet Cafe, as well, due to the quiet and serene atmosphere.

Competitive Advantage

Internet Coffee Cafe will be able to offer the following advantages over their competition:

• Friendly, knowledgeable, and highly-qualified team at the Internet Coffee Cafe

Marketing Plan

Brand & value proposition.

Internet Coffee Cafe will offer the unique value proposition to its clientele:

• Highly-qualified team of skilled employees that is able to provide a comprehensive set of services and products designed to fit with the internet usage needs of each customer.
• Unbeatable pricing to its clients; they will offer the lowest pricing in the city.

Promotions Strategy

The promotions strategy for Internet Coffee Cafe is as follows:

Word of Mouth/Referrals

The staff of the Internet Coffee Cafe has built up an extensive list of contacts over the years by providing exceptional service and expertise to their clients. The contacts and clients will follow them to the new company and help spread the word of Internet Coffee Cafe.

Professional Associations and Networking

Kurt Stands and Steve Thoreson will join the professional associations within Tulsa that will help drive business to the company. In addition, they will offer to take on official roles within those associations to further the name of the Internet Coffee Cafe. They will both network within the national trade groups and during trade shows.

Print Advertising

Print advertising will be focused on individuals who may not currently have high-speed internet in their homes or workplaces. Direct mail pieces will announce the opening of the company and offer discounts to “try out” the Internet Coffee Cafe.

Website/SEO Marketing

The Internet Coffee Cafe will fully utilize their website. The website will be well organized, informative, and list all the services that are offered. In addition, online reservations can be made for a single workspace or an online game group of two or more individuals. The website will also list their contact information and meals and snacks for sale. The website will engage in SEO marketing tactics so that anytime someone types in the Google or Bing search engine “Internet cafe” or “Online gamers near me,” Internet Coffee Cafe will be listed at the top of the search results.

The pricing of Internet Coffee Cafe will be moderate and on par with competitors so customers feel they receive excellent value when purchasing their services.

Operations Plan

The following will be the operations plan for Internet Coffee Cafe. Operation Functions:

• Kurt Stands will be the owner and president of the company. He will oversee all staff and manage client relations. Kurt has spent the past year recruiting the following staff:
• Steve Thoreson will become the business manager who will conduct the office administration, client files, and accounts payable.
• Carla Manson will assume the role of back office operations assistant and oversee inventory, product control, internet connectivity and other areas of note.

Milestones:

Internet Coffee Cafe will have the following milestones completed in the next six months.

• 5/1/202X – Finalize contract to lease office space
• 5/15/202X – Finalize personnel and staff employment contracts for the Internet Coffee Cafe
• 6/1/202X – Finalize contracts for Internet Coffee Cafe vendors
• 6/15/202X – Begin networking at industry events
• 6/22/202X – Begin moving into Internet Coffee Cafe
• 7/1/202X – Internet Coffee Cafe opens its doors for business

Carla Manson, a former work associate with Kurt Stands, will take on the position of back office operations assistant. This will include overseeing the online social game venues for groups of two or more users, inventory of food, beverage ingredients, kitchen tools and equipment, and all supplies related to the cafe. Her role will also include operation of the internet service, computer systems, and related software and hardware.

Financial Plan

Key revenue & costs.

The revenue drivers for Internet Coffee Cafe are the fees they will charge to customers for their services. .

The cost drivers will be the overhead costs required in order to staff Internet Coffee Cafe. The expenses will be the payroll cost, rent, utilities, office supplies, and marketing materials.

Funding Requirements and Use of Funds

Internet Coffee Cafe is seeking $200,000 in debt financing to launch its internet cafe. The funding will be dedicated toward securing the office space and purchasing office equipment and supplies. Funding will also be dedicated toward three months of overhead costs to include payroll of the staff, rent, and marketing costs for the print ads and association memberships. The breakout of the funding is below:

Key Assumptions

The following outlines the key assumptions required in order to achieve the revenue and cost numbers in the financials and in order to pay off the startup business loan.

• Number of Customers Per Month: 350
• Average Revenue per Month: $16,500
• Office Lease per Year: $100,000

Financial Projections

Income statement.

Balance Sheet

Cash Flow Statement

Internet Cafe Business Plan FAQs

What is an internet cafe business plan.

An internet cafe business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your internet cafe 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 Internet Cafe business plan using our Internet Cafe Business Plan Template here .

What are the Main Types of Internet Cafe Businesses?

There are a number of different kinds of internet cafe businesses, some examples include: Internet kiosks, Cyber cafe, Gaming cafe, and Commercial cafe.

How Do You Get Funding for Your Internet Cafe Business Plan?

Internet Cafe businesses 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 an Internet Cafe Business?

Starting an internet cafe 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 An Internet Cafe Business Plan - The first step in starting a business is to create a detailed internet cafe 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 internet cafe 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 internet cafe business is in compliance with local laws. 3. Register Your Internet Cafe Business - Once you have chosen a legal structure, the next step is to register your internet cafe 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 internet cafe 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 Internet Cafe Equipment & Supplies - In order to start your internet cafe 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 internet cafe 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.

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Home » Sample Business Plans » Technology

How to Write an Internet Café Business Plan [Sample Template]

Are you about starting an internet cafe ? If YES, here is a complete sample internet cafe business plan template & feasibility report you can use for FREE . Since the advent of the internet, a lot of other big things have happened to information technology. You too can begin to look at ways to tap into the vast opportunity that exists in this industry. One of the hurdles that is readily needed to be scaled when you are looking to start an internet cafe business is research.

To a very large extent, you will need to carry out some extensive research. This is so that you know what is required of you in the venture that you plan to embark on. Yet another thing that you will need to look at is the business plan aspect. Here below is a sample internet café business plan;

A Sample Internet Café Business Plan Template

1. industry overview.

The internet café line of business is one business that irrespective of the change in trends, is still managing to survive especially when the business is well positioned in a location like airports, campus, public facilities or hotels et al. Simply put, an Internet café, which is also known as a cybercafé, is a place which provides Internet access to the public, usually for a fee.

Most internet cafés usually provide snacks and drinks, hence the café in the name. In an internet café, the fee for using a computer that is connected to an internet facility is usually charged as a time-based rate. The internet café or cyber cafe phenomenon in the united states was started in July 1991 by Wayne Gregori in San Francisco when he began SFnet Coffeehouse Network.

Gregori designed, built and installed 25 coin operated computer terminals in coffeehouses throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. The café terminals dialed into a 32 line Bulletin Board System that offered an array of electronic services including FIDOnet mail and, in 1992, Internet mail.

But the first public, commercial American Internet café was conceived and launched by Jeff Anderson in August 1994, at Infomart in Dallas, Texas and was named The High Tech Cafe. After then, three other internet cafés subsequently opened in the East Village neighborhood of New York City: Internet Cafe opened by Arthur Perley, the @ Cafe, and the Heroic Sandwich.

So also in 1996, the Internet café Surf City opened in downtown Anchorage, Alaska. The Internet Café / Cyber Cafe industry is indeed a large industry and there is hardly any airport (international) that you won’t find an internet café that you can either connect your gadget through their Wi-Fi or log on to their computer to surf the net while you wait for your flight.

Though for some players in this industry would prefer to build their call centers in places where they can maximize profits; countries like India, China and The Philippines readily comes to mind

One good thing about starting an internet café business is that, aside from the fact that people will come in to browse the internet and carry out their jobs; you can also generate enough income by engaging in the sale of coffee and snacks.

So all you need to do if you want to maximize your internet café business is to strategically position the business and you will be amazed at the rate people troop to your internet café, not only those that want to browse the internet, but also those who may just want to hang out with friends over a cup of coffee and snacks.

2. Executive Summary

Planet One Cyber Café®, LLC is a one stop, standard and licensed internet café and coffee shop that is fully equipped with the latest technology in the cyber café industry. Our cyber café will be located in the heart of Inglewood, Los Angeles – California, U.S and we are positioned in a location with the right demographic compositions of people who are regular users of public cyber café.

Planet One Cyber Café®, LLC will operate as a standard cyber café where clients are expected to surf the internet at the speed of light, make internet phone calls, conduct teleconference, and scan and send documents online. We also engage in the sale of snacks and coffee, operating a full fledge business center and the sale of data bundle and call cards for various telecommunication providers.

Our business goal is to work towards becoming one of the leading cyber café brands in the whole of Los Angeles and in the nearest future compete with the leaders in the industry not only in the United States but also in the global stage.

We are not ignorant of the fact that building a standard and world class internet café from the scratch requires huge capital base especially for the purchase of world – class and up – to date internet equipment (server, and computers) and software applications et al, which is why we have perfect plans for steady flow of cash.

We can confidently say that we have a robust financial standing and we are ready to take on any challenge that we encounter in the industry. We are well – staffed and well – equipped to run a 24 hours a day and 7 days a week cyber café with a well – planned shift system.

We will ensure that all our employees are selected from a pool of qualified and customer centric people in and around Los Angeles – California and also from any part of the United States. We will make sure that we take all the members of our workforce through the required trainings that will position them to meet the expectation of the company and to compete with other players in the United States and throughout the globe.

At Planet One Cyber Café®, LLC, our client’s best interest will always come first, and everything we do will be guided by our values and professional ethics. We will ensure that we hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards by meeting our client’s needs precisely and completely. We will cultivate a working environment that provides a human, sustainable approach to earning a living, and living in our world, for our partners, employees and for our clients.

Planet One Cyber Café®, LLC is owned by Garry Boston and his wife Geraldine Boston. Geraldine Boston is a certified cyber café administrator; she has over 15 years of experience in the internet café / cyber cafe industry. Her husband Garry Boston will be the administrative head of the business. He has an MBA from University of California and he has occupied senior managerial roles before joining his wife to start Planet One Cyber Café®, LLC.

3. Our Products and Services

Planet One Cyber Café®, LLC is going to offer varieties of services within the scope of the internet café / cyber café industry in the United States of America. Our intention of starting our internet café in Inglewood – Los Angele is to make profits from the internet café / cyber café industry and we will do all that is permitted by the law in the US to achieve our aim and business goals.

Our business offering are listed below;

• Providing fast and secured internet browsing services
• Providing cheap and secured international internet calls
• Providing fast and secured teleconference services
• Providing document scanning and photocopy services
• Sale of soft drinks, coffee and snacks
• Sale of call cards, and internet bundles from various telecom service providers
• Providing related internet café advisory and consultancy services

4. Our Mission and Vision Statement

• Our vision is to become the number one public cyber cafe in the whole of Los Angeles, California within the first five years of starting the business.
• Our mission is to build a world class and well equipped public cyber café brand that will become the preferred choice for a wide range of client ranging from individual client to corporate organizations in the Los Angeles – California.

Our Business Structure

The success of any business is to a larger extent dependent on the business structure of the organization and the people who occupy the available role. Planet One Cyber Café®, LLC will build a solid business structure that can support the growth of our internet café business. We will ensure that we hire competent hands to help us build the business of our dream.

The fact that we want to become one of the leading cyber café brand in the industry in the whole of the United States of America makes it highly necessary for our organization to deliberately build a well – structured business from the onset.

We will work hard to ensure that we only attract people with the right mindset to help us achieve our business goals and objectives in record time. Below is the business structure that we will build Planet One Cyber Café®, LLC;

• Chief Executive Officer

Cyber Café Manager / Cyber Café Supervisor

Admin and HR Manager

• Marketing and Sales Executive
• Customer Care Officer / Front Desk Officer

5. Job Roles and Responsibilities

Chief Executive Office:

• 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; developing incentives; developing a climate for offering information and opinions; providing educational opportunities.
• Responsible for providing direction for the business
• Creates, communicates, and implements the organization’s vision, mission, and overall direction – i.e. leading the development and implementation of the overall organization’s strategy.
• Responsible for signing checks and documents on behalf of the company
• Evaluates the success of the organization
• Responsible for managing the daily running of the cyber café, including sourcing equipment, effective resource planning and implementing cyber café strategies and operations;
• Carries out needs assessments, performance reviews and cost/benefit analyses;
• Responsible for setting and meeting performance targets for speed, efficiency, sales and quality;
• Ensures all relevant communications, records and data are updated and recorded;
• Advises clients on products and services available;
• Liaises with supervisors, team leaders, operatives and third parties to gather information and resolve issues;
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of industry developments and involvement in networks;
• Coordinates staff recruitment, including writing vacancy advertisements and liaising with HR staff;
• Reviews the performance of staff, identifying training needs and planning training sessions;
• Records statistics, user rates and the performance levels of the cyber café and preparing reports;
• Handles the most complex customer complaints or enquiries;
• Responsible for organizing staffing, including shift patterns and the number of staff required to meet demand;
• Responsible for coaching, motivating and retaining staff and coordinating bonus, reward and incentive schemes;
• Responsible for forecasting and analyzing data against budget figures on a weekly and/or monthly basis.

Information Technologist

• Manages the organization website and serve room
• Responsible for continuous update of our online security platform
• Ensures that our payment platform is secured 24 / 7
• Responsible for installing and maintenance of “Private Automated Business Exchanges” (PABX), telephones, computer software and hardware for the organization
• Manages logistics, Web servers and POS (point of sale) systems
• Responsible for continuous upgrade and maintenance of IT systems
• Responsible for generating tickets for the cyber café
• Handles any other technological and IT related duties.
• Responsible for overseeing the smooth running of HR and administrative tasks for the organization
• Maintains office supplies by checking stocks; placing and expediting orders; evaluating new products.
• Ensures operation of studio equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; calling for repairs.
• Defining job positions for recruitment and managing interviewing process
• Carries out staff induction for new team members
• Responsible for training, evaluation and assessment of employees
• Responsible for arranging travel, meetings and appointments
• 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
• Facilitates and coordinates strategic sessions.
• Works directly with clients in a non-advising capacity, such as answering questions, scheduling appointments and making sure all training concerns are properly taken care off
• Oversees the smooth running of the daily office activities.

Marketing and Sales Executive (Business Developer)

• Identifies, prioritizes, and reaches out to new partners, and business opportunities et al
• Identifies business opportunities; follows up on development leads and contacts; participates in the structuring and financing of projects; assures the completion of music projects.
• Responsible for supervising implementation, advocate for the customer’s needs, and communicate with clients and music artists
• Develops, executes and evaluates new plans for expanding increase sales
• Documents all customer contact and information
• Represents the company in strategic meetings
• Help to increase sales and growth for the company
• Responsible for preparing financial reports, budgets, and financial statements for the organization
• Provides managements with financial analyses, development budgets, and accounting reports; analyzes financial feasibility for the most complex proposed projects; conducts market research to forecast trends and business conditions.
• Responsible for financial forecasting and risks analysis.
• Performs cash management, general ledger accounting, and financial reporting for one or more properties.
• Responsible for developing and managing financial systems and policies
• Responsible for administering payrolls
• Ensuring compliance with taxation legislation
• Handles all financial transactions for the company
• Serves as internal auditor for the company

Client Service Executives / Front Desk Officer

• Ensures that all contacts with clients (e-mail, walk-In centre, 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
• Manages administrative duties assigned by the manager in an effective and timely manner
• Consistently stays abreast of any new information on the company’s products, promotional campaigns etc. to ensure accurate and helpful information is supplied to clients when they make enquiries
• Distributes mails in the organization
• Handles any other duties as assigned my the line manager

6. SWOT Analysis

We very much know the importance of knowing the areas we are good at and the areas that we struggle with.  That is the reason why Planet One Cyber Café®, LLC employed the services of a core professional in the area of cyber café consulting and business structuring to assist the organization in building a standard cyber café that can favorably compete with other leading cyber café brands in the United States of America and the world at large.

Part of what the business consultant did was to work with the management of the company in conducting a SWOT analysis for Planet One Cyber Café®, LLC. Here is a summary from the result of the SWOT analysis that was conducted on behalf of Planet One Cyber Café®, LLC;

Our core strength lies in our service offerings, the power of our team and the state of the art cyber café equipment and software applications that we have – fast, secured and reliable internet. We have a team that can go all the way to give our clients value for their money.

We are well positioned in the heart of Inglewood, Los Angeles and we know we will attract loads of clients from the first day we open our cyber café for business.

As a new cyber café in Los Angeles, it might take some time for our organization to break into the market and attract some well – established corporate clients; that is perhaps our major weakness. Another weakness is that we may not have the required cash to pump into the promotion of our business the way we would want to.

• Opportunities:

The opportunities in the cyber café / internet café industry are massive especially in Los Angeles, and we are ready to take advantage of any opportunity that comes our way.

The truth is that with the advancement of technology and cheaper internet data bundles, it is now easier for organizations to conduct their teleconference from their office and for individuals to purchase internet bundle and browse on their mobile gadgets (smart phones, tablets and pads).

So also, just like any other business, one of the major threats that we are likely going to face is economic downturn. It is a fact that economic downturn affects purchasing / spending power. Another threat that may likely confront us is the arrival of a new cyber café in same location where our target market exist and who may want to adopt same Business model like us.

7. MARKET ANALYSIS

• Market Trends

It is known fact that cyber cafés are a natural evolution of the traditional café. As a matter of fact, cafés started as places for information exchange, and have always been used as places to read the paper, send postcards home, play traditional or electronic games, chat to friends, find out local information.

As Internet access is in increasing in demand, many pubs, bars and cafés have terminals, so the distinction between the cyber café and the traditional café is eroded. For instance, in some, countries in Europe, the number of pure cyber cafés is decreasing since more and more normal cafés offer the same services.

However, there are European countries where the total number of publicly accessible terminals is also decreasing. Germany is one good example of such countries where publicly accessible terminal is on the decrease. The reason for this trend is a combination of complicated regulation, relatively high Internet penetration rates, the widespread use of notebooks and PDAs and the relatively high number of wireless internet hotspots.

Lastly, while most cyber cafés are privately own businesses, many have been set up to Help Bridge the ‘digital divide’, providing computer access and training to those without home access. For example, the uk government has supported the setting up of 6000 telecentres.

8. Our Target Market

One of the things that make businesses breakeven is the number of clients that command per time. This is one of the reasons why we will leave no stone unturned in seeing that we get the right words out there to people about what we are doing.

The target market for the cyber café / internet industry is all encompassing because of their service offerings. In view of that, we have created strategies that will enable us reach out to various corporate organizations and individual who we know will need our services.

We have conducted our market research and survey and we will ensure that our cyber café attracts the kind of clients we would love to work with. Below is a list of the people and organizations that we have specifically market our services to;

• Corporate organizations (basically for teleconference and similar web meetings)
• All adults in the locations where our internet café is located
• Students who would need internet facility to fill forms online and to make photocopies and scan documents
• Job applicants who would need to fill online applications and to forward their CVs and documents
• All coffee lovers in Inglewood – Los Angeles, California
• All online gamers in Inglewood – Los Angeles, California
• People with smart phones, tabs and pads who would want to purchase internet bundles and call cards.

