Business Startup Cost Estimator
Estimate your total startup costs by industry with state filing fees included. Get a detailed cost breakdown for LLC or corporation formation, equipment, marketing, and working capital.
Startup Cost Estimation Formula
Total startup costs are the sum of one-time setup costs and initial operating runway.
State LLC filing fees range from $40 (Kentucky) to $500 (Massachusetts). Industry multipliers account for equipment-heavy vs service-based businesses.
How to Use the Business Startup Cost Estimator
Select your business industry
Choose from retail, restaurant, tech/software, professional services, e-commerce, or healthcare. Each industry has different equipment and licensing cost profiles.
Choose your business entity type
LLC and corporation have different state filing fees. The calculator includes state-specific fees for your selected state.
Enter your number of employees
Employee count affects initial payroll, HR setup costs, and office space requirements.
Set your desired runway in months
Most advisors recommend 6–12 months of operating capital as a safety buffer.
Real-World Scenario Example
"A solo software consultant launching an LLC in California with 6 months of runway."
Inputs
Result
Estimated startup costs: $820 (CA LLC fee + registered agent) + $1,500 equipment + $2,000 marketing + $18,000 runway = ~$22,320 total.
Important Disclaimer
Cost estimates are approximations based on industry averages. Actual costs vary by location, vendor, and business model. Consult a business advisor for precise planning.
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