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How to Write a Nursery School Business Plan [Sample Template]

Are you about starting a nursery school? If YES, here is a complete sample nursery school business plan template & feasibility report you can use for FREE . Okay, so we have considered all the requirements for starting a nursery school.

We also took it further by analyzing and drafting a sample nursery school marketing plan template backed up by actionable guerrilla marketing ideas for nursery schools. So let’s proceed to the business planning section.

Why Start a Nursery School?

We all know that a nursery school is a pre-school childcare facility that are actually open all year round and all day to take care of kids of working or busy parents.

This business is not an easy business, which is why if you’re not certain about committing to a full-time business, there are other ways that you could be involved in childcare – from running a crèche to a playgroup. You can even start and organize a self-employed childminder at home.

It is very important to note that starting a nursery is certainly not a short cut to wealth. In fact, you could probably make more money driving a taxi than running your own nursery. But, if you want to start a business that will be inspiring, provide hourly challenges and a lot of rewards then you should consider starting a nursery school.

Before you start your nursery, it would be wise to write down your business plan. If you are going to go through the rough patch of starting a nursery school, you should run it like a business venture, not as a hobby.

One other hurdle that you will need to scale as you start out in this industry is to write a business plan. Below is a detailed business plan for your consumption.

A Sample Nursery School Business Plan Template

1. industry overview.

Nursery Schools provide preschool education services for children aged three and four, combined with day care. Most businesses in the nursery school industry are private but may get funding from a variety of sources, including state and federal grants.

We all know that getting affordable, quality child day care, especially for children under age 5, is a major concern for many parents, particularly in recent years with the rise in families with two working parents. As the need for child day care has increased, the child day care services industry began to fill the need of non-relative child care.

It was estimated that within the past five years, strained household income and pressures on local budgets have shortened the spending on nursery schools, moving the nursery school industry revenue to reduce drastically. But it has been estimated that in the coming years, improved household income and greater public attention to early education will aid to turn the nursery school industry.

Still, grand plans for preschool expansion, including a tentative plan to provide multibillion-dollar investment by increasing taxes on tobacco and on high-income households, are unlikely to come to fruition in the near future.

Also it has been verified that this industry shows a low level of capital intensity, measured as spending on capital versus labour. It is expected that the average nursery school will spend only $0.05 on depreciable capital for every $1.00 spent on labour in the next two to three years.

It is believed that nursery schools will continue to rely on teachers and other staff, employing little capital beside school buses and software. In addition, this capital wears out slowly, limiting depreciation spending per year. It is expected that the capital intensity of the industry will remain low through 2022. Conversely, labour intensity will remain high, with wages being the single largest cost for an industry operator.

2. Executive Summary

Covenant Academy is a new, standard, and a full-service nursery school in the Sterling City that will take care of toddlers from age three to five. We at Covenant Academy hope to focus on the upper end of the market: double-income professional parents.

We believe that these personally ambitious parents are typically eager in terms of their children’s development and will be willing to pay to have their children attend the best educational facilities. We believe that through adequate and specialized training of our prospective staff and our innovative learning systems, we at Covenant Academy will be able to take over the market entirely.

We believe that our well sustained educational curriculum, coupled with a custom designed facility and a low teacher: student ratio will make sure we achieve a top shelf service for the children and the parents.

We at Covenant Academy expect to become profitable by month 12, and have estimated a modest net profit by year three. Our objectives at Covenant Academy for the first two years of operation will be to create a service based operation whose primary goal is to exceed customer’s expectations.

We also expect the utilization of Covenant Academy by at least 40 different families in the first eight months. We at Covenant Academy hope to increase the number of client’s served by 20% each year and also develop a sustainable, profitable, start-up business.

Covenant Academy will be located in Sterling City, Texas, and will offer child care services for kids between the ages of three and five. We at Covenant Academy plan to offer our innovative services from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. The cute kids of our prospective clients we believe will be exposed to a large range of activities including arts and crafts, socialization, large muscle group activities, and general learning.

We at Covenant Academy believe that we will be priced out of some people’s budget, but will offer a low student to teacher ratio and well trained staff.

3. Our Products and Services

We at Covenant Academy plan to offer the good people of Sterling City an upper-end nursery school facility for toddlers age three to five. We hope to offer a low teacher to student ratio, custom facilities, and innovative learning programs. Our operation hours at Covenant Academy will be a bit wider rage than normal business hours to accommodate the working parents, the target customer.

We at Covenant Academy understand that the two income families have children, yet both parents work. That is why Covenant Academy was established as an innovative solution that acts as virtual parents, broadening the children’s skills during the day. It is worthwhile to note that Covenant Academy is not a baby sitter facility but a fully fledged Nursery school. The children are engaged throughout the day, learning new skills and reinforcing already acquired ones.

4. Our Mission and Vision Statement

  • Our vision at Covenant Academy is to provide dedicated early education services to children within the our target market
  • Our mission at Covenant Academy is to provide top level nurse school activities. We at Covenant Academy exist to attract and maintain customers. When we adhere to this maxim, everything else will fall into place. Our services will exceed the expectations of our customers.

Our Business Structure

Craig Sissy, the founder and owner of Covenant Academy will be managing the daily operations of the facility. Craig Sissy got his undergraduate degree in English from the University of Washington. After graduating with a Second class upper division, Craig was no actually sure of what he wanted to do so he travelled to Australia and taught English for four years.

Within the first two years of his stay in Australia, Craig stayed with a local family. In exchange for room and board, he cared for the family’s two children. Although he had never done any child care before, Matt found love and satisfaction just taking care of the kids.

When he returned to the united states Craig decided to start a solid career in the field that makes him happy and fulfilled. Ultimately, He entered the University of California for his Master of Education Program in toddler development.

After graduation, Craig became very confident in his abilities and decided that he would appreciate the autonomy of running his own business. He purchased a house for the facility has been working hard on this project ever since. He has layer a basic foundation that will surely guarantee success and these are the very workforce he wish to work with at Covenant Academy:

School Director

School Administrator

  • Tutors for Various Learning Areas

Marketing and Sales Executive

Accountant / Bursar

  • Client Service Executive / Front Desk Officer
  • Security Officer

5. Job Roles and Responsibilities

  • In charge of providing direction for the nursery school
  • Creating, communicating, and implementing the organization’s vision, mission, and overall direction – i.e. leading the development and implementation of the overall organization’s strategy.
  • In charge of handling high profile clients and deals
  • In charge of fixing fees and signing business deals (partnership)
  • In charge of signing checks and documents on behalf of the tutorial college
  • Coordinates all arms of the nursery school
  • Evaluates the success of the nursery school
  • Reports to the board of the nursery school
  • In charge of overseeing the smooth running of HR and administrative tasks for the pre – school
  • Design job descriptions with KPI to drive performance management for all staff members
  • Regularly hold meetings with key stakeholders (parents and member of the school board) to review the effectiveness of the schools’ Policies, Procedures and Processes
  • Maintains office supplies by checking stocks; placing and expediting orders; evaluating new products.
  • Ensures operation of equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; calling for repairs.
  • Defining job positions for recruitment and managing interviewing process
  • Carries out staff induction for new team members
  • In charge of training, evaluation and assessment of employees
  • In charge of arranging travel, meetings and appointments
  • Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organizations.
  • Oversee the smooth running of the daily activities of the tutorial college.

Tutors for Various Learning Areas for Toddlers

  • Effectively teach subject / subjects as assigned by the school coordinator
  • Access the progress of kids under their care
  • Ensure that kids participate in learning activities such as potty trainings, rhymes and dancing et al
  • Contributes his / her quota towards growing the pre – school
  • Receives complaints from parents and channel it to the appropriate quarters
  • Handle any other duty as assigned by the school coordinator.
  • Identifies, prioritizes, and reaches out to new parents, and business opportunities et al
  • Identifies development opportunities; follows up on development leads and contacts; participates in the structuring and financing of projects; assures the completion of development projects.
  • Writing winning proposal documents, negotiate fees and rates in line with organizations’ policy
  • In charge of handling business research, market surveys and feasibility studies for clients
  • In charge of supervising implementation, advocate for the customer’s needs, and communicate with clients
  • Develops, executes and evaluate new plans for expanding increase sales
  • Document all customer contact and information
  • Represents the company in strategic meetings
  • Help increase sales and growth for the company
  • In charge of preparing financial reports, budgets, and financial statements for the organization
  • Provides managements with financial analyses, development budgets, and accounting reports; analyses financial feasibility for the most complex proposed projects; conducts market research to forecast trends and business conditions.
  • In charge of financial forecasting and risks analysis.
  • Performs cash management, general ledger accounting, and financial reporting for one or more properties.
  • In charge of developing and managing financial systems and policies
  • In charge of administering payrolls
  • Ensuring compliance with taxation legislation
  • Handles all financial transactions for the nursery
  • Serves as internal auditor for the nursery school

Client Service Executive

  • Welcomes toddlers and their parents by greeting them in person or on the telephone; answering or directing inquiries.
  • Ensures that all contacts with parents (e-mail, walk-In centre, SMS or phone) provides them with a personalized customer service experience of the highest level
  • Through interaction with parents on the phone, uses every opportunity to build their interest in the school’s products and services
  • Manages administrative duties assigned by the school coordinator in an effective and timely manner
  • Consistently stays abreast of any new information on the schools’ products, promotional campaigns etc. to ensure accurate and helpful information is supplied to students when they make enquiries
  • Receives parcels / documents for the nursery school
  • Handles any other duties as assigned by the school authority
  • Maintain a clean nursery school facility by sweeping, vacuuming, dusting, cleaning of glass doors and windows, etc. if required.
  • Ensures that toiletries and supplies don’t run out of stock
  • In charge of handling laundry
  • Handles any other duty as assigned by the school coordinator.

Security Officers

  • Ensure that the nursery facility is secured at all time
  • Control traffic and organize parking
  • Give security tips to staff members from time to time
  • Patrols around the building on a 24 hours basis
  • Submit security reports weekly
  • Any other duty as assigned by the school coordinator.

6. SWOT Analysis

We at Covenant Academy understand that just within the United States, there are approximately 20,000 businesses that provide preschool and early education services to the general public. We were meant to believe that annually, these businesses generate $10 billion of revenue while providing jobs for 180,000 people. Annual payrolls in each of the last five years have exceeded $2 billion.

Preschools are considered to be part of a mature industry, and the expected future growth rate will remain in line with that of the economy’s GDP. We also understand how competitive the industry is and how businesses in the industry are trying so hard to overshadow other ventures, which is why we are so keen to understand all possible loopholes and establish a competitive business.

We took our time to research and write a comprehensive SWOT Analysis, that explains our strength and possible weaknesses. We believe that all issues will be taken care of before we open our doors for operation. Outlined below is a comprehensive SWOT Analysis conducted by Nicklaus Communications for Covenant Academy:

According to our comprehensive SWOT Analysis, the core strength of Covenant Academy lies in the will and experience of our team; our workforce. We at Covenant Academy believe that we have a team that has the right passion and drive for taking care of toddlers, a specific workforce with excellent qualifications and experience in education industry.

Our SWOT Analysis also noted that Covenant Academy is well positioned in a community with the right demographic composition and that we will attract loads of parents who would want to register their kids from the first day we open our doors at Covenant Academy.

Our SWOT Analysis noted that our weaknesses might be the time it will take some time for our organization to break into the market and gain acceptance in the already saturated education industry. Also we might not have the required money to pump into advertising and promoting our brand the way we would want to.

  • Opportunities

The opportunities in the education industry are very huge due to the number of parents who would want their kids to be in safe place and to gain adequate knowledge. As a standard, safe and highly comfortable nursery school, we are ready to take advantage of any opportunity that comes our way.

Our SWOT Analysis noted that some of the threats that we are likely going to face as a nursery school operating in the United States of America are unfavourable government policies that might affect us directly and indirectly, the arrival of a competitor within our location of operations and global economic downturn which usually affects spending / purchasing power.

There is hardly anything we can do as regards these threats other than to be optimistic that things will continue to work for our good.

7. MARKET ANALYSIS

  • Market Trends

The improvement in the Nursery industry is the main reason that is attracting parents to enrol their wards is the safe and capable institutions, cleanliness, location and of course the overall comfort of their toddlers. It is worthwhile to note that the trend in the nursery industry is such that businesses in this industry can now comfortably start their Nursery school business in a business district; a place where it is easier for working class parents to pick their kids after work and do all things necessary.

Although competition among pre-schools is one way to bring tuition costs down, government action should be taken to make pre-school education more accessible for children from all backgrounds, whether it be ethnic, economic, or social. Investing in early childhood education will benefit individual children and society as a whole.

Since most pre-school programs are administered by private organizations, more funding is being provided at the state and federal level to provide make it possible for children to have the opportunity to attend pre-school, especially children coming from families living below the poverty line.

The economic downturn hasn’t really affected this industry, especially in countries that believe in the efficacy of early education. The areas you would need to spend heavily on is in ensuring that your school is up to standard, is the facility, your advertisements, and insurance.

8. Our Target Market

We at Covenant Academy hope to concentrate solely on the double income working professional families because they are the part of the population that can most easily afford nursery schools, are the ones who need day care because of their work obligations, appreciate the advanced learning and development we at Covenant Academy are very much ready to offer.

We believe that with both parents working, this part of the American population will always need some sort of provisions for the care of their child. It is very important to note that the Department of Labour indicates that over 50% of children are cared by relatives compared to 29% for commercial education institutions.

But we are confident that our targeted group always wants a more structured learning environment. We all know that using relatives are great for nights out or weekends, but it cannot be argued or compared to a structured program when it comes to the learning and development that we at Covenant Academy are offering.

Our competitive advantage

We at Covenant Academy are bent on targeting a specific niche in child care space and we understand the market properly. We plan to always adequately spread our services to let us attract our target market. We at Covenant Academy plan to use the touring of our facilities to sell our services.

We understand how important this is, because we understand that most parents want to see a facility before they will send their kids there. Our facilities at Covenant Academy are so good that they speak for themselves. We believe that our competitive advantage is in two folds and they include:

  • Our intensive and specialized training

We at Covenant Academy understand that our educational facility can only be as good as the teachers and assistants. Which is why we at Covenant Academy have established an intensive training program that all teachers and assistants are put through so they are proficient at teaching the specific programs that we at Covenant Academy have organise for all prospective toddlers age three to five.

  • Our well researched Innovative learning programs

We at Covenant Academy understand that the specialized learning programs for toddlers within our target market will have to focus on specific traits and only work on one trait/ skill at once. We understand that as much as this is successful in reinforcing the skill, it is often very difficult for the child to appreciate the interrelationships of the different skills.

Consequently, the child can learn the skill, but has difficulty applying the skill when faced with multiple stimuli. We at Covenant Academy possess adequate experience so that the child is unsure of what to do because of the multiple stimuli and these several skills that they have learned independently, the child tends to shut down out of confusion. We are prepared to create a learning pattern that brings out the best in kids.

9. SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY

  • Sources of Income

Our source of income at Covenant Academy will come from providing preschool, early childhood education services and after school care for children enrolled in our well defined educational facility. We at Covenant Academy also believe that from time to time, we will be able to receive state based grants that will help us in subsidizing the costs associated with providing our services for young children within the State.

We at Covenant Academy believe that we will be able to provide a broad range of educational services including artistic training, general education, and computer training for young children. We at Covenant Academy will also serve breakfast and lunch to students enrolled in our Institute.

We will also make sure that all employees possess the necessary licensure and background check so that they are qualified to work with children under the age of six. This will be one of the foremost priorities of Covenant Academy.

10. Sales Forecast

We at Covenant plan to use the very first two months to renovate the facility and bringing it up to specifications, both for the state health and license codes. Within the same period, we must have been done with the training program and manuals. The first week of the third month will be used for training of the staff. We at Covenant Academy understand that by the middle of the third month, we will start accepting children for care.

We also expect that the facility will be under-utilized until the eighth month. By then, word will have spread and the classes will be filling up quite nicely. We at Covenant Academy believe that from month seven on, there will be a steady, incremental increase in sales. We have researched the industry and have come out with a detailed sales projection and they are:

  • First Year -: $150,000
  • Second Year -: $980,000
  • Third Year -: $3,000,000

Note : it is worthwhile to note just like we stated above that this forecast was done based on what is obtainable in the industry and with the believe that none of the threats we mentioned above will be a hindrance or may likely appear.

  • Marketing Strategy and Sales strategy

We at Covenant Academy plan to makes use a number of

It is also our plan to build relationships with public and private schools within the our target market in order to generate referrals among parents that have older children in grade school and are seeking preschool services for their younger children. We at Covenant Academy will also use an internet based strategy. This is very important as many people seeking local services, such as preschools, now the Internet to conduct their preliminary searches.

We at Covenant Academy also plan to register our Institute with online portals so that potential customers can easily reach the business. We will also develop our own online website. We will maintain a sizable amount of print and traditional advertising methods within local markets to promote the services we are offering. Below is the summary of all the marketing strategies we plan to use:

  • Introduce our nursery school by sending introductory letters alongside our brochure to parents / household and key stake holders in Sterling city
  • Print out fliers and business cards and strategically drop them in religious centres, libraries and public facilities.
  • Use friends and family to spread word about our Institute
  • Post information about our nursery school on bulletin boards in places like churches, maternity clinics, parks, libraries, and local coffee shops et al
  • Place a small or classified advertisement in the newspaper, or local publication about our nursery school
  • Leverage on referral networks such as agencies that will help match parents with toddlers under school age with our nursery school
  • Join relevant association or body that will enable you network and meet others in same industry.
  • Advertising online by using an advertising platform such as Google AdWords, that will allow us place text advertisements alongside on websites with related contents, and along results from search engines.
  • Advertise our pre – school in relevant educational magazines, newspapers, TV stations, and radio station.
  • Attend relevant educational expos, seminars, and business fairs et al
  • Engage direct marketing approach
  • Encourage word of mouth marketing from loyal and satisfied parents

11. Publicity and Advertising Strategy

We at Covenant Academy plan to ensure maximum visibility for our Institute within our targeted market. Below is an overview of the publicity and advertising strategies of Covenant Academy:

  • Place adverts on both print (community based newspapers and magazines) and electronic media platforms
  • Sponsor relevant community based events / programs
  • Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like; Instagram, Facebook , twitter, YouTube, Google + et al to promote our brand
  • Install our Bill Boards on strategic locations all around Sterling City
  • Engage in road show from time to time in targeted neighbourhoods
  • Distribute our fliers and handbills in target areas
  • Contact corporate organizations by calling them up and informing them of our Nursery school, and the advantage we over the others.
  • Passing general information via our social media handles like twitter, Facebook, Google hangouts etc.
  • Ensure that all our staff members wear our branded shirts and all our vehicles are well branded with our schools’ logo et al.

12. Our Pricing Strategy

Our strategy at Covenant Academy will be based on a communication effort to explain the virtues and importance of all our services and how we can successfully speed up the children’s development considerably. In addition to one on one explanation of the program and its merits, the prospective parents will be given tours of the facilities.

We at Covenant Academy hope to keep our fees below the average market rate for all of our students by keeping our overhead low and by collecting payment in advance. In addition, we will also offer special discounted rates to all our students at regular intervals. We are aware that there are some kids that would need special assistance, we will offer flat rate for such services that will be tailored to take care of such kids’ needs.

  • Payment Options

It is very important to note that we at Covenant Academy after our extensive research and thorough discussion understand efficiently that different customers prefer different payment options as it suits them but at different times and ways.

We plan to make sure that we provide them with payment options that will make their transactions less stressful and very open. Listed below are the payment options we at Covenant Academy plan to make available to our customers;

  • Payment via bank transfer
  • Payment with cash
  • Payment via online bank transfer
  • Payment via check
  • Payment via bank draft
  • Payment via POS

We have also chosen to partner with a known bank in the United States in order to give our customers the best they can ever get in the nursery school industry of the United States.

