I would like to open a performance space for local bands and local people since there is NOTHING but clubs and sports bars in this decent size nyc suburb here where I am now.
I went to high school here and there really is nothing to do but drive around smoke drink and go to the mall. It is a blue collar town but all the bars and clubs are geared toward white collar-ness or at least the prices are. This is why it will work. No one wants to pay 5 bucks for a Budweiser when for 1.50 more I can get a 6 pack at one of the 12 grocery chain stores within 10 miles from here. I have found a space with although its small I think its perfect fits about 100 standing comfortably. Has a small stage at one end doors on the other and one on side for fire. Looked into just beer and wine license not too bad around 400 for 6 months in ny state for cities under 100,000 in population. My city has about 60,000. (counting surrounding areas) and most of all kids. Kids with no where to go but a crappy mall full of things no one wants. So a few days a week shows would be all ages moderately priced at 5 bucks a piece or 10. Not sure yet. The rent however is 1200 a month includes all but electric which wouldn't be much. The rent I would like more at 800 since also people landlords like to act like it's the new manhattan around here when its def. not.. however people do come up here from New York and pay 5 bucks for beer like morons.. and then the local people have no where to go. So really you could get started for about 5 grand. Which I have, and will do.
however I would like to possibly open the grand idea right away. A bigger space with vintage arcade games on the wall for 25 cents, and food just as cheap as the beer.
limited to burgers, fries, chicken and maybe ham egg and cheese and some stir fry plates.
but the idea is the same. Bigger place + kitchen = more money. Plus I think more paper work to serve food etc. which I don't have. It could probably be done for 35 grand but done better for 50 grand. I am 26 with credit cards since 18 (all in good shape) in fact only 1 of 5 has a balance anymore and my student loan is at 10 grand at 6% or so.
never bankrupt and NOT ENOUGH for a 35k loan.. wall street got 600 billion for ruining the country and I can't get 35 grand to give people a place to hang out..
I thought about making it non profit since I really don't care at this point anymore.
if it pays for it self perfect! But that's a whole other long process. But easier to find funding I think. Soooo any ideas on how to get maybe private funding or a partner or a loan
or should I look into no profit performance space?

thanks for anything - george

Where do you live because I've actually be looking to open a music venue and bar and I live in a nyc suburb, haha. I think it's a great idea and definitely has possibilities. It's just about balancing your costs. I work with a lot of musicians in the Westchester area and know about what acts are looking for in a venue. I like to idea of a low-key low-cost place: people don't want to spend a million bucks to grab a few beers and hear good music. Good luck!

thanks for your kind words
I was looking to open the place in a town/city where I grew up mostly called middletown ny.
in orange county. I was born in nyack ny. Interstate 84 and 17 make an X right threw middletown. Its 1.5 hours from manhattan/brooklyn and a fair amount of people live here now, though I am 100% sure they paid too much to do so.

Have you applied to the small business admin for a small business loan ?

Do you have a business plan showing your needs for operation captiol.