Here are the responses we received to the following question:

"I would like to know if anyone is using the Business Plan Pro Software
Social Enterprise Edition and if they would be
willing to comment about it. We are considering purchasing it, but would
like to hear from current users before taking the plunge."

[Moderator's note: More information about Business Plan Pro SE Edition can
be found at: http://www.se-alliance.org/resources_bpp.cfm ]

(1) From sellis@...

We have used it in our organization and it was very user friendly.

(2) From Sheri Muth <sheri.muth@...>

I have used this software and find it useful.  There are many templates that
can be reviewed for format.  It is task driven so it drives you to each next
step in a business plan. The financial parts are confusing if you do not
have a background in it. Some sections you can skip because they are
repetitive. I currently have parts of three different plans in it. Once
done, you can port it to Word to format, the formatting is not good.

I used Business Plan Pro SE for a graduate MBA course in business planning.

It helped win a business plan competition written as a social enterprise.

(3) From Jean Block <jean@...>

Several of the nonprofits I have trained in social enterprise have used the
software. Some love it.some not so much

Here are a couple more comments on this software:

(1) From Pat Keptner" <patkeptner@...>

I have used this with our organization and find it extremely user friendly
and comprehensive. The financials do take a considerable amount of time but
worth it when the plan is complete.

(2) From Gail Hamburg <ariapr@...>

It's great if you're working in Windows, but if you're on a Mac, you need to
get Fusion, Parallels or Apple Bootcamp.

My Mac expert had this to say:

Parallels and Fusion do the same thing - they allow you to run Windows while
booted into your Mac operating system. You will need to add some memory to
your computer to make these programs perform wall. You also have to buy a
copy of the software as well as a copy of Windows to install.

Boot Camp also allows you to run Windows, however during the bootup of your
computer, you have to select whether you want to use Mac or PC - you cannot
use both at the same time. This approach has a little bit better performance
but less convenience. You need to purchase a copy of Windows for this as
well, but you do not need the additional software (Parallels of Fusion).

None of these approaches will work unless you have an Intel-based Mac
(MacBook, MacBook Pro, Mac Pro, Intel Mac mini, or Intel iMac). If you
choose to use one of the virtualization packages, you may need to add
additional RAM to the computer to support the other OS.

I ultimately decided to go with BizPlan Builder by JIAN which is
Mac-compatible and I have no complaints.

http://www.jian.com/store/mac-business-plan-solutions/business-plan-builder-mac.\
html


[Moderator's note: Information about Business Plan Pro SE Edition from the
Social Enterprise Alliance can be found at:
http://www.se-alliance.org/resources_bpp.cfm ]

I run a startup social enterprise called BetterGrads
<http://www.bettergrads.org>), which leverages resources within a community to
serve high school students. BetterGrads* *helps high school students reach their
college-going potential through online mentoring, in-person advising, and
ever-accessible support from college students and young professionals in their
own community and around the country.

Currently, we are building an innovative partnership between a Stanford
University student organization and a local high school, a model which we hope
to expand nationwide. We envision the day when every high school student in the
United States has access to excellent college advising and preparation
resources, regardless of their background or the resources of their school.

Best,
Kevin
----
Kevin F. Adler
Executive Director, Founder
BetterGrads | http://bettergrads.org


On Fri, Apr 16, 2010 at 9:38 AM, Rolfe Larson <Rolfe@...> wrote:

