For EMPLOYERS - 401(k) & 403(b) Plan Design Consulting

Better Outcomes Start with Smart Plan Design

A well-structured retirement plan helps your people retire on time and your organization stay compliant, efficient, and competitive.

As companies grow, merge, or evolve, plan designs often lag behind reality, leading to failed testing, participation gaps, and unnecessary costs.
HR and finance leaders frequently inherit plans that are expensive, complex, or not optimized for today’s demographics and payroll structure.


For smaller employers, the challenge is deciding when to graduate from a SIMPLE or SEP IRA to a more advanced 401(k) or 403(b) structure that provides stronger savings potential and fiduciary control.

The Challenge

Many plans were built for yesterday’s workforce.

Capcova + sollinda

Our Solution: Outcome-Based Plan Design Consulting

We design and optimize plans with one goal in mind, improving participant outcomes while strengthening employer value. Our process blends analytics, ERISA expertise, and behavioral finance to align employee savings with employer cost efficiency.

Comprehensive plan design review to identify hidden risks and missed opportunities

Safe Harbor, Profit Sharing, and Combo Plan modeling to enhance savings and tax efficiency

Auto-enrollment, re-enrollment, and auto-escalation to increase participation and deferrals

Multi-EIN and management company design for complex franchise or owner group structures

SIMPLE & SEP IRA transition consulting for small businesses scaling toward 401(k) solutions

Cost-impact modeling so you can quantify the employer expense vs. employee benefit trade-off

Capcova + sollinda

Who We Serve

Small Businesses

Build a foundation for growth—whether it’s optimizing a SIMPLE IRA, transitioning to a 401(k), or adding profit sharing for owners and key employees.

Franchise & Owner Organizations

Integrate multiple entities under a unified plan that minimizes refunds and maximizes participation across diverse employee groups.

Private Practice Groups (Dentists, Orthodontists, Veterinarians)

Design cost-effective Safe Harbor and Profit Sharing structures that reward staff while helping owners save more efficiently.

Corporate Partners (100+ Employees)

Simplify plan oversight with scalable design, governance, and auto features that align with corporate policies and fiduciary best practices.

Results That Matter

Participation rates improve by 20–40% within the first year of redesign

Testing failures and refunds are significantly reduced

Employer contributions are optimized to support stronger employee outcomes

Transitioning from SIMPLE/SEP to 401(k) structures enhances savings and flexibility

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 401(k) and 403(b) plan design mean?

Plan design is how you structure eligibility, contributions, matches, and plan features to meet employer goals while staying compliant. Good design improves participation, reduces testing issues, and supports recruitment and retention.

How often should a retirement plan be reviewed or redesigned?

At least every 2–3 years, and anytime there are major workforce, profitability, or ownership changes. Regular reviews prevent design drift and missed opportunities.

What is the difference between a 401(k) and a 403(b) plan?

401(k)s are common for for-profit employers; 403(b)s are used by eligible nonprofits and schools. 403(b)s may have unique operational requirements that affect contributions and administration.

How can plan design reduce employer costs?

Optimized design can reduce corrective contributions, improve testing outcomes, and right-size employer funding. It can also reduce administrative complexity and improve vendor pricing.

Who is responsible for plan design decisions?

The plan sponsor is responsible, even when working with advisors and providers. Fiduciary best practice is to document the rationale for design decisions.

How do I choose a 401(k) advisor in Roanoke, VA?

Look for fiduciary expertise, a documented process, and experience with plan design and governance. A local advisor can improve committee coordination and vendor accountability.

Does Virginia law affect retirement plan design decisions?

ERISA governs most private employer plans, but state considerations can affect payroll, business structure, and implementation logistics. Coordination with local professionals improves execution.

Capital Investment Company of VA

Request a Complimentary Plan Design Review

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It All Begins with
a Conversation.

Have questions or need assistance? Reach out to us through our contact form below. We're here to help you connect and collaborate!

Address

111 Campbell Ave SW #1a,


Roanoke, VA 24011

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