13. Startup Expenditure (Budget)

It is very crucial to note that Covenant Academy will start out as a simple proprietorship, owned by its founder. We believe that as the operation grows, the owner will consider re-registering as a Limited Liability Company or as a corporation, whichever will better suit the future business needs.

Every possible threats and analyses have been considered, and the future we see for Covenant Academy is as bright as the sun. We have analysed the possible place we wish to spend our start up capital and they include:

  • Business incorporating fees in the United States of America will cost – $750.
  • The budget for Liability insurance, permits and license will cost – $3,500
  • Acquiring a facility / property that will accommodate the number of kids that we want to take care of for at least 6 months (Re – Construction of the facility inclusive) will cost – $35,000.
  • Equipping the office (computers, printers, projectors, markers, pens and pencils, furniture, telephones, filing cabinets, and electronics) will cost – $10,000
  • The budget for paying staff members and utility bills for at least 3 months – $70,000
  • The budget for start – up inventories (toiletries, toys, cots, and mats et al) – $2,500
  • Launching an official Website will cost – $500
  • Additional Expenditure such as Business cards, Signage, Adverts and Promotions will cost – $5,000

From the above projection, we need approximately $250,000 to start Covenant Academy, and we have made all possible plans to raise the said amount.

Generating Funding / Start-up Capital for Covenant Academy

We at Covenant Academy understand that adequate funding will go a long way to make sure you achieve your desired goal. Finance basically is a very crucial factor when it comes to building any business, and building a successful business is not a one day job but a continuous job that requires consistency and hard work.

Covenant Academy is the dream of Craig Sissy, who is the founder and owner of Covenant Academy, and will be managing the daily operations of the facility. We have decided to start up the business as a sole proprietorship business, and will sponsor the business solely, but we consider other sources as the business grows. For now the strategies we hope to raise funds may include:

  • Raising part of the start – up capital from personal savings
  • Raising part of the start – up capital from family members and friends (soft loans and gifts et al)
  • Raising a larger chunk of the start-up capital from the banks (loan facility).

14. Sustainability and Expansion Strategy

We at Covenant Academy believe that we will be offering child care/development for toddlers age three to five, and that we will be targeting double income professional families who, because of work obligations, do not have the time during the day to care for their child.

We at Covenant Academy are very keen to get to families that are hungry to offer their kids something more than simple baby-sitting facilities, those individuals who like their children to be registered in a program that offers development of many different skills including: socialization skills, arts and crafts, large muscle group workouts, reading, numbers, etc.

We at Covenant Academy plan to make use of our facility tour to impress our prospective clients. We believe that our facilities were custom designed to achieve very specific educational goals and we are very proud to have it. We believe that these tours will occur during the day and will serve as a perfect opportunity for prospective patrons to view the care as it is occurring.

We hope and trust that this strategy will serve to build a trust bond between Covenant Academy and the parent who naturally is cautious about leaving the child with strangers to have the child cared for and taught the entire day.

We at Covenant Academy believe that in case of an economic downturn, we may face a decline in our incomes. But we believe that the demand for parents that want to register their children in our care will keep increasing steadily. Which means that Covenant Academy will always remain profitable and our cash flow will remain positive at all times despite certain drawbacks in the economy.

Checklist/Milestone

  • Business Name Availability Check: Completed
  • Business Incorporation: Completed
  • Opening of Corporate Bank Accounts various banks in the United States: Completed
  • Opening Online Payment Platforms: Completed
  • Application and Obtaining Tax Payer’s ID: In Progress
  • Application for business license and permit: Completed
  • Purchase of All form of Insurance for the Business: Completed
  • Conducting Feasibility Studies: Completed
  • Leasing, renovating and equipping our facility: Completed
  • Generating part of the start – up capital from the founder: Completed
  • Applications for Loan from our Bankers: In Progress
  • Writing of Business Plan: Completed
  • Drafting of Employee’s Handbook: Completed
  • Drafting of Contract Documents: In Progress
  • Design of The Company’s Logo: Completed
  • Graphic Designs and Printing of Packaging Marketing / Promotional Materials: Completed
  • Recruitment of employees: In Progress
  • Purchase of the needed software applications, furniture, office equipment, electronic appliances and facility facelift: In progress
  • Creating Official Website for the Company: In Progress
  • Creating Awareness for the business (Business PR): In Progress
  • Health and Safety and Fire Safety Arrangement: In Progress
  • Establishing business relationship with banks, financial lending institutions, vendors and key players in the industry: In Progress

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Unlock Your Entrepreneurial Spirit: Launching a Profitable Nursery School Business

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Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to open a nursery school business in 10 easy steps. The early childhood education industry has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years, with a global market size of over $480 billion. According to the National Institute for Early Education Research, 33% of four-year-olds in the US are enrolled in state pre-K programs, indicating a growing demand for quality early childhood education.

Starting a nursery school business can be an incredibly fulfilling and profitable venture. However, the process can be quite daunting without proper guidance. If you're considering launching a nursery school business, this article is for you. We've compiled 10 crucial steps that will guide you through the process from developing a business plan to monitoring and improving services. Trust us, this is the only article you need to read to launch a successful nursery school business.

Whether you are a teacher looking to start something on your own, an entrepreneur searching for the next big idea, or a parent that wants to create a comfortable and safe environment for their child's early education, this blog post has all the information you need. We'll help you avoid common errors and pitfalls, streamline your process, and make your journey easier.

So, without further ado, let's dive into our 10 easy steps to open a nursery school business!

  • Step 1: Develop a business plan
  • Step 2: Calculate the financial model
  • Step 3: Research the location/area
  • Step 4: Determine funding
  • Step 5: Invest in human resources
  • Step 6: Secure necessary permits & licenses
  • Step 7: Prepare premises/space
  • Step 8: Market & advertise services
  • Step 9: Arrange partnerships & contacts
  • Step 10: Monitor & improve services

This list covers all aspects of starting and launching a successful nursery school business. As we take you through each step, we'll give you insider tips and tricks to give you a competitive edge and increase your chances of success.

1. Develop A Business Plan

Starting a nursery school business is an exciting venture, but it requires careful planning. The first step in the process is to develop a comprehensive business plan that outlines your goals, strategies, and financial projections. Here are some key elements to include:

  • Executive summary: Briefly describe your business, its mission, and its target market.
  • Market analysis: Research the demand for nursery schools in your area, and identify your target customers.
  • Services and pricing: Describe the services you will offer, including hours of operation, curricula, and pricing. Consider offering different packages to meet the needs of different families.
  • Marketing and sales strategies: Explain how you will promote your business and reach your target customers. This may include social media, advertising, and networking.
  • Financial projections: Estimate your startup costs, and develop a projected income statement and balance sheet. This will help you assess your financial viability and plan for the future.

Tips & Tricks:

  • Be realistic: Your business plan should be based on sound research and reasonable assumptions. Avoid overestimating revenue and underestimating costs.
  • Get feedback: Share your business plan with trusted advisors, such as mentors or business coaches. They can provide valuable feedback and help you refine your ideas.
  • Update regularly: Your business plan is not a static document. As you gather new information and insights, revise your plan to reflect changing circumstances.

2. Calculate The Financial Model

Calculating the financial model is a critical step when starting a nursery school business. It helps you to determine the feasibility of the business idea and also acts as a guide for budgeting and making financial projections. Here are the steps involved in calculating the financial model:

  • Determine the startup costs: List all the expenses that you will incur to start the nursery school business. This includes the cost of leasing a property, purchasing equipment, licensing fees, insurance, and marketing costs.
  • Estimate your cash flow: Determine your monthly cash flow by considering the revenue sources such as tuition fees, grants, and donations. Also, take into account the monthly expenses, including salaries, rent, and utilities.
  • Calculate your profitability: Profitability is the key to sustaining a business. Determine the profitability of your nursery school by subtracting your expenses from your revenue.
  • Create a financial projection: Use the financial data gathered to create a financial projection for at least the first three years of operation. This provides a realistic estimate of the financial health and viability of the business.
  • Consider hiring a financial expert: If you are not confident with your financial planning and projection skills, you may hire a financial expert to help you. This is especially important when seeking investors or loans from financial institutions.
  • Be conservative with projections: It's important to be realistic with your financial projections. Avoid overestimating your revenue and underestimating expenses. This can lead to financial difficulties and unexpected surprises in the future.
  • Review your financial plan regularly: As your business grows and evolves, your financial plan should be reviewed regularly. This helps you to adapt to any changes and identify areas that need improvement.

Calculating the financial model is a critical step that determines the success of your nursery school business. It helps you to identify the start-up costs, cash flow, profitability, and create a realistic financial projection. By following these steps, you can build a strong foundation for your business and ensure its longevity.

3. Research The Location/Area

One of the significant aspects of opening a successful nursery school is choosing the right location. Your location determines the number of students you can attract and how accessible your school is to parents and students. Therefore, conducting thorough research on the location and the surrounding area is crucial for the success of your nursery school business. Here are the steps you can take to research the location and the area:

  • Identify your target market: Start by identifying your target market. The target market could be working parents, stay-at-home parents, or parents who live in a specific area. Once you have identified your target market, you can start looking for a location that suits your target market's needs.
  • Look for an accessible location: Ensure that the location of your nursery school is easily accessible to parents and students. You may consider locations near residential areas, public transport routes, or easily accessible by car or foot.
  • Check nearby competition: Conduct research on the existing nursery schools in the area and evaluate their strengths and weaknesses. Consider if there is room for you to offer unique services that will attract more parents to your nursery school.
  • Check the suitability of the location: Evaluate the area to ensure that it is suitable for a nursery school. Consider the availability of public services such as water and electricity, and the infrastructure, such as playing fields, classrooms, and office space.
  • Check the local laws and regulations: Before you finalize on a location, check the local laws and regulations guiding the operations of nursery schools in the area. Ensure that the location permits the establishment of a nursery school and that the required licenses and permits are obtainable in the area.

Tips & Trics

  • Consider conducting an online survey to gather information from parents about their preferences for location and services.
  • Visit the location at different times to evaluate factors such as traffic, noise levels, and security.
  • Consider hiring a real estate agent who is familiar with the area to help you find suitable locations.

4. Determine Funding

Starting a nursery school business requires a significant amount of investment. It is crucial to determine the funding sources before launching the business. Here are the steps to determine the funding for your nursery school business:

  • Assess the initial investment: To determine the initial investment, calculate the cost of purchasing or leasing a property, renovating the space, buying equipment and supplies, hiring staff, marketing, and legal fees.
  • Explore financing options: You can explore financing options such as loans from banks, small business administrations, and grants from government or private organizations. Ensure to get all the necessary documentation, including business plan, projected cash flow, personal credit score, and collateral (if required).
  • Consider crowdfunding: Crowdfunding is a less traditional option to consider, and it can help secure initial funding. Crowdfunding platforms like KickStarter or GoFundMe can allow you to raise funds if you can present a compelling pitch.
  • Personal savings and investors: Using your personal savings or finding investors can be helpful in starting a nursery school business. Ensure to have a well-prepared business plan and include the details of what the investors will earn from their investment.
  • Always have a backup plan in case your financing doesn't turn out as expected.
  • Consider partnering with a non-profit organization or applying for grants.
  • Make sure to maintain steady cash flow.

Determining funding is just one of the many crucial steps that should not be overlooked in starting a successful nursery school business. With proper planning, the right funding, and a making careful decision, you can start your dream nursery school business.

5. Invest In Human Resources

When starting a nursery school business, it is important to invest in your human resources. The teachers and staff you hire will be the backbone of your school, and their skills and knowledge will be reflected in the quality of education and care your students receive. Here are some key ways to invest in your human resources:

  • Hire Qualified and Experienced Teachers: Look for teachers who have a degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field, as well as experience working with young children. Conduct thorough interviews and background checks to ensure you are hiring the best candidates.
  • Provide Ongoing Professional Development: Plan regular training and development opportunities for your teachers and staff. This will enhance their skills and keep them up-to-date with the latest teachings and trends in early childhood education.
  • Create a Positive and Supportive Work Environment: Foster a culture of respect, teamwork and communication in your nursery school. This will help your teachers and staff feel valued and motivated in their work and provide a better working experience.

Tips & Tricks to Invest in Human Resources

  • Offer incentives for your teachers and staff such as bonuses, vacation time or flexible schedules to encourage retention and commitment.
  • Encourage feedback and suggestions from your employees regarding ways to improve the functioning of the school.
  • Develop a healthy work-life balance by providing your employees with breaks, time-off and other employee wellness benefits.

By investing in your human resources, you will not only ensure a high-quality education and care for your students, but also create a positive and productive work environment for your staff that will lead to a loyal and committed team of teachers working in your nursery school.

6. Secure Necessary Permits & Licenses

Before you start your nursery school business, it is important to secure the necessary permits and licenses. This will ensure that your business is legal and compliant with the regulations in your area. Without these permits and licenses, you risk fines, legal action, and even closure of your business.

The requirements for permits and licenses vary depending on where you are located and the type of nursery school business you plan to start. Research the regulations in your area and make sure you comply with all the requirements. Here are some common permits and licenses you may need to obtain:

  • Business license
  • Zoning permit
  • Building permit
  • Health department permit
  • Fire department permit
  • Childcare license

You may also need to obtain insurance policies, such as liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance, to protect your business and employees.

Tips & Tricks

  • Contact your local government office to learn about the necessary permits and licenses for your nursery school business.
  • Consult with an experienced attorney or business consultant to ensure you have all the necessary permits and licenses in place.
  • Check if there are any ongoing fees or renewals required for your permits and licenses.

Keep in mind that the process of obtaining permits and licenses can take time and involve paperwork. Make sure to plan ahead and allow enough time to complete the process before your planned opening date.

Finally, remember to display your permits and licenses in a prominent location at your nursery school business. This will show your customers that you are a legitimate business and that you take compliance seriously.

7. Prepare Premises/Space

One of the crucial steps to launching a successful nursery school business is to prepare the premises or space where your business will operate. This process involves several activities that will ensure that your school is safe, secure, and conducive for learning.

  • Find a suitable location: Before you can prepare your premises, you need to find a suitable location for your nursery school business. Ensure that the location is accessible, safe, and has enough space for your students and staff.
  • Get the necessary permits and licenses: To operate a nursery school business, you need to have the necessary permits and licenses from the relevant authorities. These permits and licenses vary by state and country, so you need to research and obtain the ones that apply to your location.
  • Set up the physical space: Once you have the necessary permits and licenses, you can start setting up the physical space for your nursery school. This process involves designing the layout, painting, decorating, and installing necessary fixtures and equipment such as furniture, toys, and learning aids.
  • Safety and security measures: As a nursery school owner, safety and security should be your top priority. Ensure that your premises have safety measures in place such as fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and emergency exits. Additionally, you need to install security measures such as CCTV cameras, alarms, and access control systems to prevent unauthorized access.
  • Maintain cleanliness and hygiene: Maintain high levels of cleanliness and hygiene to prevent the spread of diseases and infections. Have a schedule for cleaning the premises, and ensure that you have adequate cleaning supplies such as detergents, mops, and brooms. Also, emphasize the importance of personal hygiene to your students and staff.
  • Invest in quality equipment and fixtures. This will save you money in the long run since you won't have to repair or replace them frequently.
  • Have a contingency plan in place. In case of emergencies such as natural disasters or power outages, have a plan to evacuate your students safely and communicate with their parents or guardians.
  • Make your nursery school business eco-friendly. Use eco-friendly materials and practices to reduce your carbon footprint and promote sustainability.

Preparing your premises or space for your nursery school business can be a daunting task, but it is crucial to the success of your business. By following the above steps and tips, you can ensure that your nursery school is safe, secure, and conducive for learning. With a well-prepared space, you can provide high-quality education to your students and attract more enrolments.

8. Market & Advertise Services

After setting up your nursery school and putting all the required steps in place, the next thing is to market and advertise your services. Marketing your nursery school is important in order to create awareness and attract potential customers.

  • Have a website that highlights your services and facilities.
  • Create social media pages to engage with potential customers.
  • Offer discounts to early bird customers or for referrals.

Below are the steps you can take to market your nursery school:

  • 1. Create a website: Creating a website for your nursery school is essential in the digital age. Ensure your website is informative and user-friendly. It should contain information such as your school's location, facilities, programs, vision and fees.
  • 2. Social media: Create social media pages such as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter to engage with potential customers. Share relevant content such as educational articles, activities and events that your school is organizing.
  • 3. Referrals: Encourage satisfied parents to refer others to your nursery school. Offer discounts or incentives for referrals.
  • 4. Advertise: Advertise your school by placing ads in local newspapers, magazines or by using Google Ads.
  • 5. Open days: Organize open days where parents can visit your school and experience first-hand what you have to offer.
  • 6. Attend events: Attend local events such as fairs and festivals to increase awareness of your nursery school.
  • 7. Collaborate: Collaborate with other businesses such as children's clothing stores, toy stores and other educational services to promote your nursery school.
  • 8. Flyers: Distribute flyers to homes, offices, and areas where parents congregate.
  • 9. Refurbish your Nursery school: Your school should be aesthetically pleasing. Ensure your school is clean and well-maintained. You could also add features such as a playground, paintings or murals to make the environment attractive and appealing to children.
  • 10. Public Relations: Get involved in your local community to create awareness about your nursery school. Attend seminars, education-related events, and collaborate with other organizations to improve your reputation.

In conclusion, marketing and advertising your nursery school is crucial for attracting potential clients. With the right marketing strategy, you can successfully launch your nursery school business and maintain a steady stream of clients.

9. Arrange Partnerships & Contacts

Starting a nursery school business involves more than just finding a location and hiring staff. You need to build strong relationships with partners and contacts who can help you succeed. This chapter will guide you through the steps to arrange partnerships and contacts for your nursery school business.

1. Identify Potential Partners

Partnerships can help your nursery school business thrive by providing resources, connections, and support. Identify potential partners by reaching out to other local businesses, parent-teacher associations, and community organizations. Consider partnerships with health care providers, after-school programs, and local libraries.

  • Reach out to local businesses through networking events or online directories
  • Join parent-teacher associations and attend meetings to network with other education professionals
  • Connect with community organizations to identify potential partnerships

2. Establish Contacts with Licensing Agencies

Before opening your nursery school business, you need to obtain licenses and permits from state and local agencies. Establishing contacts with these agencies can help you navigate the licensing process and ensure compliance with regulations.

  • Contact your state's department of education or department of licensing to understand the requirements for opening a nursery school
  • Reach out to local zoning boards to ensure your location is zoned for educational use
  • Contact health departments to learn about hygiene and sanitation requirements

3. Build Relationships with Suppliers

Suppliers can provide your nursery school business with essential goods and services like food, toys, and cleaning supplies. Building relationships with suppliers can help you negotiate better prices and ensure timely delivery of goods.

  • Reach out to local suppliers to establish relationships for necessary goods and services
  • Join buying groups or cooperatives to take advantage of bulk purchasing discounts
  • Attend trade shows or conferences to learn about new products and suppliers
  • Reach out to local businesses, schools, and churches to see if they have unused inventory to donate or sell at a discount
  • Create a loyalty program for suppliers to encourage repeat business
  • Consider environmentally-friendly suppliers for cleaning products, food, and toys

4. Network with Industry Professionals

Networking with industry professionals can help you stay informed on best practices and current trends in the nursery school business. Attend conferences, workshops, and seminars to connect with other education professionals and experts.

  • Join industry associations like the National Association for the Education of Young Children or the International Association for Childcare Professionals
  • Attend conferences and workshops to learn about new research and best practices in early childhood education
  • Connect with experts in the field through online forums or webinars

5. Establish Relationships with Financial Institutions

Establishing relationships with financial institutions can help you secure loans, manage cash flow, and plan for growth. Research different financing options and choose a bank or credit union that meets the needs of your nursery school business.

