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retreat center

by BethPerry, Window Shopper

  • Created: February 10, 2013, 4:28 pm
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5 comments
Hello, I have a dream of opening a retreat center located in woods on water, many activities, etc. No location yet. I am not sure what category of business this would fall into. I would like to find a mentor, do research and make a plan, but I don't know where to start. I envision "holding space" for retreats and providing the venue and/or facilitators to run the retreats. I don't envision running a program myself at this time. Any ideas would be wonderful, thank you so much! Beth
Tags: Discuss Popular Topics, Starting & Registering a Business
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kmertick | Window Shopper | 5/21/2013 - 3:44 pm

Hi Beth, I'm in Alberta, Canada and I'm in the same situation as you. I can't
offer guidance or mentorship, but do let me know if you would like to chat or
brainstorm. Perhaps we will find some forward movement through our
discussion. Kim

amylabossiere | Window Shopper | 3/28/2013 - 4:17 pm

Hi Beth,
I have a retreat center in Connecticut in the beginning stages and would be
happy to talk with you if that would be helpful. The best thing I can offer
you is to use the resource partners here and go through the motions of
developing a business plan. I am working on mine now and wish I did this two
years ago. Best wishes!
Amy LaBossiere stillwaterspond.com
Professional Web Site: Still Waters Retreat Center

BizResearcher | Window Shopper | 2/12/2013 - 11:03 am

One of the first issues to decide is whether you want the center to be
non-profit or a for-profit business. If you decide to go the non-profit
route, you may have more access to funding. To become a non-profit, you will
need to apply to the IRS for 501c3 status. There is a cost and it takes time.

Are there retreat centers in your area that are similar in concept to what
you envision? If so, you might spend some time on their websites to
understand how they are structured and how you could build on their ideas to
make your center different.

BethPerry | Window Shopper | 2/13/2013 - 9:08 pm

Show Replied Text…
One of the first issues to decide is whether you want the center to be non-profit or a for-profit business. If you decide to go the non-profit route, you may have more access to funding. To become a non-profit, you will need to apply to the IRS for 501c3 status. There is a cost and it takes time. Are there retreat centers in your area that are similar in concept to what you envision? If so, you might spend some time on their websites to understand how they are structured and how you could build on their ideas to make your center different.
Thank you for your reply. I will look into the non-profit idea. A friend also
suggested that. I have looked at similar places, there isn't anything exactly
like what I have in mind (which is good!) Thank you for the ideas, I will
look at those places again with a new perspective.

JGabriel | Community Moderator | 2/12/2013 - 10:36 am

Hi Beth, SBA has resource partners like SCORE, Women’s Business Centers and Small Business Development Centers located across the country that provide free business counseling to individuals looking to start or expand a small business. Visit our local assistance guide to find your local SBA resource partners by entering your zip code. Another approach that may be useful is talking to a mentor who could offer you specific guidance. Good luck!!