Review
"A clear, no-buts way to negotiate the minefields in the nonprofit world. Its sincere, smart, and helpful." -- Paul Newman actor, philanthropist, & founder of Newmans Own
"A very logical, thorough, and practical approach to business development." -- Andy Horsnell, Authenticy Consulting LLC, Regina, SK, Canada
"A well-lit path to success in this thorough, step-by-step workbook. I'll be recommending it to my clients!" -- Peter Brinckerhoff, founder, Corporate Alternatives, Inc., leading management consultant
"Rolfe Larson's new workbook encourages the entrepreneurial spirit while providing the rigorous reality checks necessary for sound business practices." -- Gary Stern, Stern International, Minneapolis, MN
"This book is a must have resource that we will use for all our nonprofit courses on this topic!" -- Karen Simmons, President, Chester County Community Foundation, West Chester, PA
Venture Forth! offers a clear, no-buts way to negotiate the minefields in the nonprofit world. It's sincere, smart, and helpful. -- Endorsement from Paul Newman, actor, philanthropist, and founder of Newman's Own
From the Publisher
B>How to find, test, and launch a successful nonprofit venture
Venture Forth! The Essential Guide to Starting a Moneymaking Business in Your Nonprofit Organization is the most complete step-by-step guide on the topic. Building on the experience of many organizations, this 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
* Assess the strengths and weaknesses of venture ideas to find the most promising ones
* Determine which ideas fit your mission, resources, and skills
* Make solid decisions based on data rather than impressions
* Prepare a complete-and reassuring-financial analysis showing your breakeven point and future profitability
* Write a compelling, detailed business plan and get it approved * 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 dime 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.
About the Author
ROLFE LARSON has twenty years of experience as a venture manager and consultant for nonprofit organizations. Previously a senior manager at Minnesota Public Radio, he is currently the president of Rolfe Larson Associates, a marketing, new venture, and Internet-commerce consulting firm.
