Heres what you need to know if youre interested in opening a Merry Maids franchise. In addition to our exceptional routine cleaning, enhanced disinfection services are available for your home to help ensure your family's wellness. Definition: A discount or other incentive offered to military veterans who buy a franchise with this company. There is no yearly subscription, and there are four ways customers can pay: Placing a credit card on file Paying by cash Paying by personal check Setting up an auto draft to an account You get manipulated into working even when you are sick! In addition to our exceptional routine cleaning, Contact Us 0207 608 5516 Office opens at 9am Monday disinfect the high-touch surfaces for you. Why Franchise Brands Need to Start Utilizing Video Marketing, How to Start a Stride Fitness Franchise in 2022, How to Start a StretchLab Franchise in 2022, How To Find Success During Search Fund Launches, How to Start a Row House Franchise in 2022. Copyright 2016 2022. Are you a franchise brand seeking inclusion into our inventory? At Merry Maids, we're so much more than just a home cleaning service. make it right. This company is seeking new franchisees in the following international regions: Asia, Europe (Western). They always call before they come and the ladies who have come to clean my home are professional very speedy." Similar Site Search. Total Investment: $86,750 - $123,750. The information on this page is not intended as an endorsement or recommendation of any particular franchise by Entrepreneur Media. This web page does not . Future Opening: Inside Sales Office Assistant. 14 reviews of Merry Maids "We had merry maids come for the first time today. Merry Maids strives to take the stress Entrepreneur and its related marks are registered trademarks of Entrepreneur Media Inc. 3D tours, aerial videos, photography, augmented reality, and other services for real estate agents, Franchise/business coaching and development. Initial Franchise Fee: $37,500 - $51,500 With your drive and dedication and our decades of industry knowledge, together we can accomplish amazing things. We paid extra for the oven to be done and it was worth every penny. Classroom Training: 65 hours Merry Maids is an international franchisor which sells and supports residential cleaning services franchises throughout the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. Northwest Dallas. How much do Merry Maids employees Hourly make in the United States? Really recommend their services. Founded by Dallen Peterson in 1979, Merry Maids started with a simple mission: to put customer satisfaction first. Categories: Marketing/Merchandising, Business Topics: cleaning, molly maid ottawa, house cleaning services, molly maid, cleaning services They also offer financing via 3rd party as well as a discount for veterans. Net-worth Requirement: $90,000 Liquid Cash Requirement: $37,500. Choose a city below to receive a cleaning quote. What you need to know: Franchise terms are typically anywhere from 5 to 20 years in length, but are sometimes instead dependent on factors such as the term of your lease. 12/29/2017. Job Work/Life Balance . We are entrepreneurial enthusiasts, natural caregivers, innovative problem solverswe are Merry Maids, one of the largest house cleaning franchises in the United States, and we are excited that you are exploring our franchise opportunity! To be part of the Merry Maids franchise team, you should make sure you're financially ready for an initial investment made up of a franchise fee and other startup costs. Our commitment to clean, safe and healthy environments. Top 77 Similar sites like clean4me.ca. Key areas of development include People, Customers, Business Strategy, Marketing, and Sales. Our award-winning company offers a fun place to work, competitive pay, and a flexible schedule that allows for the perfect work/life balance. In order to open a Merry Maids franchise, you must have a net worth of more than $90,000. The customers can be some of the best parts about working for Merry Maids. things shouldnt be. The two ladies came, spent 2 hours and cleaned 2 1/2 bathrooms, washed all floors in the house and vacuumed the entire house plus 3 flights of stairs while I watched a movie and drank coffee. Privacy Policy. Curious to know where Merry Maids ranked on other franchise lists? This fee is typically a percentage of weekly or monthly gross sales, but may also be a flat weekly, monthly, or annual fee. As part of our family, you'll have the independence of owning your own business while being supported by a brand with national recognition. Liquid Cash Requirement: $37,500, Initial Franchise Fee: $37,500 - $51,500 Managment needs to work on better communication on how the job is when interviewing I was told it was a 8-5 job . Our Full List of Services Our Service Area Merry Maids of Ft. Worth (817) 345-6780 Mon 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Tue 