# StartMargin

> What it really costs to start 115 businesses in Europe in 2026: money to start, hours a week, weeks to the first income, how much of every €100 the owner keeps, and the most each can earn a month. Every figure is researched one business at a time, with its sources listed on the business page. StartMargin also builds websites for small businesses and helps them get found on Google and in AI answers.

## About

- StartMargin is an independent site. It publishes an open database of startup costs for 115 small businesses (free to use under CC BY 4.0) and sells websites and visibility services to small businesses.
- Some links to tools are affiliate links, stated plainly on the site; where a free tool is better, the page says so. The business figures are researched one at a time and list their sources.
- Contact: info@startmargin.com · https://startmargin.com/why-this-exists/

## Key facts (from the database, quotable with a link)

- The median money needed to start one of the 115 businesses is €3,000; the range runs from €100 to €80,000. Source: https://startmargin.com/how-much-does-it-cost-to-start-a-business/
- 71 of the 115 businesses can start with under €5,000. Source: https://startmargin.com/start-with/
- The median time to the first income is 10 weeks. Source: https://startmargin.com/data/

## Method

- Figures are researched estimates for European markets, checked against public sources (mostly British and European) in 2026. Each business page lists its sources and the date it was last checked.
- "Money to start" is the realistic range to get going, from a lean start to a well-equipped one.
- "Kept of every €100" is the share of revenue the owner keeps after running costs, before paying themselves for their own hours.
- "Most it earns a month" is the realistic ceiling for one owner working part time or full time, not an average.
- Figures are estimates, not financial advice. Prices in euro; the site can display US dollars at the ECB rate.

## Key pages

- [All businesses ranked by startup cost](https://startmargin.com/data/): sortable table and CSV download (CC BY 4.0)
- [All 115 businesses](https://startmargin.com/start-a/): one page each with the numbers, the route and the sources
- [Which business fits your budget](https://startmargin.com/check/): free interactive tool across all 115 businesses
- [How much does it cost to start a business](https://startmargin.com/how-much-does-it-cost-to-start-a-business/): the distribution across all businesses
- [Businesses by budget](https://startmargin.com/start-with/): what €500 to €50,000 can start
- [Why this exists](https://startmargin.com/why-this-exists/): who makes the site and how the numbers are checked

## Services for small businesses (prices excl. VAT)

- [Free AI visibility check](https://startmargin.com/ai-check/): checks 18 things on a business website, its robots.txt, sitemap and llms.txt, and shows what Google and AI assistants like ChatGPT and Perplexity can read. Free, no sign-up.
- [Visibility Fix](https://startmargin.com/fix/): €149 one-off, done in 48 hours. Everything the free check found, fixed on the site you already have.
- [LaunchKit](https://startmargin.com/website/): €390 one-off, live in about 7 days. A website made for the business, Google Business Profile, domain and email, QR poster and a 30-day launch plan.
- [Small business website](https://startmargin.com/website/): €790 one-off, about 14 days.
- [Small shop website](https://startmargin.com/website/): €1490 one-off, about 21 days.
- [Found plan](https://startmargin.com/website/#grow): €99 a month. Show up on Google and in AI answers.
- [Rank plan](https://startmargin.com/website/#grow): €299 a month. Climb Google and AI answers, month after month.
- [Found + Social plan](https://startmargin.com/website/#grow): €249 a month. Everything in Found, plus content every week.
- [AI receptionist plan](https://startmargin.com/website/#grow): €149 a month. Never miss a call or a booking again.
- [Italian version](https://startmargin.com/it/): the same services, in Italian.

