Example Business Ideas

Starting a Children's Transportation Service

Written by Rayzelle Forrest Young for Gaebler Ventures

This article is about starting a children's transportation service as a home based business. Here are details about what is needed to get your business up and running.

Due to the state of today's poor economy, thousands are finding themselves facing decreased pay and even layoffs.

This has prompted individuals to re-evaluate their financial well being and figure out how the bills are going to get paid. Because of the unstable job market, some are finding themselves entertaining the thought of a home based business. If this scenario sounds similar to your situation you may want to think about starting a children's transportation service.

Starting a children's transportation service home based business is a good idea for people who enjoy being around children but don't want the larger responsibility of running a daycare. As a kid commuter your duties would generally entail you to drop off and pick up kids from school, home or extracurricular activities. The business of transporting kids is a good idea since often times parents need help with dropping off and picking up their children from various places throughout the day. This is where you as a children's transportation service would come in. Here is what you would need to get started.

First Aid and CPR Certification

First aid and CPR certification is a must when dealing with children. You want to make sure you are able to handle an injury or life threatening situation if it presents itself. Parents feel more comfortable using the service of people who are certified in this area when it comes to caring for their children. This certification is usually a one day training and can be taken at local agencies and community colleges.

Fingerprint Clearance

Most states require you get fingerprint clearance if you are going to work with children. This allows for a background check to make sure you don't pose a threat to the welfare of kids. There may be other clearances and requirements that go along with this procedure. Make sure to check your local and state laws to see what they are. Usually fingerprinting can be done at your local police department or other agencies and businesses that provide this service.

Licensing and Insurance

You can obtain a business license from your local city offices. There is usually a small fee associated with this along with paperwork to submit. Once you have filled out the correct forms for your business license, if you are unsure what type of insurance to get for your business, someone in the licensing department should be able to help you.

Adequate Transportation

You will definitely need adequate transportation to start this business. Something along the lines of a minivan, SUV or passenger bus is sufficient. Think about how many kids you want to start out with. This should help you make the decision about what size vehicle you want to use.

Once everything is in place for your home based business as a children's transportation service, all you have to do is spread the word. A good idea is to approach parents while they are picking up children from school and sports activity practices. Get promotional tools such as flyers, business cards and postcards and put them wherever you think parents will be. Once this is done all you have to do is wait for your phone to ring and you're in business!

Rayzelle is an entrepreneur and writer. Based on her experiences as an owner of her own dance studio, she will share her personal tips on being a successful entrepreneur.

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