[pfreivald]

We ran on about $2000 our first several years, but TBH we weren't doing anything even close to "right". With KISS and a firm eye toward what you know you can do with the resources you have, you can have a great rookie year -- but things like team T-shirts can be surprisingly, even shockingly, expensive.

Don't be afraid to ask businesses to donate materials, tools, T-shirts, pizza, anything... Many are more willing to donate products than cash.

And please, don't be shy about asking nearby teams for assistance of any and every kind. From programming to machining to strategy to spare motors, veteran teams can be an absolutely amazing help to those just starting out, and they'll be overjoyed to help.