MAM
Mumbai Marathon: Media professionals run for a cause
MUMBAI: On the day that Mumbai runs, it’s another city altogether. No honking, no mad rush to reach somewhere, but an army of runners, who want to test their limits, painting a healthier sight of the maximum city.
Keeping aside the usual business suits, a whole bunch of executives right from broadcast companies, media agencies to marketers and advertisers will once again don their running shoes as they join others for the 2015 edition of the Mumbai Marathon.
The largest marathon in south east Asia, which will take place on 18 January, will see media veteran Bharat Kapadia running half marathon; his 12th marathon, overall. “Last year, I ranked 47th in my category. I started running at the age of 54. I have been training with a group called ‘Be Fit’ and we have been practicing on alternate days from 6 am to 8 am at Juhu Beach,” he says proudly.
Kapadia believes that for people, who are hesitant to run, it’s all a mind game. “Anybody can run. 75 per cent of it is a mind game. No one is a born athlete. Also, the benefits of running versus that of visiting a gym can’t be compared,” he adds.
Agrees his follow runner, HDFC Life marketing, product, digital and e-commerce senior executive vice president Sanjay Tripathy. “It is a great way to test your limits and prepare your mind for bigger challenges in the life. One can also see it as an opportunity to meet like-minded people,” he says, while adding that he will be running his seventh marathon for which he has been preparing for three months now.
For Spatial Access founder Meenakshi Menon running the dream marathon is like child’s play. A regular runner, Menon will be running for her NGO Vanashakti along the likes of film director Namita Roy Ghose. “Lately, running has become sexy so a lot more people are up for the challenge. I believe everyone should run for a cause because the country lacks social compassion and to be great country it is a must,” she opines.
India chairman and managing director Sunil Lulla will be running the half marathon with two partners of which one is physically handicapped. “I will be running for Children’s Movement for Civic Awareness,” says Lulla who is running his sixth marathon.
Media agency Vizeum India managing director Yesu Yesudas is running the marathon. And he has taken to social media to raise funds for two of his causes: an old age home and orphanage Swagat Ashram in Mumbai, and a tribal school Vidya Vanam in Tamil Nadu. “I have a desire to raise Rs 500,000 for these two causes. I am making a personal contribution of Rs 100,000,” he announced on Facebook. And he went on to urge his friends to contribute Rs 2,000 each to help him reach his goal.
GroupM ESP entertainment, sports and live events national director Vinit Karnik says that the property has been evolving over a period of time and it is highly commendable. “The organisers i.e. Procam have done a fantastic job and it is one of the most well respected and well organised sports property in India. Right from the registration of the participants to the doubts of the participants on the actual day about their well being is taken care of completely by the organizers,” he highlights.
This year five new brands, namely Cigna TTK, Jabong.com, Volini, TUI, and India Cares Foundation have associated with the event as health insurance, online retail, recovery, travel and philanthropy partners, respectively.
India’s early education sector is growing fast, making preschool franchises a profitable business option for new entrepreneurs. However, success depends heavily on clear budgeting and realistic financial planning in the first year. From initial setup costs to monthly expenses and expected revenue, every detail matters.
This guide breaks down the year 1 costs and explains how long it typically takes to reach break-even and start generating consistent profit.
Initial Investment Breakdown
The initial investment includes the key costs required to set up the centre and prepare it for admissions. For anyone evaluating a preschool franchise in Chennai, this breakdown helps explain where the money goes at the start and supports better financial planning during the launch stage.
Franchise Fee
The franchise fee is usually the first fixed outlay. It may include onboarding, training support, and access to the operating model. This amount should be separated from the premises budget, since it does not usually cover fit-outs, hiring, or local compliance.
Infrastructure Setup
Infrastructure setup often takes a major share of the budget. Interior work, child-safe flooring, washroom changes, classroom partitions, storage, and entry security can all affect the final figure. Costs may also vary depending on whether the property needs basic modification or a full fit-out.
Furniture & Equipment
This includes classroom seating, storage units, play materials, learning aids, outdoor play items, office furniture, and basic technology. A realistic estimate should separate essential purchases from items that can be added later, so the first-year budget stays more controlled.
Monthly Operating Costs
Monthly operating costs are the regular expenses needed to keep the centre running smoothly after launch. While reviewing the overall playgroups franchise cost, these recurring payments are important because they directly affect cash flow and the time taken to reach stable returns.
Rent
Rent is usually the most predictable recurring cost, but it can create pressure if occupancy grows slowly. A Year 1 plan should include security deposits, possible rent increases, and the risk of low enrolment in the early months.
Staff Salaries
Teacher salaries, helper wages, and administration support form the core of monthly expenditure. Payroll planning should consider the minimum staffing needed to run safely and consistently.
Utilities & Maintenance
Electricity, water, internet, cleaning supplies, repairs, sanitisation, and routine upkeep can add up throughout the year. A play school for young children must also plan for regular wear and tear. A small maintenance buffer can help cover these repeated costs.
Revenue Potential in Year 1
Revenue in the first year depends on how the centre earns from admissions and how quickly enrolment improves. A clear view of fee planning and student strength helps in understanding how soon the business may move towards operating balance.
Fee Structure
Revenue depends on how fees are structured across admission charges, tuition, activity components, and other school-related collections. It is equally important to map when payments are received, since cash flow timing can influence working capital during the first year.
Student Capacity
Student capacity plays a central role in the profit timeline. A centre may open with room for more children than it can initially enrol, so profitability often depends on how quickly seats are filled. Fixed costs begin immediately, while revenue builds gradually, which is why some centres reach monthly break-even earlier than others.
Conclusion
A good year-1 budget for a play school franchise should balance setup expenses, monthly commitments, and the likely pace of admissions. The key issue is not only the opening spend, but how long the centre can operate before enrolment supports recurring costs. When each cost item is mapped clearly, the profit timeline becomes easier to assess, and financial decisions become more measured from the outset.