Our Competitive Advantage

We are mindful of the fact that there will always be stiff competition in the cyber café / internet café industry in the United States of America; hence we have been able to hire some of the best business developer to handle our sales and marketing.

Planet One Cyber Café®, LLC might be a new entrant into the cyber café / internet café industry in the United States of America, but we are coming into the industry with core professionals and of course a standard world – class cyber café with the latest equipment and software applications  in the industry. We are well – positioned in Inglewood Los Angeles – California.

Our complimentary services – fully functional business center and coffee and snacks bar will enable us attract loads of customers per time in our cyber café.

Lastly, our employees will be well taken care of, and their welfare package will be among the best within our category ( startups cyber café businesses ) in the industry meaning that they will be more than willing to build the business with us and help deliver our set goals and achieve all our aims and objectives.

9. SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY

• Sources of Income

It is the duty of anyone going into business to identify how he/she intends to generate startup funds. It is for this reason that  Planet One Cyber Café®, LLC is established with the aim of maximizing profits in the internet café / cyber café industry and we are going to go all the way to ensure that we do all it takes to attract our target market.

Planet One Cyber Café®, LLC will generate income by offering the following services;

10. Sales Forecast

One thing is certain when it comes to cyber café services; it is always cheaper and reliable for small businesses and start – ups to carry out teleconference or web meetings. This goes to show that any cyber café that is well – equipped and well positioned will always attract corporate clients and that will sure translate to increase in revenue generation for the business.

We are well positioned to take on the available market in Inglewood – Los Angeles, California and beyond and we are quite optimistic that we will meet our set target of generating enough income / profits from the first six month of operations and grow the business and our clientele base beyond Inglewood to the whole of Los Angeles – California.

We have been able to critically examine the cyber café market and we have analyzed our chances in the industry and we have been able to come up with the following sales forecast. The sales projection is based on information gathered on the field and some assumptions that are peculiar to startups in Los Angeles – CA.

Below is the sales projection for Planet One Cyber Café®, LLC, it is based on the location of our business and other factors as it relates to cyber café start – ups in the United States;

• First Fiscal Year-: $75,000
• Second Fiscal Year-: $150,000
• Third Fiscal Year-: $350,000

N.B: This projection is done based on what is obtainable in the industry and with the assumption that there won’t be any major economic meltdown and there won’t be any major competitor offering same internet café services as we do within same location. Please note that the above projection might be lower and at the same time it might be higher.

• Marketing Strategy and Sales Strategy

We will work really hard to see that we attract the type of sales and leads that will make us break even at all times. Cyber café business is not a business that you have to go out there to retail products which is why we must do all we can to maximize any opportunity that comes our way to attract people to patronize of cyber café and coffee bar.

Our sales and marketing team will be recruited based on their vast experience in the cyber café / internet café industry and they will be trained on a regular basis so as to be well equipped to meet their targets and the overall goal of the organization.

We will also ensure that our excellent service delivery (fast, reliable and secured internet access) speaks for us in the market place; we want to build a standard and well equipped cyber café that will leverage on word of mouth advertisement from satisfied clients.

Our business goal is to build our cyber café business to become the number one choice in the whole of Los Angeles – California which is why we have mapped out strategy that will help us take advantage of the available market and grow to become a major force to reckon with not only in the Inglewood, Los Angeles, but throughout California as well.

Planet One Cyber Café®, LLC is set to make use of the following marketing and sales strategies to attract clients;

• Introduce our cyber café by sending introductory letters alongside our brochure to, residence, organizations and key stake holders in Los Angeles and other parts of the U.S.
• Advertise our business in relevant magazines, newspapers, TV stations, and radio station.
• List our business on yellow pages ads (local directories)
• Attend relevant international and local internet café relevant expos, seminars, and fairs et al
• Create different packages for different category of clients in order to work with their budgets and still deliver top notch services (for teleconference and web meetings)
• Leverage on the internet to promote our business
• Engage in direct marketing approach
• Encourage word of mouth marketing from our loyal and satisfied clients

11. Publicity and Advertising Strategy

We have been able to work with brand and publicity specialist to help us map out publicity and advertising strategies that will help us walk our way into the heart of our target market. We are set to take the cyber café / internet café industry by storm which is why we have made provisions for effective publicity and advertisement of our cyber café.

Below are the platforms we intend to leverage on to promote and advertise Planet One Cyber Café®, LLC;

• Place adverts on both print and electronic media platforms
• Sponsor relevant TV shows and radio programs
• Maximize our official website to promote our business
• Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like; YouTube, Instagram, Facebook ,Twitter, LinkedIn, Snapchat,  Badoo, Google+  and other platforms (music online forums) to promote our business.
• Offer Pro Bono services to Non – profits Organizations as part of our community social responsibility
• Ensure that our we position our banners and billboards in strategic positions all around Los Angeles – CA
• Distribute our fliers and handbills in target areas
• Contact corporate organizations, schools, Non – Profits Organizations and start – ups by calling them up and informing them of Planet One Cyber Café®, LLC and the services we offer
• Advertise our cyber café business in our official website and employ strategies that will help us pull traffic to the site
• Brand all our official cars / buses and ensure that all our staff members and management staff wears our branded shirt or cap at regular intervals.

12. Our Pricing Strategy

We do not want to overprice ours services, and that is why we will go around and sample the price system of other businesses like our internet cafe business. The nature of internet café services makes it easier for operators in this industry to charge her clients fees based on the number of hours / time spent; usually this fee is charged based on the discretion of the cyber café.

At Planet One Cyber Café®, LLC we will keep our fees below the average market rate for all of our clients by keeping our overhead low and by collecting payment in advance. In addition, we will also offer special discounted rates to start – ups, nonprofits, cooperatives, and small social enterprises who engage our services to help them organize teleconference or web meetings / webcast et.

• Payment Options

At Planet One Cyber Café®, LLC, our payment policy will be all inclusive because we are quite aware that different people prefer different payment options as it suits them. Here are the payment options that we will make available to our clients;

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

In view of the above, we have chosen banking platforms that will help us achieve our plans with little or no itches.

13. Startup Expenditure (Budget)

In setting up any business, the amount or cost will depend on the approach and scale you want to undertake. If you intend to go big by renting a place, then you would need a good amount of capital as you would need to ensure that your employees are well taken care of, and that your facility is conducive enough for workers to be creative and productive.

This means that the start-up can either be low or high depending on your goals, vision and aspirations for your business.

The tools and equipment that will be used are nearly the same cost everywhere, and any difference in prices would be minimal and can be overlooked. As for the detailed cost analysis for starting a cyber café business; it might differ in other countries due to the value of their money.

The bulk of the money that is expected to be spent when setting up a cyber café is in the purchase of equipment and of course leasing / renting a standard facility. However, this is what it would cost us to start Cosmos Call Center Agency, LLC in the United of America;

• The Total Fee for incorporating the Business in Los Angeles, California – $750.
• The budget for Liability insurance, permits and license – $2,500
• The Amount needed to acquire a suitable Office facility with enough space for standard cyber café in a business district 6 months (Re – Construction of the facility inclusive) – $120,000.
• The Cost for equipping the cyber café (telephone boxes, headsets, server room, computers, software applications, “Private Automated Business Exchanges” (PABX),printers, fax machines, furniture, telephones, filing cabins, safety gadgets and electronics et al) – $70,000
• The Cost of Launching our official Website – $600
• Budget for paying  at least 3 employees for 3 months and utility bills – $80,000
• Additional Expenditure (Business cards, Signage, Adverts and Promotions et al) – $2,500
• Miscellaneous – $1,000

Going by the report from the research and feasibility studies conducted, we will need about $350,000 to set up a medium scale but standard call center in the United States of America.

Generating Funding / Startup Planet One Cyber Café®, LLC

Planet One Cyber Café®, LLC is going to start as a family business that will be solely owned and managed by Garry Boston and his wife Geraldine Boston. Both of them will be the financial of the business, but may likely welcome other partners later, which is why they have decided to restrict the sourcing of his start – up capital to 3 major sources.

These are the areas we intend generating our start – up capital;

• Generate part of the start – up capital from personal savings
• Source for soft loans from family members and friends
• Apply for loan from my Bank

N.B: We have been able to generate about $100,000 (Personal savings $80,000 and soft loan from family members $20,000) and we are at the final stages of obtaining a loan facility of $250,000 from our bank. All the papers and document has 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

The future of a business lies in the numbers of loyal customers that they have the capacity and competence of the employees, their investment strategy and the business structure. If all of these factors are missing from a business (company), then it won’t be too long before the business close shop.

One of our major goals of starting Planet One Cyber Café®, LLC is to build a business that will survive off its own cash flow without the need for injecting finance from external sources once the business is officially running. We know that one of the ways of gaining approval and winning customers over is to equip our cyber café facility with state of the equipment, technology and software applications.

Planet One Cyber Café®, LLC will make sure that the right foundation, structures and processes are put in place to ensure that our staff welfare are well taken of. Our company’s corporate culture is designed to drive our business to greater heights and training and re – training of our workforce is at the top burner.

As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our management staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of three years or more. We know that if that is put in place, we will be able to successfully hire and retain the best hands we can get in the industry; they will be more committed to help us build the business of our dreams.

Check List / Milestone

• Business Name Availability Check:>Completed
• Business Incorporation: Completed
• Renting of Office cum Call Facility: Completed
• Setting Up Of The Cyber Café Facility: In Progress
• Intellectual Property Protection and Trademark: Completed
• Opening of Corporate Bank Accounts various banks in the United States: Completed
• Opening Online Payment Platforms: Completed
• Application and Obtaining Tax Payer’s ID: In Progress
• Application for business license and permit: Completed
• Purchase of All form of Insurance for the Business: Completed
• Conducting Feasibility Studies: Completed
• Generating part of the start – up capital from the founder: Completed
• Applications for Loan from our Bankers: In Progress
• Writing of Business Plan: Completed
• Drafting of Employee’s Handbook: Completed
• Drafting of Contract Documents: In Progress
• Design of The Company’s Logo: Completed
• Graphic Designs and Printing of Packaging Marketing / Promotional Materials: Completed
• Recruitment of employees: In Progress
• Purchase of the Needed call center equipment, software applications, 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
• Establishing business relationship with key players in the industry: In Progress

More on Technology

How to Start a Profitable Cyber Cafe Business [11 Steps]

By Nick Cotter Updated Feb 05, 2024

Business Steps:

1. perform market analysis., 2. draft a cyber cafe business plan., 3. develop a cyber cafe brand., 4. formalize your business registration., 5. acquire necessary licenses and permits for cyber cafe., 6. open a business bank account and secure funding as needed., 7. set pricing for cyber cafe services., 8. acquire cyber cafe equipment and supplies., 9. obtain business insurance for cyber cafe, if required., 10. begin marketing your cyber cafe services., 11. expand your cyber cafe business..

Starting a cyber cafe business requires a thorough understanding of the local market to ensure its success. Performing a market analysis is the first critical step, allowing you to identify your potential customers, competitors, and overall market demand. Here are some key aspects to consider:

• Analyze the local demographics to determine the target audience for your cyber cafe. Consider age, income levels, education, and tech-savviness.
• Investigate nearby cyber cafes and Internet-related businesses to understand their offerings, pricing strategies, strengths, and weaknesses.
• Assess the demand for Internet access and related services in the area. Consider the availability of public Wi-Fi, the prevalence of personal Internet access, and any gaps in the market.
• Identify potential partnership opportunities with local businesses, educational institutions, or community organizations that could benefit from your services.
• Consider the impact of trends in technology and online behavior on the cyber cafe industry, such as the rise of mobile Internet usage and remote work.

Are cyber cafe businesses profitable?

It depends on the location and the services being offered. If the cyber cafe is located in a busy area, offers a variety of services, and attracts enough customers, it can be profitable. However, if the location is not ideal or if the cafe doesn't offer enough services, it could struggle to make a profit.

Creating a comprehensive business plan is critical when starting a cyber cafe. It outlines your business goals, strategies for achieving them, financial projections, and market analysis. Here’s a guide to drafting your cyber cafe business plan:

• Executive Summary: Begin with a concise overview of your cyber cafe’s concept, the services it will offer, and its objectives. Mention your unique selling points.
• Market Analysis: Identify your target audience, analyze competitors, and understand market trends. This will help in positioning your cyber cafe effectively.
• Services Offered: Detail the range of services you plan to provide, such as internet access, gaming, printing, and food and beverages.
• Marketing Plan: Describe how you will attract and retain customers. Include your branding, advertising strategies, and promotional activities.
• Operational Plan: Outline day-to-day operations, location, equipment needed, and staffing requirements. Include suppliers and management structures.
• Financial Plan: Project your startup costs, ongoing expenses, revenue streams, and profitability. Include balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow forecasts.
• Risk Analysis: Address potential risks and your strategies for managing them. This will demonstrate foresight and preparedness.

How does a cyber cafe business make money?

A cyber cafe business typically makes money by charging customers for access to the internet, computer time, and other services. These services can be used by a variety of target audiences, such as students who need to use the internet for school, or business people who need access to the web while away from their office. Additionally, they often offer food and drinks, which can be an additional source of income. Moreover, they might engage in other activities such a game competitions or tournaments that could draw in additional customers that could also help increase their revenue. For example, an air duct cleaning business could target residential homeowners and commercial property managers as potential customers.

Creating a strong brand is crucial for your cyber cafe to stand out in a competitive market. It reflects your cafe's identity, values, and the unique experience you offer to customers. Here are key steps to help you develop a compelling brand for your cyber cafe:

• Define your unique selling proposition (USP) that sets your cyber cafe apart from others, such as specialized gaming setups, high-speed internet, or unique cafe offerings.
• Choose a memorable and relevant name that resonates with your target audience and reflects the essence of your cyber cafe.
• Design a distinctive logo and visual theme that will be consistent across all branding materials, including your website, signage, and marketing collateral.
• Develop a strong online presence with a professional website and active social media profiles to connect with customers and build community engagement.
• Consider the ambiance and interior design of your cafe to ensure it aligns with your brand and creates a welcoming environment for patrons.
• Train your staff to provide exceptional service that aligns with your brand values, ensuring every customer interaction reinforces your brand promise.
• Plan and execute marketing campaigns that showcase your brand's personality and attract your target demographic through appropriate channels.

How to come up with a name for your cyber cafe business?

Coming up with a name for your cyber cafe business can be a fun and creative process. First, brainstorm to come up with some words that reflect your unique business or the atmosphere you want to create in the cafe. For example, you might consider words that represent things such as modern technology, comfort, or popular culture. Then, narrow down the list of words to a few that you think work best for your cafe. Finally, combine them into an interesting and catchy name that customers won’t soon forget. Be sure to conduct a quick internet search to make sure someone else isn’t already using the name.

Formalizing your business registration is a crucial step to legitimizing your cyber cafe and ensuring that you operate within the legal framework of your area. This process varies depending on your location, but typically involves a few key steps. Below is a general guide to help you navigate the registration of your cyber cafe business:

• Choose a Business Structure: Decide whether your cyber cafe will be a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, or corporation. Each has different tax and liability implications.
• Register Your Business Name: If your cyber cafe will have a name different from your own, you'll need to register the trade name or "Doing Business As" (DBA) name with the appropriate government body.
• Obtain Necessary Permits and Licenses: Depending on your location, this may include a general business license, a specific internet cafe permit, or other local permits.
• Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN): If you plan to hire employees, you'll need an EIN from the IRS for tax purposes.
• Register for State Taxes: You may need to register with your state's tax department to handle sales tax, income tax withholding, and other state taxes.
• Comply with Local Ordinances: Check with your city or county about any additional requirements, such as health and safety inspections or signage regulations.

Resources to help get you started:

Explore vital resources designed for cyber cafe entrepreneurs to gain insights on market trends, operational best practices, and strategic growth advice:

• Cyber Cafe Management Software Solutions: Articles and guides on choosing the best management software for your internet cafe, including features to look for and vendor comparisons.
• Internet Cafe Startup Guides: Comprehensive eBooks and blog posts covering everything from startup costs and equipment selection to marketing strategies for new cyber cafes.
• Online Forums and Communities: Engage with other cyber cafe owners on platforms like Reddit or specialized forums to exchange advice, experiences, and best practices.
• Internet Cafe Industry Reports: Access to market research reports that provide analysis on trends, growth predictions, and challenges in the cyber cafe industry.
• Newsletters from Tech Companies: Subscribe to newsletters from tech companies that supply gaming and computer equipment to stay updated on the latest products and technologies.
• Webinars and Online Workshops: Interactive sessions covering topics such as enhancing customer experience, cybersecurity measures, and leveraging social media for business growth.

Starting a cyber cafe requires compliance with local and national regulations. Acquiring the necessary licenses and permits is a critical step to ensure your business operates legally and smoothly. Below is a guide to help you through this process:

• Research Local Business Requirements: Contact your city or county's business licensing office to learn about specific licenses and permits required for a cyber cafe in your area.
• Business License: Obtain a general business license to operate your cyber cafe. This is typically issued by the city or county where your business is located.
• Occupational Permits: Depending on the services you offer, you may need special occupational permits, such as a food service license if you plan to serve snacks and beverages.
• Health and Safety Inspections: If providing food, arrange for health inspections to secure a health department permit, ensuring compliance with food safety regulations.
• Zoning and Land Use Permits: Ensure your location is zoned for a cyber cafe and obtain any necessary land use permits.
• Internet Service Provider (ISP) License: You may need to acquire a license from an ISP to provide internet services to the public.
• Signage Permits: If you plan to put up any signs for your cyber cafe, check for any local sign permits you might need to apply for.

What licenses and permits are needed to run a cyber cafe business?

To run a cyber cafe business you will need to obtain the following licenses and permits:

• A business operating license from state or local government
• Business liability insurance
• Food service license (if offering food and beverages)
• Zoning permit for your specific location
• Copyright compliance license (to use software legally)
• Computer equipment licenses (for software to be used)

Opening a business bank account is a crucial step for managing finances, and securing funding is essential for covering startup costs and ensuring smooth operations. Here's a guide to help you navigate through these foundational steps for starting your cyber cafe:

• Research local banks and credit unions to find the one that offers the best terms for small businesses. Consider fees, services, and convenience.
• Gather required documents, such as your business license, EIN (Employer Identification Number), and personal identification to open your business account.
• Choose between a checking or savings account—or both—based on your business needs. A checking account is good for daily transactions, while a savings account can help you earn interest on your reserves.
• For funding, assess your financial requirements and explore different options such as personal savings, loans from banks or credit unions, investors, or crowdfunding platforms.
• Prepare a solid business plan to present to potential lenders or investors, highlighting the market opportunity, your business strategy, and projected financials.
• Consider applying for government grants or programs supporting small businesses, especially those that promote technological advancement and community development.

