What Is Needed to Set Up an Offsite Learning Center?

Learning centers serve academic and social purposes for the community.

Learning centers can serve a variety of purposes, and this is why you want to carve out a niche for yourself when developing a plan to build the center. Some learning centers may focus primarily on academic tutoring, while other centers focus on career development. Learning centers can supplement children's school lessons by providing tutoring for them, and learning centers may also assist families with obtaining social services such as low-income housing and utility bill assistance programs.

Well-Researched Focus

Before you write a business plan or seek funding for the learning center, you should first research the needs of your community then find ways to meet some of these needs through the learning center. For example, if your research shows that there is a growing need for financial literacy and career counseling among local high school students, you may decide to start a center that offers teens and young adults these types of lessons

Funding

You also need to seek out various ways of obtaining funds for the learning center. One good place to start is by visiting local and state governmental websites and click on links such as "For Entrepreneurs," "Small Business Resources," "Agencies" or "Grant Applications." If you see any government grants that are being awarded for entrepreneurs, you can write down the grant application guidelines and apply. Also, research Small Business Administration grants, and seek out business loans from local banks. Finally, write a business plan so that lenders or investors will understand the nature of your business.

Hiring Qualified Staff

After you've purchased the building for the center, you want search for staff members who are reliable and have some experience in education. You can find employees by writing letters to local employment agencies and telling the agencies' directors that you're seeking tutors, career counselors or teachers for your new learning center. If you have some friends or relatives who are experienced in education, invite them to work with you. Finally, you can place ads in local newspapers and independent magazines and advertise new positions on local radio stations.

Promoting the Center

Finally, you'll need to promote the learning center. Create some fliers and bring them to universities, churches, community events, hospitals, nonprofit agencies and schools. You can also hold interviews about your learning center on local TV and radio stations and get a professional to build your website, which should state the services your center offers, its location and the operating hours.

References

• Entrepreneur Magazine; 12 Hot Business Ideas; February 2007