Subject: I just want to help people

KnowHow NonProfit was set up to help people like you, you might find the following link helpful: http://www.knowhownonprofit.org/basics/settingup

Hello Antonia

I'm going to assume that you are starting from scratch and do not have any personal experience of delivering advice or support work yourself.   If this is the case, might I suggest an ‘interim’ way forward?

Have you done any research into any local organisations (or local branches of national organisations) who are currently working in the broad field of advice and support services that you wish to set up – the Citizen’s Advice Bureau, a local women’s support group, that sort of thing ? 

Clearly I’m not expecting that anyone is providing exactly what you want to deliver, but this sort of field research is an excellent starting point to help you clarify what it is that would make your service ‘special’ and also how it could fit in with and complement existing service provision.   These are two key things that any potential funder will want to know.

You might also find it beneficial to experience first-hand how one of these other established organisations deliver their services, and consider working for them for a short while as a volunteer or paid member of staff.  From a business knowhow viewpoint, you would get to see more sector specific examples of what works, and what doesn’t, and the experience should also give a practical boost to your own confidence. 

Setting up your own business  requires patience, planning, optimism, hard work and luck – but it can be done and it can be great.   I wish you every success.

J