by G. Peterson

Beginning a small GIS consultancy, whether it will be just yourself or you and a few others, takes an initial week or two of set-up time.   Total costs for these items will run between $5,000 and $20,000 (U.S.) with the higher end of the range coming from more expensive GIS software and possibly a high-end, large-format plotter.  The cost can go even higher should you have reason to use non open-source server software and other development tools. 

The items listed here constitute the majority of my own GIS practice inventory and have served me well for over six years.  I have been intentionally brief in listing just the generic type of item because most of us come into this with a good idea of which companies we prefer and what specifications we need.    

ITEMS SPECIFIC TO THE GIS PROFESSION

• GIS Software (if you want to join the Open Source craze, check out this great entry on setting up an Open Source GIS workstation)
• Monitor(s): dual, wide, quad, etc.
• Peripheral Software: drawing/finishing; viewing
• Hardcopy GIS Reference Materials: books, magazines, journals
• Plotter: in-house or account with local printer
• E-communication: website, email, large-file transfer mechanism
• Computer: a laptop is essential for meetings and presentations, desktop for in-office use

GENERAL BUSINESS ITEMS

• Printer: laser and/or inkjet
• Business phone line and/or dedicated cell phone
• Fax: virtual fax works best for me but an actual machine is okay too; yes, you do still need a fax number these days
• Business checking/banking account possibly including a loan or line of credit
• Business reference materials: books on consulting, business, and accounting
• File cabinet: at the least a small one to keep hardcopy tax records
• Backup procedure and related equipment: my weekly backup goes on external hard drive and is stored in a waterproof/fireproof safe in the office; my monthly backups are stored off-site
• Projector
• Wireless internet
• Security software
• Office stationary: business cards, paper, envelopes, etc.
• Accounting system: I use custom spreadsheets but you could use an accountant and/or bookkeeping software depending on the number of and complexity of your amounts receivable, expenditures, etc.
• Scanner: not a necessity but cheap enough and handy on occasion
• In U.S.: Employer Identification Number: even if you are a sole-proprietor, it is preferable
• In U.S.: Applicable county, state, city licenses

Non-tangibles: if you go solo you need to be extra diligent about keeping up with the latest technological advancements and the latest research related to your GIS niche.  You will need to be reading blogs, subscribing to industry-specific periodicals, and reading and participating in online discussion groups.  Furthermore, I am a big advocate of regular excursions to museums and other cultural activities in order to keep the mind fresh and creatively inspired.