Business tools

Starting a business? Plan it with real numbers.

Name: HomesCalculator.com
Telephone: +13529884900

Four free tools to help you go from idea to open for business: a step-by-step roadmap, a start-up and break-even calculator, a 12-month cash flow forecast and a business plan template.

Roadmap Start-up and break-even Cash flow forecast Business plan

These numbers are estimates only and may not be accurate. They depend on your real interest rate, credit, income and the home's actual taxes and insurance. Contact us for accurate figures; it's free and there's no obligation. The starting interest rate (6.5%) is an example only, not a quote: your rate depends on your credit, loan type, down payment and the market, and can be higher or lower. Change it to see the difference.

Roadmap: starting a business

From idea to open for business. Every business is different: use this as a checklist and get professional advice for your situation.

1
Test your idea
2 to 6 weeks
You
- Write down what you'll sell, to whom, and why they'll buy from you
- Talk to 10 to 20 possible customers
We
- Talk it through with you, free
Why it matters: Most new businesses struggle because not enough people want to buy, not because the idea is bad. A little research saves a lot of money.
Questions to ask
- Who exactly is my customer?
- Who else sells this, and why would people choose me?
- What price will people really pay?
Who's involved
You. Your local SCORE mentor or Small Business Development Center (SBDC) can help for free.
What it costs
Free.
Tip: Pre-selling a few orders is the best proof that people want it.
2
Work out the numbers
1 to 2 weeks
You
- List your start-up costs and monthly costs
- Work out how many sales you need to break even
We
- Show you the start-up and break-even calculator on this page
Start-up and break-even calculator →
Why it matters: Knowing your break-even point tells you if the business can pay its way, and how much money you need to get there.
Questions to ask
- How many sales a month do I need?
- How long until I reach that?
- How much do I need to live on meanwhile?
Who's involved
You, and an accountant if you'd like a second opinion.
What it costs
Free here. An accountant may charge for a review.
3
Write your business plan
1 to 3 weeks
You
- Use the business plan template on this page
We
- Answer questions about funding sections
Business plan template →
Why it matters: A plan makes you think through every part of the business, and lenders will ask for one.
Questions to ask
- What are my goals for year one?
- What could go wrong, and what will I do?
Who's involved
You.
What it costs
Free.
4
Choose your business structure
1 day to 2 weeks
You
- Decide: sole proprietor, LLC or corporation
- Register your business name
We
- Point you to the right professionals
Who does what →
Why it matters: Your structure affects your taxes, paperwork and personal liability.
Questions to ask
- Should I form an LLC?
- How will I be taxed?
Who's involved
An accountant or attorney. In Florida you register with Sunbiz (the Florida Division of Corporations).
What it costs
Florida LLC filing fees are around $125. Professional advice is extra.
Tip: Get an EIN (tax ID) from the IRS: it's free at irs.gov.
5
Licences, permits and insurance
1 to 4 weeks
You
- Check city and county business tax receipts and any state licence your trade needs
- Get business insurance
We
- Help if you're buying or leasing premises
Why it matters: Operating without the right licence or insurance can mean fines or losing everything after one claim.
Questions to ask
- Which licences does my trade need?
- What insurance do I need: liability, property, workers' comp?
Who's involved
Your city or county, Florida DBPR for licensed trades, an insurance agent.
What it costs
Varies by trade and location.
6
Open a business bank account
1 day
You
- Keep business and personal money separate
- Set up simple bookkeeping
We
- Explain how lenders look at business bank statements
Why it matters: Separate accounts make taxes easier and are needed for most business loans.
Questions to ask
- Which bookkeeping software suits me?
Who's involved
Your bank, bookkeeper or accountant.
What it costs
Often free or low monthly fees.
7
Arrange funding
2 to 8 weeks
You
- Work out how much you need (start-up costs plus 3 to 6 months of running costs)
- Gather your documents
We
- Explain the options: SBA loans, equipment loans, lines of credit, and how to qualify
Business loans and readiness check →
Why it matters: Running out of cash is the most common reason new businesses close. Borrow enough, not just the minimum.
Questions to ask
- How much will I need until I break even?
- What will lenders ask for?
Who's involved
Lenders, your loan officer, SBA lenders.
What it costs
Interest and fees depend on the loan.
Tip: Use the 12-month cash flow forecast on this page to find your lowest cash point.
8
Premises and set-up
2 to 12 weeks
You
- Find premises (or set up at home)
- Buy equipment and stock
We
- Help find commercial or home-business property if you need it
Why it matters: Premises are often the biggest fixed cost. Check zoning before you sign.
Questions to ask
- Is the zoning right for my business?
- Who pays for repairs and changes?
Who's involved
Commercial Realtor, landlord, attorney for the lease.
What it costs
Deposits and rent, often several months up front.
9
Launch and marketing
Ongoing
You
- Website, Google Business Profile, social media
- Tell everyone you know
We
- Share tips from building our own site
Why it matters: Customers can't buy from you if they don't know you exist.
Questions to ask
- Where do my customers look for businesses like mine?
Who's involved
You, and a marketer or web designer if needed.
What it costs
From free to a few thousand dollars.
10
Your first year
12 months
You
- Check your numbers every month against your forecast
- Set money aside for taxes
We
- A yearly review if you have a business loan
12-month cash flow forecast →
Why it matters: Catching problems early, while they're small, is the key to surviving year one.
Questions to ask
- Am I on track to break even?
- Should I adjust prices or costs?
Who's involved
You and your accountant.
What it costs
Accounting fees vary.
Tip: Quarterly estimated taxes are due in April, June, September and January.

