Idea PlannerStart-up costs: what to count
Most new owners forget at least a quarter of their costs. A written list finds them.
One-time costs
- Equipment and tools, new or second-hand.
- Shop or room set-up, furniture, signboard.
- Deposits for rent, power or a phone line.
- Registration, licences and professional help that apply to you.
- First stock and packing.
- A website or social page, printed cards and a banner.
- Training you need before you start.
Monthly costs
- Rent, power, water, internet and phone.
- Wages of any helper.
- Stock refills and packing.
- Transport and fuel.
- Repairs and replacement.
- Insurance where it applies.
- Marketing.
- Loan instalments.
Working money
Sales do not arrive on day one, and customers may pay late. Keep money for several months of fixed costs. The start-up cost worksheet lets you set this number.
A safety margin
Add a margin to the one-time costs, since things nearly always cost more. How much depends on how well you know the costs; a new kind of business needs a bigger margin than one you have worked in.
Where to save
Buy second-hand when it is safe, share equipment, start from home where the rules allow, and buy stock in small amounts first. See working money.
Common questions
Should I count my own time?
Yes, as the pay you want from the business. The profit worksheet has a box for it.
Do I need a licence before I start?
It depends on the business and the place. See the guide on how to find out; this site does not state any rules.
Keep going
This site states no profit figure, start-up cost, licence requirement or loan scheme: you type your own numbers, and the idea pages list questions to ask and things to measure. Interest rates in the worksheets are typed by you. It is not financial, tax or legal advice. Checked 14 November 2026.