  • Meet with bankers or loan officers to discuss financing options
  • Establish a line of credit or business credit card for managing expenses
  • Explore grant programs or fundraising opportunities for non-profit nursery schools

10. Monitor & Improve Services

After the successful launch of your nursery school business, it's important to monitor and improve your services to ensure you are providing the best possible education and care to the children. Here are some key steps to follow when monitoring and improving your services:

  • Conduct regular evaluations: Set up a system to regularly evaluate your program and services. This can include parent feedback forms, staff evaluations, and assessments of the curriculum. Use this feedback to make changes and improvements where necessary.
  • Stay up-to-date on industry standards and regulations: The education and childcare industry is constantly changing, so it's important to stay current on any new regulations, standards, or best practices. Attend industry conferences and workshops to stay informed and make changes accordingly.
  • Continuously train and develop staff: Invest in your staff by providing regular professional development opportunities, such as workshops and seminars. This will ensure that your staff stays up-to-date on the latest developments in the industry, and can provide the highest level of care to the children in your program.
  • Use technology to streamline processes: Utilize technology to streamline administrative processes and improve communication with parents. This can include an online parent portal for fee payments, automated attendance tracking, and regular email updates on the child's progress.
  • Implement safety procedures: Ensure the safety of the children by implementing strict safety procedures, including emergency drills and thorough background checks on all staff members.
  • Encourage parent involvement: Encourage parents to get involved in the nursery school program by providing regular updates on their child's progress, inviting them to special events, and allowing the parents to provide feedback on the program.
  • Regularly communicate with parents to establish trust and build relationships.
  • Create a welcoming and positive environment for children and families.
  • Continuously evaluate and improve the curriculum to ensure children are learning and growing in a safe and nurturing environment.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your nursery school business stays competitive and provides excellent education and care to the children and families you serve.

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Financial Model, Business Plan and Dashboard Templates - FinModelsLab

How To Write a Business Plan for Nursery School in 9 Steps: Checklist

By alex ryzhkov, resources on nursery school.

  • Financial Model
  • Business Plan
  • Value Proposition
  • One-Page Business Plan
  • SWOT Analysis
  • Business Model
  • Marketing Plan

Welcome to our blog post on how to write a business plan for a nursery school in 9 simple steps. Nursery schools play a crucial role in early childhood education, providing a nurturing environment where young children can learn, grow, and develop essential skills. According to recent statistics, the nursery school industry is experiencing significant growth, with a projected annual growth rate of 5.6% over the next five years. If you're passionate about education and want to make a positive impact on young minds, starting a nursery school can be a rewarding venture. In this article, we'll guide you through the essential steps to create a comprehensive business plan for your nursery school.

The first step in creating a successful nursery school business plan is to conduct market research . This involves gathering data on the local demand for early childhood education, identifying potential customers, and understanding their needs and preferences.

Once you have gathered the necessary market data, it's important to identify your target market and analyze the demographics of the area. This will help you tailor your curriculum, activities, and services to meet the specific needs of the children and parents in your community.

Next, you'll need to analyze the competition . Research existing nursery schools in your area to understand their offerings, pricing, and reputation. This will help you identify opportunities for differentiation and determine your unique selling proposition.

After analyzing the market and competition, it's time to determine your startup costs and budget . This includes everything from acquiring a suitable location and setting up the necessary infrastructure to purchasing educational materials and hiring qualified staff.

Securing financing or investment is often a crucial step in starting a nursery school. Whether you choose to self-fund, seek loans, or attract investors, it's essential to have a comprehensive financial plan that demonstrates the viability and profitability of your business.

Developing a unique value proposition is key to standing out in a saturated market. Consider what sets your nursery school apart from the competition and how you can add value to parents and children. Your unique selling points may include specialized curriculum, qualified teachers, extracurricular activities, or parent support programs.

Establishing a business structure and addressing legal requirements is crucial for the smooth operation of your nursery school. This includes registering your business, obtaining necessary licenses and permits, and complying with local regulations and safety standards.

A strong marketing strategy is vital to attracting parents and filling your nursery school's enrollment. Utilize various marketing channels such as social media, local advertising, and word-of-mouth referrals. Consider organizing open houses, offering free trials, or partnering with local businesses to increase visibility.

In the final step, outline your operational plans and processes . This includes defining your curriculum, hiring and training staff, setting schedules and routines, implementing safety measures, and establishing communication systems with parents. Creating a detailed operational plan will help streamline your nursery school's day-to-day operations and ensure a consistent and high-quality learning experience.

By following these 9 essential steps, you'll be well on your way to creating a comprehensive business plan for your nursery school. Stay tuned for our upcoming blog posts, where we'll delve deeper into each step to provide you with practical tips and insights. Start your journey towards making a positive impact on young children's lives today!

Conduct Market Research

Before starting a nursery school, it is crucial to conduct thorough market research. This step will provide valuable insights into the demand for such a business in your target area and help you make informed decisions throughout the planning process.

Begin by identifying the local population and demographics in your target market. Understand the number of families with young children, their income levels, and their educational aspirations for their kids. This data will guide your decisions regarding the size and scope of your nursery school.

Furthermore, it is vital to analyze local demand for early childhood education services. Consider surveying parents and caregivers in your area to understand their preferences and expectations. This feedback will help you tailor your curriculum and services to meet the needs of your potential customers.

Tips for Conducting Market Research:

  • Utilize online resources, such as government databases and educational associations, to gather demographic information.
  • Reach out to local parents' groups, community centers, and schools to gain insights into the demand for nursery schools in your area.
  • Consider conducting focus groups or interviews with potential customers to understand their specific needs and preferences.
  • Research local regulations and licensing requirements for nursery schools to ensure compliance.

By thoroughly conducting market research, you will have a solid foundation to build your business plan for a nursery school. This step will enable you to make data-driven decisions that align with the needs and expectations of your target market.

Identify Target Market And Demographics

One of the crucial steps in creating a successful business plan for a nursery school is identifying the target market and understanding their demographics. This information will help you tailor your offerings and services to meet the needs and preferences of your prospective customers.

1. Define your ideal customers: Begin by clearly defining the characteristics of your target market. Consider factors such as age, income level, education level, and location. For a nursery school, your target market will primarily consist of parents and caregivers with young children.

  • Use surveys or focus groups to gather information about your potential customers and their preferences.
  • Consider conducting market research to identify the demand for nursery school services in your area.
  • Understand the specific needs of parents in terms of the learning environment, curriculum, and additional support services.

2. Analyze demographics: Once you have defined your target market, analyze their demographics to gain deeper insights. Look at factors like age distribution, household income, and educational background. This information will help you understand the purchasing power and preferences of your target customers.

  • Review census data, local market reports, and online resources to gather demographic information about your target market.
  • Consider conducting surveys or interviews with prospective customers to gain more specific insights into their needs and preferences.
  • Identify any niche markets or specific segments within your target market that may require specialized services.

3. Research market trends: Stay informed about the latest trends and developments in the nursery school industry. This will help you understand the evolving needs of your target market and adapt your business plan accordingly. Keep an eye on changing demographics, emerging educational approaches, and technological advancements that may affect your business.

  • Subscribe to industry publications, attend conferences, and join professional associations to stay updated on industry trends.
  • Follow relevant social media groups and forums to connect with other professionals in the nursery school industry.
  • Regularly review and analyze market research reports to gain insights into the preferences and expectations of your target market.

By thoroughly identifying your target market and understanding their demographics, you can develop a nursery school business plan that caters precisely to their needs and expectations. This knowledge will not only help you create a compelling value proposition but also ensure the long-term success of your nursery school.

Analyze Competition

Analyzing your competition is a crucial step in developing a successful business plan for a nursery school. Understanding your competitors will allow you to identify gaps in the market and find ways to differentiate your nursery school from others in the industry.

To start, research and identify other nursery schools in your target area. Look for schools that offer similar services and cater to the same age range as your planned nursery school. Take note of the services they provide, their pricing, and their overall reputation in the community.

Compile a list of the top competing nursery schools and conduct a thorough analysis of each one. This can include evaluating their strengths and weaknesses, their unique selling points, and any potential threats they may pose to your nursery school's success.

  • Look at their curriculum and teaching approaches. Are they focusing on specific areas of development or providing a well-rounded education?
  • Consider their facilities and resources. What kind of learning environment are they providing for the children?
  • Research their pricing structure. Are they offering competitive rates? What additional services are included in their fees?
  • Observe their reputation and community involvement. Are they well-regarded by parents and have a strong presence in the local community?

Tips to consider when analyzing your competition:

  • Visit the competing nursery schools in person if possible, to get a firsthand experience of their operations.
  • Talk to parents who have enrolled their children at these schools to gauge their satisfaction levels.
  • Utilize online resources, such as reviews and testimonials, to gather insights into the strengths and weaknesses of your competitors.
  • Consider conducting a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis to have a comprehensive understanding of your competitors' positions in the market.

By thoroughly analyzing your competition, you can identify opportunities to differentiate your nursery school, tailor your offerings to meet the needs of your target market, and ultimately position your business for success.

Determine Startup Costs And Budget

When starting a nursery school, it is crucial to determine the startup costs and budget to ensure the financial feasibility of your business plan. By accurately assessing the upfront expenses and ongoing costs, you can plan and allocate your resources effectively.

To determine the startup costs , you will need to create a comprehensive list of all the expenses involved in setting up your nursery school. This may include:

  • Property lease or purchase
  • Interior and exterior renovations
  • Furniture and equipment
  • Technology and educational resources
  • Staff salaries and benefits
  • Marketing and advertising
  • Administrative and legal fees

Once you have identified the startup expenses, it is important to create a budget that outlines your projected income and expenses over a specific time period. This budget will help you estimate your revenue streams, such as tuition fees and additional services, and compare them to your anticipated costs.

  • Be thorough when researching and pricing all necessary items for your nursery school to avoid any unexpected expenses.
  • Consider seeking quotes from multiple suppliers and service providers to ensure you are getting the best possible prices.
  • It is beneficial to build in a contingency fund in your budget to account for unforeseen expenses or emergencies.
  • Regularly review and update your budget as your nursery school grows and evolves.

By accurately determining the startup costs and meticulously planning your budget, you can set realistic financial goals and make informed decisions to ensure the success and sustainability of your nursery school.

Secure Financing Or Investment

One of the crucial steps in establishing a successful nursery school is securing the necessary financing or investment to fund your business venture. This step requires careful planning and consideration to ensure that you have the resources needed to start and maintain your nursery school.

Here are some important considerations when securing financing or investment:

  • Research and identify potential sources of funding: Start by researching and identifying potential sources of funding for your nursery school. This may include personal savings, loans from financial institutions, grants, or investment from individuals or organizations.
  • Evaluate your financial needs: Determine the amount of funding you will require to cover your startup costs and ongoing expenses. This may include expenses such as facility rental, staff salaries, educational materials, marketing, and administrative costs.
  • Create a detailed financial plan: Develop a comprehensive financial plan that outlines your projected income and expenses for at least the first three years of your nursery school's operation. This plan will help you demonstrate to potential investors or lenders that you have a solid understanding of your business's financial viability.
  • Prepare a convincing business proposal: Create a compelling business proposal that clearly articulates the value and potential of your nursery school. This proposal should include information about your target market, competitive analysis, marketing strategy, and financial projections. It should also highlight why your nursery school is a promising investment opportunity.
  • Seek funding or investment: Once you have prepared your financial plan and business proposal, start reaching out to potential investors or lenders to secure the necessary financing. This may involve attending networking events, pitching your business to investors, or applying for loans or grants.
  • Consider seeking guidance from a financial advisor or consultant who specializes in the education sector. They can provide valuable insights and assistance in securing financing or investment for your nursery school.
  • Explore crowdfunding platforms or community fundraising initiatives as alternative sources of funding for your nursery school.
  • Be prepared for potential rejections or delays in securing financing. Persistence is key, and it may require multiple attempts or alternative funding avenues to secure the necessary resources.

By diligently seeking funding or investment opportunities, you can secure the financial backing needed to turn your nursery school business idea into a reality. Remember to present yourself and your business in a professional manner, demonstrating your passion, expertise, and commitment to providing a high-quality education experience for young children.

Develop a Unique Value Proposition

When starting a nursery school, it is crucial to develop a unique value proposition that sets your school apart from the competition. A unique value proposition is a statement that communicates the unique benefits and value that your nursery school offers to parents and children. It is what differentiates you from other schools in the market and attracts customers.

Here are some tips to help you develop a compelling and unique value proposition for your nursery school:

Identify your target audience's needs and preferences

  • Understand the needs and preferences of parents in your target market. What are they looking for in a nursery school?
  • Consider the age group you are catering to and how your curriculum and approach address their specific developmental needs.

Highlight the unique features and benefits

  • Identify the unique features and benefits your nursery school offers. This could include specialized programs, highly trained staff, advanced learning resources, or a supportive community.
  • Focus on what makes your nursery school stand out and why parents should choose your school over others.

Showcase testimonials and success stories

  • Highlight positive feedback and testimonials from satisfied parents and children who have benefited from your nursery school.
  • Share success stories of students who have excelled academically or developed important skills through your programs.

A strong and unique value proposition will not only attract prospective parents but also help build trust and credibility in your nursery school. It will demonstrate your commitment to providing an exceptional learning environment for young children and differentiate your school from the competition.

Establish a Business Structure and Legal Requirements

When starting a nursery school, it is crucial to establish a solid business structure and ensure compliance with all legal requirements. This step will give your venture a strong foundation and protect you legally and financially.

1. Choose a Business Structure: Select a legal structure that best suits your nursery school, such as a sole proprietorship, partnership, or limited liability company (LLC). Each structure has its own advantages and considerations, so it is advisable to consult with a lawyer or accountant to determine the best option for your specific needs.

2. Register Your Business: Register your nursery school with the appropriate government agencies and obtain all the necessary licenses and permits. This typically includes registering your business name, applying for a tax identification number, and obtaining any required health and safety certificates.

3. Draft Contracts and Policies: Develop comprehensive contracts and policies that clarify the terms and conditions of enrollment, payment schedules, liability waivers, and other important matters. These documents will protect both your nursery school and the families you serve, ensuring a clear understanding of expectations and responsibilities.

4. Secure Insurance: Obtain the necessary insurance coverage to protect your nursery school from potential risks and liabilities. This may include general liability insurance, workers' compensation insurance, and property insurance. It is essential to review your chosen coverage with an insurance professional to ensure proper protection.

5. Hire Legal and Financial Professionals: Consider engaging the services of a lawyer and an accountant experienced in childcare and education businesses. They can provide valuable guidance on legal matters, help you navigate complex regulations, and ensure your financial records are accurate and compliant.

Here are some important tips to consider:

  • Consult with an attorney specializing in educational law to ensure compliance with all regulations and requirements.
  • Develop a clear structure and hierarchy within your nursery school, including roles and responsibilities for staff members.
  • Regularly review and update your contracts, policies, and procedures to reflect any changes in regulations or best practices.
  • Maintain accurate records of student and staff information, financial transactions, and compliance-related documentation.
  • Establish a strong privacy policy and obtain consent from parents before collecting any personal information about their children.

By establishing a solid business structure and addressing all legal requirements, you can focus on providing a nurturing and enriching learning environment for young children while ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of your nursery school.

Create A Marketing Strategy

A strong marketing strategy is crucial for the success of any business, including a nursery school. It helps to establish your brand, attract potential parents, and differentiate your nursery school from competitors. Here are the key steps to create an effective marketing strategy:

1. Define your target audience:

  • Determine the age range, geographic location, and other characteristics of the parents you want to attract.
  • Consider conducting surveys or focus groups to better understand their needs and preferences.

2. Set clear marketing objectives:

  • Identify specific goals you want to achieve through your marketing efforts, such as increasing enrollment or improving brand awareness.
  • Ensure that your objectives are measurable and aligned with your overall business goals.

3. Develop your unique selling proposition (USP):

  • Highlight what makes your nursery school stand out from the competition.
  • Focus on the benefits and value you offer to parents and children, such as the engaging learning environment or the comprehensive learning curriculum.

4. Choose the right marketing channels:

  • Consider using a combination of online and offline channels to reach your target audience.
  • Online channels may include a professional website, social media platforms, and email marketing.
  • Offline channels could involve local advertising, community events, and networking with other child-related businesses.

5. Create compelling content:

  • Develop content that educates and engages potential parents, such as blog posts, informative videos, or downloadable resources.
  • Showcase the unique features and benefits of your nursery school and emphasize the positive impact it can have on a child's development.

6. Implement a consistent brand image:

  • Create a visually appealing and cohesive brand identity that reflects your nursery school's values and mission.
  • Use consistent branding elements across all marketing materials, including your website, social media profiles, and offline advertisements.
  • Offer special promotions or discounts to attract new families or encourage referrals.
  • Collaborate with local businesses or organizations to cross-promote your nursery school.
  • Regularly evaluate and analyze the effectiveness of your marketing efforts to make necessary adjustments.

By following these steps and continuously refining your marketing strategy, you can effectively promote your nursery school and attract the right parents who will appreciate the value you offer. Remember to stay up-to-date with industry trends and adapt your marketing approach accordingly to stay ahead of the competition.

Outline Operational Plans and Processes

Once you have determined the strategic aspects of your nursery school business plan, it is essential to outline the operational plans and processes that will keep your school running smoothly and efficiently. By clearly defining these plans and processes, you will ensure that every aspect of your nursery school's daily operations is carefully considered and established.

1. Define the curriculum: Start by clearly outlining the curriculum you will offer to children of different age groups. Specify the subjects to be taught, learning outcomes, and teaching methodologies. Ensure your curriculum aligns with educational standards and guidelines.

2. Develop teaching and learning materials: Create a comprehensive list of teaching resources, such as textbooks, workbooks, and educational tools. Determine the quantity and quality of these materials to support effective teaching and learning.

3. Establish a daily schedule: Design a daily schedule that outlines the activities and routines for children throughout the day. Consider age-appropriate balanced programs that include playtime, educational activities, meals, rest, outdoor time, and specialized classes.

4. Hire qualified staff: Identify the roles and responsibilities you need to fill, such as teachers, assistants, administrative staff, and maintenance personnel. Ensure you recruit qualified professionals who align with your educational philosophy and have a passion for working with young children.

5. Create staff training and development program: Develop a training program to provide ongoing professional development opportunities for your staff, enhancing their skills and knowledge in early childhood education. This will help ensure consistent quality in teaching and care provision.

6. Establish health and safety protocols: Create policies and procedures to maintain the health and safety of children, staff, and visitors. This should include protocols for emergencies, illness prevention, hygiene practices, and regular maintenance of the school premises.

7. Determine enrollment processes: Outline the procedures for admitting new students, including registration, assessment, and enrollment criteria. Develop a system for tracking student information, attendance, and progress.

  • Regularly review and update your operational plans and processes to adapt to changing educational requirements and best practices.
  • Establish clear communication channels with parents, including regular newsletters, parent-teacher meetings, and an open-door policy to address any concerns or inquiries.
  • Implement a continuous improvement system to assess and evaluate the effectiveness of your operational plans and processes, allowing for necessary adjustments.

By outlining your operational plans and processes, you will ensure that your nursery school operates efficiently, attracts students, and provides a nurturing and conducive learning environment for young children.

Writing a business plan for a nursery school requires careful consideration and thorough planning. By following these nine steps, you can ensure that your business plan is comprehensive and effective in outlining your nursery school's goals and strategies. Conducting market research, identifying your target market, analyzing competition, and determining startup costs are essential steps in setting up a successful nursery school.

In addition to financial aspects, developing a unique value proposition that focuses on providing an engaging and interactive learning environment for young children is crucial. Incorporating support for parents, such as childcare and parenting classes, can enhance the overall experience for families and create a strong learning community.

