looking for advice

[small city grl]

Hello all
Looking for a starting point. First I'm from a small city in FL population approx. 66,000 with surrounding rural counties that has been growing rapidly in the last 7 yrs. Well we have nothing in this area for young kids and teens to do as far as entertainment other than get into trouble. I was thinking of starting a family entertainement center that would cater to all ages. (arcades, golf, children theme parties etc..) I have all these ideas however I don't know where to start. I'm thinking of buying one of the FEC start-up guides online but wonder if those are true to experience. PLEASE!!! give me some advice I would greatly appreciate it.

[andrewrichardgale]

Sounds like a opportunity if i ever herd of one ;]

how much money do you have to startup? Arcades are pricey because of all the machines costing 10grand a piece, what about a lan center? I think its awsome you have all these ideas and are actually thinking about the community

[SiteFlipAcademy]

Welcome to YE!

We are glad to have you here in the forum. That is great that you are getting a head start. Use YE to learn from both successes and failures here on the site, and impart your own knowledge too.

[Tibado]

Good Luck. Being your in a rural area try paintball. It shouldn't be over a couple thousand if that to get the inventory. Just make sure you have a whole harmless agreement (correct me if i'm wrong of the use of that term). basicly if worded write of course it means nobody can sue you for them abusing the equipment and getting hurt, if you do rentals. i'm looking at doing something similar. i'll pm you a wholesaler. it wont let me post it because i haven't done five posts yet and i'm new.

[Threethan]

It's always a great idea to try something for the community, especially when there's nothing to compete with it, but I'd hesitate to try to be too big, too soon. Perhaps you could start with organizing games and events for the kids/teenagers/groups to do on certain days, and see how it goes?

Have you done any research to see the interest that this type of company/organization would be given from the community? Sometimes a community doesn't have something, just because there's never been any interest, or desire, for it in the community.

That aside, starting up a business for younger people of all ages, it's probably best to start out small and grow with your income, rather than use a huge start-up. Maybe sports, dance lessons, and a weekly party? Something that takes advantage of things that the community already has, or is easy to invest in.

On a side note, don't forget to speak to companies and the city itself, about invest in this idea, if they can see the impact it would make on the community (not to mention the publicity they'd get) they're probably going to be willing to offer over some cash.

And, always, I wish you luck in your endeavor.

[KKoher]

It does sound like a good idea...but be careful! I am from a small town in FL (where are you from in FL btw) and the same as your town there is not much for people around here to do. BUT, unemployment in FL is very high right now, and a lot of people are cutting out expenses that are not necessities...your idea might be one of those things that would be great if the economy was better, but something that people right now just can't afford. It doesn't hurt to look into it though..find out what the unemployment rate is in you area...and maybe ask around and find out if it is something people would spend money on.

[Threethan]

Also, you might think about being a non-for-profit organization, and get government funding. I'm not sure the steps you'd need to take, but it's an idea.

[andrewrichardgale]

theres always money for the community, people always want to take there kids out and will save so they can

[CAL]

Hello, I am actually purchasing a FEC in 2009 here in Georgia. I think it is an excellent business opportunity if you have the passion for it. Are you wanting to purchase an existing business or build? A town of 66k could support a small FEC. I would not use any type of "FEC Start Up Guide" unless it is directly from the trade organization (e.g. a mini-golf trade organization). Let me know if I can help with questions. Maybe we can learn together.

[small city grl]

Cal that's great I wish you all the luck. I'm looking to build there has never been anything like that in our area to so purchasing is non-existent. However, I have been looking into a few restaurants that have gone out of business hoping that I would have at least the food prep (stove, refrig etc..) as a part of the purchase/leasing of the building. If you have any ideas please let me know. Like I said I'm still in the beginning planning so I still have tons of research ahead of me.

[small city grl]

Yeah, I have given alot of thought to how this would do in such a small city. I actually went in to speak with a banker about another start-up business a while back and she pretty much through this opportunity in my lap. Since then I have been speaking to different people and getting advice and from that it seems like it would be a great opportunity. But yeah, I don't plan on starting huge at first I will grow with the cash flow. thanks for your advice I need all I can get.

[rogercbryan]

Call the SBA and go talk to a SCORE Counselor. Bring your notes and all your ideas.. they will help you get them organized and get you going on the right track.

[SmartJobBoard]

wow.... what a disscus ??

[Bill Moran]

Hi Small City Grl

Welcome to YE - sounds great idea - also LOTS of good advice

How are you with understanding finance? Can I suggest a book that will aid you greatly - The Richest Man in Babylon

Is there anything similar in FL? Could you visit and ask questions etc?

Have added you to my buddy list if that is ok with you?

Bill Moran

[battleridge]

call the local vending companies. they buy old and new video games and will usually install them free for a percentage of the quartes input. also, candy/prize machines are on the same program.