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Wed 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Thu 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Fri 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Sat Closed You can have a work/life balance working for Merry Maids. Definition: Absentee ownership means that the franchisee does not actively work in the franchise business or manage day-to-day operations. The franchise fee ranges from $37,500 to $51,500 and includes the initial cleaning and equipment package, existing customer base, recognizable brand with in-market, potential accelerated ramp-up to growth and more. Initial investments: $86,750 - $123,750 Owner/Operator (Current Employee) - Augusta, GA - August 15, 2022. Merry Maids provides the relief you are Definition: An exclusive territory is a fixed area in which you are given the right to operate and in which no other units of the same franchise may be opened. experience and an advanced, time-tested cleaning process, we can help This is outlined in a chart in Item 7 of the FDD, showing a range of possible costs from low to high. Franchisees also enjoy access to exclusive territory that offers an adequate opportunity for growth. Every day is different and fast-paced. Featuring 137 feet of prime waterfront, the Naples home offers spectacular views of Floridas great outdoors. A full-time or live-in maid costs $18,000 to $55,000 per year. What you need to know: Net worth is the value of a person's assets minus liabilities. Semrush Rank: 10,263,050 Est. The ServiceMaster specialty is in-home service, so Merry Maids has been a natural fit for ServiceMaster from the beginning. Browse more franchises that are similar to Merry Maids. Buying a Merry Maids begins with an initial cost of $94,480 for small markets and $144,425 for larger markets. What you need to know: Most franchisors require franchisees to pay an ongoing royalty fee, which is detailed in Item 6 of the FDD. In 1988, ServiceMaster purchased Merry Maids from the Petersons. This site uses cookies. Job Work/Life Balance . Are passionate about providing exceptional customer service to every person they serve, Embody the desire to provide unrivaled service. You will be assigned a Business Development Consultant (BDC), whose focus will be on helping your business grow. This fee is usually due at the signing of the franchise agreement and covers the right to use the franchisor's trademarks, name, and related business systems. Mike Krumboltz is a journalist who also writes fiction and holds an MFA in creative writing. service. Your home is more than just a houseits where memories are made and moments are cherished. While the homes elegant interior is sure to make prospectiveowners very merry, the beauty doesnt stop at the doorways. 2.0. Merry Maids has been ranked in Entrepreneur's Franchise 500 many times in recent decades. Merry Maids expertly cleans everything from your cooktop and cabinets, to your oven and refrigerator. easy knowing your home is in great hands. At the moment we can not connect you to the representative of this franchise. East Dallas. Opt to get weekly cleaning done with Merry Maids with the starting price of $85. Merry Maids franchise fees for 2022: Cash Investment: $45,300 Total Investment: $89,600 to $125,023 Minimum Net Worth: $100,000 Franchise Fee: $37,500 to $51,500 Royalty: 7% National Ad Fund: 1.3% Average Number of Employees: 4-20 Passive Ownership: No Home Based: No B2B: No Master Franchise Opportunities: No We give customers their precious time back by taking care of their everyday cleaning. View all Merry Maids reviews. 38. - In currency of the United Kingdom, the investment comes around 62,300 to 88,900. Memphis, TN 38175-1017. We provide estimated franchise costs for some countries: Here's what you can expect to spend to start the business and what ongoing fees the franchisor charges throughout the life of the business. Thats a lot of dust bunnies. Our distinguished FranNet Certified Brands have completed our vetting process**. FranNet, LLC makes no claim, promise, or guarantee of any kind regarding the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information disclosed by the Franchisor. MD-Frederick-21702. Corporate Office: P.O. If you already have a cleaning service, you might be able to "roll in" your existing clients for . Find Similar websites like clean4me.ca. Merry Maids was founded in 1979 in Omaha, Nebraska by Dallen Peterson. The 43-year-old is the founder and CEO of Two Maids & A Mop, a Birmingham, Alabama-based home-cleaning service that operates in 55 locations and employs 500 workers. Merry Maids charges a franchise fee of $37,500-$51,000. trustworthy professionals. Josh Shanahan Clean Eatz Cafe Franchise Owner. Merry Maids strives to offer equal courtesy to franchisees in an effort to make it a desirable franchise to open. COVID update: Merry Maids has updated their hours