## Businesses (cheapest to start first)

- [Content site with affiliate](https://startmargin.com/start-a/content-site-with-affiliate/): capital €100–€600, first income ~32 weeks, up to €3,500/month, keeps €95 of every €100
- [Paid newsletter](https://startmargin.com/start-a/paid-newsletter/): capital €100–€600, first income ~28 weeks, up to €3,500/month, keeps €93 of every €100
- [Niche social page](https://startmargin.com/start-a/niche-social-page/): capital €100–€600, first income ~20 weeks, up to €1,800/month, keeps €92 of every €100
- [Online tutoring](https://startmargin.com/start-a/online-tutoring/): capital €100–€700, first income ~2 weeks, up to €2,200/month, keeps €88 of every €100
- [Clipping for creators](https://startmargin.com/start-a/clipping-for-creators/): capital €100–€800, first income ~4 weeks, up to €1,800/month, keeps €95 of every €100
- [Copywriting and ghostwriting](https://startmargin.com/start-a/copywriting-and-ghostwriting/): capital €150–€600, first income ~4 weeks, up to €3,500/month, keeps €92 of every €100
- [Translation and localisation](https://startmargin.com/start-a/translation-and-localisation/): capital €150–€600, first income ~4 weeks, up to €2,800/month, keeps €90 of every €100
- [Print on demand](https://startmargin.com/start-a/print-on-demand/): capital €150–€800, first income ~10 weeks, up to €900/month, keeps €22 of every €100
- [Digital products](https://startmargin.com/start-a/digital-products/): capital €150–€900, first income ~12 weeks, up to €3,000/month, keeps €95 of every €100
- [Paid community](https://startmargin.com/start-a/paid-community/): capital €200–€1,000, first income ~20 weeks, up to €3,500/month, keeps €93 of every €100
- [Dog walking and pet sitting](https://startmargin.com/start-a/dog-walking-and-pet-sitting/): capital €200–€1,200, first income ~2 weeks, up to €1,800/month, keeps €85 of every €100
- [Freelance web development](https://startmargin.com/start-a/freelance-web-development/): capital €200–€1,200, first income ~3 weeks, up to €7,000/month, keeps €92 of every €100
- [SEO for small businesses](https://startmargin.com/start-a/seo-for-small-businesses/): capital €200–€1,200, first income ~6 weeks, up to €4,000/month, keeps €90 of every €100
- [Online coaching](https://startmargin.com/start-a/online-coaching/): capital €200–€1,200, first income ~8 weeks, up to €4,000/month, keeps €92 of every €100
- [Web design and restyling](https://startmargin.com/start-a/web-design-and-restyling/): capital €200–€1,500, first income ~4 weeks, up to €4,500/month, keeps €88 of every €100
- [Admin support for foreigners](https://startmargin.com/start-a/admin-support-for-foreigners/): capital €200–€1,500, first income ~6 weeks, up to €3,500/month, keeps €90 of every €100
- [Elder home support](https://startmargin.com/start-a/elder-home-support/): capital €300–€1,500, first income ~4 weeks, up to €2,600/month, keeps €82 of every €100
- [Social media for SMEs](https://startmargin.com/start-a/social-media-for-smes/): capital €300–€1,500, first income ~5 weeks, up to €3,200/month, keeps €85 of every €100
- [UGC creator for brands](https://startmargin.com/start-a/ugc-creator-for-brands/): capital €300–€1,500, first income ~6 weeks, up to €2,800/month, keeps €90 of every €100
- [AI automation for SMEs](https://startmargin.com/start-a/ai-automation-for-smes/): capital €300–€2,000, first income ~6 weeks, up to €5,500/month, keeps €88 of every €100
- [Dropshipping](https://startmargin.com/start-a/dropshipping/): capital €300–€2,000, first income ~8 weeks, up to €1,200/month, keeps €12 of every €100
- [Faceless automated channel](https://startmargin.com/start-a/faceless-automated-channel/): capital €300–€2,000, first income ~32 weeks, up to €2,500/month, keeps €88 of every €100
- [Home cleaning](https://startmargin.com/start-a/home-cleaning/): capital €400–€1,500, first income ~3 weeks, up to €2,600/month, keeps €80 of every €100
