What is the average cost to start a business?

The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation estimated that the average cost of starting a business was about $30,000 in 2009, states AARP. Babson College, cited by the Wall Street Journal, states that the average cost of starting a business is $65,000.

The average cost of starting a business depends on the chosen industry and business model, according to AARP. Start-up costs include expenses such as payroll, rent, marketing materials and office supplies. Capital expenses are also necessary for most businesses, and these include one-time costs for property, inventory or security deposits. Many of the start-up costs for a business are tax-deductible.