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Mobile Money Transfer Agency Business Plan [Sample Template]

By: Author Tony Martins Ajaero

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

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

Have you ever dreamt of becoming your own boss? Did you per chance study Banking and Finance, Accountancy or any related course and are finding it difficult to get your ideal job? You don’t need to worry because your dream of becoming your own boss and still work as a professional can be fulfilled.

One of the business opportunities that you can leverage on is to start a money transfer agency business. Although you would need ample experience with good track record to be able to attract well – paying clients, but that does not stop you from still making headway in this line of business.

The truth is that the business has pretty low entry capital and you can start the business from your home, shared offices space or from a kiosk with one or two staff members.

You can be sure that your services would always be in demand by people who want to send money to other parts of the world especially migrants who want to send money back home. If you are interested in starting a money transfer agency, then you should be ready to conduct thorough feasibility studies and market survey before committing your money and other resources to it.

Aside from a thorough and detailed feasibility studies and market survey, one of the important documents that will aid the success of the business is a good and workable business plan. Below is a sample money transfer business plan template that can help you to successfully write your own.

A Sample Mobile Money Transfer Agency Business Plan Template

1. industry overview.

The money transfer industry comprises of firms that act as third-party agents that facilitate money transfers and payments among parties in different locations. Please note that this industry does not include organizations that are involved in bank wire services and card-based services.

Research conducted by IBISWorld shows that the Money Transfer Agencies industry has recorded robust growth over the past five years.

This growth is largely due to the increasing globalization and rising mobility of labor. Industry revenue is closely linked to the number of overseas workers employed in the united states, with many sending money back to their respective countries to support their families.

The resilience of the US economy relative to other developed economies and its skill shortages make the US an attractive place for overseas workers to seek employment. As a result, industry revenue is expected to increase at an annualized 7.2 percent over the five years through 2017-18, to $299.9 million. Industry revenue is anticipated to grow by 3.7 percent.

The Money Transfer industry is indeed a thriving industry and pretty much active in all parts of the world and the industry is responsible for employing several people.

The Money Transfer industry is in the growth phase of its life cycle. Industry value added, which measures an industry’s contribution to the overall economy, is forecast to grow at an annualized 4.5 percent over the 10 years through 2022-23.

This represents an outperformance compared with real GDP, which is projected to grow at an annualized 2.5 percent over the same period. This outperformance is a key characteristic of an industry in the growth phase of its economic life cycle. Increasing labor mobility and globalization will underpin demand for money transfer services over the next five years.

Any aspiring entrepreneur or investor that is considering starting this type of business whether on a small scale or in a large scale should ensure that he or she conducts thorough market survey and feasibility studies so as to get it right.

The truth is that, this type of business does pretty well when it is strategically positioned. Places like campus, school board / districts, passport office, immigration centers, licensing offices and migrant communities are ideal for this type of business.

Over and above, the money transfer business is profitable and it is open for any aspiring entrepreneur to come into the industry; you can choose to start on a small scale in one or two public facilities and operate on a local and national level. If you have the capital and business exposure, then you can choose to start on a large scale with several outlets in key cities.

2. Executive Summary

Swiftness© Money Transfer Agency, Inc. is a registered and licensed international money transfer agency. We have been able to secure all the required documentation and a standard office facility that is highly suitable for the kind of business we are into.

Our head office is situated in Los Angeles – California and we hope to sometime in the nearest future have branches scattered all across major cities in the United States of America.

Swiftness© Money Transfer Agency, Inc. will be involved in all aspect of money transfer, we will act as third-party agents that facilitate money transfers and payments among parties in different locations. Our business goal is to become one of the leading money transfer agencies in Los Angeles – California and we will make sure that every service we handle compete favorably with the best in the industry in terms of time.

We are aware that there are several money transfer agencies all around Los Angeles – California which is why we spent time and resources to conduct a thorough feasibility studies and market survey so as to position our business in strategic locations in Los Angeles – California.

Much more than prompt money transfer, our customer care is going to be second to none in the whole of Los Angeles – California. We know that our customers are the reason why we are in business which is why we will go the extra mile to get them satisfied when they patronize our services.

At Swiftness© Money Transfer Agency, Inc. our client’s best interest 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 delivering excellent jobs and also meeting our client’s needs precisely and completely.

Swiftness© Money Transfer Agency, Inc. is a family business that is owned and managed by Jude Adamson and his immediate family members.

Jude Adamson is a graduate of Business Administration and has extensive experience working with one of the leading global money transfer agencies in the United States of America. He will bring his experience and expertise to help grow Swiftness© Money Transfer Agency, Inc.

3. Our Products and Services

Swiftness© Money Transfer Agency, Inc. is in the industry for the purpose of making profits and we will ensure we position our business to favorably compete for the available market in the industry. We are going to do all that is permitted by the laws in the United States of America to achieve our business goals.

Here are some of our service offerings;

• In-store money transfers operations
• Retail money transfer
• Online money transfer

4. Our Mission and Vision Statement

• Our vision is to build a money transfer agency that will have active presence all over the United States of America and the globe.
• Our mission is to establish a standard money transfer agency that will make available a wide range of services in the money transfer industry at affordable prices to residents of Los Angeles – California, and other locations in the United States of America where we intend operating from.

Our Business Structure

Our intention of starting a money transfer agency is to build a standard business with active presence in major cities in the United States of America and the globe. We will ensure that we put the right structures in place that will support the kind of growth that we have in mind while setting up the business.

In putting in place a good business structure, we will ensure that we hire only people that are qualified, honest, customer centric and are ready to work to help us build a prosperous business that will benefit all the stake holders.

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 ten years or more. In view of that, we have decided to hire qualified and competent hands to occupy the following positions;

• Chief Executive Officer (Owner)
• Admin and Human Resources Manager

Sales and Marketing Manager

Money Transfer Agents

• Client Services Executive

5. Job Roles and Responsibilities

Chief Executive Officer – CEO:

• Intensifies management’s effectiveness by recruiting, selecting, orienting, training, coaching, counseling, and disciplining managers; communicating values, strategies, and objectives; assigning accountabilities; planning, monitoring, appraising job results and developing incentives
• 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.
• Accountable for fixing prices and signing business deals
• Responsible for providing direction for the business
• Responsible for signing checks and documents on behalf of the company
• Evaluates the success of the organization
• Reports to the board

Admin and HR Manager

• 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 equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; calling for repairs.
• Defines job positions for recruitment and managing interviewing process
• Carries out induction for new team members
• Responsible for training, evaluation and assessment of employees
• Responsible for arranging travel, meetings and appointments
• Oversees the smooth running of the daily office activities.
• Manages external research and coordinates all the internal sources of information to retain the organizations’ best customers and attract new ones
• Models demographic information and analyze the volumes of transactional data generated by customer purchases
• Identifies, prioritizes, and reaches out to new partners, and business opportunities et al
• Identifies development opportunities; follows up on development leads and contacts; participates in the structuring and financing of the business
• Documents all customer contact and information
• Represents the company in strategic meetings
• Helps to increase sales and growth for the company
• Handle in-store money transfer operations
• Handle retail money transfer
• Handle online money transfer
• Responsible for operating IT systems for the organization
• In charge of planning for and negotiating technical difficulties
• Responsible for monitoring exchange rates
• In charge of negotiating service charges.
• Responsible for dealing with the effects of network congestion.
• Responsible for preparing financial reports, budgets, and financial statements for the organization
• Provides managements with financial analyses, development budgets, and accounting reports
• Responsible for financial forecasting and risks analysis.
• Performs cash management, general ledger accounting, and financial reporting
• Responsible for developing and managing financial systems and policies
• Responsible for administering payrolls
• Ensures compliance with taxation legislation
• Handles all financial transactions for the organization
• Serves as internal auditor for the organization

Client Service Executive

• Ensures that all contacts with clients (e-mail, walk-In center, SMS or phone) provides the client with a personalized customer service experience of the highest level
• Assist in helping clients track their transfer and provide helpful information as required
• 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 human resources and admin manager in an effective and timely manner
• Consistently stays abreast of any new information on the organizations’ products, promotional campaigns etc. to ensure accurate and helpful information are supplied to clients when they make enquiries.

6. SWOT Analysis

Our intention of starting our money transfer business in Los Angeles – California is to test run the business for a period of 3 to 6 months to know if we will invest more money, expand the business and then open transfer centers all around key cities in the United States.

We are quite aware that there are several money transfer agencies in the United States and even in the same locations where we intend locating ours, which is why we are following the due process of establishing a business.

We know that if a proper SWOT analysis is conducted for our business, we will be able to position our business to maximize our strength, leverage on the opportunities that will be available to us, mitigate our risks and be equipped to confront our threats.

Swiftness© Money Transfer Agency, Inc. employed the services of an expert HR and Business Analyst with bias in startups to help us conduct a thorough SWOT analysis and to help us create a Business model that will help us achieve our business goals and objectives. This is the summary of the SWOT analysis that was conducted for Swiftness© Money Transfer Agency, Inc.;

The strategic locations we intend positioning our business, the business model we will be operating on, ease of transfer, wide range of services and our excellent customer service culture will definitely count as a strong strength for Swiftness© Money Transfer Agency, Inc.

So also we have a team that can go all the way to give our clients value for their money; a team that are trained and equipped to pay attention to details and swiftly and safely transfer money both locally, nationally and internationally.

A major weakness that may count against us is the fact that we are a new money transfer agency and we don’t have the financial capacity to compete with multi – million dollar money transfer agencies in this industry.

• Opportunities:

Rising globalization and labor mobility continues to benefit the industry’s revenue performance and online operators have benefited from their lower cost base and the rise of online transfers. The fact that people and businesses are always sending money from one location to another provides us with unlimited opportunities.

We have been able to conduct thorough feasibility studies and market survey and we know what our potential clients will be looking for when they patronize our services; we are well positioned to take on the opportunities that will come our way.

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; in essence, if the economy is under stress, people will find it difficult to transfer money.

Another threat that may likely confront us is the arrival of a new money transfer agency in same location where ours is located. unfavorable government policies and technology can also pose a threat to businesses such as ours.

7. MARKET ANALYSIS

• Market Trends

Rising globalization and labor mobility continues to benefit industry’s revenue performance and online operators have benefited from their lower cost base and the rise of online transfers.

Although the fact that the industry is divided in the two categories makes it easier for aspiring entrepreneurs to choose to start on a small scale by servicing local communities and small to medium scale businesses or to start big by offering all the services.

A common trend in this industry is that money transfer agencies usually position their offices close to colleges and migrant communities. This is so because statistics shows that international students and of course working class migrants/expatriates are known to be top on the list when it comes to transferring monies from the United States to other countries of the world.

8. Our Target Market

The target market for those who need the services of money transfer businesses are all encompassing. In view of that, we have positioned our transfer centers in strategic locations to service residents and businesses in Los Angeles – California and other towns in key cities in the United States of America. We are in the money transfer industry to attract the following clients;

• Expatriates
• Business men and women
• Small scale businesses
• Clearing and forwarding agents
• Corporate Executives

Our competitive advantage

The competitions that exist in the industry is stiff because anyone that has the finance and business expertise can decide to start this type of business howbeit on a small scale servicing a city or more. Although, the money transfer industry requires some form of trainings and expertise, but that does not in any way stop any serious minded entrepreneur from starting the business and still make good profit out of it.

The business model we will be operating on, having a good reputation, proximity to key markets, unlimited access to the latest available and most efficient technology and techniques, ease of money transfer, wide range of services and our excellent customer service culture will definitely count as a competitive advantage for Swiftness© Money Transfer Agency, Inc.

So also, we have a team that can go give our clients value for their money; a team that is trained and equipped to pay attention to details and deliver parcels on time both locally, nationally and internationally.

Lastly, our employees will be well taken care of, and their welfare package will be among the best within our category 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

Swiftness© Money Transfer Agency, Inc. is established with the aim of maximizing profits in the money transfer industry and we are going to ensure that we do all it takes to offer our services and products to a wide range of customers. Swiftness© Money Transfer Agency, Inc. will generate income by offering the following services;

10. Sales Forecast

One thing is certain; there would always be individuals, businesses or corporate organizations in Los Angeles – California and in the United States of America who would always need the services of money transfer agencies.

We are well positioned to take on the available market in Los Angeles – California and we are quite optimistic that we will meet our set target of generating enough income from the first six months of operation and grow the business and our clientele base.

We have been able to examine the money transfer agencies industry, we have analyzed our chances in the industry and we have been able to come up with the following sales forecast. Below are the sales projections for Swiftness© Money Transfer Agency, Inc., it is based on the location of our business and the wide range of services that we will be offering;

• First Fiscal Year: $240,000
• Second Fiscal Year: $450,000
• Third Fiscal Year: $750,000

N.B : This projection was done based on what is obtainable in the industry and with the assumption that there won’t be any major economic meltdown and natural disasters within the period stated above. There won’t be any major competitor offering same 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

Before choosing a location for our business, we conducted a thorough market survey and feasibility studies in order for us to penetrate the available market and become the preferred choice for businesses and residents of Los Angeles – California.

We have detailed information and data that we were able to utilize to structure our business to attract the number of customers we want to attract per time.

We hired experts who have good understanding of the money transfer agency industry to help us develop marketing strategies that will help us achieve our business goal of winning a larger percentage of the available market in Los Angeles – California.

In summary, Swiftness© Money Transfer Agency, Inc. will adopt the following sales and marketing approach to win customers over;

• Introduce our business by sending introductory letters alongside our brochure to corporate organizations, households and key stakeholders in Los Angeles and other cities in California.
• Print handbills about our business and its locations
• Advertise on the internet on blogs and forums, and also on social media like Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn to get our message across.
• Create a basic website for our business so as to give our business an online presence (list the locations of our transfer centers)
• Directly market our business
• Join local business center associations for industry trends and tips
• Provide discount days for our customers
• Advertise our business in community based newspapers, local TV and radio stations
• List our business on yellow pages’ ads (local directories)
• Encourage the use of Word of mouth marketing (referrals)

11. Publicity and Advertising Strategy

Despite the fact that our office facility and transfer centers will be well located, we will still go ahead to intensify publicity for the business. We are going to explore all available means to promote our business.

Swiftness© Money Transfer Agency, Inc. has a long term plan of opening our transfer centers in various locations in key cities all around the United States of America which is why we will deliberately build our brand to be well accepted in Los Angeles – California before venturing out.

As a matter of fact, our publicity and advertising strategy is not solely for winning customers over but to effectively communicate our brand. Here are the platforms we intend leveraging on to promote and advertise Swiftness© Money Transfer Agency, Inc.;

• Place adverts on both print (community based newspapers and magazines) and electronic media platforms
• Sponsor relevant community programs
• Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like; Instagram, Facebook, twitter, et al to promote our brand
• Install our billboards in strategic locations all around Los Angeles – California
• Distribute our fliers and handbills in target areas
• Position our Flexi Banners at strategic positions in the location where our money transfer centers are located.
• Ensure that all our workers wear our branded shirts and all our delivery vehicles are well branded with our company’s logo.

12. Our Pricing Strategy

At Swiftness© Money Transfer Agency, Inc. we will keep the prices of our money transfer service charges below the average market rate for all of our customers by keeping our overhead low and by collecting payment in advance from corporate organizations who would hire our services. In addition, we will also offer special discounted rates to all our customers at regular intervals.

• Payment Options

The payment policy adopted by Swiftness© Money Transfer Agency, Inc. is all inclusive because we are quite aware that different customers prefer different payment options as it suits them but at the same time, we will ensure that we abide by the financial rules and regulation of the United States of America.

Here are the payment options that Swiftness© Money Transfer Agency, Inc. will make available to her clients;

• Payment via bank transfer
• Payment with cash
• Payment via online bank transfer
• Payment via check
• Payment via Point of Sale Machines (POS Machine)
• Payment via bank draft
• Payment via mobile money

In view of the above, we have chosen banking platforms that will enable our clients make payment for our services without any stress on their part.

13. Startup Expenditure (Budget)

When it comes to starting a money transfer agency, the major areas that you should look towards spending the bulk of your cash is in the renting or leasing of well – located facilities. Aside from that, you are not expected to spend much except for paying of your employees and the purchase of supplies. These are the key areas where we will spend our startup capital;

• The total fee for registering the Business in the United States – $750.
• Legal expenses for obtaining licenses and permits as well as the accounting services (software, P.O.S machines and other software) – $1,300.
• Marketing promotion expenses for the grand opening of the business in the amount of $3,500 and as well as flyer printing (2,000 flyers at $0.04 per copy) for the total amount of $3,580.
• The cost for hiring Business Consultant – $2,500.
• The amount needed for the purchase of insurance policy cover (general liability, workers’ compensation and property casualty) coverage at a total premium – $2,400.
• The cost for payment of rent for 12 months at $1.76 per square feet in the total amount of $35,600.
• The cost for the facility and remodeling – $10,000.
• Other start-up expenses including stationery ( $500 ) and phone and utility deposits ( $2,500 ).
• Operational cost for the first 3 months (salaries of employees, payments of bills et al) – $100,000
• The cost for store equipment (cash register, security, ventilation, signage) – $13,750
• The cost of purchase and installation of CCTVs and car tracker devices – $10,000
• The cost for the purchase of furniture and gadgets for the office (computers, internet device, photocopy machine, computers, fax machine, phone box, printing machines, laminating machines and scanning machine, TVs, Sound System, tables and chairs et al) – $20,000
• The cost of launching a website – $600
• Miscellaneous – $10,000

We would need an estimate of $150,000 to successfully set up our money transfer agency in Los Angeles – California.

Generating Startup Capital for Swiftness© Money Transfer Agency, Inc.

No matter how fantastic your business idea might be, if you don’t have the required money to finance the business, the business might not become a reality. Finance is a very important factor when it comes to starting a money transfer agency.

Swiftness© Money Transfer Agency, Inc. is a family business that is solely owned and financed by Jude Adamson and his immediate family members. They do not intend to welcome any external business partners which is why he has decided to restrict the sourcing of the startup capital to 3 major sources.

• Generate part of the startup capital from personal savings
• Source for soft loans from family members and friends
• Apply for loan from the bank

N.B: We have been able to generate about $50,000 ( Personal savings $30,000 and soft loan from family members $20,000 ) and we are at the final stages of obtaining a loan facility of $100,000 from our bank. All the papers and documents have been signed and submitted, the loan has been approved and any moment from now our account will be credited with the amount.

14. Sustainability and Expansion Strategy

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

One of our major goals of starting Swiftness© Money Transfer Agency, Inc. is to build a business that will survive off its own cash flow without 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 offer our money transfer services a little bit cheaper than what is obtainable in the market and also to ensure timely and safe deliveries. We are well prepared to survive on lower profit margin for a while.

Swiftness© Money Transfer Agency, Inc. 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 retraining 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 Registration: Completed
• Opening of Corporate Bank Accounts: Completed
• Securing standard photo booths: In Progress
• Opening Mobile Money Accounts: Completed
• Opening Online Payment Platforms: Completed
• Application and Obtaining Tax Payer’s ID: In Progress
• Application for business license and permit: Completed
• Purchase of Insurance for the Business: Completed
• Leasing of facility for positioning and remodeling the facility: In Progress
• Conducting Feasibility Studies: Completed
• Generating capital from family members: Completed
• Applications for Loan from the bank: In Progress
• Writing of Business Plan: Completed
• Drafting of Employee’s Handbook: Completed
• Drafting of Contract Documents and other relevant Legal Documents: In Progress
• Design of The Company’s Logo: Completed
• Printing of Promotional Materials: In Progress
• Recruitment of employees: In Progress
• Purchase of furniture, racks, shelves, computers, electronic appliances, office appliances and CCTV: In progress
• Creating Official Website for the Company: In Progress
• Creating Awareness for the business both online and around the community: In Progress
• Health and Safety and Fire Safety Arrangement (License): Secured
• Establishing business relationship with third party services providers – banks, technology companies and other financial institutions et al: In Progress

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Mobile Money Transfer Business Plan Template

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17 Mobile Business Ideas to Get Your Company-on-Wheels Rolling

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The emerging world of work flexibility is great news for workers, yes, but also for entrepreneurs and customers. If you’re considering mobile business ideas, then you’re already well aware that this changing landscape has opened up opportunities for a whole new slate of companies to serve customers on demand. Businesses that go to a customer can be extra convenient for those who want to spend money — and mobile business owners can charge a premium for services delivered to a client’s door.

