How much money do you need to start a business? More than most people expect, because the cost isn’t only what you buy on day one. You also need enough cash to keep going while sales build. Enter your estimates below; the total updates as you type.
Total cash you need to start$0
- One-time costs
- $0
- Cash cushion
- $0
Enter your costs to see the total.
How to use it
One-time costs are what you spend before you open: equipment, a vehicle, a lease deposit and build-out, starting inventory, registration and licenses, your first insurance payment, and your website and launch marketing. Get real quotes for the biggest items rather than guessing.
The cash cushion covers your regular monthly costs (rent, software, fuel, staff, loan payments and the minimum you need to pay yourself) for the months it takes sales to catch up. Three to six months is a common rule of thumb. If your business is seasonal or slow to start, plan for more.
A worked example
Say you’re starting a lawn care business and already own a truck. You budget $9,000 for a used commercial mower, trimmer, blower and trailer, $400 for registration and licenses, $1,200 for your first insurance payment, and $800 for a simple website and door hangers. That’s $11,400 of one-time costs.
Your monthly running costs, including fuel, maintenance, insurance and $2,500 you need to live on, come to $3,800. Covering four months adds $15,200. Total cash needed: $26,600. That’s far more than the equipment alone, and exactly why planning the cushion matters.
This example is illustrative. Your costs will differ by location and business.
What to do next
- Not sure what to include? Every business idea on Advanton lists typical startup costs.
- Short on cash? Compare funding options in the Start a Business A–Z guide.
- Then check your plan with the break-even calculator.
Last reviewed October 17, 2026. Startup costs are estimates; check local prices, licensing and tax rules before you commit money.
