A Step-by-step Guide on How to Start a Club

Here are the most important things to think about when starting a club:

1. Theme — Start with a theme for your club such as hobby and interest-based clubs, professional and networking clubs, cultural and language clubs, social and community service clubs, fitness and sports clubs, or educational and learning clubs.
2. Membership and concept — Decide on the membership concept. Will it be regular, student, senior, or family memberships? Calculate the fee for the members and include benefits such as access to exclusive events, resources, and facilities, discounts on products or services, and the opportunity to meet like-minded individuals.
3. Location — If your club involves physical activities, such as sports or crafts, a convenient and accessible location can be crucial for attracting and retaining members. Similarly, if the club involves regular in-person meetings or events, a centrally located venue might be more appealing.
4. Register your business — A limited liability company (LLC) is the best legal structure for new businesses because it is fast and simple. Form your business immediately using ZenBusiness LLC formation service or hire one of the best LLC services on the market.
5. Legal business aspects — Register for taxes, open a business bank account, and get an EIN.
6. Licenses and permits — If your club operates from a physical location, you’ll need to make sure the space is zoned appropriately for your type of activity. If you plan to serve alcohol at club events, a liquor license will likely be required.

Step 1: Decide if the Business Is Right for You

Pros and Cons

Before starting a club, it’s important to consider the pros and cons. 

Civic, Social, and Youth Organizations Industry Trends

Industry Size and Growth

• Industry size and past growth — The US civic, social, and youth organizations market was worth $24.1 billion in 2023. The industry experienced an average annual growth of 1.2% over the past five years.((https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/market-size/civic-social-youth-organizations-united-states/))
• Growth forecast — The global civic and social organizations market is expected to grow at an annual rate of 3.8% through 2028.((https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/report/civic-and-social-organizations-global-market-report))
• Number of businesses — In 2023, there were around 38,000 civic, social, and youth organizations operating in the US.((https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/number-of-businesses/civic-social-youth-organizations-united-states/))
• Number of people employed — In 2023, US civic, social, and youth organizations employed around 240,000 people.((https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/employment/civic-social-youth-organizations-united-states/))

Trends and Challenges

Trends

• The recent pandemic put events and trips on hold for many clubs and organizations. However, many had smashing success taking things virtual, building lucrative online membership sites that continue today.
• New technology to manage memberships has made it easier than ever for business owners to collect monthly dues. Members can now set up automatic payments, creating recurring revenue streams.

Challenges

• The most successful clubs and organizations provide outstanding value to their members and a wide variety of events and activities. This requires a ton of work and additional staff, especially if you plan on scaling. 
• Membership organizations can have high turnover rates, especially in tough economies. When people look to save money, things like clubs and organizations are often seen as necessary and cut from the budget.

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Club?

Startup costs for a club or membership organization range from $4,600 to $11,500. Your largest costs will be related to advertising your club and attracting members. Other expenses include a website, a computer, and software.

You’ll need a handful of items to successfully launch your club business, including:

• Computer
• Website
• Membership management software
• Logo and branding

Start-up Costs	Ballpark Range	Average
Licenses and permits	$100–$300	$200
Insurance	$100–$300	$200
Marketing and advertising	$1,500–$4,000	$2,750
Website	$1,000–$2,000	$1,500
Computer	$800–$1,600	$1,200
Software	$100–$400	$250
Events and activities	$1,000–$3,000	$2,000
Total	$4,600–$11,600	$8,100

How Much Can You Earn From a Club?

Monthly membership dues at an average social club are somewhere around $100. You’ll have very little ongoing costs, aside from marketing and event-related expenses. Expect a profit margin of around 90%. 

In your first year or two, you could attract 50 members to your club at a rate of $100 per month, bringing in $60,000 in annual revenue. This would mean $54,000 in profit, assuming a 90% margin. 

As your club gains recognition, you could raise your monthly rate to $125 and grow your membership base to 100. At this stage, you’d hire additional staff, reducing your margin to around 70%. With an annual revenue of $150,000, you’d make a handsome profit of $105,000. 

What Barriers to Entry Are There?