In many cases, you can take a current business or area of expertise and put it on wheels for a strong new mobile business idea. Others are a little more tailored to the fact that they’re on-the-go enterprises. Really, it just matters what kind of mobile business you want to build.

17 lucrative mobile business ideas

We’ll review some mobile business ideas that already have proved they can work in practice. Use these ideas as a jumping-off point; these aren’t the only types of companies and services that can travel.

Hair and makeup services

The wedding market is a big one and people are willing to pay for great services that are extra convenient during a busy day. Among the services wedding parties often demand are hair and makeup, which provides an excellent mobile business idea. Unlike running a traditional salon , you can take your styling van or trailer directly to your clients. Of course, weddings aren’t the only occasions for which people need glamour teams — there are lots of other occasions — but they can be a great initial market to try to target.

How much do you need?

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We’ll start with a brief questionnaire to better understand the unique needs of your business.

Once we uncover your personalized matches, our team will consult you on the process moving forward.

Pet grooming

It can be tough for some pet owners to corral their pets into the car and get them to the groomer to be washed, dried and fluffed. As a mobile pet groomer, you can provide an on-demand, on-location service to pet owners by creating a mobile salon in a van or trailer. Making sure you cater to cats as well as dogs will expand your market.

There are plenty of brick-and-mortar tech repair shops, but people often find it difficult to make an appointment that’s convenient for them; after all, tech help is usually needed in times of emergency. A tech help vehicle can be a huge boon to both business owners and private individuals who need specialized help — data recovery, screen repair, wireless troubleshooting and more — where they are and as fast as they can. If you’re able to specialize in heavier tech equipment, such as servers, you could also expand your market, since the only way to repair such large equipment is on-site.

Handyman and other specialty repairs

If something goes wrong with your house, you can’t take it with you to a repair shop; you have to call for help. That’s why setting up a mobile handyman or other specialty repair business could be lucrative if you’re good with tools. If you’re able to make emergency repairs during odd hours — like how you can call some locksmiths 24 hours a day — then you may be able to both charge a premium for your services as well as cater to a larger clientele.

Cleaning services

Much like repairs, cleaning services often need to go to the places where the tasks are. You could start a house cleaning service to offer a top-to-bottom clean of a customer’s home. But you may want to think even more specifically, too. You could also focus on certain types of cleaning, such as carpet cleaning or silver polishing, which require a little more specialized skill but may have limited competition among cleaning services.

Food trucks aren’t a new idea, but they’re a stalwart for a reason. There are many opportunities for food-loving entrepreneurs to create beloved ventures for hungry customers. To make your mobile restaurant stand out, consider doing some market research to figure out where existing food trucks aren’t doing a good job of serving customers — maybe that’s with a certain cuisine or for a certain diet, for instance.

Coffee, smoothie, or other specialty cart

If a truck is too big of a mobile business idea, consider a cart-based business instead. There’s a lot of demand for specialty foods that don’t take up much space, such as high-end coffee, vegan ice cream, smoothies and more. It could be fun to hang out with your cart on a busy boardwalk on a nice day, but also consider that these kinds of businesses can be great for corporate events, parties and more.

Traveling bar

Consider opening up a bar with some salon seating that people can come into for a drink with friends or colleagues. You can park at local spots that you know people love to sit and enjoy that may not have good options for socialization (like a beach or boardwalk), and, with good marketing, you can encourage customers to follow you around wherever you roam. Just don’t forget to check out the permitting for your state's liquor license.

Cloth diaper service

As consumers become increasingly eco-conscious, cloth diapers are emerging as a sustainable alternative to disposable diapers. But cloth diapers can be (no pun intended) a pain in the butt to clean and must be laundered often. Consider creating a cloth diaper service that picks up cloth diapers for cleaning, and delivers batches of laundered diapers at the same time. You may even want to advertise yourself as a baby registry gift, so expecting parents can have their friends and family purchase vouchers for your services.

Doula service

Becoming a doula requires certification and training, but you’ll be able to serve clients in their homes and help them on their journeys to becoming parents. You may even be able to team up with other doulas to create a larger, more comprehensive resource for parents that still comes to them both before and after birth.

In-home care service

There’s never a lack of need for health care professionals with a caring side. If this sounds like you, you may want to set up a care service, which could offer things such as elder care, emergency care and infant care. Depending on your certifications, you may be able to separate yourself from the competition by offering not just in-home care, but medical attention, too.

Children’s play tank

Busy parents can often use a break from their children, whether that’s to get work done or simply decompress. If you’re creative and love kids, you may want to get a van or trailer filled with fun, stimulating activities in which you can entertain children for an hour at a time. Projects like Mobile Mommies have found their niche offering specialized childcare at special events.

Personal assistant service

Many people want more time in the day. You won’t be able to provide them that, but you can create a personal assistant service that takes care of tasks that are eating up their time. That can be something as simple as picking up their dry cleaning, or more complex like shopping for gifts. It’s up to you to determine what kinds of services you offer, and the clientele to whom you’ll market yourself. But consider getting a sense of what tasks potential customers wish they could outsource before making your menu.

Specialty organizer

Organizing isn’t just a question of Marie Kondo-ing someone’s home: It’s helping them get in better mental shape, too. You can bring your mobile organizing services to clients’ homes who need help with a top-to-bottom reorg, or simply help get them get a handle on specific rooms. You may also want to see if you can team up with a moving company to help those who’ve just bought new homes to make sure that they step into their new houses as the most organized versions of themselves that they can be.

Specialty clothing shop

If you have a tasteful eye, you may want to think about opening up a mobile specialty clothing shop. You may look for a recurring place to park your vehicle where customers can expect you — like a craft market, for instance. But you might also want to embrace the fact that you’re on wheels and travel a bit to be able to expose lots of different audiences to what you have to offer.

Tutoring service

Creating an on-site tutoring or educational service can be extremely helpful for students who need extra help in certain areas during the school year, but particularly around test time. One important thing to note about this type of business is that it’s relatively seasonal with the school year, so if you’re considering this mobile business idea, then you may want to also create a summer-specific service that can help round out your offerings.

Specialty fitness service

In an era of so much on-demand fitness via streamed classes, why not create an equivalency in person? If you’re a certified personal trainer, or can teach certain types of classes such as yoga or barre, consider setting up a mobile fitness business . You can either cater to private clients who want extra attention or even market yourself to workplaces as a teacher who can come in and lead stress-relieving classes.

Start Your Dream Business

Hopefully, something from this list has piqued your interest. If you’re ready to go ahead with one of these mobile business ideas, or another you’ve been thinking about for a while, you have a few next steps to take.

1. Make a business plan

Like any other business, you’ll want to write a business plan . Your business plan will help you understand where you fit into the market, how you’re going to make money, how you’re going to price your product or service, who your team is and what kind of problem your business is solving.

A business plan isn’t just a perfunctory document; for instance, if you go on to apply for major business financing like SBA loans, lenders may require you to provide your business plan for loan approval.

2. Create a marketing strategy

Since people won’t be able to easily find your business at a consistent address, you need to get the word out to your community. As you plan your small business marketing strategy, ask yourself a few big questions:

Where will you find your customers?

How will you position yourself to stand out?

How will you let customers know where you are at a given moment?

What kind of customers are you targeting?

What kind of messaging will you use to communicate the need you’re filling?

How will you pay for your marketing efforts?

3. Figure out financing

Starting a business is generally a capital-intensive process, but can be especially expensive for mobile businesses that need to create a physical footprint and get gear. Think about how much money you’ll need to invest in your business, and where you’re going to pursue that capital — whether from investors or lenders.

Many small business owners begin with a business credit card for foundational expenses, especially since securing funding as a startup isn’t always easy. You may be able to put initial startup costs on a business credit card, and then build up your financial profile to get hold of a more substantial business loan, like a business line of credit , equipment financing or even an SBA microloan . Some lenders will work with businesses as young as six months.

This article originally appeared on JustBusiness, a subsidiary of NerdWallet.

On a similar note...

Office Technology | Buyer's Guide

6 Best Business Cell Phone Plans of 2024

Published January 18, 2024

Published Jan 18, 2024

REVIEWED BY: Corey McCraw

WRITTEN BY: Sam Dadofalza

This article is part of a larger series on VoIP .

• 1 Best Business Cell Phone Plans Compared
• 2 Verizon: Best for Mobile Hotspot and Premium Data
• 3 RingCentral: Best for Streamlined Call Distribution
• 4 AT&T: Best for Mobile Security
• 5 Nextiva: Best for Toll-free Calling
• 6 T-Mobile: Best for Global Communications
• 7 Google Voice: Best for Budget-conscious Freelancers
• 8 How We Evaluated the Best Business Cell Phone Plans
• 9 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• 10 Bottom Line

The best business cell phone plans offer unlimited calls, texts, and mobile data, support remote work via mobile hotspot access, and enable communications with overseas contacts. They provide robust mobile security through proprietary apps for spam call detection and safe browsing. The plans have valuable add-on features such as subscriptions to streaming services and business tools. In this article, we outlined our top picks for business cell phone plans:

• Verizon : Best for mobile hotspot and premium data
• RingCentral : Best for streamlined call distribution
• AT&T : Best for mobile security
• Nextiva : Best for toll-free calling
• T-Mobile : Best for global communications
• Google Voice : Best for budget-conscious freelancers

Best Business Cell Phone Plans Compared

Verizon: best for mobile hotspot & premium data.

What We Liked

• Unlimited calling and texting in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico
• TravelPass offers 24 hours of unlimited talk and text in overseas locations and 2GB of high-speed international data
• Huge discounts on tablets when subscribed to the Unlimited Pro plan

Where It Falls Behind

• Expensive subscription plans, with the entry-level package starting at $70 per line, per month
• Caller ID and personal block list feature are not available in the base-level plan
• Mobile security requires a separate activation fee of $5 per device

Verizon Monthly Pricing*

• Business Unlimited Start 5G: $70 per line for unlimited talk, text, and data, unlimited 5G and 4G LTE data, 5GB of 5G and 4G LTE mobile hotspot data, call filter, and 480p video streaming
• Business Unlimited Plus 5G: $80 per line for 100GB of premium smartphone data and mobile hotspot data, enhanced security features, up to 4K video streaming, and TravelPass for two days (24 hours of unlimited talk and text, 2GB of high-speed international data, and then unlimited data at 3G speeds thereafter)
• Business Unlimited Pro 5G: $85 per line for unlimited premium smartphone data, 200GB of premium mobile hotspot data, TravelPass for four days, and 50% off on tablet plan

*Pay only $35, $45, or $50 per line for the tiered subscription plans when you get five or more lines. Secure $5 savings per month when you sign up for Auto Pay and paper-free billing.

Verizon is our top provider in this list of the best business cell phone plans, offering a generous allotment for mobile hotspot and premium data. This allows on-the-go professionals to have fast access to the internet wherever they are. The provider features 200GB of premium mobile hotspot data in its most expensive plan. While its direct competitor, AT&T, has the same maximum cellular data, Verizon’s mobile throttling speed is more tolerable.

AT&T slows down the speeds to a maximum of 128Kbps when you reach the data usage threshold. Verizon, on the other hand, reduces the speed to 600Kbps for 4G LTE and 5G and 3Mbps for 5G Ultra Wideband. Meanwhile, its premium data has no cap and won’t slow down based on the data used. On top of the excellent data offerings, Verizon has a range of business cell phones for small businesses, carrying top brands like Apple, Samsung, and Google.

The downside of using Verizon is that some of its call filtering features, like caller ID and personal block list, are not available in the entry-level plan. You must upgrade to the second-tier package, which costs $80 per line, monthly, to access those tools. Other business cell phone plans providers have these call filtering capabilities in their base-level subscription packages. You’ll save more with RingCentral , for instance, as it’s priced at $30 per user, per month.

Verizon Features

Block high-risk calls automatically using Verizon’s spam filter. (Source: Verizon )

• Call filter: Screen and block incoming spam calls and those from unwanted numbers. Upgrade to Call Filter Plus to access caller ID for robocall control and total spam protection.
• Business Mobile Secure: Get alerts when a device tries to connect to unsecured Wi-Fi. It protects your phone against phishing and other cybersecurity risks.
• Bring your own device (BYOD) : Verizon allows users to keep their smartphones and numbers when switching to the provider. Simply check your eligibility, bring your smartphone and number, and activate them with one of Verizon’s unlimited business plans.

RingCentral: Best for Streamlined Call Distribution

• Free local and toll-free numbers in all plans
• 99.999% uptime guarantee, which translates to less than six minutes of annual downtime
• Up to 200 video meeting participants
• Only offers up to 200 business texting credits per user
• Phone rentals are only available for those tied to a multi-year contract
• Unlimited storage for files is locked behind the most expensive plan

RingCentral Monthly Pricing*

• Core: $30 per user for unlimited domestic calling, local or toll-free numbers, 100 toll-free minutes, 25 short messaging service (SMS) credits, and multi-level auto-attendant
• Advanced: $35 per user for 1,000 toll-free minutes, 100 SMS credits, advanced call queues, automatic and on-demand call recording, and up to eight-digit phone extensions
• Ultra: $45 per user for 10,000 toll-free minutes, 200 SMS credits, and unlimited storage for files, messaging, and recordings
• Free trial: 14 days

*Save up to 33% by paying annually. Volume discounts for 50-plus users are available.

RingCentral ranks second on our list of the best small business cell phone plans, most suitable for teams wanting to improve call management. Its wide array of voice-over-internet-protocol (VoIP) features route phone calls to team members more efficiently. For one, the multi-level auto-attendant automatically directs calls to the right departments based on the caller’s key presses. Its call queue accommodates up to 25 waiting calls.

The VoIP phone system supports various call routing modes: round-robin, sequential, and simultaneous. Aside from organizing the flow of inbound calls, these distribution methods ensure you won’t miss important customer queries.

Before choosing RingCentral, note that it only provides a maximum of 200 SMS credits per user. If you frequently send texts for marketing or customer service, explore other best cell phone plans businesses use, like Verizon and AT&T , which offer unlimited texting.

RingCentral Features

Get an overview of all your voicemail messages on RingCentral. (Source: RingCentral )

• Visual voicemail: Access and manage your voicemail through RingCentral’s admin portal. Instead of listening to audio files and playing them repeatedly to get the details of the message, read the voicemails. Users have the option to preview, delete, and forward these messages.
• Team huddle: Let team members hold spontaneous virtual meetings that resemble face-to-face, informal huddles. Easily host audio and video conferences where participants come and go as they please.
• Video conferencing: Host virtual meetings for up to 200 participants. If you get the large meeting add-on, your sessions will be able to accommodate a maximum of 500 attendees.

AT&T: Best for Mobile Security

• Unlimited texting from the U.S. to 200+ countries
• All subscription plans feature mobile app security
• Waived activation fees for new customers who buy plans and devices online
• More expensive subscription plans compared to other providers listed here
• 5G+ is available in limited parts of select cities only
• Hotspot data speed slows to a maximum of 128Kbps when your allotted data is consumed

AT&T Monthly Pricing*

• Standard: $70 per line for unlimited talk, text, and data within and between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, 5G/5G+ access, 5GB of mobile hotspot data, basic ActiveArmor security, and standard-definition video streaming
• Advanced: $80 per line for 100GB of mobile hotspot data, advanced ActiveArmor security, and high-definition 1080p video streaming
• Premium: $90 per line for 200GB mobile hotspot data, high-definition 4K video streaming, and unlimited talk, text, and data in Latin America

*Pay only $40, $45, or $50 for the tiered subscription plans when you get six or more lines. Secure a $10 discount when you sign up for AutoPay and paperless billing.

AT&T is the best cell phone plan for businesses prioritizing the privacy of confidential company information. Among the providers mentioned in this list, it offers the most comprehensive mobile security through the AT&T ActiveArmor app. This app offers spam risk call blocking, safe browsing, public Wi-Fi protection, and identity monitoring. The last one involves tracking the dark web for your personal information.

On top of these key features, you’ll be able to receive data breach alerts, run reverse number lookups, identify unknown caller details, and get information about your Android smartphone if it gets lost or stolen. While AT&T offers excellent mobile security among the best cell phone plans for small businesses listed, its data offering may be a deal-breaker. It slows down the hotspot data to a maximum of 128Kbps when the user hits their data cap.

In contrast, Verizon’s mobile throttling speed is 600Kbps, a more acceptable speed for professionals who need to stay connected. Consider this option if you need internet access when working remotely. The provider offers some valuable mobile security features as well, such as Wi-Fi protection and robocall blocking.

AT&T Features

Turn on data roaming when traveling internationally. (Source: AT&T )

• Video streaming: Watch shows on your smartphone in standard definition, high-definition, or ultra-high definition, depending on your plan. To control data usage, AT&T’s Video Management feature automatically renders streaming video in standard definition.
• International roaming: Call, text, and use mobile data in Latin America with no usage limits. This lets you communicate with colleagues and customers whenever needed, wherever you may be.
• Mobile hotspot: Plug your devices into your hotspot and secure your internet connection instantly. With AT&T’s broad coverage nationwide, you’ll connect and work remotely without the hassle.

Nextiva: Best for Toll-free Calling

• High-definition voice is featured in all subscription plans
• Number porting is free of charge
• Lets users bring their own device
• Only allows a 45-minute duration in video calls
• SMS isn't available in the entry-level plan
• Users must upgrade to the most expensive package to access call recording and voicemail transcription

Nextiva Monthly Pricing*

• Essential: $30.95 per user for free local and toll-free numbers, up to 1,500 toll-free minutes, auto-attendant, and call history
• Professional: $35.95 per user for up to 3,000 toll-free minutes, multi-level auto-attendant, voicemail-to-SMS, and a maximum of 1,000 messages sent and received per user
• Enterprise: $45.95 per user for up to 12,500 toll-free minutes, call recording, a maximum of 2,000 messages sent and received per user, and voicemail transcription

*Save up to 33% by paying annually. Volume discounts are available for more than four users.

Nextiva is included in this list of the best cell phone plans for small businesses, ideal for companies catering to a national client base because of its generous toll-free minute allowance. It offers a maximum of 12,500 toll-free minutes, allowing customers from different parts of the country to reach out to the business without any charge.

The provider’s call management features, specifically the multi-level auto-attendant, call queueing, call park, and five-digit phone extensions, make accommodating several customer queries easier. The threaded conversations, which put all customer interactions from different channels in one interface, help users be more organized in addressing concerns.

One disadvantage you need to know before subscribing to Nextiva is that its video calls only last for 45 minutes. Consider other best cell phone plans for businesses if you frequently go on long video calls for client and team discussions. RingCentral is a good option, as its video meetings have a duration of 24 hours.

