Business Plan

Start-up Expenses Help

Explanation of Terms: Start-up Expenses

Overview

All new businesses will have one-time expenses associated with starting up the business that will not be repeated. As an example, new signs will need to be made, or deposits for the phone or utilities. Many new business owners do not properly estimate the costs of beginning the business, and run out of cash before the doors open, so it is important to calculate these costs ahead of time to prevent beginning a business without adequate working capital. The checklist below may be used as a guideline, but all businesses are different and there may be additional items not listed, so insure that a proper amount of research is done to list all the areas that will require funds during the opening of the business. If items are being financed, only the down payment amount needs to be listed under start-up expenses. Please print out this form and use it as a guideline to determine the total amount needed.

Cost

A. Office Supplies

  • Letterheads $__________
  • Envelopes $__________
  • Invoices $__________
  • Statements $__________
  • Sales pads $__________
  • Business Cards $__________
  • Computer Paper $__________
  • Printer Cartridges $__________
  • Paper Clips, Pens, & Misc $__________
  • Other Office Supplies $__________
  • Total Office Supplies: $__________

B. Special Large Equipment

  • Computer $__________
  • Printer $__________
  • Copier $__________
  • Cash Register(s) $__________
  • Interior Signs $__________
  • Desks/Counters $__________
  • Chairs $__________
  • Shelving $__________
  • Display(s) $__________
  • Other $__________
  • Total Special Large Equipment: $__________

C. License and Registration fees

  • Business License $__________
  • Professional License $__________
  • Legal (Corporation, Partnership forms) $__________
  • Accounting $__________
  • Registration Fees $__________
  • Total License and Registration fees: $__________

D. Deposits

  • Security Deposit on Building Lease $__________
  • Equipment Leasing Deposits $__________
  • Phone Security Deposit $__________
  • Utilities (Electric, Gas, Sewer) $__________
  • Other $__________
  • Total Deposits: $__________

E. Initial Marketing and Advertising Costs

  • Web site development $__________
  • Brochures $__________
  • Flyers $__________
  • Other $__________
  • Total Initial Marketing and Advertising: $__________

F. Purchase of Initial Inventory (if Applicable)

Note: Only include anything that is actually being paid for prior to opening.

Total Initial Inventory (if applicable): $__________

G. Hiring and Training Costs (if Applicable)

Note: Only include anything that is actually being paid for prior to opening

Total Hiring and Training Costs (if applicable): $__________

H. Permanent Signage

  • Exterior Signs $__________
  • Door Signage $__________
  • Window Signage $__________
  • Total Permanent Signage: $__________

I. “Grand Opening” Promotional Costs

  • Posters/Banners $__________
  • Advertising $__________
  • Giveaway Items $__________
  • Door Prizes $__________
  • Other $__________
  • Total Promotional Costs: $__________

J. Other

     Total Other: $__________


GRAND TOTAL: $__________

Note: The total shown here will be added to the first month’s column under the Cash Flow Projections as a one-time expense.