Welcome to the Social Enterprise Success Series: A Non-Profit Leader’s Guide. Let's walk together through what it takes to turn an idea into a thriving social enterprise—from choosing the right model and testing your concept to writing a business plan, marketing with impact, and avoiding common pitfalls. Each article is designed to give non-profit leaders practical tools, fresh insights, and the confidence to build a sustainable enterprise that grows both revenue and comm

Money is tight in non-profits. We get that! Starting a social enterprise is an exciting way for non-profits to generate sustainable revenue while creating community impact. But where do you start, and how do you avoid costly mistakes? Follow this practical roadmap and steps for non-profit leaders.

Starting a social enterprise is a powerful way for non-profits to diversify revenue, strengthen impact, and reduce reliance on grants. But let’s be honest — launching one isn’t as simple as flipping a switch. Many organizations underestimate the complexity, and that can lead to costly mistakes. As a non-profit strategist for over 20 years, I’ve seen it. I’ve seen non-profits dive in before they’ve done their homework, only to find themselves failing, with no concrete plan to

Many non-profits don’t have (or need) a business plan. However, once you venture into social enterprises, it becomes essential for success, whether self-funding or seeking outside investment in your enterprise. A comprehensive non-profit social enterprise business plan assesses all aspects of the business idea. It explores and examines where your social enterprise is headed, how it will get there, and how/why it will succeed. Every business plan is as unique as the social

Many non-profit leaders ask about the difference between a social enterprise and a for-profit business. Here is our take on the situation: At its core, the differences are found in their purpose, accountability, and how success is measured.