There are a few barriers to entry when starting a club. Your biggest challenges will be:

• Competition from existing clubs in your niche
• Building up a profitable membership base

Step 2: Hone Your Idea

Now that you know what’s involved in starting a club, it’s a good idea to hone your concept in preparation to enter a competitive market. 

Market research will give you the upper hand, even if you’re already positive that you have a perfect product or service. Conducting market research is important because it can help you understand your customers better, who your competitors are, and your business landscape.

Why? Identify an Opportunity

Research clubs and organizations in your area and online to examine their offerings and price points. You’re looking for a market gap to fill. For instance, maybe the local market is missing a social club for single moms or a sports-focused book and movie club.   

This could jumpstart your word-of-mouth marketing and attract clients right away. 

What? Determine Your Offerings

You’ll charge members for access to a community of like-minded individuals around a topic of shared interest. You’ll likely plan and host a variety of different events that bring members together on a regular basis. You might also plan trips, invite speakers to meetings, and take part in charitable activities.

How Much Should You Charge for Club Memberships?

Fees and dues for memberships to clubs and organizations vary greatly, depending on the value you provide, how often you meet, and any events you may host. Clubs typically charge members monthly fees and may offer a discount if they pay yearly. 

Most social clubs around special interests have fees anywhere from $25 to $200 per month. Professional organizations for executives within an industry could cost a member tens of thousands of dollars per year. Aim for a profit margin of around 90%.

Once you know your costs, you can use our profit margin calculator to determine your markup and final price points. Remember, the prices you use at launch should be subject to change if warranted by the market.

Who? Identify Your Target Market

Your target market will be based on the niche you decide to base your club around. For example, if you wish to find members for a financial professional organization, you might have luck advertising your business on LinkedIn. 

Clubs related to hobbies, sports, or a specific lifestyle should focus their marketing efforts on social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. Attending local trade shows and conventions in your niche can help attract members as well. 

Where? Choose Your Club Location

For in-person meetings, many clubs and organizations rent out conference spaces, hold events at local restaurants, or utilize space at community centers. Today, there are also many memberships that function completely online.

You may want to run the administrative portion of your business from home to keep costs low. But as your business grows, you’ll likely need to hire workers for various roles and may need to rent out an office or a dedicated meeting space. You can find commercial space to rent in your area on sites such as Craigslist, Crexi, and Instant Offices.

When choosing a commercial space, you may want to follow these rules of thumb:

• Central location accessible via public transport
• Ventilated and spacious, with good natural light
• Flexible lease that can be extended as your business grows
• Ready-to-use space with no major renovations or repairs needed

Step 3: Brainstorm a Club Name

Here are some ideas for brainstorming your business name:

• Short, unique, and catchy names tend to stand out
• Names that are easy to say and spell tend to do better 
• Name should be relevant to your product or service offerings
• Ask around — family, friends, colleagues, social media — for suggestions
• Including keywords, such as “organization” or “club,” boosts SEO
• Name should allow for expansion, for example, “Nightlife Journey Clubs” over “Hip Hop Nightclub”
• A location-based name can help establish a strong connection with your local community and help with the SEO, but might hinder future expansion

Once you’ve got a list of potential names, visit the US Patent and Trademark Office website to make sure those names are available for registration. Check the availability of related domain names using our Domain Name Search tool. Using “.com” or “.org” sharply increases credibility, so it’s best to focus on these. 

Finally, make your choice among the names that pass this screening and go ahead with domain registration and social media account creation. Your business name is one of the key differentiators that sets your business apart. Once you pick your company name and start with the branding, it is hard to change the business name. Therefore, it’s important to carefully consider your choice before you start a business entity.

