Neighborhood tutoring center

Parents of school-age children and teens, and some adult learners paying directly for sessions or monthly packages.

Monthly membership or per-session fees, with extra income from test prep courses, summer programs and small-group classes.

• Teaching or tutoring experience
• Clear communication with parents
• Organizing schedules and managing tutors
• Basic marketing

• Tutoring itself usually does not need a special professional license, but most cities and counties require a general business license or registration and a certificate of occupancy or zoning approval for your space, so check with your city or county
• General liability insurance, and workers' compensation once you hire staff (requirements vary by state)
• Background checks for anyone working with minors, check your state's rules
• Lease commitments before you have steady enrollment
• Some states regulate private schools or training programs, so confirm with your state education department whether a tutoring center is covered

Startup costs are typically around $8,000 to $35,000, depending on your space, furnishings, materials, insurance and marketing. These are estimates. Watch lease commitments, since you may sign before you have steady enrollment.

Monthly revenue is typically around $2,500 to $12,000, depending on how many students enroll, your session or package pricing and how many tutors you manage. The estimates start from about 25 hours a week.

Tutoring usually needs no special professional license, but check your city or county for a business license and certificate of occupancy or zoning approval. Also check insurance, background checks for staff working with minors, and whether your state regulates private schools or training programs.