Non-Profit or Small Business?

Question

So I am looking to start a business to provide a variety of services to people who have been abused. I would make income not from people who have been hurt, but from supporters. I would not like a restriction on how much money I can make. Should I start this as a non-profit or small business? I have a business plan and I know I would have a niche. I am not able to get a loan to start up. Any other ideas on start up money? Thanks a lot.

Answer 1

Non-profit and set you an income level. If you are not wanting to pay yourself an income and you want to profit as much as you can from it I'd go small business.

Answer 2

Hi,

In response to your question . . .

I don't know what county you live in. I live in the USA

First, your question should have read . . .

Nonprofit or not-for-profit vs. for-profit.

When providing services such as housing and care to the low income, disabled, homeless and abused adults, who are subject to have very little or no money at all--a not-for-profit organization would be the better choice.

However, you have a very difficult before you.

Here are some questions for you . . .

Do you have any experience with non-for-profit organizations, writing proposals for grants moneys, organizing and managing the facility, services and business?

Have you studied policies and procedures and regulations?. Do you know how to hire the right personnel? Do you understand payrol, taxes, networking, advertising, budgeting, etc.

Being a not-for-profit requires more paperwork. Do you understand your local, state and federal laws, and statutes?. Do you have any qualifications and certifications?

So you see there is alot to think about and put together a solid organization. Do you have purpose plan in mind? If you don't have a building and a solid plan, I advise you to find another trade.

Remember! You must be a responsible provider or else you will get sued, go to jail, loss your business, etc. This is a high liability field we are speaking of here. You, as the owner/provider must be on-call 24/7.

You did not mention obtaining grant monies from the government to hire salaried professional. Your residents will need rehabiliattion, vocational and work training programs in place, including, but not limited to, food and shelter, medical care, outreach services, case management, and the list goes on and on.

In other words, a non-profit organiziation must service the community. You will not survive with receiving public donations only. You also have to write grant proposal to get the building you need, to pay salaries, utilities, among many others things.

Take Care and Good Luck!

Answer 3

If you want to make a profit for yourself, do not open a non-profit. Non-profit agencies can make a profit but all that money has to go back into the agency. Chances are if you are doing a social service, you are not going to become a millionaire. Non-profits are funded by donations and different kinds of grants, etc., and I don't think the funders would appreciate it if you were paying yourself a ridiculous salary. When you are non-profit, every dime you spend must be justified.

Answer 4

If you're still not completely recovered, an online job might be a good choice. You can change the job/add to it later. I saw on the news that some folks have taken to blogging for profit. Sounds a little strange, and it might be a hard job to start. Not to mention continue for a good length of time. Who (else) knows? Have you seen the LinkedIn website? You could join there and discuss this same thing with other people.

Answer 5

Non profit

Answer 6

small buisness