Step 4: Create a Club Business Plan

Here are the key components of a business plan:

• Executive summary — A concise summary outlining the key aspects of the business plan, providing a snapshot of the club’s mission, goals, and anticipated success
• Business overview — A brief description of the club, including its mission, vision, and the specific niche or target market it aims to serve
• Product and services — Clear and concise details about the club’s offerings, specifying the types of events, activities, or services it will provide to its members
• Market analysis — A thorough examination of the target market, including demographics, trends, and potential opportunities for the club within the industry
• Competitive analysis — An assessment of competitors in the market, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and strategies to position the club effectively
• Sales and marketing — Strategies for promoting the club, attracting members, and sustaining revenue, encompassing both online and offline marketing efforts
• Management team — Brief bios of key individuals involved in managing the club, highlighting their relevant skills and experience
• Operations plan — A detailed plan outlining how the club will function day-to-day, covering logistical aspects such as venue, staffing, and event coordination
• Financial plan — A comprehensive overview of the club’s financial projections, including startup costs, revenue forecasts, and budget allocations
• Appendix — Additional supporting documents, such as resumes of key team members, legal documents, or any other pertinent information that enhances the business plan

If you’ve never created a business plan, it can be an intimidating task. You might consider hiring a business plan specialist to create a top-notch business plan for you.

Step 5: Register Your Business

Plus, registration is exciting because it makes the entire process official. Once it’s complete, you’ll have your own business! 

Choose Where to Register Your Company

Your business location is important because it can affect taxes, legal requirements, and revenue. Most people will register their business in the state where they live, but if you are planning to expand, you might consider looking elsewhere, as some states could offer real advantages when it comes to clubs and organizations. 

If you’re willing to move, you could really maximize your business! Keep in mind that it’s relatively easy to transfer your business to another state. 

Choose Your Business Structure

Business entities come in several varieties, each with its pros and cons. The legal structure you choose for your club will shape your taxes, personal liability, and business registration requirements, so choose wisely. 

Here are the main options:

• Sole proprietorship — The most common structure for small businesses makes no legal distinction between company and owner. All income goes to the owner, who’s also liable for any debts, losses, or liabilities incurred by the business. The owner pays taxes on business income on his or her personal tax return.
• General partnership — Similar to a sole proprietorship, but for two or more people. Again, owners keep the profits and are liable for losses. The partners pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.
• Limited Liability Company (LLC) — Combines the characteristics of corporations with those of sole proprietorships or partnerships. Again, the owners are not personally liable for debts.
• C Corporation — Under this structure, the business is a distinct legal entity and the owner or owners are not personally liable for business debts. Owners take profits through shareholder dividends rather than directly. The corporation pays taxes, and owners pay taxes on their dividends, which is sometimes referred to as double taxation.
• S Corporation — This refers to the tax classification of the business but is not a business entity. Either a corporation or an LLC can elect to be an S Corp for tax status. Here, income is passed through directly to shareholders, who pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.

We recommend that new business owners choose LLC as it offers liability protection and pass-through taxation while being simpler to form than a corporation. You can form an LLC in as little as five minutes using an online LLC formation service. They will check that your business name is available before filing, submit your articles of organization, and answer any questions you might have.

Step 6: Register for Taxes

The final step before you’re able to pay taxes is getting an Employer Identification Number or EIN. You can file for your EIN online or by mail/fax. Visit the IRS website to learn more. Keep in mind, if you’ve chosen to be a sole proprietorship you can simply use your social security number as your EIN. 

Once you have your EIN, you’ll need to choose your tax year. Financially speaking, your business will operate in a calendar year (January–December) or a fiscal year, a 12-month period that can start in any month. This will determine your tax cycle, while your business structure will determine which taxes you’ll pay.

It is important to consult an accountant or other professional to help you with your taxes to ensure you are completing them correctly.

Step 7: Fund Your Business

Securing financing is your next step, and there are plenty of ways to raise capital:

• Bank loans — This is the most common method, but getting approved requires a rock-solid business plan and a strong credit history.
• SBA-guaranteed loans — The Small Business Administration can act as a guarantor, helping gain that elusive bank approval via an SBA-guaranteed loan.
• Government grants — A handful of financial assistance programs help fund entrepreneurs. Visit Grants.gov to learn which might work for you.
• Friends and family — Reach out to friends and family to provide a business loan or investment in your concept. It’s a good idea to have legal advice when doing so because SEC regulations apply.
• Crowdfunding — Websites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo offer increasingly popular low-risk options in which donors fund your vision. Entrepreneurial crowdfunding sites like Fundable and WeFunder enable multiple investors to fund your business.
• Personal — Self-fund your business via your savings or the sale of property or other assets.

