Startup Cost Calculator
Estimate total startup costs, funding needed and months to break even for a new business.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to start a business?
Average startup costs by type: online business or service $500-$5,000. Brick and mortar retail $50,000-$250,000. Restaurant $175,000-$500,000. Franchise $100,000-$1,000,000+. SaaS or tech startup $20,000-$150,000. Home-based service $1,000-$20,000. The biggest variables are inventory, equipment, leasehold improvements, and payroll before revenue ramps up.
What are the most common startup mistakes with money?
Top financial mistakes: underestimating time to profitability (plan for 2x your estimate), skipping the cash buffer (minimum 3-6 months of expenses), mixing personal and business finances, not tracking cash flow weekly in early stages, over-investing in fixed assets before validating the business model, and taking on equity investors before exploring loans or bootstrapping.
Should I get a business loan or investor funding for my startup?
Loans are better when: you have predictable revenue, the business model is proven, and you want to keep full ownership. Investor funding (equity) is better when: you need large capital for rapid growth, the business is pre-revenue, or you need strategic partnerships beyond just money. Equity is expensive long-term — you give up ownership and control permanently.