Select your industry and see a real breakdown of what it actually costs to launch — equipment, insurance, licensing, and working capital.
Every range in this calculator is built from real equipment pricing (current retail and used market), insurance quotes from national providers, and state licensing fee research. They are ranges — not guarantees — because your actual costs will vary based on your state, whether you buy new or used equipment, and how aggressively you negotiate on insurance.
The two biggest variables most new contractors underestimate: (1) insurance — general liability is often $600–$1,500/year before you factor in commercial auto, tools coverage, or industry-specific requirements, and (2) working capital — most businesses take 60–90 days to reach stable revenue. If you don’t have 1–2 months of expenses covered before you launch, a slow first month can sink the business.
After you’ve calculated your startup costs, use the Profit Margin Calculator to make sure your pricing will actually sustain the business — and the Jobs Per Week Calculator to confirm your revenue goal is achievable at your price point. See the full launch guide for next steps after the numbers.