How do you start a business coach business in 2027?

"Business coach" in 2027 is the wild west — no license, no required cert, anyone can put it on LinkedIn. That's the problem and the opportunity. Buyers (small biz owners, founders $500k-$10M revenue) are skeptical from years of guru burn, so proof of operator experience is everything. AI tools (ChatGPT for plans, AI bookkeepers) have raised the bar on what counts as advice worth paying for. Honest 5/10.

Startup costs. LLC $200-$500. E&O insurance $500-$900/yr. CRM + scheduling + Stripe $80-$200/mo. ICF or EMCC cert optional but adds $3k-$8k if pursued. Website, lead magnets, course platform (Kajabi, Circle) $100-$300/mo. Optional: ActionCOACH, FocalPoint, or EMyth franchise $50k-$120k buy-in.

Credentials. None legally required. What buyers screen for: did you actually run a business that hit revenue similar to theirs? P&L scars beat MBAs. Industry-specific experience (e-comm, SaaS, trades, agencies) lets you charge 2-3x generalists.

Customer acquisition. LinkedIn content is #1 — case studies, before/after revenue, frameworks. Podcast guesting on small-biz shows. Referrals from accountants, fractional CFOs, business brokers (warm intros to owners in growth/exit zones). Communities: Vistage, EO peer groups, BNI chapters. Paid ads work but high CAC ($800-$3k).

Revenue model. 1:1 monthly $1k-$5k retainer. Group masterminds $500-$2k/mo/seat (12-30 seats). Done-with-you intensives $5k-$25k. Speaking + book funnel.

Year-1. 5-12 retained clients, $50k-$150k gross.