From the monthly leasing of space to necessary modifications, the costs associated with owning a brick & mortar business can be staggering. In addition to their inventory, business owners must factor in costs such as rent, licenses, permits, store fixtures and equipment, business insurance, marketing, and advertising, to name a few. There are also the costs of renovations and design. The worst part about the latter is when you make those renovations. They become an advantage of the landlord’s, not yours. Before you know it, you’ve spent anywhere between $2,000 to $100,000 to start your business. This doesn’t even include other major, ongoing operating expenses such as utilities, vendor agreements, salaries, and employee benefits.