text: how do set up a small microbiology lab for a small start up cosmetic company.?   you will need to hire an experienced microbiologist to do this.   it will probably require an initial investment of 100,000 to a million dollars depending on your facilities. after the lab is set up you need to validate your equipment and compose a set of standard operating procedures.   it would probably be cheaper to outsource your micro testing. qa testing lab companies will have their own validated methods, a staff of microbiologists, and (in some cases) they'll even pick up your samples right from your processing facility.