Nextiva Features

Set your status on Nextiva to let colleagues know if you’re available for a call. (Source: Nextiva )

• Call recording: Capture phone calls and store the recordings to secure a reliable reference for business deals and agreements. These files may serve as training materials for new customer service representatives in the future.
• Call presence: Know who among colleagues is available for calls. The phone system’s presence displays user status: available, on a call, unavailable (do not disturb), or offline.
• Call pop: See who’s on the other end of the line before answering a call. Refer to the call pop feature to know the customers’ last interaction, account value, and experience score or customer sentiment.

T-Mobile: Best for Global Communications

• Offers valuable productivity tools, like Microsoft 365 license
• Add-ons, like extra high-speed hotspot and high-definition streaming, offer flexibility when users need additional data
• All plans have dedicated customer care services
• Wi-Fi for traveling isn't available in the entry-level plan
• Reverse number lookup tool is only available at the most expensive subscription package
• Netflix subscription is locked behind the Ultimate plan

T-Mobile Monthly Pricing*

• Select: $60 per line for 50GB of premium data, unlimited mobile hotspot with 5GB of data, unlimited international texting and up to 5GB of data in 11 countries, and unlimited calling, texting, and data in Mexico and Canada with up to 5GB of data
• Advanced: $70 per line for 100GB of premium data, unlimited mobile hotspot with 50GB of data, four full-flight Wi-Fi sessions a year, and secure Wi-Fi without additional charge
• Ultimate: $85 per line for unlimited premium data and unlimited mobile hotspot with 100GB of data

*Pay only $25, $30, or $40 per line for the tiered subscription plans when you get six lines.

T-Mobile is our top pick for international communications among the listed small business cell phone plans, given its attractive travel benefits. For one, you’ll have access to in-flight Wi-Fi with streaming on select airlines, namely Alaska, American, Delta, and United. To use the service, you must have your Wi-Fi calling settings enabled. The in-flight solutions cover video streaming, text and picture messaging, visual voicemail, and over-the-top messaging.

On top of that, you have unlimited international texting and data in more than 215 overseas locations. The high-speed data is capped at 5GB per month, and the unlimited data is up to 256Kbps. If you’re traveling to Mexico or Canada, maximize the unlimited talk, text, and data of up to 5GB.

One downside of choosing T-Mobile is that the business cell phone plan has a more expensive subscription when you want to secure unlimited premium data. You must upgrade to its highest-tier package, which costs $85 per line, monthly. Verizon is slightly more affordable at $80 per line.

T-Mobile Features

Block spam calls automatically using T-Mobile’s Scam Shield app. (Source: T-Mobile )

• Microsoft 365 access: Higher T-Mobile plans like the Advanced and Ultimate packages come with a single Microsoft Office license. Access popular productivity tools like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and collaboration features, such as Microsoft Teams and OneDrive (1TB cloud storage).
• Scam Shield: This feature automatically identifies and prevents spam calls, which may put your security at risk or negatively affect productivity. It features a caller ID that displays callers’ information even on numbers not registered on your contact list. Additionally, it provides a proxy number to keep your real phone number private.
• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get exclusive access to free offers and attractive deals from different brands on T-Mobile’s app. The perks include prizes and discounts on food, fuel, hotel stays, gadgets, and app subscriptions.

Google Voice: Best for Budget-conscious Freelancers

• Service level agreement (SLA) is offered in all subscription plans
• Offers seamless access to other Google apps, like Calendar and Meet
• Google AI blocks spam calls automatically
• Doesn’t have call recording in the entry-level plan
• Users must subscribe to the most expensive package to access advanced reporting
• Lacks advanced VoIP features other providers offer, like toll-free minutes and call monitoring

Google Voice Monthly Pricing

• Personal: Free for one user, local phone number, unlimited calls and text messages within the United States (U.S.), and voicemail
• Starter: $10 per user for up to 10 users, calls to the U.S., Canada, and most European countries, unlimited text messaging within the U.S., voicemail transcription, and integration with Calendar and Meet
• Standard: $20 per user for unlimited users, multi-level auto-attendant, ring groups, and eDiscovery for calls, voicemails, and text messages
• Premier: $30 per user for unlimited international locations, advanced reporting, and automatic call recording

Google Voice is our top-recommended small business phone plan for budget-conscious freelancers, as it’s the most affordable solution in this list. For only $10, you’ll have unlimited calls within the U.S., Canada, and select European countries and unlimited texts within the U.S. Solopreneurs who only need a second phone number and unlimited domestic calling will benefit from the Personal plan, which is free of charge.

The VoIP provider is likewise an excellent option for freelancers who are already working with other Google products. It seamlessly integrates with Calendar and Meet, so if you need to switch to a longer huddle with colleagues and clients, the video conferencing feature is easily accessible.

But unlike other small business VoIP services , Google Voice doesn’t have advanced VoIP tools like toll-free minutes and call monitoring. RingCentral is your best option if these features are essential to your business communications. It offers up to 10,000 toll-free minutes and call monitoring tools, like whisper, barge, and takeover.

Google Voice Features

Get spam call alerts from Google Voice. (Source: Google Voice )

• Multi-level auto-attendant: Send callers to different departments by letting them choose from a phone menu. Record your greetings using Google Voice’s text-to-speech tool or uploading a professionally recorded audio.
• Enhanced spam protection: The phone system automatically labels spam calls as such using advanced artificial intelligence. On top of this, it marks suspicious text messages on Android and iOS devices.
• Ring groups: Delegate a ring group to a specific Google Voice user. A ring group manager will be able to configure the ring group members, call routing rules, ring duration settings, and working hours.

Manage your VoIP costs better by exploring pay-as-you-go and prepaid VoIP options. Take into account your business and communication priorities as you consider the providers mentioned in our buyer’s guide.

How We Evaluated the Best Business Cell Phone Plans

To assess the providers objectively, we developed a scoring rubric that takes into account companies’ considerations when choosing business cell phone plans. These factors include subscription costs, essential features like unlimited calling, spam call blocking, and international calling, and customer service hours. The popularity of each vendor was likewise a part of our assessment.

Learn how we evaluated the top cell phone plans for business by clicking on the tabs below:

• General Features
• Advanced Features
• Ease of Use
• Customer Support
• Expert Score

20% of Overall Score

To determine if the vendors have an accessible pricing point, we considered the entry-level plan’s fees and the number of subscription packages offered. We assigned higher points to those providing annual and volume discounts and free plans.

25% of Overall Score

The general features we looked at were unlimited calling, call forwarding, and call routing. Similarly, we assessed how robust the third-party integrations are.

The niche features include tools improving security and international communications. We gave more points to those with spam blockers, in-flight texting, and international calling support. Those with video meeting features earned more points as well.

10% of Overall Score

Since not all users are tech-savvy, we considered how easy it is to set up accounts and maximize the features offered by the provider. We checked if the vendors’ proprietary apps’ interfaces are beginner-friendly.

The customer support channels we included in our evaluation were live chat, phone, and email. We considered the schedule of customer service, giving more points to those with 24/7 operations.

15% of Overall Score

The vendors’ standout features and ease of use were part of our expert score. We checked third-party review websites to evaluate their level of popularity among professionals. In addition, we evaluated the feature inclusions for every subscription plan to determine if they provide great value for money.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which is the best cell phone carrier for coverage.

According to the Federal Communications Commission’s national broadband map, AT&T and Verizon have the broadest 4G LTE coverage, covering 56.95% and 55.9% of the country, respectively. Meanwhile, T-Mobile covers 35.3%. AT&T and Verizon are excellent options if you prioritize coverage.

How fast is Verizon’s 4G LTE?

Verizon 4G LTE can accommodate download speeds between 5 and 12Mbps and upload speeds between 2 and 5Mbps.

How do I choose the best cell phone plan?

In a nutshell, these are the factors you must consider when comparing cell phone plans:

• Data and voice coverage: Check the carriers’ coverage maps to see if your business areas are included. Ask contacts as well which providers work well in different locations.
• Device options: If you plan to get a new device, see if your carrier offers your preferred brands and models. Meanwhile, if you plan to stick to your existing phone, ensure your phone plan provider supports BYOD.
• Plan inclusions: Compare the high-speed data limits for each provider’s unlimited data offerings. If you frequently travel for work, check if there’s mobile hotspot access included in the plan. Those traveling overseas should benefit from a package that features international coverage. If you choose VoIP platforms, check if the plan includes a toll-free minute allowance and robust call routing tools.
• Subscription rates: Determine how much you will spend on your mobile plan each month. When comparing quotes, consider the taxes and fees on top of the subscription rates. Note that some providers offer discounts for bulk lines and enrollment in AutoPay and paperless billing. VoIP vendors provide discounted prices for those who choose annual billing.

Bottom Line

Your cell phone plan of choice ultimately depends on your calling and texting habits, travel frequency, and monthly budget. The best providers offer affordable packages, unlimited calling, and essential features like call forwarding and call routing. They offer robust support for remote work and mobile security and make availing new devices easier.

In our evaluation, Verizon reigns supreme over the best business cell phone plans, especially for on-the-go employees who need reliable internet connection wherever they are. With its broad coverage nationwide, premium data offerings, and unlimited talk and text features, you’ll be able to stay connected to your customers and colleagues, regardless of your location.

Visit Verizon

About the Author

Sam Dadofalza

Sam is an office tech writer at Fit Small Business, covering various topics including virtual phone systems, contact center platforms, and unified communications tools. She produced content for the digital marketing campaigns of small businesses from different industries and countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Singapore, and the Philippines.

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Business Unlimited plans

Switch and get truly unlimited data, plus double the premium hotspot data with select plans.

  Select the number of lines to see how your Business Unlimited plan monthly price would change.

Plans available with a month-to-month or device payment agreement. Prices include $5 savings per month per line when you sign up for Auto Pay and paper-free billing.

Put the essentials to work.

$70 without Auto Pay and paper-free billing discount

$60 without Auto Pay and paper-free billing discount

$45 without Auto Pay and paper-free billing discount

$40 without Auto Pay and paper-free billing discount

$35 without Auto Pay and paper-free billing discount

• 5G/4G LTE Unlimited 5G and 4G LTE data; in times of congestion, your smartphone and mobile hotspot data may be temporarily slower than other traffic (network management). 5G access requires a 5G-capable device. 5G Ultra Wideband access is not available. Domestic data roaming at 2G speeds.
• Unlimited talk, text & data Unlimited 5G and 4G LTE data; in times of congestion, your smartphone and mobile hotspot data may be temporarily slower than other traffic (network management). 5G access requires a 5G-capable device. 5G Ultra Wideband access is not available. Domestic data roaming at 2G speeds. In times of congestion, your mobile hotspot data may be temporarily slower than other traffic (network management). After 5 GB/line/month, mobile hotspot reduced to speeds up to 600 Kbps for the rest of the month.
• Mobile hotspot data In times of congestion, your mobile hotspot data may be temporarily slower than other traffic (network management). After 5 GB/line/month, mobile hotspot reduced to speeds up to 600 Kbps for the rest of the month.
• Call Filter Reduce spam calls with call screening, auto-blocking and easy reporting of unwanted numbers. Activation required. Terms apply.
• 480p video streaming Video streaming at 480p.

Boost your productivity.

$80 without Auto Pay and paper-free billing discount

$55 without Auto Pay and paper-free billing discount

$50 without Auto Pay and paper-free billing discount

• 5G/4G LTE 5G access requires a 5G-capable device.
• 5G Ultra Wideband Our fastest 5G network experience. 5G access requires a 5G-capable device.
• 100 GB Premium Network Access Get 100 GB of premium smartphone data per line per month. In times of congestion, your 5G and 4G LTE smartphone data may be temporarily slower than other traffic after 100 GB premium network access/line/mo. There is no network management for 5G Ultra Wideband (UW) data. Domestic data roaming at 2G speeds.
• 100 GB premium mobile hotspot data After 100 GB line/mo premium hotspot data, mobile hotspot reduced to speeds up to 600 Kbps (4G LTE and 5G) and 3 Mbps (5G UW) for the rest of the month.
• Call Filter or Call Filter Plus Call Filter: Reduce spam calls with call screening, auto-blocking and easy reporting of unwanted numbers. Call Filter Plus: Adds caller ID, spam look up and risk meter, a personal block list and the ability to block by category. Activation required. Terms apply.
• Business Mobile Secure Help protect and manage your company devices with this bundle of security features curated specifically for small businesses. Lookout for small business: Helps keep your data safe with anti-phishing and Wi-Fi network protections. Mobile Device Management: Lets you manage and apply controls across company smartphones and tablets. Dedicated chat support: Expert help via Chat for onboarding, setup and troubleshooting of your security features. Activation required. $5/device monthly charge offset by $5 credit while on qualifying price plan. Terms apply.
• Up to 4K video streaming Video streaming at 4K when inside a 5G Ultra Wideband coverage area. High-definition 1080p video streaming on 5G / 4G LTE when you activate it in your plan settings. Otherwise video streaming at 480p.
• TravelPass (2 days per month) Get 2 TravelPass days each month. Each TravelPass day gives you 24 hours of unlimited talk and text, 2GB of high speed international data then unlimited data at 3G speeds thereafter. TravelPass days do not carry over and expire at the end of each month. TravelPass is available in 210+ countries and destinations. 5G or 4G world device required.

Get more of what you need.

$85 without Auto Pay and paper-free billing discount

$75 without Auto Pay and paper-free billing discount

• Unlimited Premium Network Access Get unlimited premium smartphone data that isn’t slowed based on how much data you use. Domestic data roaming at 2G speeds.
• 200 GB premium mobile hotspot data After 200 GB line per month premium hotspot data, mobile hotspot reduced to speeds up to 600 Kbps (4G LTE and 5G) and 3 Mbps (5G UW) for the rest of the month.
• TravelPass (4 days per month) 4 TravelPass days are included each month. Each TravelPass day gives you 24 hours of unlimited talk and text, 2GB of high speed international data then unlimited data at 3G speeds thereafter. TravelPass days do not carry over and expire at the end of each month. TravelPass is available in 210+ countries and destinations. 5G or 4G world device required.
• 50% off on Unlimited Pro Tablet plan

 Choose the Business Unlimited tablet plan that works best for you.

Tablet Start

Save $10/mo when you add a line.

Unlimited data so you can work as flexibly as you need

• 5G/4G LTE Unlimited 5G and 4G LTE data; in times of congestion, your smartphone and mobile hotspot data may be temporarily slower than other traffic (network management). 5G access requires a 5G-capable device. 5G Ultra Wideband access, machine to machine services and mobile hotspot are not available. Domestic data roaming at 2G speeds.

Save 50% with Business Unlimited Pro smartphone plan.

Unlimited mobile hotspot data so you can meet on the go

• 5G/4G LTE 5G access requires a 5G-capable device. Not available for machine to machine services. Domestic data roaming at 2G speeds.
• 35 GB Premium Network Access Unlimited 4G LTE, 5G and 5G Ultra Wideband (UW) data; in times of congestion, your tablet data may be temporarily slower than other traffic after 35 GB/line/mo premium network access (network management).
• 15 GB Premium mobile hotspot data, then unlimited lower speed data After 15 GB/line/mo premium hotspot data, mobile hotspot reduced to speeds up to 600 Kbps (4G LTE & 5G Nationwide) and 3 Mbps (5G UW).
• Up to 4K video streaming Video streaming at 4K when inside a 5G Ultra Wideband coverage area.

 Choose the Business Unlimited laptop plan that works best for you.

Start Laptop

Unlimted data to help you take on the day

• 5G/4G LTE Unlimited 5G and 4G LTE data; in times of congestion, your data may be temporarily slower than other traffic. 5G access requires a 5G-capable device. 5G Ultra Wideband access and machine-to machine services are not available. Domestic data roaming at 2G speeds.

Up to 4K video streaming to help you meet in HD

• 50 GB Premium Network Access Unlimited 4G LTE, 5G and 5G Ultra Wideband (UW) laptop and mobile hotspot data. After 50 GB/line/mo premium network access, data reduced to speeds up to 600 Kbps (4G LTE and 5G) and 3 Mbps (5G UW) for the rest of the month.
• Up to 4K video streaming Video streaming at 4K when inside a 5G Ultra Wideband coverage area. High-definition 1080p video streaming on 5G/4G LTE when you activate it in your plan settings. Otherwise video streaming at 480p.

 Choose the Business Unlimited mobile hotspot plan that works best for you.

Plus Data Device

Enough data for easy hotspot streaming and to meet on the go

• 60 GB Premium Network Access Unlimited 4G LTE, and 5G and 5G Ultra Wideband (UW) data. After 60 GB/line/mo premium network access, data reduced to speeds up to 600 Kbps (4G LTE and 5G) and 3 Mbps (5G UW) for the rest of the month.
• Up to 4K video streaming Video streaming at 4K when inside a 5G Ultra Wideband coverage area. 720p video streaming on 5G/4G LTE.

Pro Data Device

Plenty of data to stay productive during those longer workdays

• 100 GB Premium Network Access Unlimited 4G LTE, 5G and 5G Ultra Wideband (UW) data. After 100 GB/line/mo premium network access, data reduced to speeds up to 600 Kbps (4G LTE and 5G ) and 3 Mbps (5G UW) for the rest of the month.

Choose the Business Unlimited smartwatch plan that works best for you.

Standalone Smartwatch

Premium data so you don’t miss a beat at work

• 15 GB of premium 5G/4G LTE data Unlimited 5G & 4G LTE data. After 15 GB premium data/line/month, data reduced to speeds up to 200 Kbps for the rest of the month. 5G access requires a 5G capable device. Not available for 5G Ultra Wideband access, mobile hotspot or machine to machine services. Domestic data roaming at 2G speeds. Additional terms apply.

Numbershare Smartwatch

Your connected smartwatch can use your mobile number

• 22 GB of premium 5G/4G LTE data Unlimited 5G & 4G LTE data. After 22 GB premium data/line/month, data reduced to speeds up to 200 Kbps for the rest of the month. 5G access requires a 5G capable device. Not available for 5G Ultra Wideband access, mobile hotspot or machine to machine services. Domestic data roaming at 2G speeds. Customer must also subscribe to select smartphone data plan. Both smartphone & smartwatch plans must be part of same sub-account. Additional terms apply.

New plan + new device

Find the plan that fits your budget and business needs, then check out our devices page for the 
latest smartphones.

New plan + your own device

See if your device is compatible with our network, then get started.

What are the benefits of Verizon Business Unlimited 5G smartphone plans?

Verizon Business Unlimited 5G smartphone plans provide unlimited data, talk and text on Verizon’s 4G LTE and 5G networks. Plans also include access to Verizon’s business-class features, such as mobile hotspot data, call filtering, video streaming and mobile device management (available with select plans). Customers can choose from a variety of plans with different features to meet their business needs.

Can I add multiple lines to a Business Unlimited 5G smartphone plan?

Yes, Verizon’s Business Unlimited 5G smartphone plans allow you to add multiple lines. There are multiple options for businesses, ranging from single-line plans to multiple-line plans. The amount of lines you select is based on your company’s requirements.

Do Verizon Business Unlimited 5G smartphone plans offer any international benefits?

Yes, unlimited talk and text is available in Canada and Mexico along with 2 GB of high speed data per day with unlimited data at 3G speeds thereafter. If more than 50% of your total talk, text or data usage in a 60-day period is in Canada or Mexico, use of those services in those countries may be removed or limited. Additionally, Verizon Business Unlimited Plus 5G and Unlimited Pro 5G plans offer TravelPass that include international talk and text in over 210 countries and destinations.

Can I bring my own device or do I need to purchase a new device with the Business Unlimited 5G smartphone plan?

Verizon’s Business Unlimited 5G smartphone plans offer the flexibility to bring your own device (BYOD) or purchase new devices . If you already have compatible devices, you can simply activate them on a Business Unlimited plan. Alternatively, Verizon offers a wide range of devices for purchase if you prefer new devices for your business.