Times are typical, not guaranteed; every purchase and sale is different.

Start-up costs and break-even

One-off start-up costs ($)

Equipment and furniture

Deposits (rent, utilities)

Licences, legal and set-up

First stock or materials

Launch marketing

Website and software set-up

Other one-off costs

Monthly running costs ($)

Rent

Staff wages

Insurance

Utilities and phone

Software and subscriptions

Loan payments

What you need to pay yourself

Other monthly costs

Sales and cash

Average price per sale ($)

Cost to you per sale ($) materials, stock, card fees

Sales you expect a month

Cash you have to start ($)

12-month cash flow forecast

See money coming in and going out each month, and your lowest cash point.

Starting position

Your own cash to start ($)

Business loan ($)

One-off start-up costs ($)

Loan interest rate (%)

Loan length (years)

Sales and costs

Sales in month 1 ($)

Sales growth each month (%)

Customers pay you

Cost of each sale (% of sales)

Monthly running costs ($)

Cash at the end of month 12

—

Lowest cash point
First month cash comes out ahead
Loan payment

Month	Cash in	Cash out	Net	Bank balance

Estimates only. Contact us for accurate figures: free, no obligation.

Your full name

Mobile phone

Business plan template

Fill in each part. It's saved on this device as you type (nothing is sent to us). When you're done, press Print or save as PDF.

Business name and one-line summary

e.g. "Sunny Paws: mobile dog grooming in Clermont and Minneola."

What you sell

Your products or services, and what makes them different.

Your customers

Who they are, where they are, and the problem you solve for them.

Competition

Who else they could buy from, and why they'll choose you.

Marketing and sales

How customers will find you, and your prices.

How it runs

Premises, equipment, suppliers, opening hours, licences and insurance.

You and your team

Your experience, who helps you, and anyone you'll hire.

The numbers

Start-up costs, monthly costs, break-even and your 12-month cash flow (use the calculators above).

Funding needed

How much you need, what it's for, and how you'll repay it.

Goals and milestones

What you want to achieve at 3, 6 and 12 months.

Risks and backup plans

What could go wrong, and what you'll do about it.

Business loans and readiness check SBA loans

Common questions

How much money do I need to start a business?

Add up your one-off start-up costs, then add enough to cover 3 to 6 months of running costs (more if sales will take a while to build). The start-up calculator on this page does the sums for you.

What is a break-even point?

The number of sales you need each month to cover all your costs. Below it you lose money; above it you make a profit.

Why do I need a cash flow forecast?

A business can be profitable on paper and still run out of cash, for example if customers pay late or costs come before sales. A forecast shows your lowest cash point so you can plan for it.

Where can I get free help in Florida?

SCORE offers free mentoring, and the Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) network offers free consulting and training. Your local chamber of commerce can also help.

For education and planning only. Approximate estimates; not legal, tax or financial advice. Not a loan offer, approval or commitment to lend. Example rates are for illustration only; rates can change and may not be available at commitment or closing. Rates, terms, taxes, insurance and program rules vary and change; your actual numbers may differ. Mortgage services by Bill McElhill, NMLS #2176490, licensed in Florida, Georgia and Texas.

Your next step

Business loans →Readiness check SBA loans →How they work

Roadmap: starting a business

Test your idea

Work out the numbers

Write your business plan

Choose your business structure

Licences, permits and insurance

Open a business bank account

Arrange funding

Premises and set-up

Launch and marketing

Your first year

Start-up costs and break-even

One-off start-up costs ($)

Monthly running costs ($)

Sales and cash

12-month cash flow forecast

Starting position

Sales and costs

Business plan template

Common questions

Your next step

Talk through your business plans