Hi Amanda, try looking for industry statistics to estimate what you imagine the profits and costs will be. You can also find information on financial projections in business plan section. If you still need assistance, try getting in touch with a local Small Business Development Center or SCORE, two of SBA's resource partners. They're located across the country and provide free business counseling and answers. Visit our local assistance guide to find your local SBA resource partners by entering your zip code. 

Hi Amanda, When I started my agency and my clients that are starting collection agencies have very good luck when they approach a lender with their business plan AND their marketing plan, some even bring their credit plan which also helps. If you are looking for other data or information, please let me know. I am sure I can help you, I do consulting every day with people starting their own agencies and have many resources, a lot of them free. Also, check out my blog for more information and I have a free group on LinkedIn called "Starting a collection agency" that may help you with any questions. This post was edited to remove a link. Please review our Community Best Practices (http://www.sba.gov/community) for more information about how best to participate in our online discussions. Thank you.