Writing A Business Plan:
Your Startup Business Costs Worksheet

Dig out your favorite database program, Excel perhaps, and run your figures through this startup business costs worksheet.  

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.

Back to top of Startup Business Costs Worksheet