> Here are some additional responses we received to the following question
> from Daniel Surface:
>
> "I'm gathering data about High School Social Entrepreneurship
> classes/programs, particularly those aligned with or based upon youth
> leadership development and or college preparation and access. I am already
> aware of a program at Penn. State University. I would appreciate knowing
> about similar curricula and programs."
>
> (1) From Laura Calleros
<lauracalleros2003@...<lauracalleros2003%40yahoo.com.mx>
> >
>
> Here in Mexico at the Universidad Anahuac Mexico Sur, we have an
> entrepreneurship club, where we focused forward to teach and educate our
> students as entrepreneurs, some of them have already launch their business.
> Our model has as directions Business Entrepreneur and Social Entrepreneur.
>
> As part of the education for Social entrepreneurship, we have been working
> with Ashoka closely and with Sustentava. Last year our students organize
> the
> 1st Latin American University Social Entrepreneur Conference, where we have
> 12 activities, conferences, panels, cases presentations, etc. Attached is
> the program brochure (in Spanish), also, as part of their education I have
> these social entrepreneurs forums twice a semester, where the social
> entrepreneur comes an share with our students, all interested not just the
> entrepreneurship club members, and another activity is the social
> entrepreneur breakfast were a few (18 members of the entrepreneur club)
> have
> breakfast with a social entrepreneur and in a more closer dialogue they
> share their concerns with the entrepreneur and the entrepreneur share their
> experience more detail.
>
> Future activities:
>
> Social entrepreneur for a day (competition where students interested write
> an essay and the winner spends a working day with a social entrepreneur)
>
> One doctoral research project about inclusive business in Mexico.
>
> Social innovations projects, currently after these efforts we have two big
> projects, one of the with the most important pet food manufacture, the
> other
> is more in the work with rural women, (strong entrepreneurial projects run
> by our students).
>
> Organize a work shop about social entrepreneurship with Avancemos from
> Ashoka.
>
> Laura Calleros
> Entrepreneur Center Director
> Universida Anahuac Mexico Sur
>
> (2) From Greg Reinholt <greinholt@... <greinholt%40bgcnwi.org>>
>
> Boys & Girls Clubs run a program called Keystone that is a leadership
> program with entrepreneurship as 1 of 6 components. I have attached our
> program description.
>
> (3) From Beth Parish <bparish@... <bparish%40regis.edu>>
>
> You might want to look at YouthBiz in Denver ( http://www.youthbiz.org ) -
> also Arrupe Jesuit High School (which are part of the Chrito Rey Schools)
> and Denver Venture Schools are high schools for underserved youth in Denver
> - Arrupe Jesuit focuses more on traditional business with DVS focusing on
> Entrepreneurship (not specifically SE, but have partnered with YouthBiz)
>
> (4) From Rona Heifetz <rona_h@... <rona_h%40yahoo.com>>
>
> Check out the documentary, These Kids Mean Busines$.
>
> [Moderator's note: From http://www.thesekidsmeanbusiness.org/ "Pulitzer
> Prize-winning columnist Clarence Page tells the story of young budding
> entrepreneurs across the country and the programs created to foster their
> interest and understanding of the free-market." Youtube preview at
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRClSM9D7Nc ]
>
> (5) From: Rona Heifetz <rona_h@... <rona_h%40yahoo.com>>
>
> Have you looked at National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE)
> or Food From the 'Hood in Los Angeles?
>
> [Moderator's note: For NFTE, visit http://www.nfte.com/ . Food from the
> 'Hood does
> not appear to have their own web site, but more information is available at
> http://oprahsangelnetwork.org/grants/318-food-from-the-hood or
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPvuyX06Smo ]
>
> (6) From Patrick Sciarratta <psglobal@... <psglobal%40faf.org>>
>
> I hope the attached helps.
>
> Friendship Ambassadors Foundation ( http://www.faf.org ) is conducting an
> exchange based on youth leadership training toward the success of the 8 UN
> Millennium Development Goals. The focus will be on using social
> entrepreneurship and it will include two phases.
>
> In the first phase, global youth, ages 16-24, gather at UN headquarters in
> New York for the 7th annual Youth Assembly at the United Nations (August 4
> -
> 6, 2010). From there 100 Chinese and 100 US high schoolers will travel on
> to nearby Fairleigh Dickinson University to examine SE and how young people
> can develop new careers to aid in global development. See more, attached.
>
> Best of luck and do feel free to spread the word on this - we still need to
> bring in another 40 US high schoolers; we have 100 Chinese already
> pre-selected and ready to arrive in late July.
>
> --------------------------------------
>
> [Moderator's note: four earlier postings on this topic can be viewed at:
>
> http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/npEnterprise/message/3293
>
> You'll need a free Yahoo ID to access this page from our archives.]
>
> ---------------------------------------
> [The following are the attachments referenced in the above postings.]
>
>

I just got back from the Social Enterprise Summit 2010 and had a great
time!  Are there any social entrepreneurs on this list from Michigan?
There's a couple reasons I'm asking.

#1:  I often feel like I'm operating in a vacuum here in Michigan and I
wanted to take this opportunity to hear from and about what other social
entrepreneurs are doing in Michigan.  I'd love to meet you, network with
you, or figure out how we can gain more momentum in our state at the ground
level AND at the policy level.

#2:  I'm interested in opening an SEA chapter for Michigan and I'm curious about
how many other people would like to help make that happen.

I'm based in Lansing, MI and I own a business called Common Wealth
Enterprises that is designed to help empower social entrepreneurs achieve
success.  I'm not necessarily an idea person, but I'm good at helping
operationalize ideas.  If anyone from Michigan is interested in these things or
knows if any of these initiatives are already happening and I'm just clueless,
please let me know!  I'd love to reach out!

Thanks for your time!

