A wilderness survival training business is a company that offers courses and programs to teach individuals the skills and knowledge necessary to survive and thrive in outdoor wilderness environments. These businesses typically provide hands-on training and education on a variety of topics, including shelter building, fire making, water purification, navigation, foraging, basic first aid, and other essential survival skills.
The courses are designed to equip participants with the skills needed to handle various challenges and emergencies that may arise in the wilderness, such as getting lost, encountering dangerous wildlife, or facing adverse weather conditions. The training programs often take place in remote outdoor locations, providing an authentic wilderness experience.
A wilderness survival training business may cater to a wide range of clients, including outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, campers, backpackers, adventure seekers, and even professionals like park rangers, military personnel, and rescue teams. The courses can be tailored to different skill levels, from beginners to advanced survivalists.
Steps on How to Write a Wilderness Survival Training Business Plan
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Executive Summary
Edge® Wilderness Survival Training Center, Inc. is an outdoor education and adventure company located in Jackson, Wyoming.
Situated in Jackson, Wyoming, our center benefits from its proximity to renowned wilderness areas such as Grand Teton National Park and Bridger-Teton National Forest. This allows for convenient access to diverse environments, enriching the training experience.
Our training programs are led by highly skilled and experienced instructors with extensive backgrounds in wilderness survival, outdoor education, and emergency response. Their expertise ensures the highest quality instruction and a safe learning environment.
We prioritize hands-on learning and practical exercises to provide participants with immersive experiences in real wilderness settings. This approach fosters confidence and enhances the retention of essential survival skills.
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Company Profile
a. Our Products and Services
At Edge® Wilderness Survival Training Center, we provide a variety of programs tailored to different skill levels and interests. Our offerings include:
- Survival Skills Courses
We offer multi-day courses that cover fundamental survival skills such as shelter building, fire making, water sourcing, foraging, and navigation. Participants learn hands-on techniques through expert instruction and practical exercises.
- Advanced Wilderness Training
For those seeking more in-depth knowledge, we provide advanced training programs focusing on specialized areas such as primitive skills, advanced navigation techniques, wilderness first aid, and wildlife encounters. These programs are designed to enhance participants’ expertise and self-reliance in demanding wilderness situations.
- Expeditions and Adventure Trips
We organize guided wilderness expeditions to renowned destinations in the surrounding areas, including Grand Teton National Park, Bridger-Teton National Forest, and the Yellowstone ecosystem. These expeditions combine survival skills training with unforgettable outdoor experiences, allowing participants to put their skills to the test in real-world scenarios.
b. Nature of the Business
Our wilderness survival training will operate the B2C – Business to consumer business model.
c. The Industry
Edge® Wilderness Survival Training Center, Inc. will operate in the outdoor education and adventure industry.
d. Mission Statement
Our mission is to empower individuals with the knowledge, skills, and confidence necessary to thrive in the wilderness. We are committed to providing comprehensive and immersive training programs that promote self-reliance, outdoor stewardship, and a deep connection with nature.
Through expert instruction, hands-on experiences, and a commitment to safety, we aim to equip our participants with the tools they need to navigate and survive in challenging wilderness environments.
e. Vision Statement
Our vision at Edge® Wilderness Survival Training Center, Inc. is to be the premier provider of wilderness survival training, setting the standard for excellence in outdoor education and adventure. We aspire to inspire a new generation of outdoor enthusiasts who are skilled, knowledgeable, and respectful of the natural world.
f. Our Tagline (Slogan)
Edge® Wilderness Survival Training Center, Inc. – “Embrace the Wild. Thrive in Nature.”
g. Legal Structure of the Business (LLC, C Corp, S Corp, LLP)
Edge® Wilderness Survival Training Center, Inc. will be formed as a Limited Liability Company, LLC.
h. Our Organizational Structure
- Chief Operating Officer (Owner)
- Training Center Manager
- Administrative Officer (Cashier)
- Marketing and Sales Officer
- Trainers (Instructors)
- Customer Care Executive.
i. Ownership/Shareholder Structure and Board Members
- Ronald Santos (Owner and Chairman/Chief Executive Officer) 51 Percent Shares
- David Buchanan (Board Member) 19 Percent Shares
- Simon Plumtree (Board Member) 10 Percent Shares
- Tim Wilberforce (Board Member) 10 Percent Shares
- Christiana Johnson (Board Member and Secretary) 10 Percent Shares.
