How to Start an Indoor Playroom Business

When people like to work with kids and want to start their own business, they usually run a daycare or babysitting business. But for entrepreneurs who want to take their business ideas to the next level, starting an indoor playroom business could be the perfect answer. When the weather is too cold, wet or hot, parents often look for recreational activities for their children to do outside of the home that don't involve spending a lot of money. This is where you and your indoor playroom business come to the rescue.

Things You'll Need

• Business model
• Good location
• Licenses
• Insurance
• Employees
• Safety plan
• Advertising

Instructions

1. Make a business model. This will help you figure out exactly what you want to do with your indoor playroom business. It will discuss your target clients, why you think this business will be popular, how you will advertise and market your indoor playroom, what supplies and equipment you'll need to purchase, how much it will cost to hire contractors and interior designers, and the cost of computer and other office equipment. The business model will also break down the cost of operations, including how many employees you'll need to hire, the cost of rent and insurance premiums, and how much you expect to earn in profits. Without a proper business model, it will hard to get a business loan from a bank.

2. Get appropriately licensed. Most states and cities require business owners to attain a business license. Check with your local DHS office to see if you need a special daycare license and if you and your employees will need special background checks before being able to work with children.

3. Find a place to do business that's convenient for parents and start building and remodeling.

4. Get insured. You'll want to make sure you have all the appropriate forms of liability insurance for your business, especially if you plan to have an indoor playground in your playroom. You'll need to purchase workers compensation insurance if you plan on hiring employees. And if you are going to be using a vehicle for primarily business purposes, see if your business insurance will cover that as well.

5. Make a safety plan. Think about every situation that could go wrong and design a safety plan that details step-by-step instructions about what to do. Post the safety plan along with important phone numbers in a place that's accessible and memorable. As an extra precaution, make it a requirement that all employees are trained and certified in first aid and CPR before they are hired; this is something parents will like.

6. Advertise. When the business is close to its grand opening day, promote the big news with advertising and hold a free open-house event. Go around to local businesses, churches, and child-serving agencies to let them know who you are and what your indoor playroom is all about. Write a press release for the local paper and see if they will write an article about you and your business venture.

References

• The Playroom
• Soft Play
• Starting an indoor kid's playroom business

Resources

• Monkey Business Blog
• The Playroom