Establishing a solid business structure, complying with legal requirements, and securing financing or investment will help lay a strong foundation for your nursery school's success. A well-crafted marketing strategy will ensure that your nursery school reaches its target audience effectively.

Lastly, outlining operational plans and processes will help ensure smooth day-to-day operations of the nursery school. By following these steps, you can create a comprehensive business plan that demonstrates your nursery school's potential and sets you on the path to success.

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NURSERY BUSINESS PLAN: Guide and Template

  • by Folakemi Adegbaju
  • August 14, 2023
  • No comments
  • 13 minute read

nursery business plan template

Table of Contents Hide

How to start a nursery business, how to write a nursery business plan, #9. organization and management team, #10. appendix, nursery business plan template, final thoughts, can you open a nursery in a house, who regulates nurseries in the uk, is a nursery school a good business.

Starting a nursery can be your next step in your childcare career, a long-term goal, or a new area of interest. You should make sure you are well prepared for what it will entail because, even if you have worked in childcare for many years, it may be a challenging job with many factors to take into account. There are four key requirements for success, regardless of the nursery’s level of development: a strong business plan for the nursery, thorough planning, market research, and high-quality, qualified employees. You will find it difficult to offer the level of provision that will ensure success without all of these components. A nursery business plan template has been created by us in this article to make the writing easier for you.

Let’s zoom off….

What Is a Nursery Business?

Nowadays, nurseries are a common and prosperous business. They provide early childhood education to kids before they start in-school programmes, and if you like dealing with kids, this might be the ideal place for you. But there are many things to think about first if you’re thinking of opening your own nursery business.

There are some steps to follow when you plan on opening a nursery business to make it successful:

#1. Make Sure You Have the Qualifications and Experience

If your goal is to operate a nursery as a business rather than get engaged in the teaching and day-to-day management of the nursery, you technically don’t need any training or expertise to do so. If you’re going to work in the background, it’s always a good idea to educate yourself on the ins and outs of business ownership. However, there are some credentials and experience you’ll need to have if you do intend to get involved with teaching the kids directly. 

A nursery manager must have worked as a nursery nurse for at least two years, have had a supervisory position for one to two years, and possess the necessary nursery certifications.

#2. Hiring the Right Staff

In every business, but especially when working with kids and families, it’s crucial to pick the right employees. Whether or not they have appropriate behaviour management. Children’s caregivers may come across a variety of behavioural situations, and they must be able to react in a way that supports the welfare and development of the kids.

Whether or not they take pleasure in working with kids and have patience. They must share your vision because they will have to do this daily. They must also have the proper mindset. Remember that nurseries must adhere to minimum staffing ratios of one adult for every three children under the age of two, one adult for every four children ages two to two, and one adult for every eight children ages three to seven. In your adult-to-child ratios, trainees or apprentices under the age of 17 are not considered adults. Additionally, there must always be a minimum of two employees on duty.

#3. Register Your Nursery

You must be 18 years of age or older, be eligible to work in the UK, and submit to a Disclosure and Barring Services (DBS) check before you can apply for registration. The DBS check, which costs about £50, verifies that you have no criminal convictions that would prevent you from working with children. Additionally, you will be required to complete a health declaration form outlining any medical conditions you may have and any medications you are currently taking. Following registration, Ofsted will visit your nursery at least once every three years to make sure it complies with the 14 national criteria for child care. This will be used to grade you.

#4. Conducting Research

Conducting correct research is the first step in starting a successful nursery business. Included in those crucial sectors are clients, rivals, and operations. It is crucial to carry out both primary research (your own investigation, including speaking with prospective clients and keeping an eye on rivals). An annual sufficiency report, which local authorities are required by law to provide, is helpful for identifying gaps in and choosing an appropriate location to open, is available from the early years’ department of your local authority and is frequently a good source of information about early years provision in your neighbourhood. Learn what parents want from childcare services, then customise your offerings to fulfill those needs. You may set your rates at a sustainable and competitive level by conducting research on the amount of fees parents are willing to pay for childcare and learning how many local nurseries charge parents.

#5. Decide What Type of Nursery You Want To Start

You have the option of starting a nonprofit nursery or a private nursery. In either case, you must abide by the same laws and standards. However, if the organisation is a registered charity, additional reporting obligations will be applicable. The sole distinction is that the non-profit nursery’s profits support the community centre or nonprofit organisation to which you belong, whereas a private nursery operates like any other company, with shareholders and dividends or drawings if it is not incorporated.

You should also choose if you want to join a franchise or launch your business entirely from scratch. You won’t need to rush to raise startup money because the franchise organisation will help with the nursery’s resources, but they will also take a cut of the revenues.

#6. Get Your Licences and Regulations

Regardless of where you reside, your country’s regulatory body will require you to register your day nursery before you may do so, and you must first meet the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) standards. A nursery insurance policy is required, covering public liability, employer’s liability, professional indemnity, commercial property, and business interruption insurance to protect you in the event that you need to temporarily close the nursery, such as during a lockdown.

There are food safety laws you must follow for the meals and snacks you offer to kids. Specifically for childcare providers, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has created a set of hygienic guidelines for preparing and storing food. Maintaining risk assessments, evacuation plans, fire safety, injury reporting, and the storage of any hazardous goods should all be covered by a clear health and safety policy. Depending on the age range of the kids at the day nursery, there are some stringent staffing requirements for the amount of personnel you must hire.

#7. Building Your Day Nursery Brand

There is more to branding than just a logo and a colour palette. It is how you wish to present your nursery business to your target market. Your branding needs to represent all aspects of your business, from how you interact with parents to the instructional strategies you use.

It’s difficult to create a brand from scratch. The best course of action is to meet with a branding consultant like BUSINESS YIELD CONSULT who can help you achieve your goal. Once you have established your brand, you may replicate it across all of your communications, websites, buildings, uniforms, and policies.

Once you’ve established your brand, it’s time to increase brand recognition. Social media and websites can help with this. However, there are guidelines and restrictions on the internet sharing of pictures of the kids who go to your nursery. You can’t post their pictures without their parent’s or guardians’ consent.

  #8. Find a Suitable Location

When picking a location for your nursery, there are a number of things to consider. The following is to be considered:

  • If there is a parking
  • Whether it has good transportation options
  • Is the nursery going to be attached to a community centre or religious community and will it be nearby?
  • And if there are any nearby nurseries that compete
  • Perhaps there is enough room outside for a playground.
  • Whether it has enough space to install all the required facilities is not
  • Is there a demand for another nursery? Are existing nurseries in the area full?
  • Maybe it is in a neighbourhood that is safe and has lots of families around

You will also need to abide by some legal space limitations. For kids under the age of two, you need 3.5 square metres of room per child. You need 2.5 square metres per child between the ages of two and three.

Furthermore, each child needs 2.3 square metres of space between the ages of three and seven. After you’ve closely examined a potential site, consult an architect to see how much it will cost to turn the area into a daycare centre.

#9. Prepare a Business Plan

It is time to draught a business plan now that you have gone over every aspect and are aware of what it takes to build a nursery business. When you are searching for funding, the lender will want to know where their money is going. Therefore, this is important to keep you on track and is also vital. Also, it aids you in maintaining your spending plan at all times. You might engage a professional to write your business plan if you are unsure of how to proceed.

 #10. Funding

You’ll be prepared to use your business plan to raise money for your nursery now that you’ve finished writing it. Several ways to pay for your nursery include:

  • Put money of your own into the business.
  • Loans from banks
  • loans for new companies.
  • Equity funding is capital provided by shareholders.

The groundwork for establishing your new nursery business will be in place once you have done your research, written a business plan, and raised the necessary funds.

What Is a Nursery Business Plan?

When starting a nursery business, it is crucial to have a solid plan. As you move through the setup process in the nursery business, it will guide your decisions. Do you require outside funding? Or require legal advice from a professional? Do you know where to look for and how to entice the parents of prospective classmates?

You’ll be stumbling in the dark without a nursery business plan. You won’t be taken seriously by potential investors either. Get it right away and prepare for the journey ahead. But if you know what you’re doing and truly care about providing high-quality early childhood education, you could be able to create a company that will be successful for many years, perhaps even decades. The good news is that to ease your worries, we have a nursery business plan template for you!

Here, we created a nursery business plan template as a guideline to assist you in putting your aspirations on paper. If you follow these instructions, you’ll have a useful, pertinent document to help you stay relevant in the business.

 #1. Executive Summary

An executive summary is a breakdown of your nursery business plan’s main ideas. It contains important details like your earnings and loss. It should be brief and to the point and explain why your company is viable. Any childcare experience you may have should be mentioned here. You can summarize the key facts about your company in it, such as its name, aims, and ambitions. This provides a summary of your goals for both you and anyone else reading your nursery business plan.

#2. Company Overview

This is your chance to share the motivation for beginning a nursery business. To sell yourself and your vision, mention your drive, expertise, and qualifications. If you’ve never had a business before, visualise yourself as a prosperous businessperson and tap into the confidence that will result from it. Include a description of your beliefs, services, ways you stand out from the competition, your mission and vision statements, and the chances you plan to capture.

Keep in mind to adhere to the SMART principles while defining your goals;

#3. Services

Make sure to fully describe what you are giving in this part as well as how you vary from other providers and organisations in your nursery business plan. Your main component when promoting to potential clients and investors will be your unique selling point (UPS). What will offer your nursery the edge above the competition you need to succeed? Perhaps your business is next to a railway station, making pick-up and drop-off for harried parents who commute easier. Maybe there is a wooded area in your outdoor space that you could advertise as a forest school.

Even though it might seem obvious, you must list all the services you will provide. Consider carefully the following, as each childcare provider will have a slightly different offering:

  • How accommodating are your hours?
  • Specify your lower and upper age limits in the age provision.
  • How many kids will be in each class? What are the ratios? And how many employees?
  • Are there any parks, museums, or libraries near your property?
  • Will you offer services from outside providers, such as swimming lessons or language classes, as part of your activities?

#4. Market Research

Now is the moment to define your market, being sure to analyse both your target market and your competitors in your nursery business plan. You will be able to start forming an accurate company strategy, as well as a picture of the types of individuals that will be your customers and the price you will charge.

Focus on your intended audience now. Beyond the fact that they will inevitably become parents, they can diverge greatly. Some parents of two-year-olds will qualify for more government assistance than others, while others may rely on childcare vouchers provided by their employers. Some parents will only require a spot for a few mornings each week, while others will require a full-time setting. Examine the demographics of your neighbourhood, including the average pay, population size and change, and birth rates. Your plans can benefit from every piece of knowledge and become more accurate.

#5. Finances

This describes your financial situation as well as your projected income and expenses in your nursery business plan. Financial statements like your balance sheet and cash flow statements would be included. The equipment needed to start a nursery will range from furniture to toys and books to outdoor playthings to computers and tablets to first aid supplies and promotional materials.

Your largest continuous cost will be employee pay, which makes up 73 percent of all expenses for private day nurseries. Some of these may need to be changed on a regular basis. Rent or mortgage payments, training expenses, and utility bills will all significantly reduce your profit. Do you know where your funding originates, to sum up? In your nursery business plan, be very explicit about the funding you’ve previously acquired (personal savings, soft loans from family and friends, etc.) and whether further funding through a business loan, sponsorship, or business partner is necessary.

#6. Location

The location of your business is crucial to your plan, and there are several things to take into account, including its size, location, and compliance with any applicable property laws. Many structures have limitations on the number of people who are permitted to enter them as well as guidelines governing whether you are able to operate a company from them. Describe your plans in this part of your nursery business plan, being careful to mention any necessary ancillary charges.

Decide how many children you would ideally like to accommodate before you begin looking for a location. This will have an effect on the size of the property you need, the number of employees, and the cost. Your market research should guide where you decide to locate this business. Will you be flooding a market that is already having trouble or filling a gap?

Here are some things to consider while searching for a location:

  • Transportation options to provide the most convenient pick-up and drop-off
  • adequate outdoor space and parking
  • Bathroom and kitchen amenities
  • Whether a structure is suitable for conversion when it already exists

#7. Marketing Plan

Here, you should outline your strategies for attracting parents and customers, generating sales, and creating devoted followers. Furthermore, a significant portion of your business plan will be devoted to your marketing strategy. A plan for promoting your nursery before its anticipated launch date should be at its core. You need to go all out, using both conventional strategies like posting banners outside the building and distributing flyers to neighbourhood infant and toddler organisations, as well as fully embracing a social media campaign.

#8. Rules and Regulations

There are a lot of legal considerations, guidelines, and restrictions when starting a nursery. You will be taking care of kids, after all. Make sure your company plan makes it apparent that you are aware of and have taken into account these rules and regulations. Additionally, you will need to register with Ofsted. If you are qualified to care for children, you need to take the following two steps first:

  • a DBS that evaluates your fitness based on any prior convictions for crimes
  • a health declaration form in which you indicate any medical conditions you have and the medications you take

Make sure you budget at least six months for the completion of this lengthy registration process since it is necessary. Without it, you won’t be able to open your nursery business. Once your nursery is operational and registered, Ofsted will inspect it at least once every three years to ensure compliance with national requirements. With the possibility of an Ofsted inspection looming, you’ll be even more driven to succeed in your new nursery venture.

You must now specify if you plan to hire employees and how your company will be managed. This might address both the early stages and how you envision your company developing over time and adding people as it expands. Who is involved in the venture, and what are their skills and expertise?

You can include any material in this part to support your business plan. Reports, legal documents, etc. may be included. It serves to explain some of the elements you included in the business plan and provides a complete grasp of it. You can include any material in this part to support your business plan. Reports, legal documents, etc. may be included. It serves to explain some of the elements you included in the business plan and provides a complete grasp of it.

Having a nursery business plan template gives you the full confidence of starting the journey of writing your own nursery business plan. We have a nursery business plan template so you won’t get confused when writing your plan. The following are included in the nursery business plan template we’ve created for you:

  • Executive summary
  • Industry analysis
  • Market analysis
  • Operational plan
  • Management team
  • Marketing plan
  • Financial information

This nursery business plan template will surely serve as a guideline to make writing your plan easier.

Planning the ideal nursery requires consideration of how to bring toddlers’ giggles and smiles into the space. Without any children to enjoy it, operating a nursery business is pointless. Therefore, your nursery business plan needs to be carefully written. That is why we have compiled one for you to save you from the stress of writing it! Go ahead and download the template for nursery business plan

If planning approval is obtained, you are allowed to operate a nursery in your home. To find out if this is the case, you must speak with your local government, which could take some time.

The Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services, and Skills is also known as Ofsted. In England, they oversee and inspect childcare providers such as childminders, registered nannies, nurseries, pre-schools, schools, and FE institutions.

Preschool establishments are one of the most lucrative enterprises when done with devotion, tenacity, and dedication. Preschools help you gain market recognition and goodwill in addition to improved financial returns.

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How to Write a Business Plan for Daycare and Preschool

  • brightwheel
  • Running a business

People sitting at a table reviewing business graphs

Writing a daycare or preschool business plan is a big task, but due diligence and hard work will help you understand what you’ll need to launch and run a daycare or preschool successfully.

people sitting around a table reviewing a business graph

What do daycare investors want?

Your local government will have rules and regulations you’ll need to follow as a small business owner and childcare provider. Start by reviewing the childcare licensing guidelines for your state and city. Once you’re clear on licensing guidelines, you’re ready to start writing your childcare business plan.

The purpose of a business plan is to help secure funding. You’ll likely need financing to launch your preschool or daycare, especially if you want to avoid the monthly repayment of a loan. 

Investors provide businesses with money in exchange for partial ownership. As a result, they expect a larger return on their initial investment. Because many investors work in business, they prefer to invest in an established company.

Most investors look for:

Industry background and experience

Financial performance and promise.

Investors want to make money. Therefore, they are more inclined to work with experienced entrepreneurs and business owners to guarantee a return on their investment. 

This might sound discouraging for those with little experience or without a business management background, but the opportunity doesn’t end there. You could consider bringing on a partner with a business background. Additionally, many investors act as a source of business advice. 

You need to demonstrate that your business will make money. Investors will likely want to see signs of business growth before they give you money. 

Additionally, investors will want to know about your financial stability. Questions an investor might ask are:

  • What do you plan to do with the money?
  • Has your business been up or down in recent years?
  • Is your company losing money? Are there signs of growth for the future?
  • How do you plan to repay your investment?

Of course, every investor is different, so they’ll consider various factors. While experience and financial promise are at the top of the list for most investors, they might also look for uniqueness, business readiness, an effective business model, and more.

A women using a calculating and holding cash

Writing a daycare business plan

We’ve discussed licensing and investors. Now, you’re ready to begin the framework of your business plan for daycares and preschools. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

Business description

Needs assessment, insurance policies, operating policies and procedures, marketing strategy.

Start with the basics: what does your daycare do? Detailing the service you’re offering will help you create a clear business plan. Next, you might want to write some goals or even a mission statement outlining your purpose and motivation.

Start by looking at general daycare or preschool industry trends, then narrow your scope to the preschools or daycares in your local area. Next, you’ll need to figure out who your target customers are and confirm that there is a need for a business like yours in your community. 

Are there a lot of young families in your neighborhood? Are you located somewhere convenient for commuting parents? Does your business offer a specific service that your competitors don’t, like early check-in or extended hours? 

Also, check out the competition. Research the existing daycare or preschool options in your community. Look at current preschool or daycare business plan samples. What makes your daycare or preschool unique? 

Developing detailed budgets will help you run your small business. You’ll need to compare your current cash flow and expenditures to determine whether you’ll make a profit.

Build a budget for unexpected costs. For example, how many children do you need to serve to be able to pay your bills and stay afloat? Child Care Aware of America offers some terrific budgeting resources for this process.

Depending on the type and size of your preschool, you’ll need insurance policies of several different types, including liability, property, workers’ compensation, and business insurance. Check the licensing requirements for guidance in building this part of your preschool business plan.

Create a comprehensive handbook for families and staff that includes you center's policies and procedures. For instance, you'll need to develop an emergency plan , daycare sick policy , and other safety protocols according to your local childcare licensing requirements. 

Your staff handbook will be a helpful resource your employees can reference and include all your employment policies including work and pay schedules, benefits, and information about professional growth and development. You can also include information on your center's philosophy and curriculum, classroom procedures, and expectations for working with children and families.

Your marketing strategy is the key to attracting customers. Decide what type of advertising you will use in front of potential customers. For example, list your school in local directories and participate in parenting and kid-friendly community events. Run a social media campaign focusing on your target population.

Another big part of childcare business marketing is differentiating yourself from other preschools. These days adopting daycare software is a surefire way to attract families with young children. A tool like brightwheel's center management feature will streamline your center's admission process, record keeping, and reporting, saving you up to 20 hours per month. 

You can also use brightwheel for recording and tracking daily events and activities, and sending real-time updates to families throughout the day. It also offers secure, digital check-in/check-out and a paperless billing system. This is a great way to keep your families looped in on daily activities and handle all of your administrative tasks in one place.

Your business is ready!

Writing a business plan can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. Once you secure the proper licensing, use the information in this article to guide you through creating a solid daycare business plan that drives investors and financing to your business.

These are just the basics to get you started. For further information, the U.S. Small Business Administration’s website has detailed instructions on creating each necessary part of a successful business plan. 

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How to Write Your Nursery Business Plan (with Free Business Plan Template!)

Learning Environments

mother and two children on iPad

If you are considering starting your own nursery, it is important that you know how to write a nursery business plan.

Providing the right setting for children that is safe, happy, and supportive is essential for encouraging learning and development.

Therefore, your nursery business plan should be centred around this, and take into account the wellbeing of children in every section.

Ultimately, your nursery is a business and must earn a profit in order to continue to run smoothly, so your financial plan must be factored in.

