Daycare Center Startup Costs
Several factors like the location of the business, children's age, equipment provided etc will determine the initial amount to be invested in the day care business.
This article looks into the various expenses involved in the starting of a daycare business.
To start a successful business, you need to differentiate between start up and operating costs. The former is the cost of starting the particular business and the latter is the cost of running that business on a monthly basis.
Ideally, the operating costs should be met with your monthly income from the business, which also leaves a profit. But it is a fact that a new business will take some time to establish and bring in steady returns. You need to keep aside funds to tide you over till the time that you start making a regular and profitable income.
The location of the daycare business is an important criteria affecting the amount of expenses incurred. Operating from your home cuts down the expenses greatly, but it also limits family space to a large extent.
You will also have to incur expenses on renovating your home so as to make it a child-friendly area especially while installing play areas and other safety equipment.
Money is required to pay a deposit for leasing out a commercial space or buying it outright. Either way, renovation expenses are inevitable.
Funds should also be considered for safety measure installations as well as the various necessary licenses and permits.
Plan ahead on the money required for child care equipment and furniture. Electronic equipment, books, toys etc are also required for a child care enterprise.
The above requirement varies according to the age of the children that you are planning to take in.
Children normally play rough and therefore, you need to buy good quality furniture to avoid damage to a certain extent. Any second hand furniture needs to meet the required safety standards.
Meal preparation for the children also involves the necessity of a functional kitchen.
You need to set up a small office space in within your daycare center to manage your business. This requires money for initial costs like furniture, stationery, computer, internet and telephone expenses.
Do not forget to put away money for expenses such as fees for lawyers and other consultants along with necessary insurance premiums too.
A new daycare business requires publicity and hence marketing expenses have to be considered while budgeting. You need to establish your brand through advertising campaigns and other marketing strategies. You also need to create logos and business cards which will cost money.
It is always a good idea to put aside some funds to cater to any unforeseen expenses which could arise anytime. Ideally, 5 to 10 percent of your startup cost should suffice for this purpose.
It is very important that you prepare a budget and stick to it so that your costs do not get out of hand. Moreover, prioritize purchases and leave the unimportant ones for a later time.
Self discipline is a must to control expenses and to assure the successful running of your day care business.