Small Wonders Ranch
Big Joy in Small Packages
Project Description
Executive Summary
Small Wonders Ranch will be a unique, multi-faceted business combining a charming mini farm, a versatile event venue, and a mobile petting zoo. Located in San Antonio, TX, the farm will offer educational and entertainment experiences for families, schools, and event hosts. The mobile petting zoo will bring the farm experience to parties, festivals, and schools, while the on-site venue will serve as a destination for birthday parties, field trips, weddings, reunions, and community events.
Mission Statement
To cultivate joy, learning, and connection through hands-on experiences with animals, nature, and community celebrations.
Business Objectives
- Launch the farm and venue within 12 months of securing land/funding.
- Book 50+ mobile petting zoo events in the first year.
- Host at least 30 on-site events within the first 12 months.
- Develop educational programming for local schools and homeschool groups.
Business Description
Small Wonders Ranch is a boutique agritourism destination and event experience, offering joy-filled encounters with miniature farm animals, immersive seasonal events, and a unique blend of rustic charm and educational entertainment. With a fixed-location farm and venue in San Antonio and a traveling petting zoo, the business provides a full spectrum of farm-based fun for families, schools, and community gatherings that is all centered around connection, curiosity, and celebration.
Mini Farm Features
- Chickens, mini goats, babydoll sheep, miniature horses, miniature donkey, miniature cattle, honeybees and more to come.
- Small Gardens with seasonal crops and flowers
- Educational signage and guided tours
- Picnic areas and shaded rest spots
- Seasonal features such as pumpkin patch, corn maze
- Events such as wine tastings, concerts, corn hole tournaments
Event Venue Offerings
- Outdoor and enclosed spaces
- Rustic décor and farm-themed ambiance
- Packages for weddings, birthdays, corporate events, field trips
- Optional add-ons: pony rides, farm games, garden tours
Traveling Petting Zoo
- Fully insured and mobile setup with gentle, well-cared-for animals
- Available for schools, birthday parties, festivals, community events
- Packages include setup, staff, and optional animal education talks
Market Analysis
Small Wonders Ranch will be uniquely positioned within the growing sectors of agritourism, experiential entertainment, and event services. Located in the family-oriented San Antonio area, the business will serve a diverse audience. With rising demand for outdoor, educational, and interactive experiences, Small Wonders Ranch fills a market gap by offering a charming venue, a mobile petting zoo, and seasonal events featuring miniature animals. Its flexible, year-round model will tap into current trends in edutainment, wellness, and nature-based gatherings, making it a compelling, multi-revenue-stream business that meets the evolving needs of today’s consumers.
Target Market
- Families
- Schools and educational institutions
- Local event planners and wedding coordinators
- Community organizations and festival coordinators
- Bachelor/Bachelorette
Market Needs
There is growing demand for experiential, outdoor family activities and educational entertainment. Petting zoos and farm venues offer safe, screen-free fun, making them ideal for parties and field trips. Additionally, rustic farm venues remain popular for weddings and community events.
Marketing & Promotion
- Website with booking calendar, photo galleries, and pricing
- Social media marketing on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok
- Collaborations with schools, vendors, and local businesses
- Event booth appearances at farmers markets and local fairs
- Early bird discounts and loyalty programs
Operations Plan
Staffing
- Owner/operator
- Farmhand/animal caretaker
- Event coordinator
- Part-time staff as needed
Daily Operations
- Animal feeding and care
- Venue prep and cleaning
- Event hosting and breakdown
- Booking management and customer service
Financial Plan
$350,000 Estimated Startup Costs Breakdown
- Land purchase: $200,000 (4-6 acres)
- 2500 sq ft building: $30,000.00
- Animal shelters/fencing: $12,000.00
- Venue setup (tables, tents, signage): $5000.00
- Animal acquisition: 10x Chickens - $100.00
2x Babydoll Sheep - $1200.00
2x Miniature Cattle - $12000.00
2x Miniature Horse - $6000.00
4x Miniature Goats - $2000.00
1x Miniature Donkey - $2000.00
Honeybees - $1000.00
- Insurance and permits: $unknown
- Trailer/transport for mobile zoo: $10,000.00
- Misc. Needs: $68,700.00
Revenue Streams
- Event rentals (birthdays, weddings, corporate): $350–$5000/event
- Mobile petting zoo appearances: $250–$700/event
- Educational programming: $100–$300/session
- Merchandise and farm products (eggs, honey, crafts): variable
Based on average pricing and estimated event volume, we could reasonably expect to generate approximately $146,500 per year in revenue.
