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Building on the experience of many organizations, this step-by-step handbook gives you a time-tested approach for finding, testing, and launching a successful nonprofit business venture.
Whether your organization is large or small, the book`s seven steps guide you through the entire process-from idea to complete business plan. Examples, tips, timelines, and reproducible worksheets help you:
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Assess the strengths and weaknesses of venture ideas to find the most promising ones
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Determine which ideas fit your mission, resources, and skills
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Make solid decisions based on data rather than impressions
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Prepare a complete-and reassuring-financial analysis showing your breakeven point and future profitability
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Write a compelling, detailed business plan and get it approved
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Get ready to start the new business!
Nonprofits with established ventures will find these steps useful for evaluating, expanding, or improving their business. Even if you don`t intend to earn a dollar in venture income, you can use the book`s process to improve the financial health of your current programs.
Lower your risk and increase your chance of success with Venture Forth! and start generating earned-income while reducing your dependence on grants.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
What is a Venture?
Why Pursue Ventures?
Who Should Pursue Ventures?
How to Use This Book
Chapter One: Venture Development Overview
Nonprofit Ventures: An Oxymoron?
Venture Benefits
Venture Limitations
How to Start a Venture
Chapter Two: Prospecting for Ventures
Step 1: Get Organized
Step 2: Conduct a Venture Audit
Step 3: Brainstorm and Screen Venture Ideas
Chapter Two Summary
Chapter Three: Testing the Feasibility of Your Venture Ideas
Step 4: Perform Quick Market Tests
Step 5: Do Feasibility Market Research
Step 6: Prepare Feasibility Financial Analysis
Chapter Three Summary
Chapter Four: Business Planning
Step 7: Write a Business Plan
Chapter Four Summary
Conclusion
Focus on the Basics
Find the Right Venture Champions
Review Marketing Strategies Often
Measure Performance Quantitatively
Get Outside Help
Compare Your Plan with Reality
Notes
Appendices
Appendix A Bibliography
Appendix B Internet Resources
Appendix C Internet Research Links
Appendix D Sample Financial Plan for Nature Center Gift Shop
Appendix E Unrelated Business Income Tax
Appendix F Calculating Breakeven Using Percentage of Sales
Appendix G Blank Worksheets
Index
Published by Fieldstone Alliance |