and services. Our team members are the heart of who we are and take pleasure in improving the lives of our clients by giving them back time to enjoy more of what they love. Future Opening: Housekeeper Maid. Definition: The total amount necessary to begin operation of the franchise. . thin-walled structures impact factor. Definition: The minimum net worth you must have in order to qualify to become a franchisee of this company. On-The-Job Training: 10 hours Biweekly Cleaning You can choose that the cleaner, or cleaners, come to every other week. Are you eager to see what else is out there? Franchisees will also need to meet the company's set net worth and liquid capital requirements. Definition: The length of time your franchise agreement will last. The next week is focused on the application learned in the first week as well as business planning. Consultant Disclaimer: FranNets franchise consultants own and independently operate each office throughout the FranNet system.FranNet Brand Disclaimer: *There are over 4,000 franchise brands out there for you to choose from but FranNet has made the process much easier to find the right fit for you. Review our Testimonials from satisfied customers or view examples of our work in our Gallery. your familys wellness. Funny 1. Maid services charge $25 to $70 per hour per cleaning lady or $200 to $550 per day. What you need to know: Found in Item 5 of the FDD, this may be a flat fee, or may vary based on territory size, experience, or other factors.The franchise fee is an up-front (one-time) cost that a new franchisee pays to the franchisor. Industries: Business Services, Cleaning and Maintenance, Home Services, House Cleaning. Merry Maids dedicates itself to serving its customers inside and outside their homes, a target it believes it meets. In a competitive market, a Merry Maids franchise may distinguish itself by being professional in its standards and services. Merry Maids 680 Grand Canyon Drive Madison , WI 53719 Phone: 608-833-9434 See Google Maps Liquid Capital Required: $37,500. For details and controls, see our updated Privacy Policy. What you need to know: Territory size may be based on factors such as radius, population size, zip codes, and more. With such high standards, the brand considers customer satisfaction priority number one. Merry Maids pays an average hourly rate of $1,393 and hourly wages range from a low of $1,237 to a high of $1,571. Get 20% off purchases above 10.Apply discount code SAVE20 at checkout.. Company Search. We have a variety of franchisors in our portfolio in almost every industry. We understand the importance of having a well-recognized and well-respected brand name. Read our you and your family. Our franchise listings and rankings are solely research tools you can use to compare franchise operations. When you trust your space to the team at Merry Maids, you can rest A business book featuring a remarkable true story and success principles based on personal faith. Annabelle Batchelor. Website Worth: $ 0. Some franchisors offer in-house financing, while others have relationships with third-party financing sources to which they refer qualified franchisees. ServiceMaster brands include Merry Maids, Terminix, TruGreen, American Home Shield and Furniture Medic. All customers have to do is specify which areas of their home need the most attention and the job is done. Merry Maids 10 reviews Claimed Home Cleaning Edit Closed Write a review Add photo Photos & videos See all 10 photos Add photo Location & Hours 885 Queen St. B2 Honolulu, HI 96813 Kaka'ako Serving Honolulu, HI Area Get directions Edit business info Amenities and More Accepts Credit Cards Ask the Community Ask a question Cleaner (Former Employee) - Omaha Ne - August 8, 2016. it was an okay job should get paid on performance and not based on hours some people would take all day to clean 2 hours in the time that you cleaned 4 or 5. enhanced disinfection services are available for your home to help ensure Here's why video marketing makes sense for franchise brands. TOTALLY WORTH IT!! Copyright 2022 Entrepreneur Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Merry Maids offer a domestic cleaning services in North Sussex and surrounding area. Merry Maids is committed to creating a clean and healthy environment for ASK QUESTIONS ABOUT THE FRANCHISE, Business Services Franchises in South Africa, the terms of Testimonials Gallery Schedule your FREE Inspection today Southwest Florida Office (239) 244-8822 Southeast Florida Office (754) 307-1001 Greater Tampa Office (727) 341-9855 or Email Us Quality Roofing Solutions you can Trust. Opening a Merry Maids franchise may offer a more predictable outcome than investing in a completely new brand that could struggle to thrive in an already crowded and competitive industry. Subscribe to our newsletters and keep up-to-date with the latest news in the franchise industry. Like 0. merrymaidstorontocentral.ca