In this blog post we will outline the purpose of a nursery business plan and how to write each section from your company overview to important regulations.

If you are feeling overwhelmed by the task of starting your plan, we have included a free business plan template in this post, to help guide you through each step.

Download Nursery Business Plan Template

Just fill in the form below to get started

What Is the Purpose of a Nursery Business Plan

The purpose of this plan is to outline exactly how you are going to establish your nursery business, from marketing, to budget, to all of the legal requirements.

It must be well written and realistic, as this will help you focus your attention on the priorities of your business, and stay on track with your budget.

Your plan should hold all of the essential information about the business you are aiming to start up, and this should include sections such as:

  • A company overview
  • Services on offer
  • Market research
  • Team of staff
  • Location and premises
  • Financial plan
  • Regulations and Legalities

We have included each of these sections in more detail below to ensure you have everything covered.

How to Write Your Nursery Business Plan

Within your nursery business plan, you will need to include everything there is to know about your nursery, as when caring for children, legalities, finances, qualifications, and health and safety must be in order.

This post will take you through each area step-by-step, in order to provide a solid foundation for your start-up.

Company Overview

At the beginning of your plan, giving a company overview can be beneficial to outline exactly what you want to achieve.

This is your opportunity to tell your story about why you are starting a nursery , including your motivations, experience, and qualifications.

It is important to provide a vision statement that highlights what success will look like for your business based on the SMART guidelines, which shows that your goals are:

In this section of your business plan, you should be clear about who will own and operate the business, how many staff members are on board, and the exact services you plan to offer.

Once you have explained the overarching goals of your business, it is the time to think about the specifics of what your nursery will offer to families.

This section should consider opening and closing times, as this is an important piece of information that could have an impact on how many places are filled.

You need to show that you are flexible as every family works to a different schedule. Therefore having strict opening hours of 10-3 for example, may limit the amount of parents who can drop their children off and pick them up on time.

It is also important to set out the age limits for your nursery by deciding on upper and lower age limits, in order to focus your care to a specific age group.

Considering ratios of children to staff and class size, will help to ensure you are providing an enabling environment for children to learn and progress.

It is essential to get the ratio right to ensure there are enough staff in your nursery to provide personalised support for each child, and to avoid any child feeling neglected.

Equally, this is the section of your plan where you can outline the extra activities and outings you can offer to extend children’s learning outside of the classroom, such as a trip to the local farm or zoo.

Market Research

Before you can begin to consider starting up your own nursery business, you need to find out if there is demand for a new nursery in your area.

It may be that there is already a fair amount of nurseries that are full all year round. Therefore starting a new nursery in the local area may not be beneficial to you or your community.

However, if there is a gap in the market it is a good idea to start considering the fees other nurseries charge and what they offer to parents in the area already.

This is where market research comes in useful, as you can ask the community and authorities what they think the area is lacking and see if you can fill the gap.

Once you have identified potential gaps you can come up with ideas for how your nursery will stand out from the rest. For example, you could offer different extra curricular activities such as swimming or trips to the park.

Considering fees is equally important when conducting market research, as it is important to decide on a fee that suits the community you are based in, catering to multiple family situations and incomes.

For example, some parents may require full time care for their child, whereas other parents may only be looking for a nursery that will provide care 2 or 3 mornings a week.

Location and Premises

The property you choose for your nursery will have a huge impact on whether your target market will choose you over another somewhere else.

For example, if your premises does not have access to outdoor and indoor environments to provide a range of learning activities you are already one step behind other nurseries.

The location you choose should be informed by the market research you have previously carried out, and you have the option to run your nursery from home, or to choose a new premises.

This decision will depend on how many children you wish to cater for at one time, as it’s essential to ensure you have the right size facility to care for every child individually .

In order to stay in line with government regulations of 3.5 square metres for every child under 2, and 2.3 square metres for every child aged 3-7, buying a new property is an appropriate choice.

However, this will impact your financial plan , which we will visit later in this post, as the bigger the premises, the higher the running costs.

When searching for premises, it is important to consider factors such as:

  • Location – consider your target audience and whether parents in the area will be attracted to your fees and offerings over other nurseries in the local area.
  • Access – it is important that your nursery is accessible to all families that choose you. Therefore when considering location, you should consider if the property has adequate parking facilities, has public transport links, and safe pedestrian crossings nearby.
  • Indoor and Outdoor Facilities – you must ensure you aren’t limiting the learning and development of children, thus your nursery must include enclosed grounds, kitchen and toilet facilities, a changing area, be well-lit, and have plenty of space.
  • Hazards – the premises should have minimal potential hazards, for example a property on one floor would be ideal as you can restrict access to the kitchen area.
  • Expansion – although you are only just starting up your nursery, it’s important to consider how your business will grow over time and keep in mind the possibility of future expansion to accommodate more children without moving location.

Including a financial plan within your nursery business plan is key for any new start-up, as it helps to determine exactly how much money you will be spending and what you will be spending it on.

In order for your nursery to continue providing quality care for children, it’s essential that you are gaining a profit after your outgoing expenses.

First, you need to consider start-up costs, running costs, and investing in insurance as top priorities as it is then possible for you to determine where your remaining profit can be spent to better your business .

Your business costs can be split into two areas – start-up costs and running costs.

There are some costs that are unavoidable which we will outline below, however it is possible to reduce start-up costs by doing as much as you can yourself and by making savvy purchasing choices.

For example, instead of kitting out the facility with new toys, you could buy second-hand items such as books and furniture.

Start-up Costs

Start-up costs involve everything to do with the starting up of your business. This includes everything that you will spend before your nursery can open its doors, such as:

  • Setting up your nursery – this includes purchasing the property and any necessary conversions.
  • Including the correct facilities – for example indoor and outdoor play areas, a safe, clean kitchen, and a toilet and changing area.
  • Purchasing materials – this can be anything from furniture, toys, books, or materials for any planned activities.
  • Registering nursery – this involves maintaining payments to Ofsted to ensure you are a registered childcare business.
  • Marketing – this includes banners, your website, and anything that you use to advertise your business.
  • Staff training – to ensure that all staff are prepared and adequately trained before you start providing care.

Running Costs

Once your nursery business is up and running, there will be multiple monthly and annual costs that you will need to keep up with to continue providing quality child care, such as:

  • Rent or mortgage, and insurance payments
  • Staff wages and your salary
  • Utilities and maintenance
  • Food and disposable products
  • Cleaning services and products
  • Ongoing training

These costs need to be included in your financial plan, as you need to pay for them each month in order to keep your business running smoothly.

Once you have outlined your start-up and running costs, you will need to have a rough estimation of your profit goal based on your fees and the number of children in your care.

As you are starting a new business, you can’t always rely on the places in your nursery being consistently filled for the first couple of years, as it will take time to build up your reputation in the area.

Therefore, your fees must reflect this by charging an amount that suits parents, but also that suits you and your business too.

Comparing how much other nurseries in the local area charge can give you a good idea of how much to charge, as your business may offer more. As such, you can increase your prices…

Your business needs to be profitable to be able to continue supporting children’s learning and development. Therefore it’s useful to work out exactly how many places need to be filled to cover your expenses and gain a profit on top.

It is also important to consider the different costs attached to both part-time and full-time places at your nursery.

For example, by registering a large proportion of children who only require care in the mornings, or a few days a week, this may leave gaps where your nursery is consistently empty one day a week.

This may have a knock-on effect on your profit, as the less children you have in attendance the smaller your income will be.

Insurance is another priority for the financial section of your business plan, as insurance policies help to ensure that all children are safe.

This list may include policies such as:

  • Public liability insurance
  • Employers liability insurance
  • Professional Indemnity insurance
  • Commercial property insurance
  • Business interruption insurance
  • Personal accident cover

These policies help to cover you in the event of a property incident such as a flood where your business has significant damage and must be closed for a period of time. Furthermore, these policies cover you in the event of an injury or sickness in terms of your staff and children on site.

Your marketing efforts must tell parents why they should choose your nursery over other options in the local area.

This section of your nursery business plan should outline how you are going to make your business known, and what style you are going to use to bring it to life.

You can use your market research to help pull your marketing plan together to ensure your branding is professional, and that your logo and colouring communicates your policies and brand identity.

Marketing can be carried out in various forms, such as:

  • Signage and leaflets – this type of marketing is easily noticeable as you can place banners around your local area and send leaflets with more detailed information about your nursery to families with young children.
  • Creating a website – you may wish to get the help of a SEO specialist and a web designer in order to get your website to the top of search pages, whilst providing all of the necessary information about your business.
  • Social media – digital marketing via social media is a great way to attract new customers and provide updates on your nursery.
  • Tours and open days – hosting open days and holding tours can show off your premises, giving your audience a feel for what your nursery can offer and can help to start building relationships with parents.

Regulations

When running a business involving children it is important to demonstrate that you are aware of the fine print and legalities within your plan, so that when opening day arrives, all of your paperwork is filled out and up to date.

This includes documents such as:

  • Your nurseries registration with Ofsted
  • DBS checks for all staff
  • A health declaration booklet

This paperwork proves that your business complies with all standards necessary in areas such as staff training, health and safety, group size, staff and child ratios, facilities, and quality of education.

Equally, these documents confirm your suitability for opening a nursery , ensuring you have declared any health problems, criminal convictions, and your compliance with the national education standards.

As we have outlined above there are various sections to consider when creating your nursery business plan, from financial planning , to market research , all of which should be centred around providing the best care and education for children.

Do keep in mind that everything we’ve covered in this post today is just the beginning. You might later need to adapt your business plan to better suit your ambitions as you grow. Still, that’s not to say that what we have here isn’t going to help you build a solid foundation.

Writing a business plan and setting up your own nursery is a lot to think about, and that’s before the children have even arrived.

Learning Journals can help at this stage, as our platform can take care of storing parent and child data, recording observations, and tracking the progress of each and every child.

While you prioritise spending your time with your newly registered nursery class, the Learning Journals platform can put parents at ease by providing them with updates of how their child is settling into their new environment.

To learn more about how our platform can help, request a free demo today!

You'll have 30 days to see how our super simple system can help your team and engage your parents.

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Experience a live demo, get answers to your specific questions, and find out why Learning Journals is the right choice for your nursery.

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Child Care Director Resources How to Make a Preschool Business Plan

How to Make a Preschool Business Plan

11th August 2020

An important early step for starting any new business is to make your business plan. Starting a preschool is no different! What expenses do you need to take into consideration? How can you think about setting your pricing? What ages should you take? What hours should you operate? Here’s how to think through each of these decisions to form your preschool business plan.

Preschool Business Plan Basics: Wonderschool’s Iron Triangle of ECE Finance

Before you think through specific business decisions you’ll need to make, it’s important to understand what you’re striving for. Meet the iron triangle. For a preschool business to be financially stable, the iron triangle must be met:

  • Full enrollment: ensure that all of your spaces are full.
  • Full fee collection: ensure that you are collecting all of your tuition and on time.
  • Revenue covers real cost-per-child: you need to ensure you are priced in such a way that your revenue is truly covering the cost of caring for each child.

Important Business-Related Decisions You’ll Need to Make

Type of license: Most states have at least two options for in-home child care licenses . Often there’s a “small” license and a “large” license, with a large license allowing you to have more children. If you’re just getting started you’ll have to choose which type of license you want. There are usually different requirements for each. For example, in California, to obtain a large license for up to 14 children, your home must meet certain fire safety requirements like number of exits and you need to have previous experience working in a licensed child care program.

One thing to keep in mind is that just because you have a license for a certain number of children, does not mean that you need to fill all of those spots. If you qualify for a larger license, you can get it and still only serve 6-8 children if you so choose.

Regardless of what you choose to do, you’ll want to make sure you understand the details of your particular license. How many children can you have at one time? What ratio of staff to children are you required to maintain?

Hours of operation: Do you plan to run a full day program? Or a half-day program? Will you operate a more “normal” school day schedule and offer before and after care for an extra fee?

Families need all sorts of care options. Think about your immediate community when thinking about your hours of operation. If you have a lot of stay at home parents, a part-day program might be perfect. If you have a lot of dual-earning parents who commute a long distance to get to their workplaces, you might need to offer extended hours.

Keep in mind that what you decide on initially does not have to be set in stone. You can always change it later, if needed. You’ll know if you’re not offering a good match for what the families in your community need if you’re not getting much interest, or if families aren’t enrolling once they tour.

Schedules you’ll offer: Related to your hours of operation, you’ll need to think about what schedules you’ll make available. Will you allow parents to enroll part time? Or do you only want full time enrollments? If you have part time schedules available, what does that look like? Is it Monday, Wednesday, Friday? Or is it half days?

Keep in mind that you can charge a higher rate for part time spots because it can be very hard to fill the alternative spots, plus the added paperwork for you. That said, not everyone wants to offer part time care.

Ages you’ll enroll: Deciding who you’ll enroll will depend on your comfort and background. If you have a lot of experience caring for and educating a specific age group, that might be your starting point. Most in-home programs serve a variety of ages, so even if your experience is with preschoolers, you may want to consider branching out from that. If your goal is to fill up quickly, infant care might be your ideal starting place, because that is an age group that is in constant high demand.

The ages you enroll will also dictate what you can charge. Because of the lower ratios required for infant care, you can charge more for infants. Often programs have separate pricing for children under 2 and children over 2.

Meals or other things you’ll offer: Will you provide snacks or meals? Or will you ask parents to provide those every day? Will you hire a yoga teacher to come once a week? Will you provide diapers, or will parents provide diapers? These are all expenses you’ll need to account for in your tuition pricing. Remember that one part of the iron triangle is ensuring your pricing covers the actual cost of care per child. These expenses should be taken into account.

Your plan for hiring staff: You may not need to hire staff until your enrollments surpass a certain number. Determine what that number is for you– do you feel comfortable caring for three children alone, but not four? Decide at what point you’ll hire help, and how many hours you intend for them to work. Will you have a full time assistant? Or two part time assistants?

Decide on how many hours per week you will need to pay your staff, and then determine what you can afford to pay them. Researching on Indeed can be a great way to get a sense of pay scale for assistant teachers in your area. Keep in mind that paying a higher amount will likely yield more higher quality and more reliable candidates. If you’re priced too low you either won’t find anyone, or will have to deal with increased staff turnover.

Your vacation policy: You’ll want to think through your vacation policy, both for time you take off, and for time your families take off. Will parents need to pay while they’re on vacation? Or will you give them a discount? Will parents need to pay while you’re on vacation? Or will you give them a discount? There are pros and cons however you do it, but you’ll want to think this through and include your policy in your parent handbook so the expectations are set from the start. However you structure it, you deserve to get paid vacation, so if parents aren’t continuing to pay while you’re closed, you’ll want to make sure that gets added to your tuition calculations.

Use the Above Information to Determine Your Pricing

Pricing can be a bit of trial and error. Generally, it can be a good idea to price yourself a bit lower when you’re just getting started. Then, when you’re full, you can gradually increase your prices.

To determine your starting point, add up all of your anticipated monthly expenses. You’ll need to price yourself to make sure you cover those expenses, and also pay yourself. Keep in mind that as a business owner, you’ll be responsible for paying your own taxes. You can generally expect to pay 30% of your revenue to taxes.

Keeping it All Organized

Pricing might feel like a bit of a puzzle that needs to be fit together, and it should. You want to make sure your pricing reflects your real costs as a business owner. The final piece to your business plan is that you’ll want to make sure you figure out how you’re going to track all of your business expenses. This will make it easier when it comes time to pay taxes, but it will also help you keep an eye on the health of your business. There are a variety of tools available to purchase to track this stuff, or you can start out with your own spreadsheet or pen and paper system. Whatever works for you is fine, just set it up and use it. Sometimes our tendency with money is to bury our heads in the sand, but that won’t help you make informed decisions down the road.

Starting a new business always comes with a certain amount of risk. By thinking through all of the different facets of your child care business, you will better be able to mitigate that risk. It can be scary to stand up and say “this is what my time as an early educator and care provider is worth,” but your business plan should give you confidence to do just that. Good luck with your successful and sustainable child care business!

Essential reading

Early stage ironkidz forest school poised to be an outdoor wonder.

3rd August 2020

With the upcoming school year getting closer, and the uncertainty ...

Building a Homeschool Preschool Curriculum

14th September 2020

Whether you’ve been running your program for three days, three ...

What to Know Before Starting Your Own Forest School & Outdoor Daycare

17th April 2017

You may have heard about the amazing benefits of forest ...

Meredith Downing

Meredith Downing

Meredith Downing is the Curriculum Lead at Wonderschool, where she supports directors to build high-quality programs that help students grow and succeed.

sample business plan for nursery school

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A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Your Nursery Business Plan

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Running a nursery brings its own unique rewards: watching the children in your care grow and flourish as you offer them the very best early years education.

If you’ve got a passion for teaching and nurturing, along with the right qualifications, spending your days with a group of fun-loving toddlers will sound like a dream come true.

And with childcare costs and availability of suitable places an ongoing issue for working parents, demand will never drop off. So, in theory, it’s the perfect start-up opportunity.

But starting a nursery business isn’t all singing songs and sharing cuddles with small people. Along with the daily – and often dramatic – ups and downs of life as a toddler, you’ll have a complex business model to manage.

Rules and regulations, staff training, strategic planning, cashflow monitoring , customer service challenges, reputation management, ongoing marketing: they’ll all require your attention. And don’t forget, you need to do all this with the endless patience and energy every childcare professional must have each day.

Despite the hard work, working with young children as they start their exciting education journey is enormously satisfying. Get your nursery business plan in order from the start and you’ll have taken the first step towards opening the doors to your very first mini-customers.

Why Do I Need to Write A Business Plan?

starting a nursery business

In the private day nursery industry, it will inform your decisions as you progress through the set-up process. Do you need external investment? Do you need professional advice about the legalities? Do you know how to find and attract the parents of future classmates?

Without a business plan, you’ll be stumbling in the dark. And potential investors won’t take you seriously. Nail it now and get organised for the road ahead.

How to Start A Nursery Business

Step one: write your nursery business plan . This should follow a set structure, divided into clear, information-packed sections.

Here we outline a suggested template that will help you get your dreams out of your head and onto paper. Follow these steps and you’ll have a helpful, relevant document to keep you on track.

1. Executive Summary

This is a grand title for your introduction. Within it, you can summarise the top-line detail about your business including its name, your objectives and goals. This gives you, and anybody else who reads your plan, an overview of your intentions.

Make sure it’s clear, concise and gets to the point. Highlight what you can bring to the business to make it a success: think of it as an elevator pitch. Leave the nitty-gritty until later.

2. Company Overview

The company overview builds upon the executive summary to give further insight into your plans. This is your opportunity to tell your story about why you’re starting a nursery business . Include your motivation, experience and qualifications to sell yourself and your vision.

If you’ve never run a business before, imagine you’re already a successful entrepreneur and channel the confidence you know that will give you.

You’re seeking to impress and convince potential investors and partners to help them to understand your journey and to trust you.

Include a vision statement to really hammer home what success looks like for you. What do you envisage achieving in the next five years? How will you reach those goals?

When setting your goals, remember to follow the SMART guidelines and make them:

nursery business plan

  • Specific : e.g. to have 40 clients within six months
  • Measurable : e.g. to make a £25,000 profit in year two
  • Achievable : e.g. to break even within 12 months
  • Relevant : e.g. to gain an outstanding Ofsted rating
  • Timely : e.g. to have a team of 20 staff within 18 months

Outline who will own and operate the business, including its legal structure (for instance, have you set up a limited company?) and how many committed staff members you already have on board.

3. Services

This might seem obvious, but you need to outline all the services you’ll be covering. Every childcare provider will have a slightly different offering, so think carefully about:

  • Opening hours – how flexible can you be?
  • Age provision – specify your lower and upper age limit
  • Class sizes and ratios – how many children will be in each room? And how many staff?
  • Outings – are your premises close to a park, museum or library?
  • Activities – will you be offering services by external providers such as swimming lessons or foreign language sessions?

