The necessary amount to start a business can start from a few thousand reais, but structured operations require planning for installation, working capital, and maintenance for the first months
Starting a business does not only depend on paying fees or obtaining a CNPJ. The initial investment needs to cover the resources necessary to get the operation up and running and sustain it until revenues are sufficient to cover expenses. Depending on the sector, format, and structure chosen, this amount can range from a few thousand to hundreds of thousands of reais.
The discussion gains relevance in light of the advancement of structured entrepreneurship in the country. The Brazilian franchising market ended 2025 with revenues exceeding R$ 300 billion, a nominal growth of 10.5% compared to the previous year. The sector surpassed 200,000 operations, gathered 3,297 networks, and maintained approximately 1.8 million direct jobs, according to the balance sheet released by the Brazilian Franchising Association.
Initial investment goes beyond opening the company
The cost to formalize a business can be low, especially when the activity allows for classification as an Individual Microentrepreneur. Opening the MEI is free, but this does not mean that the operation can start without resources.
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A Chemical Engineering student and his father built a three-bedroom house in less than a month using soil, plastic, and discarded glass. They made more than 90% of the walls with earth and waste and started living in the prototype to prove that it functions as a regular residence.
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Harvesting 131.97 million tons and breaking records, Brazil’s corn production grew by 14.3% in the 2024/25 season and helped boost the country’s total grain harvest, which also reached a historic mark in 2025.
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Restorers find unprecedented decorations, a room with a starry sky, and historical details preserved since the 1920s during the renovation of Parque Lage in Rio de Janeiro.
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Collecting 764.5 billion reais and growing by 1.8% in the year, the insurance sector in Brazil advanced in 2025, even with the claims paid rising much faster, totaling 548.4 billion reais in the country.
According to guidance published by the Federal Government in September 2025, the share capital should represent the investment necessary to start activities, including equipment, raw materials, rent, and other material or financial resources. Although it is possible to declare a minimum capital of R$ 1, the amount needs to reflect the real needs of the company.
Among the most common expenses are space renovation, furniture, machinery, initial stock, management systems, advertising, hiring professionals, licenses, and tax expenses. It is also necessary to reserve working capital to pay rent, suppliers, salaries, and operational bills while the business is still acquiring customers.
Low-cost businesses require a leaner structure
Digital ventures, home services, consultancies, and operations without a commercial point can start with smaller investments. In some cases, the entrepreneur already has a computer, phone, vehicle, or necessary equipment, reducing the initial outlay.
Even in these activities, it is necessary to consider costs with technology, customer acquisition, regularization, insurance, and forming a financial reserve. Starting with little money does not eliminate the risk of decapitalization. In practice, lean operations depend on strict financial control and a realistic forecast of the time needed to reach the break-even point.
Medium investment businesses typically require a reduced physical structure, inventory, initial team, or specialized equipment. High-cost projects may involve larger properties, construction, industrial machinery, vehicles, technical installations, and a broader range of professionals.
Franchise model allows comparison of different ranges
The franchise market includes formats of low, medium, and high investment, allowing entrepreneurs to compare operations with different structures, staffing needs, and levels of complexity. There are models operated from home, mobile units, kiosks, and complete establishments.
The growth of the sector does not eliminate the need for individual analysis. Before making a decision, it is essential to evaluate the total investment reported, recurring fees, working capital estimate, return period, and financial capacity to maintain the unit in scenarios below the projected performance.
The rise of microfranchises also shows the demand for more accessible models. The 20 largest operations in this category associated with the sector entity recorded a combined growth of 17% in the number of units in 2025.
Financial reserve reduces short-term decisions
There is no single amount to open a business. The answer depends on the operational format, the city, the sector, the number of employees, and the need for inventory or infrastructure.
The safest calculation should add up the implementation investment, pre-operational expenses, and a reserve for the first few months. Using all available money just for setup can leave the company vulnerable to delays, sales below expectations, or unforeseen expenses.
More than finding the lowest cost option, the entrepreneur needs to choose an operation compatible with their assets, experience, and management capacity.