Setting the right prices for your cyber cafe services is crucial to attract customers and ensure profitability. When determining your pricing strategy, consider the cost of your investments, the local market rates, and the value you provide. Here are some tips to help you establish competitive and fair prices:

• Assess the competition: Research local cyber cafes to understand their pricing models and services offered.
• Calculate your costs: Include rent, utilities, staff wages, equipment depreciation, and internet charges to determine your break-even point.
• Value-based pricing: Consider the quality and speed of your internet service, the variety of services offered, and the ambiance of your cyber cafe when setting prices.
• Time-based rates: Offer pricing options based on time usage, such as hourly rates or discounted rates for longer usage blocks.
• Membership options: Provide memberships or loyalty programs with perks like reduced rates or priority access to encourage repeat business.
• Package deals: Create package deals that bundle internet usage with other services like printing, scanning, or gaming.
• Dynamic pricing: Consider having different rates for peak and off-peak hours to manage demand and maximize revenue.

What does it cost to start a cyber cafe business?

Initiating a cyber cafe business can involve substantial financial commitment, the scale of which is significantly influenced by factors such as geographical location, market dynamics, and operational expenses, among others. Nonetheless, our extensive research and hands-on experience have revealed an estimated starting cost of approximately $14500 for launching such an business. Please note, not all of these costs may be necessary to start up your cyber cafe business.

Setting up your cyber cafe requires careful selection of equipment and supplies to ensure a smooth operation and a comfortable environment for your customers. Here's a list of essentials to get your cyber cafe up and running:

• Computers: Invest in high-quality computers with sufficient processing power, RAM, and graphics capabilities to handle a variety of tasks and games.
• Internet Connection: Get a reliable, high-speed internet service to provide your customers with a seamless online experience.
• Networking Equipment: Purchase routers, switches, and Ethernet cables for a stable and secure network infrastructure.
• Printers and Scanners: Provide multifunctional printers and scanners for customers who need to print or digitize documents.
• Furniture: Comfortable chairs and desks or booths are crucial for customer comfort during extended use.
• Security Software: Equip your computers with antivirus software and firewalls to protect against cyber threats.
• Operating System and Software Licenses: Ensure all computers have legal operating systems and software to provide a variety of services to your customers.
• Backup Power Supply: Consider an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) to prevent data loss and keep systems running during power outages.
• Refreshments: Offer snacks and drinks to keep your customers satisfied and encourage them to stay longer.
• Miscellaneous Supplies: Stock up on office supplies like paper, pens, and headphones for sale or use by your patrons.

List of software, tools and supplies needed to start a cyber cafe business:

• Computers: Approx. $500 each
• Internet Connection: Approx. $100/month
• Software: Approx. $50/license
• Coffee Machine: Approx. $200
• Printer: Approx. $150
• Laminator: Approx. $50
• Scanner: Approx. $100
• Fax Machine: Approx. $100
• Furnitures (chairs, tables, etc): Approx. $200
• Point of Sale System: Approx. $150

Acquiring the right business insurance is a crucial step in safeguarding your cyber cafe from various risks. It can protect your investment from unforeseen events such as accidents, theft, or cyber-attacks. Here’s how you can go about obtaining the necessary insurance:

• Research different types of business insurance policies that are relevant to a cyber cafe, such as general liability, property insurance, and cyber liability insurance.
• Consult with a licensed insurance broker or agent who specializes in business insurance. They can help you understand the specific risks associated with running a cyber cafe and recommend the appropriate coverage options.
• Compare quotes from multiple insurance providers to find the best coverage at a competitive rate. Be sure to read the fine print and understand what is and isn't covered.
• Consider the value of your equipment, the size of your cyber cafe, and your budget when choosing the amount of coverage you need.
• Once you have selected an insurance policy, make sure to keep your documents organized and accessible. Review your policy annually, or whenever there are significant changes to your business, to ensure your coverage remains adequate.

With your cyber cafe set up and ready to welcome guests, it's time to attract customers and create a buzz in the community. A well-thought-out marketing plan can make all the difference in getting your cyber cafe off the ground. Here are some tips to effectively market your cyber cafe services:

• Develop a strong brand identity with a memorable logo and consistent visual theme that stands out in all your marketing materials.
• Create an online presence with a professional website and active social media profiles, offering insights into your cafe's atmosphere, services, and special offers.
• Use local SEO strategies to ensure your cyber cafe appears at the top of search results for internet-related services in your area.
• Partner with local businesses and educational institutions to offer special discounts and promote your services to a broader audience.
• Distribute flyers and posters in high-traffic areas and consider local newspaper or radio ads to reach a wider demographic.
• Host opening events or gaming tournaments to generate excitement and encourage people to check out your cyber cafe.
• Encourage customers to leave reviews online to build trust and attract new visitors through positive word-of-mouth.

Expanding your cyber cafe business requires strategic planning and a deep understanding of your customer's needs. As you grow, think about how you can diversify your offerings and enhance the customer experience to stay ahead of the competition. Here are some pointers to help you on your journey:

• Assess your current operations to identify what's working well and where there's room for improvement or expansion.
• Consider adding more computer stations or private rooms to accommodate more customers, especially during peak hours.
• Upgrade your technology to ensure fast and reliable service, including high-speed internet, modern computers, and gaming consoles for a diverse clientele.
• Expand your services to include printing, scanning, faxing, and other office-related tasks to attract a wider customer base.
• Offer memberships or loyalty programs to encourage repeat business and build a community around your cafe.
• Explore partnerships with schools and local businesses to provide a venue for training, workshops, or corporate events.
• Invest in marketing and promotions to raise awareness about your expanded services and attract new customers.
• Consider franchising your cyber cafe or opening new locations in other areas to tap into new markets.
• Stay updated with the latest trends in technology and gaming to offer cutting-edge experiences to your customers.

Internet Cafe Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Internet Cafe Business Plan

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

If you’re unfamiliar with creating an internet cafe 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 an internet cafe business plan step-by-step so you can create your plan today.

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here >

What is an Internet Cafe Business Plan?

A business plan provides a snapshot of your internet cafe business 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 an Internet Cafe

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

Sources of Funding for Internet Cafe Businesses

With regards to funding, the main sources of funding for an internet cafe business 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 internet cafe companies.

Finish Your Business Plan Today!

How to write a business plan for an internet cafe business.

If you want to start an internet cafe business 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 internet cafe 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 internet cafe business you are running and the status. For example, are you a startup, do you have an internet cafe business that you would like to grow, or are you operating a chain of internet cafe businesses?

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

• Give a brief overview of the internet cafe industry.
• Discuss the type of internet cafe business 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 internet cafe business you are operating.

For example, you might specialize in one of the following types of internet cafe businesses:

• Internet kiosks : In this type of internet cafe business, small kiosks are built and positioned to be temporary internet cafes, as customers who visit the kiosks search the internet for directions, locations and other information.
• Cyber cafe: A cyber cafe is similar to an internet cafe, although the usage of the internet may be mixed with gaming and internet searches.
• Gaming cafe: Popular with teens, a gaming cafe offers computers and gaming accessories connected to very high bandwidth, which allows for specialized gaming.
• Commercial cafe: These internet cafes exist to serve commercial establishments with a need for high bandwidth and dedicated spaces.

In addition to explaining the type of internet cafe business 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 commercial contracts on file, or reaching X number of return gamers served, 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 internet cafe industry.

While this may seem unnecessary, it serves multiple purposes.

First, researching the internet cafe 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 internet cafe business plan:

• How big is the internet cafe 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 internet cafe business? 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 internet cafe business plan must detail the customers you serve and/or expect to serve.

The following are examples of customer segments: individuals, gamer groups, and corporations.

As you can imagine, the customer segment(s) you choose will have a great impact on the type of internet cafe business 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 internet cafe businesses.

Indirect competitors are other options that customers have to purchase from that aren’t directly competing with your product or service. This includes private homes with high bandwidth internet services, video game lounges, and gaming casinos. You need to mention direct competition, as well.

For each direct 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 internet cafe business 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 provide options for multiple rounds of gaming play?
• Will you offer internet services that your competition doesn’t?
• Will you provide snacks and other amenities?
• 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 internet cafe business plan, your marketing strategy should include the following:

Product : In the product section, you should reiterate the type of internet cafe company that you documented in your company overview. Then, detail the specific products or services you will be offering. For example, will you provide an internet cafe that serves light snacks and meals, along with a gaming lounge area?

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 internet cafe company. Document where your company is situated and mention how the site will impact your success. For example, is your internet cafe business located in a busy retail district, a neighborhood strip mall, or a standalone building near a college? Discuss how your site might be the ideal location for your customers.

Promotions : The final part of your internet cafe 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 on radio stations and/or gaming magazines
• Reach out to websites
• Distribute flyers to card collector and game stores
• 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 internet cafe business, including setting up game play for groups, planning and providing internet sessions, billing customers, etc.

Long-term goals are the milestones you hope to achieve. These could include the dates when you expect to book your Xth gaming session, or when you hope to reach $X in revenue. It could also be when you expect to expand your internet cafe business to a new city.

Management Team

To demonstrate your internet cafe business’ 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 internet cafe 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 an internet cafe business or successfully running a card and game store.

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 see 30 internet customers per day, and/or offer group gaming sessions? 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 internet cafe business, 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 internet cafe business:

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

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 multi-year contract for internet services or your location lease.

Writing a business plan for your internet cafe business 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 internet cafe industry, your competition, and your customers. You will develop a marketing strategy and will understand what it takes to launch and grow a successful internet cafe business.

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

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Since 1999, Growthink has developed business plans for thousands of companies who have gone on to achieve tremendous success.   Click here to see how Growthink’s business plan services can give you a winning business plan.

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Table of contents, a profitable cyber cafe business plan revealed.

• 27 May, 2024

Starting a Cyber Cafe Business

Before diving into the world of cyber cafes, it’s essential to assess the business viability and investment required for such a venture. Market research and analysis are crucial steps in understanding the target market and identifying potential opportunities.

Business Viability and Investment

Determining the viability of a cyber cafe business involves assessing the demand for such services and understanding the potential return on investment. Market trends and consumer behavior play a significant role in evaluating business viability. Conducting thorough research on the target audience, including gamers and individuals seeking internet access, is essential.

Investment in a cyber cafe business includes various aspects such as:

Infrastructure : Acquiring suitable premises with sufficient space for gaming stations, comfortable seating, and reliable internet connectivity is crucial. The cost of renting or purchasing a space should be factored into the investment plan.

Equipment and Technology : Investing in high-quality computers, gaming consoles, peripherals, and networking equipment is essential to provide a seamless experience to customers. Additionally, software licenses, security measures, and maintenance costs should be considered.

Marketing and Promotion : Allocating funds for marketing and promoting the cyber cafe is vital to attract customers. This may include online advertising, social media campaigns, and partnerships with local gaming communities.

Staffing : Hiring knowledgeable and customer-oriented staff members who can assist customers with technical support and ensure a pleasant gaming experience is essential. Employee wages, training, and benefits should be considered in the investment plan.

To create a comprehensive cyber cafe business plan, it’s important to assess the potential costs and revenue streams associated with the venture. This can be achieved through a detailed financial forecast and return on investment analysis.

Market Research and Analysis

Conducting market research is crucial for understanding the target market and identifying opportunities within the gaming and internet access industry. This research can help determine the demand for a cyber cafe in a particular location and gain insights into the preferences and needs of the target audience.

Key components of market research and analysis for a cyber cafe business include:

Demographics : Analyzing the demographic characteristics of the target audience, such as age, gender, and interests, can help tailor the business to their specific needs and preferences.

Competitor Analysis : Assessing the existing competition in the area can provide insights into their offerings, pricing strategies, and customer satisfaction levels. This information can help identify gaps in the market that can be capitalized on.

Trends and Market Potential : Keeping up with the latest trends in the gaming and internet access industry is crucial for staying relevant and meeting customer expectations. Identifying potential growth areas, such as esports or virtual reality gaming, can help differentiate the cyber cafe and attract a niche customer base.

Customer Feedback : Gathering feedback from potential customers through surveys or focus groups can provide valuable insights into their expectations, preferences, and pain points. This feedback can be used to refine the business model and tailor services to meet customer needs.

By conducting thorough market research and analysis, you can develop a strong foundation for your cyber cafe business. This information will guide your decisions regarding location selection, operational strategies, and growth opportunities to ensure the success and profitability of your venture.

Developing a Cyber Cafe Business Plan

To ensure the success and profitability of your cyber cafe business, it is essential to develop a comprehensive business plan. A well-crafted business plan serves as a roadmap for your venture, allowing you to set objectives, evaluate growth prospects, and determine the viability of your business idea. Let’s explore the key components of a business plan and the importance of financial forecasting and return on investment (ROI).

Key Components of a Business Plan

A business plan for a cyber cafe should include the following key components:

Executive Summary : This section provides an overview of your cyber cafe business, highlighting its mission, vision, and the unique value proposition it offers. It should also include a brief summary of the market opportunity and the competitive landscape.

Business Description : Here, you will provide more detailed information about your cyber cafe, including its legal structure, location, target market, and the range of services you plan to offer. This section should also outline your business goals and objectives.

Market Analysis : Conducting thorough market research is crucial for understanding the target market, identifying competitors, and gaining insights into customer needs and preferences. This section should include an analysis of the industry trends, target market demographics, and a competitive analysis.

Organization and Management : Describe the organizational structure of your cyber cafe and outline the roles and responsibilities of key team members. Include information about the qualifications and experience of the management team.

Service Offerings : Provide detailed information about the services your cyber cafe will offer, including internet access, computer rentals, printing, gaming, and any additional services you plan to provide. Highlight the unique aspects of your services that will differentiate your cafe from competitors.

Marketing and Sales Strategy : Outline your marketing and sales plan, including your target audience, pricing strategy, promotional activities, and customer acquisition strategies. Explain how you will attract and retain customers in a competitive market.

Operational Plan : This section should detail the day-to-day operations of your cyber cafe, including opening hours, staffing requirements, technology infrastructure, and any other operational considerations specific to your business.

Financial Forecasting and Return on Investment

Financial forecasting is a critical aspect of your cyber cafe business plan. Accurate financial forecasting allows you to compare actual performance against planned performance, identify trends, and make informed decisions. It provides visibility into future cash flows and helps you remain agile and responsive to market changes.

Include a detailed financial forecast that projects your anticipated revenues, costs, and expenses over a specific period, typically three to five years. This forecast should include information such as startup costs, monthly expenses (e.g., rent, utilities, salaries), and revenue projections based on market research and pricing strategies.

Financial forecasting also helps potential investors, such as banks or equity investors, evaluate the return on investment (ROI) they can expect from investing in your cyber cafe. It demonstrates your ability to generate profits and repay any loans or investments. Providing a clear ROI analysis will help attract potential investors and secure financing for your business.

Remember to regularly review and update your financial forecast as your cyber cafe business evolves. This will ensure that you remain on track and can make adjustments to your strategies as needed.

By developing a comprehensive business plan that includes key components and incorporates financial forecasting and ROI analysis, you will have a solid foundation for starting and growing your cyber cafe business.

Location Selection for a Cyber Cafe

Choosing the right location for a cyber cafe is a crucial aspect of setting up a successful business. The location can greatly impact the foot traffic, visibility, and target market reach of the cyber cafe. In this section, we will explore the importance of location and the factors that influence location choice.

Importance of Location

The location of a cyber cafe can significantly contribute to its success. An ideal location should attract a steady flow of potential customers, such as gamers and individuals seeking a comfortable and convenient space to access the internet. When considering the importance of location, several factors come into play:

Foot Traffic: A high volume of foot traffic is desirable for a cyber cafe, as it increases the chances of attracting customers. Areas near business districts, shopping malls, educational institutions, and entertainment hubs tend to have higher foot traffic. By situating the cyber cafe in such locations, it can benefit from the constant flow of potential customers.

Visibility: The visibility of the cyber cafe is another crucial factor. A location that is easily visible to passersby can help attract customers and generate curiosity about the services offered. If the cyber cafe is located down a narrow side street, even being close to essential spots may not suffice. Effective signage can also play a role in improving visibility and attracting attention.

Target Market: The location can also influence the focus of the cyber cafe’s business. Understanding the target demographic and catering to their specific needs is essential. For instance, if the cyber cafe aims to attract gamers, it may be beneficial to choose a location near gaming centers or universities with active gaming communities. The location can dictate the primary focus of the cyber cafe and help tailor services accordingly.

Factors Influencing Location Choice

When selecting a location for a cyber cafe, several factors should be considered:

Demographics: Understanding the demographics of the area is crucial. Analyzing the age groups, interests, and preferences of the local population can help determine whether the location aligns with the target market of the cyber cafe.

Competition: Assessing the level of competition in the area is important. Researching existing cyber cafes or similar establishments can provide insights into market saturation and potential demand. Finding a location with limited or no direct competition can give the cyber cafe a competitive advantage.

Accessibility: The accessibility of the location is vital for attracting customers. Easy access to public transportation, parking facilities, and proximity to major roads or highways can make the cyber cafe more convenient for customers to visit.

Cost: The cost of the location, including rent and other expenses, should be carefully evaluated. It’s important to ensure that the projected revenue of the cyber cafe can cover the costs associated with the location. Conducting a thorough financial analysis and forecasting is crucial in this regard.

By considering these factors and conducting thorough research, a cyber cafe owner can make an informed decision regarding the location of their business. Taking the time to select the ideal location can greatly contribute to the long-term success and profitability of the cyber cafe.

Next, we will explore operational strategies for cyber cafe success, including revenue generation strategies and customer-centric services.

Operational Strategies for Cyber Cafe Success

To ensure the success of your cyber cafe, it is important to implement effective operational strategies. This includes focusing on revenue generation strategies and providing customer-centric services.

Revenue Generation Strategies

Maximizing revenue is crucial for the profitability of your cyber cafe. Here are some strategies to consider:

Diversify Services : In addition to offering basic services like PC usage and internet access, consider expanding your offerings to include additional services such as printing, scanning, gaming, document editing, and online video streaming. By providing a variety of services, you can attract a broader customer base and increase your revenue potential. According to personal experiences shared on Quora , cyber cafes offering a wide range of services have reported profits exceeding 1.5 lakhs.

Accept Digital Payments : With the increasing trend towards digital payments, it is essential to accept credit card payments and explore other popular payment methods such as mobile wallets and online payment platforms. This not only provides convenience to customers but also helps streamline transactions and maximize revenue potential. Additionally, consider implementing customer loyalty programs to encourage repeat business and increase customer retention.

