Most first businesses run short of working capital, not setup money. Budget for both.
Key points
Separate one-time and monthly costsSetup costs are once; rent and salaries repeat.
Hold three months of working capitalRevenue usually takes longer than planned.
Get two quotes for big itemsEquipment and fit-outs vary widely.
Keep a bufferSet aside 10–15% for surprises.
Checklist
- List all setup costs
- Estimate monthly running costs
- Add a buffer
- Review before committing
Written by Priya Nair · 07 Sept 2026