Startup Cost Calculator
Plan your Nigerian business launch budget by adding all startup expenses — from CAC registration to equipment and initial inventory.
Startup Cost Items
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Total Startup Cost
₦2,400,000
Office / Shop Rent (6 months)
₦600,000
Equipment & Machinery
₦500,000
CAC Registration & Legal Fees
₦100,000
Initial Inventory / Stock
₦1,000,000
Marketing & Brand Launch
₦200,000
How to Use This Calculator
Edit the pre-filled cost items with your actual estimates, or remove them and add your own. Click Add cost item to include additional startup expenses. The total updates instantly as you type. Use the Remove (×) button to delete items you don't need.
The defaults represent typical costs for a small Nigerian service or retail business. Adjust to match your specific industry and location.
Typical Nigerian Startup Cost Categories
- Registration & Legal: CAC registration ₦15,000–₦50,000, business name ₦10,000–₦30,000, legal fees ₦50,000–₦200,000, NAFDAC/SON/professional licences where required.
- Office / Retail Space: Lagos: ₦500K–₦5M/year depending on location. Abuja: ₦300K–₦3M. Most landlords demand 1–2 years upfront. Budget for agency fees (10%) and legal fees.
- Equipment & Technology: Computers, printers, POS terminals, machinery. Highly variable by industry — ₦200K for a consulting startup, ₦5M+ for a manufacturing setup.
- Initial Inventory / Raw Materials: Working capital to stock your shelves or production line. Start with 1–3 months of expected sales volume.
- Marketing & Brand: Logo and branding ₦50K–₦200K, website ₦150K–₦500K, social media launch, print materials, signage.
- Working Capital Buffer: 3–6 months of operating costs to cover the period before the business becomes cash-flow positive.
Example
Lagos Food Delivery Startup
Office Rent (6 months)₦600,000
Equipment (computers, bikes, phones)₦500,000
CAC Registration & Legal₦100,000
Initial Stock / Partnerships₦1,000,000
Marketing & App Development₦200,000
Total Startup Cost₦2,400,000
FAQ
CAC (Corporate Affairs Commission) registration costs: Business Name (sole proprietorship/partnership) — ₦10,000–₦30,000 depending on name type. Private Limited Company (Ltd) — ₦15,000–₦50,000 share capital filing fees plus professional fees. If using a lawyer or filing agent, total cost including professional fees is typically ₦100,000–₦300,000 for an incorporated company. The CAC online portal allows self-registration for lower cost.
Nigerian financial advisors recommend 3–6 months of operating expenses as working capital reserves, especially in the startup phase. Most businesses take 6–18 months to reach cash-flow breakeven. Factor in: monthly rent, salaries, utilities, loan repayments, and COGS. In a high-inflation environment like Nigeria, also budget for 10–20% cost escalation on inputs.
Yes, several schemes exist: GEEP (Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme) — up to ₦350,000 at 0% interest. YouWin Connect — grants for youth entrepreneurs. BOI Youth Entrepreneurship Support — ₦500K–₦5M. NIRSAL MFB Agri-Business — agriculture and food processing. Most require a business plan, CAC registration, and proof of business activity. Competition is fierce — apply to multiple schemes simultaneously.