Pre-Conference Workshop (Full Day)

Title: Climbing Gym Start-up Planning

Dates: May 1

Location: Outlook Hotel, Boulder, CO

Start Time: 9 a.m.

End Time: 5 p.m.

Cost: $120.00

Presenter: Cort Gariepy, Owner, Rockwerx

Presenter's Contact Information

Email: cort@srws.com

Website: www.rockwerxclimbing.com

Presenter's Bio:

Cort Gariepy is the owner of Rockwerx.

Workshop Description:

This workshop is designed for anyone who is interested in opening a climbing gym. We will begin with a general discussion of the business plan document - what should be included and not included. We will teach you the process of analyzing area demographics to determine what size climbing gym is optimal for a specific city. We will discuss raising capital and go through the process of developing a financial model for the business including start up capital requirements, and income & operating expenses. We will conclude by going over the construction process including real estate, zoning, architecture, engineering, and climbing wall design & construction.

Workshop Goals:

By the conclusion of this workshop, participants will have a clear understanding or overview of the challenging process of "how to open a commercial rock climbing facility". Be prepared to be motivated and to leave with road map for a life changing endeavor.

Workshop Outline:

1. Business Planning
    A. Writing a Business Plan
2. Demographic Study
    A. What Size Climbing Gym to Build in Various Markets
3. Raising Capital
    A. Private Investment
    B. Bank Financing
4. Financial Projections
    A. Building a financial model
    B. Start-up Costs
    C. Operating Income
    D. Operating Expenses
5. Product and Service Mix
6. Location & Real Estate
    A. Renting
    B. Buying
7. Zoning Considerations
8. Architecture
9. Climbing Wall Design, Engineering, & Construction