Remember that if you’re not in a position to offer everything on your wish list straight away, you can highlight your future development plans.

Also consider your USP. What will give your nursery that competitive edge you’ll need to thrive? Maybe your premises are located directly opposite a train station, simplifying pick up and drop off for busy parents who commute? Maybe your outdoor space has a wooded area you can market as a forest school?

Whatever makes you stand out from the childcare crowd, shout about it.

4. market research.

how to start a nursery business

The latest government figures , released in 2016, show that there are around 23,500 day care nurseries in the UK. The industry is worth £4 billion, employs over 188,000 people and provides childcare for 1.2 million children.

Since then, and due mainly to the introduction of the 30 hours free childcare policy, the number of childcare providers registered with Ofsted has fallen. Most of those leaving the market have been childminders facing unsurmountable financial pressures .

Among the private nursery market, 841 providers left the sector in the final quarter of 2017 and 772 joined. And while overall numbers may be falling, the number of spaces is actually rising.

Just as you’re doing now, those 772 people made the entrepreneurial leap: after, of course, writing a comprehensive nursery business plan .

You need to know about this competition: who’s already operating in your area, what services they offer and the demand for them, whether they’re sole traders or part of a larger chain etc. Don’t forget to consider playgroups and home-based childminders in this analysis.

Next, shift your attention to your target market. Naturally, they’re going to be parents, but beyond that they can differ widely. Some of those with two-year-olds will be entitled to more government support than others, others will be relying on childcare vouchers from their employers, some will only need a few mornings a week, others will need a full-time place.

Investigate the demographics of your area such as average wage, population levels and fluctuations, and birth rates. Every nugget of information can inform your plans and improve their accuracy.

Crucially, based on your research, you can start to gauge how much you can charge. Prices vary across the country with an average cost of £122.46 for 25 hours of childcare at a private day nursery. You can then factor this figure into your financial planning.

4. Finances

business finances

Before you can put a tick next to “write business plan”, there’s some serious number-crunching to do.

A solid business plan should be brimming with informative tables to guide you and reassure your potential investors that you’ve done your sums and are a safe bet. As a bare minimum, you should include a profit and loss forecast and cashflow forecast for the first three years, and a detailed start-up budget.

For a nursery, start-up costs will include equipment ranging from furniture, toys and books, outdoor play equipment, computers and tablets, first aid kits and marketing materials.

Beyond these, some of which will need to be regularly replaced, your highest ongoing cost will be staff wages which averages at 73% of all outgoings for private day nurseries. Add rent or mortgage payments, training and utilities costs, and your profit will quickly be dented.

Then detail your income stream based on estimated numbers and your projected fee structure. To avoid cashflow challenges, consider incorporating a Direct Debit facility for parents to pay their monthly fees. It’ll mean less hassle for them and more certainty for you: you’ll know exactly how much to expect in your business account and when.

Partnering with a Direct Debit bureau such as FastPay will ensure fees are paid upfront, avoiding the administrative headache of gathering payments by cash, cheque or debit card. Your cashflow and your customer satisfaction levels will thrive.

Finally, do you know where your funding is coming from? Be crystal clear in your nursery business plan about cash you’ve already secured (personal savings, soft loans from family and friends etc.) and whether extra capital is required from a business loan, sponsorship or business partner.

5. Premises

Before you start searching for premises, you need to establish how many children you’d ideally like to cater for. This will impact on the size of the property you need, as well as the number of staff and pricing.

Government regulations mean that you must allocate a minimum square footage per child. Calculate your requirements carefully based on these and also consider future expansion plans. The last thing you want is to be a huge hit with local parents and have capacity issues before you’re ready, and financially solvent, to move or extend.

In terms of location, your choice here should be informed by your market research. Will you be filling a gap or saturating an already struggling market?

Key considerations, beyond demand, include:

  • transport connections to make pick up and drop off as convenient as possible
  • sufficient car parking and outdoor space
  • kitchen and bathroom facilities
  • with an existing building, its suitability for conversion

Whether you’re renting or buying, adapting a building or moving into purpose-built premises, carefully consider every cost involved in every option.

6. sales and marketing.

nursery sales and marketing

Your marketing plan will form an important section of your business plan. Central to it should be a strategy for advertising your nursery before your planned opening date. From traditional methods such as hanging banners outside the building and leafleting local baby and toddler groups to embracing a full social media campaign, you need to go all out.

Tours of the nursery are also priceless. Parents will want to know exactly where they’re leaving their child and who will be caring for them: viewing your premises and meeting your staff will create trust. Whether you hold an open day or welcome potential clients in on a typical working day, this is your opportunity to showcase your facilities and share your personal approach to childcare.

Impressed parents will then spread the word to friends and family, giving you free exposure that could easily translate into clients.

Once you’re up and running, you’ll need to keep attracting clients as children grow and move on to start primary school. Your reputation will speak volumes here, so use this never-ending marketing job as added motivation to provide exemplary service and standards.

7. Rules and Regulations

rules and regulations

Your business plan must address that you fully understand these legalities and are taking the appropriate steps.

In order to look after children under the age of eight for more than two hours a day in England, you must be registered with Ofsted (the Office for Standards in Education). For a nursery, you’ll be signing up to the Early Years Register.

There are two preliminary steps:

  • a DBS check to assess your suitability based on any previous criminal convictions
  • completion of a health declaration booklet , in which you must list any health problems and medications you’re taking

Next, you’ll need to demonstrate to Ofsted that you’ll comply with all their strict standards. These cover a wide range of factors including:

  • staff training and vetting
  • child group size
  • staff-per-child ratios
  • space-per-child ratios
  • fire safety
  • bathroom facilities
  • health and safety
  • quality of education
  • welfare needs

This necessarily comprehensive registration process takes time so make sure you factor in at least six months for it to be finalised. You won’t be able to open without it.

Once you’re registered and up and running, Ofsted will assess your nursery at least once every three years to make sure it conforms with the national standards.

With the prospect of an Ofsted inspection on the horizon, you’ll have the added motivation to make your new nursery business a success.

Starting a nursery business is a slow but ultimately highly rewarding process. Prepare for a steady start and enjoy the momentum building as your reputation establishes itself.

A few years down the line, you could be revisiting your business plan with an eye towards the future. Expansion, perhaps with a second or third site, will require another impressive document to wow your investors.

For now, focus on getting its first incarnation right and you’ll soon be welcoming small, smiling faces through your doors.

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School Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

private school business plan

School Business Plan

Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 500 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans to start and grow their schools.

If you’re unfamiliar with creating a school business plan, you may think creating one will be a time-consuming and frustrating process. For most entrepreneurs it is, but for you, it won’t be since we’re here to help. We have the experience, resources, and knowledge to help you create a great business plan.

In this article, you will learn some background information on why business planning is important. Then, you will learn how to write a school business plan step-by-step so you can create your plan today.

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here >

What is a School Business Plan?

A business plan provides a snapshot of your school as it stands today, and lays out your growth plan for the next five years. It explains your business goals and your strategies for reaching them. It also includes market research to support your plans.

Why You Need a Business Plan for a School

If you’re looking to start a school or grow your existing school, you need a business plan. A business plan will help you raise funding, if needed, and plan out the growth of your school to improve your chances of success. Your school business plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your company grows and changes.

Sources of Funding for Schools

With regards to funding, the main sources of funding for schools are donations and gifts, tuition, personal savings, credit cards, bank loans, and angel investors. When it comes to bank loans, banks will want to review your business plan and gain confidence that you will be able to repay your loan and interest. To acquire this confidence, the loan officer will not only want to ensure that your financials are reasonable, but they will also want to see a professional plan. Such a plan will give them the confidence that you can successfully and professionally operate a business. Personal savings and bank loans are the most common funding paths for schools.

Finish Your Business Plan Today!

How to write a business plan for a school.

If you want to start a school or expand your current one, you need a business plan. The guide below details the necessary information for how to write each essential component of your school business plan.

Executive Summary

Your executive summary provides an introduction to your business plan, but it is normally the last section you write because it provides a summary of each key section of your plan.

The goal of your executive summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the kind of school you are running and the status. For example, are you a startup, do you have a school that you would like to grow, or are you operating a chain of schools?

Next, provide an overview of each of the subsequent sections of your plan.

  • Give a brief overview of the school industry.
  • Discuss the type of school you are operating.
  • Detail your direct competitors. Give an overview of your target customers.
  • Provide a snapshot of your marketing strategy. Identify the key members of your team.
  • Offer an overview of your financial plan.

Company Overview

In your company overview, you will detail the type of school you are operating.

For example, you might specialize in one of the following types of schools:

  • Private K-12 school : this type of school typically charges tuition, and may be affiliated with a religious organization, or specialize in a particular learning method.
  • Charter school: this type of school offers primary or secondary education for a tuition, and may receive some public funding, and/or donations. These schools require their students to take state-mandated exams.
  • Special subject school: this type of school specializes in teaching a specific subject, such as driving, first-aid, self-defense, fine arts, language, or general tutoring.
  • Preschool: this type of school typically serves children who are aged 3 and 4. These schools prepare young children to enter formal education, and are funded by some combination of tuition, donations, and government grants.

In addition to explaining the type of school you will operate, the company overview needs to provide background on the business.

Include answers to questions such as:

  • When and why did you start the business?
  • What milestones have you achieved to date? Milestones could include the number of students served, the number of students accepted into elite formal education institutions, etc.
  • Your legal business Are you incorporated as an S-Corp? An LLC? A sole proprietorship? Explain your legal structure here.

Industry Analysis

In your industry or market analysis, you need to provide an overview of the school industry.

While this may seem unnecessary, it serves multiple purposes.

First, researching the school industry educates you. It helps you understand the market in which you are operating.

Secondly, market research can improve your marketing strategy, particularly if your analysis identifies market trends.

The third reason is to prove to readers that you are an expert in your industry. By conducting the research and presenting it in your plan, you achieve just that.

The following questions should be answered in the industry analysis section of your school business plan:

  • How big is the school industry (in dollars)?
  • Is the market declining or increasing?
  • Who are the key competitors in the market?
  • Who are the key suppliers in the market?
  • What trends are affecting the industry?
  • What is the industry’s growth forecast over the next 5 – 10 years?
  • What is the relevant market size? That is, how big is the potential target market for your school? You can extrapolate such a figure by assessing the size of the market in the entire country and then applying that figure to your local population.

Customer Analysis

The customer analysis section of your school business plan must detail the customers you serve and/or expect to serve.

The following are examples of customer segments: families with elementary-aged children, families with high-school-aged children, families with preschool children.

As you can imagine, the customer segment(s) you choose will have a great impact on the type of school you operate. Clearly, families with high schoolers would respond to different marketing promotions than families with preschoolers, for example.

Try to break out your target customers in terms of their demographic and psychographic profiles. With regards to demographics, including a discussion of the ages, genders, locations, and income levels of the potential customers you seek to serve.

Psychographic profiles explain the wants and needs of your target customers. The more you can recognize and define these needs, the better you will do in attracting and retaining your customers.

Finish Your School Business Plan in 1 Day!

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With Growthink’s Ultimate Business Plan Template you can finish your plan in just 8 hours or less!

Competitive Analysis

Your competitive analysis should identify the indirect and direct competitors your business faces and then focus on the latter.

Direct competitors are other schools.

Indirect competitors are other options that customers have to purchase from that aren’t directly competing with your product or service. This includes public schools, virtual schools, and families who do homeschooling. You need to mention such competition as well.

For each such competitor, provide an overview of their business and document their strengths and weaknesses. Unless you once worked at your competitors’ businesses, it will be impossible to know everything about them. But you should be able to find out key things about them such as

  • What types of students do they serve?
  • What type of school are they?
  • What is their pricing (premium, low, etc.)?
  • What are they good at?
  • What are their weaknesses?

With regards to the last two questions, think about your answers from the customers’ perspective. And don’t be afraid to ask your competitors’ customers what they like most and least about them.

The final part of your competitive analysis section is to document your areas of competitive advantage. For example:

  • Will you provide specialized instruction, either in subject or in method?
  • Will you offer courses or services that your competition doesn’t?
  • Will you provide better customer service?
  • Will you offer better pricing?

Think about ways you will outperform your competition and document them in this section of your plan.  

Marketing Plan

Traditionally, a marketing plan includes the four P’s: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. For a school business plan, your marketing strategy should include the following:

Product : In the product section, you should reiterate the type of school that you documented in your company overview. Then, detail the specific products or services you will be offering. For example, will you provide religious-focused K-8 education, college preparatory courses, or single-subject instruction like driving or fine arts?

Price : Document the prices you will offer and how they compare to your competitors. Essentially in the product and price sub-sections of your plan, you are presenting the courses and/or extracurricular activities you offer and their prices.

Place : Place refers to the site of your school. Document where your company is situated and mention how the site will impact your success. For example, is your school located in a growing neighborhood, in the city center, or will you operate purely online? Discuss how your site might be the ideal location for your customers.

Promotions : The final part of your school marketing plan is where you will document how you will drive potential customers to your location(s). The following are some promotional methods you might consider:

  • Advertise in local papers, radio stations and/or magazines
  • Reach out to websites
  • Distribute flyers
  • Engage in email marketing
  • Advertise on social media platforms
  • Improve the SEO (search engine optimization) on your website for targeted keywords

Operations Plan

While the earlier sections of your business plan explained your goals, your operations plan describes how you will meet them. Your operations plan should have two distinct sections as follows.

Everyday short-term processes include all of the tasks involved in running your school, including answering calls, planning and delivering instruction, applying for grants, fundraising, performing administrative tasks, overseeing instructors, handling discipline, scheduling and monitoring extracurricular activities, etc.

Long-term goals are the milestones you hope to achieve. These could include the dates when you expect to enroll your Xth student, or when you hope to reach $X in revenue. It could also be when you expect to expand your school to a new city.  

Management Team

To demonstrate your school’s potential to succeed, a strong management team is essential. Highlight your key players’ backgrounds, emphasizing those skills and experiences that prove their ability to grow a company.

Ideally, you and/or your team members have direct experience in managing schools. If so, highlight this experience and expertise. But also highlight any experience that you think will help your business succeed.

If your team is lacking, consider assembling an advisory board. An advisory board would include 2 to 8 individuals who would act as mentors to your business. They would help answer questions and provide strategic guidance. If needed, look for advisory board members with experience in running a school or experience with public school administration or who has served on a public school board.  

Financial Plan

Your financial plan should include your 5-year financial statement broken out both monthly or quarterly for the first year and then annually. Your financial statements include your income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statements.

Income Statement

An income statement is more commonly called a Profit and Loss statement or P&L. It shows your revenue and then subtracts your costs to show whether you turned a profit or not.

In developing your income statement, you need to devise assumptions. For example, will you enroll 100 or 1,000 students per semester, and/or offer extracurricular activities? And will sales grow by 2% or 10% per year? As you can imagine, your choice of assumptions will greatly impact the financial forecasts for your business. As much as possible, conduct research to try to root your assumptions in reality.

Balance Sheets

Balance sheets show your assets and liabilities. While balance sheets can include much information, try to simplify them to the key items you need to know about. For instance, if you spend $50,000 on building out your school, this will not give you immediate profits. Rather it is an asset that will hopefully help you generate profits for years to come. Likewise, if a lender writes you a check for $50,000, you don’t need to pay it back immediately. Rather, that is a liability you will pay back over time.

Cash Flow Statement

Your cash flow statement will help determine how much money you need to start or grow your business, and ensure you never run out of money. What most entrepreneurs and business owners don’t realize is that you can turn a profit but run out of money and go bankrupt.

When creating your Income Statement and Balance Sheets be sure to include several of the key costs needed in starting or growing a school:

  • Cost of equipment and supplies
  • Payroll or salaries paid to staff
  • Business insurance
  • Other start-up expenses (if you’re a new business) like legal expenses, permits, computer software, and equipment

Attach your full financial projections in the appendix of your plan along with any supporting documents that make your plan more compelling. For example, you might include your school location lease or a list of elective courses or extracurricular activities you will offer.  

Writing a business plan for your school is a worthwhile endeavor. If you follow the template above, by the time you are done, you will truly be an expert. You will understand the school industry, your competition, and your customers. You will develop a marketing strategy and will understand what it takes to launch and grow a successful school.  

School Business Plan FAQs

What is the easiest way to complete my school business plan.

Growthink's Ultimate Business Plan Template allows you to quickly and easily write your school business plan.

How Do You Start a School?

Starting a school is easy with these 14 steps:

  • Choose the Name for Your School
  • Create Your School Business Plan
  • Choose the Legal Structure for Your School
  • Secure Startup Funding for Your School (If Needed)
  • Secure a Location for Your Business
  • Register Your School with the IRS
  • Open a Business Bank Account
  • Get a Business Credit Card
  • Get the Required Business Licenses and Permits
  • Get Business Insurance for Your School
  • Buy or Lease the Right School Equipment
  • Develop Your School Business Marketing Materials
  • Purchase and Setup the Software Needed to Run Your School
  • Open for Business

Learn more about   how to start your own school .

Don’t you wish there was a faster, easier way to finish your School business plan?

OR, Let Us Develop Your Plan For You

Since 1999, Growthink has developed business plans for thousands of companies who have gone on to achieve tremendous success.   Click here to learn about Growthink’s business plan writing services .

Other Helpful Business Plan Articles & Templates

Business Plan Template For Small Businesses & Entrepreneurs

Download Nursery and Primary School Business Plan in PDF or Doc

This is a complete school business plan in pdf/Doc that you can download for your bank loan, grant, proposal or to guide your business operation. In case you are searching for school business plan template for NIRSAL micro-finance bank, bank of industry, TEF grant or any form of grant.

You can stroll down and download the complete school (Nursery, primary and secondary) business plan template so you can submit to apply for the loan or grant. We have already made business plan for school business plan template and samples that will be useful either in PDF or Doc.

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Starting a school may not be easily without having a bankable scalable business plan to guide your activities so take a look at the school business plan below:

Download Complete School Business Plan PDF and Msword in Nigeria

1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1 Leadership and Governance

2 Our Vision Statement 6

3 Our Mission Statement 6

4 Our Business Structure 7

5 Our Product and Services

6 Education Plan

7 The Company 17

8 The Project 17

9 Project location

2.0 OUR ENTREPRENEURSHIP CURRICULUM

1 Human Resources Plan 19

2 Academic Framework 19

3 Commitment to Student Success 21

4 Our Guiding Principle 22

3.0MARKET ANALYSIS

1 Market Trend 24

2 Demand 24

3 Competition 25

4.0  SWOT ANALYSIS

1 Strength 26

3 Opportunity 26

4 Threat 27

0 Conclusion and Recommendation

6.0 FINANCIAL ANALYSIS

1 SCHEDULES

1. Projected Cash Flow Statements

3 Projected Profit and Loss Accounts 38

CHAPTER ONE

7.1.1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The NEW SCHOOL UNITED is a private school that is located in Kaduna, Kaduna State. We are establishing a standard private school that is composed of Nursery, Primary Junior Secondary and Secondary School.

The NEW SCHOOL UNITED is a client focused and result driven private school that will provides broad based learning approaches and experience at an affordable fee that won’t in any way put a hole in the pockets of our clients (pupils, student and parents alike).

We shall offer standard and professional teaching services in a highly secured and conducive learning environment to all our pupils and student. We will ensure that we work hard to meet and surpass all our pupils/student’s expectations and educational goals whenever they enroll in our tutorial college.

At NEW SCHOOL UNITED, our pupil/students’ overall best interest would always come first, and everything we do is guided by our values and professional ethics. We ensure that we hire professional educationist, teachers in various subjects who are well experienced and passionate in imparting knowledge to students at various learning ladder.

