Lamaze classes and instructors help expecting parents prepare for the birthing process. Additionally, Lamaze classes will discuss the first few months of care, following the birth of the child.
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Start a Lamaze classes business by following these 10 steps:
- Plan your Lamaze Classes Business
- Form your Lamaze Classes Business into a Legal Entity
- Register your Lamaze Classes Business for Taxes
- Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
- Set up Accounting for your Lamaze Classes Business
- Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Lamaze Classes Business
- Get Lamaze Classes Business Insurance
- Define your Lamaze Classes Business Brand
- Create your Lamaze Classes Business Website
- Set up your Business Phone System
We have put together this simple guide to starting your Lamaze classes business. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.
Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas.
STEP 1: Plan your business
A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:
- What will you name your business?
- What are the startup and ongoing costs?
- Who is your target market?
- How much can you charge customers?
Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.
What will you name your business?
Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Lamaze Classes Business Name Generator
If you operate a sole proprietorship, you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.
When registering a business name, we recommend researching your business name by checking:
- Your state’s business records
- Federal and state trademark records
- Social media platforms
- Web domain availability
It’s very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.
What are the costs involved in opening a Lamaze classes business?
Much of your initial costs will be tied to the training and certifications you will need to secure prior to opening for business. Certification and training classes can run anywhere from $300-1500 each, depending on the levels of instruction and the certifications being sought. If you also choose to intern or apprentice with an experienced instructor, you may need to budget for the income you won’t make, until you’re out on your own.
Other costs will include:
- Business license and insurance
- Rental fees for a classroom space
- Teaching aides, such as anatomy models, videos and pamphlets, birthing balls and related birthing tools, and other pieces of equipment, furniture, or electronics you deem necessary for teaching your classes.
What are the ongoing expenses for a Lamaze classes business?
Overhead is relatively low, once established. You will need to periodically restock your class supplies, pay rent and web hosting fees, if applicable, and budget for travel expenses, in case you travel to see patients or to attend seminars or continuing education classes. The proper insurance for this type of business is critical for ensuring your organization is protected in the event of a loss of liability issue.
Who is the target market?
Your target market is expecting parents, both moms and dads. Especially first time parents, as they will be the most nervous and looking for proper guidance.
How does a Lamaze classes business make money?
Lamaze class businesses make their money through the registration fees paid by the class participants.
How much can you charge customers?
Lamaze classes can range from $50 to $500, depending on the area in which you’re teaching and the levels of specific instruction you offer. Some Lamaze instructors target more wealthy clients for one on one classes and follow-ups, throughout the pregnancy and even into the delivery room. This kind of individualized care is priced by the specific case, although some patients will easily spend thousands of dollars for a pregnancy assistant to be on call.
How much profit can a Lamaze classes business make?
An instructors annual salary will average around $60,000. This will fluctuate, depending on where and who you teach, how many classes you offer, and how many teachers you have on staff.
How can you make your business more profitable?
Expand your fields of teaching to include other aspects of child birth, pediatric health, and child nurturing. As you broaden your teaching practice, you will be able to draw in greater numbers of customers, expand your business, and develop more marketable experience and expertise.
Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC’s free Small Business Startup Guide – a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!
STEP 2: Form a legal entity
One crucial aspect that cannot be overlooked when starting your Lamaze classes business is the importance of establishing a solid business foundation. While sole proprietorships and partnerships are the most common entity types for small businesses, they’re a far less stable and advantageous option than LLCs.
This is because unincorporated business structures (i.e., sole proprietorships and partnerships) expose you as an owner to personal liability for your business’s debts and legal actions, while LLCs protect you by keeping your personal assets separate from your business’s liabilities.
In practice, this means that if your Lamaze classes business were to face a lawsuit or incur any debts, your savings, home, and other personal assets could not be used to cover these costs. On top of this, forming your business as an LLC also helps it to appear more legitimate and trustworthy.
Ready to Turn Your Business Idea Into a Reality?
Tailor Brands is our top recommendation because it guides you through every step of the formation process with hands-on support — from paperwork and compliance to devising a detailed plan to help you achieve your business goals.
Note: If you’re interested in more information before getting started, we recommend having a look at our How to Start a Business guide (DIY) or our in-depth Best Business Formation Services review (for those opting for a professional service).
STEP 3: Register for taxes
You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.
In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It’s really easy and free!
You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website. If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?
There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.
STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card
Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.
When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil.
Open a business bank account
Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:
- Separates your personal assets from your company’s assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
- Makes accounting and tax filing easier.
Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.
Get a business credit card
Getting a business credit card helps you:
- Separate personal and business expenses by putting your business’ expenses all in one place.
- Build your company’s credit history, which can be useful to raise money later on.
Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.
STEP 5: Set up business accounting
Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.
Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.
STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses
Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.
State & Local Business Licensing Requirements
Certain state permits and licenses may be needed to operate a Lamaze classes business. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits.
Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses.
Certificate of Occupancy
A Lamaze classes business is generally run out of a rented space. Businesses operating out of a physical location typically require a Certificate of Occupancy (CO). A CO confirms that all building codes, zoning laws and government regulations have been met.
- If you plan to lease a location:
- It is generally the landlord’s responsibility to obtain a CO.
- Before leasing, confirm that your landlord has or can obtain a valid CO that is applicable to a Lamaze classes business.