Are there unlimited data plans for other devices?

Yes, Verizon offers a variety of plans with unlimited data for tablets, laptops, smartwatches and hotspots. This provides the right solution for businesses requiring reliable connectivity while on the go.

Offer and Pricing Details

All Offers:  Offers available to new business customers only, subject to credit review. Not available in all areas/locations. Depending on speed tier purchased, promotional pricing for Internet and voice guaranteed for 12 consecutive months ($10 increase starting month 13 with 2 year contract), or 24 consecutive months ($10 increase starting month 25 with 2 year contract), or 36 consecutive months ($10 increase starting month 37 with 2 year contract) or 60 consecutive months ($10 increase starting month 61 with 2 year contract) (60 month guarantee not available in all areas where Fios is sold) subject to continuation of qualifying products; price guarantee applies to base monthly rate only; excludes optional services and equipment charges; prices subject to increase thereafter. With no annual contract, price increases to then current market rate subject to the applicable guarantee period. Select installation charges may be waived. Additional charges apply for inside wiring and/or other installation services. $49 activation fee may apply. Offers may be fulfilled via bill credit(s); other taxes, fees & terms apply.  Early termination fees  for a 2 year contract: 35% of base monthly charges for unexpired term. 2 year term automatically renews at then-current term rates unless canceled within 30 days prior to or 60 days after the term is renewed.  Money Back Guarantee  (MBG) is available with 2 year contract only and requires cancellation within 30 days of installation; excludes subscriptions, per minute usage, labor/material charges in excess of standard installation and month-to-month service plans, including Fios TV service. Wireless Verizon Router is available for $399.99 purchase and $18/mo rental (except in Maryland, where the wireless Fios Router is available for $299.99 purchase and $15/mo rental).  Wireless router models and prices are subject to change. Phone equipment purchase required with VoIP, starting at $85. Equipment must be returned within 30 days of cancellation. Equipment restocking fee may apply if order is canceled or service is terminated within 30 days. MBG and/or promotional offers do not apply to service ordered for temporary, short term or special events.  Firm Price Quote  is valid for 5 business days and is an estimate based on current pricing, promotions and taxes that are subject to change. Quote does not include additional charges for nonstandard installations. Verizon Wi-Fi available in select areas with qualifying packages. Software limitations and other terms apply. Visit business.verizon.net/wifi for details.  Offers are available for a limited time only and are subject to change without notice.  Wired speeds advertised. Wired & wireless speeds vary due to device limits, multiple users, network & other factors. See  www.verizon.com/yourspeed  for more info. Service availability varies.

Fios Internet & Phone Bundle (VSB):  Usage charges apply on basic line. Activation fee of $49 may apply based on speed tier purchased. Wireless Verizon Router is available for$399.99 purchase and $18/mo rental (except in Maryland, where the wireless Fios Router is available for $299.99 purchase and $15/mo rental).  Wireless router models and prices are subject to change. Backup battery available for Fios voice services & E911. VSB not available with 2048/2048 Mbps Internet (2 Gigabit Connection).

Fios Internet & Business Digital Voice (BDV) Bundle:  Pricing for BDV line(s) with the Fios bundle: For speeds 200/200 Mbps and higher: the first BDV line is available for $20/mo. and $25/mo. for each addl. line. Pricing reflected in the cart. No annual contract required. $49 activation fee may apply. Wireless Verizon Router is available for $399.99 purchase and $18/mo rental (except in Maryland, where the wireless Fios Router is available for $299.99 purchase and $15/mo rental). Wireless router models and prices are subject to change. Business Digital Voice requires phone equipment purchase starting at $85.00.

Basic Internet & Phone Bundle : $49.00 activation fee applies with 2 year contract; $99.00 activation fee applies with no annual contract. Wireless router available for $49.00, subject to change. Basic Internet will be provisioned at our fastest speed available at your location of up to 1Mbps, 3Mbps, 5Mbps, 7Mbps or 10-15Mbps based on VZ line qualifications requirements.

$5/month Auto Pay & Paper-Free Billing discount:  For new and existing Fios Internet or Basic Internet customers on select plans. May not be combined with all offers. $5/mo. discount begins when you sign up for Auto Pay (ACH or debit card only) & paper-free billing (registration on  verizon.com/mybusiness  required). $5 discount will be applied each month as long as auto pay and paper-free billing stay active.

$85 Business Digital Voice Phone Discount:  Offer available on select IP Phones with purchase of a new Fios Internet and Business Digital Voice bundle with a two year agreement. Fulfilled via bill credit. Taxes apply. Limit one discount per phone model. Restocking fee may apply if canceled within 30 days. Available to select customers in select areas only. Offer ends 6.30.24.

Included Router Rental Fee:  Available only to Fios Internet customers on the Gigabit Connection plan (up to 940/880 Mbps) or 2 Gigabit Connection plan (up to 2048/2048 Mbps) where available. Qualifying customers will receive a monthly bill credit for the applicable monthly router rental fee for as long service with qualifying plan is on the account.  Promo credits end when eligibility requirements are no longer met.  If your Fios service is cancelled, you must return the Fios router subject to Verizon’s standard return policy. 

Fios Switching Allowance Offer:  Offer for new business customers in select areas only who sign up for qualifying Fios internet service with a two year agreement (subject to credit review) and who terminated their prior internet service and incurred an early termination fee (ETF). To redeem offer, you must email documentation of the ETF from your prior service provider w/in 30 days after receipt of final bill. Offer fulfilled via a bill credit to your Verizon account in the amount of the billed ETF, up to $1,500. Credit will be issued starting after 30 days of service, and will appear on your Verizon bill within 2-3 billing cycles. You remain solely responsible for paying the ETF to your prior service provider. Offer is non-transferable, has no cash or refund value, and may not be combined with all offers. Other terms apply. Offer ends 6.30.24.

Visa Prepaid Card Offers:  Businesses who sign up for qualifying Fios Business Internet with our mid-tier or high-tier speeds with a two-year agreement are eligible to receive a Visa Prepaid Card, with the Visa Prepaid Card amount based on speed tier purchased, as follows: (i) $100 Visa Prepaid Card for Fios 500/500 Mbps plan; or (ii) $200 Visa Prepaid Card for Fios 1 Gig plan (up to 940/880 Mbps) or Fios 2 Gig plan (2048/2048 Mbps). May only be combined with select offers. Visa Prepaid Card is issued by Pathward®, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. No cash access or recurring payments. Can be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. Card valid for up to 12 months, funds do not expire and may be available after card expiration date, fees may apply. Terms and conditions apply.  This optional offer is not a Pathward product or service and Pathward neither endorses nor sponsors it. Must register for card online and keep qualifying Verizon service for 60 days from install, with no past-due balance 65 days from install. Card mailed within 90 days of install date. Limit one card per account. Other card terms and conditions apply. Offers end 6.30.24.

Fios Business Internet/Business Unlimited Offer:  Available to select, eligible new and existing business customers who activate a new, qualifying Fios Business Internet service line and who have or activate a qualifying Business Unlimited smartphone plan (at least 1 line). Availability varies. For each qualifying Fios line, customer will receive a $20/mo credit which will continue as long as Verizon provides and customer maintains both services as qualifying levels. Credit is applied once both services are activated and will appear on your bill in 1-2 cycles. May not be combined with all offers.

$100 One-Time Discount:  Offer available only to business customers who are new to Verizon and who sign up for a qualifying Fios Business Internet plan and a qualifying Verizon Wireless Business Unlimited plan. Existing Verizon customers are not eligible. One time $100 discount offer fulfilled as a bill credit to your Verizon Wireless account and will appear within 1-2 billing cycles. May only be combined with select offers. Limited time offer.

Fios Internet Only:  $49 activation fee applies based on speed tier.  Wireless Verizon Router is available for $399.99 purchase and $18/mo rental (except in Maryland, where the wireless Fios Router is available for $299.99 purchase and $15/mo rental).  Wireless router models and prices are subject to change.

Basic Internet Only: $49.00 activation fee applies with 2 year contract; $99.00 activation fee applies with no annual contract. Wireless router available for $49.00, subject to change. Verizon Basic Internet will be provisioned at up to 1Mbps, 3Mbps, 5Mbps, 7Mbps or 10–15Mbps based on VZ line qualifications requirements. Availability subject to final confirmation by Verizon.

Preferred Voice Only:  Offer available to new and existing customers. Requires 2-yr term agreement. Includes unlimited direct-dialed voice calls to anywhere in the US. Selected activation and installation charges are waived. Additional charges may apply for inside wiring and/or other installation services. Additional Universal Service Fee, taxes and other charges apply. Call detail is not provided for unlimited calling.

Business Digital Voice (BDV) Only:  Offer available to new customers with 100 voice lines or fewer in select areas only, subject to credit review. BDV requires an existing Internet connection of 5Mbps or higher. $99.99 activation and $200 installation fees apply. Additional charges apply for inside wiring and/or other installation services. Phone equipment purchase req’d, starting at $85.00. Call detail is not provided for unlimited calling.

Fios TV:  Wireless Verizon Router is available for $399.99 purchase and $18/mo rental (except in Maryland, where the wireless Fios Router is available for $299.99 purchase and $15/mo rental).  Wireless router models and prices are subject to change.. $99.99 activation and $89.99 installation fees (first three existing TV outlets) apply. Additional charges apply for inside wiring and/or other installation services. $11.99/mo. HD set top box, franchise and regulatory fees, up to $8.89 Regional Sports Network (RSN) fee, $16.49 Broadcast Fee, other taxes and fees apply. Equipment shipping charge may apply. Program availability varies by location. Number of channels is approximation. High Definition (HD) TV with HD STB required for HD programming. Certain TV plans, Pay Per View (PPV) and Subscription or fee-based Video On Demand (VOD) are not permitted for viewing in restaurants, bars or other customer service areas. Channel lineup is subject to change and not all channels will be available at all times. Blackout restrictions apply. Month-to-month service without an annual contract required.

Fios TV Mobile app:  Req. compatible device and Fios® TV. Content restrictions may apply. Fios Internet req’d for in-office use. Full channel access and DVR streaming require Fios Multi-Room DVR enhanced or Premium Service. Max. combined 5 simultaneous live TV streams and/or DVR streams per media server. Streaming of TV shows and movies On Demand included in your plan is available to all business customers. Streaming of rented/purchased TV shows and movies On Demand is only available to Private Viewing business customers. Requires acceptance of Terms of Service and Private Viewing conditions at  verizon.com/mybusiness . Early access to Fios TV Mobile app begins with activation & ends upon installation or in 14 days, whichever comes first. Wireless data charges may apply.

Veterans / Active Military offer:  Offer available to eligible and verified members of the U.S. military and U.S. Veterans in select areas with Business Fios Internet with a two year agreement, subject to credit review. Not available in all areas/locations. Upon military service verification through Veterans Advantage, eligible customers will receive a discount in the amount of $5/month for speeds up to 500M/500M; or $10/month for 940/880 Mbps and 2048/2048 Mbps (where available), for as long as that customer maintains qualifying Business Fios Internet service. Not available for month-to-month plans. Eligible customers must complete the military service verification process within 30 days of the order to get the discount.

Business Internet Secure:  Available to businesses with 19 employees or less. Requires current Fios Business Internet service. Business Internet Secure licenses are sold in packs of 5, 10, and 25 with one license covering one device (laptop, desktop, smartphone or tablet). One license pack at a time per customer account. Prices are monthly and exclusive of taxes and fees. Terms and conditions apply. System requirements: Windows 7 and above; Mac OSX 10.9 and above; Android OS 5.0 and above, or Apple iOS 10.0 and above.

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Home > Services > Phone

The 5 Best Business Cell Phone Plans of 2023

Data as of 12/7/22. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. *AutoPay Discount included: -$5/mo. per line. Plus taxes & fees.

We are committed to sharing unbiased reviews. Some of the links on our site are from our partners who compensate us. Read our editorial guidelines and advertising disclosure .

Business.org’s 5 best business cell phone plans

At&t: best full-featured plans.

Looking for a broad choice of bells and whistles? As a telecom behemoth, AT&T has plenty of cell phone features and packages to offer a business—around 20 plan variations, small to large. All plans include free US roaming, unlimited talk, and text messages, as well as unlimited texting outside of the country. Basic features like call forwarding, voicemail, caller ID, call waiting, and conference calling also come standard with all AT&T business cell phone plans, along with bring-your-own-phone support.

AT&T's business cell phone plans

Data as of 12/7/22. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

Business Unlimited plan prices start at $35 a month per line, and there is a new perk where unlimited data is included in the unlimited talk and text plan. This means there is no need to worry about overages or data caps. 

 AT&T business plans can also accommodate up to 10 lines per account, and they come fully loaded with perks—like Stream Saver. This feature optimizes streaming video on your phone to 480p so you can watch webinars on-the-go without dealing with a blurry picture.

Each plan also includes a decent array of iOS and Android smartphone options and even a few good ol’ flip phones. A 15% military veteran discount can be applied to the Business Unlimited plans, as well as AT&T-owned DIRECTV services (because, again, telecom behemoth).

Users are eligible for a discount if they elect for autopay and paperless billing but this discount is only applied until after two pay periods. We don't know why the discount cannot be applied earlier in the billing process but we do find it frustrating. 

T-Mobile: Best flexible plans

Not sure exactly what you’ll need in a mobile plan besides future adaptability? T-Mobile, the third-largest wireless service in the US, offers four Magenta® for Business plans, all packed with unique features that set T-Mobile apart from the rest. The German-owned company has also earned a reputation for stellar customer service and was the first to eliminate annual contracts (an idea that stuck—none of the plans reviewed on this page require contracts). In April 2018, the company announced its intention to merge with Sprint under the T-Mobile banner.

T-Mobile's business cell phone plans

Data as of 12/7/22. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. *While using AutoPay.

All of T-Mobile’s Business cell phone plans offer the same basic features:

Unlimited talk and text

Unlimited 5G and 4G LTE data on our network

• Unlimited mobile hotspot
• Scam Shield

Unlimited calling and texting to Mexico & Canada

Unlimited video streaming

In addition, all T-Mobile Business plans include DIGITS, which allows you to access up to five phone numbers on a single device. That means you could answer calls to your work number and your personal number on one device—no more packing two phones in your bag every day. DIGITS also lets you share your phone number across multiple devices, so you can answer on your phone, smartwatch, tablet, or computer.

T-Mobile users with a Business plan can also add the PlusUp add-on and get extra features, like Voicemail to Text, HD streaming, 20 GB of 4G LTE mobile hotspot data, unlimited in-flight Wi-Fi, caller ID, and double the data speed when roaming internationally.

Keep in mind, though, that T-Mobile’s Business plans are available only on plans with two to 13 lines. If you need more than 13 lines, you’ll need to sign up for the 13+ Plan ($285 per month for 13 lines, plus $25 per month for each additional line).

T-Mobile plans also allow bring-your-own-device convenience, or you can buy phones up front with a single payment (there are nearly 40 iOS and Android phones to choose from).

Now that T-Mobile and Sprint have been merged for almost six months, some significant changes have taken effect. T-Mobile’s website is now the only place businesses can sign up for Sprint or T-Mobile business phone accounts.

Sprint still has an active business website for previous users but all new plans will be sold by T-Mobile on its website.

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Verizon: Best growing business plans

Serving over 150 million customers, Verizon isn’t just big, it’s BIG. Such a mobile mammoth might not seem like the obvious choice for a small business, but for what it lacks in a personalized customer service reputation, Verizon more than makes up for by offering every cell phone feature there is, as well as dominant US, and near-dominant global, coverage. Like McDonald’s and Marvel movies, Verizon is everywhere.

Verizon's business cell phone plans

Data as of 12/7/22. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. *With 4+ lines

While business owners can get business cell phone plans with limited data, we recommend choosing an unlimited plan if you have multiple employees (or do a lot of work via cell phone).

Verizon’s Business Unlimited cell phone plans are scalable from four employees up to and over 40. And with plans starting at just $40 per line, Verizon Business Unlimited plans are an attractive option whether you’re running a tiny company with no expansion plans, a medium-sized business with an eye toward growth, or a large enterprise with heavy cell phone requirements.

Verizon Beyond Unlimited plans also include unlimited mobile hotspot use, though your speeds are limited depending on your plan. Plus, you get unlimited calling and texting to Mexico and Canada—not to mention unlimited calling, texting, and data while in those countries. And naturally, you also get unlimited talk and text as part of your Beyond Unlimited package.

Verizon doesn’t skimp on device choices either. There are nearly 100 iOS and Android phones and tablets available—including the Verizon Jetpack, a mobile hotspot device that can connect 10 devices to its 4G LTE network and an additional five to 3G.

If your company requires truly “unlimited” cell phone service and scalability to grow and is in the position to pay for functionality with frills, Verizon Business Unlimited is the way to go. Bare-bones operations, however, might want to look elsewhere.

Each of our recommendations has its strengths and weaknesses. Sometimes the most difficult part about finding a phone system is determining exactly what you need and don't need. The best place to start is separating your needs between installing a new system, replacing a system or expanding system.

If you are having trouble sorting out exactly what your phone needs are, use this tool to help you understand what the best options are for your unique needs. 

MintMobile: Most affordable plans

We are sure you’ve seen the commercials with Ryan Reynolds talking about this new phone carrier business with a fox logo called Mint Mobile. In fact, a lot of Mint customers were drawn to Mint because of Ryan Reynolds Hollywood looks, but that’s not the only thing Mint has to offer. 

Mint is inexpensive and transparent, compared to other cell phone carriers with hidden fees and seemingly random regulations.

MintMobile's business cell phone plans

Data as of 12/7 /22 . Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

T hese are the prices for new customers and will last up to three months. After the third month, you are eligible to sign up for a 6- or 12-month contract on one of the tiered plans, all less than $35/mo/user, which is astronomically less than other providers. 

MintMobile is no fuss, and you really do feel like you must be tricking the rest of the world with its pricing. The only issue is that MintMobile is fairly new, launched in 2015, coverage is not completely everywhere. There are still a couple of coverage gaps in the West, namely Utah, Nebraska, Idaho and Nevada. If you are east of the Rocky Mountains, you are good to go!

Teltik: Best perks plans

If you’re a strapped startup, New Jersey’s Teltik can get you up and running on the cheap. Teltik is a reseller service operating on T-Mobile’s 4G LTE network, meaning it can offer the reliability and reach of a giant provider at smaller-company prices. Teltik also has the advantage of being completely US-based, with 24/7 local customer service that’s not outsourced overseas.

Teltik's business cell phone plans

3 more (non-business) cell phone plans reviewed by business.org.

Teltik appears to have a dozen plans, but they’re mostly just variations of the essential plan that offers all the expected basics. Not coincidentally, the features mirror those of T-Mobile, as they’re on the same network.

The most basic plan starts at $20 a month and includes unlimited calling and texting, mobile hotspot service, and unlimited data—with a 2 GB cap on 4G LTE speeds (meaning your speed gets throttled to 128 Kbps if you use more than 2 GB of data in a month). From there, you can upgrade your plan to include more 4G LTE data and more mobile hotspot data. Upgraded plans cost anywhere from $30 to $40 per month, and they all include one cloud-phone VoIP line—perfect for small businesses looking to save on all their telecommunications needs.

One distinctly entertaining feature (pun intended) of Teltik’s business plans? You get unlimited media streaming from over 40 music services (including Spotify, Pandora, and Apple Music) and more than 100 video services (including YouTube, Netflix, and any other channel you can think of). That means you can stream as much TV as you want without it eating into your data. It’s almost as if Teltik doesn’t want you to get any work done.

