So, you want to be an innkeeper?

If you would like more information on becoming an Aspiring Member in Bed & Breakfast Innkeepers of Colorado (BBIC) for just $50/year, please click here .

The best information source about being an innkeeper is an innkeeper. Find a B&B in your area and work as an assistant innkeeper. If you're not in a position to do work at one, talk to all the innkeepers you can, stay overnight and offer to pay innkeepers for their valuable time. Attend your state's B&B association's annual conference and become an aspiring innkeeper member in the state association. Attend aspiring innkeeper classes and business seminars to prepare yourself for the career ahead. Subscribe to B&B industry publications, email newsletters and research everything and anything. Remember, you're not just taking on a new job - you are embracing a whole new lifestyle.

As to regulations and permits, your primary governing body will be the city or county where your B&B business will be located. You must meet regulations such as planning, building, business, zoning and licensing. In Colorado, you'll need a State sales tax license and in certain jurisdictions, a local business/sales tax license. Contact the county or city clerk's office for licensing and the development services or planning department for zoning information. In addition, building codes will vary. Most times, B&Bs are classified as residences under a certain number of rooms (usually 5 or less) according to building codes. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) will consider you exempt if you have five or less rooms in a single structure and the proprietor (innkeeper) resides on the premises.

Doing adequate research and well thought-out planning will prevent later challenges. Banks will look more favorably upon previous experience and research when considering a loan. In Colorado, if you plan to offer complimentary alcohol, you are required to obtain a B&B liquor permit, issued by the local licensing authority. Unless your B&B will have a full-service restaurant and restaurant liquor license, you may not sell liquor, but can give it away with a valid liquor permit. If you plan to serve lunch or dinner, this must be included with the room or package rate and can only serve your guests (not the general public). If you serve meals to outside patrons other than your guests, there are Colorado State Health Department restaurant regulations you must follow which will require a commercial kitchen. In Colorado, B&Bs who serve only their guests are exempt from restaurant licensing, but some home rule cities may require more stringent requirements. Click here for our BBIC Inspection Form .

Here are some helpful questions to ask:

• What is your background and how does it fit within the B&B business?
• Are you people-oriented and willing to put others before yourself?
• How committed are you to researching the business aspects?
• Are you financially in a position for success?

General Research Recommendations:

• Work in a B&B (for at least six months)
  
• Stay at B&Bs and "take notes"
• Attend seminars (Business, Accounting, Marketing, and B&B oriented)
• Consider consulting with innkeepers (offer to pay for their extra time and services)
• Research licensing and zoning for the area you're contemplating
• Research federal, state and local laws
• Develop a business plan
• Research types of financing and ownership in advance
• Know the benefits to purchasing an established inn vs. starting from scratch
• Investigate area occupancy and income figures and be realistic about expectations
• There is no such thing as "too much" research-research-research-research!

Colorado State Laws:

B&B Liquor Permit Form

Types of Liquor Permits

Colorado Liquor Law for Bed & Breakfasts

B&B Property Taxes

B&B Sales Taxes and Links

B&B Department of Health Memorandum

In addition to these links, you will need to check with your local licensing authority. If you are in a municipality (city/town), the city or town clerk can provide business/liquor/sales tax licensing information. If you are in an unincorporated jurisdiction, your county clerk can assist you. For zoning, building codes or planning issues, check with the local government's planning or development services department. Feel free to contact BBIC for assistance.

What you will need:

♦ Sales Tax Licenses (State, City/County)

♦ Business License (if required by local government)

♦ B&B Liquor Permit (for "complimentary" alcohol served to overnight guests)

♦ Restaurant License not required for B&Bs if meals are served only to overnight guests

♦ Proper Zoning (check with local jurisdiction for regulations-some areas have ordinances which place restrictions on B&Bs or require special approval)

♦ Bed & Breakfast Insurance (with commercial liability)

This is just an overview...do your research before you open!

Conference

Inns for Sale

Inns Needing Staff

Aspiring Innkeeper Membership

BBIC's 22nd Annual Conference and Aspiring Innkeeper Workshop will be held in conjunction with the Annual Bed & Breakfast Innkeepers of Colorado Conference November 8-9, 2008

Aspiring Workshop Information: Sallie Clark (719) 471-3980 Toll Free: (888) 565-3980 or by e-mail: bbic@icare-consult.com
Aspiring Innkeepers will take the road to success and become a successful B&B innkeeper by attending this valuable workshop! Sponsored by the Bed & Breakfast Innkeepers of Colorado ( Colorado 's state B&B association), this full-day seminar will give you the detailed information necessary to become a success in the bed & breakfast industry. Meet bed & breakfast industry experts and learn from their experience and knowledge. The aspiring innkeepers day will help you establish your inn-keeping guide and plan for the future.

Information will be posted soon for this information packed all day aspiring innkeeper seminar. Stay for the full BBIC Conference on Monday, November 9th with keynote address, educational workshops and vendor information at a special package price and continue to learn the trade secrets from Colorado 's many successful innkeepers. Become part of the Colorado B&B team! Click Here For More Information !

Become an Aspiring Member of the Colorado Bed & Breakfast Association (BBIC).

Bed and Breakfast Aspiring Innkeeper Resources:

Aspiring Innkeeper Workshops/Seminars/Consulting
Starting Your Own Bed & Breakfast Inn
Sallie and Welling Clark, Holden House
www.holdenhouse.com
mail@holdenhouse.com
719-471-3980 888-565-3980

Hands On Seminars/Consulting
Aspiring Innkeeper & Aspiring Interim Innkeeper Hands-on Workshop/Seminars
Inn Caring - Howard & Lynda Lerner Trainers
www.inncaring.com
info@inncaring.com
719-685-3565 office

BBIC Aspiring References

BBIC Inns For Sale
BBIC Inns Looking for Staff
Post your Resume to work at a Bed and Breakfast Inn

About.com Bed and Breakfast and Aspiring Information

Professional Association of Innkeepers International (PAII)

So you want to be an Innsitter?

Aspiring Innkeeper Books for Sale

Bed & Breakfast Business Planning

Business Plan World B&B Business Plan

The Reality of Starting a Bed & Breakfast Inn

Home Business Center "Start a B&B"

Take a B&B Quiz

Innside Innkeeping Resources

Inn Matchmakers
www.innmatchmakers.com

BedandBreakfast.com
www.bedandbreakfast.com

Bed and Breakfast Inns Online
www.BBOnline.com

www.BB-4-Sale.com

The B&B and Country Inn Marketplace

www.InnMarketing.com

Bed & Breakfast Insurance Companies

Bed & Breakfast Insurance Specialists
470 E. 3900 So. #202
Salt Lake City, UT 84107
800-356-6517 Ext. 3034
info@leavitt.com

Berkley Risk Services of Colorado
2000 S. Colorado Blvd. Anex Bldg., Ste 410
Denver, CO 80222
877-502-0102
ddaugherty@berkleyrisk.com

Gillingham & Associates
8501 Turnpike Dr. Suite 200
Westminster, CO 80031
303-657-5007
TAMorgan@OutdoorInsurance.com

Hix Insurance Associates
4440 Arapahoe Ave. Suite 100
Boulder, CO 80302
303-444-4666
cs@insurance-associates.com

James Wolf Insurance
1890 N. Market St. P.O. Box 676
Frederick, MD 21701
800-488-1135
aebel@premierprograms.com

Markel Insurance
PO Box 3870
Glen Allen, CA 23058
804-965-1724
hwhite@markelcorp.com