Buying vs. Starting a Nursery from Scratch

[HOOK]
Are you considering entering the nursery business, but stuck deciding whether to buy an existing nursery or start your own from scratch? In this video, we’ll break down both options, look at the pros and cons, and share some real-life stories to help you choose your path.
Now, here’s a challenge for you: I want you to think of one innovative idea you’d love to implement in your own nursery—whether it’s a unique curriculum or a creative play area. Drop your idea in the comments below, and I’ll personally offer feedback to help spark your journey!
By the end of this video, not only will you have all the facts you need, but you’ll also see why this is the perfect time to act— And trust me, you won’t want to miss the incredible success stories of people who’ve gone through both paths.

But before we get into all that, welcome to the channel

[INTRO]
Welcome to the channel! Open a nursery with myself Curtly Ania, where I support you to open run and grow  creator of ‘Open Your Nursery in Just 6 Months Without a Massive Budget.’ and over the years, I have helped countless entrepreneurs—like you—realize their dream of owning a nursery, whether by buying or starting one from scratch.
But today, we’re diving into something that many of you ask me about: Should I buy an existing nursery, or should I start my own from scratch? It’s a common dilemma that many aspiring nursery owners face, and today we’re going to break it down for you.

But before we dive into the details, make sure to hit that subscribe button and ring the bell so you don’t miss out on future videos like this one! And as always, all the links and resources I mention will be in the description below. So let’s jump right in!

[SECTION 1: The Pros and Cons of Buying an Existing Nursery]
First, let’s start with buying an existing nursery. Sounds simple enough, right? You get a nursery that’s already established, with a client base, staff, and all the infrastructure in place. But, of course, there’s more to it than meets the eye.

Pros of Buying an Existing Nursery:

1. Instant Client Base: When you buy an existing nursery, you inherit an established client base. This means that from day one, you’ve got parents bringing their children, and you don’t have to build that client base from scratch.
2. Established Brand and Reputation: The nursery may already have a brand that parents trust, which can be very beneficial. You don’t have to spend time and money building a brand, and you can leverage the reputation already established.
3. Established Processes and Staff: Most existing nurseries come with trained staff and established systems in place. That’s one less thing to worry about when you take over the business.

Cons of Buying an Existing Nursery:

1. The Price: Buying an existing nursery can be expensive. You’re not just buying a building, but also goodwill, which is often factored into the price. On top of that, if the nursery isn’t running efficiently, it might require significant investments to improve its operations.
2. Inherit Existing Problems: If the nursery has been poorly managed, you might inherit operational issues, bad staff morale, or even financial difficulties. You could also inherit policies that aren’t in line with the latest regulations, leading to extra work and investment to make things right.
3. Limited Flexibility: Buying an established business often means you’re stuck with its current structure, including its premises, branding, and operational systems. If you’re someone who wants to innovate and build something from the ground up, this might not be the best option for you.

Pop-up text reminder: “Remember: A bullet-point list of pros and cons will appear as you hear them!”

[SECTION 2: The Advantages of Starting a Nursery from Scratch]
Now, let’s talk about the alternative: starting your own nursery from scratch. While buying an existing nursery may offer a quicker route to opening, starting from scratch offers you the freedom to build a business that perfectly aligns with your vision.

Pros of Starting a Nursery from Scratch:

1. Complete Control: When you start from scratch, you have the freedom to design every aspect of your nursery, from the building layout to the curriculum and the type of atmosphere you want to create. You can build the nursery to reflect your values, your educational philosophy, and your business goals.
2. Lower Initial Investment: You won’t have to pay for the established brand or reputation that an existing nursery comes with. With the right planning, you can keep your start-up costs lower. Plus, you have the option of growing your nursery at a pace that fits your financial situation.
3. A Fresh Start: Starting your nursery from scratch means you’re not dealing with any inherited issues. Whether it’s a problematic staff, an outdated curriculum, or poor operational systems, you get a clean slate to build a thriving business.
4. Long-Term Profit Potential: While it might take longer to build a clientele from scratch, once your nursery is established, it could be incredibly profitable. You’re in control of how the business grows and can scale it in ways that fit your goals.

