As you piece together your budget, it’s not just about the numbers—it’s a chance to gain a deeper understanding of how your startup operates. Once you can better identify how much money you have on hand and where it’s going, you start to better understand things like:
- ✅ The actual money you’re spending on labor and other materials necessary for your products and services.
- ✅ Your overall costs of operations.
- ✅ The level of revenue you’ll need to generate to support your business moving forward. A realistic idea of how much money you can expect to make in terms of profit, and when.
So, as you work to come up with a budget that is more specific to your growing startup, you also begin to better understand how that startup works. At that point, you’re not just in a position to make accurate, informed decisions about things like hiring or materials spending ‒ you can also go back and reconfigure your budget to account for any trends or patterns that you’ve discovered. This cyclical process is also a great way to make sure that you always have the cash necessary to take advantage of opportunities as quickly as possible, even ones that you didn’t necessarily expect.
The “Day One” Budget
Let’s say you’re building a budget for a startup that hasn’t launched yet. Your focus here is simple: make “Day One” happen. While every business is unique, a few critical factors should be top of mind to ensure a smooth opening:
💡 Facilities Costs
Where will your business call home? Whether it’s a rented storefront, commercial office space, or a warehouse, consider all expenses—from security deposits to necessary renovations and signage.
💡Fixed Assets
These “capital expenditures” are the tools your team needs to get the job done. Think work vehicles (if applicable), office furniture, and essential equipment like computers—after all, your team needs a solid workspace.
💡Materials and Supplies
This includes everything from basic office supplies to marketing materials. Stocking up on these essentials will help your business hit the ground running.
💡Miscellaneous
Finally, there are those other expenses that don’t fit neatly into the above categories. Legal fees, financial consultations, licenses, permits—all these add up and are crucial to your startup’s foundation.
Remember, these are just the startup costs to get your doors open, not the long-term operating expenses.
🚩 Get It Right from the Start
Let’s say you’re building a budget for a startup that hasn’t launched yet. Your focus here is simple: make “Day One” happen. While every business is unique, a few critical factors should be top of mind to ensure a smooth opening:
Feeling stuck or overwhelmed?
We’re here to assist. We can help craft a budget that not only supports your startup today but also positions you for growth in the future. Let’s ensure you’re ready for both the present challenges and the exciting opportunities that 2024 will bring.
Take the first step towards securing your startup’s future—schedule a consultation with us today!