Strategic Credit Card Usage : As a business owner, you can maximize reward points and cashback benefits by using credit cards strategically for online purchases related to your cyber cafe. This can help reduce expenses and increase your overall profitability. However, it is important to manage credit card usage responsibly and avoid excessive debt.

Customer-Centric Services

Providing exceptional customer service is key to attracting and retaining customers. Here are some customer-centric strategies to consider:

Friendly and Knowledgeable Staff : Train your staff to be friendly, approachable, and knowledgeable about the services offered at your cyber cafe. They should be able to assist customers with any technical issues, provide recommendations, and ensure a pleasant and comfortable experience for all visitors.

Comfortable Environment : Create a welcoming and comfortable environment for customers. Ensure that the seating arrangements are ergonomic and that the space is well-lit and properly ventilated. Consider providing amenities such as free Wi-Fi, charging stations, and a refreshment area where customers can enjoy snacks and beverages.

Flexible Pricing : Offer flexible pricing options to cater to different customer needs. Consider providing hourly rates, discounted packages for frequent customers, or membership programs that offer exclusive perks and benefits. This allows customers to choose the pricing option that best suits their usage patterns and budget.

By implementing these operational strategies, you can enhance the profitability and success of your cyber cafe. Remember to regularly assess and adapt your strategies based on customer feedback, market trends, and changing customer needs. For more ideas on how to start and run a successful cyber cafe, explore our article on cyber cafe business ideas .

Cybersecurity Measures for Cyber Cafe Businesses

Ensuring the security of data and protecting against cyber threats is of utmost importance for cyber cafe businesses . Implementing robust cybersecurity measures not only safeguards sensitive information but also helps build trust with customers. In this section, we will discuss two key cybersecurity measures for cyber cafe businesses: data protection and backup systems, and employee training in cybersecurity.

Data Protection and Backup Systems

Developing a comprehensive data protection and backup system is essential for cyber cafe businesses to safeguard against data loss due to cyber attacks. It is recommended to utilize a combination of cloud services and secondary storage devices to ensure the security and availability of data.

Cloud Services: Backing up data to a reliable cloud service offers a secure and convenient way to protect important information. It is crucial to review the privacy policies and security features provided by the cloud service provider to ensure compliance and data integrity. This also enables quick recovery in the event of data loss. For additional protection, consider encrypting sensitive data before uploading it to the cloud.

Secondary Storage Devices: Alongside cloud backups, it is advisable to create backups on secondary storage devices, such as external hard drives or USB keys. This provides an additional layer of protection in case of cloud service failure or accessibility issues.

By implementing a robust data protection and backup system, cyber cafe businesses can minimize the risk of data loss and ensure the continuity of their operations. For more information on securing your business data, refer to our article on how to start a cyber cafe .

Employee Training in Cybersecurity

The human element plays a significant role in maintaining cybersecurity within cyber cafe businesses. Training employees in cybersecurity best practices is crucial to ensure they are equipped to handle potential threats and protect the business and its customers’ information.

Cybersecurity Plan: Developing and implementing a comprehensive cybersecurity plan is essential. This plan outlines the best practices, guidelines, and protocols that employees should follow to mitigate cyber threats effectively. Sharing this plan with employees helps create a culture of cybersecurity awareness within the business.

Regular Training Sessions: Conducting regular cybersecurity training sessions is important to keep employees updated on the latest security threats and preventive measures. These sessions can cover topics such as identifying phishing attempts, creating strong passwords, and recognizing suspicious online activities. Utilize occasions like Cyber Security Awareness Month in October to raise awareness and reinforce the importance of cybersecurity.

By providing ongoing training and education to employees, cyber cafe businesses can empower them to be proactive in protecting sensitive information and maintaining a secure environment. For more information on setting up and securing your cyber cafe, refer to our article on setting up a cyber cafe .

Implementing strong data protection and backup systems, along with comprehensive employee training in cybersecurity, are essential steps for ensuring the security and integrity of a cyber cafe business. By prioritizing cybersecurity measures, businesses can establish a trustworthy reputation and create a safe online environment for their customers.

Growth and Expansion Opportunities

As a cyber cafe business thrives and establishes a strong presence in the market, there are opportunities for growth and expansion. Two common avenues for expanding a cyber cafe business include scaling the business and exploring franchising options.

Scaling the Business

Scaling a cyber cafe business involves increasing its operational capacity and reach to accommodate a larger customer base and generate higher revenue. Successful scaling requires careful planning, strategic decision-making, and the implementation of efficient operational processes.

To scale a cyber cafe business, it is crucial to conduct thorough market research and identify new target markets or customer segments that can be tapped into. This research will help determine the feasibility and potential success of expansion efforts. By understanding the needs and preferences of these new markets, a cyber cafe business can tailor its services to attract and retain a broader customer base.

Financial planning is an essential component of scaling a cyber cafe business. Adequate funding and investment in infrastructure, equipment, and human resources are necessary to support the increased operational capacity. The business should also allocate resources to marketing and advertising efforts to raise awareness and attract new customers.

Maintaining the quality of services and customer experience is paramount during the scaling process. Implementing standardized processes, training employees, and ensuring consistent delivery of services across all locations will help uphold the reputation of the brand and satisfy the increasing demands of the customer base.

Diversifying revenue streams is another strategy for scaling a cyber cafe business. By offering additional services or products, such as gaming lounges, cybersports arenas, or coworking spaces, a cyber cafe can attract a wider customer base and increase profitability.

Franchising Options

Franchising presents an attractive option for cyber cafe businesses looking to expand their operations. By offering franchise opportunities, entrepreneurs can replicate their successful business model in new locations, leveraging the brand recognition and expertise they have developed.

Through franchising, cyber cafe businesses can benefit from the resources and support provided by the franchisor. This includes marketing strategies, operational guidelines, and training programs. Franchisees can tap into the established brand and operational systems, allowing for a faster and more cost-effective expansion process.

When considering franchising as an expansion option, it is essential for cyber cafe businesses to carefully select potential franchisees who align with their brand values and possess the necessary skills and resources to operate a successful franchise. Franchise agreements should be structured in a way that ensures consistency in quality, customer experience, and adherence to brand standards.

Franchising provides an opportunity for cyber cafe businesses to generate revenue through franchise fees and ongoing royalties while leveraging the expertise and resources of franchisees. This collaborative approach can accelerate the growth of the business and increase its market presence.

By scaling the business and exploring franchising options, a cyber cafe business can capitalize on its success and expand its reach. However, it is crucial to approach growth and expansion with careful planning, strategic decision-making, and a strong focus on maintaining quality and customer satisfaction.

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Internet Cafe Business Plan

Start your own internet cafe business plan

JavaNet Internet Cafe

Executive summary executive summary is a brief introduction to your business plan. it describes your business, the problem that it solves, your target market, and financial highlights.">, opportunity.

The public wants: (1) access to the methods of communication and volumes of information now available on the Internet, and (2) access at a cost they can afford and in such a way that they aren’t socially, economically, or politically isolated.

JavaNet, unlike a typical cafe, will provide a unique forum for communication and entertainment through the medium of the Internet. JavaNet’s goal is to provide the community with a social, educational, entertaining, atmosphere for worldwide communication.

JavaNet intends to cater to people who want a guided tour on their first spin around the Internet and to experienced users eager to indulge their passion for computers in a social setting. Furthermore, JavaNet will be a magnet for local and traveling professionals who desire to work or check their email messages in a friendly atmosphere. These professionals will either use JavaNet’s PCs, or plug their notebooks into Internet connections. JavaNet’s target market covers a wide range of ages: from members of Generation X who grew up surrounded by computers, to Baby Boomers who have come to the realization that people today cannot afford to ignore computers.

Competition

The main competitors in the retail coffee segment are Cafe Paradisio, Full City, Coffee Corner and Allann Bros. These businesses are located in or near the downtown area, and target a similar segment to JavaNet’s (i.e. educated, upwardly-mobile students and business people).

JavaNet will follow a differentiation strategy to achieve a competitive advantage in the cafe market. By providing Internet service, JavaNet separates itself from all other cafes in Eugene. In addition, JavaNet provides a comfortable environment with coffee and bakery items, distinguishing itself from other Internet providers in Eugene.

Expectations

We plan on getting more than 500,000 sales in year 1 and nearly 1,000,000 sales in year 3. We will have earnings year 2 and year 3 

Financial Highlights by Year

Financing needed.

Our financing has already been secured as follows:

• $24,000 from the Oregon Economic Development Fund
• $19,000 of personal savings from owner Cale Bruckner
• $56,000 from three investors
• and $10,000 in the form of short-term loans

Problem & Solution

Problem worth solving, our solution.

 JavaNet will provide full access to email, WWW, FTP, Usenet and other Internet applications such as Telnet and Gopher. JavaNet will also provide customers with a unique and innovative environment for enjoying great coffee, specialty beverages, and bakery items.

JavaNet will appeal to individuals of all ages and backgrounds. The instructional Internet classes, and the helpful staff that JavaNet provides, will appeal to the audience that does not associate themselves with the computer age. This educational aspect will attract younger and elderly members of the community who are rapidly gaining interest in the unique resources that online communications have to offer. The downtown location will provide business people with convenient access to their morning coffee and online needs.

Target Market

Market size & segments.

  Target Market Segment Strategy

Market Segmentation

JavaNet’s customers can be divided into two groups. The first group is familiar with the Internet and desires a progressive and inviting atmosphere where they can get out of their offices or bedrooms and enjoy a great cup of coffee. The second group is not familiar with the Internet, yet, and is just waiting for the right opportunity to enter the online community. JavaNet’s target market falls anywhere between the ages of 18 and 50. This extremely wide range of ages is due to the fact that both coffee and the Internet appeal to a variety of people. In addition to these two broad categories, JavaNet’s target market can be divided into more specific market segments. The majority of these individuals are students and business people. See the Market Analysis chart and table below for more specifics.

Current Alternatives

Competition from online service providers comes from locally-owned businesses as well as national firms. There are approximately eight, local, online service providers in Eugene. This number is expected to grow with the increasing demand for Internet access. Larger, online service providers, such as AOL and CompuServe are also a competitive threat to JavaNet. Due to the nature of the Internet, there are no geographical boundaries restricting competition.

Our Advantages

Our advantages are best explained as our strengths: 

Knowledgeable and friendly staff. We’ve gone to great lengths at JavaNet to find people with a passion for teaching and sharing their Internet experiences. Our staff is both knowledgeable and eager to please.

State-of-the art equipment. Part of the JavaNet experience includes access to state-of-the-art computer equipment. Our customers enjoy beautiful flat-screen displays, fast machines, and high-quality printers.

Upscale ambiance. When you walk into JavaNet, you’ll feel the technology. High backed mahogany booths with flat-screen monitors inset into the walls provide a cozy hideaway for meetings and small friendly gatherings. Large round tables with displays viewable from above provide a forum for larger gatherings and friendly "how-to" classes on the Internet. Aluminum track lighting and art from local artists sets the mood. Last, but not least, quality cappuccino machines and a glass pastry display case provide enticing refreshments.

Clear vision of the market need. JavaNet knows what it takes to build an upscale cyber cafe. We know the customers, we know the technology, and we know how to build the service that will bring the two together.

Keys to Success

The keys to the success for JavaNet are:

• The creation of a unique, innovative, upscale atmosphere that will differentiate JavaNet from other local coffee shops and future Internet cafes.
• The establishment of JavaNet as a community hub for socialization and entertainment. We want people to meet, have study groups, hit our place to and from work, think of us when they want breakfast and online news. We won’t be closed so we can be a haven. 
• The creation of an environment that won’t intimidate the novice user. JavaNet will position itself as an educational resource for individuals wishing to learn about the benefits the Internet has to offer. This will be measured by our chairs being full, customers using their email accounts and our staff answering questions. We want our community engaged and our sales and popularity will reflect we are able to make our customers comfortable. 
• Great coffee and bakery items. This will be indicated by customer reviews as well as inventory turnover. We need our inventory to turn over once a week or once every 2 weeks. 

Marketing & Sales

Marketing plan.

As a retail establishment, JavaNet employs people to handle sales transactions. Computer literacy is a requirement for JavaNet employees. If an employee does not possess basic computer skills when they are hired, they are trained by our full-time technician. Our full-time technician is also available for customers in need of assistance. JavaNet’s commitment to friendly, helpful service is one of the key factors that distinguishes JavaNet from other Internet cafes.

Locations & Facilities

A site has been chosen at 10th and Oak in downtown Eugene. This site was chosen for various reasons, including:

• Proximity to the downtown business community.
• Proximity to trendy, upscale restaurants such as West Brothers.
• Proximity to LTD’s Eugene Station. Parking availability.
• Low cost rent – $.85 per square foot for 1700 square feet.
• High visibility.

All of these qualities are consistent with JavaNet’s goal of providing a central hub of communication and socialization for the Eugene community.

JavaNet will invest in high-speed computers to provide its customers with a fast and efficient connection to the Internet. The computers will be reliable and fun to work with. JavaNet will continue to upgrade and modify the systems to stay current with communications technology. One of the main attractions associated with Internet cafes, is the state of the art equipment available for use. Not everyone has a Pentium PC in their home or office.

Milestones & Metrics

Milestones table.

Key Metrics

Our Key Metrics are: 

• Sales, gross margin, operating profit, profit, cash flow, of course. 
• Average sales per customer per month
• Monthly subscribers 
• Average time per customer session

Ownership & Structure

JavaNet is a privately held Oregon Limited Liability Corporation. Cale Bruckner, the founder of JavaNet, is the majority owner. Luke Walsh, Doug Wilson, and John Underwood, all hold minority stock positions as private investors.

Management Team

JavaNet is owned and operated by Mr. Cale Bruckner. The company, being small in nature, requires a simple organizational structure. Implementation of this organizational form calls for the owner, Mr. Bruckner, to make all of the major management decisions in addition to monitoring all other business activities.

Personnel Table

Financial Plan investor-ready personnel plan .">

Key assumptions.

Our Key assumptions: 

1 – Certain members s of the community are intimidated by the internet. They want to use email and the internet but find it intimidating. They will use the internet if there is a place that comes with someone to explain it. 

2 – Students need a place to have study groups and use the internet. There are many students at the u of o, there are a shortage of resources. 

3 – Certain members of the community cannot afford to own their own computer or wifi. We are happy to let them use our place for a small fee they can afford. 

Revenue by Month

Expenses by month, net profit (or loss) by year, use of funds.

Our list of startup expenses are $56,000 dollars, as follows: 

• 11 computers = $22,000
• two printers = $1,000
• one scanner = $500
• software = $810
• one espresso machine = $10,700
• one automatic espresso grinder = $795
• two coffee/food preparation counters = $1,000
• one information display counter = $1,000
• one drinking/eating counter = $500
• sixteen stools = $1,600
• six computer desks w/chairs = $2,400
• stationery goods = $500
• two telephones = $200
• decoration expense = $13,000

Sources of Funds

This business plan is prepared to obtain financing in the amount of $24,000. The supplemental financing is required to begin work on site preparation and modifications, equipment purchases, and to cover expenses in the first year of operations.

Additional financing has already been secured as follows:

• $66,000 from three investors

Projected Profit & Loss

Projected Balance Sheet

Projected Cash Flow Statement

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Sample Internet Cyber Cafe Business Plan Template PDF

Internet cafe business plan sample.

Do you want to start an internet cafe business to meet your needs?

If yes, then here’s how. 4 in every 5 homes own a computer whether a smartphone or a laptop or a desktop. This is the extent to which this information age has deeply informed our traditional lifestyles; making almost anything possible within a few clicks, in an atmosphere of good internet.

Some call it elements of a type 2 civilization, but by whatever name it is known, one thing that is certain is that the demand for the internet rises everyday like the vapor from a heated kettle. Most job applications, as well as interviews these days are scheduled online.

Need to write a plan for your venture? Download a FREE Business Plan PDF Sample to develop a template for your own startup.

By siting an internet café business in the appropriate location, you go a long mile in meeting communication needs, as well as administrative needs for a number of persons.

However, as much as any other business, efforts are expended in the startup of this business, as well as careful analysis and feasibility studies; for instance citing a café in an area where most individuals are high-class, chances are that they all have at least a laptop in their homes, which would mean lesser output for you.

A number of important steps have been enumerated below, that will guide you as you start an internet café business:

Guide to Starting a Cybercafe Business

Step 1: Plan your Café

Always the first step for any business is the task of planning. Financial plans, Café size, location, advertisement plans, operations plan, other services that should be integrated. You must clearly state the amount of the required capital, and how you intend to realize it.

You could make this process easier by meeting with veterans in the business as they might have a few tips purchased by the currency of experience. This should be as concise as possible, and understandable. Preferably document all your plans for your business, as well as analysis.

Step 2: Run Feasibility Check

Very importantly is the factor of environment that one has to be immensely careful. Citing a Café in a village where access to healthy water, good road, and electricity is not really a nutritious business strategy.

It is usually advisable to cite a Café close to hotels where travelers can easily lodge, or at the heart of middle class societies, or even at restaurants.

Also, you must enquire about the startup capital, as well as individual costs of securing all the components that are necessary.

Step 3: Choose a Name and Location

After conducting a proper feasibility study, you must then proceed to choose a name for your business as well as conclude on where to locate it. Location is very important when it comes to siting a business because if not chosen can lead to the failure of the business. You can utilize the services of a real estate agent in securing a location for business .

Regarding location, you can adopt some of the tips presented above; however for the naming, you should pick one that resonates quickly in the minds of anyone that hears it.

Step 4: Acquire Permits and Licenses

You should visit the tax office for a tax permit; and you would also register your business to get the necessary license to operate without any political harassment.

Step 5: Hoisting the Computers and other Hardware

You should have acquired the necessary equipment: Internet Service Provider ( ISP ), Router (so you can share internet amongst a network of computers), computers, printer, photocopying machine, binding machine, lamination machine, portable seats, efficient lights, UPS for every computer, a steady generator (considering electricity issues), and a scanner.

So this important moment is when you set them up. You might need the service of a networker to aid in the set-up, especially when you will be using over 25 computers in the network.

In this set-up phase, you might also need to do some electrical works, software installation, and furniture works.

You can also consider setting up a mini food joint by the side as a strategy to keep your customers locked up in your café round the clock; giving them little reasons to oblige you their absence.

Step 6: Secure your Computers

Using the appropriate firewalls and antivirus software you can do this. You can buy the CDs of the firewall and do the step-by-step installation. This is important because a small bug can crumble the entire system if not quickly detected and attended to.

Then rules and regulations would be set to ensure optimal performance of your machines—rules like prohibiting the insertion of foreign devices into café computers except maybe in critical cases only after a thorough scan has been done on such devices, and eating or drinking on the desk to avoid spilling liquid into the electrical components.