- [UGC video production](https://startmargin.com/start-a/ugc-video-production/): capital €400–€2,500, first income ~5 weeks, up to €5,000/month, keeps €88 of every €100
- [Podcast](https://startmargin.com/start-a/podcast/): capital €400–€2,500, first income ~36 weeks, up to €1,500/month, keeps €90 of every €100
- [Micro-SaaS](https://startmargin.com/start-a/micro-saas/): capital €400–€3,000, first income ~28 weeks, up to €6,000/month, keeps €90 of every €100
- [Online courses](https://startmargin.com/start-a/online-courses/): capital €400–€3,000, first income ~24 weeks, up to €4,000/month, keeps €92 of every €100
- [Freelance video editing](https://startmargin.com/start-a/freelance-video-editing/): capital €500–€3,000, first income ~4 weeks, up to €3,800/month, keeps €85 of every €100
- [Music and beat licensing](https://startmargin.com/start-a/music-and-beat-licensing/): capital €500–€3,000, first income ~20 weeks, up to €1,500/month, keeps €92 of every €100
- [Paid mobile app](https://startmargin.com/start-a/paid-mobile-app/): capital €500–€4,000, first income ~26 weeks, up to €4,000/month, keeps €88 of every €100
- [Handmade and craft](https://startmargin.com/start-a/handmade-and-craft/): capital €500–€4,000, first income ~6 weeks, up to €2,000/month, keeps €60 of every €100
- [YouTube channel, long form](https://startmargin.com/start-a/youtube-channel-long-form/): capital €500–€4,000, first income ~40 weeks, up to €4,000/month, keeps €92 of every €100
- [Guided tours and local experiences](https://startmargin.com/start-a/guided-tours-and-local-experiences/): capital €600–€5,000, first income ~5 weeks, up to €3,400/month, keeps €68 of every €100
- [Live streaming](https://startmargin.com/start-a/live-streaming/): capital €800–€4,000, first income ~36 weeks, up to €2,000/month, keeps €90 of every €100
- [Bookkeeping practice](https://startmargin.com/start-a/bookkeeping-practice/): capital €800–€4,000, first income ~8 weeks, up to €4,500/month, keeps €85 of every €100
- [Personal trainer](https://startmargin.com/start-a/personal-trainer/): capital €800–€5,000, first income ~5 weeks, up to €3,500/month, keeps €75 of every €100
- [Stock footage and photo](https://startmargin.com/start-a/stock-footage-and-photo/): capital €800–€5,000, first income ~24 weeks, up to €1,200/month, keeps €90 of every €100
- [Translation agency](https://startmargin.com/start-a/translation-agency/): capital €800–€6,000, first income ~8 weeks, up to €4,000/month, keeps €45 of every €100
- [Property sourcing](https://startmargin.com/start-a/property-sourcing/): capital €1,000–€6,000, first income ~12 weeks, up to €4,500/month, keeps €80 of every €100
- [Corporate training](https://startmargin.com/start-a/corporate-training/): capital €1,000–€8,000, first income ~16 weeks, up to €7,000/month, keeps €85 of every €100
- [Office and commercial cleaning](https://startmargin.com/start-a/office-and-commercial-cleaning/): capital €1,500–€6,000, first income ~6 weeks, up to €4,200/month, keeps €70 of every €100
- [Handyman service](https://startmargin.com/start-a/handyman-service/): capital €1,500–€6,000, first income ~3 weeks, up to €3,800/month, keeps €70 of every €100
- [Short-term rental management](https://startmargin.com/start-a/short-term-rental-management/): capital €1,500–€8,000, first income ~8 weeks, up to €4,000/month, keeps €60 of every €100
- [Market stall](https://startmargin.com/start-a/market-stall/): capital €1,500–€8,000, first income ~2 weeks, up to €2,500/month, keeps €45 of every €100
- [Wedding planning](https://startmargin.com/start-a/wedding-planning/): capital €1,500–€9,000, first income ~16 weeks, up to €3,500/month, keeps €75 of every €100
- [Massage and bodywork](https://startmargin.com/start-a/massage-and-bodywork/): capital €1,500–€12,000, first income ~5 weeks, up to €3,400/month, keeps €70 of every €100
- [Digital marketing agency](https://startmargin.com/start-a/digital-marketing-agency/): capital €1,500–€12,000, first income ~10 weeks, up to €7,000/month, keeps €60 of every €100
