How to Start an Assisted Living Business from Scratch

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Starting an assisted living business can feel overwhelming — especially if you have no idea where to start. 🏠

You might be asking yourself:

Where do I begin?
How do I find funding?
What about licensing?

Good news — you’re not alone! In this guide, I’ll walk you through the five-step FOCUS framework I teach inside my programs. This roadmap will help you move from “I don’t know where to start” to confidently launching your first residential assisted living business.

Let’s dive in! 🚀

Check out this video, too:

Step 1: Build Your Foundation 🔭

The F stand for Foundation First .

This step doesn’t require money — just time and clarity.

✅ Build your business plan
✅ Practice your underwriting
✅ Do your market research

Once you have your foundation, everything goes so much more smoothly!

People are far more likely to support you when you show them a clear plan and purpose.

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re not sure where to start building your foundation, join the Roadmap Challenge or grab the Launchpad Bundle. They’re designed to help you know how to get started and create the strong foundation your business needs.

Step 2: Find the Right Property 🏡

Once your foundation is set, it’s time to move to the O in the FOCUS framework: Optimal Property Selection.

Finding the right property becomes much easier once you know your vision and target population.

You’ve done your market research and defined exactly what your home will look like — how many bedrooms it will have, and what population you’ll serve.

With that clarity, navigating zoning and fire approvals becomes manageable. You’ll hit roadblocks, but you’ll know exactly how to move forward. 💪

Step 3: Secure Capital and Funding 💰

Next up — C stands for Capital and Funding.

This is one of the biggest hurdles for new entrepreneurs.

Many people feel stuck when it comes to funding, but there are many different paths to explore — SBA loans, grants, private investors, and creative financing options. You just need to know where to look.

Inside the Roadmap Challenge, we teach the CASH Compass, which helps you identify the right funding options for your unique situation.

💡 Remember: You don’t need to have all the money to get started. You just need a plan that attracts the right partners and investors.

Step 4: Understand the Rules and Regulations ⚖️

This is the U in FOCUS — and it’s where many people get stuck.

Licensing and regulations can feel confusing, especially if you’ve never worked in healthcare.

Government websites and processes can be tricky to navigate, and it’s easy to feel frustrated trying to figure everything out.

You might be a real estate investor who’s new to healthcare, or a nurse who knows healthcare but not the licensing process. Either way, it can be challenging.

But here’s the truth: patience and persistence win.

Take the time to understand your state’s licensing requirements. If you plan to work with Medicaid, make sure you know what that process looks like too.

Step 5: Launch Strategically 🚀

Finally, S is for Strategic Launch — because opening your doors is just the beginning.

You’ve opened your facility — and now the real work starts. Payroll, staffing, resident care, food costs, compliance — it’s a lot!

You need systems, templates, and processes to run a profitable and sustainable business.

People’s lives depend on you — your staff, your residents, their families, and your own family.

That’s why having a proven process and support system is so important. Whether you work with us at Assisted Living Investing or another mentor, don’t try to do this alone.

The FOCUS Framework Summary 🌟

Here’s a quick recap of the FOCUS framework:

🔹 F – Foundation First
🔹 O – Optimal Property Selection
🔹 C – Capital & Funding
🔹 U – Understanding the Rules
🔹 S – Strategic Launch

Follow this five-phase framework, and you’ll be 99% further ahead than most people who say they want to start an assisted living business.

It’s difficult, but it’s not that hard when you have a proven process.

The most important step? Just start.

Stop waiting to feel ready. Just start moving. Action takers are difference makers. 💥

You’ll never feel 100% ready — and that’s okay. Take one step today, and you’ll be amazed how far you go.

Your Next Step 👇

Ready to turn your dream into a reality?
Here’s how to take action today:

✅ Step 1: Download the Business Plan Checklist — your first step in building a solid foundation for your assisted living business.
✅ Step 2: Need hands-on coaching? Join the next Roadmap Challenge for step-by-step help and accountability.

Don’t wait for the perfect time — start now. Because the only difference between those who succeed and those who don’t is action. 🚀

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