Start a NARHA Center

When considering starting a NARHA Center, you may want to think about purchasing our Start-up Packet, which contains, among other information, a book called "How to Start a NARHA Center." This 30-page book is designed to give prospective center owners and operators an idea of the many facets involved in the planning stages before too much time, energy and finances have been invested. The Start-up Packet contains information about center membership, budgets, personnel, facilities, instructor certification, information on the discounted insurance package offered through Markel Insurance Co., and much more.

In addition, we suggest you acquire and familiarize yourself with the NARHA Standards & Accreditation Manual. Doing this will allow you to plan your center’s site and program activities according to NARHA’s administrative, program, and facility standards. This will save you time in the long run by reducing the number of adjustments your center will need to make once you’re center joins NARHA’s center membership program. When your center does join NARHA, you’ll be confident that your center is already in compliance with the NARHA Standards and you’ll be able to devote more time to making your center a success!

Other resources that might be helpful to you include references on starting and operating a small business, as the most successful centers are those that establish a sound business plan including those that choose to become a non-profit entity. You can contact your state representative’s office or the IRS for information on starting a not for profit business.

Why reinvent the wheel? We strongly recommend that you do some networking with other existing NARHA Centers in your region. Networking with other NARHA Centers can offer valuable information not found in any book. You can access a list of NARHA Centers on our website www.narha.org by clicking on the “Find A Center” link at the top of the page and then clicking on the “Find a Center” link on the left side of the page. Contacting your NARHA Region Representative can also be every helpful. Many Region Representatives are also center owners, directors, or instructors who by working in the field have gained valuable experience and information that they can share with you. Contact the NARHA Office for your Region Representative’s contact information.

Price List - Recommended Merchandise

Start Up Packet: $25
Standards Manual: Printed Version = $65, CD-Rom Version = $30. (Member discount applies)
Start-Up Packet and Standards Manual Combo Kit: Start Up Packet plus Printed Standards Manual = $85, Start Up Packet plus CD-Rom Standards Manual = $55. That’s a savings of $5! (Member discount applies) 

Should you decide to order NARHA merchandise, you can do so with a credit card over the phone, fax, or internet or you can send in a check or money order by mail.

Shipping & handling fees apply to all orders.