Startup costs checklist (printable)

What the startup costs checklist (printable) gives you

Many startups run out of money because they forgot a cost. This printable checklist lists the one-off and monthly costs of starting a business in Kenya, from registration and permits to stock, equipment, marketing and a cash cushion, with space for your estimate and the actual amount for each, and a total to compare with your savings.

Who it is for

Founders and small business owners planning a launch, and students writing a business plan.

How to use it

1. Go through each list and tick the costs that apply.
2. Write your estimate beside each item.
3. Add up the totals and compare them with your savings.
4. Update the actual amount as you spend.
5. Keep a signed or dated copy with your records, so you can show what was agreed or done.

What is inside

• One-off costs and monthly costs
• Registration, permits, equipment and stock
• Marketing and a cash cushion
• Columns for estimate and actual
• Totals and funding gap

The document is a ready-to-print PDF with these parts: One-off costs, Monthly costs, Your totals, Before you launch. It is laid out for A4, with the headings, tables and tick boxes already in place, so you can print it and fill it in by hand, or type into it with a PDF editor.

Tips for getting it right

• Get two quotes for every large cost.
• Add ten percent for the surprises.
• Keep three months of running costs in reserve.
• Do not spend on extras before you have your first customers.

Why it helps

Running a business on memory works until it grows. Writing the numbers down turns opinions into facts you can compare month to month, and shows early which products, customers or costs deserve attention. Even a simple workbook, used every week, usually beats a sophisticated one that is opened once a year.

Questions people ask

Can I edit it? It is a PDF, so it is meant to be printed and completed, or filled with a PDF editor. If you want to change the wording, copy the text into Word or Google Docs and adapt it to your business.

Is it legal advice? No. It is a practical starting point written for Kenya. Rules change, so check the current position and ask a professional where the stakes are high.

Will it work on my phone? Yes for reading. For filling in and printing, a computer or a PDF app works best.

Keeping it safe and up to date

A plan is only as good as the numbers you put in. Start with honest estimates, update the workbook as real figures arrive, and compare the two so your next estimate is better. Save a dated copy each month so you can see how your thinking changed.

Read how to build a cash flow forecast for the wider picture. See more business templates or ask us for a custom one.

This document is general information, not tax, legal or accounting advice, and it is not affiliated with the Kenya Revenue Authority. If something does not work as described, contact us and we will put it right.

Related guides, calculators and templates

• Guide: How to build a 12-month cash flow forecast for a small business
• Guide: How to price your products and services: markup, margin and break-even
• Guide: Turnover tax for small businesses in Kenya: rate, limits and when to use it
• Another template: 12-month cash flow forecast
• Another template: Annual operating budget by department
• Another template: Break-even and pricing calculator

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