Why DIY Could Cost You More: The Real Price of Starting a Business
- Ingrid Bayer
- Jul 28
- 4 min read
Starting a business as a sole trader in Australia absolutely costs money. There’s no magic tricks, no government grant, and no free shortcuts that get you to a professional, profitable business without actually putting some skin in the game.
But here’s something that most people won’t tell you: starting without the right support doesn’t just cost money; it costs time, confidence, momentum, and in many cases, your dream altogether.
And unfortunately, it’s something that we get to see every single day.
People waste months (sometimes years) pulling together cheap templates, DIY branding, all while second-guessing themselves at every step. And you want to know what the end result is? A fragile setup that is not positioned for success, and no real strategy to bring in clients or create an ongoing income…. and from my perspective, that is very, very sad!
At VA Institute, we’re not just about training. We’re about giving you the whole foundation; a foundation that’s done right from the very beginning.
So what does a run of the mill business startup actually cost here in Australia?
Let’s look at the real numbers:
Even a lean start adds up fast and can cost anywhere between $5,000 to $10,000 just to get properly established… and that’s before you've earned a dollar.
And if you’re a DIY… you’re basically doing it all alone.
Now let’s compare that with what you get with VA Institute (and why it’s a smarter investment)
Instead of pulling it all together piece by piece desperately hoping it’s all going to work, and ultimately burning through your energy, VA Institute gives you the complete, professional business setup in one place.
With our award-winning VA Startup Program, our standard inclusions are:
Done-for-you branding (logo, colours, branding board)
A professional website built and hosted for you (which you own, and can amend)
Customisable and legally binding service contract, templates and business documents
Pricing frameworks and service design guidance
Setup of your email account in Google Workspaces or Office 365
Structured training on building your VA business strategically
LIFETIME support, mentoring and community
Bonus training, ongoing masterclasses, and networking opportunities
And all of that – bundled – comes in at a far lower cost than what you'd spend cobbling it together elsewhere.
It’s not just cost-effective, but it’s clarity-effective, confidence-effective, and it gives you the edge and ability to be client-ready, from day one.
But here’s the real issue as I see it… it’s often NOT about spending the money, but about going it alone (and let's be honest, who would want that when they’re moving from an employee role where everything has been provided at every stage?)
If we take it a step further, I would also add that it’s not just about saving money… in the scheme of things, it’s about protecting the dream you have for a better working life. One with flexibility, fulfilment and freedom.
When you choose to "figure it out yourself," you’re risking:
Setting the wrong rates (and undercharging for months)
Getting stuck providing services you THINK you should offer
Using contracts that are not going to protect you
Wasting time on admin instead of income
Missing out on clients because you don’t look credible
Burning out because you're isolated and unsure
You can’t build a thriving business on shaky foundations, and as someone who’s been in the industry (and in business) for in excess of 20 years, I know that you can’t build a scalable business with no support network.
VA Institute: Where Smart Business Starts
We’re not here to be the cheapest… we’re here to be the most valuable resources you’ve ever had because we know that when individuals are supported, equipped, and empowered to launch businesses that are built right, they don’t just survive; they thrive.
So if you're thinking of launching a VA business, stop asking “Can I afford this?”. The question you need to start asking is “Can I afford to get it wrong?” because I guarantee that if you fail, you won’t try again… you’ll put your head down, kill the dream, and continue to build another person’s business dream as an employee.
At VA Institute, we’re ready when you are.
Your business, done right from the very beginning, and for the long haul.
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Ready to Get Started the Smart Way?
Book a free Clarity Session and let’s explore how your skills, experience, and goals align with building a successful, sustainable VA business.
No hype. No pressure. Just straight-up support built on our years of experience in this amazing industry.
Book Your Free Clarity Session HERE
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