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SWOT Analysis
a. Strength
- Edge® Wilderness Survival Training Center has a team of highly skilled and experienced instructors with expertise in wilderness survival, outdoor education, and emergency response.
- The center prioritizes hands-on learning and practical exercises, providing participants with immersive experiences to enhance their skills and confidence in wilderness survival.
- Situated in Jackson, Wyoming, the center benefits from its proximity to renowned wilderness areas, offering diverse environments for training and expeditions.
- Edge® Wilderness Survival Training Center offers a range of programs, including survival skills courses, advanced training, and guided expeditions, catering to various skill levels and interests.
- The center prioritizes safety and adheres to strict protocols to ensure the well-being of participants during training and expeditions.
b. Weakness
- The center’s operations may be affected by seasonal variations and weather conditions, limiting the availability of certain programs during certain times of the year.
- Depending on the specific amenities and facilities available at the center, there may be limitations on the size of groups that can be accommodated or the types of programs that can be offered.
- The market for wilderness survival training may be niche, potentially limiting the size of the target market.
c. Opportunities
- The increasing popularity of outdoor recreation and adventure activities presents an opportunity for Edge® Wilderness Survival Training Center to tap into a growing market.
- Forming partnerships with outdoor organizations, such as adventure travel companies or educational institutions, can expand the reach and visibility of the center’s programs.
- Developing specialized training programs for specific target groups, such as corporate team building or youth organizations, can attract new clientele and diversify revenue streams.
i. How Big is the Industry?
The outdoor education and adventure industry that wilderness survival training is a part of is not a big industry.
ii. Is the Industry Growing or Declining?
It is worth noting that outdoor education and adventure have been experiencing growth and increased interest over the years. The rising popularity of outdoor activities, adventure travel, and the desire for experiential learning have contributed to the demand for wilderness survival training programs.
iii. What are the Future Trends in the Industry?
As more people seek to reconnect with nature and acquire practical skills for outdoor adventures, there may be a growing demand for wilderness survival training. This trend could be driven by a desire for self-reliance, personal growth, and a greater appreciation for sustainable living.
Technology may play a larger role in wilderness survival training, both in terms of instructional techniques and the use of outdoor gear. This could include the integration of virtual reality, online learning platforms, and wearable devices for navigation and safety purposes.
Given the growing awareness of environmental issues, there may be a greater emphasis on teaching sustainable practices and promoting environmental stewardship within wilderness survival training programs. This could involve integrating eco-friendly techniques, Leave No Trace principles, and education on responsible wilderness use.
iv. Are There Existing Niches in the Industry?
No, there are no niche ideas when it comes to the wilderness survival training line of business. This is so because the wilderness survival training business is a niche idea in the outdoor education and adventure industry.
v. Can You Sell a Franchise of Your Business in the Future?
Edge® Wilderness Survival Training Center, Inc. has plans to sell franchises in the nearest future and we will target major cities with wilderness in the United States of America.
d. Threats
- There may be existing or emerging competitors offering similar wilderness survival training programs in the region, posing a threat to market share.
- Economic downturns or fluctuations can impact discretionary spending on outdoor activities and adventure programs.
- Compliance with regulations and securing necessary permits for conducting activities in wilderness areas may pose administrative challenges.
i. Who are the Major Competitors?
- REI Outdoor School
- NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School)
- Bear Grylls Survival Academy
- Survival Training School of California
- Boulder Outdoor Survival School (BOSS)
- The Pathfinder School
- Wilderness Awareness School
- Ancient Pathways Survival School
- Sigma 3 Survival School
- Maine Primitive Skills School
- Mountain Shepherd Wilderness Survival School
- Adventure Out
- Earth Native Wilderness School
- Mountain Scout Survival School
- Alderleaf Wilderness College
- Primitive Pursuits
- Jack Mountain Bushcraft School
- Survival Training Incorporated
- Outdoor Adventure Skills
- True North Wilderness Survival School.
ii. Is There a Franchise for Wilderness survival training Business?
No, there are no franchise opportunities for wilderness survival training businesses.
iii. Are There Policies, Regulations, or Zoning Laws Affecting Wilderness Survival Training Businesses?
Yes, there are policies, regulations, and zoning laws that can affect wilderness survival training businesses in the United States. These regulations can vary at the federal, state, and local levels.