The NEW SCHOOL UNITED will at all time demonstrate her commitment to sustainability, both individually and as an educational organization, by actively participating in our communities and integrating sustainable business practices wherever possible.

We will ensure that we hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards by meeting our students’ needs precisely and completely. We will cultivate a working environment that provides a human, sustainable approach to earning a living, and living in our world, for our partners, employees and for our students.

CHECK AND DOWNLOAD>>   Pure/Sachet/Table Water Business Plan Download

This might look too tall a dream but we are optimistic that this will surely come to pass because we have done our research and feasibility studies and we are enthusiastic and confident that Kaduna is the right place to launch our private school.

14.1 LEADERSHIP & GOVERNANCE

The NEW SCHOOL UNITED’s Board of Trustees and senior administration comprised of high-capacity and experienced individuals with skill sets that demonstrate the capacity to establish and operate a successful Entrepreneurship College, including leadership, management, education, business, finance, politics, and community organizing.

Their deep involvement and commitment to this project provides oversight, enthusiasm, and capacity for success.

15.1 OUR VISION STATEMENT

Our vision is to prepare students for success in a competitive economy by providing a unique curriculum which highlights professional and entrepreneurial excellence.

16.1 OUR MISSION STATEMENT

To nurture the child’s desire to succeed in any chosen field of endeavor, be self reliant and noble in character. We are passionate about schooling children to become well rounded individuals.

 OUR BUSINESS STRUCTURE

It is a known fact that, the success of any business is to a large extent dependent on the business structure of the organization and the people who occupy the available roles in the organization. The Darun-Najah School will build a solid business structure that can support the growth of our entrepreneurship college.

We will ensure that we hire competent hands (teaching and non – teaching staff members) to help us build the school of our dream. The fact that we want to become one of the leading private school brand in the industry in the whole of the Nigeria makes it highly necessary for our organization to deliberately build a well – structured business from the onset.

We will work hard to ensure that we only attract people with the right mindset to help us achieve our business goals and objectives in record time. Below is the business structure that we will build by The NEW SCHOOL UNITED;

  • Head of The Private School(School Proprietress)
  • Vice Principal
  • Head Teacher
  • Teaching Staff
  • Security Officer

Roles and Responsibilities

Head of the Tutorial College / School Coordinator:

  • Responsible for providing direction for the school
  • Creates, communicates, and implements the organization’s vision, mission, and overall direction – i.e. leading the development and implementation of the overall organization’s strategy.
  • Responsible for handling high profile clients and deals
  • Responsible for fixing fees and signing business deals (partnership)
  • Responsible for signing cheque and financial documents on behalf of the college
  • Coordinates all arms of the tutorial school (tutorial center, adult education, home tutors and special education)
  • Evaluates the success of the tutorial college

Reports to the board of the tutorial college

3.0 MARKET ANALYSIS

3.1 MARKET TRENDS

The trend in the private school line of business is that the key to attracting students is the educational performance and the pass rate of their students in national exams. Any private school that has good records will always thrive.

3.2 DEMAND 

The demand for private schools is driven by the fact that most public that is government owned schools cannot accommodate every students or potential students in a given geographical location. In some cases, students with special needs cannot cope in public schools hence the need for private schools.

The economic downturn hasn’t really affected this industry, especially in countries that believe in the efficacy of education. This is the areas The Management of The school will ensure that the school is up to standard, in advertisements, and on insurance policy cover.

Lastly, it is trendier to find private schools engaging in extra – curricular activities and as a matter of fact, a private school that thrives in sports can leverage on that to attract students who are sports inclined.

How to Download the Complete School Business Plan

The above is just the introductory part, the full business plan is 44 pages and you can download it for N5000 . You can download the full School Business Plan

For you to download the complete business plan straight to your email,kindly Click the>> DOWNLOAD for immediate response.

You’ll pay the sum of #5000

BANK: UBA ACCOUNT NAME:  AJETUNMOBI OLANIYI A ACCOUNT NUMBER:  2089760594

Immediately after the payment, send your email address through text message to 08133717775 and I will send you the full School Business Plan.

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ProfitableVenture

Preschool Business Plan [Sample Template]

By: Author Tony Martins Ajaero

Home » Business Plans » Education Sector » Schooling

Preschool industry operators provide daycare services for children under the ages of three and four to prepare them for kindergarten.

The dispersion of the preschool programs reflects in the geographic distribution of the children, which is also influenced by the cost and supply of preschool programs, income and housing affordability patterns, labor, and child care subsidy policies.

Also, varying state and local regulations and licensing requirements affect employment in this industry. Preschools are under the Early Childhood Learning Centers Industry and the market size, measured by revenue of the Early Childhood Learning Centers industry is $10.7bn in 2023. The industry is expected to increase by 4.6% in 2023.

Steps on How to Write a Preschool Business Plan

Executive summary.

Auntie Lavendar® Preschool, Inc. is a standard and well–equipped preschool that will be located in a well-populated residential estate in Ashville – North Carolina, USA. We provide daycare services for children under the ages of three and four to prepare them for kindergarten.

Aside from the fact that we will operate a preschool center, we will also propvide in-home tutoring – we will go to the homes of our students as demanded by their parents. Donald Derrick is the founder and CEO of Auntie Lavendar® Preschool, Inc.

Company Profile

A. our products and services.

Auntie Lavendar® Preschool, Inc. will provide a wide range of services that revolves around providing daycare services for children under the ages of three and four to prepare them for kindergarten. Our services are designed to give early childhood education to kids under the age of 4 and also help provide relief to parents when they need to be away from their kids for a period of time.

b. Nature of the Business

Auntie Lavendar® Preschool, Inc. will operate the business to consumer business model (B2C).

c. The Industry

Auntie Lavendar® Preschool, Inc. will operate under the Early Childhood Learning Centers Industry.

d. Mission Statement

Our mission is to provide safe and secured daycare facility and services geared towards educating and taking care of kids of a certain age. We are all out to prepare kids for kindergarten.

e. Vision Statement

Our vision of establishing our preschool is to grow the business to be amongst the top three preschools in the whole of the United States of America.

f. Our Tagline (Slogan)

Auntie Lavendar® Preschool, Inc. – Rasing and Educating Golden Kids!

g. Legal Structure of the Business (LLC, C Corp, S Corp, LLP)

Auntie Lavendar® Preschool, Inc. will be formed as a Limited Liability Company (LLC). The reason why we are forming an LLC is to protect our personal assets by limiting the liability to the resources of the business itself. The LLC will protect our CEOs’ personal assets from claims against the business, including lawsuits.

h. Our Organizational Structure

  • Head of Preschool (President)
  • Preschool Administrator
  • Account Officer
  • Early Childhood Educators
  • Front Desk Officer
  • Cleaners and Nannies
  • Security Guards

i. Ownership/Shareholder Structure and Board Members

  • Sophia Lavendar (Owner and Chairman/Chief Executive Officer) 51 Percent Shares
  • Solomon Lavendar (Board Member) 19 Percent Shares
  • Adrain Lavendar (Board Member) 10 Percent Shares
  • Larry Brad (Board Member) 10 Percent Shares
  • Lauren Williams (Board Member and Secretary) 10 Percent Shares.

SWOT Analysis

A. strength.

  • Ideal Location for preschool business
  • Highly Experienced and Qualified Employees and Management
  • Highly Secured and Clean Facility
  • Highly structured programs aimed at giving kids early childhood education and to prepare them for kindergarten.

b. Weakness

  • Financial Limitations
  • Operating from a leased facility (restriction to fully modify the facility to suit our style and taste)
  • Inability to retain our highly experienced and qualified employees longer than we want

c. Opportunities

  • Growth in per capita disposable income influences demand for early childhood learning centers. Households with higher disposable income are more likely to be able to afford higher-quality child care and, thus, will be more likely to demand higher-cost services. Per capita disposable income is expected to increase in the coming year, presenting an opportunity to the industry.

i. How Big is the Industry?

The early childhood learning industry is indeed a big industry. The market size of the is projected to be over $10.7 billion in 2023.

ii. Is the Industry Growing or Declining?

Available statistics point to the fact that the industry is presently not growing and revenue for the industry has been adjusted from an increase to a decline.

Please note that from 2022 the revenue of the industry is anticipated to start growing as the economy recovers and COVID-19 (coronavirus) cases subsequently drop in line with the nationwide vaccination rollout. As a matter of fact, available data shows that the industry is projected to grow by 4.6 percent in 2023 recovering from a decline of -3.8 between 2017 and 2022.

iii. What are the Future Trends in the Industry

The early childhood learning centers industry is changing, and players in the industry are improvising. No doubt, technology, kids-friendly legislature and customized software will change the landscape of the industry going forward.

iv. Are There Existing Niches in the Industry? If YES, List them

No, there are no niche ideas when it comes to preschool line of business.

v. Can You Sell a Franchise of your Business in the Future?

Auntie Lavendar® Preschool, Inc. has the plans to sell franchise in the nearest future and we will target major cities with a growing numbers of parents in the United States of America.

  • Lack of support from stakeholders and the government
  • Unfavorable government policy and regulations.
  • Community resistance (May not want such facility to be located in their community)
  • Liability problems
  • Arrival of competitors within our market space.

i. Who are the Major Competitors?

  • The Episcopal School
  • Pacific Northern Academy (PNA)
  • Westside Neighborhood School
  • Lowell School
  • East Linn Christian Academy
  • Cambridge-Ellis School
  • Saint Ann’s
  • The Children’s School.
  • Germantown Friends School
  • Beyond ABCs
  • Mary Institute and Saint Louis Country Day School
  • Avenues World School
  • National Child Research Center
  • Wetherby-Pembridge School
  • University of Chicago Laboratory Schools
  • Greenhill School
  • Presidio Knolls
  • Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley
  • Gems World Academy
  • Bank Street School.

ii. Is There a Franchise for Preschool?

Yes, there are franchise opportunities for preschool and here are some of them;

  • Genius Kids (Initial investment: from $122,000)
  • KLA Schools (Initial investment: from $1,100,000)
  • Adventure Kids Playcare (Initial investment: from $385,000)
  • Primrose Schools (Initial investment: $652,000)
  • Discovery Point (Initial investment: from $405,570)
  • Lightbridge Academy (Initial investment: from $581,000)
  • Building Kidz School (Initial investment: from $214,000)
  • KidsPark (Initial investment: from $261,000)
  • Montessori Kids Universe (Initial investment: from $424,000)
  • The Goddard School (Initial investment: from $698,000)
  • Kiddie Academy (Initial investment: from $400,000)
  • The Learning Experience Academy of Early Education (Initial investment: from $544,000).

iii. Are There Policies, Regulations or Zoning Laws Affecting Preschools?

Yes, there are county or state regulations and zoning laws for preschools, and players in this industry are expected to work with the existing regulations governing such business in the county or state where their business is domiciled.

For example, the designated area for children’s activities should contain a minimum of forty-two square feet of usable floor space per child. A usable floor space of fifty square feet per child is preferred. However, you may be subject to local permits depending on how you plan to operate your preschool.

Marketing Plan

A. who is your target audience.

i. Age Range

We will admit children between the ages of 2 and 4 years old.

ii. Level of Educational

We don’t have any restrictions on the level of education of those we will admit their kids to our preschool.

iii. Income Level

We don’t have any cap on the income level of those we will admit their kids in our preschool.

iv. Ethnicity

There is no restriction when it comes to ethnicity of the people we are looking forward to admit their kids in our preschool.

v. Language

There is no restriction when it comes to the language spoken by the people we are looking forward to admitting their kids to our preschool, however, we will prefer people who speak the English language.

vi. Geographical Location

Any parent from any geographical location will be welcome to enroll their kids in our preschool.

vii. Lifestyle

Auntie Lavendar® Preschool, Inc. will not restrict any parent from accessing our facility and services based on their lifestyle, culture or race.

b. Advertising and Promotion Strategies

  • Host Themed Events That Catch The Attention of Parents.
  • Tap Into Text Marketing.
  • Use FOMO to Run Photo Promotions.
  • Share Your Events in Local Groups and Pages.
  • Turn Your Social Media Channels Into a Resource
  • Develop Your Business Directory Profiles
  • Build Relationships With Other Parent Associations in our Area

i. Traditional Marketing Strategies

  • Marketing through Direct Mail.
  • Print Media Marketing – Newspapers & Magazines.
  • Broadcast Marketing -Television & Radio Channels.
  • OOH Marketing – Public Transits like Buses and Trains, Billboards, Street shows, and Cabs.
  • Leverage on direct sales, direct mail (postcards, brochures, letters, fliers), referral (also known as word-of-mouth marketing).

ii. Digital Marketing Strategies

  • Social Media Marketing Platforms.
  • Influencer Marketing.
  • Email Marketing.
  • Content Marketing.
  • Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Marketing.
  • Affiliate Marketing.
  • Mobile Marketing.

iii. Social Media Marketing Plan

  • Start using chatbots.
  • Create a personalized experience for our clients.
  • Create an efficient content marketing strategy.
  • Create a community for young parents and intending parents.
  • Gear up our profiles with a diverse content strategy.
  • Use brand advocates.
  • Create profiles on the relevant social media channels.
  • Run cross-channel campaigns.

c. Pricing Strategy

When working out our pricing strategy, Auntie Lavendar® Preschool, Inc. will make sure it covers profits, insurance, premium, license, and economy or value and full package. In all our pricing strategy will reflect;

  • Cost-Based Pricing
  • Value-Based Pricing
  • Competition-Based Pricing.

Sales and Distribution Plan

A. sales channels.

Our channel sales strategy will involve using partners and third parties—such as referral partners, affiliate partners, parent clubs, and clinics to help refer parents to us.

Auntie Lavendar® Preschool, Inc. will also leverage the 4 Ps of marketing which are place, price, product, and promotion. By carefully integrating these marketing strategies into a marketing mix, we can have a visible, in-demand service that is competitively priced and promoted.

b. Inventory Strategy

The fact that we will need toiletries, change of beddings, supplies and food per time means that Auntie Lavendar® Preschool, Inc. will operate an inventory strategy that is based on a day-to-day methodology for ordering, maintaining and processing items in our warehouse. We will develop our strategy with the same thoroughness and attention to detail as we would if we were creating an overall strategy for the business.

c. Payment Options for Customers

Here are the payment options that Auntie Lavendar® Preschool, Inc. will make available to her donors and contributors;

  • Payment via bank transfer
  • Payment with cash
  • Payment via credit cards
  • Payment via online bank transfer
  • Payment via check
  • Payment via mobile money transfer

d. Return Policy, Incentives and Guarantees

At Auntie Lavendar® Preschool, Inc., we offer services, and the nature of the services we offer does not accommodate return policy, but we will guarantee parents that their kids will get the best of early childhood learning and education.

e. Customer Support Strategy

Our customer support strategy will involve seeking customer’s feedback. This will help us provide excellent customer service to all our customers, it will help us to first understand their needs, experiences, and pain points. We will work with an effective CRM software to be able to achieve our aim of surpassing our customer’s need.

On a regular basis, we will work towards strengthening our Customer Service Team and also Leverage Multi-Channel Servicing as part of our customer support strategy.

Operational Plan

We plan to expand our revenue by 45 percent in the second year and the plan will include a marketing, sales and operations component. The operations component of the plan would include attracting more customers and additional service offerings that will enable the organization to boost our service offerings and support revenue growth.

a. What Happens During a Typical Day at a Preschool?

  • The facility is open for the day
  • The facility is cleaned and prepared for the day’s activities
  • Parents are welcome and their kids are received from them
  • Early childhood learning activities, as well as playing with kids to encourage mental and physical stimulation are carried out as required
  • Administrative works are done
  • Parents come to pick their kids and the facility is closed for the day.

b. Production Process

There is no production process when it comes to a preschool.

c. Service Procedure

There is no service procedure when it comes to a preschool.

d. The Supply Chain

Auntie Lavendar® Preschool, Inc. will rely on parent associations and other stakeholders in our city to refer parents to us. So also, we have been able to establish business relationship with wholesale supplies of beddings, toiletries, and other supplies.

e. Sources of Income

Auntie Lavendar® Preschool, Inc. make money from;

  • Providing daycare services for children under the ages of three and four to prepare them for kindergarten.
  • Offering home tutor services for toddlers as requested by their parents
  • Retailing early childhood learning materials.

Financial Plan

A. amount needed to start our preschool.

Auntie Lavendar® Preschool, Inc. would need an estimate of $250,000 to successfully set up our preschool in the United States of America. Please note that this amount includes the salaries of all our staff for the first month of operation and the renting of our operational facility.

b. What are the Cost Involved?

  • Business Registration Fees – $750.
  • Legal expenses for obtaining licenses and permits – $1,300.
  • Marketing, Branding and Promotions – $3,000.
  • Business Consultant Fee – $2,500.
  • Insurance – $5,400.
  • Rent/Lease – $120,000.
  • Other start-up expenses including, commercial satellite TV subscriptions, stationery ($500), and phone and utility deposits ($2,800).
  • Operational Cost (salaries of employees, payments of bills et al) – $30,000
  • start-up inventory – $15,000
  • Store Equipment (cash register, security, ventilation, signage) – $4,750
  • Furnishing and Equipping – $45,000
  • Website: $800
  • Opening party: $3,000
  • Miscellaneous: $2,000

c. Do You Need to Build a Facility? If YES, How Much Will It Cost?

Auntie Lavendar® Preschool, Inc. will not build a new facility for our preschool; we intend to start with a long-term lease and after 5 years, we will start the process of acquiring our own facility.

d. What are the Ongoing Expenses for Running a Preschool?

  • Cost of stocking up supplies such as toiletries, change of beddings, and other supplies
  • Utility bills (gas, internet, phone bills, signage and sewage et al)
  • Salaries of employees

e. What is the Average Salary of your Staff?

  • Head of Preschool (President) – $45,000 Per Annum
  • Preschool Administrator – $36,034 Per Annum
  • Account Officer – $35,000 Per Annum
  • Early Childhood Educators – $33,300 Per Annum
  • Front Desk Officer – $28,000 Per Annum
  • Cleaners and Nannies – $22,000 Per Annum
  • Security Guard – $22,000 Per Annum.

f. How Do You Get Funding to Start a Preschool?

  • Raising money from personal savings and sale of personal stocks and properties
  • Applying for a loan from your bank/banks
  • Pitching our business idea and applying for business grants and seed funding from the government, donor organizations, and angel investors
  • Source for soft loans from our family members and friends.

Financial Projection

A. how much should you charge for your service.

At Auntie Lavendar® Preschool, Inc. it is important to note that we will charge $4,460 to $13,158 per year ($372 to $1,100 monthly) on average, depending on the services involved.

b. Sales Forecast?

  • First Fiscal Year (FY1): $250,000
  • Second Fiscal Year (FY2): $350,000
  • Third Fiscal Year (FY3): $450,000

c. Estimated Profit You Will Make a Year?

  • First Fiscal Year (FY1): (65 percent)
  • Second Fiscal Year (FY2): (45 percent)
  • Third Fiscal Year (FY3): (50 percent)

d. Profit Margin of a Preschool Product/Service

Auntie Lavendar® Preschool, Inc. will work towards achieving between 25 percent to 45 percent.

Growth Plan

A. how do you intend to grow and expand by opening more retail outlets/offices or selling a franchise.

Auntie Lavendar® Preschool, Inc. will grow our preschool by first opening other outlets in key cities in the United States of America within the first five years of establishing the business and then will start selling franchise from the sixth year.

b. Where do you intend to expand to and why?

Auntie Lavendar® Preschool, Inc. plans to expand to Dallas – Texas, New York City – New York, Sumter – Florida and then to Liliano – Texas, Lancaster – Virginia, Alcona – Michigan, Los Angeles – California and Catron New Mexico.