Another thing you need to know: Teltik doesn’t sell phones. Instead, the company operates on a strict bring-your-own-device basis. Any unlocked phone will work with its network, as will any T-Mobile device, of course. However, you will have to spend $10 plus shipping and handling to buy a new SIM card for each of your devices (unless they’ve already got brand-new, unused T-Mobile SIM cards).

The takeaway

Assess your company’s current cell phone usage, and projected future needs, before diving into any plan. What looks like a great deal could turn out to be more than you actually need—or you may have initially underestimated your business’s cell phone requirements. Also, if your company has both cell phone and regular office phone needs, check into bundling. The larger telecom providers offer both types of phone coverage, and bundling services is an easy way to save money in the long run.

Don’t want to carry around separate phones for work and personal calls? With the right VoIP service, you don’t have to. Check out our favorite business VoIP providers to see which ones offer on-the-go business phone capabilities.

Business cell phone plan FAQs

If you have several employees working outside of the office on a regular basis, desk-bound phones obviously aren’t going to work for them. Some may be only calling and texting while others will be checking email, using GPS navigation, and accessing the internet for work, but a cell phone is a must for employees in the field.

If you’re a one-person operation accountable to only yourself, you could get by with a personal cell plan. Keeping track of multiple employees’ hours, data, and providers, however, would be an extra headache you don’t need. For streamlining and collaboration purposes, a business cell phone plan would be the easier route.

Most of the plans we’ve reviewed here offer unlimited data—domestically, at least—so hitting the data ceiling won’t likely be an issue. But if you want to forecast how much data your business uses every month, providers make data plan estimators available on their websites. Or you could use a third-party calculator app.

BYOD stands for bring your own device . Another common term is BYOP for bring your own phone . These can mean that employees are using their personal phones, tablets, or laptops on their own carrier plans for work or that they’ve put those devices on the company’s plan. The upside? Less expensive than buying devices. The downside? Extra security concerns.

In the annoying absence of Wi-Fi, you can use a cell phone signal to connect a wireless device to the internet by switching on the mobile hotspot option and simply treating it like a Wi-Fi router. For multiple device connections, a dedicated hotspot (such as Verizon’s Jetpack) can provide a faster, and more stable, connection.

Business owners weigh in

Methodology

To find the best business cell phone options, we considered pricing plans, customer support, and data limits. We also looked at the variety of contracts and whether these plans were flexible with discounts. 

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Mobile App Business Plan

A business has three pillars: the idea, the plan, and the execution. Congratulations! You have the app idea already, now you have to step forward with a plan.

But, somewhere with all the workload, the concept of the app, hiring the right people, budget, and development of the app, entrepreneurs overlook the need for planning.

Worry not, we are here to lighten your burden with our step-by-step guide for mobile app business plan writing.

Key Takeaways

• A mobile application business plan helps you define your marketing strategy, customer acquisition strategy, retention strategy, and strategies to achieve your business goals.
• Craft an impactful executive summary that outlines the type of your app business, marketing approach, financial outlook, and team expertise to attract potential investors and partners.
• Conduct thorough market research to understand market trends, consumer preferences, and the needs of your target market.
• To ensure efficient daily operations, provide in-depth operational plans that incorporate staffing, additional services, and customer service.
• Create realistic financial projections for sales revenue, expenses, and profit forecasts while considering contingencies & emergencies.

Let’s get started with our guide, without any further ado:

How to Create a Mobile App Business Plan: A Complete Guide

1. executive summary.

An executive summary is a quick overview of the whole business plan. From mission & vision to financial projections, it includes everything in between.

Generally, entrepreneurs write this section at the end after having the full knowledge of the entire business plan.

Begin your executive summary with a brief introduction of your business, and include other elements like:

• Market Opportunity
• Vision & mission statement
• Target market
• Unique value proposition
• Details of your services
• Management team
• Financial Outlook
• Call to action

For instance, here is an example of an app business USP’s section:

USP for PrivyConnect – Social Media App: “Connect with Total Privacy”

Our social media app is dedicated to ensuring your online interactions remain private and secure. Unlike many other platforms, we don’t share your data or personal information with third parties.

We use robust encryption to protect your messages and content, and you have full control over who can see your posts. With us, you can truly connect with your friends and family in a safe and trusted environment. Your privacy is our priority.

Note: your readers might not read the whole business plan, but they will go through the executive summary. Therefore, make sure you write it engagingly to grab their interest.

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2. Company Overview

In this section, present your business in detail. It should provide the details of your business & app name, the location of your office, the structure of your business, and other such information.

Now it is time you introduce what type of business you own, for example, your app type will be one from below:

• Social media app
• Messaging app
• E-commerce app
• Entertainment app
• Health and fitness app
• News or magazine app
• Navigation app
• Finance app

After that, mention the company history if you have any. Add the name and other qualifications & achievements of business owners. Mention the vision & mission statement of your app business along with your future goals.

In short, this section should provide an in-depth understanding of your business and business owners.

3. Industry Analysis

In the industry analysis section of your mobile app business plan, you have to provide the details about the mobile app industry. It will help you understand the market and gain a better insight into your business positioning.

Here are certain questions to ask while performing industry analysis:

• What is the current size of the app industry in terms of both revenue and users?
• What are the current trends of mobile app businesses?
• Which apps are leading the industry?
• Which mobile app concept is famous in public?

Conduction this industry analysis will educate you about the market and help you prepare marketing strategies according to the market trends.

In short, industry analysis will help to know a clear picture of the market, helping you in making informed decisions.

4. Competitive Analysis

Competitive analysis will help you identify the unique selling propositions (USP). Also, this way you will get to know your competitors.

Start by specifying who are your competitors – then compare it with both direct and indirect customers.

Now, let’s focus on your direct competitors, those similar to your mobile app. Provide an overview of each competitor, including their size and where they’re based.

Here are some questions to ask for competitive analysis:

• Who are your primary competitors?
• Who do they serve?
• What are their USPs?
• What is their pricing strategy?
• What do they need to work on according to their customers?

A more effective way to this analysis is to conduct it from the customers’ viewpoint. You might even ask your competitors’ customers what they like and dislike about their apps to better understand customers’ perspectives.

Here is an example of competitors and competitive advantage of the app:

Competitors

SocialShield: SocialShield is a notable competitor in the privacy-focused social media segment. It emphasizes strong user data protection and secure communications. Their user base has been steadily growing, particularly among privacy-conscious users.

GuardChat: GuardChat offers encrypted messaging and content sharing. It has a user-friendly interface and strong encryption features. While their user base is smaller compared to established platforms, they have garnered a dedicated following.

PriviNet: PriviNet has made a name for itself by offering comprehensive privacy controls and anonymous user interactions. They have built a niche community of users who value privacy and user-controlled sharing settings.

Competitive Advantages of PrivyConnect

PrivyConnect’s comprehensive privacy controls and encryption set it apart as a top contender.

The app’s transparent communication and commitment to environmental responsibility contribute to its appeal.

PrivyConnect’s active community-building efforts and user engagement foster loyalty.

The app’s plans to expand into secure content sharing and social community growth align with industry trends.

This way you can get to know the USP of a mobile app development company. Once you get the USP, flaunt it in the entire business plan.

5. Market Analysis

In the market analysis section, do the market research and dive right into the market where you will be providing your app services. Begin the section by providing the details of your target customers.

Your target customers will depend on the type of app you own and the services you provide.

After a thorough discussion of the target market, discuss the market trends. Mention what your target customers prefer and what new are they looking for. For example, people might be looking for:

• Integration of AR/VR
• Sustainable and eco-friendly apps
• Privacy and data protection
• Personalization

At the end of the market analysis, do mention the regulatory environment mobile apps need to follow in the particular location.

6. Sales and Marketing Plan

Writing the sales and marketing section means jotting down the marketing strategy you will use to acquire new users and retain the existing ones.

Now it is time to mention the marketing strategies for your app, there are three phases of the launch:

Pre-launch phase

• App-store optimization: Before launching the app, search for the keywords to include in your title, description, and other content.
• Build a landing page: You can create a website or build a landing page to make your brand presence prominent on the web too.
• Pre-launch promotion: Launch a teaser for your app before the release date itself. Give some special offers to the ones who will sign up even before the launch.

Launch phase

• Deploy it on major app stores: Launch your app on all the major app stores to reach a wider audience. Make sure it is working smoothly and is free of bugs.
• Social media marketing: There were going to be 147.2 billion annual app downloads in 2023 itself. Imagine the competition, so be sure to make your visibility strong through social media platforms.
• Content marketing: Create blog posts, videos, or infographics related to your app’s niche. Share valuable content on your website and social media to engage users.

Post-launch phase

• User reviews and feedback: Encourage users to leave positive reviews and ratings on app stores. Actively respond to user feedback and address issues (if any) ASAP.
• User engagement strategies: You can enable push notifications or in-app notifications to interact with your users. You can also ask them to invite friends in exchange for a referral bonus.
• Collaboration or influencer marketing: You can collaborate with some other mobile app companies and do cross-marketing. Influencer marketing is also a great choice.

Once you have noted down how you will acquire customers, then mention below things too:

• Customer acquisition cost
• Your monthly paid advertisement budget
• Number of followers you have on social media
• If there are any in-app purchases

7. Management Team

Knowing who is behind your app business will increase the appeal of your business plan.

The management team tells you about the people in charge of the app business. It should explain each manager’s experience, what they’re good at, and what their jobs are.

Here is an example of the management team:

Management team of PrivyConnect

Founder and CEO – Sarah Anderson Sarah is the visionary leader behind PrivyConnect. With a background in cybersecurity and a passion for online privacy, she founded the company to provide users with a secure and private social media experience. Sarah is responsible for setting the company’s strategic direction and ensuring its commitment to user privacy and data protection.

CTO – David Ramirez David brings a wealth of technical expertise to PrivyConnect. He has a strong background in mobile app development and security protocols. David oversees the technical development of the app, ensuring that it employs state-of-the-art encryption and privacy measures.

CMO – Emily Davis Emily is the marketing guru behind PrivyConnect’s success. With a knack for digital marketing and user engagement, she is responsible for building the app’s user base and promoting its unique selling propositions. Emily focuses on user-centric marketing strategies and community engagement.

COO – Michael Chen Michael is the operations expert at PrivyConnect. With years of experience in streamlining business operations, he ensures the app runs smoothly and efficiently. He also oversees partnerships and collaborations to enhance the app’s offerings.

8. Operations Plan

As earlier sections mentioned everything about your company goals, here it is time to mention how you will reach them. These goals are differentiated into two sections:

Everyday goals

They’re the heart and soul of your mobile app’s daily life, from coding and upgrades to the nitty-gritty of customer support. These are the everyday heroes that keep your app running smoothly.

Long-term goals

It’s all about milestones: the moments that make you pop the champagne. Picture celebrating your 10,000th app install, hitting that milestone sales figure you’ve dreamt of, or expanding your team.

9. Financial Plan

Your financial plan needs to have a 5-year financial forecast. For the first year, break it down into monthly or quarterly details, and then summarize it annually. This forecast should cover your income statement, balance sheet, Use of Funds, and cash flow.

Income statement

An income statement, often known as a Profit and Loss statement or P&L, displays your earnings and then deducts your expenses to know the profitability of your business. Make practical assumptions based on your competition.

Balance sheet

Balance sheets display your assets and liabilities. Although they can contain a lot of details, like equity, goodwill, other intangible assets, etc.

Uses of Funds

When you are seeking funding, this statement becomes necessary to show where you will use the funds. Here is an example of the Uses of Funds chart with the help of Upmetrics:

Cash flow statement

Your cash flow statement helps you see how much money you need to start or grow your business and avoid running out of money.

Surprisingly, you can make a profit but still face financial problems that could lead to bankruptcy. Therefore, you will need proper cash flow planning to avoid such circumstances.

Why Do You Need a Business Plan for Your Mobile App

For entrepreneurs who jump into business directly without writing a business plan is like delaying their success. Here are some reasons why you need a mobile app business plan:

Writing a business plan helps you work out and make clear your business strategy. Do you want customers to pay upfront? Or there are in-app purchases? Writing this down from the start helps your team understand where you’re headed.

Finances are important

Sometimes, it takes months or even a year to cover customer acquisition costs. So, you need a plan with a solid financial forecast. A good plan lets you play with different situations, so you know how much money you need for both the long and short term.

Acquiring and retaining customers

Acquiring and retaining customers is one of the sole purposes of a business. In the business plan, you have to mention in detail about your strategies to have a clear roadmap.

Knowing Your Market

A business plan lets you identify your ideal customer profile. Knowing your customers is crucial, and having a deep understanding of your customers helps you make the correct updates to your product in the future.

Related Mobile App Resources

• How Much Does it Cost to Start an App
• How to Start an Mobile App Business

Download a Mobile App business plan template

Ready to kick-start your business plan writing process? And not sure where to start? Here you go, download our free mobile app business plan pdf , and start writing.

This intuitive, modern, and investment-ready template is designed specifically for mobile app businesses. It includes step-by-step instructions & examples to help in creating your own mobile app business plan.

The Quickest Way to turn a Business Idea into a Business Plan

Fill-in-the-blanks and automatic financials make it easy.

Finally! You know how to write a mobile app business plan. Thus, you are one step closer to starting or expanding your business.

No doubt, writing a business plan is a challenging task, but it is a lot smoother with a top business planning tool . Therefore, take a deep breath and get started with your plan. All the best!

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Business Plan Presentation Tips

Frequently asked questions, do i need to include information about competitors in the business plan.

Yes, in the section of competitive analysis: you need to mention your competitors and their USPs. This will help you to understand the market and know your strong points.

How often should I update my mobile app business plan?

An app business plan is a living document, you can change or update it whenever you want. Ideally, go through your plan and make changes according to the current situations atleast once a month.

Can I use a mobile app business plan to secure funding for my app project?

One of the main purposes of writing a business plan is to secure funding or get a loan. So, of course, you can present a solid mobile app business plan in front of lenders to secure funding.

How much does it cost to create a mobile app business plan?

Writing a mobile app business plan might cost from a few hundred to thousands of dollars depending on the complexity of the app, the number of integrations, UI/UX, etc.

About the Author

Vinay Kevadiya

Vinay Kevadiya is the founder and CEO of Upmetrics, the #1 business planning software. His ultimate goal with Upmetrics is to revolutionize how entrepreneurs create, manage, and execute their business plans. He enjoys sharing his insights on business planning and other relevant topics through his articles and blog posts. Read more

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Small Business Trends

67 mobile business ideas for modern on-the-go entrepreneurs.

These days, you don’t need a permanent location to start a business. There are tons of mobile business ideas that can be done on your own time and with little startup costs.

What Are Mobile Businesses?

Mobile businesses defy the traditional brick-and-mortar model by offering services or products without a fixed location. Some require you to travel to clients, while others can be done from anywhere. These businesses offer:

• Flexibility : Offer entrepreneurs the ability to set their schedules and choose their operational locations.
• Low Overhead Costs : Without the need for a permanent physical location, costs such as rent and utilities are often minimized.
• Targeted Operations : Enables businesses to position themselves directly in high-footfall areas or where their services are in high demand.
• Personalized Services : Many mobile businesses can tailor their offerings depending on the location and clientele.
• Quick Adaptability : Given their nimble nature, these businesses can swiftly adapt to market trends or relocate based on demand.

Here’s a word from Zay Wonder about ‘Mobile Business Ideas For 2023 That Can Make You $8k/month or More!’ He’s a regular guy but has entrepreneurial savvy, which you can see in several of his great mobile business ideas.

The Mobile Retail Business Industry Today

This industry has witnessed significant growth, buoyed by the popularity of pop-up shops, mobile service providers, and the undeniable allure of food trucks. Operating on wheels, these ventures can easily maneuver around to cater to various audiences, events, or market demands. Whether it’s a boutique on wheels selling curated vintage clothing or a mobile pet grooming service, the possibilities in the mobile retail space are vast and varied.

Why People Should Consider Becoming Mobile Business Owners

If you’re thinking of starting your own business, here are some top benefits of going mobile:

• Save money: There are generally fewer costs associated with starting a mobile business since you don’t need a dedicated location or large inventory.
• Make your own schedule: When you run your own mobile business, you can decide what jobs to take or events to attend. So there’s a lot of time freedom.
• Go where your customers are: If you can move your business, you can increase your customer base by setting up at special events or high-traffic areas.
• Increase brand awareness: Your company vehicle may serve as built-in advertising as you move throughout town.

Mobile Business vs. Brick-and-Mortar: A Comparative Overview

To better understand the unique advantages and challenges of mobile businesses, let’s compare them directly to traditional brick-and-mortar establishments:

Our Methodology for Picking the Best Mobile Business Ideas

When analyzing mobile business ideas, we employed a comprehensive approach to ensure that these opportunities align with market trends, personal interests, and practical feasibility. Here’s the methodology behind our selection:

Assessing Market Demand and Trends (Rating: 9/10)

Our first step was evaluating the market demand for mobile services or products. We focused on ideas that cater to current consumer needs and preferences, ensuring a viable market presence.

Cost Effectiveness and Initial Investment (Rating: 8/10)

We carefully considered the startup costs associated with each mobile business idea. Prioritizing options with lower initial investments reduces financial risk and facilitates easier market entry.

Flexibility and Lifestyle Compatibility (Rating: 8/10)

Given the nature of mobile businesses, we placed high importance on flexibility. We selected ideas that offer the ability to set your own schedule and operate in various locations, fitting well with different lifestyles.

Unique Value Proposition (Rating: 7/10)

To stand out in the mobile business sector, having a unique selling point is crucial. We looked for ideas that offer something distinct from traditional brick-and-mortar businesses and other mobile competitors.

Scalability and Expansion Potential (Rating: 7/10)

We evaluated the growth potential of each business idea, considering whether it could be scaled up through additional services, expanded geographical coverage, or franchising opportunities.

Skill and Passion Alignment (Rating: 8/10)

We matched business ideas with the individual’s skills and passions. A mobile business rooted in personal interests and expertise is more likely to succeed and provide satisfaction.

Regulatory Compliance and Logistics (Rating: 7/10)

Lastly, we ensured each business idea complies with relevant laws and regulations, including vehicular laws, business permits, and industry-specific regulations, which are critical for smooth and legal operation.

Best Mobile Business Ideas

If you’re ready to start a mobile business, here are some top ideas to consider.

1. Mobile Catering Business

Mobile Catering Business Caterers often find themselves at weddings, birthdays, or corporate events. To launch a mobile catering service, secure a reliable vehicle, stock up on delicious food items, and invest in quality serving equipment. Tailor your menu based on event types to stand out.

2. Mobile Salon

Mobile Salon Launching a mobile hair salon can fill a niche for busy individuals. Serving clients in the comfort of their homes ensures convenience. Beyond haircuts, consider offering a holistic experience with spa treatments, nail care, or professional makeup services.

3. Mobile Pet Grooming Business

Mobile Pet Grooming Business The modern trend in the pet grooming sector leans towards mobility. Pet enthusiasts increasingly opt for at-home grooming sessions to minimize stress for their animals.

Position yourself as a top-tier mobile groomer equipped with quality bathing tools and a comfortable vehicle.

• READ MORE: How to Start a Dog Grooming Business

4. Mobile Car Wash

Instead of stationary setups, consider a mobile car wash. Drive to customers’ residences or offices, delivering meticulous car washing and detailing services. By being mobile, you bring convenience directly to their doorsteps.

5. Mobile Bike Services

Cycling enthusiasts often need tune-ups or repairs. Provide valuable, on-site bike maintenance or restoration services. By meeting cyclists in their homes, you eliminate the need for them to transport bulky bikes to a shop.

