Dig out your favorite database program, Excel perhaps, and run your figures through this startup business costs worksheet. When you are ready, check into small business loan sources or SBA business grants.
This startup business costs worksheet should be a beginning, not an end. Companies vary radically in terms of product and services needed for startup, so add anything that you can think of as well. And delete the line items that just don't apply to you.
Once you have your initial estimates, take them to an experienced accountant who can run them up against industry averages and polish them for presentation. A sharp accountant can also help you determine what should leased vs purchased, the going rate for employees, etc.
| Item | One time cost | Monthly cost | 6 Months | One Year | Total Needed |
| Operating Expenses | |||||
| -Office rent | |||||
| -Phone | |||||
| -Equipment purchase/lease | |||||
| -Advertising | |||||
| -Utilities | |||||
| -Office supplies | |||||
| Professional Fees | |||||
| -Legal/Accounting | |||||
| -Web site costs | |||||
| -Graphics | |||||
| -Writer/Researcher | |||||
| Printing/Shipping | |||||
| Travel & Entertainment | |||||
| -Airfare | |||||
| -Hotel | |||||
| -Taxis, car rental | |||||
| -Entertainment | |||||
| -Meals with travel | |||||
| Product Development | |||||
| -Designer/Model Maker | |||||
| -Testing | |||||
| Facilities lease | |||||
| Employee cost | |||||
| Personal Expenses | |||||
| -Rent/House payment | |||||
| -Car payment/gas | |||||
| -Insurance - car | |||||
| -Insurance - health | |||||
| -Food | |||||
| -Clothing | |||||
| Other | |||||
| TOTAL |
No matter how long the list gets, the business costs worksheet always seems to leave out something important. So add whatever you think is important.
And remember,
If you have had no previous businesses, double your estimate;
If you have had one or two previous businesses, add 50% to your estimate; and
If you have had three or more businesses, you should be right on target.
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![]() Lon Levine, Startup Business Specialist |
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The only way to discover the limits of the possible
is to go beyond them into the impossible.
ARTHUR C. CLARKE,
who dreamed of beyond and wrote about it

Start Up Right Now.
Be one of the
thousands who starts a successful new business this year.
From one person businesses to multi office chains -- take your
pick!

Start A Retail Clothing Business.
Let it reflect your
style. Your way. With a solid foundation that we
help you get.

Start A Tutoring Business.
Whether your clientele is next
door, or half way around the world, your knowledge can pay off
Big Time here.

Starting
A Recruiting Business.
Use your connections in your industry, and your business
associates, to build a recruiting business with strength.


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