- After a major renovation, a new CO often needs to be issued. If your place of business will be renovated before opening, it is recommended to include language in your lease agreement stating that lease payments will not commence until a valid CO is issued.
- If you plan to purchase or build a location:
- You will be responsible for obtaining a valid CO from a local government authority.
- Review all building codes and zoning requirements for your business’ location to ensure your Lamaze classes business will be in compliance and able to obtain a CO.
STEP 7: Get business insurance
Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.
There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance. This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.
Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance. If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers’ Compensation Coverage.
Find out what types of insurance your Lamaze Classes Business needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Lamaze Classes Business.
STEP 8: Define your brand
Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.
If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator. Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.
How to promote & market a Lamaze classes business
As mentioned above, networking with similar and connected industries is critical for spreading the good word about your classes and levels of expertise. Seek out organizations that specialize in childbirth and childcare, and immerse yourself in their social networks. Even social networks not specifically focusing on Lamaze practices can be beneficial to your business’ growth. Create a Facebook page and a website, in order to attract more business. If you can partner with a hospital or clinic, link your pages on their webpage and advertise in any flyers or periodicals they produce or have on site.
How to keep customers coming back
Your reputation and professionalism will be your calling card, especially in a business as personal as Lamaze classes. You will, in essence, be creating relationships with the expecting parents attending your classes. Let them know how much they mean to you through your in-class communications, as well as follow-up communications after the babies are born. Personability and professionalism are essential to securing returning customers.
STEP 9: Create your business website
After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business.
While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.
Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:
- All legitimate businesses have websites – full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
- Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
- Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.
Recommended: Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders.
Other popular website builders are: WordPress, WIX, Weebly, Squarespace, and Shopify.
STEP 10: Set up your business phone system
Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.
There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2024 to find the best phone service for your small business.
Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com
Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it’s fair pricing.
Is this Business Right For You?
Although the logical choice for a Lamaze instructor might be a person with a medical background, such as nurse, physical therapist, or medical trainer/teacher, there are persons from all walks of life thriving in this profession. Often, people experiencing their own pregnancies decide to learn more, become fascinated with helping others prepare, or find a passion in the child birthing and childcare fields. Ultimately, the best candidate is a person who enjoys teaching and talking to others, is detailed in their work, and desires to give the highest quality care and advice possible to new and expecting parents.
Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?
Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!
What happens during a typical day at a Lamaze classes business?
Lamaze classes may be individual, high intensity one-offs, in which expecting parents are given lots of information over a few hours and are instructed on how to continue practicing techniques on their own. Or, the classes will stretch over many classes, in which techniques and information are introduced slowly, with more hands-on instruction. For both types, Lamaze instructors are addressing class participants, discussing fears and misconceptions, and offering advice about how to proceed with your precious cargo. Day to day activities focus on preparing for these classes, re-stocking class instructional materials, scheduling future classes and enrolling new class members. Advertising and marketing the business and networking with related medical services and professionals will also figure into the day to day activities.
What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful Lamaze classes business?
First and foremost, you have to become an expert in your field. Childbirth is a serious undertaking, with so many questions and concerns constantly arising. Expecting parents want to seek advice from highly qualified and experienced professionals. Your level of expertise and knowledge will directly correlate to your class loads. In addition to the Lamaze instructions, you should have a background in medicine, either through practice or training, pertaining to patient care. You should also have some managerial or small business experience, as you are more than likely opening a small business without the assistance of a larger medical entity. Comfort in talking to patient/clients is also a bonus, as you will need to be able to speak clearly, with authority, yet also calmly and without elevating a patient’s levels of anxiety and trepidation about their approaching big day.
What is the growth potential for a Lamaze classes business?
Traditionally, Lamaze classes have been fairly popular, although some expecting parents have opted for a hospital and delivery doctor to be the primary caregivers. In more recent years, there has been a decided uptick in the number of Lamaze instructors, midwives, and doulas entering the neonatal workforce. Many parents are looking to be more aware of the childbirth process, want to explore alternative childbirth methods, or want to give birth in their own homes. Accordingly, there is an expanding market for qualified and experienced Lamaze coaches. And, don’t forget, babies are being born at a steadily increasing rate.
Take the Next Step
Find a business mentor
One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.
Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.
Learn from other business owners
Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.
Resources to Help Women in Business
There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:
- Funding
- Events
- Guides
- Support
If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.
What are some insider tips for jump starting a Lamaze classes business?
- Continue to be a student of your practices. Organizations, such as CAPPA or Lamaze International are excellent sources of reference and updated information, pertaining to this field of work.
- Work with an established professional, in order to hone your craft, and as a method for understanding the business of child healthcare and childbirth.
- Don’t set up shop with direct competition, if at all possible. If you intern or work with someone else, you may want to choose someone outside of the area you’re planning on opening your business. At the very least, do your research to determine if your region will handle multiple Lamaze class businesses and don’t oversaturate.
- Research small business practices and be a student of the business aspects of your career, as well.
- Network, market, and advertise regularly, in order to partially build your reputation. The rest of your rep will stem from your clients and their experiences in your classes, so be sharp and professional.
How and when to build a team
More than likely, you won’t need much of a team for teaching Lamaze classes. Much of the methods being taught are low intensity and will require more comfortable seating and decor, rather than assistants. You may want an additional assistant/accountant/business manager/all purpose helper to join you, as you start to grow in size and popularity.