How Much Does It Cost To Start A Design Company? (In 2024)
Looking to start a design company?
But curious about:
- how much it costs to start a design company?
- what are the typical design company startup costs?
- or the actual cost of starting design companies?
Well, we have the data to prove it, supported by real design companies and how much they actually cost to start.
Let's go over it.
Learn more about starting a design company:
Where to start?
-> Pros and cons of a design company
Need inspiration?
-> Other design company success stories
-> Marketing ideas for a design company
Other resources
-> Profitability of a design company
Business Formation Fees
There are a few key costs associated with forming your business entity, such as setting up an LLC and getting trademarks, copyrights, and patents sorted.
Cost | Required? | Min Cost | Max Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Set up business: LLC & Corporations |
Required |
$50 |
$500 |
Small Business Insurance |
Recommended |
$500 |
$2,000 |
Permit and License Fees |
Optional |
$50 |
$700 |
Lawyer Fees |
Optional |
$0 |
$1,500 |
Software Expenses
Your design company needs software to run efficiently!
Why spend money on software? Because it can help you save time and automate certain parts of the business, so you can focus on the most important matters. Software and technology can help you grow your business, and save you from expensive personnel costs.
Cost | Required? | Min Cost | Max Cost |
---|---|---|---|
File Hosting Service |
Recommended |
$0 |
$299 |
Email marketing tool |
Recommended |
$0 |
$100 |
CRM Software ➜ |
Recommended |
$12 |
$300 |
Project Management Software |
Recommended |
$0 |
$25 |
Internal Communication Tool |
Recommended |
$0 |
$20 |
Accounting & Invoicing Software |
Recommended |
$0 |
$50 |
IT Support ➜ |
Optional |
$150 |
$2,000 |
Social Media Management Tools |
Optional |
$0 |
$50 |
Design Programs & Software |
Optional |
$0 |
$50 |
Office Space Expenses
It will be your call to determine if you need office space. It is not a requirement but may be necessary as your design company grows.
Cost | Required? | Min Cost | Max Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Rent ➜ |
Optional |
$0 |
$5,750 |
Utility Costs For Office Space ➜ |
Optional |
$0 |
$1,150 |
WiFi & Internet ➜ |
Optional |
$0 |
$100 |
Employee & Freelancer Expenses
Cost | Required? | Min Cost | Max Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Payroll Costs & Fees ➜ |
Optional |
$150 |
$250 |
Website Costs
Every business should have a website, and it's worth spending a bit of money to set it up right.
Cost | Required? | Min Cost | Max Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Domain Name ➜ |
Required |
$12 |
$200 |
Website Hosting Costs ➜ |
Required |
$0 |
$300 |
Website Builder ➜ |
Recommended |
$10 |
$500 |
Business Email Hosting Service ➜ |
Recommended |
$1 |
$15 |
Web Designer ➜ |
Optional |
$200 |
$6,000 |
Advertising & Marketing Costs
Cost | Required? | Min Cost | Max Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Business Cards ➜ |
Optional |
$0 |
$50 |
Networking Membership Fees |
Optional |
$0 |
$250 |
Direct Campaigns, Printing and Mailing |
Optional |
$0 |
$300 |
Press |
Optional |
$0 |
$500 |
Google Ads |
Optional |
$0 |
$300 |
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.