Step 7: Advertisements

Consider using fliers to do your adverts, as well as local newspapers; to create a rippling awareness through your vicinity. You could also use social media to do your publicity. This would go its length in promoting patronage of those around you. Now try as much to pay attention to recommendation, feedbacks, and reviews by customers.

Step 8: Run the Café

In doing this, you should consider staffing. It might not be so efficient to run a café alone. There might be times when you are required to do a photocopy job for a customer and at the same time you have got customers in queue waiting to be logged into your network perhaps.

Under such circumstances, it would pay to have assistants or an employee—the more the hands, the easier the work of running the internet cafe business.

INTERNET CAFE BUSINESS PLAN EXAMPLE

Here is a sample business plan for starting a cybercafe business.

BUSINESS NAME: Slicky cyber café.

• Executive Summary
• Our Products and Services

Vision Statement

Mission Statement

Business Structure

• Market Analysis

Sales and Marketing Strategy

• Financial Plan

Sales Forecast

  Executive Summary

Slicky Cyber Café is business that has been fully registered and has fulfilled the entire requirements for starting a business in Los Angeles, United State of America. The business will be concerned with providing internet services for its clients.

Slicky Cyber Café will be co-owned by Patrick Nelson and Theodore Francis. They will both be the manager and CEO.

They have both contributed $550,000 toward starting up the business, they have also made plans to secure a loan of $450,000 to complete the startup fund which amount to $1,000,000.

Our Product and Services

Slicky Cyber Café is standard Cyber Café which will be located in Los Angeles, United State. We would be interested in providing stable internet service for client patronising us in our office. Below are some things that highlights our reasonable preparation:

• Purchase of sets of Computers and Laptop.
• Purchase of a standby generator for constant powering of our facility.
• Plans are already in place to install the best Internet Server.
• Our services would include 24hours internet browsing service.
• An ever open online registration service for examinations and other important tests.

With this in place we know our services will not be altered and our services will be top notch.

Our vision in the industry is to improve the previous standard set by those ahead of us. We are working to provide browsing services as fast as 10mb/s for our clients. Slicky Cyber Cafe is also looking forward to becoming the major internet café in Los Angeles and with time the entire United States. And before our fifth anniversary we want Slicky Cyber Cafe to become a household name.

Our mission in the industry is to become a very popular and reputable cyber café that will be offering the best internet browsing speed for our clients in Los Angeles, and the whole of United States. We wish to build a stable business that will be beneficial for all.

The business structure of any given business is one of the defining factor of a successful business. This is the reason why we will be paying maximum attention to staffing and our structure. Our recruitment process will be done critically and efficiently. Only those with experience and good recommendation will be considered for recruitment.

Below are the positions that will be filled:

• Manager (CEO and Owner)
• Sales and Marketing Executive
• Accountant / Cashier
• Cyber Cafe agents
• Security Officer
• Customer Service Personnel

Market Analysis Market Trend

It’s been observed that successful cyber café in the industry are those that offer fast and reliable internet browsing speed. This is the only way to stay relevant and always on top of the game.

Target Market

We have identified the following as our target market:

• Higher institutions
• Online business industries
• General public
• Residential places

Our business will be promoted primarily by our great customer’s services as well as quality delivery. One thing we know is good sales and marketing strategy is the key to a successful business and as such we are trying to create a good sales and marketing strategy that will help our business, below are some of the plans in place for the project:

• Using introductory letters and fliers we will be introducing our cafe to people in Los Angeles.
• We will also be using the internet to inform the world about our business. Specifically, Ads targeted to people living in Los Angeles.
• We would extensively be using the Television and Radio stations to inform the world about our products.
• Newspaper and Magazines would also be use to market our cafe.
• We will also locate some important areas in the city and place some billboards there as this will help people to discover us quickly.

Financial Plan Source of Startup Capital

Investing big and reasonably brings more success. We are informed of this and as such both Patrick Nelson and Theodore Francis have contributed $550,000 for the Slicky Cyber Cafe business, and are going to get a loan of $450,000 from the bank to complete the startup capital.

Having received correct and valid information from the industry database, below is the sales forecast for our first three years of operation.

First Fiscal Year $900,000 Second Fiscal Year $1,500,000 Third Fiscal Year $2,200,000

This article contains our sample business plan for our proposed Slicky Cyber Cafe. The business will be carrying out its operations in Los Angeles, United State. It will be owned by Patrick Nelson and Theodore Francis.

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A Step-by-Step Guide to Starting a Profitable Cyber Cafe Business in Kenya

Cyber cafes are places where you can use the internet and computers. And even though most people already have these things at home, the demand for cyber services is still high. 

Now, if you’re thinking of starting a business in Kenya, a cyber cafe is a good idea. It’s not just about the internet; you can also offer other services like printing, scanning, and even gaming. 

But here’s the catch: starting a cyber cafe isn’t a piece of cake. There are several challenges, including fierce competition in urban areas, the need for significant initial capital for equipment and rent, unreliable electricity supply affecting operations, licensing requirements, addressing cybersecurity concerns, and adapting to rapidly evolving technology trends to stay relevant in a competitive market.

We wrote this guide to help you overcome these challenges. By the end, you should have a good idea of how to start a profitable cybercafe business in Kenya and how much you are going to invest. We’ll talk about the kind of equipment you need, how to pick a good location, and how to acquire the necessary licenses among other things. 

Before we dive into the steps, let’s answer some important questions. 

Is Cyber Cafe Business Profitable in Kenya?

Yes, a cyber cafe business in Kenya is generally profitable. However,  the profitability can vary depending on various factors, including location, competition, pricing strategy, and the range of services you offer. 

In some areas, where there is high demand for internet access and related services, a well-managed cyber cafe can be profitable. However,  you will need to consider the challenges and costs associated with starting and running this business. These include initial setup costs, rent, equipment maintenance, and keeping up with technology advancements. 

To assess the profitability, I suggest that you conduct a thorough market analysis to understand local demand so that you can implement effective business strategies. 

In order to maximize your chances of making more profits, you will need to research and plan carefully before starting a cyber business in Kenya. 

How Much Do I Need to Start a Cyber Cafe in Kenya?

You will need anywhere from Ksh 100,000 to Ksh 500,000 or more to start a decent cyber cafe in Kenya. However, realistically, I can’t give you an exact figure. This is because the capital you require will vary depending on factors like location, size, and the services you plan to offer. 

Here’s a breakdown of some key expenses to consider:

• Rent: The cost of renting a suitable space for your cyber cafe can vary significantly based on the location. In some areas like Nairobi, rent can be a major expense.
• Computers and Equipment: You’ll need to invest in computers, printers, scanners, chairs, tables, and other essential equipment. The number of computers you purchase will depend on the size of your cyber cafe. If you are on a budget, you can consider buying second-hand equipment and then upgrading to new ones when the business picks up. 
•  Internet Connection: You’ll need a reliable and high-speed internet connection. The cost will depend on the provider and the speed you choose.
• Furniture and Interior Setup: This includes the cost of furnishing and setting up the interior of your cyber cafe, including desks, chairs, and decor.
• Software and Licensing: You may need to purchase software licenses, antivirus programs, and other software for your computers. The cost will vary depending on the software you need. 
• Initial Marketing: Budget for some initial marketing expenses to promote your cyber cafe and attract customers.
• Utilities: Consider the cost of electricity, water, and any other utilities required for your business.
• Staffing: If you plan to have employees, budget for their salaries and any training expenses.
• Licenses and Permits: There may be fees associated with business licenses and permits, so be sure to check the local regulations.
• Security Measures: Invest in security measures such as CCTV cameras and alarm systems to protect your equipment and customers.
• Maintenance and Repairs: Plan for ongoing maintenance and occasional repairs for your computers and equipment.
• Miscellaneous Expenses: Don’t forget to budget for unforeseen or miscellaneous expenses that may arise during the setup phase.

You might have to conduct a detailed business plan and market research to get a more accurate estimate of your startup costs. Additionally, consider seeking advice from experienced entrepreneurs or professionals in the industry to help you plan and budget effectively for starting a cyber cafe in Kenya.

Steps to Starting a Profitable Cyber Business in Kenya 

Step 1: research your market .

Market research will help you understand the people you’ll be serving and make your business successful. 

Here’s what you need to do:

• Know Your Customers: Kenya is a big and diverse country, and people have different needs. You need to figure out who your main customers will be. Are you aiming at students, workers, job seekers, or a mix of them all? Think about what they need, what they like, and the problems they have when it comes to using the internet and computers.
• Check Out the Competition: Cyber cafes have lots of competition, depending on where you set up your business. Find out who your local rivals are and see what makes them special. Are they known for great customer service, super-fast internet, or unique services? Knowing their strengths and weaknesses will help you make your business stand out.
• Understand What Customers Want: To make your cyber cafe fit what people want, you need to find out what that is. You can do surveys, talk to people, or look up info online. Figure out what services people want, how much they’re willing to pay, and what extra stuff they’d like. This info will help you make a business that’s all about the customers.

Step 2: Create a Business Plan 

Now that you’ve done your homework on the market, it’s time to put together a smart business plan. This plan will be like a map that shows you how to get your cyber cafe up and running. 

Here’s what your plan should include:

• Executive Summary: Give a quick summary of your cyber cafe business. Talk about your goals, who you want to serve, and what you think your money situation will look like.
• Mission and Vision: Explain what your cyber cafe is all about. What do you want to do, and what values will guide your business?
• Market Research: Talk more about what you found in your market research. Tell the good stuff and the tricky stuff you discovered.
• What You Offer: List down all the services your cyber cafe will provide. That includes things like internet access, printing, scanning, and any other special things you’ll do.
• Money Stuff: Show the numbers. How much will it cost to start your cyber cafe? How much do you think you’ll make? When will you start making a profit?

Step 3: Get the Capital 

Now, let’s talk about getting the money you need to kickstart your cyber cafe business. Without the right funding, your plans might not get off the ground. 

Here’s are some ways you can get the money:

• Personal Savings: If you’ve been saving money, this could be your starting point. It’s your own cash, and you won’t have to pay it back.
• Loans and Grants : Look into loans and grants designed for small businesses in Kenya. The government and private organizations often offer financial support to budding entrepreneurs. You can check out the best loan apps in Kenya. 
• Investors or Partnerships: Consider teaming up with others who believe in your cyber cafe idea. They can bring in money and valuable expertise.
• Crowdfunding: Some entrepreneurs raise funds through crowdfunding platforms where people online chip in money to support your venture. Some good examples in Kenya include M-Changa, Kickstarter, Indiegogo, and GogetFunding. 
• Business Competitions: Keep an eye out for business competitions and contests that offer cash prizes or investments to promising startups.

Step 4: Obtain the Necessary Licenses and Permits

Before you start your cyber cafe in Kenya, you’ve got to make sure you’re following all the rules and laws. It might sound tricky, but it’s super important. 

To ensure that your cyber business is legal in Kenya, you need to do the following:

• Register your business: First, you need to officially register your cyber cafe as a legal business. That means picking a business name and deciding what kind of business it is, like a one-person show, a partnership, or a limited company. Make sure it lines up with your big plans.
• Get the Right Licenses and Permits: Different counties in Kenya might have different rules for businesses like cybercafes. You’ll want to check with the local authorities and the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to figure out what licenses and permits you need to run a cyber in Kenya.
• Pay Required Taxes: You’ve got to understand and follow the tax rules. That means signing up for taxes and knowing what you owe. There’s income tax, Value Added Tax (VAT), and maybe some local taxes too.
• Be Smart About Intellectual Property: If you plan to use any fancy software or stuff that belongs to other people, you need to be careful. Make sure you have the right permissions to use things that are protected by copyrights or other rights.

Step 5: Find A Good Location 

Choosing the right location for your cyber cafe is very important. In fact, a location can make or break your business. 

To find a good location, consider the following factors:

• Accessibility: Your cyber cafe should be easy to get to. Think about your target customers. Are they students, workers, or tourists? Where do they hang out? Find a spot nearby.
• Visibility: It’s important that people can see your cyber cafe from the street. Being visible attracts more customers. Places with good foot traffic or near busy areas are usually a good bet.
• Competition: Check out if there are other cybercafes nearby. A little competition is okay, but if there are too many, it might be tough. See what makes your cyber stand out.
• Space: Make sure you have enough room for your computers and other equipment. Nobody likes a cramped cyber. Also, consider a comfortable seating area for your customers.
• Safety: Keep an eye on the safety of the area. You want your customers to feel secure when they’re using your services. Also, you don’t want an area where your cyber shop can be broken into and equipment stolen. 
• Cost : Don’t forget about the rent. You’ll need to budget for it. Some places might be pricier than others, so make sure it fits your financial plan.

Step 6: Design the Layout for Your Cyber Cafe

Now that you’ve got the right spot, it’s time to think about how your cyber cafe will be set up. This is important because a comfortable and appealing layout can attract more customers. 

When thinking about shop layout, here’s what you need to consider in a nutshell:

• Arrangement of Computers: Decide where the computers will go. Make sure they’re not too crowded but also not too far apart. Keep a comfortable distance between them so customers have enough space.
• Seating: Provide comfy chairs and tables for your customers. Think about different seating options, like cozy corners or group tables. The idea is to make people feel at ease.
• Lighting : Good lighting is essential. Make sure there’s enough light for customers to see their screens without straining their eyes. Natural light is great if possible.
• Aesthetics: Think about the overall look and feel of your cyber cafe. You might want to use colors and decorations that match your brand or create a pleasant atmosphere.
• Café Area: If you plan to offer drinks and snacks, set up a small café area. It can be a great way to earn extra income and make your cafe more inviting.
• Accessibility: Ensure that your layout is accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities. Make sure there are ramps or elevators if needed.
• Ventilation: Cyber cafes can get warm with all those computers running. So, consider good ventilation to keep the air fresh and comfortable.

Generally, the layout of your cyber cafe should make customers want to stay and use your services. So, plan it out carefully to create a welcoming and functional space.

Step 7: Purchase the Necessary Equipment and Furniture

Great!  You’ve planned how your cyber cafe will look. Now,  it’s time to get the stuff you need to make it happen. 

Here’s a checklist of what you’ll need to start a cyber business in Kenya:

• Computers: Buy enough computers for your cafe. Make sure they’re reliable and up-to-date. Consider getting good antivirus software to keep them safe.
• Internet Connection: You’ll need a fast and reliable internet connection. Choose a plan that can handle all your customers’ needs.
• Furniture: Get comfy chairs and tables for your customers. You’ll also need desks for the computers.
• Printers and Scanners: If you’re offering printing and scanning services, invest in good-quality printers and scanners.
• Café Equipment (If Applicable): If you plan to sell drinks and snacks, you’ll need coffee machines, a fridge, and a counter for serving.
• Backup Power: In Kenya, power outages can happen. Consider having a backup power source like a generator or uninterruptible power supply (UPS).
• Software: Install the necessary software on your computers. This includes operating systems and any additional programs or games you plan to offer.
• Security Systems: Invest in security cameras and alarms to keep your equipment and customers safe.
• Payment Systems: Set up a way for customers to pay, whether it’s through cash, cards, or digital payment methods.
• Cables and Networking: Make sure you have all the cables and networking equipment to connect your computers and devices.
• Decorations : Don’t forget to make your cyber cafe look nice and inviting. Add some decorations that match your cafe’s style.

Step 8: Set Up Your Internet Connection

Now that you’ve got your gear and furniture ready, it’s time to get your internet up and running. Having a fast and reliable connection is crucial for your cyber cafe’s success. You might have the right equipment but if your internet is slow, you could lose many customers. 

Here’s how to get your internet up and running:

• Choose an Internet Service Provider (ISP): Research ISPs in your area and pick one that offers the speed and reliability you need. Ask about business packages, as they may offer better support and performance. Some of the best ISP in Kenya include Safaricom, Zuku, Vilcom, Faiba, Telkom, and Airtel.

Select the Right Plan: Depending on your expected customer traffic, choose an internet plan that can handle multiple users simultaneously. Consider a plan with unlimited data to avoid surprises on your bill.

Install Networking Equipment: Set up a router and network switches to distribute the internet connection to all your computers. Make sure the equipment is securely installed and configured. Most desktop computers cannot connect to the Wi-Fi wirelessly so you’ll either have to use ethernet cables or Wi-Fi dongles. 

Secure Your Wi-Fi: If you offer wireless internet (Wi-Fi) to your customers, secure it with a strong password to prevent unauthorized access. You can have a separate Wi-Fi network for your customers and one for your internal use.

Test Your Speed : Check the internet speed to ensure it meets your expectations. A slow connection can frustrate customers, so it’s essential to have a fast and stable connection.

Backup Internet: Consider having a backup internet connection, like a mobile hotspot or a secondary ISP, in case your primary connection goes down. This can minimize downtime and keep your customers happy.

Monitoring and Maintenance: Regularly monitor your internet connection for any issues. Ensure that your ISP provides prompt support in case of technical problems.

Pricing and Billing: Keep track of your internet expenses and pay your bills on time to avoid service interruptions.

Step 9: Get the Right Software and Hardware

Now that your internet is up and running, it’s time to load up your computers with the right software and hardware. This is what makes your cybercafe tick, so you have to be very careful what you settle for. 

Let’s look at some of the common software and hardware you should have in your cyber. 

• Operating Systems : Install reliable operating systems like Windows, macOS, or Linux on your computers. Choose the one that suits your needs and customer preferences.
• Internet Browsers: Make sure you have popular internet browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge. People have their favorites, so it’s good to offer choices.
• Security Software: Protect your computers from viruses and malware. Invest in a good antivirus program and keep it updated. Some good examples include Kaspersky, McAfee, and Bitdefender.  
• Office Softwar e: Install office software like Microsoft Office or free alternatives like LibreOffice. This is handy for customers who need to work on documents.
• Gaming Software (Optional) : If you plan to offer gaming services, install popular games and gaming platforms on your computers.
• Print and Scan Software: Set up software for your printing and scanning services. Ensure it’s user-friendly for your customers.
• Headphones and Microphones : If you’re offering audio or video services, provide headphones and microphones for better communication and privacy.
• Printers and Scanners : Connect your printers and scanners to the computers and ensure they’re in good working condition.
• Webcams (Optional): If you plan to offer video conferencing or streaming services, equip some computers with webcams.
• Gaming Accessories (If Offering Gaming) : For gaming services, you’ll need gaming accessories like controllers and headphones.
• Charging Stations: Consider having charging stations for customers who need to juice up their devices while they use your cyber cafe.
• Regular Maintenance : Set up a schedule for hardware maintenance to ensure everything stays in good shape.

