Build a SOC 2 readiness plan for my startup

Help me build a SOC 2 readiness plan for my SaaS startup. Why we need it and by when: [e.g. "enterprise deals blocked, need a report in 6 months"] Company size and team: [headcount, who owns security] Tech stack: [cloud provider, identity provider, code hosting, ticketing, HR system] What we already do: [MFA, SSO, code review, backups, logging, background checks, access reviews, written policies - be honest] Trust Services Criteria in scope: [Security only, or also Availability, Confidentiality, Processing Integrity, Privacy] Budget and tooling: [compliance automation tool or not, auditor chosen or not] Return: 1. Type I vs Type II explained in two sentences, and which path fits my deadline (including the Type II observation window). 2. A gap assessment table: control area (access control, change management, risk assessment, vendor management, incident response, business continuity, HR security, logging and monitoring, encryption) | what we have | gap | effort (S/M/L) | owner. 3. A list of the policies we need to write, kept short and realistic for our size. 4. Evidence auditors typically ask for in each area, so we start collecting now. 5. A phased timeline: readiness, remediation, Type I audit, observation window, Type II. 6. Common startup pitfalls: policies we don't follow, too broad a scope, missing access reviews, untracked vendors. 7. How to answer customers while the audit is in progress (bridge letter, security overview). Do not claim any control is in place unless I said so. This is general guidance - confirm scope and requirements with a licensed CPA firm performing the audit.