TradeMark Express Blog: All Things Trademark

Starting a Business Series: I Want to Open a Daycare

The best routes to take are to research the process of starting a business as well as the industry you're interested in.

I recommend checking out the Small Business Administration
, Entrepreneur, Start Up Journal, Wall Street Journal & Nolo’s Starting a Business – Resource Center. All four are great informational resources for the new/small business owner.

Associations may be a good avenue to explore. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you'll inevitably have as well as many you haven't anticipated yet.

National Association of Childcare Professionals

National Childcare Association

USA Childcare

To find licensing information for your state, check out the National Resource Center for Health & Safety in Child Care.

Research, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can about the industry. Here are some book titles that are relevant:

• Start & Run a Home Daycare by Catherine M. Pruissen
• Starting a Child Care Center: The Indispensable Guidebook for Starting a Day Care or Child Care Business by Millicent Gray Lownes-Jackson
• Opening & Operating A Successful Child Care Center by Dorothy June Sciarra
• The Business of Child Care: Management and Financial Strategies by Gail H Jack

There are plenty of free informational resources out there. Here's just a handful:

• Tips for Starting a Childcare Business by Susie Cortright
• Starting a Home Daycare Business by Michael Russell
• Child Care Business Plan by Dave Lavinsky
• Starting a Child Care Business? by K. Perry