An improved start-up circuit and method for self-bias circuits is described that applies a start-up voltage and current to a self-bias circuit to initialize its operation in its desired stable state. Once the self-bias circuit converges to its desired state of operation a start-up voltage reference/voltage clamping circuit shuts off current flow to the self-bias circuit and the start-up circuit enters a low power mode of operation to reduce its overall current and power draw. This allows for embodiments of the present invention to be utilized in portable and/or low power devices where low power consumption is of increased importance. In one embodiment of the present invention, a band-gap voltage reference circuit is initiated utilizing a start-up circuit.