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Getting Started
This section will guide you through the assessment of your organization’s capacity and mission, as well as your business plan’s viability.
There are several electronic tools you can download. Click the toolbox at right to show a list of all the tools in this section. These tools are available at no cost to you, but will require registration.
In this section, you will:
- Take Inventory of Your Organization
Social purpose businesses succeed when there is an entrepreneurial management team to carry out the task of launching the business. This page will help you evaluate your organization’s capacity.
- Articulate your Mission
An important step in the development of a social purpose business is determining how it aligns with your organization’s mission and program activities. What does your organization stand for?
- Look at the External Context
Is your business plan viable? The first step to answering this important question is to take a look at the external environment: who are your customers? Your competitors? What makes your business better?
And because starting a social purpose business can have a huge impact on your organization, it is a good idea to examine how best to conduct the transition. Thus:
- Addressing Organizational Change
This page provides useful advice on communicating with your staff regarding organizational changes due to starting a new business.
Once you are finished with this section, it’ll be time to work on your business plan.
Helpful Hints Regarding Starting a Social Purpose Business
Below are few notes about developing social purpose businesses from industry professionals:
- Business planning takes a lot of TIME.
- A business "champion" or point person is vital to maintain focus and motivation during the planning process.
- If your nonprofit clients are going to become employees, start the transition early through training and communications.
- Acknowledge and manage organizational culture changes as they occur.
- Secure executive staff and board buy-in during the pre-development phase.
- A business advisory board may increase the time required for the planning process, but can provide invaluable thoughts and perspective.
- Acknowledge the risks and determine realistic mitigation strategies.
- Make sure you understand the numbers.
- Don't be afraid to sell your products and services!
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