Thread: Serious about opening a business - Where do I start?

Originally Posted by prs

we're gonna do what they say can't be done

Yes, yes. Everyone thinks they're the exception to the rule.

I disagree on the age comments. In my experience, investors won't choose to invest in you based on your age. They'll choose not to invest in you because starting a bowling alley (at any age) typically doesn't fit into most investor/VC profiles. I know counteless people that have received seed investments/Series A's up to $1M for having nothing more than an idea and a few hundred lines of code.

My advice to you would be to think about what you're passionate about. Would you truly be happy running a bowling alley? Life's to short to pursue ideas you don't fantasize about every day. Find what you're good at, and find your easiest path to entry. We live in a world where it doesn't take more than an idea to start a business, experience or not. The world was built by people no smarter than you.

Business Plan Guide

A bowling alley that doesn't serve alcohol? No offense but that is a terrible idea. The rule with a liquor license is: the person who holds the license, cannot drink on the premises. You should be fine with that, I'm sure one of your parents/investors will be fine with putting it in their name.

Its good to see you want to start your own business. But I dont think a bowling alley is that good of one. They are not that popular anymore.

Does a bowling alley generate a good income? I would think a hand car wash generates more, perhaps you should open one of those? there is one not to far from my house and that dude is is making over six figures. My parents wanted to open a Chipotle around my area, but we found out Chipotle doesn't franchise, so we're looking for a new business to open.

Originally Posted by Izucantc

Does a bowling alley generate a good income? I would think a hand car wash generates more, perhaps you should open one of those? there is one not to far from my house and that dude is is making over six figures. My parents wanted to open a Chipotle around my area, but we found out Chipotle doesn't franchise, so we're looking for a new business to open.

Hey, Tell your parents to look into a place called FreeB!rds (Freebirds, if you google) Almost like Chipotle but better.

No one will go to a bowling alley that doesn't serve beer. They are inseparable. If you wanted to do something like that, you should diversify it. Sports bar with big screen TVs, arcade, bowling, and pool tables. That would drive people in the door and the variety of activities will keep them there longer. The problem is you need capital. The bowling machines are likely very expensive and require a lot of work. You would do better doing a pool hall and sports bar, as the equipment is much cheaper.

With regards to age, in the software and tech fields, the younger you are, generally the better. No investor will scoff at a 19 year old with a software/web concept. But in terms of opening a brick and mortar business, it will be the opposite.