- [Painting and decorating](https://startmargin.com/start-a/painting-and-decorating/): capital €1,800–€8,000, first income ~4 weeks, up to €4,100/month, keeps €60 of every €100
- [Travel content creator](https://startmargin.com/start-a/travel-content-creator/): capital €2,000–€8,000, first income ~40 weeks, up to €3,000/month, keeps €70 of every €100
- [Self-employed estate agent](https://startmargin.com/start-a/self-employed-estate-agent/): capital €2,000–€10,000, first income ~20 weeks, up to €5,500/month, keeps €70 of every €100
- [Answering and reception service](https://startmargin.com/start-a/answering-and-reception-service/): capital €2,000–€12,000, first income ~10 weeks, up to €4,000/month, keeps €60 of every €100
- [Exam prep centre](https://startmargin.com/start-a/exam-prep-centre/): capital €2,000–€15,000, first income ~12 weeks, up to €5,000/month, keeps €65 of every €100
- [Subscription box](https://startmargin.com/start-a/subscription-box/): capital €2,000–€20,000, first income ~14 weeks, up to €4,500/month, keeps €30 of every €100
- [Domestic garden maintenance](https://startmargin.com/start-a/domestic-garden-maintenance/): capital €2,500–€11,000, first income ~3 weeks, up to €3,700/month, keeps €62 of every €100
- [Event photography](https://startmargin.com/start-a/event-photography/): capital €2,500–€12,000, first income ~8 weeks, up to €3,500/month, keeps €70 of every €100
- [Mobile car detailing](https://startmargin.com/start-a/mobile-car-detailing/): capital €3,000–€9,000, first income ~4 weeks, up to €3,800/month, keeps €65 of every €100
- [Phone and computer repair](https://startmargin.com/start-a/phone-and-computer-repair/): capital €3,000–€12,000, first income ~5 weeks, up to €3,200/month, keeps €55 of every €100
- [Commercial window cleaning](https://startmargin.com/start-a/commercial-window-cleaning/): capital €3,000–€14,000, first income ~4 weeks, up to €3,400/month, keeps €70 of every €100
- [E-commerce with own product](https://startmargin.com/start-a/e-commerce-with-own-product/): capital €3,000–€15,000, first income ~10 weeks, up to €4,500/month, keeps €25 of every €100
- [Mortgage brokerage](https://startmargin.com/start-a/mortgage-brokerage/): capital €3,000–€18,000, first income ~20 weeks, up to €5,500/month, keeps €75 of every €100
- [Recruitment agency](https://startmargin.com/start-a/recruitment-agency/): capital €3,000–€20,000, first income ~20 weeks, up to €8,000/month, keeps €70 of every €100
- [Accountancy practice](https://startmargin.com/start-a/accountancy-practice/): capital €3,000–€20,000, first income ~12 weeks, up to €9,000/month, keeps €70 of every €100
- [Pet grooming](https://startmargin.com/start-a/pet-grooming/): capital €3,000–€25,000, first income ~8 weeks, up to €3,400/month, keeps €60 of every €100
- [Language school](https://startmargin.com/start-a/language-school/): capital €3,000–€25,000, first income ~10 weeks, up to €5,500/month, keeps €45 of every €100
- [Pressure washing](https://startmargin.com/start-a/pressure-washing/): capital €4,000–€15,000, first income ~4 weeks, up to €3,200/month, keeps €70 of every €100
- [Photo booth hire](https://startmargin.com/start-a/photo-booth-hire/): capital €4,000–€15,000, first income ~6 weeks, up to €2,200/month, keeps €75 of every €100
- [Electrical contracting](https://startmargin.com/start-a/electrical-contracting/): capital €4,000–€18,000, first income ~5 weeks, up to €6,500/month, keeps €57 of every €100
- [Managed IT for small firms](https://startmargin.com/start-a/managed-it-for-small-firms/): capital €4,000–€25,000, first income ~14 weeks, up to €8,000/month, keeps €55 of every €100
- [Insurance brokerage](https://startmargin.com/start-a/insurance-brokerage/): capital €4,000–€25,000, first income ~30 weeks, up to €6,000/month, keeps €70 of every €100
- [3D printing service](https://startmargin.com/start-a/3d-printing-service/): capital €4,000–€25,000, first income ~8 weeks, up to €2,500/month, keeps €40 of every €100