6. Food Truck Business

Rather than traditional eateries, food trucks are versatile dining options. They can position in busy city centers, festivals, or local events. These mobile kitchens captivate foodies with diverse and creatively crafted menus, ensuring they stand apart from brick-and-mortar establishments.

7. Mobile Cleaning Services

Residential and commercial spaces alike require regular cleaning. Offering mobile cleaning services allows you to cater to individual needs.

Whether it’s general house cleaning, deep cleaning, or specialized tasks like window washing, being mobile offers a unique advantage in this sector.

8. Photography Business

Photographers often adapt to their clients’ needs, venturing wherever the job requires. Specialize in capturing moments at weddings, crafting scenic outdoor portraits, or showcasing the innocence of household pets. Investing in versatile equipment will be key.

More Ideas for Starting a Mobile Business

If you’re looking for other mobile business ideas, here are options for small business owners.

9. Ice Cream Truck

Distinct from the traditional food truck, ice cream trucks embody nostalgia and joy. They remain constantly on the move, engaging communities at every turn, bringing delightful cold treats to neighborhoods and parks, changing locations to maximize reach.

• READ MORE: How to Start an Ice Cream Truck Business

10. Clothing Boutique

Envision a mobile boutique as a fashion oasis on wheels. With a curated inventory of trendy attire and strategically placed racks, you can grace urban hotspots, bustling festivals, or local fairs. Ensure your collection resonates with the locale’s vibe

11. Mobile Billboard

Transform your vehicle into a moving advertisement canvas. Design vibrant, captivating ad spaces on the vehicle’s facade. Local enterprises can then leverage this mobile billboard, taking their promotional campaigns to diverse locations efficiently.

12. Mobile Mechanic

Eliminate the overheads of a garage space. With essential tools stored in your vehicle, you can attend to clients’ vehicular woes on-site. This approach brings mechanic services directly to clients’ driveways or workplaces, ensuring unparalleled convenience.

13. Personal Trainer

Craft a niche as a traveling fitness mentor. Collaborate with clients in their homes, serene local parks, or even community gyms. Tailor exercise regimes to individual needs, ensuring each session feels personalized and effective.

14. IT Services

In this digital age, technical glitches can hinder productivity. Offer on-the-go tech support, assisting local businesses or individuals by addressing tech issues at their premises. Staying updated with the latest tech trends is crucial.

15. Farmers Market Vendor

Farm-fresh produce has a charm of its own. Local farmers or artisanal producers can harness this charm, establishing stalls at various community events or markets, letting residents savor authentic, local flavors.

16. Mobile Coffee Shop

Envision serving artisanal brews from a compact cart. Target events, bustling corporate zones, or pedestrian-heavy areas. Prioritize freshness and a diverse menu, ensuring each cup invigorates the consumer’s senses.

17. Party Bus

Transform occasions into memorable journeys. Cater to weddings, proms, or corporate retreats with a fleet of luxury buses. Equipped to hold numerous guests, these vehicles should ensure comfort, safety, and a touch of extravagance.

18. Independent Bookstore

Books carry stories, emotions, and knowledge. Source diverse titles from second-hand shops, estate auctions, or literary enthusiasts. With a well-selected inventory, establish temporary bookstands at varying venues, letting readers delve into literary adventures on-the-go.

19. Thrift Store

Beyond just clothes, imagine an eclectic collection of treasures, from vintage furniture to quirky knick-knacks. With a mobile thrift store, you can curate an ever-changing inventory of gently-used items, taking nostalgia and sustainable shopping directly to consumers’ doorsteps.

20. Home Organizer

Stepping into chaotic homes, professional organizers serve as architects of serenity. They not only help clients declutter their living spaces but also design efficient storage solutions. Using a mix of spatial awareness and aesthetic sense, they transform spaces into functional sanctuaries.

21. Junk Removal

Post-construction debris, old furniture, or accumulated clutter often overwhelm homeowners. Junk removal businesses come to the rescue, clearing up spaces, responsibly disposing of waste, or even recycling. They ensure homes and commercial spaces regain their original luster.

22. Drone Photography Business

The vantage points drones offer are unparalleled. Specializing in drone photography, one can capture breathtaking panoramic landscapes or cater to real estate agents seeking aerial perspectives of properties.

Mastering drone controls and keeping abreast of tech innovations is key.

23. Tour Guide

Within regions steeped in history or natural beauty, there’s always a story waiting to be told. As a local tour guide, unravel these tales for eager tourists, weaving in anecdotes and fun facts. Offering tailored experiences or themed tours can further differentiate your service.

24. Errand Services

In our fast-paced world, time is a luxury. Offering errand services can be a boon for busy individuals or the elderly. For a nominal fee, tasks like grocery shopping, collecting prescriptions, or fetching laundry can be executed, offering clients some much-needed respite and convenience.

• READ MORE: Small Business Ideas for Beginners

25. Tutoring

Education doesn’t always need a classroom setting. Offer personalized sessions at students’ homes, assisting with tricky subjects or providing guidance for standardized test preparations. By being mobile, tutors can tailor teaching styles to individual learning environments.

26. Handyman Services

Every home has its list of repairs and installations. Handyman services bridge this gap, attending to tasks like mounting TV units, repairing leaky faucets, or assembling furniture.

A mobile handyman can bring a toolbox of solutions right to a customer’s doorstep, ensuring homes remain in pristine condition.

27. Event Planner

Creating memorable occasions requires meticulous planning and a touch of flair. While much of the coordination can be managed online, event planners frequently scout venues, collaborate with vendors, and oversee on-site arrangements.

Their expertise ensures each celebration goes off without a hitch.

28. Landscape Designer

Home exteriors tell a story, and landscape designers are the authors. After visiting clients’ properties to gauge space and potential, these designers craft bespoke outdoor plans. From there, communication tools allow them to finalize designs and oversee implementation from afar.

29. Home Chef

A gourmet experience doesn’t always need a restaurant. As a mobile chef, you can curate customized menus for families or intimate gatherings, cooking in clients’ kitchens. This approach ensures fresh preparation, personalized dishes, and a memorable culinary experience.

30. Wardrobe Consultant

Closets often harbor both treasures and forgotten items. Wardrobe consultants dive into these spaces, decluttering and assisting clients in creating fashionable outfits. Additionally, they might offer shopping assistance, ensuring clients’ closets evolve with current trends.

31. Event Entertainer

Events come alive with the right entertainment. This category spans a gamut: soulful bands, illusionist magicians, or vibrant balloon artists. These entertainers travel to venues, ensuring guests remain engaged and the event’s energy stays elevated.

32. Florist

Flowers breathe life and emotion into any space. With a mobile floral shop, florists can showcase fresh blooms, crafting arrangements on-the-go. They might cater to impromptu buyers or provide elaborate floral setups for grand occasions, brightening up spaces with nature’s hues.

33. Pet Sitting

Pet sitters offer peace of mind to traveling animal owners. By caring for pets in their familiar environments, stress is minimized. Whether it’s playful dogs or tranquil fish, pet sitters ensure all creatures receive care, attention, and love in their owners’ absence.

34. Smart Home Installations

In our rapidly digitalizing world, homes are becoming smarter. Technicians can install smart devices, integrating everything from voice-controlled speakers to sophisticated security setups, ensuring homes remain connected and residents enjoy tech conveniences.

35. Business Consultant

Leveraging a wealth of experience, seasoned entrepreneurs can mentor budding businesspersons. Through virtual consultations or on-site visits, they provide guidance on business strategies, operational efficiencies, and growth avenues.

36. In-Home Care

Care providers offer invaluable services, ensuring vulnerable individuals receive assistance with routine tasks. This not only ensures well-being but offers their regular caregivers a breather, knowing their loved ones are in competent hands.

37. Travel Blogging

Chronicle wanderlust adventures through a blog, sharing insights and experiences. Monetizing can arise from ads, brand partnerships, or building a following that values genuine travel advice and stories.

38. Yoga Instructor

Channel inner peace through yoga. Instructors can offer specialized sessions in serene parks, cozy homes, or rented studios, catering to both group classes or personalized sessions based on client needs.

39. Pop-up Events

Craft unique, themed events in different cities, captivating audiences with exclusive merchandise or experiences. These limited-time offerings can garner attention and offer a dynamic business model.

40. Mobile Photo Booth

Bring smiles and memories to events with a mobile photo booth. This setup captures candid moments, adding fun and keepsakes to any gathering, from weddings to corporate events.

41. Mobile Phone Repairs

Phones, essential in our daily lives, often suffer mishaps. Offer on-the-spot repairs, addressing issues from shattered screens to malfunctioning buttons, ensuring customers stay connected.

42. Laundry Service

Offer the luxury of convenience with a door-to-door laundry service. Collecting, cleaning, and delivering pristine garments makes daily routines smoother for busy individuals.

43. Airport Shuttle Service

Offer travelers reliable transit to and from airports. With punctuality and comfort at its core, this service simplifies journeys for both vacationers and business travelers.

44. Corporate Transportation Service

Corporate transport services usually offer luxury vehicles and pick up executives and clients from the airport or important meetings.

45. Employee Training Service

Companies frequently update tech or processes. Traveling trainers can educate teams on these nuances, ensuring smooth transitions and optimized operations.

46. Courier

Couriers deliver goods to various locations. Work with businesses in your area that need to get tangible items to clients or customers.

47. Locksmith

Lock predicaments are common yet stressful. Mobile locksmiths offer relief, whether it’s crafting new home keys or unlocking stranded cars, always ready for emergency calls.

48. Food Delivery

With a surge in online food orders, provide delivery services, transporting fresh meals or groceries to doorsteps, ensuring convenience and warmth.

49. Recycling Service

Pick up recyclable items like plastic or scrap metal from homes and businesses and bring it to recycling centers.

50. Compost Collection

Eco-consciousness extends to food waste. Offer composting solutions, collecting organic waste and converting it into fertile compost, promoting sustainable gardening.

51. Tool Rental Business

If you have a large selection of tools, drop them off with customers to rent for a small fee.

52. Pool Cleaning Service

If you love working outside, go to customers’ homes and clean their pools periodically over the summer.

53. Painting Service

Painters also generally work at clients’ homes and don’t need a dedicated location.

54. Window Tinting

Travel to customers’ vehicles to add tint or other unique features.

55. Massage Therapy

Massage therapists may work with clients in their homes instead of a dedicated spa.

56. Dog Walking

Take neighborhood dogs for walks each day.

57. Personal Shopper

Pick up groceries, clothing, or other items for your customers.

58. Party Rental Provider

For memorable events, reliable party equipment is essential. Be the go-to source by renting out entertainment and event essentials like bounce houses or elegant tents. Deliver and set them up, ensuring a seamless event experience for your customers.

59. Holiday Decor Service

With the festive season comes the desire to adorn homes with joyous decor. Assist residents in setting the festive mood by offering tailored decoration services, from cozy interior touches to twinkling exterior light setups, making every home a festive delight.

60. Landscaping Service

The beauty of a well-maintained yard is undeniable. Offer comprehensive landscaping services to those passionate about their outdoor spaces. This includes meticulous lawn care, strategic weed control, and decorative mulching, ensuring gardens radiate throughout warmer months.

61. Paint and Sip Parties

Blend creativity with fun in a relaxed environment. Instead of a traditional art studio, facilitate home-based paint and sip sessions, providing all necessary art supplies and guidance. Clients choose the theme, and you help unleash their inner artist over delightful sips.

62. Home Inspector

The home-buying process often necessitates expert evaluations. Collaborate with prospective home buyers and real estate professionals to offer thorough home inspections, ensuring every nook and cranny meets the desired standard and revealing potential issues.

In our increasingly mobile world, document verification remains vital. Notaries play a critical role in certifying essential documents.

By offering a mobile notary service, individuals and businesses can experience enhanced convenience, without compromising the authenticity of their documents.

64. Power Washing Service

Over time, external surfaces often accumulate stubborn grime. With a trusty power washer in tow, revitalize homes and driveways by stripping away dirt, revealing clean, refreshed surfaces that elevate curb appeal.

65. Windshield Replacement Service

A cracked windshield poses both aesthetic and safety concerns. Offer customers swift, on-location windshield replacement, ensuring they’re back on the road with a clear view, without the hassle of visiting a workshop.

66. Disc Jockey

Music breathes life into events. As a versatile DJ, curate and play soundtracks apt for diverse occasions, be it lively wedding receptions or corporate gatherings, ensuring the atmosphere is always lively and in tune with the crowd’s preferences.

67. Home Services Provider

Many homeowners require specialized services to maintain their homes. While certification or licensing might be essential for specific roles like plumbing or electrical tasks, with the right training and a dedicated vehicle, one can offer a myriad of essential home services, ensuring residences remain functional and safe.

Which Business is Best for Mobile?

Many businesses lend themselves well for a mobile model. However, food truck businesses are especially popular right now, and this can be a practical alternative to starting a traditional restaurant.

Places to Meet Your Customers

Selecting strategic locations to engage with your customers is vital for the success of your mobile business. These locations should align with your target audience’s preferences and routines. Consider setting up at popular community events, local markets, office complexes, or near recreational areas. High foot traffic areas, such as festivals downtown districts, shopping centers, and college campuses, can also be lucrative spots to connect with potential customers. A lot of customers like to relax at home, so think about bringing services like lawn care to them.

What Are the Advantages of Mobile Businesses?

Running a mobile company can offer advantages over purchasing a brick-and-mortar location or similar business models. Here are some specific benefits:

• Cost savings: Since you don’t need a brick-and-mortar location or large inventory, you can save on startup costs.
• Increased freedom: Most mobile businesses enjoy a flexible schedule, unlike other businesses that may need steady hours.
• Broader customer base: You can travel to customers and use your company vehicles as free advertising.

How to Start a Mobile Business in 6 Easy Steps

Starting a mobile business is an exciting venture that offers flexibility and lower overhead costs compared to traditional brick-and-mortar establishments. If you’re ready to embark on this journey, follow these six steps to kickstart your mobile business:

1. Develop Your Business Plan Before seeking investors, create a comprehensive business plan that outlines your company’s mission, market analysis, product details, marketing strategies, and financial projections. A well-structured plan is essential for securing funding and guiding your business toward success.

2. Set Your Budget Even though mobile businesses boast lower overhead costs, you’ll still need to budget for various expenses. Startup costs may include purchasing or outfitting a vehicle, registering your business, designing a website or app, and obtaining necessary licenses and permits. Ongoing expenses encompass vehicle and inventory insurance, small business insurance, staff wages, fuel, parking, and more.

3. Pick and Register Your Business Name Select a business name that resonates with your target audience and aligns with your market analysis. Ensure the domain name is available and check for social media availability to aid your marketing efforts. Once you’ve settled on a name, register your business with the state to solidify your branding.

4. Purchase Your Vehicle Choosing the right vehicle is crucial as it will transport your products and services to customers. You can consider buying a pre-owned vehicle and customizing it to your needs, leasing a basic outfitted vehicle for a trial period, or investing in a new custom vehicle that’s tailored to your business requirements.

5. Acquire the Necessary Licenses Licensing and permits are crucial for legally operating your mobile business. Depending on your location and industry, you’ll need a state business license, local business license, seller’s permit, fire certificate, health department permit, and potentially industry-specific licenses. Research your city’s requirements thoroughly and ensure compliance.

6. Hire Your Team and Start Selling With your vehicle customized, permits obtained, and inventory ready, it’s time to build your team and launch your business. Whether you’re starting small or expanding rapidly, hiring motivated team members and hosting a grand opening can create a buzz and kick off your selling journey.

Summary of Steps

The table below outlines the fundamental steps to initiate your mobile business. You can use it as a checklist and tick steps off as you go:

Ways to Build Repeat Business

Here are some effective strategies to foster customer loyalty and encourage customers to return for your products or services:

• Deliver Exceptional Service: Providing top-notch service is the cornerstone of building repeat business. Focus on exceeding customer expectations by offering personalized experiences, addressing their needs promptly, and ensuring their satisfaction at every interaction.
• Maintain Consistent Quality: Consistency is key. Whether you’re serving food, offering services, or selling products, maintaining a consistent level of quality and reliability builds trust with your customers. They should know that each time they engage with your mobile business, they can expect the same level of excellence.
• Offer Loyalty Programs: Implement loyalty programs that reward customers for their repeat business. This could include discounts, freebies, or exclusive offers for frequent customers. Loyalty programs not only incentivize return visits but also make customers feel appreciated.
• Engage on Social Media: Use social media platforms to connect with your customers even when you’re not physically present. Share engaging content, showcase behind-the-scenes glimpses, and run interactive campaigns to keep your audience interested and engaged.
• Send Personalized Follow-ups: After each transaction, consider sending personalized follow-up messages to thank customers for their business. This extra touch shows that you value their support and care about their experience.
• Gather Customer Feedback: Actively seek customer feedback to understand what’s working well and where improvements can be made. By addressing customer concerns and suggestions, you demonstrate your commitment to their satisfaction.
• Create a Memorable Brand: Develop a strong brand identity in a niche market that sets you apart and strikes a chord with your target audience. A memorable brand creates an emotional connection that can turn one-time customers into loyal patrons.
• Stay Updated: Keep customers informed about your offerings, promotions, and any updates related to your mobile business. Regular communication ensures that your business remains on their radar.
• Host Special Events: Organize special events or pop-up experiences that cater specifically to your existing customers. These events can make them feel like part of an exclusive community and encourage them to spread the word to their friends and family.
• Implement a Referral Program: Encourage satisfied customers to refer friends and family to your mobile business by offering incentives for successful referrals. Word-of-mouth recommendations from happy customers can significantly boost your repeat business.
• Adapt and Innovate: Stay attuned to changing trends and customer preferences. Continuously adapt and innovate your offerings to stay relevant and exciting in the eyes of your customers.
• Show Appreciation: Express gratitude for your customers’ loyalty. A simple “thank you” can go a long way in making them feel valued and eager to return.

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• Business Type
• Business Plan for Mobile Money Agent

Mobile Money Agent Small Business Idea and Business Plan

Starting your own small business in the UK isn’t easy but having a properly developed business plan will help you achieve success.

To start a Mobile Money Agent business in the UK, take the time and explain the idea via a business plan.

Understanding all of the aspects of the business idea will be the key to getting the Mobile Money Agent business running like a well-oiled machine. The business plan you develop will help you organize the elements needed into a strategy that you can actually use to startup, by paving a clear road map as to what you need to follow for the lifespan of your business.

Starting a Mobile Money Agent business isn’t easy, but when done right, it can lead to a lot of success.

To help you get started, you can use the free business plan builder tool to develop your own Mobile Money Agent business plan.

The business plan template is very easy to use, is interactive and will quickly and easily help you create your business plan just by answering the needed questions about your small business idea.

Create your own Mobile Money Agent business plan for free using the Business Plan Builder

The free business plan template builder is divided into a few easy to follow steps.

The free business plan builder template is provided by UKStartups.org to help you develop your own business plan. For step by step guidance, see the 5 steps below.

Once completed, the result will be a clean, professional plan that will help you start your own Mobile Money Agent small business in the UK.

When you have completed your Mobile Money Agent business plan, the next step will be to find available funding that will help, or to speak with a funding adviser who will assist you each step of the way to securing the needed funds to make your Mobile Money Agent business startup.

If you are looking to limit your startup costs when starting up a Mobile Money Agent small business in the UK, this free business plan builder tool will be it.

Starting a Mobile Money Agent business is only one of the ways others have used this free business plan tool. There are hundreds of different ideas you can start, and if you need guidance, do reach out to a UKStartups expert to get the needed assistance and guidance.

Step 1. Your business information

To develop a proper Mobile Money Agent business plan with the free business plan builder template, it is important to answer each of the questions about your business to the best of your abilities.