Remember to regularly update your software and keep an eye on the hardware to ensure everything runs smoothly. Providing the right software and hardware makes for a better customer experience at your cyber cafe.

Step 10: Decide What Services You’ll Offer

Your cyber cafe is almost ready! Now, it’s time to decide what services you’ll offer. This is where you define what makes your cafe unique. 

Here are some options to consider:

• Basic Internet Access : This is a must. Make sure your customers have reliable and fast internet access.
• Printing and Scanning: Offer printing and scanning services and charge per page or per job.
• Gaming Stations : If you have the hardware and software, set up gaming stations. You can charge hourly rates or offer packages.
• Café Services: If you have a café area, serve drinks and snacks. Coffee, tea, and light bites can keep customers happy and spending more time at your cafe.
• Office Services: Provide access to office software and offer document editing and printing services. This can attract students and professionals.
•   Video Conferencing: Equip some computers with webcams and offer video conferencing services for business meetings or online interviews.
• Technical Support: Offer technical support for customers who encounter problems with their devices or software.
• Charging Stations : Set up charging stations for smartphones, laptops, and other devices.
• Membership or Loyalty Programs: Consider offering discounts or free hours of usage to loyal customers.
• Special Events: Host gaming tournaments, workshops, or special events to attract a crowd.

The services you choose should align with your target audience and the local demand. For instance, you don’t want to invest in an expensive gaming console if you are in a rural area where no one is a gamer. 

I also recommend that you periodically assess and update your services to keep your cyber cafe fresh and appealing to customers.

Step 11: Set Your Prices

So, now you know what services you’ll offer. The next thing to do is figure out how much you’ll charge for these services. Your pricing strategy can greatly influence your cyber cafe’s success so you have to be very strategic about it. 

Here are some tips on how to create a pricing model that works well for you and your customers:

• Know Your Costs: First, calculate your operating costs. This includes rent, utilities, equipment maintenance, internet fees, and staff salaries if you have employees. Knowing your costs will help you set prices that cover expenses and make a profit.
• Competitor Analysis: Check out what other cybercafes in your area are charging for similar services. You don’t want to be too expensive or too cheap compared to your competition.
• Value-Based Pricing: Consider what your customers are willing to pay based on the value they receive. For instance, gaming enthusiasts might pay more for high-end gaming PCs and an immersive experience.
• Tiered Pricing: Offer different pricing tiers to cater to various customer segments. For example, you can have hourly rates, daily rates, or package deals for frequent visitors.
• Discounts and Promotions: Use discounts and promotions to attract customers and keep them coming back. Offer student discounts, happy hour rates, or loyalty programs.
• Transparent Pricing: Be transparent about your pricing. Clearly display your rates, so customers know what to expect.
• Bundle Services: Consider bundling services at a slightly lower cost than if customers were to purchase them separately. For example, offer a gaming and snack combo.
• Monitor and Adjust: Keep an eye on how well your pricing strategy is working. If you’re not meeting your financial goals or attracting enough customers, be prepared to adjust your prices accordingly.
• Payment Options: Offer a variety of payment options to accommodate your customers, including cash, cards, and mobile payment apps.
• Seasonal Pricing: Consider adjusting your prices during peak and off-peak hours or seasons. You can charge more during busy times and offer discounts during slower periods.

Finding the right pricing strategy may take some trial and error. So, to ensure your cyber cafe remains competitive and profitable, listen to customer feedback and adapt your pricing as needed.

Step 12: Market Your Business 

Now that you’ve got everything in place, it’s time to let people know about your awesome cyber cafe. Marketing is key to attracting customers and keeping your business thriving. 

Here’s are some marketing tips you can use:

• Create an Online Presence: Build a website for your cyber cafe. It should showcase your services, pricing, location, and contact information. Use search engine optimization (SEO) techniques to make sure your website shows up in online searches.
• Social Media: Create profiles on popular social media platforms like Facebook, X, and Instagram. Share updates, promotions, and engaging content to connect with your audience.
• Google My Business: Set up a Google My Business listing. This helps people find your cafe when they search for cybercafes in your area.
• Online Ads: Consider running online ads on platforms like Google Ads or Facebook Ads. You can target specific demographics to reach your ideal customers.
•  Local SEO: Optimize your online presence for local search. Encourage customers to leave reviews on Google and other review sites.
• Networking: Connect with local businesses, schools, and community organizations. Partnering with them can help you reach a broader audience.
•  Promotions and Discounts: Offer special promotions or discounts for the grand opening or during slow periods to attract new customers.
•  Engage with Customers: Respond promptly to customer inquiries and reviews. Good customer service goes a long way in building a positive reputation.
•  Email Marketing: Collect email addresses from your customers and send them updates, special offers, and news about your cyber cafe.
• Customer Feedback: Use customer feedback to improve your services continuously. Happy customers can become your biggest advocates.
• Local Advertising: Consider traditional advertising methods like flyers, posters, and newspaper ads if they are effective in your area.
• Community Involvement: Get involved in your local community. Sponsor events, participate in local fairs, or support charity initiatives. This helps build goodwill and recognition.

Effective marketing is an ongoing process. It’s not just about getting customers through the door but also about keeping them coming back. Keep testing different marketing strategies to see what works best for your cyber cafe.

Step 13: Hire and Train Staff 

To run a successful cyber cafe, you’ll likely need some help. Hiring and training the right staff is essential. 

If you are ready to start hiring staff, here are some things you can do: 

• Identify Staffing Needs: Determine how many employees you need based on the size of your cyber cafe and the services you offer. Common roles include front desk staff, technicians, and café attendants.
• Write Job Descriptions: Create clear job descriptions for each role. Outline responsibilities, qualifications, and expectations.
• Recruitment: Use various channels to recruit candidates, such as online job boards, social media, and local job centers. Consider hiring people with relevant experience and a passion for technology and customer service.
• Interviews: Conduct interviews to assess candidates’ skills, personality, and fit with your cafe’s culture. Ask about their experience with computers, customer service, and any certifications they may have.
• Training: Provide comprehensive training to your new hires. They should be familiar with your cafe’s services, equipment, and customer service standards. Training can include on-the-job training, manuals, and workshops.
• Customer Service Skills: Emphasize the importance of excellent customer service. Your staff should be friendly, patient, and able to assist customers with technical issues.
• Security Awareness: Train your staff on cybersecurity best practices to ensure the safety of your customers and your business.
• Point-of-Sale (POS) System: If you have a café or offer products, teach your staff how to use the POS system for processing orders and payments.
• Emergency Procedures: Make sure your staff knows what to do in case of emergencies, such as power outages or medical incidents.
• Regular Training Updates: Technology evolves, so provide ongoing training to keep your staff up-to-date with the latest software, hardware, and security measures.
• Communication: Foster good communication among your team members. Encourage open dialogue, listen to their feedback, and address any concerns promptly.
• Scheduling: Develop a scheduling system that ensures adequate staffing during peak hours and can accommodate employee preferences or availability.
• Performance Evaluation: Implement regular performance evaluations to recognize and address any issues or areas for improvement.
• Legal Requirements: Ensure your staff is aware of and complies with labor laws, workplace safety regulations, and any industry-specific rules.

Step 14: Deliver Great Customer Experience 

Your customers are the heart of your cyber cafe business. Delivering excellent customer experiences is essential for success. Here’s how to ensure your customers keep coming back:

• Friendly and Knowledgeable Staff: Your staff should be approachable and knowledgeable. They should be able to assist customers with any technical issues and answer questions about your services.
• Quick and Reliable Service: Ensure that your internet connection, computers, and equipment are in good working order. Slow or malfunctioning equipment can frustrate customers.
• Clean and Comfortable Environment: Keep your cafe clean and well-maintained. Comfortable seating and a pleasant atmosphere encourage customers to stay longer.
• Clear Pricing and Policies: Be transparent about your pricing and any policies, such as time limits or additional charges. Nobody likes surprises on their bill.
• Prompt Support: If customers encounter problems, provide quick and efficient support. Address their concerns politely and professionally.
• Privacy and Security: Respect customer privacy and security. Ensure that their personal information and data are protected.
• Feedback Collection: Encourage customers to provide feedback, whether through surveys, comment cards, or online reviews. Use their input to make improvements.
• Customer Loyalty Programs: Implement loyalty programs to reward returning customers. Offer discounts or free hours after a certain number of visits.
• Regular Updates: Keep your software and hardware up-to-date to provide the best service possible. This includes updating antivirus software and ensuring all programs are current.
• Engage on Social Media: Respond to customer comments and messages on social media promptly. Engage with your online community and use it as a platform to share promotions and updates.
• Regular Maintenance: Conduct routine maintenance on your computers and equipment to prevent breakdowns during customer use.
• Educational Materials: Provide guides or tutorials on how to use certain software or equipment. This can help customers who may not be tech-savvy.
• Celebrate Milestones: Recognize and celebrate customer milestones, such as birthdays or anniversaries. Small gestures can create a memorable experience.
• Problem Resolution: Train your staff in conflict resolution techniques to handle customer complaints effectively and turn negative experiences into positive ones.
• Stay Responsive: Be responsive to changing customer needs and preferences. Adapt your services and offerings accordingly.

The Bottom Line

Starting a cyber cafe business in Kenya offers endless opportunities in an ever-connected world. Your success in this venture will depend on market research, compliance with regulations, and, above all, a commitment to exceptional customer service.

Remember, your cyber cafe is more than just a place for internet access—it’s a community hub. By providing a welcoming environment, diverse services, and continuous improvement, you can establish a loyal customer base and thrive in Kenya’s dynamic cyber cafe industry.

Armed with the knowledge from this guide, take the leap into entrepreneurship with confidence. Your cyber cafe has the potential to be a valuable asset to your community and a source of pride as a business owner. Best of luck on your journey to cyber cafe success!

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L.K. Nathans

I am a personal finance enthusiast and digital marketer. My work here is to help you navigate your financial journey and achieve your main money goals. Through Omoka Digital, I provide practical tips, strategies, and insights on budgeting, saving, investing, and debt management. My aim is to empower you with the knowledge and tools you need to make informed financial decisions and improve your financial well-being.

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Cyber-Café Business Plan Template

Published Feb.14, 2018

Updated Apr.22, 2024

By: Brandi Marcene

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Table of Content

Are you planning to open an internet café ?

Internet penetration across the globe has grown exponentially and everyone these days relies on a stable internet access for both work and play. Even though the latest technologies including mobile technology is widely used across the world, there is still a high demand for good quality internet cafes offering superior quality service. People want to walk into a professionally managed facility with fast-speed internet infrastructure.

For a cyber café business to succeed, the first step is to have a well-structured business plan that will guide the entire process of business set-up. Before embarking on a starting a cyber café, you need to have a well-laid out business plan that will effectively take care of all issues that need your attention.

In case you aren’t sure of how to come up with a professional business planning for your cyber café company, here is a detailed sample plan written for an upcoming cyber cafe, YellowNet in Manhattan.

Executive Summary

The Cyber Café Business

2.1 The Business

YellowNet Cyber Café will be located on Street X in downtown Manhattan which is an busy area with a lot of activity. The neighborhood was selected because it is the heart of business, leisure and entertainment activities. With a number of world famous landmarks within the vicinity, it is the perfect place to open internet café business . The café is situated within one of the world’s busiest Central Business Districts. The internet café will be situated in close proximity to world renowned landmarks such as The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Central Park, Empire State Building and One World Observatory among others. The location was selected to serve city dwellers as well as visitors and tourists.

YellowNet will be run by Michael Thicke and his wife. Michael has extensive experience working for various Internet Service Provider companies while his wife has worked with various business management consultancy firms. With experience in the internet service provision and business consultancy, the couple is well versed with intricate details of how to open an internet café and successfully run it. Michael knows too well he has to be innovative and think outside the box to offer a unique and exemplary service that meets the demands of his customers. Michael will be in charge of the day-to-day running of the cyber café business. He has studied other similar business models to craft a winning strategy for starting an internet café .

2.2 Objectives

YellowNet Cyber Café has set up its objectives it intends to achieve the following in the first three years of operation. The objectives have been summarized as follows:

• Creation of a cozy, unique and quiet environment different from other competitors where customers can comfortably enjoy services.
• Make the community aware on what services the cyber café offers.
• Ensure the environment is conducive and can accommodate people with diverse beliefs, cultures and backgrounds.
• Provide great coffee and sumptuous bakery items at affordable prices.

2.3 Keys to Success

The following risks have been identified with starting YellowNet:

• Is YellowNet in Manhattan providing services which are in demand?
• Will internet craze continue to become popular in order to support the café’s growth?
• Will customers be willing to part with their money for YellowNet’s services?
• Will the cost of home internet drop so significantly that YellowNet will no longer find customers interested in Internet café services?
• Will access of internet via mobile platforms become so popular that customers will prefer to instead use their mobile gadgets to access the internet?

2.5 Company Targets and Forecasts

Michael’s target is to become the best internet café in New York and be a trendsetter by providing a unique, highly-customized and professional service. Michael has forecasted a 15% market share and calculated an average gross and net profit margin expected in the next three years. He strongly believes in his business model which will gradually begin with lower net margins, but pick up to bring in a good net profit margin in the second and third year.

Company Summary

3.1 who is the owner.

• YellowNet is owned and operated by Michael Thicke.
•  He has vast experience in the internet service provision industry spanning a total of 12 years.
• Throughout his life, Michael has worked for various internet service providers, and therefore thoroughly understands how the industry works.
• Michael is a graduated with a degree in Information Technology from Pace University in New York, He also holds an MBA from Columbia Business School.
• Working in the technology division, Michael was instrumental in the SME technical support division.
• During the course of his career, he helped several local small businesses successfully set up their internet infrastructure.
• He rose through the ranks and served as an IT Manager in the various companies that he worked for.

3.2 Why did he start his business?

• Having been in the industry for long, Mike knew how to start a internet café.
• Despite increase in domestic internet use, he knew there was still a demand for cyber cafes especially in densely populated areas of the city.
• He had seen how other cyber cafes operated and seen the loopholes he could exploit to offer a unique and customized service.
• There was need to offer a great internet facility where residents, visitors and tourists could access high-speed internet services in NYC City.
• Online gaming inspired Michael to think about starting a gaming café where he could provide a cozy environment for customers looking to have fun online.

3.3 How the business will be started

The total startup cost for YellowNet will be drawn for Mike’s personal savings which he has accumulated during his career life. However, there is a funding shortfall which will be covered by a loan.

The proposed site for the business will be on 3rd avenue Manhattan and will be leased for an initial period of 2 years from June 2018 with an option to extend. Reasons for choosing 3 rd avenue include;

• Proximity to a large downtown business community
• Close to major tourist attractions frequented by many tourists
• Availability of sufficient parking
• Reasonable rent rates compared to other areas of the city
• Premises is strategically located and highly visible

Even though Michael has been in the internet service provision industry, he plans to hire five additional staff to help in running the internet café.

Services for Customers

YellowNet will be a professionally managed and equipped with the latest cutting edge technologies to meet the demands of clients. In a bid to stand out as a unique and modern establishment, the business intends to go an extra mile and cultivate strong relationships with its customers. The intention of offering a wide variety of services under one roof is to offer clients the best value for money, and at the same time make profits in accordance to the law,

The quality of service is expected to be exemplary right from accessing the internet to general customer service etiquette. The target is to ensure customers enjoy themselves while at the facility and look forward to coming back again.

Products and services to be offered at YellowNet include:

• Offer fast and secure internet browsing services
• Help clients access reliable and affordable international internet calls
• Avail the required hardware and software to facilitate video teleconference services
• Provision of document printing and scanning services
• Offer highly sophisticated infrastructure for computer gaming
• Sale of call cards and internet bundles from various service providers
• Offer caffeine, snacks and various types of soft drinks
• Provide consultancy and advice in internet related services

YellowNet has invested heavily in a wide array of internet applications. As part of internet café business introduction strategy, the establishment intends to harness the latest technologies to ensure the business is fully technology compliant.

With the realization that many people are increasingly becoming keen on online gaming, Michael is keen on branding his business as a computer game café with the best gaming applications you cannot find anywhere else.

In future, YellowNet intends to establish a small internet training center that will offer learners a chance to be trained by experts on how to effectively use the internet.

Marketing Analysis of Cyber Café Business

Comprehensive cyber cafe business plans always offer a detailed analysis of the target market. YellowNet is expected to operate in a highly profitable environment that will allow the business be a trendsetter in the cyber-café industry. With a growing number of people embracing the coffee culture and more people looking for fast internet facilities, the business caters for both groups. This is no doubt an excellent concept that is poised for success. This internet café business model is a combination of two related businesses under one roof.

5.1 Target Market Segment

YellowNet intends to offer people looking for somewhere quiet, comfortable and cozy to browse the internet. The establishment admits both experienced internet users as well as novices willing to gain knowledge on utilizing the internet. YellowNet’s customers can be divided into two broad categories. The business is targeting an age group of between 18 to 60 years and beyond.

Group One consists of customers who are internet savvy and are just looking for a comfortable and inviting facility aside from their homes and offices to browse the internet and enjoy a cup of coffee and snacks. Group Two consists of customers who aren’t yet familiar with the internet but for various reasons, have to visit an internet café to accomplish various tasks.

Basically, anyone who has a passion for computers and internet is a potential customer. Because many people have internet at home or on their mobile gadgets, it is difficult to find a social setting especially in the Central Business District where you can access high-speed internet.

YellowNet intends to target both local and travellers who wish to check their emails, work or play games in a friendly environment. Customers coming into the premises will either use YellowNet’s PCs or plug in their notebooks and tablets into internet ports. The business targets a wide demographic; from youngsters who’re computer savvy to computer novices who’ve realized computer and internet knowledge is a must have.

This well-laid out internet café business plan focuses on these market segments:

5.1.1 University Students

University students are an important target niche in this cyber cafe business plan because they’re always in constant need of internet access and various computer programs. Because they’re always working on projects and assignments, they will find it helpful to work from a cyber cafe where they can have access to unlimited internet. Because they don’t earn an income, students might not be able to afford to pay for home internet packages and therefore, will opt for an internet café which could be cheaper.

In addition, they’re always in need of scanning, printing and document preparation tasks. On many occasions, students remain in the cyber café for extended time are an excellent target for YellowNet. The growing number of students in universities means there is a steady demand for quality yet affordable internet service.

5.1.2 Office Workers

These are professionals who either reside in New York City or travelling professionals who have visited NYC for conferences. Modern career professionals are always on the move and require quick access to fast internet and other cyber-related utilities to effectively perform their work. Often they will need a quiet, well managed and professional internet café to either read work emails, print, scan or work with diverse applications such as Google, Microsoft Office and Adobe Photoshop. YellowNet understands office workers are sensitive and knows too well professionalism must be top-notch.

