According to one embodiment, a starter for a small engine includes: a torque apply unit that applies a torque to a torque-accumulation spring; a rotating member that transmits the accumulated torque to a crankshaft; and a rotation regulation unit that restrains the accumulated torque from being transmitted to the crankshaft, wherein the rotation regulation unit includes: a regulation ratchet provided on a rotating body linked with the crank shaft to rotate therewith; and a pressing unit provided on an engine case to be engaged with the regulation ratchet and to regulate an operation thereof, and wherein the regulation ratchet is disengaged from the pressing unit by the torque accumulated in the torque-accumulation spring when the accumulated torque exceeds a predetermined resilient force, thereby starting the engine.