Events & entertainment
Escape room or entertainment venue
Design and run an escape room, axe-throwing or game venue.
- Start-up cost
- $30k–$150k
- First revenue
- ~6 months
- Time needed
- 40+ hrs/week
- Where
- Local
Rough estimates. Costs and timelines vary a lot by location and niche.
Who thrives at this
- People who have a strong creative streak
- People who are comfortable taking big swings
- People who want to build something big
- People who enjoy digging into data and puzzles
- People who get energy from being around people
Involves face-to-face work with customers.
Skills that help
Don't have them yet? Tap one to find beginner courses.
Your starter kit
The tools and steps most people need to get a escape room or entertainment venue business off the ground.
1. Test the idea
2. Launch
- Register your business FreeChoose a structure (sole prop, LLC…) and register with your state. The SBA explains every option.
- Get an EIN from the IRS FreeYour business tax ID. Free and takes about 10 minutes online. Never pay a third party for this.
- Licenses & permits FreeFind out which local, state and federal licenses your business needs.
- Business insurance basics FreeWhat coverage small businesses typically need, and how to shop for it.
- Open a business bank account FreeKeep business money separate from day one. The SBA covers what to look for.
- Wave FreeFree accounting and invoicing for small businesses.
- Canva FreeMake a logo, flyers, social posts and business cards without hiring a designer.
- Google Business Profile FreeFree listing so local customers find you on Google Search and Maps. The single best free marketing for a local business.
- Square Take card payments in person with a phone, plus invoices and simple booking.
Some links may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission at no cost to you. It never affects your matches. How we choose resources
Is this the one for you?
Take the free quiz to see how well escape room or entertainment venue fits your personality, and what else might fit even better.
Take the quiz →