5.1.3 Teenagers

Teenagers are excited with anything to do with technology landscape. Therefore, they are a major target for YellowNet. If you’re thinking how do internet cafes make money , you cannot afford to ignore teenagers. These tech savvy youngsters want to be online the entire day playing online games, chatting online and posting photos and multimedia content on social networks. For them, life without internet is worthless. YellowNet intends to always have the newest hardware and software to facilitate intensive online gaming sessions.

5.1.4 Seniors

Seniors are not so much fascinated about computers and the internet. However, they do need to accomplish tasks that require them to visit an internet café. In most cases, seniors are a unique but very lucrative target niche for any cyber related business. Because of their old age, they need somewhere comfortable and friendly to access the internet. In most cases, they will need to be assisted by employees to accomplish various tasks such as browsing, printing and scanning. Seniors always need good customer service because they’re sensitive and require staff to be patient with them.

5.2 Pricing of Packages

YellowNet offers competitive pricing after carefully evaluating the pricing structure for competitors. Since the business targets middle income customers, prices have been structured to effectively cater for this economic and social group.

A summary of YellowNet Prices is indicated below:

• Browsing per Minute $0.05
• Document Printing Per Page $1
• Scanning per Page $2
• Gaming Per Hour $5
• Special Packages $2 per hour (After browsing for three hours)

Prices are client-conscious in order to allow them see value in services offered by YellowNet. There are also special packages in place for those who wish to browse the internet for extended hours or print large volumes of documents. Prices outlined in this business plan are friendly to both the customer to ensure they get the best value for their money, while at the same time ensure the business makes good profits from services rendered.

5.3 Business Target of the Company

While there are many internet cybers operating , YellowNet plans to follow a business strategy services that will deliver good results for the business. Before setting up shop, the business has analyzed customer demand, trends and behaviors in order to respond better to their needs.

Fortunately, YellowNet is the first cyber café to be set up on 3 rd Street and enjoys a niche-market that extends over one kilometer. The business targets to enjoy great advantages especially in brand recognition and customer loyalty. Initially, the company will command an almost 100 percent market share in the immediate surroundings. However, in the next couple of years, chances are high, other internet cafes may open. The goal is to still retain over 70% of the market share in the wake of competition.

After doing extensive market research, the following was concluded:

• YellowNet cyber will need to adjust its working hours in order to get more clients. For instance, the cyber will open earlier that competitors and remain open till late after other internet cafes have closed.
• Charge a slightly lower browsing, printing and scanning rates compared to what others are offering their clients.
• There will be a large number of clients visiting the premises especially when international conferences, shows and exhibitions are taking place in the surrounding.
• The cyber will be extremely busy especially during the weekends and weekday evenings as people seek somewhere to browse the internet and socialize as they enjoy a cup of their favorite drink.
• A lot of customers particularly those reading emails only will visit the premises for a shorter period of time compared to those doing research and projects.
• Always have admin on duty to assist special customers especially seniors and those who may need someone to quickly respond to general enquiries.
• Fully implement this gaming café business plan to ensure YellowNet is popular for online gaming as its latest catch especially amongst the youth.

Without a solid strategy, opening an internet café will be a failed mission. In this section, we look at the strategies that YellowNet intends to put in place to ensure it meets its expectations. This cyber has formulated three key strategies which include;

• Focus on attracting a higher number of novice internet users with a friendly and accommodating environment that doesn’t make novices feel intimidated. YellowNet aims to put in place training opportunities to grow and maintain a loyal customer base.
• Attract more Power Internet users who’re extremely knowledgeable when it comes to using the internet. This is an important customer segment for YellowNet as they’re always in need of cyber café services. Their web-browsing experience makes them to be admired by novice internet users.
• Focus on establishing a friendly and comfortable social setting for YellowNet customers. A good social environment incorporates entertainment attracting customers that would ordinarily not need to access the internet from a cyber café. Once in the cyber, these customers should find an entertaining environment that will make them realize how fun it is to access the internet in a cyber café.

6.1 Sales Strategy Pyramid

The following points outline specifics on how YellowNet will implement the three strategies outlined above. Strategy pyramid graphics can be found in the appendix section of this plan.

6.1.1 Attract Power Internet Users

This strategy will place more emphasis on putting in place initiatives that will attract power internet users. These users are critical to the success of YellowNet and the following strategies will be used to attract these customers;

• Stay abreast and offer the best computing technologies; these users love using the latest technologies.
• Offer printing and scanning services
• Allowing clients to access powerful software applications.

6.1.2 Offer a Social Hub

This strategy lays emphasis on building a safe, nice and friendly environment for YellowNet customers. Starting a cyber café goes beyond just offering PCs and internet.

• The cyber will focus on availing standard entertainment facilities on the premises to entice more customers to come in. Soon clients who come in to enjoy entertainment will realize there is fast internet on site that they can utilize.
• Invest in beautiful and well-designed sitting areas, tasteful furniture and decorate appropriately with lively themes that promote comfort.

6.1.3 Entice Novice Internet Users

YellowNet’s sales strategy involves reaching out to more novice internet users. This is a lucrative market that many cyber café business plans tend to neglect. Even though these customers don’t have browsing experience, they can be transformed into loyal cyber café customers. YellowNet intends to attract novice customers by:

• Ensure YellowNet is known for a novice friendly environment. The facility will be staffed by knowledgeable and experienced personnel to ensure novice customers feel welcomed and their needs are promptly attended to.
• A customer service desk will be manned by YellowNet personnel throughout to offer any help in case a customer has a question or wishes to raise a concern.
• YellowNet hopes to introduce internet and email classes for beginners. The goal of these classes is to help novice users familiarize themselves with internet browsing and how to use computer systems available at the cyber café.

6.2 SWOT ANALYSIS

The purpose of SWOT analysis is to enable us understand both internal strengths and weaknesses that YellowNet must deal with. It also points out opportunities available for the business as well as the potential threats.

YellowNet has numerous strengths and advantages that will offer the business a competitive advantage and drive success. Before the plan to start an internet café was initiated, adequate market survey was done to identify the strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportunities.

6.2.1 Strengths

• Well trained, professional and friendly staff. YellowNet has gone an extra mile to hire and train staff who have a passionate to train and help clients.
• High-tech equipment which includes super-fast PCs, flat screen displays and high quality printers.
• Fine ambience. Every customer who walks into YellowNet should immediately feel comfortable and welcomed.
• A well-laid out vision as YellowNet knows what it takes to effectively meet client needs.

6.2.2 Weaknesses

• Rapid changing technologies means YellowNet has to always keep abreast of the latest technology.
• Significant expenses associated with keeping sophisticated hardware and software. YellowNet must -find ways to balance technology with other key business needs.

6.2.3 Opportunities

• Rapid population increase of internet users means more people will need YellowNet services.
• Social bonds and networks built as a result of the internet gives the business a platform to grow communities by establishing dedicated chat areas and community programs.

6.2.4 Threats

• Massive reduction of internet access costs. The cost of internet is dropping rapidly and may end becoming cheap that nobody may be willing to visit a cyber café. YellowNet is aware of this reality and will constantly monitor pricing.
• Emerging local competition: In future, new cyber cafes will be opened but YellowNet is well-prepared to take on this challenges.

6.2.5 Competitors

• Because of Michael’s experience in the internet service provision industry, YellowNet has a competitive advantage over other cyber cafes.
• The business has a unique sales and marketing strategy that effectively addresses how do internet cafes work in a highly competitive environment.

6.2.6 Sales Forecast

• YellowNet Cyber is expected to get a regular influx of customers throughout the day and the sales are expected to vary from day to day and month.
• YellowNet has based projected internet sales based on number of hours every terminal is active. Coffee and espresso sales are based on a financial data provided by Kobrick Coffee Company.

6.2.8 Milestones

The Yellow Net Cyber Café has come up with some basic milestones to keep the business priorities in check. Responsibility of implantation will be overseen by Mike Thicke and his wife Tracy Thicke, who is the manager of the business. The milestone table below will be updated with an actual table as the year progresses.

Personnel Plan

Michael Thicke is the CEO and Owner of YellowNet Cyber. He manages and oversees all daily activities in the internet café. Mike will be helped by his wife Tracy, who is the Manager and will oversee financial books for the business. Both Mike and Tracy are responsible for making key management decisions.

Three staff members are Admin Assistants working part-time earning $7.00 per hour for 30 hours per week. There is one full-time technician working 40 hours per week at $12 per hour. The role of the technician is to offer technical support to clients and fix minor terminal bugs while Admin Assistants perform general administration duties. Intensive interviews and training is done to ensure only qualified personnel work in the establishment.

The simple staff structure ensures efficient distribution of duties and seamless workflow. It also allows better communication among team members to facilitate quick decision making. YellowNet management knows the secret to success is how to start your own internet café business with minimal but efficient personnel.

The following table is a representation of employee salaries for the next three years.

Financial Plan

YellowNet has developed the following financial plan which outlines how this cyber will achieve its financial goals within first three years. A financial way forward of how to start an internet cafe is essential to help the business realize its financial targets. There are plans in the pipeline to launch other establishments in NYC. For this to happen, the company must formulate a workable financial plan that will drive success.

8.1 Important Assumptions

Basic assumptions are indicated in the table below. These assumptions are expected to show variations due to various factors, but the result will not have any significant effect on the company’s financial strategy.

8.2 Brake-Even Analysis

Brake-even data for YellowNet is illustrated in the chart and table below.

8.3 Projected Profit and Loss

Payroll Expense: The founder of YellowNet, Michael Thicke will get a salary of $26,000 in year one, $28,000 in year two, and $30,000 in year three. YellowNet has put in place plans to hire 3 part-time after first year ends for $6 per hour while a full-time technician will earn $12 per hour.

Lease Expenses: The facility intends to lease a 1,500 square foot facility at $1.875. According to the lease agreement signed by YellowNet, rent due every month totals to $800 for a total of 24 months. After five hundred and twenty days, the lease is availed for consideration. Right to renew or cancel the agreement is based on issues at hand.

Utilities Expense: As indicated in the signed lease agreement, the lessor is responsible for utility payments which include; real estate taxes, gas and garbage disposal among others. YellowNet is expected to cater for the internet cafe business phone bill expenses.

Marketing Expenses: YellowNet has allocated $20,000 for promotion related expenses for year one. This money will cater for placing adverts in local dailies to boost customer awareness.

Insurance Expenses: YellowNet Cyber has allocated $7,000 for insurance for the first year, second and third year. In future, the business intends to spend more on insurance coverage.

Taxes: Since YellowNet is an LLC, it is not taxed but there is a 15% payroll obligation.

A Comprehensive profit and Loss data is illustrated in the table below.

8.4 Projected Cash Flow

YellowNet’s projected cash flow is shown in the table below.

8.5 Projected Balance Sheet

YellowNet’s projected balance sheet is shown in the table below.

8.6 Business Ratios

The SIC (Standard Industrial Classification) code for Internet Service Provider Industry is “Remote data base information retrieval “7375.9903. “information retrieval services” 7375 report was used to generate the industry profile. YellowNet is also a food café so it could have used “Eating Places” ratios based on SIC classification 5812. YellowNet Café belongs to two business segments that makes the ratios a combination of two industries.

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How to Start a Cyber Cafe Business in Kenya

Starting a cybercafé business is a profitable venture in Kenya . The demand for information has been on the rise with the rise of technology . This has necessitated the establishment of cyber cafes where people can browse the internet, type, print, and photocopy documents. Cyber cafe services in Kenya are increasingly in demand with the increase in business activities. 

Write a Cyber Cafe Business Plan

You need a business plan to start a cyber cafe business in Kenya. A good cybercafé business plan should include startup costs, sources of business funding, risks and strengths of the venture, market research findings and cash flow projections.

Equipment Needed to Start a Cyber Cafe in Kenya

The following are some of the requirements for cyber cafe requirements and their respective costs:

• At least 5 computers - Ksh 75,000
• Printer and scanner - Ksh 25,000
• Photocopier - Ksh 60,000
• Internet - Ksh 3,000
• Cabling - Ksh 2,000
• Furniture - Ksh 15,000
• Business permits - Ksh 15,000 
• Rent - Ksh 20,000
• Electricity - Ksh 1,000
• Staff Salary - Ksh 15,000

Some of the computer brands that are best suited for a cyber cafe include HP and Dell. The best laptop is an HP, since it is durable and has most of the features necessary for a cyber business. The best printer for a cyber cafe is the Epson brand. You can get a three-in-one printer for document printing, scanning and CD printing services. The best printers for internet cafés are Kyocera, Epson and Canon.

You also need cyber cafe software to track internet usage by customers. You can charge clients depending on the time they have spent accessing the internet. Furthermore, you can use Cybercafé Pro free software. Alternatively, you can use the MyCyberCafe software.  

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Cyber Cafe in Kenya?

The size of the business will determine the amount of startup capital you need. However, the best way to go about it is to start small and grow your business over time. The cost of starting a cybercafe in Kenya is around Ksh 250,000. However, cybercafé startup costs will depend on the business's location and size.  

Factors to Consider When Starting an Internet Café Business in Kenya

Before you can set up your business, there are things that you need to consider, to ensure that you get the best results.

1. Location

Make sure to set up your internet and printing business in an area with institutions like schools that require the services you are offering. For instance, you can set up your business near a college, university, hospital or a banking hall. Such institutions will require people to use the internet and print documents.

You also need to realize that cyber cafes work well in towns and not in rural areas. It is because there is a higher demand for information in urban areas due to the presence of many offices and businesses compared to rural areas. Therefore, make sure to set up your cyber business in a busy area.  

2. Licenses and Business Permits

To start an internet cafe in Kenya, you need business permits and licenses from the relevant authorities. It is easy to get cyber cafe business licenses. You can visit your County Council offices and pay for a business permit.

The officials will then visit your premises to inspect your business. Licenses for printing and internet businesses will cost you between Ksh 5,000 and Ksh 10,000 annually. The price varies from one county to the other.

You need a county council single business permit, a county council advertising and signage permit, and a Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) license to run your cyber cafe business efficiently.

Also read: How to start a bakery business in Kenya.

3. Partition Your Workstation

An excellent internet cafe requires proper partitioning. You will also need some shelves where you can keep photocopy papers, envelopes and other stationery. Partitioning is important and helps you save on space and ensure privacy for the cyber attendant.

You can buy desks that can accommodate four users. You also need a place where the cyber cafe attendant will be sitting and a place for the server computer, printer and photocopier. Make sure your cyber cafe furniture is comfortable for your customers. 

4. Internet Connectivity

You need to do thorough research on the most economical internet service provider you will be using. There are many internet providers in Kenya, like Safaricom, Telcom and Airtel. One of the limitations that cyber cafe businesses face is the lack of reliable internet connectivity. You must choose the best internet service provider with strong connectivity at your business location.

5.  Computers and other Equipment

You must decide whether to buy a new or second-hand photocopier, computer, or printer. If you choose to buy second-hand equipment, make sure that it is in good condition. Avoid buying equipment that will require repairs from time to time. It will make your operation expensive.

Read also: How to start a computer sales business.

6. Hiring Employees

You need to hire someone responsible, trustworthy and knowledgeable about cyber cafe operations. Most cyber cafe business owners face challenges by employing people who steal from them. You need to employ a person who can remit the day-to-day earnings of your business. 

7. Marketing 

Finally, once you have launched your internet cafe business, you need to advertise it. You can use posters, business cards and customer referrals. Soon, you will start attracting many customers to your business. Make sure to expand your business as your customer base grows.  

List of Cyber Services in Kenya

The services you will be offering should be listed in your business plan. Some of the cyber cafe services you can offer include:

• Typing and printing
• Photocopying and scanning
• Browsing the internet
• Selling stationery like envelopes  
• Laminating documents
• Online applications
• Graphic services

For business consultancy, strategic planning, organizational development, market research, financial management & accounting, risk management and business plan writing at an affordable fee, please reach out to us through a phone call 0728 621 138 , WhatsApp , or email: [email protected]

Is Cyber Cafe Business Profitable in Kenya?  

Starting an internet café business in Kenya is profitable if it is situated in an area with institutions and a large population. Its profitability also depends on the cyber services you are offering.

For instance, if you are offering internet, printing, photocopying and scanning services, you will make more money than someone offering internet services only. If you are providing all those services, you can make Ksh 5,000 on a good day and Ksh 1,500 on a bad day.

It implies that the business's revenue is between Ksh 30,000 and Ksh 60,000 per month. After deducting business expenses, the cybercafé's business profit is over Ksh 15,000. If you know how to start an internet café business, it is a profitable venture. 

To start an internet café business in Kenya, you need to know how to operate computers and have the technical ideas. You can also hire a person to operate one for you, but make sure you are there to collect money for services. With that, I hope you now know how to start a cybercafé business. 

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Get in touch

For business consultancy, business plan writing, market research, strategic planning, risk management, financial management & accounting at an affordable fee, please reach out to us through:

• [email protected]
• +254 728 621 138
• 1503 -01000, Thika KIBS Plaza, Thika

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Home > Industry Templates > Internet Cafe Business Plan Revenue Projection

Internet Cafe Business Plan Revenue Projection

This internet cafe revenue projection template is the first step in starting an internet cafe business plan. As can be seen below the template provides a quick and easy method to estimate revenue for an internet cafe for the next 5 years.

The template allows for additional sundry revenue types to give a complete revenue projection for the five year period.

A daily revenue summary by revenue type, computer rental, food and drinks, and services is provided for analysis purposes.

Internet Cafe Business Plan Revenue Projection Download

The internet cafe business plan revenue projection template is available for download in Excel format by following the link below.

About the Author

Chartered accountant Michael Brown is the founder and CEO of Plan Projections. He has worked as an accountant and consultant for more than 25 years and has built financial models for all types of industries. He has been the CFO or controller of both small and medium sized companies and has run small businesses of his own. He has been a manager and an auditor with Deloitte, a big 4 accountancy firm, and holds a degree from Loughborough University.

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Having a great idea for a business is just the first step. The most practical initial step is going to be finding out if a market exists for what it is you are trying to do. A great idea is only as good as the customers that will support it. Even if someone is not a true capitalist, they still need to consider that to be in business one must earn money from that venture, and certainly enough to break-even so as to be able to continue said venture. Even for an internet café having a business plan is a great idea.

You have to be able to cover the bills, and earn whatever it is you need to survive. Beyond that, you can be a great profiteer, and really manage your bottom line, or you can continue on making enough to cover the bills, but at some point you will have to draw on your inner profiteer, because just meeting the bills every month can fast land you in a fiscal quagmire that will threaten your very existence. These are the reasons why having a good, solid business plan from the outset is very important, and then revisiting that business plan regularly will keep you on track and remind you of why you started this venture to begin with.