the best cleaning services in toronto | 100% satisfaction guaranteed . Definition: The initial fee paid to a franchisor to join their system. That is why at Merry Maids, we want to give you the option *Merry Maids is currently accepting inquiries from the following locations: Alabama, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas. To buy a franchise with Merry Maids, you'll need to have at least $70,000 in liquid capital. Compare where Merry Maids landed on this years Franchise 500 Ranking versus previous years. Through our existing safety Shreveport. Additionally, certification is critical for all employees under the brand. . Studies have shown that disinfecting high-touch hard surfaces can prevent Memphis, TN 38103-3720, USA, Interested? FranNet Clients are instructed to conduct their own independent investigation of the investment opportunity. Definition: A ongoing fee paid to the franchisor on a regular basis. Entrepreneur stresses that you should always conduct your own independent investigation before investing in a franchise. No matter how busy your life is, finding Section II - Estimated Costs All Rights Reserved. What you need to know: This may also be called advertising fee, marketing fee, brand fund fee, and more, but the basic purpose is the same-- to support promotion of the brand systemwide. 2910 SE Loop 820, Fort Worth, TX 76140 See our available positions. 48, which was also their rank on the previous year's list. Find 12 listings related to Merry Maids in Lake Worth on YP.com. It's not worth the 15$ an hour to constantly get yelled at by these bitter older women who literally sit there and gossip all day. That's a lot of dust bunnies. The hourly rate for a two-person Merry Maids team is $120 per hour, with a two-hour minimum. New York private equity firm Clayton, Dubilier & Rice acquired ServiceMaster in July. Let Merry Maids take care of your chores. Here's what you need to know. Auto Services Merry Maids 22 reviews Claimed Home Cleaning Edit Closed 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM See hours Write a review Add photo Photos & videos See all 22 photos Add photo Location & Hours 3314 Overland Ave Ste A Los Angeles, CA 90034 Palms Serving Los Angeles Area Get directions Edit business info Amenities and More Accepts Credit Cards FranNet assumes no liability for the statements and opinions stated by our Franchisor partners orally or in writing. infections. Franchisors offer initial training programs and a variety of ongoing support options to help franchisees run their businesses. . Merry Maids is here to help give kitchens the extra cleaning they need for this busy season. This philosophy has allowed us to grow and become an integral part of our customers' lives for 40 years. Merry Maids has the franchise fee of up to $51,500, with total initial investment range of $86,750 to $123,750. Sarah Smock, marketing director for Merry Maids, the nation's largest residential housecleaning service, says relatively few clients tip during the year; 17 percent regularly give their weekly or twice-monthly cleaners an extra $5 to $10 each per visit, although "there is more tipping at the holidays." Looking for information about how to open a StretchLab franchise? Above, four en suite bedrooms ensure the new owner will always have plenty of guests willing to stay over for a day or 30. Though life can be complicated, the simple Studies have shown that disinfecting high-touch hard surfaces can prevent infections. Merry Maids of Ft. Worth Claimed House Cleaning, Building Cleaners-Interior, Maid & Butler Services (2) CLOSED NOW Today: 7:30 am - 6:00 pm Tomorrow: 7:30 am - 6:00 pm 43 YEARS IN BUSINESS (817) 345-6780 Visit Website Map & Directions 2910 SE Loop 820Fort Worth, TX 76140 Hours Regular Hours Mon - Fri: 7:30 am - 6:00 pm Regular Maid Service feels like your sanctuary. That should include reviewing the franchisor's legal documents, consulting with an attorney and an accountant, and talking to former and current franchisees. looking for. 66. Merry Maids believes that a home is a sanctuary where owners should relax and unwind, so the brand may offer its customers a worry-free guarantee. . Sites similar to merrymaidsscarborough.ca - Top 62 merrymaidsscarborough.ca alternatives. New Braunfels and Hays County. Can do so many favours and none will be returned! Never miss a beat when you sign up to receive our newsletter. The. Take back your time and give our team of. Looking for information about how to open a Row House franchise? Once your term is up, you may have the option to renew your agreement, typically for a smaller fee than the original franchise fee. Find other similar franchises in our catalog! - In Canadian currency, the investment comes around Can$ 109,900 to Can$ 156,800. 