What is your business? What are the products/services you provide? Who are your customers? What are your goals…etc?

Having a clear explanation will help you create a in-depth business plan that you can actually use to start the Mobile Money Agent business and to apply for needed funding to cover your startup costs.

Step 2. Projecting your revenues/income

The Mobile Money Agent industry can have great results. Planning and projecting the financial figures to approximate what you will make each year is crucial to building a strong business plan.

What do you think your business will make from each of its products/services? Simply list your products/services, enter the appropriate financial figures (costs and expenses).

If you don’t have the figures, in many cases it is recommended to do a a bit more research on other Mobile Money Agent businesses locally and within your own region to get an idea of potential revenue. You can do your best to estimate the figures and growth potential.

If you need assistance in projecting, you can always contact UK Startups funding experts for the help.

Step 3. Your business market

As a Mobile Money Agent business, having a clear explanation of the market and industry that you are in will help you plan for the figure and will ensure you can take the business to the next level.

Explain your location of business, share specifics about your customers, showcase your competition and explain the advantages you have over your competition.

Step 4. The future plan

Starting your own Mobile Money Agent business and getting it off the ground is important to you.

No matter if you’re planning on applying for government funding for your Mobile Money Agent business or not, it is important to plan out the future and provide an explanation of how you will grow the business. This means explaining your marketing plan, your sales strategy and clearly outlining a growth plan for the next few years.

Be sure to break this down step by step to show how you intend on making sure your Mobile Money Agent business can grow each year.

Keep in mind that often business plans are focused on key people. Be sure to discuss yourself, your role and any other key figures in the business as well.

Step 5. The financials

In the end, it all comes down to the financials. If you are seeking funding, or not – the business plan you develop needs to have clearly defined financials or projections. The business plan builder tool makes it easy to develop your financial charts by simply entering your expected revenues per month and year. If you don’t have the figures as it’s a new business be sure to project the figures based on your expectations. If you need help with this, ask the UK Startups experts .

A clear breakdown of your funding needs is also recommended in case you are seeking funding and this free business plan template will help you with exactly that. When developing your Mobile Money Agent business plan using this free template, the above 5 steps are recommended in order to succeed. While there are other key points that will assist you in starting your business, finding funding...etc, the free template will help put you on the right path

Be sure to request a professional to review your business plan , to answer any questions you may have and to help you with the funding search once you’ve done the initial free template. You can request this directly via UKStartups.org and through the Small Business Startup Platform as a member.

If starting a Mobile Money Agent business is just one of your ideas, perhaps considering other options, here are some popular small business’s others have chosen to startup

• Golf Course Builder
• Craft Store
• Espresso Bar
• Washer & Dryer Store
• Cabin Rental Agency

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How to Start Mobile Money Business in Zambia

Daisy Neema | Posted in: Zambia

The mobile money business in Zambia has created many employment opportunities as it does not require any specialized knowledge to run. You will only need to have startup capital, register your business , and get the necessary licenses. With mobile money, you can choose to become an Airtel money agent, MTN mobile money agent or Zamtel Kwacha agent.

How Profitable is Mobile Money Business in Zambia?

Is mobile money business profitable? Mobile money business is profitable in Zambia because of high penetration rate of mobile telecommunication. There were 20.2 million mobile subscribers in Zambia in 2021. The number of people with bank accounts in the country is less than 40%. However, for your business to be profitable, you need to find a location with high traffic such as near a market, college or a bus station. If you facilitate few transactions a day, your profit margin will be very low. Therefore, your choice of location and the amount of float you have will determine how profitable your mobile money business will be.

How to Start Mobile Money Business

To start a mobile money business in Zambia, you need to do thorough research to know how mobile money business works and learn the tips to succeed in this business.

Mobile Money Business Plan

You need to plan well for your business to succeed. Conduct a market research and find out the money money services in high demand and those you can provide. Consider the security of the area you intend to operate your business (a mobile money agent was recently kidnapped and some have been robbed), the market share, competition, availability of customers, cashflow projections, risks and strengths of the business. To know how to about writing a successful mobile money agent business plan, read our previous article on what a business plan should include. If you can afford, you can hire a professional to help you draft your mobile money business plan.

Choose a Good business Location.

Mobile money business works well in areas with high traffic and buying and selling of goods such urban centers, near colleges and hospitals. Such an area will maximize your profits. The more customers transact, the higher your commissions.

Get Business Permits and Licenses

You need to secure business licenses to operate a legal mobile money business in Zambia. For instance, you need to get a TPIN the Zambia Revenue Authority for tax purposes. You may also need a business trading license from the local authority. You also need to register a business name in Zambia in order to operate legally. Find out also how to register a company in Zambia .

Get Started and Advertise Your Mobile Money Business

Once you have secured the necessary business permits and licenses, you can launch your business.If you provide quality and reliable customer service, and your customers will keep on coming back and refer more customers to your business. You can advertise the business using social media, posters, flyers, and business cards.

How to Become an Airtel Money Agent in Zambia

Airtel is one of the fastest-growing GSM mobile telecommunications network providers in Africa. The Airtel mobile money electronic system allows sending and receiving money from one mobile user with a registered SIM card. You can become an Airtel money agent or dealer.

Airtel Mobile Money Agent Requirements in Zambia

The following are Airtel mobile money agent requirements in Zambia.

At the moment, you can get Airtel agent line without providing TPIN or business registration certificate. Moreover, you don’t need to provide the Kwacha 2000 capital as it was before.

• You will need to collect, fill and submit Airtel money agent application form.
• Provide certified business registration certificates. If you want to be an Airtel money agent, you must have a registered business or company. You cannot register as an agent through an individual name.
• Airtel money agents must ensure that they have at least one shop or booth but not more than 3 to carry out their operations.
• You will need to collect your tax identification number from the Zambia Revenue Authority and provide a TPIN certificate.
• Submit a copy of identification of business owner (s)
• You will be required to provide passport photographs of the business owner.
• A minimum capital of 2, 000ZMK for each outlet is required to register an Airtel agent outlet.

You can start operating as an Airtel money agent once you complete Airtel money agent registration and your application is approved. You will receive trading SIM cards and manual user guides from Airtel representatives.

Airtel Money Agent Commission Structure in Zambia

Airtel Money agents earn in terms of commissions. Airtel Money agent commission in Zambia is measured using Cash In (CI) and Cash Out (CO) tools.  Cash In refers to mobile money deposits customers make while Cash Out refers to any customer withdrawals. Each customer withdrawal amounts to 1% (of the amount withdrawn) agent commission and profit. On the other hand, every customer’s cash deposit amounts to 0.5% agent commission.

How to Become an Airtel Money Dealer

Airtel mobile money dealers have more privileges compared to Airtel mobile money agents. They can operate more than one outlet, engage in other business activities such as SIM card registration, among other benefits. The following are requirements to become an Airtel mobile money dealer.

• Collect, fill, and submit an Airtel mobile money dealer application form, which you will then submit to any Airtel office for approval.
• Get company registration certificates from the Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA) to show proof of company registration. Your company/business must have a limited company registration license.
• You will need to submit an original certified copy of identification of company directors.
• Provide passport photographs of company directors and company CEO.
• You must have a minimum of three shops or outlets in different locations to qualify as an Airtel money dealer.
• You must also have a P4 computer with a fast internet connection.
• You must have an active email address through which all communications with Airtel representatives will be carried out.
• Airtel mobile money dealership requires you to have a startup capital of 5,000 ZMK for each outlet.

MTN Mobile Money

MTN mobile money is Zambia’s leading mobile financial management service that allows MTN mobile and non-mobile users to send money to each other using MTN Zambian SIM cards. You can send a maximum of 10,000ZMK on a personal account. Both registered and unregistered users can receive money through MTN mobile money. A registered user can access the mobile money self-service menu, pay bills, and send money. On the other hand, unregistered users can only withdraw money using a PIN and transaction code through MTN mobile money agents. With MTN mobile money, you can become an agent or merchant.

How to Become an MTN Mobile Money Agent

An MTN mobile agent is responsible for helping customers send money, make bill payments and withdraw cash. Agents also sell airtime. The following are MTN mobile money agent requirements in Zambia.

At the moment, you can get MTN Zambia agent line after showing your NRC, TPIN and K2000 as your starting capital. Other requirements that were needed before are not mandatory.

• Business Registration Certificate from the Patents and Companies Registration Agency Certificate to show proof of business registration.
• You must have registered your business as a limited company and have existing MTN mobile money outlets.
• You will need a Value Added Tax or Tax Identification Pin certificate from Zambia Revenue Authority.
• Trading license.
• Two passport size photographs.
• You will be required to provide a valid national photo ID (it can be a voter’s card, driver’s license, NHIS ID, or a passport).
• 2 copies of mobile money agency contracts.
• Fill an agent account handler form and an agent recruitment form.
• You will need a minimum capital of 2,000 ZMK for each outlet.
• The processing of successful applications takes a maximum of 23 days from the date of submission. Successful applicants are notified via email or phone call.

How to become an MTN Mobile Money Merchant

The following are the requirements needed to become a mobile money merchant in Zambia.

• You will need to get a certificate of incorporation from PACRA.
• Provide a certified VAT/TPIN from ZRA.
• A certified trading license.
• Certified national IDs of relevant principals.
• Stamped bank statements.
• An MTN mobile money agent will be dispatched to inspect your location.
• When your location is approved, you will need to fill and submit a Merchant Recruitment Form, Merchant Account Handler Form, and a Merchant Agreement for processing.
• You can start your operations as soon as you receive a merchant SIM, which should be ready within 72 hours if submitted documents are accurate.

MTN Mobile Money Agent Commission in Zambia

MTN promises to offer flexible commission structure with best earnings monthly. MTN Mobile Money commission in Zambia depends on the type of transaction you perform your MTN customers. For example, when a customer wants to make a withdraw, your commission ill be 1 percent of the amount before tax. For MTN Money deposits, your commission is 0.5 percent of the deposited amount before tax.

Zamtel Mobile Money (Zamtel Kwacha)

Zamtel has fewer subscribcers compared to MTN and Airtel. It also entered the mobile money market late. Zamtel Kwacha is an electronic Zamtel mobile money service, which allows you to send and receive money and pay bills from your mobile phone. All Zamtel subscribers can access Zamtel Kwacha using either a basic handset or smart phone.

How to Become a Zamtel Kwacha Agent

You can become a Zamtel Kwacha agent and offer different services to its subscribers and non-subscribers. To become an agent, you need to meet the following requirements.

• Certificate of incorporation from PACRA or Trading License issued by the local council.
• Copy of your NRC.
• Minimum of k2500(e-value) and k2500 cash.

If you wish to be a Direct Sales Agent(DSA), you need to visit the nearest Zamtel outlet for further assistance.

Zamtel Kwacha Commission

As an agent, you will receive Zamtel mobile money commission twice a month, on the 1st and 16th of every month. The commission will be earned from cash deposits and cash withdrawals

Final Thoughts on How to Start Mobile Money Business in Zambia

Even though Zambia’s mobile money business has created many job opportunities, you cannot rely on this business to become a millionaire. This is because mobile money businesses have low-income profit margins. However, it doesn’t mean that you cannot make profits. You will need to increase traffic to your outlet if you want to generate more money.

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Tesla is going all out to push Elon Musk's $55 billion pay package through — even spending money on ads

• Tesla is spending money on ads to promote Elon Musk's $55 billion pay plan.
• The company aims to reapprove Musk's compensation package after it was voided by a judge.
• Shareholders vote on July 13 to determine whether the package will be reinstated.

Tesla is going all in on efforts to push through an approval of Elon Musk's $55 billion pay package .

The automaker, which has traditionally avoided advertising , has even spent some money on ads calling for Tesla investors to vote in favor of the compensation plan. Tesla showed in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission that it had paid for some ads on Google and on Musk's social-media site, X.

Related stories

"You deserve the final say on matters affecting your investment in Tesla," an ad on X read. "Vote FOR the protection of stockholder rights and to preserve present and future value creation by supporting Tesla proposals 3 and 4."

The company aims to pass two separate proposals: One moving its state of incorporation from Delaware to Texas and another reapproving Musk's pay, which was struck down by a Delaware judge earlier this year. In January, when the pay plan was voided, Kathleen McCormick, a Delaware Court of Chancery judge, said that Musk had undue influence over the package because of his close ties to several board members and that Musk's sway over Tesla's board resulted in an "unfair price."

A spokesperson for Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Musk does not receive a salary from Tesla and his pay package centered on a series of goalposts around the carmaker's financial growth. The compensation plan was initially set in place in 2018. It involves a 10-year grant of 12 tranches of stock options that are vested when Tesla hits specific targets. When the company hits each milestone, Musk gets stock equal to 1% of outstanding shares at the time of the grant. Tesla says it has hit all of the 12 targets as of 2023.

The package was valued at around $55 billion at the time it was struck down by the judge.

The ad spend is one of several methods Tesla is using to push shareholders to vote in favor of the proposal. On Wednesday, The Wall Street Journal reported that Robyn Denholm, Tesla's board chair, is planning to spend the weeks leading up to the June 13 shareholder vote traveling in order to drum up support for the initiative. Bloomberg also reported on Wednesday that Tesla had brought on a strategic advisor to promote the agenda.

Earlier in May, Denholm even sat down for a video promoting the pay plan.

"We don't believe one judge's opinion should void the will of millions of votes cast by all of the owners of the company," the Tesla chair said in the video. "So once again, we're asking you to make your voices heard by voting for the ratification of the 2018 performance award."

Do you work for Tesla or have a tip? Reach out to the reporter via a non-work email and device at [email protected] or 248-894-6012

Watch: How Elon Musk makes and spends his billions

• Main content

Money blog: 'Good news' as major drop in energy bills predicted in July

A significant drop in energy prices has been forecast for July. Read about this and all the latest consumer and personal finance news in the Money blog - and leave a comment or your money problem in the box below.

Friday 17 May 2024 14:03, UK

• 'Good news' as major drop in household energy bills predicted
• 'Seismic shift' as number of bank branch closures passes 6,000
• How much it costs to send your children to private school - as figures reveal major change
• New Greggs stores to open in these locations
• Drivers hit by 'unfairly high margins' on fuel

Essential reads

• Lowest buy-to-let mortgage rates revealed
• Is more expensive steak better for you?
• The rise of Michelin starred 'fast food'
• Basically...  What is PIP - and what could government changes mean?
• How to make sure your car passes its MOT
• Cheap Eats:  Michelin-star chef reveals his top steals in London - including an unbeatable sub sandwich
• Money Problem: My workplace wants to pay us by the minute - what can I do?
• Best of the Money blog - an archive

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The energy price cap is set to fall by about 7% in July, a leading thinktank has said. 

Cornwall Insights said: "For a typical dual fuel household, we predict the July price cap to be £1,574 per annum" - a drop from £1,690.

Looking further ahead, it forecasted the cap to rise again slightly in October, before falling again in January next year. 

Reacting to the news, Uswitch said the predicted drop was "clearly good news". 

"The future still remains uncertain, and with the price cap changing every three months – currently expected to rise in October before falling slightly in January –  it's crucial not to be complacent," Richard Neudegg, director of regulation, said. 

However, "a predicted 7% drop in energy prices in July is clearly good news, with the price cap looking likely to hit its lowest level in over two years", he said. 

He also urged  households who want to lock in rates for price certainty to run a comparison to see what energy tariffs are available to them.

"There are many 12-month fixed tariffs available at rates cheaper than the current price cap, and even some that are 2% below these new predicted July rates," he said. 

Cristiano Ronaldo has topped Forbes' list of highest-paid athletes for the fourth time in his career.

Ronaldo became the world's highest-paid athlete after his move to Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr and Forbes said the 39-year-old's estimated total earnings were around $260m (£205m) - an all-time high for a football player.

His on-field earnings amounted to $200m (£158m) while off-field he earned $60m (£47m) thanks to sponsorship deals where brands make use of his 629 million Instagram followers.

Spanish golfer Jon Rahm took second place following his switch to Saudi-backed LIV Golf.

Rahm earned $218m (£172m) and joins Ronaldo as the only two athletes to earn over $200m.

Third on the list is record eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi, who switched to Major League Soccer team Inter Miami, which helped the Argentine World Cup winner earn $135m (£107m).

The 36-year-old earned $65m (£51m) in on-field earnings but $70m (£55m) off it from deals with major sponsors such as Adidas and Apple.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James came in fourth at $128m (£101m), while fellow NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks made fifth with $111m (£88m).

France football captain Kylian Mbappe dropped down to sixth with $110m (£87m).

French striker Karim Benzema, who also moved to Saudi Arabia, is eighth on the list with $106m (£84m), followed by Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry with $102m (£80m).

Lamar Jackson is the only NFL player on the list, in 10th place with $101m (£80m), thanks to the signing bonus negotiated into his new Baltimore Ravens contract last year.

The number of new pupils joining private schools has fallen by  2.7% since last year, according to the latest figures.

Data from the Independent Schools Council (ISC) shows families are now paying more than £18,000 a year on average to send their children to private school.

This is an 8% rise in school fees for the 2023-2024 academic year compared with the year before.

But as fees soar, figures show a 2.7% drop in the number of new pupil applications - this is the biggest fall since the ISC started collecting data in 2011.

Every Friday we get an overview of the mortgage market with independent experts from  Moneyfactscompare.co.uk . Today, finance expert Rachel Springall outlines what's been happening within the buy-to-let market…

A handful of lenders moved to tweak the fixed rates they charge on buy-to-let mortgages over the past week. 

Paragon Bank launched some new "portfolio" and "green" fixed mortgages, and Aldermore pulled its limited edition five-year fixed rates, max 65% loan-to-value. 

Buckinghamshire Building Society also launched new deals onto the market, and Claire Askham, head of mortgage sales said: "The decision to increase our BTL lending to 80% represents a positive move for the sector as we continue to see landlords appraising their portfolios through divesting, refinancing and taking advantage of a variety of property-related opportunities as they arise."

Week on week, there has been minor moves to the overall average fixed buy-to-let rates, with the two-year remaining unchanged at 5.62% and the five-year falling by 0.02% to 5.59%.

This week the lowest two-year fix for buy-to-let customers at 75% loan-to-value comes from Metro Bank, priced at 4.19%, which charges a percentage booking fee of 5.00% of the mortgage advance and is available to second-time buyers and remortgage customers borrowing a maximum of £2m. 

There is another option from the same lender which carries an incentive package just for remortgage customers, but it has a lower maximum advance of £1.5m.

If you are looking to borrow more, then Suffolk Building Society has the lowest two-year fix for buy-to-let customers at 80% loan-to-value priced at 4.79% for second-time buyers and remortgage customers. 

The deal charges a percentage completion fee of 3.00% of the mortgage advance as well as a flat £199 booking fee.

Remortgage customers will receive a free valuation and free legal fees incentive.

A five-year fixed buy-to-let mortgage may be more appealing for you to guarantee your monthly repayments for longer. 

If you looking to borrow at 75% loan-to-value, HSBC has a deal for remortgage customers priced at 4.33%, which carries a free valuation and free legal fees incentive package but charges a flat £3,999 product fee.

If you are looking to borrow more, then Furness Building Society has the lowest five-year fixed buy-to-let deal at 80% loan-to-value priced at 5.39% for second-time buyers and remortgage customers. It charges a booking fee of £995 and includes an £250 cashback incentive. 

Remortgage customers will also receive a free valuation. This deal also happens to be a Best Buy for a five-year fixed deal at 80% loan-to-value.

Best Buy alternatives

The lowest buy-to-let rates may carry both a flat product fee and an arrangement fee which is based on a percentage of the mortgage advance, so a Best Buy package may be more suitable if you are looking to save on the upfront cost of any deal. 

