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How to write Business plan, then get funding for Social Service Agency.

Veteran

Erick Liggons Chicago, IL

Want to open Center to get disadvantage chidren.

11 October 2017 4 replies Small Business

Answers

Advisor

Emanuel Carpenter Alpharetta, GA

Erick - If you're interested in starting a social service agency, I suggest you look at grant writing as opposed to creating a business plan. Start with the Foundation Center's online directory here: http://foundationcenter.org/products/foundation-directory-online . Ask your local librarian for a good book on how to write proposals to foundations looking to fund organizations like yours.

If you still feel the need to write a business plan, my SCORE advisor suggests Entrepreneur Magazine's template here: https://www.entrepreneur.com/formnet/businessplantemplates.html

Best of luck.

Advisor

Lyn Rundell San Francisco, CA

I would suggest you begin with your local SBA office. They have all sorts of free resources, including classes on topics such as writing a business plan, applying for funding, etc. And, per John's suggestion above, they can often connect you with a SCORE mentor. Good luck!

Advisor

Jennifer Polhemus Santa Monica, CA

I give this same advice frequently on this forum, but think twice (or more) about going it alone in the nonprofit world. Funders look for collaboration & partnerships, and for good reason. Strategic partnerships are vital, so align yourself (as an employee, contract consultant, or volunteer) with established, well-run nonprofit(s) that share your same mission/goals. You will learn much as you do good.

(This is perhaps not what you want to hear right now, but if you truly want to do good, try to do good within a larger organization for a while, to enable your chances of success -- to do MORE good -- later.)

The administrative costs (money, and particularly time) are significant, and partnerships enable some of those costs to be shared.

That being said, check out the excellent books by Nolo Press (public library or purchase) & best wishes!

Advisor

John Green Cary, NC

What do you mean by "get disadvantage children" ?

What is your business model ? Means how do you monetize this activity.

Have you asked SCORE for a mentor ?

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