Thomas A. Stewart

I am the international coordinator for the Consejo (Council) of the Shipibo
Konibo Xetebo tribe in the Peruvian Amazon.  One of our goals is to create
tribally run, sustainable enterprises in the future.   We are now looking for
resources that may either be free or low cost for designing and hosting a
website for the tribe.  The Consejo is registered in Peru as a non profit civil
organization.  We want to get the word out about the tremendous needs of the
tribe for global support.  Presently, their territories are being given away to
extraction companies and to palm oil plantation/ mono agriculture by the
Peruvian Government.  The human rights violations are atrocious as well the the
environmental impacts on traditional ways of life, global warming.  If any one
has an interest in helping us with web resources please contact me through the
group or my phone number is 440 786-9838.
Thank you, Mershona Parshall

I am working with a group that started a service to deter drunk driving. They
are insured and set up as a small business at the moment. They have networked
with area bars. Because of the rural nature of the area they cannot use scooters
but instead one person drives the inebriated person home and another driver
follows in a vehicle. They started this service because they are very passionate
about the subject. Does anyone know of an SE that is providing a similar
service? I know of a few by reputation or simply by news stories. It would be
great if this group could connect with another similar SE.

Celeste
Celeste Vanderbrugen
Community Development Specialist
University of Missouri Extension
137 W. Main Street
Fredericktown Missouri 63645
573-783-3303
Fax 573-783-5346
http://extension.missouri.edu/madison

Pepperdine University LAUNCHES MASTER OF ARTS IN SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP
AND CHANGE

In light of the major social and economic issues around the world, the
Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology (GSEP)
has established a new degree which will empower students to effect
change at the local and global levels. With a course curriculum that
builds business, management, and leadership proficiency, the 40-unit
master of arts in social entrepreneurship and change will encourage
students to explore the root causes of pressing social problems
affecting individuals, communities, and nations, and develop models for
sustainable solutions.

This program is applicable for students interested in starting a social
enterprise and/or working in advocacy, philanthropy, corporate social
support or nonprofit management, and who will benefit from Pepperdine's
distinguished faculty and legacy of service. The technology-blended
format, with 40 percent online coursework and 60 percent face-to-face
sessions, is structured for the working professional. Program
scholarships, financial assistance, grants, and loans are available to
help finance program fees.

In less than two years (or 5 terms, even while working full-time),
students will be able to:

*         Examine the underlying causes of social challenges such as
hunger, poverty, and homelessness.

*         Create and articulate a vision for change.

*         Work alongside successful social entrepreneurs to learn
creative approaches to problem-solving.

*         Gain practical, real-world preparation through a hands-on
global change experience.

*         Conduct market research and design innovative and effective
marketing campaigns.

*         Employ sound management practices at tactical and strategic
levels.

*         Facilitate relationships between stakeholder groups.

*         Evaluate programs to measure effectiveness in comparison to
objectives.

For more information,
http://gsep.pepperdine.edu/masters-social-entrepreneurship-and-change/

About the Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and
Psychology (GSEP)

GSEP is an innovative learning community where faculty, staff, and
students of diverse cultures and perspectives work collaboratively to
foster academic excellence, social purpose, and personal fulfillment.
Through its integrative course work of theory and application, GSEP
prepares students to serve the needs of others through skilled
leadership.

###

Here are the responses we received to the following request from Mershona
Parshall:

"I am the international coordinator for the Consejo (Council) of the Shipibo
Konibo Xetebo tribe in the Peruvian Amazon. One of our goals is to create
tribally run, sustainable enterprises in the future. We are now looking for
resources that may either be free or low cost for designing and hosting a
website for the tribe. The Consejo is registered in Peru as a non profit
civil organization. We want to get the word out about the tremendous needs
of the tribe for global support. Presently, their territories are being
given away to extraction companies and to palm oil plantation/ mono
agriculture by the Peruvian Government. The human rights violations are
atrocious as well the the environmental impacts on traditional ways of life,
global warming. If anyone has an interest in helping us with web resources
please contact me."

(1) From Courtney Pepper <courtney@...>

We would be interested in helping your agency. Please visit our website and
let me know if you'd like our help: http://www.nonprofitsectorfoundation.org

Courtney Pepper, President
Nonprofit Sector Foundation
http://www.nonprofitsectorfoundation.org

(2) From Gail Hamburg <ariapr@...>

http://www.yola.com , a free website building and hosting platform and
service, whom I met at SOCAP '09 in San Francisco, would be able to meet
your needs. Though I have not used their services, I have heard from others
who have that they are a good platform. Here is more information:
http://www.yola.com/nonprofit.html

Write back if there's anything else we can do to help and I'm sure, between
all of us, that we can find a way to help you. Many pebbles make a beach.

Gail Vida Hamburg
Founder & CEO
Rainworks Omnimedia LLC
www.rainworksomnimedia.com

(3) From Pat Peterson <ppeterson@...>

Our nonprofit used http://www.weebly.com to create a good website.  It's
free and user-friendly.