You might also want a deal to cover a valuation or legal fees. A Best Buy buy-to-let mortgage could be the most cost-effective choice in this instance, but it's worth seeking advice before entering any arrangement.

This week the top packages on a two-year fixed buy-to-let deal at 75% loan-to-value comes from HSBC, priced at 4.69%, which comes with a free valuation and charges a £3,999 product fee and is available to second-time buyers. 

If you want a loan with a lower upfront fee, then HSBC also has a Best Buy deal priced at 4.94% at 75% loan-to-value, which carries a free valuation and charges a £1,999 product fee and is available to second-time buyers.

If you are looking to borrow more, then Furness Building Society has a Best Buy two-year fixed buy-to-let deal priced at 5.73% at 80% loan-to-value for second-time buyers and remortgage customers. It charges a fee of £995 and includes a £250 cashback incentive. Remortgage customers will also receive a free valuation.

A five-year fixed buy-to-let mortgage may be more appealing for you to guarantee your monthly repayments for longer. If you looking to borrow at 75% loan-to-value, HSBC has a Best Buy deal priced at 4.39%, which carries a free valuation and charges a £3,999 product fee. 

If you want a loan with a lower upfront fee, then HSBC also has a Best Buy deal priced at 4.64% at 75% loan-to-value, which carries a free valuation and charges a £1,999 product fee.

If you are looking to borrow more, then Furness Building Society has a Best Buy five-year fixed buy-to-let deal priced at 5.39% at 80% loan-to-value for second-time buyers and remortgage customers. 

It charges a booking fee of £995 and includes an £250 cashback incentive. Remortgage customers will also receive a free valuation. This deal also happens to be the lowest rate on a five-year fixed deal at 80% loan-to-value.

By James Sillars , business reporter

A lack of strong corporate updates did for the FTSE 100 on Thursday.

A flat end to the day has been followed by a flat end to the week, with the index falling almost 0.1% to 8,433 in early deals on Friday.

Very little around for investors to ponder.

Developments this morning included pharmaceutical firm GSK saying it had raised £1.25bn from selling its entire remaining stake in Haleon.

The consumer healthcare firm was spun out of GSK almost two years ago.

One other announcement of note came from Sainsbury's.

It revealed a five-year strategic partnership with Microsoft that will see generative AI used to boost personalised shopping experiences for consumers, improve search functions and make staff working practices more efficient.

The financial terms were not disclosed. Its shares were 0.4% higher.

Away from the equity markets, it's worth taking a quick look at how oil is finishing the week.

Brent crude is trading above $83 a barrel on evidence of rising demand.

Prices at these levels should not have an impact at the fuel pumps but small recent declines in average costs could be reversed if the upwards oil price trend continues.

Greggs will open eight stores in the next few weeks, as the company continues its expansion plans 

The bakery said it would open a total of 180 new branches before the end of this year. 

We were told earlier this year that the famous sausage roll-seller would open new stores in London, Cambridge and Sale, but Greggs has now revealed where its next eight new branches will be. 

Here are the locations of the eight new sights, revealed by the bakery to The Sun:

• Saffron Walden, Market Place, England
• Bangor, Carnarfon Road, Wales
• Birmingham Prime Park, England
• Brierley Hill, Merryhill, England
• Consett Delves Lane Drive Thru, County Durham, England
• Edinburgh, 60-61 Seafield Road, Scotland
• Glasgow, Argyle St, Scotland
• Porth, U3C Geilligron IE, Wales

Drivers are suffering from "unfairly high margins" on fuel sales, Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho has been warned.

In a letter to the cabinet minister, the RAC said the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) must be given the power to take "meaningful action" against companies charging too much for petrol and diesel.

The average retailer margin - the difference between the amount they pay for fuel and the pump price - has been above 18p per litre for diesel since 7 May and is nearly 12p per litre for petrol, RAC head of policy Simon Williams wrote.

The long-term average for both fuels is 8p.

The RAC believes if retailers charged "fairer" margins, the average price of a litre of petrol and diesel would be around 145p, down from the current prices of 150p per litre for petrol and 157p per litre for diesel.

Mr Williams said the current margins being charged by larger retailers in particular were "extremely unfair on drivers struggling to get by in the cost of living crisis". 

"It's very concerning to see fuel margins at such high levels, particularly as this is happening under the close eye of the CMA and while retailers are voluntarily sharing their forecourt prices with the intention of increasing competition," he said.

The RAC spokesman added that the situation would only be improved in the long-term if the CMA took "meaningful action against retailers whose margins are deemed not to be mirroring significant reductions in the cost of wholesale fuel".

It can be hard to balance the demands of eating well without spending a lot.

In this series, we try to find the healthiest options in the supermarket for the best value - and have enlisted the help of  Sunna Van Kampen , founder of Tonic Health, who went viral on social media for reviewing food in the search of healthier choices.

In this series we don't try to find the outright healthiest option, but help you get better nutritional value for as little money as possible.

This time we're looking at meat. 

"When it comes to which type of meat you buy, there's a common misconception the more expensive the cut the healthier it is," Sunna says.

"But fatty meat stores more nutrients than their lean counterparts - vitamins like A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble and stored in animal fat - so, a fillet steak may contain less nutrients than its fatty cousin," he adds. 

The science

We typically turn towards leaner cuts of meat due to the common belief that saturated fat from animals is something to be avoided. 

"Yet, the latest science suggests that saturated fat and cholesterol may not be as harmful as researchers once thought they were," Sunna says.

He points to a  2020 review  in the National Library of Medicine that looked at several studies on saturated fat and heart disease - and found that the association between the two appeared to be weak.

That being said, a large amount of fat in your diet is in no way advisable - but don't be afraid to introduce fattier cuts. 

Sunna swears by mincemeat - preferring it to steak if choosing the fattier kind. 

Most supermarkets sell somewhere between 5-20% versions - and Sunna urges shoppers to put the higher percentages in their baskets. 

"Mince beef with higher fat content isn’t just about the added fat-soluble vitamins; it's also about what comes with it," he says.

"The added tendons, ligaments and connective tissue in mince beef provides collagen."

Collagen is a protein - full of amino acids that supports the structure of your skin, hair, and nails. 

It also plays a vital role in maintaining the integrity of your joints and connective tissues. 

"By choosing mince beef with 20% fat, you're getting a broader nutritional profile, including those collagen benefits," he says. 

Using prices from major supermarkets, Sunna compares his the money and the health for major beef products... 

• Fillet steak: Around £35/kg, it's the most expensive cut and doesn't provide as many health upsides as other, cheaper options
• Ribeye steak : Around £24/kg, with added fat that offers more fat-soluble vitamins.
• Rump steak: Around £15/kg, it’s one of the most economical ways to steak and that nice rind of fat will give you the added nutrition.
• Steak mince beef 5% fat: Around £7/ kg, it's premium mince but at over half the price of steak, making a great affordable option, but the lower fat content is only really good for reducing the calories.
• Mince beef 20% fat: Priced at about £5/kg, it's one of the most affordable options that gives you the most health upside - with all the added fat-soluble vitamins, omega 3s and collagen. 

"Swapping a fillet steak a week to 20% mince could save you £182.52 a year and you'd be increasing your nutrition intake considerably," Sunna says.

"Not only does mince beef save you money, but it also provides a versatile base for countless dishes - burgers, meatballs, bolognese, tacos -the possibilities are endless."

Organics and grass-feds

"Whilst all unprocessed meat is healthy, there are benefits to the quality of your meat," Sunna continues. 

"Typically, a local grass-fed cut of meat has higher omega-3 fatty acids which are beneficial for heart and brain health - up to 6x more  in fact than feed-lot cattle," he adds. 

These can often be far more expensive, however. 

"Choosing between fillet steak and mince beef doesn't have to be a battle of indulgence versus health - both have their unique nutritional benefits, but when it comes to a cost-effective, nutritious option, mince beef with 20% fat takes the win," he says.

The nutritionist's view, from Dr Claire Shortt, lead scientist at  FoodMarble ...

While it's fine to consider cheaper cuts of beef over say filet mignon, it's best to moderate red meat intake given potential links to certain cancers. 

Processed meats are more problematic again, especially from a bowel or stomach cancer perspective. In fact, the World Health Organisation classifies them as a Class I carcinogen (i.e. "known to cause cancer"). 

Read more from this series... 

The number of UK bank branches that have closed forever passes 6,000 today, according to the consumer group Which?

Which? said eight Barclays branches were shutting their doors today, taking the total by the end of the day to 6,005.

This equates to more 60% of the bank branch network since Which? began tracking closures in 2015.

The eight Barclays closures relate to branches in Alperton in Wembley, Andover in Hampshire, Bangor in County Down, Bracknell in Berkshire, Hornchurch in Essex, Inverness in the Highlands in Scotland, Liverpool and Streatham in London.

Barclays has closed 1,216 branches, according to Which?

NatWest Group, which comprises NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland and Ulster Bank, has closed 1,360 branches and Lloyds Banking Group, made up of Lloyds Bank, Halifax and Bank of Scotland, has shut 1,146 sites, the consumer group said.

Which? said 200 closures by various banks were already scheduled for the rest of 2024.

Currently, 24 more bank branch closures have been scheduled for 2025, although more are expected to be announced later this year and next, it added.

While millions of consumers have made the switch to banking digitally, there remains a significant number of people who are not yet ready or willing to make that jump, underscoring the need for accessible alternatives, Which? said.

Sam Richardson, deputy editor of Which? Money, said the closures showed a "seismic shift" had taken place in terms of our banking habits and the character of the British high street.

"While some may hardly notice the closure of their local branch as they seamlessly switch to online banking, for others reliant on face-to-face services, the impact can be disastrous," he said.

Landlords selling properties "represent the single biggest threat to renters", according to the UK's landlord association.

Government data shows 5,790 households were threatened with homelessness between October to December last year due to receiving a notice to end an assured shorthold tenancy (this ends a person's tenancy).

And the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) has said 45% have been left needing help because their landlord planned to sell the property in the second half of 2023.

Separately, data from Rightmove found that 50,000 rental properties were needed to bring the supply of rental homes back to pre-pandemic levels.

Ben Beadle, chief executive of the NRLA, said the only answer was to "ensure responsible landlords have the confidence to stay in the market and sustain tenancies".

He said it was "vital" the Renters Reform Bill, which is currently being debated in the House of Lords, "worked for landlords as well as tenants".

"Landlords selling up is the single biggest challenge renters face," Mr Beadle said.

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T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T Fined $10.2 Million Over False 'Unlimited' Plan Claims

T -Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T will pay a combined $10.2 million to settle a lawsuit that alleged the carriers falsely advertised some of their wireless plans as “unlimited" and their phones as 'free."

The deal was announced earlier this week by a coalition of 50 attorney generals led by New York Attorney General Letitia James.

“New Yorkers, and all Americans, deserve to know that when they buy a service or product, they will be treated fairly and can trust what the seller is saying,” James says. “AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile lied to millions of consumers, making false promises of free phones and ‘unlimited’ data plans that were simply untrue.

"Big companies are not excused from following the law and cannot trick consumers into paying for services they will never receive," she added. "We will continue to go after companies that hurt everyday Americans and try to take advantage of this basic and critical service.”  

The investigation reportedly found that “the wireless companies made several misleading claims in their advertising, including misrepresenting 'unlimited' data plans that were actually limited, offering 'free' phones that came at a cost, and making false promises about switching to different wireless carrier plans.”

In addition to the $10 million fine, the agreement requires that future advertisements are “truthful, accurate, and non-misleading” and that plans are only marketed as unlimited "if there are no limits on the quantity of data allowed during a billing cycle,” amongst other requirements.

The companies are also required to appoint a dedicated representative to work with the attorneys general to address complaints filed by customers and train their customer service representatives to comply with the terms of the agreement. They must also enforce a program to ensure compliance across their teams.

This comes shortly after the FCC fined wireless carriers almost $200 million for illegally selling real-time location data about their customers.

Fort Worth plans to move around millions of federal dollars to meet spend-or-lose deadlines

Fort Worth is at an impasse: spend all federal COVID-19 relief funds by 2026 or risk sending the money back to Washington, D.C.

With rising construction costs and delayed projects, city staff is proposing a reshuffling of dollars to meet deadlines and follow through on prior commitments. This includes reallocating money from the American Rescue Plan Act and general funds to projects that the staff is confident can be completed in the next two years.

“This is a two-pronged strategy,” City Manager David Cooke told council members at a May 7 work session. “Let’s make sure we spend ARPA, and let’s see what we can do to hit some of those capital project needs.”

ARPA dollars must be allocated by 2024 and spent by 2026.

About $85 million of federal and local money will be moved around, mostly to tackle transportation projects, while city staff continues to find dollars to close a $100 million funding gap for projects further down the road.

About $38.4 million of federal APRA money remains unspent. A portion of the remaining funds is currently committed to the Evans and Rosedale project, which has faced several delays , and the Texas A&M Innovation Hub, which broke ground last summer .

City staff is proposing those two projects be moved over to the general fund balance because the money allocated is not expected to be spent by 2026.

“There is no timetable in when (general fund) money has to be spent, so it’ll be at the pace we need to go to do Evans and Rosedale the right way,” Cooke said.

The ARPA dollars will instead fund qualified capital projects.

Federal ARPA funds must be used on projects created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its negative economic impacts, and for government services that saw a revenue dip as a result of the pandemic. The funds can also be used for water, sewer and broadband infrastructure improvements.

A majority of the newly funded projects are transportation and road projects in north Fort Worth. This includes improving pedestrian safety along Long Avenue, as well as intersection improvements at CFA Intermodal Parkway, North Beach Street, Basswood Boulevard, Wichita Street and Western Center Boulevard.

Work on the Meadowbrook Golf Course Maintenance Building is also on the list.

Several council members representing south Fort Worth raised concerns regarding the selection of the capital projects and their heavy focus on the north side.

Council member Chris Nettles, who represents southeast Fort Worth, which includes the Evans and Rosedale project, questioned why staff was picking and choosing projects on which to spend the federal funds rather than giving the council a complete list and letting them decide what is of interest based on constituents’ needs.

Nettles said this concern was voiced to staff previously, during the budgeting process.

“I understand moving the money. I get that part. But when you give us a list that doesn’t represent where we moved money from, it just smells a little fishy,” Nettles said.

Mayor Pro Tem Gyna Bivens also echoed the need for more geographical diversity in the selected transportation projects.

“This moving around, it’s too north-centered,” Bivens said. “We also need to have some type of language that promises the public, ‘We know we’re moving this money around but we’re going to commit to doing what we told you,’ and I’m not hearing that.”

Council member Carlos Flores, who has two projects that will benefit from ARPA dollars, said work has begun, but the final funding is necessary for completion. The scope of the two projects, Long Avenue and Basswood Boulevard, have also increased to address drainage improvements.

“That was already funded, but now, supply chain issues, manufacturing slowdowns are coming into play,” Flores said. “It just needed more money to complete because as it stands right now, they can’t finish it.”

Council member Alan Blaylock, who also has projects in his district, said these are committed projects that are no longer funded to full completion because of rising costs and supply chain issues.

“I really don’t want to see us go back on prior commitments,” he said.

An additional $28 million from prior transportation bonds will be dedicated to work on Cromwell Marine Creek Road and Golden Triangle Boulevard.

Concerns were also raised by council member Elizabeth Beck about funding from the sale of the downtown library that was previously allocated to finding a new site now being used to pay for capital projects.

Beck told Cooke she worries that using funds originally dedicated to a new downtown library to pay for other projects will make it harder to find a location when the time comes.

With rising land costs, that task has become harder , she said.

“This council made a decision based on some information I won’t even say it wasn’t good information, but just on some assumptions that we would be able to find a building rather quickly and operate a downtown library again, and we can’t,” Beck said.

The city has $15.9 million left from the sale of the downtown library and plans to use $3.4 million from that sale for the far northwest library.

Cooke said $12.5 million from the library sale will be left to use on other library needs but did not say whether that money will be specifically dedicated to a downtown library.

“That could be a policy choice. We haven’t dedicated it to specific use yet. So the balance would be undirected,” Cooke said.

There are projects that continue to have funding gaps estimated at more than $100 million. Some of these projects are bond projects.

Another update will be given to the council at the May 21 meeting.

The city received $173 million in American Rescue Plan Act dollars in 2021 and 2022 and spent a large portion of it within the first six months . The funds paid for large projects such as the Convention Center expansion, new City Hall and the realignment of Commerce Street. Money was also allocated to housing and the city’s response to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sandra Sadek is a Report for America corps member, covering growth for the Fort Worth Report. You can contact her at [email protected] or @ssadek19 . 

At the Fort Worth Report, news decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy  here .

This article first appeared on Fort Worth Report and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

Riverview warehouse that was slated for apartments has been demolished. What's next?

The long-empty Des Moines Cold Storage facility near Riverview Park has been cleared after it was determined that the decaying brick structure wouldn't support planned apartments, a restaurant and a bicycle shop .

Des Moines Cold Storage sold the 103,000-square-foot warehouse at 2814 Seventh St. in 2018. By then, the condition of the warehouse had declined to the point where parts of the roof were held up in places by stacked pallets. Portions of the structure were 116 years old.

Now, with a completely bare site, Neighborhood Development Corp. Executive Director Abbey Gilroy said, the sky's the limit.

"It's a vision. That's what it is," said Gilroy, whose city- and county-supported nonprofit purchased the site for $1 million in February 2023. "We just need to solidify the actual concept, the size of the project and our investor."

The parcel is just steps away from the entrance to Riverview Park, where the Neal Smith Trail tops a levee protecting the low-lying area from the Des Moines River. Once home to an amusement park, the city-owned property  has seen millions of dollars in improvements in recent years , including construction of a playground and a concert venue, the Prairie Meadows Riviera Stage.

"I think it would be cool to have an entertainment district of some sort that compliments what Riverview is doing," Gilroy said. "It could be really neat, and I'm hopeful that that is how it ends up. It'll take time."

Also: Replacement for Highland Apartments growing to meet neighborhood's housing needs

NDC will continue to seek a developer to help lead the project. It also received Iowa Economic Development Authority approval last October to join the state's Brownfield program, which awards tax credits to projects that redevelop vacant, blighted, underused or environmentally damaged sites. 

The state plans to give the corporation up to $1.5 million so long as the final concept includes public space and housing. Initial estimates put the apartments conversion at $13.5 million.

Gilroy expects progress at the site by 2026.

Crumbling brick impossible to save, demolition crew boss says

NDC conducted a partial demolition of the building last fall to remove old additions and the most deteriorated portions of the structure. What was left was a two-story brick warehouse that it had hoped to convert into a space for businesses with a patio and 16 high-end apartments above.

A new building would have been built on the cleared portion of the site, potentially adding another 20 units.

More: List names Des Moines metro's most endangered historic buildings for 2024

However, a process Zach DeCarlo of Des Moines-based DeCarlo Demolition said was similar to "peeling back the layers of an onion" revealed that only the warehouse's concrete roof and columns were sound. The brick had gone soft and was crumbling.

"There was no good way to repurpose that building for something for today," DeCarlo said.

While he understands the desire to rescue century-old structures, DeCarlo said there wasn't much left to save.

"What are you saving?" he said. "I've been doing this my whole life. And with that building, there was nothing left."

However, DeCarlo Demolition did manage to recycle nearly 95% of the building, breaking down the bricks, concrete and metals. The brick will be crushed into a sub-base product that will be used under a new convenience store.

Addison Lathers covers growth and development for the Des Moines metro. Reach her at 608-931-1761 or [email protected], and follow her on X at @addisonlathers.