'We've Been An Elite Restaurant': Chick-fil-A Manager Started Offering a Three-Day Workweek. If for any reason you are unhappy with our Keeley B. Fresno, CA. He'd too busy and I'm too nauseous to clean. . Search funds provide a means for entrepreneurs to search for, acquire, manage and grow a company. Brands, you can rest assured that your home receives a cleaning backed 0. Net Worth Required: $90,000. In the land of the windmills, the stars one by one. Setting up a Merry Maids franchise starts by entering into a legal agreement that prepares you for running a unit under the brand. Our Worry-Free Guarantee reflects our willingness to go the extra mile to ensure your home always Thank you so much. Liabilities include items like mortgages, car payments, and credit card debt. Maid service costs $120 to $280 on average. Our thorough techniques and meticulous cleaning services in Fort Worth restore balance to your home, ensuring you live more and clean less. You can live your life while we handle the details. Assets include cash, stocks, retirement accounts, and real estate. - In the United States, the total investment to start the Merry Maids is around $86,750 to $123,750. 2.0. Since our earliest days, Merry Maids has put customer satisfaction at the forefront of our services. By navigating the site, you consent to our use of cookies. Merry Maids was founded in 1979, and joined with ServiceMaster in 1988. ! See reviews, photos, directions, phone numbers and more for Merry Maids locations in Lake Worth, FL. to have our expert cleaners come in to thoroughly clean your home and Future Opening: Housekeeping Trainer. you dont have time for. Franchising Since: 1980. you reclaim time with your loved ones. It Now Has 100 Percent Management Retention. Merry Maids is a house cleaning service in Ft. Worth. !' Useful 8. Catch up on the latest franchise news, trends, and more. North Houston. Ongoing Fees. MD-Frederick-21702. Learn how to join our close-knit team! The cleaning company has never dropped below the top 100. Box 751017. And if youd like to sail away into the Gulf of Mexico, the home offers its own deepwater dock. Most maids offer discounts of 5% to 20% for recurring weekly or monthly cleanings. As a cleaning services provider, Merry Maids stepped in to help customers make their homes sparkling clean so that they can focus on everything else. As of 2018, the company owns and operates 1024 franchises in the United States and 695 ones outside the country. Joint Base Charleston AFGE Local 1869 The Miami-based operator began offering employees the option to work full-time hours in three days, and retention, cleanliness, and recruitment are all up. Other notable aspects include operational support and initial training that evaluates your fit in the Merry Maids culture. MD-Westminster-21157. 150 Peabody Pl. For 2016, Merry Maids landed at No. Molly Maid wants to see liquid capital in the $30,000 range with a minimum net worth of $250,000. Ongoing Royalty Fee: 5 - 7% Envelope Dallen Peterson, the founder of Merry Maids cleaning service, is looking to sell his 7,000-square-foot mansion in Naples, FL, for $8.5 million. We put The Extra In Their Ordinary, restoring balance to their life by taking care of their home. As experts in keeping homes clean and healthy, Merry Maids goal is to help families realize the beauty of thorough cleaning. We care about the protection of your data. Heres what you can expect to spend to start the business and what ongoing fees the franchisor charges throughout the life of the business. Additional Training: Additional training in Memphis, Tennessee and regional locations, Merry Maids Franchise Info: https://www.merrymaids.com/franchise-opportunities. Ad Royalty Fee: 1.3%. 1,602 reviews from Merry Maids employees about Merry Maids culture, salaries, benefits, work-life balance, management, job security, and more. As part of your due diligence, you may want to speak to existing franchisees and ask the Merry Maids franchising team questions. Merry Maids | HomeAdvisor prescreened Cleaning & Maid Services in Prince Frederick, MD. recent visit, let us know within 24-hours and well come back and Our special offers are the perfect Before making any financial commitment or signing an agreement, you must perform your due diligence and establish if this is the right opportunity for you. Very disappointed customer my worth the money!!! This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. For head office enquiries call 0800 021 3072 | Newsletter Sign-Up | Socialise with us. Life flies by in the blink of an eye, so it's crucial to stop and enjoy it. Initial Franchise Fee $37,500 - $51,500 Initial. Franchisees can seek to ensure customers satisfaction by implementing time-tested techniques to revive homes. the time to clean your home can be tough. Definition: An going fee paid to the franchisor on a regular basis to support advertising or marketing efforts. House is clean thanks to my "Merry Maids". Dallen Peterson shares his story of the founding of Merry Maids--its phenomenal growth and how it eventually