Small adult learning centre with your own classrooms

Adult learners paying per course, plus local employers, community organisations and sometimes government-funded programs if you become an approved provider.

Course fees from learners, plus room hire to other groups in quiet hours. Rent and tutor fees are the main costs, so a steady timetable matters.

• Teaching or coordinating teachers
• Course planning and timetabling
• Marketing to a local community
• Managing budgets and rent
• Customer service

• Council approval for the premises, plus fire safety and accessibility requirements, check with your local council
• Public liability insurance, and workers compensation once you employ staff, check your state scheme
• Nationally recognised courses or government-funded places need RTO registration with ASQA or an approved provider status, check requirements
• Lease commitments and quiet terms can strain cash flow
• Check whether tutors will be employees or contractors and get advice on your obligations

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on rent and fit-out, classroom equipment, insurance and marketing. Lease commitments can strain cash flow during quiet terms, so plan a buffer.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on enrolments, course fees and how many tutors you use. Expect to put in around 25 hours a week as a starting point.

Check council approval for the premises, plus fire safety and accessibility requirements. Check public liability insurance, workers compensation if you hire staff, and RTO registration with ASQA for nationally recognised or government-funded courses. Also check whether tutors are employees or contractors.