Title: Launching a Hybrid School on a Budget: Practical Tips and Insights

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### Introduction

Welcome to the Hybrid School Builders Podcast. I'm your host, Rebecca Foley. As a fellow grassroots founder, I'm here to make your journey toward founding a sustainable hybrid school easier. Whether you're dreaming of starting a hybrid school or have already begun, you're in the right place. Together, we'll dive into real stories, practical tips, and hard-won lessons that can help you launch and grow your program confidently. Remember, building a hybrid school isn't just about creating a business or jobs; it's about reshaping the landscape of education, one community, one entrepreneur, and one program at a time.

### Startup Costs: What to Expect

One of the first questions many new entrepreneurs ask is, "How much is this going to cost me?" In my early days, I didn't fully consider this question—I took it one step at a time, and in hindsight, I've realized that starting doesn't have to be costly. If you're a grassroots founder working solo, it might not cost you much at all.

If you're planning to hire someone to use their systems, expect the costs to be higher. For example, networks like Acton Academies require a whole application and approval process, costing around $20,000. Other micro school networks might charge a few thousand dollars plus a percentage of your revenue over a few years. They offer services that ease your workload but come at a price. However, if you're handling things independently, possibly from home and utilizing resources economically, you can start for a few hundred dollars up to a thousand.

### Essential Expenses

Here are some expenses you’ll likely face:

- **Consulting Fees**: My first payment was to a CPA for a consulting call, costing about $60. This might be higher now, but it's an essential step to understand your business setup.

- **State Paperwork**: Filing fees to establish your business structure can be around $125. This is crucial for forming your legal structure.

- **Legal or Accounting Advice**: While not mandatory, consulting a lawyer or CPA for advice can cost $100-$200 per hour. If you're comfortable with your business model, like setting up an LLC or non-profit, you can manage the paperwork yourself.

- **Online Presence**: Having a website is critical. Without it, it's challenging to establish credibility.

Beyond these, there aren't usually major expenses until you purchase curriculum, which can be several hundred dollars. During our first year, we purchased curriculum to have something to show families and train teachers with limited funds available.

### Budgeting and Revenue Strategies

If you're operating on a tight budget, your initial outlay might be $500 to $800 for essential books, state fees, and a website.

- **Informational Meetings**: Hosting these can help you collect registration fees early, aiding in offsetting initial costs. You can charge $100-$300, which assists with summer expenses like payroll, insurance, curriculum, and equipment.

- **Funding Options**: While I never took a business loan, borrowing a small amount might be an option if you're confident in your signups. However, I recommend charging a non-refundable registration fee to help fund initial purchases.

### Financial Management Advice

Remember, it's crucial not to overextend financially if enrollment is uncertain. Registration fees signal commitment from families and provide initial funding. Monitor your cash flow and incentivize early payments cautiously to ensure accurate revenue forecasting.

Always plan for a financial cushion to accommodate unforeseen expenses and ensure sustainability. Collect registration fees in the spring for stability, helping you manage through summer and prepare for the next academic year.

### Conclusion

This overview should clarify the costs associated with starting a hybrid school. From registering your entity with the state, setting up a website, and purchasing curriculum, to advice from professionals, there are fundamental expenses to expect. Strategic planning, budgeting, and communication with potential clients will guide your journey. Thank you for listening today. Please subscribe and explore resources at startahybridschool.com. Feel free to reach out anytime—I’d love to hear from you. Until next time!