This estimate includes:
- 40 event rentals (avg. $2,675 each)
- 60 mobile petting zoo appearances (avg. $475 each)
- 30 educational sessions (avg. $200 each)
- $5,000 from merchandise and farm products
Additional avenues of revenue can include adding our own seasonal activities/events to approximately $192,500.
Breakdown of those additions:
- 🎃 Pumpkin Patch: $10,000
- 🌽 Corn Maze: $8,000
- 🍷 Wine Tastings/Gourmet Mocktail Tastings: $6,000
- 🏆 Cornhole Tournaments: $3,000
- 🎶 Concerts: $7,000
- 🍔 Food Truck: $12,000
Legal & Regulatory
- Zoning approval and land use permits
- USDA/APHIS licensing for animal exhibits
- Liability insurance for on- and off-site events
- Compliance with local animal care and transport regulations
- Liquor licenses
Conclusion
Small Wonders Ranch will be more than just a farm. It will be a joyful and educational experience that blends rural charm with community engagement. With a sound plan, a passion for animals, and a heart for hospitality, this venture will thrive as a local favorite for both fun and learning.
Updates
The Campaign FAQs
Small Wonders Ranch – Crowdfunding Campaign FAQ
What is Small Wonders Ranch?
While currently just a concept, we hope for Small Wonders Ranch to become a mini animal farm, traveling petting zoo, and rustic event venue designed to bring families, schools, and communities joyful, hands-on experiences with nature, animals, and seasonal celebrations.
Why are you raising funds?
This is currently an idea-stage business that cannot move forward without startup capital. We’re raising funds to help secure land, purchase equipment and animals, build out our venue space, and launch essential services like our mobile petting zoo and seasonal events.
How will the funds be used?
Here’s how your support will help:
Land purchase & zoning: $200,000
Venue & shelter structures: $47,000
Animal acquisition & fencing: $24,300
Trailer for mobile zoo: $10,000
Licensing, insurance, and permits: $10,000
Marketing & launch expenses: $8,700
Total goal: $350,000
What makes this different from other farms or venues?
We will specialize in miniature animals, which are uniquely suited for children, mobile events, and therapy-based activities. Our model combines on-site events, traveling enrichment experiences, and year-round themed attractions—blending education, celebration, and charm.
Where will Small Wonders Ranch be located?
We are currently scouting for 4–6 acres of land in or around the San Antonio, Texas area. The region has strong demand for family-friendly entertainment and outdoor venues, making it the perfect home for our ranch.
When will the ranch be open to the public?
Once funding is secured, we anticipate a 6–9 month development period to prepare the land, build structures, and complete setup. Supporters will receive updates every step of the way—and early access perks once we open!
What do I get for supporting this campaign?
Depending on your pledge level, you may receive:
Branded merchandise (shirts, mugs, stickers)
Early access or free entry to launch events
Recognition on our social media and Founders Wall
VIP invites to our signature event: Barnlight Nights
Is this a donation or an investment?
This is a crowdfunding campaign for startup capital and early support. Backers are not purchasing equity but are helping bring this vision to life in exchange for exclusive perks and early access.
What happens if the campaign doesn’t reach the goal?
If we are unable to meet our funding goal, we will keep the funding raised and you’ll be informed of our revised next steps. Our goal is full transparency. We will continue our efforts and save until our idea comes to fruition.
How can I stay updated?
Sign up for our newsletter at https://www.BrandiLyston.com to get behind-the-scenes updates, construction progress, sneak peeks at our animals, and launch announcements!
Just Because I Care
Just Because I Care
We will list you on our sponsor page!
We know you love animals and will send you a Small Wonders Ranch bumper sticker! You'll also receive a shoutout on our social media!
Thank you so much for your support! At this level you'll receive a Small Wonders Ranch t-shirt, plus the bumper sticker and a shoutout on our social media.
Rewards
Just Because I Care
Just Because I Care
We will list you on our sponsor page!
We know you love animals and will send you a Small Wonders Ranch bumper sticker! You'll also receive a shoutout on our social media!
Thank you so much for your support! At this level you'll receive a Small Wonders Ranch t-shirt, plus the bumper sticker and a shoutout on our social media.