Wilderness survival training businesses operating in ecologically sensitive areas may be subject to environmental regulations aimed at protecting natural resources and wildlife. These regulations may include restrictions on campsite locations, waste management practices, or regulations related to protected species.
Outdoor education businesses are typically required to have appropriate safety measures in place to ensure participant well-being. This may include having trained staff, emergency response plans, and equipment in case of accidents or emergencies.
Depending on the services offered, there may be industry-specific certifications or qualifications required for instructors or guides leading wilderness survival training programs. For example, certifications in wilderness first aid or outdoor leadership may be beneficial or mandatory.
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Marketing Plan
a. Who is Your Target Audience?
i. Age Range
Our target audience primarily consists of adults aged 18 to 45. However, we may also offer specific programs or workshops tailored to younger participants, such as teenagers or families.
ii. Level of Education
Our target audience typically has a range of educational backgrounds, from high school graduates to college-educated individuals. We cater to individuals seeking practical outdoor skills and experiential learning beyond formal education.
iii. Income Level
Our target audience includes individuals with varying income levels. While our programs may have associated costs, we strive to offer a range of options to accommodate different budgets, ensuring accessibility for a broad audience.
iv. Ethnicity
Our programs are open to individuals of all ethnicities and backgrounds. We aim to create an inclusive and diverse learning environment that welcomes participants from various cultural backgrounds.
v. Language
English is the primary language used in our training programs and instructional materials. Proficiency in English is generally expected, although we may consider offering translation or interpretation services upon request.
vi. Geographical Location
Our primary focus is on individuals located in or near Jackson, Wyoming. However, we may attract participants from other regions and even international visitors who are interested in wilderness survival training in a specific geographic area.
vii. Lifestyle
Our target audience generally consists of outdoor enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and individuals with an interest in nature exploration and self-reliance.
b. Advertising and Promotion Strategies
- Host Themed Events That Catch the Attention of Potential Clients.
- Tap Into Text Marketing.
- Use FOMO to Run Photo Promotions.
- Share Your Events in Local Groups and Pages.
- Turn Your Social Media Channels into a Resource
- Develop Your Business Directory Profiles
- Build Relationships with other outdoor education and adventure service providers and related organizations in our Area
i. Traditional Marketing Strategies
- Marketing through Direct Mail.
- Print Media Marketing – Newspapers & Magazines.
- Broadcast Marketing -Television & Radio Channels.
- OOH Marketing – Public Transit like Buses and Trains, Billboards, Street shows, and Cabs.
- Leverage direct sales, direct mail (postcards, brochures, letters, fliers), tradeshows, print advertising (magazines, newspapers, coupon books, billboards), referral (also known as word-of-mouth marketing), radio, and television.
ii. Digital Marketing Strategies
- Social Media Marketing Platforms.
- Influencer Marketing.
- Email Marketing.
- Content Marketing.
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Marketing.
- Affiliate Marketing
- Mobile Marketing.
iii. Social Media Marketing Plan
- Start using chatbots.
- Create a personalized experience for each of our clients.
- Create an efficient content marketing strategy.
- Create a community for our freelance marketers and influencers.
- Gear up our profiles with a diverse content strategy.
- Use brand advocates.
- Create profiles on relevant social media channels.
- Run cross-channel campaigns.
c. Pricing Strategy
Edge® Wilderness Survival Training Center, Inc. will adopt the following pricing strategies:
- Cost-Plus Pricing
- Value-Based Pricing
- Competitive Pricing
- Dynamic Pricing
- Bundle Pricing
Please note that our pricing strategy is based on a careful analysis of the costs and profitability of the business, as well as the needs and preferences of the target customer base.
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Sales and Distribution Plan
a. Sales Channels
Our channel sales strategy will involve using partners and third parties—such as referral partners, affiliate partners, freelance marketers, and social media influencers to help refer clients to us.
Edge® Wilderness Survival Training Center, Inc. will also leverage the 4 Ps of marketing which is the place, price, product, and promotion. By carefully integrating all these marketing strategies into a marketing mix, we can have a visible, in-demand service that is competitively priced and promoted to our patients and donors.
b. Inventory Strategy
The fact that we will need wilderness survival training supplies per time means that Edge® Wilderness Survival Training Center, Inc. will operate an inventory strategy that is based on a day-to-day methodology for ordering, maintaining, and processing items in our warehouse.
