Small indoor laser tag arena

Families and kids' birthday parties, school and youth groups, corporate team events and walk-in groups of friends.

Per-game or per-person tickets, party packages, group and corporate bookings, and snack, drink or arcade sales.

• Managing staff and schedules
• Customer service with groups and kids
• Budgeting and local marketing

• Zoning, building permits, fire code and occupancy rules for a place where many people gather; check with your city or county
• General liability insurance, plus workers' compensation once you hire; ask your insurer about cover for an entertainment venue
• Waivers for players, with guardians signing for minors, reviewed by a local attorney
• Lease terms and long commitments before you know how much demand there is
• If you sell food or drinks, check health department permit rules
• Busy weekends and quiet weekdays, so plan cash flow for slower periods

Startup costs are typically around $100,000 to $500,000, depending on the size of the unit, how you fit out the arena and the equipment you buy. Lease terms matter too, so avoid long commitments before you know demand.

Monthly revenue is typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on how many parties, groups and walk-ins you attract. Weekends are busy and weekdays quieter, so plan cash flow for slower periods. These are revenue estimates, not profit.

Check zoning, building permits, fire code and occupancy rules with your city or county. Also check insurance for an entertainment venue, workers' compensation once you hire, waivers reviewed by a local attorney, and health department permits if you sell food or drinks.