How to Calculate Business Startup Costs in MA and RI
Ready to start a business in Southeastern Massachusetts or Rhode Island? As an entrepreneur, you’ll want to make sure your business will yield a profit, which is why it’s wise to first understand how much it costs to start the business and what it will take to keep it going. Business startup costs include all of the one-time expenses you’ll incur before you’re technically open for business. The great thing is that these start up business costs can be tax deductible. But how much do you need and what else should you consider? Learn what you need to know about calculating startup costs for your new Massachusetts or Rhode Island business.
How Much Does It Cost to Start a Business in Massachusetts or Rhode Island?
The cost to start a business will vary based on a number of factors including the type of business you’re in, the area you’ll be operating this business, and what you need to get started. The SBA estimates that most home-based businesses only need to invest between $2,000 and $5,000 to get started. Other business models can require upwards of a million dollars, so understanding these costs is a vital part of your business plan.
Typical Startup Business Costs & Tax Deductions
A list of examples your business start-up costs might include:
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Market research to determine if you should buy or create this new business
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Licenses, permits, legal fees
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Building, facility or land
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Inventory
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Employees or labor
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Rent and utilities
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Furniture, supplies, equipment
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Insurance
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Marketing expenses like signs, flyers, website, agency or freelance costs
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Technology needs including laptops, phones, tablets, credit card payment processing systems, software like customer relationship management systems, inventory programs and more
It’s important to keep track of all of your startup expenses because you’ll need this information when filing your taxes. The IRS defines business start-up and organization costs as capital expenditures.
Depending on the type of expense, you may be able to deduct or amortize costs for the one-time business startup costs. Use the Small Business Administration’s startup costs worksheet to keep track of your specific startup expenses. It is always smart to talk to your tax professional or CPA for more information and specific guidance relevant to your business.
Starting a Business in Massachusetts or Rhode Island
In Massachusetts and Rhode Island, there are several helpful resources to help you get your new business off the ground.
Funding Your Business Startup Costs
If you’d like to seek MA or RI Business Financing to cover your business startup costs, a great first step is to develop a strong business plan. Investors and lenders like Bristol County Savings Bank want to understand your estimated startup costs, whether your business idea is viable, how it will be operated, your marketing strategy, and projected business expenses and revenue. Business counselors can advise you on how to outline these essential components in your business plan so that you maximize your ability to secure start up business financing.Check out these small business resources in Massachusetts:
- Guide To Starting a New Business – Mass.gov
- Small Business Readiness Assessment – MA Small Business Development Center Network
- Business Mentoring - SCORE
- Business Plan Guide - SBA
- Small Business Counseling - SCORE
- Starting a Small Business Webinars – Rhode Island Small Business Development Center
- Business eFraud Prevention Tips and Tools
- Services for Businesses