Think about what does your dream nursery look like? Is it brimming with innovative learning spaces or infused with nature-inspired designs? Starting from scratch will allow you to create this dream nursery, but you will need to consider how difficult it might be to implement this at an existing established nursery.  If it won’t be much of a change then great, but if it will be it might prove challenging to really establish your vision.

[SECTION 3: Real Client Stories—Buying vs. Starting from Scratch]
To bring this to life, let me share some stories of people who’ve either bought an existing nursery or started one from scratch.

Client Story 1: Buying an Existing Nursery
One of my clients, Joshua, came to me wanting to buy an established nursery. He liked the idea of inheriting an existing client base and staff, so he went ahead with the purchase. However, shortly after taking over, he realized that the nursery had serious operational issues—poor staff morale, outdated equipment, and inefficient processes.

I helped Joshua identify and address the problems. We revamped the staff training, reorganized the space, and brought in new policies to improve the quality of care. Within six months, Joshua had transformed the nursery, improved staff retention, and built a more solid reputation in the community. It wasn’t easy, but he was glad he had the support to get it right.

Interactive visual cue: “Stay tuned—after this section, I’ll show you a chart that illustrates how many nurseries are opening across the country, reinforcing why rapid action is essential.”

Client Story 2: Starting from Scratch
Then there’s Lorraine, who decided to start her own nursery from scratch. She and her husband had no experience running a nursery, but they had a clear vision. Together, we worked through each step—finding the perfect location, creating a business plan, and designing the nursery to meet Ofsted’s standards.

It wasn’t a quick process, but after months of hard work, they opened their doors and filled their spaces within the first two months. Now, Lorraine owns three nurseries, one of which recently received a “Good” rating from Ofsted. Starting from scratch allowed her to create a nursery that perfectly aligned with her values, and the results speak for themselves.

[SECTION 4: The Bottom Line—Which Option is Right for You?]
So, which option is right for you? Here’s what I’ve learned over the years of helping clients choose the best route:

• If you want to take over an established brand and are comfortable working through potential operational issues, buying an existing nursery might be the right choice. It can be a good option if you’re looking for a quicker route to owning a nursery but are prepared to invest time and energy into turning things around.
• If you want complete control over every aspect of your nursery and are willing to invest time in building something from the ground up, starting from scratch could be the best option for you. It requires patience, but the rewards of creating something that’s truly your own can be incredibly fulfilling.

Urgency note: “Whichever option you choose, you should Act now—demand for childcare is at an all-time high, and new nursery openings are surging. According to recent data (see our visual chart), the market is booming, and opportunities won’t wait forever!”

[SECTION 5: How I Can Help You Succeed, Regardless of Your Choice]
Whether you choose to buy a nursery or start your own from scratch, I’m here to support you every step of the way. I’ve helped people with both paths, and here’s how I can guide you:

1. For Buying a Nursery: I’ll help you assess the viability of the business you’re looking at, guide you through the financials, and help you transform it into a profitable venture.
2. For Starting a Nursery from Scratch: I offer personalized consultations, a comprehensive online course, and resources that can help you from the very beginning, including site selection, business plans, and the Ofsted registration process.

So, no matter which route you decide to take, I’m here to help you succeed.

But, don’t just take my word for it, check out what Aklima had to say about how I helped her.

[CALL TO ACTION]
If you’re ready to take the next step, I’d love to hear about your plans. Click the link below and fill out the form to share more about what you’re looking to do. I’ll personally review your goals and help you map out the best strategy to make your nursery dream a reality.

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more helpful videos. And if you have any questions, feel free to drop them in the comments below—I’m always happy to help. Let’s make this happen!

[OUTRO]
Thank you for watching! I hope this video has clarified your options on buying versus starting a nursery. Remember, the market is vibrant and growing—don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to create something truly your own.
In our next video, I’ll dive deeper into how to choose the perfect property for your nursery, so make sure to subscribe.
See you in the next video, and let’s make your nursery dream a reality!