The verdict in three sentences
A custom B2B business platform to unify a patchwork of Excel and scattered software costs between EUR 60,000 and 180,000 in Toronto in 2026, delivered in 6 to 12 months in batches. Batching is the key: you ship a first useful module in 3-4 months rather than waiting for a risky big bang. The real comparison is not build vs buy but build vs assembling SaaS tools, decided by 3-year TCO and how specific your processes are.
What the 2026 budget covers
A business platform centralises workflow, data, roles, reporting and APIs. Here is an indicative breakdown for a project around EUR 120,000.
| Batch | EUR range | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Scoping & architecture | 8,000-15,000 | 3-5 weeks |
| Foundation (auth, roles, admin) | 15,000-25,000 | 6-8 weeks |
| Business modules (workflow) | 25,000-70,000 | 3-5 months |
| Reporting & dashboards | 10,000-20,000 | 4-6 weeks |
| IS integration (API, ERP) | 12,000-35,000 | 6-10 weeks |
| Data migration | 5,000-15,000 | 3-5 weeks |
These 2026 order-of-magnitude figures assume an experienced Toronto studio. Batching spreads the investment and validates value before committing to the next batches.
Custom build vs SaaS assembly
Many mid-market firms stack SaaS tools linked by connectors. It works until subscription costs and integration friction explode.
| Criterion | SaaS assembly | Custom platform |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | EUR 15,000-40,000 setup | EUR 60,000-180,000 |
| Recurring cost | EUR 3,000-8,000/month | Maintenance EUR 1,200-3,000/month |
| Process fit | You adapt | Fits your processes |
| Unified data | Silos + connectors | Single database |
| Vendor dependence | High (lock-in) | None |
| 3-year TCO | ~130-330k EUR | ~110-290k EUR |
Once cumulative SaaS subscriptions exceed EUR 5,000-7,000/month and your processes are a competitive advantage, custom becomes rational over 3 years.
Mini case study
Thomas, CEO of an industrial mid-market firm in Toronto (250 staff), runs production via 6 shared Excel files and 3 disconnected apps. Sync errors cost his team about 1.5 days/week (re-entry, checks). A business platform at EUR 135,000 delivered in 4 batches over 9 months unifies everything: re-entry disappears, i.e. ~60 days/year saved x EUR 350 = EUR 21,000/year, plus a production-error reduction estimated at EUR 35,000/year. Against a SaaS assembly at EUR 5,500/month (EUR 66,000/year), the 3-year TCO clearly favours custom.
Need a professional website?
Kolonell builds websites that attract clients, optimized for the Sénégalese market. Free quote in 2 minutes.
FAQ
How much does a custom B2B platform cost in Toronto in 2026?
Between EUR 60,000 and 180,000 depending on the number of modules and IS integration depth. Batching lets you start with a controlled budget (foundation + first module).
Why batch rather than one big project?
To cut risk and fund the rest with the value created. A first batch in production at 3-4 months proves ROI before committing to heavier batches.
Custom build or SaaS assembly?
SaaS assembly is faster upfront but becomes costly and rigid. Custom wins when your processes are specific and cumulative subscriptions exceed EUR 5,000-7,000/month.
What annual maintenance budget?
Expect maintenance of 15 to 20% of the build, i.e. EUR 1,200 to 3,000/month, covering security, evolutions and support. Factor it into TCO from the start.
How long for data migration?
3 to 5 weeks depending on source-file quality. Migration from well-structured Excel is fast; dirty data requires prior cleanup to be quoted.
Let's scope your project. List your current software, your specific processes and your per-batch budget, and we will propose a plan with a first module in production within 4 months. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
