Can we create wikis for small business?

How much did it cost for immigrants ( In the 1910s ) to buy and create their own business in New York?

• For my US history assignment we are supposed to create a fictional immigrant. My character is a german man, who arrives at Ellis Island at age 31, and with former knowledge on how to run and start a business. The only thing is I do not how to run and start a business. No matter where I search I cannot find how much money he would need to bring with him to be able to start up a Inn/Tavern in New York. He wishes to do this because he thought it would be in his best interests to bring the family business to America. I was planning that the character would also need to require a partnership to make this dream happen. I have that character planned out as well. But I really need to know:How much pocket change would he probably have?How much it would cost back then to start up this business?How much money should he charge for services once he gets his business running?

• Answer:

  Not an easy task. I have googled and come up with very little. But, I did figure out a way to come up with cost. You need to look at old records. For example, I found an inn that charged 1.00 for a single person per room and 1.50 for a double. Both without baths. .50 more with bath. I found this info on images of Taverns in 1910. Dispersed among pictures were old records. I do not know how to do a record search. I am going to figure that out. This is the best idea I can come up with. It is interesting, so I will see what else I can find. It's a start:)