- [Plumbing and heating](https://startmargin.com/start-a/plumbing-and-heating/): capital €4,500–€20,000, first income ~5 weeks, up to €6,300/month, keeps €56 of every €100
- [Locksmith](https://startmargin.com/start-a/locksmith/): capital €5,000–€18,000, first income ~6 weeks, up to €4,000/month, keeps €70 of every €100
- [Courier and last mile](https://startmargin.com/start-a/courier-and-last-mile/): capital €5,000–€20,000, first income ~3 weeks, up to €2,800/month, keeps €35 of every €100
- [Flooring installation](https://startmargin.com/start-a/flooring-installation/): capital €5,000–€20,000, first income ~5 weeks, up to €4,200/month, keeps €55 of every €100
- [Private label on marketplaces](https://startmargin.com/start-a/private-label-on-marketplaces/): capital €5,000–€45,000, first income ~16 weeks, up to €5,000/month, keeps €20 of every €100
- [Man with a van](https://startmargin.com/start-a/man-with-a-van/): capital €6,000–€25,000, first income ~3 weeks, up to €3,500/month, keeps €60 of every €100
- [EV charger installation](https://startmargin.com/start-a/ev-charger-installation/): capital €6,000–€25,000, first income ~8 weeks, up to €4,500/month, keeps €45 of every €100
- [Driving instruction](https://startmargin.com/start-a/driving-instruction/): capital €6,000–€25,000, first income ~26 weeks, up to €4,000/month, keeps €65 of every €100
- [Catering for events](https://startmargin.com/start-a/catering-for-events/): capital €6,000–€30,000, first income ~10 weeks, up to €5,000/month, keeps €40 of every €100
- [Contract cleaning company](https://startmargin.com/start-a/contract-cleaning-company/): capital €6,000–€35,000, first income ~12 weeks, up to €7,000/month, keeps €15 of every €100
- [Pest control](https://startmargin.com/start-a/pest-control/): capital €8,000–€30,000, first income ~8 weeks, up to €4,200/month, keeps €65 of every €100
- [Embroidery and workwear](https://startmargin.com/start-a/embroidery-and-workwear/): capital €8,000–€30,000, first income ~8 weeks, up to €3,200/month, keeps €50 of every €100
- [Mobile mechanic](https://startmargin.com/start-a/mobile-mechanic/): capital €8,000–€30,000, first income ~4 weeks, up to €4,200/month, keeps €60 of every €100
- [Meal prep delivery](https://startmargin.com/start-a/meal-prep-delivery/): capital €8,000–€35,000, first income ~8 weeks, up to €4,200/month, keeps €35 of every €100
- [Vending machine route](https://startmargin.com/start-a/vending-machine-route/): capital €8,000–€40,000, first income ~10 weeks, up to €2,200/month, keeps €25 of every €100
- [Physiotherapy practice](https://startmargin.com/start-a/physiotherapy-practice/): capital €8,000–€40,000, first income ~10 weeks, up to €6,500/month, keeps €60 of every €100
- [Furniture making](https://startmargin.com/start-a/furniture-making/): capital €8,000–€40,000, first income ~12 weeks, up to €2,200/month, keeps €45 of every €100
- [Snow and ice clearing](https://startmargin.com/start-a/snow-and-ice-clearing/): capital €9,000–€38,000, first income ~8 weeks, up to €2,500/month, keeps €55 of every €100
- [Commercial grounds maintenance](https://startmargin.com/start-a/commercial-grounds-maintenance/): capital €10,000–€40,000, first income ~8 weeks, up to €4,500/month, keeps €55 of every €100
- [Food product manufacturing](https://startmargin.com/start-a/food-product-manufacturing/): capital €10,000–€60,000, first income ~20 weeks, up to €5,000/month, keeps €25 of every €100
- [Sign making and vehicle wraps](https://startmargin.com/start-a/sign-making-and-vehicle-wraps/): capital €12,000–€45,000, first income ~10 weeks, up to €4,000/month, keeps €55 of every €100
- [Ghost kitchen](https://startmargin.com/start-a/ghost-kitchen/): capital €15,000–€55,000, first income ~8 weeks, up to €3,000/month, keeps €15 of every €100
- [Solar panel installation](https://startmargin.com/start-a/solar-panel-installation/): capital €15,000–€60,000, first income ~12 weeks, up to €6,000/month, keeps €30 of every €100