We will develop our strategy with the same thoroughness and attention to detail as we would if we were creating an overall strategy for the business.
c. Payment Options for Customers
- Bank Transfers
- Credit or Debit Card
- Cash
- Checks
- Electronic Payment Systems such as PayPal or Venmo.
d. Return Policy, Incentives, and Guarantees
Return Policy
We will outline our cancellation policy, including any applicable fees, notice periods, and refund policies for unused portions of prepaid memberships.
Incentives
Edge® Wilderness Survival Training Center, Inc. will offer incentives to existing members who refer new members to our training center. This can include discounts on future classes or merchandise, free trial sessions, or other rewards.
Guarantees
We will guarantee a safe training environment for our members, by implementing appropriate safety protocols, equipment maintenance, and qualified training staff.
Edge® Wilderness Survival Training Center, Inc. will prioritize customer satisfaction by addressing concerns or issues promptly, ensuring open communication channels, and providing a positive and supportive atmosphere for all members.
e. Customer Support Strategy
Our customer support strategy will involve ensuring that clients can contact our wilderness survival training business through multiple communication channels, such as email, phone, and social media. We will also make sure that all contact information is clearly displayed on the business’s website and promotional materials.
We will foster a culture of putting clients first, where staff are trained to listen actively and empathize with clients’ needs. We will implement a CRM system to manage client data, track appointments, and follow-up activities.
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Operational Plan
Edge® Wilderness Survival Training Center, Inc. will secure a suitable facility that includes training areas, classrooms, equipment storage, and administrative space.
Ensure the facility meets safety regulations and is equipped with necessary amenities for participants and staff. Acquire and maintain appropriate outdoor equipment, gear, and training materials for effective instruction. Design comprehensive and engaging wilderness survival training programs that cater to different skill levels and participant interests.
Develop and implement robust safety protocols to minimize risks during training programs. Conduct thorough risk assessments of training activities, locations, and equipment to ensure participant safety. Provide participants with clear safety guidelines and instructions, including emergency procedures and proper use of equipment.
a. What Happens During a Typical Day at a Wilderness Survival Training Center?
During a typical day at a wilderness survival training center, participants engage in a range of activities designed to develop essential skills for surviving and thriving in the wilderness. The day usually starts with an introduction and briefing by instructors, followed by hands-on skill development sessions.
Participants learn and practice wilderness survival techniques, such as fire building, shelter construction, navigation, and foraging for food. Field training and simulations take place in the wilderness, allowing participants to apply their skills in realistic scenarios.
Outdoor cooking and food preparation sessions teach participants how to gather and cook food using limited resources. Team-building exercises foster collaboration and problem-solving skills. The day concludes with a recap, Q&A sessions, and relaxation time.
b. Production Process
There is no production process when it comes to a wilderness survival training business.
c. Service Procedure
The service procedure for a wilderness survival training center typically involves the following steps:
- Program Selection
- Registration and Enrollment
- Preparatory Information
- Arrival and Orientation
- Training Sessions
- Skill Development and Practice
- Field Training and Scenarios
- Debriefing and Feedback
- Program Conclusion
- Follow-up and Support.
d. The Supply Chain
Edge® Wilderness Survival Training Center, Inc. will establish business relationships with wholesale supplies of wilderness survival merchandise.
e. Sources of Income
Edge® Wilderness Survival Training Center, Inc. will generate revenue from teaching individuals the skills necessary to survive and thrive in outdoor wilderness environments and also from selling wilderness survival kits.
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Financial Plan
a. Amount Needed to Start Our Wilderness Survival Training?
Edge® Wilderness Survival Training Center, Inc. would need an estimate of $750,000 to successfully set up our wilderness survival training business in the United States of America. Please note that this amount includes the salaries of all our staff for the first month of operation.
b. What are the Costs Involved?
- Business Registration Fees – $750.
- Legal expenses for obtaining licenses and permits – $7,300.
- Marketing, Branding, and Promotions – $5,000.
- Business Consultant Fee – $2,500.
- Insurance – $5,400.
- Rent/Lease – $250,000.
- Other start-up expenses including commercial satellite TV subscriptions, stationery ($500), and phone and utility deposits ($2,800).
