A
How much of my project is Apogee prepared to handle?
We
have the team in place to handle as much of your project as you
desire. We have some of the top experts in the business on our
team: producers, designers, master planners, project managers,
economists, marketing experts, etc. We are ready to handle your
project from concept development through construction, opening
and operation, or we will handle only those portions of your
project where you would like assistance.
I
have some seed money. What is my next step?
The
best place to start is with Master Planning, preliminary Concept
Development, and a Feasibility Study. This will create the framework
for your planning and will provide you with the facts that will
become the key elements ofyour business plan.
What
is a feasibility study?
The
feasibility study is really two studies. A market study that
will analyze and report on your market conditions, both local
and tourist, the competition, the fit for your concept in your
market, attendance patterns, etc. The second part will contain
the first meaningful projection of: (a) capital spending projections;
(b) operating costs, and (c) the financial analysis of your project.
All of these are critical elements in preparing your business
plan, and both segments are essential in order to make realistic
decisions regarding your project.
How
do I get started without my financing in place?
Attracting seed money, is a major stumbling block for many entrepreneurs. It
is important to understand that virtually all themed projects will need funding
from a financial institution. Venture capital firms, and even private investors,
rarely will carry the complete financial burden. Banks and other major lenders
will always insist on a business plan that includes, at least, the following:
a
feasibility study,
professionally prepared concept development,
a design program,
a preliminary master plan,
capital budget,
operating budget,
highly qualified management team.
The
good news is Apogee can create any or all of these items for you.
Doing all the work required on these initial items will require
some funding, generally referred to as seed money.
How
much money will I need?
This really depends on the scope of your
project. The larger the scope of your project, the more detail
your financial institutions and investors will demand. Please call
us at 508.624.8777 to discuss your project
and seed money requirements (international callers +001.508.624.8777).
What
information will I need to provide to prospective investors?
Raising capital for projects today is
more challenging than ever. Banks, venture capital firms, and
other investors are more cautious than ever in investing capital
in new businesses or ventures. Apogee can assist you in pulling
together the necessary documentation and providing answers to investors'
questions, which will usually include:
When
should I hire the architect?
Architects are a critical part of the
team, and the sooner they can become part of the process, the
more the project will benefit. Actual architectural planning
and facility architecture, however, can not begin until the Attraction
Design Program is complete and the specific attraction concepts ride systems
and shows are determined. If the building has been designed before the attraction
has been determined, expensive redesign is often the result.
Will
Apogee prepare my business plan for me?
We prefer to supply you all the necessary information for your plan that you
would, then, prepare. In limited circumstances, we will undertake the complete
preparation of your plan.
Will
the top Apogee principals and associates be assigned to my project?
We will do our best to provide you with the Apogee personnel
you request. The timing of your project and needs is the primary
determining factor in who is available to best meet your requirements.
What
does Apogee charge for an initial meeting?
We are more than pleased to have a preliminary
meeting with you on your project, in many cases, at no cost
to you other than out-of-pocket travel expense. It is usually
best to meet close to or at your project site.
Will
Apogee invest in my project?
We will help you every step of the way
in your efforts to raise funding, but we are not investors.
Will Apogee work for free on the first steps of my project to
help me get started (funding)?
We are not able to work
for free or on "spec." We are a consulting
company that provides professional services
to our clients. We sometimes join with clients
at their request in various partnership arrangements,
but this is not in lieu of payment. Do you
have your investors in place yet? Have they
provided you with the seed money to get started
on your project?
Will Apogee work internationally?
Yes, our team is prepared to work, and has worked,
in many countries around the world.
Will
Apogee be part of a joint venture with
us?
We sometimes join with clients,
at their request, in various partnership
arrangements, but
this is not in lieu of payment. We would
be very pleased to assist you with your project,
but we are not able to work on "spec," nor
are we investors. We are a consulting
company that provides professional services
to our clients. Do you have your investors
in place yet? Have they provided you
with the seed money to get started on your
project?
(c)
2006 Apogee Attractions
