Economics overview
This is the money question in one place: what it costs to start and to keep going, where income could come from, and which path you are betting on.
Costs split in two. There is a one-time setup cost, dominated by land and a place to live, and a small recurring running cost after that. The aim is for modest income plus what the founders can contribute to cover the running cost within a few years, so the project does not depend on raising money forever.
Budget tiers
The same three tiers run through the cost work: minimal (DIY, used gear, the leanest viable setup), standard (a sensible mix of new and used, some paid help), and comfortable (mostly new, professional install). Pick a tier per area and keep it consistent. See costs.
Scenarios
How fast this happens depends on funding. Four broad scenarios:
- Fast: funding lands quickly; setup inside a year.
- Gradual: the default; setup over one to two years as money comes in.
- Slow: ultra-lean, founder-funded over several years.
- Opportunity-driven: timing follows a specific grant, land deal, or partnership.
Pick a scenario from the funding reality, not from a wish, and revisit it on a regular cycle.