3 Steps to Figure Out How Much Money You Need to Start a Business
How much money do you need to start a business? It’s the question every entrepreneur must answer.
Knowing the startup costs is critical, especially if you want to raise money or get a loan.
Overshooting and asking for too much puts you at risk of rejection and paying unnecessary interest. Asking for too little risks running out of money before giving your business a fair chance to succeed.
Unfortunately, there is no single solution or specific dollar amount for each industry. Every business is unique, and costs vary by location. However, calculating your startup costs is not too difficult.
Here are three steps to help you figure out how much money you need to start a business.
1. Create a business plan.
Having an idea for a business is just the beginning. You need a detailed business plan to make it a reality.
Your plan will help define your business strategy and spending plan. Consider the specific requirements for your business, such as the type of food truck, size, branding, and necessary equipment.
If you need help with your business plan, check out our step-by-step guide.
2. Create a detailed financial forecast.
With a business plan in place, you can start crunching numbers.
Consider two categories of spending: startup expenses and ongoing expenses.
Startup expenses include permits, licenses, website design, and improvements to your storefront. Assets refer to tangible items you need to purchase.
Ongoing expenses include rent, payroll, taxes, insurance, utilities, and marketing costs.
By combining all your spending, you’ll have a good estimate of how much money you need to start your business.
Use a cash flow forecast to get a complete financial picture of your business.
3. Plan for the worst.
Even if your forecast predicts $50,000 in startup funding, it’s wise to plan for the worst.
Secure 130% of the predicted amount to provide a cushion in case of unexpected costs or delays.
Starting a business often takes longer and costs more than planned. Having a safety net is essential.
Knowing the amount of startup cash you need is crucial when approaching banks or investors. By following these steps, you’ll have done your homework and can confidently answer any funding questions that come your way.
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I’m Andrew Brooks, a seasoned finance consultant from the USA and the mind behind phonenumber247.com.
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