SOC 2 Audit for Small Business | Guide to Process, Cost & Steps

For startups and growing companies across the globe, completing a SOC 2 audit for small business builds trust with everyone they deal with. SOC 2 Compliance is very well suited for technology and cloud-based service providers. As a result, it is highly relevant for modern small businesses handling sensitive client data. Let’s understand its process, cost and steps to do it through this informational guide.

Why Do Small Businesses Need SOC 2 Compliance?

It has become imperative to have SOC2 compliance before closing B2B deals. Furthermore, it helps your business in following:

Builds customer trust around data security
Meets vendor requirements from enterprise buyers
Reduces risk of data breaches and liability
Differentiates your business from competitors
Supports faster sales cycles with security-conscious clients

So, with so many benefits, having a SOC 2 audit for small business is achievable. There are two types of SOC 2 Compliance that small businesses can get.

Type I vs. Type II in SOC 2 Compliance

Type	What It Covers	Timeline
Type I	Controls exist at a point in time	1–3 months
Type II	Controls operate effectively over time	6–12 months

Most enterprise clients prefer Type II, but starting with Type I is a practical first step for small businesses new to the process.

The SOC 2 Audit Process: Step by Step

Step 1 – The first step is to define scope identify which systems, data, and departments fall under the audit. Keeping scope narrow reduces cost and complexity.

Step 2 – The next step is to have a gap assessment to compare your current security practices against SOC 2 requirements. This reveals what needs to be fixed before the formal audit begins.

Step 3 – Implement Controls Put policies, access controls, monitoring, and incident response procedures in place. Tools like Vanta, Drata, or Secureframe can automate much of this for small teams.

Step 4 – Choose a CPA Firm Only licensed CPA firms can issue official SOC 2 reports. Select an auditor experienced with businesses your size.

Step 5 – Undergo the Audit Your auditor reviews documentation, tests controls, and interviews staff. For Type II, this observation period spans several months.

Step 6 – Receive Your Report A clean SOC 2 report signals strong SOC2 compliance to prospects and partners, and can be shared directly with clients under NDA.

How Much Does It Cost to Get the SOC 2 Audit?

The SOC 2 audit for small business typically costs:

Item	Estimated Cost
Readiness/Gap Assessment	$5,000 – $15,000
Compliance Automation Tool	$10,000 – $30,000/year
CPA Audit Fee (Type I)	$10,000 – $20,000
CPA Audit Fee (Type II)	$20,000 – $50,000

Costs will vary based on number factors. To get an exact quote for your business, you can talk to our experts that will also help you save money and time for SOC 2 Audit.

Tips to Reduce Cost and Speed Up the SOC 2 Audit Process

Start with a narrow scope (Security criteria only)
Use compliance automation software to streamline evidence collection
Assign a dedicated internal owner for the audit process
Fix control gaps early to avoid delays during the audit window
Reuse documentation across frameworks like ISO 27001 or HIPAA

Conclusion

In conclusion, achieving SOC 2 audit for small business readiness doesn’t require a large security team or an unlimited budget. Having guidance, the right tools, and a qualified auditor from E-Startup, your business of any size can complete SOC2 compliance efficiently. So do not waste any time and complete SOC 2 Audit now to use it as a genuine competitive advantage.