The reasons we intend to expand to these locations is the fact that available statistics show that the cities listed above have the highest number of people with kids below the age of 5 in the United States.

The founder of Auntie Lavendar® Preschool, Inc. plans to exit the business via family succession. We have placed structures and processes in place that will help us achieve our plan of successfully transferring the business from one family member to another and from one generation to another without hitches.

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Plant Nursery Business Plan

sample business plan for nursery school

Do you feel tired in the caught-up rat race, and just want to follow your passion for nature? Well, a plant nursery is an amazing idea that would help the environment while keeping your pockets full.

But to start a successful plant nursery or get funding you will need a solid business plan to guide you through the way.

Need help writing a business plan for your plant nursery business? You’re at the right place. Our plant nursery business plan template will help you get started.

How to Write a Plant Nursery Business Plan?

Writing a plant nursery business plan is a crucial step toward the success of your business. Here are the key steps to consider when writing a business plan:

1. Executive Summary

An executive summary is the first section planned to offer an overview of the entire business plan. However, it is written after the entire business plan is ready and summarizes each section of your plan.

Here are a few key components to include in your executive summary:

Introduction of your Business

Start your executive summary by briefly introducing your business to your readers. Then include a short description of all the other sections of the business plan.

In short, it is a summary of the whole business plan, which is why entrepreneurs choose to write this section at the end after having the full knowledge of the business plan.

You can introduce your business like this with the help of Upmetrics:

sample business plan for nursery school

Marketing & Sales Strategies

Outline your sales and marketing strategies—what marketing platforms you use, how you plan on acquiring customers, etc.

Financial Highlights

Briefly summarize your financial projections for the initial years of business operations. Include any capital or investment requirements, associated startup costs, projected revenues, and profit forecasts.

Call to Action

Summarize your executive summary section with a clear CTA, for example, inviting angel investors to discuss the potential business investment.

Ensure your executive summary is clear, concise, easy to understand, and jargon-free.

2. Business Overview

The business overview section of your business plan offers detailed information about your company. The details you add will be like business name, type of the business, location, business history, and future goals of the business.

Business Description

Describe what kind of plant nursery business you run and the name of it. You may be running one of the below types of plant nurseries:

  • Tree nursery : Focusing more on the plantation and sale of trees for both residential and commercial customers.
  • Indoor plant nursery : This kind of business specializes in indoor and houseplant settings.
  • Aquatic plant nursery : Focuses on growing and selling aquatic plants commonly utilized in ponds and water gardens.

For example, here is the business description for a nursery with the help of Upmetrics:

sample business plan for nursery school

Describe the legal structure of your plant nursery, whether it is a sole proprietorship, LLC, partnership, or any other. Explain where your business is located and why you selected the place.

List the names of your nursery’s founders or owners. Describe what shares they own and their responsibilities for efficiently managing the business.

Business History

If you’re an established nursery, briefly describe your business history, like—when it was founded, how it evolved, etc.

Additionally, If you have received any awards or recognition for excellent work, describe them.

Future Goals

It’s crucial to convey your aspirations and vision. Mention your short-term and long-term goals; they can be specific targets for revenue, market share, or expanding your services.

This section should provide a thorough understanding of your business, its history, and its plans. Keep this section engaging, precise, and to the point.

3. Market Analysis

The market analysis section of your business plan should offer a thorough understanding of the industry with the target market, competitors, and growth opportunities. You should include the following components in this section.

Target market

Start this section by describing your target market. Define your ideal customer and explain what types of services they prefer. Creating a buyer persona will help you easily define your target market to your readers.

Market size and growth potential

Describe your market size and growth potential and whether you will target a niche or a much broader market.

For instance, in 2022, the market size of the Nursery and garden Stores industry in terms of revenue was $50.3 billion .

Competitive Analysis

Identify and analyze your direct and indirect competitors. Identify their strengths and weaknesses, and describe what differentiates your plant nursery services from them. Point out how you have a competitive edge in the market.

Market Trends

Analyze emerging trends in the industry, such as technology disruptions, changes in customer behavior or preferences, etc. Explain how your business will cope with all the trends. For example here is how you should mention the market trends:

sample business plan for nursery school

Regulatory Environment

List regulations and licensing requirements that may affect your plant nursery business, such as business registration, insurance, environmental regulations, state and federal regulations, etc.

Here are a few tips for writing the market analysis section of your plant nursery business plan:

  • Conduct market research, industry reports, and surveys to gather data.
  • Provide specific and detailed information whenever possible.
  • Illustrate your points with charts and graphs.
  • Write your business plan keeping your target audience in mind.

4. Products And Services

The product and services section should describe the specific services and products that will be offered to customers. To write this section should include the following:

Describe your products and services

Mention the plant nursery products or services your business will offer. This list may include:

  • Fertilizers
  • Pots and containers
  • Landscape designing
  • Garden Decor
  • Delivery services

Quality measures

This section should explain how you maintain quality standards and consistently provide the highest quality service.

This may include regular maintenance of plants and quality fertilizers.

Additional Services

Mention if your plant nursery offers any additional services. You may include services like delivery services, landscape designing, consultation, planting, etc.

In short, this section of your plan must be informative, precise, and client-focused. By providing a clear and compelling description of your offerings, you can help potential investors and readers understand the value of your business.

5. Sales And Marketing Strategies

Writing the sales and marketing strategies section means a list of strategies you will use to attract and retain your clients. Here are some key elements to include in your sales & marketing plan:

Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

Define your business’s USPs depending on the market you serve, the equipment you use, and the unique services you provide. Identifying USPs will help you plan your marketing strategies.

Marketing Strategies

Discuss your marketing strategies to market your services. You may include some of these marketing strategies in your business plan—social media marketing, Google ads, brochures, email marketing, content marketing, and print marketing.

Sales Strategies

Outline the strategies you’ll implement to maximize your sales. Your sales strategies may include direct sales calls,  partnering with other businesses, offering referral programs, etc.

Customer Retention

Describe your customer retention strategies and how you plan to execute them. For instance, introducing loyalty programs, personalized service, discounts on repeat orders, etc.

Overall, this section of your plant nursery business plan should focus on customer acquisition and retention.

Have a specific, realistic, and data-driven approach while planning sales and marketing strategies for your business, and be prepared to adapt or make strategic changes in your strategies based on feedback and results.

6. Operations Plan

The operations plan section of your business plan should outline the processes and procedures involved in your business operations, such as staffing requirements and operational processes. Here are a few components to add to your operations plan:

Staffing & Training

Mention your business’s staffing requirements, including the number of employees or gardeners needed. Include their qualifications, the training required, and the duties they will perform.

Operational Process

Outline the processes and procedures you will use to run your plant nursery business. Your operational processes may include seeding, cultivation, plant care, inventory management, etc.

Equipment & Machinery

Include the equipment and machinery required for the plant nursery, such as cultivation & planting equipment, pest & disease control, tools & implements, etc.

Explain how these technologies help you maintain quality standards and improve the efficiency of your business operations.

Adding these components to your operations plan will help you lay out your business operations, which will eventually help you manage your business effectively.

7. Management Team

The management team section provides an overview of your plant nursery business’s management team. This section should provide a detailed description of each manager’s experience and qualifications, as well as their responsibilities and roles.

Founders/CEO

Mention the founders and CEO of your company, and describe their roles and responsibilities in successfully running the business.

Key managers

Introduce your management and key members of your team, and explain their roles and responsibilities.

For example, you can write down your management team like below with the help of Upmetrics:

sample business plan for nursery school

Organizational structure

Explain the organizational structure of your management team. Include the reporting line and decision-making hierarchy.

Advisors/Consultants

Mentioning advisors or consultants in your business plans adds credibility to your business idea.

So, if you have any advisors or consultants, include them with their names and brief information consisting of roles and years of experience.

This section should describe the key personnel for your plant nursery business, highlighting how you have the perfect team to succeed.

8. Financial Plan

Your financial plan section should provide a summary of your business’s financial projections for the first few years. Here are some key elements to include in your financial plan:

Profit & loss statement

Describe your projected revenue, operational costs, and service costs in your projected profit and loss statement. Make sure to include your business’s expected net profit or loss.

Cash flow statement

The cash flow for the first few years of your operation should be estimated and described in this section. This may include billing invoices, payment receipts, loan payments, and any other cash flow statements.

Balance Sheet: Create a projected balance sheet documenting your plant nursery’s assets, liabilities, and equity. For example, see the below-projected balance sheet for a nursery with the help of Upmetrics:

sample business plan for nursery school

Break-even point: Determine and mention your business’s break-even point—the point at which your business costs and revenue will be equal.

This exercise will help you understand how much revenue you need to generate to sustain or be profitable.

Financing Needs: Calculate costs associated with starting a plant nursery business, and estimate your financing needs and how much capital you need to raise to operate your business. Be specific about your short-term and long-term financing requirements, such as investment capital or loans.

Be realistic with your financial projections, and make sure you offer relevant information and evidence to support your estimates.

9. Appendix

The appendix section of your plan should include any additional information supporting your business plan’s main content, such as market research, legal documentation, financial statements, and other relevant information.

  • Add a table of contents for the appendix section to help readers easily find specific information or sections.
  • In addition to your financial statements, provide additional financial documents like tax returns, a list of assets within the business, credit history, and more. These statements must be the latest and offer financial projections for at least the first three or five years of business operations.
  • Provide data derived from market research, including stats about the plant nursery industry, user demographics, and industry trends.
  • Include any legal documents such as permits, licenses, and contracts.
  • Include any additional documentation related to your business plan, such as product brochures, marketing materials, operational procedures, etc.

Use clear headings and labels for each section of the appendix so that readers can easily find the necessary information.

Remember, the appendix section of your plant nursery business plan should only include relevant and important information supporting your plan’s main content.

This sample plant nursery business plan will provide an idea for writing a successful plan for your plant nursery business, including all the essential components of your business.

After this, if you still need clarification about writing an investment-ready business plan to impress your audience, download our plant nursery business plan pdf .

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Frequently asked questions, why do you need a plant nursery business plan.

A business plan is an essential tool for anyone looking to start or run a successful plant nursery business. It helps to clarify your business, secure funding, and identify potential challenges while starting and growing your business.

Overall, a well-written plan can help you make informed decisions, which can contribute to the long-term success of your plant nursery company.

How to get funding for your plant nursery business?

There are several ways to get funding for your plant nursery business, but self-funding is one of the most efficient and speedy funding options. Other options for funding are:

  • Bank loan – You may apply for a loan in government or private banks.
  • Small Business Administration (SBA) loan – SBA loans and schemes are available at affordable interest rates, so check the eligibility criteria before applying for it.
  • Crowdfunding – The process of supporting a project or business by getting a lot of people to invest in your business, usually online.
  • Angel investors – Getting funds from angel investors is one of the most sought-after startup options.

Apart from all these options, there are small business grants available, check for the same in your location and you can apply for it.

Where to find business plan writers for your plant nursery business?

There are many business plan writers available, but no one knows your business and ideas better than you, so we recommend you write your plant nursery business plan and outline your vision as you have in mind.

What is the easiest way to write your plant nursery business plan?

A lot of research is necessary for writing a business plan, but you can write your plan most efficiently with the help of any plant nursery business plan example and edit it as per your need. You can also quickly finish your plan in just a few hours or less with the help of our business plan software .

How detailed should the financial projections be in my plant nursery business plan?

The level of detail of the financial projections of your plant nursery business may vary considering various business aspects like direct and indirect competition, pricing, and operational efficiency. However, your financial projections must be comprehensive enough to demonstrate a complete view of your financial performance.

Generally, the statements included in a business plan offer financial projections for at least the first three or five years of business operations.

What key components should a plant nursery business plan include?

The following are the key components your plant nursery business plan must include:

  • Executive summary
  • Business Overview
  • Market Analysis
  • Products and services
  • Sales and marketing strategies
  • Operations plan
  • Management team
  • Financial plan

Can a good plant nursery business plan help me secure funding?

Indeed. A well-crafted plant nursery business plan will help your investors better understand your business domain, market trends, strategies, business financials, and growth potential—helping them make better financial decisions.

So, if you have a profitable and investable business, a comprehensive business plan can certainly help you secure your business funding.

What's the importance of a marketing strategy in a plant nursery business plan?

Marketing strategy is a key component of your plant nursery business plan. Whether it is about achieving certain business goals or helping your investors understand your plan to maximize their return on investment—an impactful marketing strategy is the way to do it!

Here are a few pointers to help you understand the importance of having an impactful marketing strategy:

  • It provides your business an edge over your competitors.
  • It helps investors better understand your business and growth potential.
  • It helps you develop products with the best profit potential.
  • It helps you set accurate pricing for your products or services.

About the Author

sample business plan for nursery school

Upmetrics Team

Upmetrics is the #1 business planning software that helps entrepreneurs and business owners create investment-ready business plans using AI. We regularly share business planning insights on our blog. Check out the Upmetrics blog for such interesting reads. Read more

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  • Meeting accreditation standards
  • Foundations in science and mathematics
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  • Giving extracurricular activities
  • Giving books and school materials

Step 4: Mission Statement and Vision Statement

Step 5: job description, step 6: swot analysis.

  • Strengths – What is the ace of your school against your competitors?
  • Weaknesses – On what aspects are your school lacking?
  • Opportunities – Where does your school excel in teaching?
  • Threats – What can make a student leave your school?

Step 7: Market Research

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  1. How to Write a Nursery School Business Plan [Sample Template]

    A Sample Nursery School Business Plan Template. 1. Industry Overview. Nursery Schools provide preschool education services for children aged three and four, combined with day care. Most businesses in the nursery school industry are private but may get funding from a variety of sources, including state and federal grants.

  2. 10 Proven Steps to Profitable Nursery School Business

    We'll help you avoid common errors and pitfalls, streamline your process, and make your journey easier. So, without further ado, let's dive into our 10 easy steps to open a nursery school business! Step 1: Develop a business plan. Step 2: Calculate the financial model. Step 3: Research the location/area.

  3. 9 Steps to Crafting a Winning Nursery School Business Plan

    Welcome to our blog post on how to write a business plan for a nursery school in 9 simple steps. Nursery schools play a crucial role in early childhood education, providing a nurturing environment where young children can learn, grow, and develop essential skills. According to recent statistics, the nursery school industry is experiencing significant growth, with a projected annual growth rate ...

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    St.james Nursery and Primary School Business Plan - Free download as PDF File (.pdf), Text File (.txt) or read online for free. Business Plan document on the set up and operation of a combined kindergarten and primary school in Uganda,

  5. How to write a business plan for a nursery?

    Following that, provide an overview of the addressable market for your nursery, current trends, and potential growth opportunities. Next, include a summary of key financial figures like projected revenues, profits, and cash flows. Finally, in the "ask" section, detail any funding requirements you may have. 2.

  6. How to write a business plan for a private nursery school?

    The projected P&L statement for a private nursery school shows how much revenue and profit your business is expected to make in the future. A healthy private nursery school's P&L statement should show: Sales growing at (minimum) or above (better) inflation. Stable (minimum) or expanding (better) profit margins.

  7. NURSERY BUSINESS PLAN: Guide and Template

    You can summarize the key facts about your company in it, such as its name, aims, and ambitions. This provides a summary of your goals for both you and anyone else reading your nursery business plan. #2. Company Overview. This is your chance to share the motivation for beginning a nursery business.

  8. Garden Nursery Business Plan Example

    Rose Petal Nursery is dedicated to providing a quality choice for people looking for plant and garden supplies, as well as serving contractors who need a reliable source of products. Our start-up expenses come to $41,500 which includes the cost of the greenhouses ($38,000) and the cost of rent for the land ($1,000).

  9. How to Write a Business Plan for Daycare and Preschool

    Writing a daycare or preschool business plan is a big task, but due diligence and hard work will help you understand what you'll need to launch and run a daycare or preschool successfully. ... For example, list your school in local directories and participate in parenting and kid-friendly community events. Run a social media campaign focusing ...

  10. How to Write Your Nursery Business Plan (with Free Business Plan Template!)

    Within your nursery business plan, you will need to include everything there is to know about your nursery, as when caring for children, legalities, finances, qualifications, and health and safety must be in order. This post will take you through each area step-by-step, in order to provide a solid foundation for your start-up.

  11. Preschool Business Plan Template [Updated 2024]

    Starting a Preschool business is easy with these 14 steps: Choose the Name for Your Preschool Business. Create Your Preschool Business Plan. Choose the Legal Structure for Your Preschool Business. Secure Startup Funding for Your Preschool Business (If Needed) Secure a Location for Your Business.

  12. Free Garden Nursery Business Plan Template + Example

    Get the most out of your business plan example. Follow these tips to quickly develop a working business plan from this sample. 1. Don't worry about finding an exact match. We have over 550 sample business plan templates. So, make sure the plan is a close match, but don't get hung up on the details. Your business is unique and will differ from ...

  13. How to Make a Preschool Business Plan

    Meet the iron triangle. For a preschool business to be financially stable, the iron triangle must be met: Full enrollment: ensure that all of your spaces are full. Full fee collection: ensure that you are collecting all of your tuition and on time. Revenue covers real cost-per-child: you need to ensure you are priced in such a way that your ...

  14. Preschool Business Plan Template [2024 Updated]

    Here you go; download our free preschool business plan pdf to start. It's a modern business plan template specifically designed for your preschool business. Use the example business plan as a guide for writing your own. Upmetrics is the #1 business planning software that helps entrepreneurs and business owners create investment-ready business ...

  15. Writing Your Nursery Business Plan: A Step-by-Step Guide

    Step one: write your nursery business plan. This should follow a set structure, divided into clear, information-packed sections. Here we outline a suggested template that will help you get your dreams out of your head and onto paper. Follow these steps and you'll have a helpful, relevant document to keep you on track. 1.

  16. School Business Plan [Free Template

    Writing a school business plan is a crucial step toward the success of your business. Here are the key steps to consider when writing a business plan: 1. Executive Summary. An executive summary is the first section planned to offer an overview of the entire business plan. However, it is written after the entire business plan is ready and ...

  17. School Business Plan Template [Updated 2024]

    Marketing Plan. Traditionally, a marketing plan includes the four P's: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. For a school business plan, your marketing strategy should include the following: Product: In the product section, you should reiterate the type of school that you documented in your company overview.

  18. Download Nursery and Primary School Business Plan in PDF or Doc

    heeds April 27, 2024 Business Plan. This is a complete school business plan in pdf/Doc that you can download for your bank loan, grant, proposal or to guide your business operation. In case you are searching for school business plan template for NIRSAL micro-finance bank, bank of industry, TEF grant or any form of grant.

  19. Preschool Business Plan [Sample Template]

    Preschool Business Plan [Sample Template] Preschool industry operators provide daycare services for children under the ages of three and four to prepare them for kindergarten. The dispersion of the preschool programs reflects in the geographic distribution of the children, which is also influenced by the cost and supply of preschool programs ...

  20. Plant Nursery Business Plan Template + Guide [Updated 2024 ]

    Writing a plant nursery business plan is a crucial step toward the success of your business. Here are the key steps to consider when writing a business plan: 1. Executive Summary. An executive summary is the first section planned to offer an overview of the entire business plan. However, it is written after the entire business plan is ready and ...

  21. 34+ SAMPLE School Business Plan in PDF

    Starting a school business plan can be the greatest challenge when you are starting a school business. You can search for school business plan examples or a school business plan sample to get a pattern on how you will write. Or if you want, you can consider the following steps in making a school business plan: Step 1: School Overview

  22. PDF Nursery and Primary School Business Plan in Nigeria

    After payment, Text your full name, email address and selected business plan (i.e. nursery and primary school business plan in Nigeria) to 07033378184. The complete business plan/feasibility study will be sent to your email 15 minutes after payment. For Inquiries call -07033378184.