Business Startup Cost Calculator

Estimate total startup costs and working capital needs for your business type.

One-Time Startup Costs

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Equipment, legal, setup

Monthly Operating Costs

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Ongoing expenses

Working Capital Needed

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Cash reserve

Total Capital Required

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To launch safely

Cost Breakdown

Average Startup Costs by Industry

Business Type Typical Range
Online / SaaS$500–$10,000
Consulting$1,000–$20,000
Salon / Beauty$50,000–$175,000
Retail Store$50,000–$300,000
Restaurant$175,000–$750,000
Manufacturing$200,000–$2M+

Funding Options

  • Personal savings: Most common first source. Risk: personal financial exposure.
  • SBA Microloan: Up to $50,000 for startups. Lower rates, longer terms.
  • CDFI loans: Community development lenders for underserved entrepreneurs.
  • Business credit cards: 0% intro APR for 12-18 months. Good for equipment.
  • Crowdfunding: Kickstarter/Indiegogo for product businesses.
  • Angel investors: For scalable businesses with equity upside.

Related Data

Explore small business lending data by state at PlainLender. Check grant eligibility for startup funding at PlainGrants.

Disclaimer: These are rough estimates. Actual costs vary significantly by location, business model, and market conditions. Consult an accountant and SBA advisor before launching.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much money do I need to start a business?
It varies enormously: a solo consulting business can start for under $1,000. A food truck costs $50,000-200,000. A restaurant $175,000-750,000. A franchise $80,000-500,000+. Online businesses are cheapest to start. Plan for 6-12 months of operating expenses beyond startup costs.
What startup costs are tax deductible?
Up to $5,000 of startup costs can be deducted in the first year (if total startup costs are under $50,000). The remainder is amortized over 180 months. Qualified startup costs include market research, advertising, training employees, and legal/accounting fees before opening.
How much working capital do I need?
Plan for 3-6 months of operating expenses as working capital (cash reserve). This covers payroll, rent, inventory, and utilities while building revenue. Many businesses fail not because they're unprofitable, but because they run out of cash before becoming profitable.
Should I use a business loan or personal savings?
Both are common. SBA loans offer low interest rates but require 2-3 years in business (mostly for existing businesses). SBA Microloans go to startups. Personal savings avoid debt but deplete your safety net. Most startups use a mix: personal savings + credit cards + family/friends + small business loans.

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