Small dedicated comedy club

Ticket-buying audiences, groups and date-night crowds, plus companies and organizers who rent the room for private or corporate events.

Ticket sales and food and drink sales, often with drinks making up a large share of income. Extra income can come from private bookings, classes and workshops for new comics.

• Running a venue and managing staff
• Booking and managing comedians
• Marketing and ticketing
• Budgeting and cash flow

• Liquor license rules and wait times differ a lot by state and city, check early because the license can decide whether the plan works
• Zoning, occupancy limits, fire safety and accessibility rules for entertainment venues, check with your city or county
• A food or snack menu usually needs a health department permit
• General liability, liquor liability and workers' compensation insurance once you hire staff
• High fixed costs such as rent and payroll, and slow weeknights can hurt cash flow
• Music or video played in the venue may need licensing, check with the relevant licensing organizations

Startup costs are typically around $60,000 to $300,000, depending on your lease, the stage, sound and seating fit-out, and whether you add a bar or snack menu. These are estimates, so get quotes for your space.

Monthly revenue is typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on how many nights you run, ticket prices, bar sales and private events. High fixed costs such as rent and payroll mean slow weeknights can hurt cash flow.

Check liquor license rules early, as they differ by state and city and can decide whether the plan works. Also check zoning, occupancy, fire safety and accessibility rules, a health permit for food, insurance, and music licensing.