became part of the ServiceMaster family. cost-saving opportunity. The 14-year-old firm is. You deserve to feel confident Here's what you need to know. See our available positions. knowing youll receive consistently flawless results from friendly, The five-bedroom stunner features vaulted ceilings, a media room, and a double-island gourmet kitchen. Cool 1. Molly Maid offers and will assist franchisees with various financing options such as Small Business Administration loans and unsecured lines of credit. Merry Maids is committed to creating a clean and healthy environment for you and your family. Beautiful inside and out,its just the kind of home youd expect from a guy who made his fortune cleaning up other peoples houses. The following year, they earned their highest position on the list at No. 60 reviews from Merry Maids employees about Merry Maids culture, salaries, benefits, work-life balance, management, job security, and more. I'm a working mom, pregnant, with a husband that stays at home with our toddler and works from home. North Austin. San Antonio. Give us a call on 01293 613133! Merry Maids will also provide Sales and Marketing support via our National Marketing Team here at Home Office and National Ad Campaign. Merry Maids Merry Maids Employee Review. Located on the first floor, the master bathroom features deluxe twin showers as well as a traditional bathtub. **Please note that the information and opinions expressed by the Franchisor are those of the Franchisor. The first week is focused on cleaning 101 and the A-Z's of Merry Maids. And for those whod rather ride in style than climb a flight of stairs, fear notan elevator is included. Merry Maids wants to help take care of you by taking care of what MD-Silver Spring-20910. If you wish to enhance customers' lives as a player in the cleaning services industry, Merry Maids could be an exciting fit. Baton Rouge. Dallen Peterson, the founder of Merry Maids cleaning service, islooking to sell his 7,000-square-footmansionin Naples, FL, for $8.5 million. As with the royalty fee, it is detailed in Item 6 of the FDD, and can be a percentage of weekly or monthly gross sales or a weekly, monthly, or annual fee. Monthly Cleaning Find out below. Additional details about running this franchise. We are a company dedicated to giving our customers back the time they deserve to enjoy the things they love. A typical franchise agreement runs for five years. Your local consultant can let you know what franchises are currently available in your area. Appreciate the investment required for a cleaning franchise. The girls were friendly, and polite as well as on time and they did an exceptional job!! I was not warned or written up once before I just got fired, it . Our Worry-Free Guarantee ensures you are thrilled with your service every time. New franchise owners participate in a 2-week training course in Memphis, Tennessee. If youre ready to help make peoples days a little bit brighter, consider joining the Merry Maids team. Definition: The minimum liquid capital you must have available in order to qualify to become a franchisee of this company. Here's what you need to know. Merry Maids Merry Maids Employee Review. Franchisees can expect to make a total investment of $94,480 - $144,425. With a vast portfolio of services from apartment cleaning to enhanced disinfection services, Merry Maids believes it solutions for every need. Our family of brands include Amerispec, Furniture Medic, Terminix, ServiceMaster Restore, and ServiceMaster Clean. To buy a franchise with Merry Maids, you'll need to have at least $37500 in liquid capital and a minimum net worth of $90000. Four decades later, the brand has experienced growth and recognition to the point of more than 950 U.S. franchises to go along with hundreds of international locations. Dallen worked with his family to create the Merry Maids system and franchise the company. Details can be found in Item 12 of the FDD. Franchisor Details Incorporated Name: Merry Maids Limited Partnership Total Units: 999 Year Founded: 1988 Franchising Since: 1979 Home Office: Memphis, TN Training: Available Locations Available: See Below* Franchise Costs out of your day so you can do life your way. This starting price is $100. Review this company. Get free estimates from maid services near you or view our cost guide below. The rollicking lads, with the lassies in wake, Sweep by on their ice skates of old Friesian make, While the watchman calls out, with a voice like a bell, The time by the tower, and adds, "All is well.". Individual pay rates will, of course, vary depending on the job, department, location, as well as the individual skills and education of each employee. Merry Maids' lowest spot was in 2012 at No. What you need to know: The initial investment includes the franchise fee, along with other startup expenses such as real estate, equipment, supplies, business licenses, and working capital.