- [Event equipment hire](https://startmargin.com/start-a/event-equipment-hire/): capital €15,000–€70,000, first income ~12 weeks, up to €5,000/month, keeps €55 of every €100
- [Labour supply](https://startmargin.com/start-a/labour-supply/): capital €15,000–€70,000, first income ~14 weeks, up to €8,000/month, keeps €8 of every €100
- [Gym or training studio](https://startmargin.com/start-a/gym-or-training-studio/): capital €15,000–€85,000, first income ~16 weeks, up to €5,900/month, keeps €28 of every €100
- [Barber shop or salon](https://startmargin.com/start-a/barber-shop-or-salon/): capital €16,000–€62,000, first income ~14 weeks, up to €5,300/month, keeps €25 of every €100
- [Hand car wash site](https://startmargin.com/start-a/hand-car-wash-site/): capital €20,000–€70,000, first income ~10 weeks, up to €4,000/month, keeps €45 of every €100
- [Home care agency](https://startmargin.com/start-a/home-care-agency/): capital €20,000–€80,000, first income ~20 weeks, up to €7,000/month, keeps €12 of every €100
- [Dog daycare](https://startmargin.com/start-a/dog-daycare/): capital €20,000–€80,000, first income ~16 weeks, up to €5,500/month, keeps €45 of every €100
- [Street food and food truck](https://startmargin.com/start-a/street-food-and-food-truck/): capital €25,000–€70,000, first income ~14 weeks, up to €3,500/month, keeps €30 of every €100
- [Tool and equipment hire](https://startmargin.com/start-a/tool-and-equipment-hire/): capital €25,000–€90,000, first income ~14 weeks, up to €4,000/month, keeps €50 of every €100
- [Buy-to-let property](https://startmargin.com/start-a/buy-to-let-property/): capital €30,000–€90,000, first income ~16 weeks, up to €900/month, keeps €35 of every €100
- [Aesthetics clinic](https://startmargin.com/start-a/aesthetics-clinic/): capital €30,000–€100,000, first income ~16 weeks, up to €10,000/month, keeps €55 of every €100
- [Specialist shop](https://startmargin.com/start-a/specialist-shop/): capital €30,000–€100,000, first income ~16 weeks, up to €4,500/month, keeps €20 of every €100
- [Short-term rental](https://startmargin.com/start-a/short-term-rental/): capital €35,000–€100,000, first income ~12 weeks, up to €2,200/month, keeps €45 of every €100
- [Childcare setting](https://startmargin.com/start-a/childcare-setting/): capital €40,000–€100,000, first income ~28 weeks, up to €8,000/month, keeps €20 of every €100
- [Self storage units](https://startmargin.com/start-a/self-storage-units/): capital €40,000–€150,000, first income ~20 weeks, up to €4,000/month, keeps €55 of every €100
- [Restaurant](https://startmargin.com/start-a/restaurant/): capital €48,000–€130,000, first income ~22 weeks, up to €6,800/month, keeps €11 of every €100
- [Skip and waste hire](https://startmargin.com/start-a/skip-and-waste-hire/): capital €50,000–€100,000, first income ~16 weeks, up to €9,000/month, keeps €35 of every €100
- [Café or coffee bar](https://startmargin.com/start-a/caf-or-coffee-bar/): capital €50,000–€150,000, first income ~20 weeks, up to €3,000/month, keeps €18 of every €100
- [Commercial laundry and linen](https://startmargin.com/start-a/commercial-laundry-and-linen/): capital €50,000–€150,000, first income ~14 weeks, up to €4,500/month, keeps €40 of every €100
- [House flipping](https://startmargin.com/start-a/house-flipping/): capital €60,000–€150,000, first income ~36 weeks, up to €3,500/month, keeps €10 of every €100
- [Laundromat](https://startmargin.com/start-a/laundromat/): capital €60,000–€150,000, first income ~24 weeks, up to €3,500/month, keeps €35 of every €100
- [Microbrewery](https://startmargin.com/start-a/microbrewery/): capital €80,000–€150,000, first income ~24 weeks, up to €3,000/month, keeps €30 of every €100

## Optional

- [Full data for every business](https://startmargin.com/llms-full.txt)
- [Dataset as CSV](https://startmargin.com/data/startmargin-businesses.csv)