Bank and SBA loans are probably the best options, other than friends and family, for funding a club. You might also try crowdfunding if you have an innovative concept.  

Step 8: Apply for Club Business Licenses and Permits

Starting a club or organization requires obtaining a number of licenses and permits from local, state, and federal governments.

Federal regulations, licenses, and permits associated with starting your business include doing business as (DBA), health licenses and permits from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), trademarks, copyrights, patents, and other intellectual properties, as well as industry-specific licenses and permits. 

You may also need state-level and local county or city-based licenses and permits. The license requirements and how to obtain them vary, so check the websites of your state, city, and county governments or contact the appropriate person to learn more. 

You could also check this SBA guide for your state’s requirements, but we recommend using MyCorporation’s Business License Compliance Package. They will research the exact forms you need for your business and state and provide them to ensure you’re fully compliant.

If you feel overwhelmed by this step or don’t know how to begin, it might be a good idea to hire a professional to help you check all the legal boxes.

Step 9: Open a Business Bank Account

Before you start making money, you’ll need a place to keep it, and that requires opening a bank account.

Keeping your business finances separate from your personal account makes it easy to file taxes and track your company’s income, so it’s worth doing even if you’re running your club as a sole proprietorship. Opening a business bank account is quite simple and similar to opening a personal one. Most major banks offer accounts tailored for businesses — just inquire at your preferred bank to learn about their rates and features.

Banks vary in terms of offerings, so it’s a good idea to examine your options and select the best plan for you. Once you choose your bank, bring in your EIN (or Social Security Number if you decide on a sole proprietorship), articles of incorporation, and other legal documents and open your new account. 

Step 10: Get Business Insurance

Business insurance is an area that often gets overlooked yet it can be vital to your success as an entrepreneur. Insurance protects you from unexpected events that can have a devastating impact on your business.

Here are some types of insurance to consider:

• General liability — The most comprehensive type of insurance, acting as a catch-all for many business elements that require coverage. If you get just one kind of insurance, this is it. It even protects against bodily injury and property damage.
• Business property — Provides coverage for your equipment and supplies.
• Equipment breakdown insurance — Covers the cost of replacing or repairing equipment that has broken due to mechanical issues.
• Worker’s compensation — Provides compensation to employees injured on the job.
• Property — Covers your physical space, whether it is a cart, storefront, or office.
• Commercial auto — Protection for your company-owned vehicle.
• Professional liability — Protects against claims from clients who say they suffered a loss due to an error or omission in your work.
• Business owner’s policy (BOP) — This is an insurance plan that acts as an all-in-one insurance policy, a combination of the above insurance types.

Step 11: Prepare to Launch

As the opening day nears, prepare for launch by reviewing and improving some key elements of your business. 

Essential Software and Tools

Being an entrepreneur often means wearing many hats, from marketing to sales to accounting, which can be overwhelming. Fortunately, many websites and digital tools are available to help simplify many business tasks.  

You may want to use industry-specific software, such as GlueUp, YourMembership, or MembershipWorks, to store member information, schedule and plan gatherings, and monetize online events.

Accounting

• Popular web-based accounting programs for smaller businesses include Quickbooks, FreshBooks, and Xero. 
• If you’re unfamiliar with basic accounting, you may want to hire a professional, especially as you begin. The consequences of filing incorrect tax documents can be harsh, so accuracy is crucial.

Develop Your Website

Website development is crucial because your site is your online presence and needs to convince prospective clients of your expertise and professionalism.

You can create your own website using website builders. This route is very affordable, but figuring out how to build a website can be time-consuming. If you lack tech savvy, you can hire a web designer or developer to create a custom website for your business.

However, people are unlikely to find your website unless you follow Search Engine Optimization (SEO) practices. These are steps that help pages rank higher in the results of top search engines like Google. 

