Introduction to My Business Journey: Combat Archery Edmonton
Driving through the streets of Edmonton with the sun setting, my mind kept wandering back to the Combat Archery experience from my hometown. The day I witnessed the excitement of shooting arrows at large targets, I couldn't help but think about the demand for such an activity in Edmonton, a city with more than a million inhabitants.
From Boredom to Inspiration
It was a typical Friday night, and my buddy and I were bored. Over pizza, I shared a new game I was excited about—an Archery Tag game. Eager to find out if this game was offered in Edmonton, I pulled out my smartphone and asked Google for help. To my dismay, no relevant results were found. My friend suggested going to the movies instead, but I was left questioning why the game wasn't available here.
The Birth of a Business Idea
As I mused over the lack of Combat Archery in Edmonton, I realized the potential demand. Back in Toronto, various archery venues had already proven the concept successful. Why could it not work in Edmonton?
Driven by curiosity and a strong business sense, I embarked on a journey of research. I went through extensive analysis, developed multiple business plans, and conducted financial forecasts. Unlike previous business ventures, I was more fervent in my approach, expecting to reach the same conclusion: "too risky." But the numbers told a different story. They looked good, and so, I decided to take the leap.
The Startup Stage
Fifteen months after my initial inspiration, I had a warehouse rental secured, mercifully. I placed an order for rubber flooring tiles, hired a friend to install them, and contacted painters to transform the warehouse into a safe and inviting space. I complied with disabilities legislation to ensure accessibility.
Procuring furniture, office equipment, and fencing materials, I also installed chainlink fences to create a secure environment. I built a website, set up an ecommerce platform for online bookings, and hired an accountant and employees. My days turned into 18-hour marathon sessions. Just as I thought my funds might run out, the business became operational.
The Launch and Immediate Success
Upon opening, I invested generously in advertising. The business welcomed a stream of thousands of customers in its first month, exceeding my initial expectations. I had to quickly scale up by hiring more staff to accommodate the demand. Today, the business continues to thrive, providing our customers with exceptional experiences.
This is my business story. From a seemingly small idea to a booming local business, it's a journey of perseverance, research, and vision. If you're passionate about a similar idea, don't let challenge paralyze you; take action.
Success is rarely built without effort. Are you ready to turn your idea into a reality?