Advice on starting up a computer tutoring business

scottishf · 27 February 2011 at 3:27PM

I haven't a clue where to start with this, but I know it's something I want to do and there is a demand for in my area.....can anyone give me advice on Startup grants, finance and how to go about the whole thing. Any advice from people who have done this b4 would also be good.

Thanks.

Premier_2 · 27 February 2011 at 3:39PM

What do you need a grant for? :huh:

Do you actually need any start-up capital? If you have already identified a demand and know someone willing to pay you, can't you offer to teach them in their own home on their own computer?
Or how about inviting them around to yours and teach them on your computer?

scottishf · 27 February 2011 at 4:03PM

Premier wrote: »

What do you need a grant for? :huh:

Do you actually need any start-up capital? If you have already identified a demand and know someone willing to pay you, can't you offer to teach them in their own home on their own computer?
Or how about inviting them around to yours and teach them on your computer?

Well I would need money to print off copies of tutorials, I was hoping to have somewhere I could rent to teach, and I would need computers and teaching aids...(whiteboard etc) Probably also need money for brochures and advertising etc, incase I didnt get the demand I was anticipating.

motorguy · 27 February 2011 at 4:17PM

scottishf wrote: »

Well I would need money to print off copies of tutorials, I was hoping to have somewhere I could rent to teach, and I would need computers and teaching aids...(whiteboard etc) Probably also need money for brochures and advertising etc, incase I didnt get the demand I was anticipating.

Why not see what the demand is by offering one on one tutorials in the evenings? Dont forget lots of technical colleges run very low cost tutorial courses so i'd want to be very sure there was a market before spending ££££'s that i dont have.

I definitely think one on one training is the way to go, then any tutorials you wanted to create could be printed off on an as needed basis.

Also, do it in their home so there is no hardware cost to you. You could do sessions on emailing, using word, using a spreadsheet, pc healtchecking, internet, etc. You could target the 'silver surfer' market - often they just want someone to sit with them 'in case they break it'

Advertising should be a one liner in your local paper, noticeboards, cornershop windows and libraries.

There we go - one ready made business and no outlay. Dont run before you can walk.

paddyrg · 27 February 2011 at 5:00PM

What computing skills do you have? If you have any formal trade qualifications (MCSE, A+, etc), make a deal of those, otherwise you're just 'some bloke'.

If for instance you have a strong commercial background in Oracle databasing (or CSS, or whatever), you could also lecture on-site for groups like learningtree - they use freelance industry professionals as opposed to staffers to teach their classes.

scottishf · 27 February 2011 at 5:21PM

paddyrg wrote: »

What computing skills do you have? If you have any formal trade qualifications (MCSE, A+, etc), make a deal of those, otherwise you're just 'some bloke'.

If for instance you have a strong commercial background in Oracle databasing (or CSS, or whatever), you could also lecture on-site for groups like learningtree - they use freelance industry professionals as opposed to staffers to teach their classes.

I have a Bsc in computing and have advanced ECDL..I have also worked in an IT support role for many years, and did a bit of teaching - i'd get upset if I got taken for a 'bloke' LOL

Savvy_Sue · 27 February 2011 at 6:24PM

this is one area where you can well make a point of not being a bloke, of course. also make a point of not being a geek / nerd. As you're tutoring, it's probably less relevant, but worth setting out what time you will arrive and leave if you are going to homes, and make sure you do! (We have one chap who 'fixes' things for DH who was still here at 3 am once! The computer is on the landing outside our bedroom door, so I could hear the continuing conversations - "this should only take five minutes" was repeated several times over the last 3 hours!)

Jowo_2 · 27 February 2011 at 6:48PM

Assuming you are in Scotland, you'll find this link useful. Your first act is to produce a business plan.

http://www.scottish-enterprise.com/start-your-business.aspx

Grants are few and far in between and tend to be small in sum.

paddyrg · 27 February 2011 at 6:53PM

In which case I'd certainly make a point of talking up the BSc, less so the ECDL (in my humble opinion) as it is not really advanced computing per se, more oriented around using office apps. Have a look at the syllabuses for GCSE/A-level, hopefully they have a bit more to get into and your BSc may be more relevant. You may also want to look at getting a CRB check if you don't have one already from your teaching, it'll reassure parents.

Have a look at some professional training too. That can pay ~£300/day to teach pre-prepared syllabuses, or if you develop a new popular course for those companies you can also take a royalty on each class taught around the world.

paulwf · 27 February 2011 at 8:51PM

scottishf wrote: »

there is a demand for in my area

What have you done to demonstrate this? Are you sure the demand is still there if you were charging £10+ an hour? How many lessons will people take? You'll need a lot of repeat business to make a living.

patman99 · 27 February 2011 at 10:15PM

If you can, go to College and get a PTTL, this would enable you to then offer your services to run classes at your local Night School. This sort of work pays well & costs you nothing for resources as the place of learning provides them.