How to Start a Trade School
Starting a trade school can be extremely lucrative. These days many people are looking for opportunities to acquire the knowledge and training they need to find better employment. If you are very knowledgeable in a particular field and would like to help others by providing them with enriching opportunities while making money for yourself, starting a trade school is a great option for you.
- Prepare a solid business plan for your school. Include your reason for opening the school, your start-up funding and how you intend to obtain it, the projected profit and your intended promotional strategies. You can visit the Small Business Administration's website and use their resources to learn how to write a business plan. An impressive business plan can help obtain a business loan at a financial institution.
- Get the necessary license. You must have legal authorization to run your trade school in the area. Find out all the license requirements for starting and running a school in your city and state and satisfy them. Contact your city clerk's office or your state's secretary of state office to find out the requirements.
- Find an appropriate location for a trade school. Get a location that is near public transport and spacious enough to accommodate the equipment and supplies for your trade school. You can hire a commercial real estate agent to help you find an area that would suit your school.
- Seek professional advice. You can get valuable advice and guidance from the experts at the Small Business Administration. This office has knowledgeable professionals who can advise you on business matters. Contact them for assistance if needed.
- Hire instructors. You can hire part-time staff in the beginning in order to minimize financial investment. They can teach classes as needed so you don't have to deal with payroll and benefits issues which can drain your resources.
- Plan the course materials. Visit other trade schools in your area to find out how they plan their curriculum and course materials. This will give you an idea of how to plan your course materials. Your state licensing authority can also provide information on how to make your curriculum comply with standards.
- Advertise your school consistently to acquire students. Set up a website to promote your trade school. Mail flyers to colleges and universities, community centers, libraries, recreational centers, job training centers, gyms, local businesses, and network throughout your community. Get membership in your local Chamber of Commerce and participate in meetings and other events. You can also run advertisements in local newspapers, school newspapers and newsletters and church bulletins.