Marketing

Here are some powerful marketing strategies for your future business:

• Local SEO — Enhance your website with detailed information about membership benefits and club activities, optimizing it for local and interest-specific search terms to attract potential members. Regularly update your Google My Business and Yelp profiles to strengthen your local search presence.
• Professional branding — Ensure your branding reflects the values, activities, and atmosphere of your club are consistent across all marketing materials and club decor.
• Direct outreach — Build relationships with local businesses, community leaders, and influencers to help promote your club and broaden its reach.
• Social media engagement — Utilize platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to post updates about club events, member achievements, and the overall club lifestyle.
• Club life blog — Share engaging content about club activities, spotlight members, and discuss the benefits of joining your community to attract new members.
• Open house events — Organize open house events to give prospective members a firsthand experience of the club’s offerings and community.
• Networking and social events — Host regular events that align with your members’ interests and provide valuable networking opportunities.
• Local business partnerships — Collaborate with local businesses and organizations to offer mutual benefits, such as discounts for members or co-hosted events.
• Community involvement and sponsorships — Participate in community service projects and sponsor local events to enhance your club’s visibility and contribute positively to the community.
• Referral programs — Implement a referral program that incentivizes members to bring new members, enhancing member recruitment efforts.
• Member loyalty benefits — Provide exclusive benefits, such as discounts or special recognition, to long-standing members to encourage retention and loyalty.
• Targeted local advertising — Employ local media, community boards, and online platforms to promote your club effectively within the community, targeting potential members.

Focus on USPs

Unique selling propositions, or USPs, are the characteristics of a product or service that set it apart from the competition. Today’s customers are inundated with buying options, so you’ll have a real advantage if they are able to quickly grasp how your club meets their needs or wishes. It’s wise to do all you can to ensure your USPs stand out on your website and in your marketing and promotional materials, stimulating buyer desire. 

Global pizza chain Domino’s is renowned for its USP: “Hot pizza in 30 minutes or less, guaranteed.” Signature USPs for your club could be: 

• Network with the city’s up-and-coming young professionals
• Hear from marketing’s thought leaders at our monthly meetings
• Unwind over wine with local single moms

Networking

You may not like to network or use personal connections for business gain, but your personal and professional networks likely offer considerable untapped business potential. Maybe that Facebook friend you met in college is now running a membership organization, or a LinkedIn contact of yours is connected to dozens of potential clients. Maybe your cousin or neighbor has been running a club for years and can offer invaluable insight and industry connections. 

The possibilities are endless, so it’s a good idea to review your personal and professional networks and reach out to those with possible links to or interest in clubs. You’ll probably generate new customers or find companies with which you could establish a partnership. Online businesses might also consider affiliate marketing as a way to build relationships with potential partners and boost business.

Step 12: Build Your Team

If you’re starting out small from a home office, you may not need any employees. But as your business grows, you will likely need workers to fill various roles. Potential positions for a membership organization include:

• Administrative assistant — Collecting membership dues, printing materials for meetings
• Event planner — Coordinating with event staff, managing events calendar
• Marketing lead — Managing social media sites, running ad campaigns

At some point, you may need to hire all of these positions or simply a few, depending on the size and needs of your business. You might also hire multiple workers for a single role or a single worker for multiple roles, again depending on need. 

Free-of-charge methods to recruit employees include posting ads on popular platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, or Jobs.com. You might also consider a premium recruitment option, such as advertising on Indeed, Glassdoor, or ZipRecruiter. Further, if you have the resources, you could consider hiring a recruitment agency to help you find talent. 

Step 13: Run a Club — Start Making Money!

From rock climbing to rock music, there’s a club for everyone these days. Starting your own club around something you’re passionate about is a fantastic way to meet like-minded people and turn an impressive profit along the way.

Now that you’ve familiarized yourself with what it takes to launch a successful club, it’s time to get out there and make membership magic happen!

Common Questions

Are clubs and membership organizations profitable?

Yes, clubs and memberships can be extremely profitable. The key will be in how attractive and valuable your club is as well as your membership retention rates.

What is the growth potential of a club?

Clubs bring in money from membership fees, so the more members you attract, the more money you’ll make. 

Can you start a club business on the side?

You could start a club as a side hustle. You’d just have to do it on a small scale.

What are the skills and experience required that will help me to to open a club?

You have to be a great marketer to attract members to your club. You also need to be able to organize club events.

What makes a good night club?

A great location and atmosphere make a nightclub successful. It’s also good to offer food items as well as an alcoholic beverages.