- Operational Cost (salaries of employees, payments of bills et al) – $70,000
- start-up inventory – $35,000
- Store Equipment (cash register, security, ventilation, signage) – $4,750
- Equipment and maintenance – $150,000
- Website: $600
- Opening party: $3,000
- Miscellaneous: $2,000
c. Do You Need to Build a Facility? If YES, How Much Will It Cost?
Edge® Wilderness Survival Training Center, Inc. will not initially build a new facility for our wilderness survival training; we intend to start with a long-term lease and after 5 years, we will start the process of acquiring our own facility.
d. What are the Ongoing Expenses for Running a Wilderness Survival Training Business?
- Staffing Costs (salaries, wages, benefits, and training for instructors, administrative staff, and support personnel).
- Rent or mortgage payments, utilities (electricity, water, heating/cooling), maintenance, repairs, insurance, and property taxes for the training facility.
- Ongoing costs for acquiring and maintaining outdoor equipment, gear, training materials, first aid supplies, navigation tools, communication devices, and other necessary items.
- Expenses related to marketing campaigns, website maintenance, online advertising, print materials, promotional materials, and partnerships with outdoor organizations or travel agencies.
- Insurance
- Costs associated with obtaining and renewing necessary licenses, permits, certifications, and any regulatory compliance requirements.
- Training and Certifications
- Costs for office supplies, software licenses, accounting and bookkeeping services, legal fees, taxes, and other administrative needs.
- Expenses for fuel, vehicle maintenance, and insurance.
- Miscellaneous Expenses.
e. What is the Average Salary of your Staff?
- Chief Executive Officer (Owner) – $65,000 per year
- Training Center Manager – $48,000 per year
- Trainers (Instructors) – $45,000 per year
- Administrative Officer (Cashier) – $35,000 per year
- Marketing and Sales Officer – $35,000 per year
- Customer Care Executive – $28,396 per year.
f. How Do You Get Funding to Start a Wilderness Survival Training Business?
- Raising money from personal savings and sale of personal stocks and properties
- Applying for a loan from your bank/banks
- Pitching our business idea and applying for business grants and seed funding from the government, donor organizations, and angel investors
- Source for soft loans from our family members and friends.
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Financial Projection
a. How Much Should You Charge for Your Product/Service?
On average, a one-day wilderness survival training workshop may range from $100 to $300 per participant. Multi-day programs or workshops that span a weekend or a few days can range from $500 to $1,500 per participant. More extensive programs, such as week-long or multi-week expeditions, can range from $2,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on the inclusions, accommodations, and additional services provided.
b. Sales Forecast?
- First Fiscal Year (FY1): $300,000
- Second Fiscal Year (FY2): $450,000
- Third Fiscal Year (FY3): $550,000
c. Estimated Profit You Will Make a Year?
- First Fiscal Year (FY1): (20% of revenue generated)
- Second Fiscal Year (FY2): (25% of revenue generated)
- Third Fiscal Year (FY3): (30% of revenue generated)
d. Profit Margin of a Wilderness survival training
The ideal profit margin we hope to make at Edge® Wilderness Survival Training Center, Inc. will be between 10 and 25 percent on service charges.
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Growth Plan
a. How do you intend to grow and expand? By opening more retail outlets/offices or selling a franchise?
Edge® Wilderness Survival Training Center, Inc. will grow our wilderness survival training business by first opening other facilities in key cities in the United States of America within the first five years of establishing the organization and then will start selling franchises from the tenth year.
b. Where do you intend to expand to and why?
Edge® Wilderness Survival Training Center, Inc. plans to expand to
- Denver, Colorado
- Seattle, Washington
- Salt Lake City, Utah
- Portland, Oregon
- Anchorage, Alaska
- Asheville, North Carolina
- Missoula, Montana
- Bozeman, Montana
- Jackson, Wyoming
- Flagstaff, Arizona.
We intend to expand to these locations because these cities offer a blend of urban amenities and convenient access to wilderness areas, making them popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
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Exit Plan
The founder of Edge® Wilderness Survival Training Center, Inc. plans to exit the business via family succession. We have positioned structures and processes in place that will help us achieve our plan of successfully transferring the business from one family member to another and from one generation to another without difficulties.
The company has successfully developed a detailed transition plan to smoothly hand over responsibilities to the new successor. This includes transferring ownership, training key personnel, and communicating with employees, customers, and suppliers about the change.