Getting Started With Your Internet Café Business Plan

Starting an internet café is a promising endeavour, and many markets will easily tolerate this business model. The first question is what products or services will you be offering now, and what products and services might you want to build-in to your business model in the future? There is a coffee house model in Japan, called the kissaten, that allows patrons to basically buy one cup of coffee, and then stay indefinitely. Questions on time limits, what you will serve at your cafe, and the kind of experience you want your customers to come to expect are some of the questions you need to answer. The following are some examples of questions:

– Will this be a casual place, or is there going to be some requirements? – Will your patrons be able to sit in your cafe indefinitely, or will they be paying by the hour for internet access? – Do you plan to provide Wifi for those who bring their own devices, and if so, will there be a charge for this? – Will you serve food and beverages, and if so, what does your menu look like? – Will you limit it to just a few standard options, like coffee and muffins, or will you serve light fare, like sandwiches? – What kind of an experience do you want to provide to your cafe customers? – Do you plan to have live entertainment, like poetry readings or a string quartet?

Whether the idea of the Japanese kissaten appeals to you or not, it raises natural questions about how long you want people to be able to sit at your computers, what the hourly charges will be, will you have an open-access computer for quick use, of perhaps less than 10 minutes, and will you have laptops and tablets for patrons to use. Beyond this you want to ask if you are going to offer beverages and light fare, so as to manage expenses in the beginning, or what kind of a menu might you have.

Starting small with the menu might be best to adequately focus on building the internet cafe side of the business, which requires a much larger initial investment, or perhaps starting with a coffee shop, and then slowly building in the internet side of the business is the way you want to go. These are questions that have to be answered when you establish your business plan, and doing both well from the outset might be greater in theory than in practice. Try to make a list of every possible consideration, and then come back to that list a few days later and see if you can add even more questions; this business plan must be comprehensive.

Internet Café Business Plan: Industry and Competition Analysis

Analysis of the industry and competition are somewhat synonymous. Reminding yourself you have to be able to eventually earn a profit from your venture will naturally lead to market analysis, and finding out where the nearest competitors are located. There has to be sufficient market share for the business to survive. In the internet café business plan, also look at the industry you are entering from both the cost-of-goods side of the equation as well as volatility of prices in the commodity you need to procure.

Computers are basically consumer staples, so you won’t have to worry much about price fluctuations, but you must remember that things can change, and so looking at historical price fluctuations on the goods you need will be necessary to accurately forecast feasibility studies. This information is important and can be gathered from a number of sources.

Internet Café Business Plan: The Marketing Plan

The next question that has to be answered in your business plan is how do you plan to reach your targeted customers? Having particular marketing channels and promotional plans in place are very important. You might have a great business plan, and one that the local market in your area will tolerate, but reaching your key demographic is important. At this point you also have to start to consider creating a social media presence for your company, and contemplating creating a website with a plan to draw your targeted audience.

Management Team and Operations in Your Internet Café Business Plan

At this point in the internet café business plan you also have to have a management team and operations plan. Having a current team, and then identifying those positions in your organization that you will have to fill are key steps. The operations plan is really one of the biggest components, as it identifies where you are while also showcasing what goals you wish to accomplish, and an associated timeline to accomplish your goals.

The Internet Café Business Plan’s Financials

Finally, your financial plan needs to be in place. This is the backbone of your entire business plan. It needs to identify how much outside funding you might need, and what sources you are planning on using. You also have to identify how funds will be allocated, and in what areas of your business will they be invested. Projecting profits and revenues for the next 5 years is a necessary component to your financial plan.

Once all aspects of your internet café business plan are in place, and you are very familiar with every detail, you are going to be very prepared to answer all key questions in a small business loan interview. This kind of plan will also serve to keep you on track as your business goes through cycles that every business does. It will be the reference point for you every day outlining why you started this venture, and it will help you build your dream.

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Who's running in Wyoming? These state house races are key to 2024 election.

All 62 seats in Wyoming's state house are up for grabs in this election cycle . In the supermajority Republican state , the August 20 primary will reveal whether the state will continue its slide to the right or if the hardline conservative wave of recent years has crested.

Who's running for House District 4?

State House District 4 is a long, narrow slab running through parts of Eastern Wyoming's Laramie and Platte counties .

Pastor Jeremy Haroldson has represented the district since 2021. Haroldson is a rising star in the state's Republican party, having recently served as the chairman of the state's Republican Convention , and was the sponsor of a bill this year aiming to repeal gun-free zones across the state. Haroldson drew ire in 2021 for controversial remarks on slavery .

Haroldson faces challenger Jeffery Thomas, who has served as Guernsey's fire chief for over 13 years. In an email to USA TODAY, Guernsey listed his priorities, including support for the Second Amendment, better funding for EMS Services , and support for Wyoming's core industries.

Who's running for House District 7?

State House District 7 is located in northern Cheyenne, just on top of the Cheyenne Regional Airport, and covers part of Laramie County.

Incumbent Bob Nicholas, who has served in the Wyoming legislature since 2011, will face Kathy Russell , the Wyoming GOP executive director.

Nicholas, an attorney who invites the entire 93-person legislature to his house for a seafood boil at the end of every session, is seen as symbolic of the party's more moderate wing. Nicholas has been a regular figure in budget negotiations during his legislative tenure and has won every primary and election since 2010 by at least six percentage points.

Russell has served in her executive director role since 2018, making her front and center in the Wyoming GOP's push to the right in recent years. A former biologist, Russell notched 16 years in Wyoming's coal industry and entered Wyoming politics as a precinct committeewoman for the Converse County Republican Party in 2008.

Who's running for House District 9?

State House District 9 is located in Laramie County and covers much of Northeast Cheyenne.

Incumbent Landon Brown , who has served in the Wyoming House since 2017, faces Exie Brown. Although they share the same last name, there's no family connection.

Landon, development director at the Cheyenne Regional Medical Center Foundation, is a frequent target of the state's further right politicians. Landon has coasted to victory in all past elections, his chances of winning this year are looking slim, primarily due to his recent defense of a convicted rapist in Wyoming court.

Exie, a retired Air Force officer, and current small business owner is running on issues including school choice, property tax reform, and protecting the Second Amendment.

Perry Helgeson, a third candidate for the seat, withdrew from the race, telling USA TODAY he was worried about "splitting the conservative vote" and handing victory to Landon.

Who's running for House District 24?

State House District 24, in Park County, slices out the Western half of Cody, and juts into some of Wyoming's most stunning landscapes, including portions of Yellowstone National Park.

The exit of state Representative Sandy Newsome, who served the district since 2019, has left an open seat in one of Wyoming's most politically contentious regions , and sets up a showdown between two politically well-seasoned Wyomingites.

Nina Webber, the current Wyoming National Committeewoman for the Republican Party, will square off against Matt Hall, the Mayor of Cody.

Webber, who lost to Newsome in the 2020 and 2022 Republican primaries, has placed great emphasis on not letting Wyoming turn into a "blue" state like Colorado or California. Other stated priorities include combatting rising property taxes and the "indoctrination of children," preventing Medicaid expansion in Wyoming and voting against any "hate crime" bills or bills supportive of marijuana legalization.

Hall has served as Mayor of Cody since 2017 and is the president of the Wyoming Association of Municipalities. He has earned Newsome's endorsement and says he will focus on overcoming dysfunction and obstruction in the state capitol.

Who's running for House District 30?

State House District 30, in Sheridan County, takes a bite out of Northern Wyoming and presses up against the Montana border. Mark Jennings, who has served the district since 2015, is vacating the seat to run against Barry Crago for Senate District 22. Political activist Gail Symons , founder of Wyoming politics blog Civics307, and Thomas Kelly, chair of the Department of Political and Military Science at the online, for-profit American Military University, are entering the ring to represent House District 22.

Symons, a U.S. Navy veteran, has used the data-heavy Civics307 blog to track bills passing through the Wyoming legislature and has testified on elections in front of legislative subcommittee meetings. She laments the prominence given to national culture war issues and less to problems of substance impacting local voters.

Kelly, endorsed by Jennings, wrote in an email to USA Today that he was motivated to run by seeing "campaigning as Republicans and governing as Democrats," and that he "has seen firsthand how a red state turns blue."

Who's running for House District 43?

House District 43 runs southeast of Cheyenne down to the Colorado border, taking up part of Laramie County. Incumbent, former community college professor and current healthcare professional Dan Zwonitzer has represented the district since 2005. He was first elected at 24 and faces a strong challenge to his candidacy from Ann Lucas , former vice president of a local credit union.

The longest-serving member of the House and the only openly gay member of the Wyoming legislature, Zwonitzer currently serves as the chair of the House Labor, Health & Social Services committee. Far-right voices in the state regularly characterize Zwonitzer as a "RINO" for his more moderate voting record. He is not shy to criticize a growing further-right wing of Wyoming's Republican Party as driven more by anger than by policy.

Lucas, recently endorsed by the Wyoming Freedom Caucus, moved to Wyoming in 2002, partially because of the "wholesome, conservative culture. Lucas stresses her financial background, familiarity with budgets and taxes, and support for fiscal conservatism. Lucas and her husband are members of the Laramie County Republican Party Central Committee.

Who's running for House District 50?

State House District 50 cuts out the eastern part of Cody, and extends northwest through Park County to the Montana Border.

Incumbent Rachel Rodriguez-Williams , who has served the district since 2021, faces a challenge from attorney David Hill .

A former law enforcement officer and endorsed by the Wyoming Freedom Caucus, Rodriguez-Williams is one of the Cowboy State's best-known abortion opponents , recently helmed Cody's 2024 Right to Life Walk, and was the sponsor of 2022's Life is a Human Right Act, one of Wyoming's abortion bans currently held up in court by constitutional challenges. Rodriguez-William's voting record is hard-line conservative, and she earned her endorsements from organizations, including Wyoming Right to Life and Gun Owners of America.

Hill's campaign decries infighting in the Wyoming legislature, and states that "legislators who vote in groups surrender their vote to special interests.

While Hill supports "narrowly tailored" exceptions for pregnancies involving the life of the mother, rape or incest, or the baby not surviving beyond birth, he is clear that "laws governing abortion should be carefully drafted to ensure that they will survive constitutional challenges." Hill also lists suicide prevention, school choice, and Second Amendment protections as policy priorities.

Who's running for House District 57?

State House District 57 covers part of Natrona County, taking a chunk of south Casper, Wyoming's oil and gas capital.

Incumbent Jeanette Ward , who has represented the district since 2023, is being challenged by education professional Julie Jarvis .

Ward, a doula and a self-described "political refugee" from Illinois, has made efficient use of her time in Wyoming, swiftly becoming one of the Freedom Caucuses' most prominent lawmakers. Ward sponsored the failed " What is a Woman " Act, which was condemned by civil rights organizations such as the ACLU of Wyoming. Ward was also a major supporter of bills against mask and vaccine mandates, and maintains hardline positions on abortion, the Second Amendment, and other conservative issues.

Jarvis is the Director of Teaching and Learning at Natrona County Schools, is running on the tagline of "returning Wyoming to civility," with campaign materials repeatedly stressing her lifelong Wyoming ties, and making references to the presence of "national interest groups" in Wyoming - all without directly naming Ward, or the Freedom Caucus. Jarvis lists conservative staples such as Parents' Rights', the Second Amendment, and limited government as core values.

Cy Neff reports on Wyoming politics for USA TODAY. You can reach him at [email protected] or on X, formerly known as Twitter,  @CyNeffNews

Starbucks vs. the grind

Long lines. Plunging sales. Pissed-off employees. Can the world's largest chain of coffeehouses make coffee fun again?

You know that shaky, nauseated feeling you get when you've had too much coffee? That's how Starbucks itself is feeling these days. At peak hours, its ubiquitous cafés are overcrowded and slow . Garbled names written in Sharpie have been replaced by computer-printed stickers for online-ordering overachievers, who are allowed to jump the line. Employees — once among the happiest in America — are unionizing. There's new competition from Dutch Bros and boba tea. The company reported yesterday that US sales have dipped for the last two quarters, down 2% since April, and profits are off 7.5%. With more than 33,000 cafés, the world's largest coffee chain has turned into a total grind.

But now, Starbucks seems to have woken up and smelled the — well, you know. On July 2, the company announced a major revamp of the way its cafés are organized. Called the "Siren Craft System," it overhauls the workflow at some 10,000 of its coffeehouses in an effort to reduce inefficiency, speed up orders, and boost customer satisfaction. But unlike most plans dreamed up by fancy-pants consultants, Siren Craft doesn't try to solve the problem by cranking up the assembly line or flogging employees into a state of heightened productivity. Instead, it does something truly novel in American business: It attempts to actually fix what's wrong with pretty much every company that makes things for lots of people.

Every fast-food outlet, Starbucks cafés included, is a little factory. The order of operations is highly prescribed, a carefully choreographed system of specialization that's been timed down to the second. For Starbucks, the trick is to balance America's addiction to cheap and speedy service with the vibe of a European-style coffeeshop — creating a relaxed, enjoyable "third place" for people to hang out beyond their office and home. There's a reason Starbucks used to sell CDs of the inoffensively groovy music it played in its cafés. People, it understood, need a cozy place to doomscroll.

The order in which we were asked to build those drinks was no longer working

The Siren Craft System tries to get this recipe right. For starters, it changes the sequence in which baristas make drinks. That's because over the years, as Starbucks introduced more and more cold beverages — a Frozen Strawberry Açaí Lemonade Refresher, anyone? — it has gotten harder and harder to keep up with all the orders. "The build for the drinks themselves have gotten more complex and has more steps, so they take longer to make," says Michelle Eisen, a Starbucks barista and union organizer. "The order in which we were asked to build those drinks was no longer working."

The new system instructs baristas to push cold drinks down in the queue in favor of hot ones. That might seem surprising, given the popularity of the milkshake-like Frappuccino line and the fruity Refreshers. But the fact is, the cold drinks also take longer to make. Order one of each, and you'll end up holding a melting Frappuccino before they even start on your double espresso. The higher-grossing cold drinks take so long to make, in fact, that they're actually pretty low-margin. The highest-margin item on the menu, a person familiar with Starbucks operations tells me, is probably a plain old drip coffee.

Siren Craft also switches up the way baristas make coffee. They used to pull espresso shots first and steam milk second. But employees told management that the caffè was getting cold waiting for the latte . The new system reverses that order to get the ingredients into better sync.

Then there's the digital dashboard that tells baristas what to do next. Starbucks is about to expand who can place orders via its app, and it's expecting a huge influx. So it's reprogramming the dashboard to anticipate when a flood of orders is coming and warn supervisors, to help them figure out who needs to be doing what. That might seem like a minor change, but when you're operating at the scale of Starbucks, all the savings in seconds really add up.

Finally, in perhaps its biggest innovation, the new system is changing the role of each café's "peak play caller." During crunch times, these managers will be empowered to deviate from everyone's set assignments, like a coach calling a play from the sideline. They'll be able to move employees around, taking someone off the espresso machine, say, and putting them on a register. The idea is to improve efficiency and productivity by giving managers more flexibility to improvise, rather than by throwing more bodies at the problem. Which is a pretty profound departure from the stopwatch-driven, one-size-fits-all approach that corporate America has long applied to the factory floor.

What's most interesting about Siren Craft, though, is what it isn't . It's not a widgetized assembly line that doubles down on barista performance metrics. It doesn't force every customer to order via the app, or make hand-wavey gestures at AI or some other flashy approach to efficiency and productivity. That kind of thinking is what got the company into so much trouble in the first place — poring over spreadsheets rather than improving coffee pour-overs. Starbucks was always commodified, but it went so far in that direction that it started breaking the brand. From Boeing to Google to Wells Fargo , metrics-driven pushes for efficiency and productivity always jeopardize the quality of the product, alienate employees, and drive away loyal customers.

In a work-from-home world, it's hard to imagine Starbucks ever having the cachet and daily urgency it once did. Fewer people are looking for a warm drink on the way to the office or a post-lunch pick-me-up — and given rising prices, not many of us have the extra $5 to burn. But it's not impossible for the company to bounce back. A visit to a Starbucks could still be a semi-regular treat, if people can feel assured that their quick pop-in for a hot cup of joe won't turn into 25 minutes of queuing behind a bunch of kids eager for a frothy cold sugar blast.

Eisen knows the Siren Call System won't employ more baristas, as the union would like. But she's hopeful that it represents a step in the right direction. Long lines, after all, don't just frustrate customers. They also prevent employees from serving up coffee with a more human touch.

"There used to be an element of fun to being a Starbucks barista," Eisen says. "It was amazing to have the time to talk to customers and sample new products with them, and get to know what their tastes were. Anything we can do to bring that third-place atmosphere back into the stores would be nice to see."

Adam Rogers is a senior correspondent at Business Insider.

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Swindled Savings

How One Man Lost $740,000 to Scammers Targeting His Retirement Savings

Criminals on the internet are increasingly going after Americans over the age of 60 because they are viewed as having the largest piles of savings.

Barry Heitin, a 76-year-old retired lawyer, in Arlington, Virginia. Mr. Heitin was the victim of a sophisticated online scam. Credit... Hailey Sadler for The New York Times

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By Tara Siegel Bernard

Tara Siegel Bernard spoke to people who’ve fallen victim to scams that target savings of Americans, particularly older adults. This article is the first in a series.

• July 29, 2024

For nearly three months, Barry Heitin, a 76-year-old retired lawyer, thought he was part of a government investigation that felt like something out of the movies. He was actually assisting criminals in stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars — of his own money.

Last fall, he spent just about every weekday doing the legwork and making withdrawals from his bank accounts as part of an intricate scam: He believed he was helping the feds safeguard his money and catch thieves who were after it.

“They kept telling me, ‘This is a big case and we are going to stop a whole ring of people,’” Mr. Heitin said. “It was like a rabbit hole. I was going down the hole with them.”

It cost him almost all of his retirement savings: roughly $740,000.

Americans spend a lot of energy saving for retirement and worrying about losing money to the gyrations of the stock market. But these days, sophisticated criminals — on dating sites, on social media, in messaging apps or using malicious software — present an ever-growing risk to people and their savings.

The nature of these schemes makes it nearly impossible to recover the money, leaving victims with little recourse. The stolen funds are often whisked to overseas accounts or laundered through cryptocurrency wallets, which are quickly emptied.

Mr. Heitin was one of many people interviewed by The New York Times who were ensnared in scams that could be so elaborate it’s as if they were created in a writer’s room testing different plot devices. Scammers can impersonate government officials, tech support staff or love interests. They coach victims on how to sidestep fraud prevention measures at financial institutions, and they use manipulative psychological tactics — isolation, a sense of urgency or preying on people’s willingness to trust or connect — to keep the scam going.

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