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Baby Office
Published on 14 March 2019
Czech Republic
Praha
This is the good practice's implementation level. It can be national, regional or local.
About this good practice
Baby Office is a project of social entrepreneurship that helps parents combine work with childcare. The initial intention was to create a social space for parents with small children.
Winning start-up competition in 2012 was a huge kick and confirmation that the concept was right. However, half a year later it showed up that it was not as successful as it originally looked like. After 3 months the starting sum of money was almost gone while only about a tenth of the planned number of customers was a tough reality. At that time the company received 130 000 € support from EU funds but it showed up to be an incredible bureaucratic burden taking away valuable resources.
Soon after it became apparent that the concept is no longer sustainable. However, the coworking concept was just enough to cover expenses and did not provide any additional income to grow. During that time the most important decision was taken – to promote and run mobile childcare facility. Currently, the enterprise has three main areas of activity – mini-kindergarten, education and mobile childcare facilities. They are provided for a reasonable price in order to maximize their utilization. The price covers the expensed and generates a small profit. The service is appreciated by event visitors with children. They can leave children in the facility and enjoy the event without worrying about the children. There is always an interesting programme for the children somehow linked to the event subject.
Winning start-up competition in 2012 was a huge kick and confirmation that the concept was right. However, half a year later it showed up that it was not as successful as it originally looked like. After 3 months the starting sum of money was almost gone while only about a tenth of the planned number of customers was a tough reality. At that time the company received 130 000 € support from EU funds but it showed up to be an incredible bureaucratic burden taking away valuable resources.
Soon after it became apparent that the concept is no longer sustainable. However, the coworking concept was just enough to cover expenses and did not provide any additional income to grow. During that time the most important decision was taken – to promote and run mobile childcare facility. Currently, the enterprise has three main areas of activity – mini-kindergarten, education and mobile childcare facilities. They are provided for a reasonable price in order to maximize their utilization. The price covers the expensed and generates a small profit. The service is appreciated by event visitors with children. They can leave children in the facility and enjoy the event without worrying about the children. There is always an interesting programme for the children somehow linked to the event subject.
Resources needed
Total turnover is around 44 000 €. The company has 3 permanent employees disadvantaged on the labour market (parents with small children).
Evidence of success
Complete change of target group over the past 3 years to cope with a different entrepreneurship climate than initially expected.
Coming over initial financial losses and reaching slight profitability.
Finding a sustainable funding model.
Keeping first stable company customers.
Coming over initial financial losses and reaching slight profitability.
Finding a sustainable funding model.
Keeping first stable company customers.
Potential for learning or transfer
It is always very important to think twice if the SE founder has enough energy to build an enterprise which will take years to settle down and prosper with a little perspective of personal financial rewards. The initial enthusiasm must be very long-lasting for at least several years. However, it is almost impossible to avoid mistakes, losses and steps that look pointless in the retrospective point of view.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
Organisation
Regional Development Agency of South Bohemia RERA a.s.
Czech Republic
Jihozápad
Contact
project manager