Here are the responses to this question from Thomas Stewart:

"I just got back from the Social Enterprise Summit 2010 and had a great
time! Are there any social entrepreneurs on this list from Michigan?  I
often feel like I'm operating in a vacuum here in Michigan and I wanted to
take this opportunity to hear from and about what other social entrepreneurs
are doing in Michigan.  I'd love to meet you, network with
you, or figure out how we can gain more momentum in our state at the ground
level AND at the policy level.

I'm interested in opening an SEA chapter for Michigan and I'm curious about
how many other people would like to help make that happen."

(1) From Gail Hamburg <ariapr@...>

At the SE Summit, I met Nana Yaa Dodi of Grand Rapids, MI who works as East
Africa Regional Facilitator at Partners Worldwide.
http://www.partnersworldwide.org

(2) From Kim Novick <kim@...>

What is now "years ago" Paul Ray, in his Cultural Creatives work, identified
the vacuum effect that you are feeling as being an underlying theme of our
still nascent progression...if you haven't read his book, do...it is a quick
read and easy to grasp [or just google about and get an abstract]...in any
event: be assured that you are not alone.

Consider connecting with the NetImpact chapter at East Lansing State, or
with the professional chapter in Detroit...BALLE has a LocalFirst chapter in
Lansing; reach out there.

We have an non-profit organization in Colorado Springs, CO that does this
service. They seem to be doing pretty well. Here's a link to their Facebook
page:


http://www.facebook.com/pages/Designated-Driver-of-Colorado-Springs/146935176774\
?ref=ts


[Moderator's note: that Facebook page indicates that Designated Driver of
Colorado Springs has already provided more than 3000 safe rides home.]


On Thu, May 6, 2010 at 8:37 AM, Vanderbrugen, Celeste J. <
vanderbrugenc@...> wrote:

>
> I am working with a group that started a service to deter drunk driving.
> They are insured and set up as a small business at the moment. They have
> networked with area bars. Because of the rural nature of the area they
> cannot use scooters but instead one person drives the inebriated person home
> and another driver follows in a vehicle. They started this service because
> they are very passionate about the subject. Does anyone know of an SE that
> is providing a similar service? I know of a few by reputation or simply by
> news stories. It would be great if this group could connect with another
> similar SE.

Dear all,

I am in the process of establishing an organization that will create businesses
in pre and post conflict countries. I am wondering if you would weigh in on
creating a social venture versus a nonprofit organization. I am leaning toward a
npo, but other than the tax implications, I am not sure there are any other
advantages.

Comments appreciated!

Best,

Staci

We are thinking of starting a commercial laundry to support our drug
recovery programs and use some of the men in our programs to partially
staff the enterprise. Does anyone have any experience in operating a
commercial laundry? thanks

Deborah J. Pyles
Director of Development
Jobs, Housing & Recovery, Inc.

Highlights is the monthly newsletter of the npEnterprise Forum
http://www.npEnterprise.net , the official listserv partner of the Social
Enterprise Alliance. This edition includes a thread from last year about
Internet or Technology-based social enterprises.

NEW SE BLOGS

The Free Management Library ( http://www.managementhelp.org ), which
receives more than a million visitors per month, recently launched weekly
blogs in 17 subject areas.  Collectively, these blogs are already receiving
more than 10,000 visitors each week.

Blogs that might be of particular interest to social enterprisers include:
* Social Enterprise
* Business Planning
* Strategic Planning
* Marketing
* Boards of Directors

I'm writing the Social Enterprise http://bit.ly/becVcW and Business Planning
http://bit.ly/aMto3p blogs. Each one is short, practical and (I hope) fun to
read.  Whenever possible I incorporate discussions from the npEnterprise
Forum.

Recent topics include (for the SE blog): Form Follows Function (Re: L3C and
B-corps), Feasibility Testing: Top 10 Tips, Where to Look for Good Venture
Ideas, and Is the "Social" In SE Redundant?

And for the business planning blog: Business Plan Software Recommendations,
Strategic vs. Business Plans, Short (Plans) are Beautiful, Executive Summary
Says It All, Find & Feed The Feeling, and Who Needs A Business Plan (You
Do).

So if you have a moment, check them out and add in your $.02 worth. As with
this listserv, your comments are always welcome!  (And contact me if you
want to write a guest blog.)

INTERNET OR TECHNOLOGY-RELATED SE's

Here are some of the responses to a question last year regarding Internet or
technology-based social enterprises:

(1) From Dan Elitzer

Greyston Bakery's online store ( http://www.greystonbakery.org ) provides a
new outlet for selling existing products.

[Moderator's note: I can testify to how scrumptious their existing products
are!]

Community Catalyst's RealBenefits program ( http://www.realbenefits.org )
sells software subscriptions to social service organizations and hospitals.

[Moderator's note: according to their web site, RealBenefits is now
HelpEngen at http://www.helpengen.com ]

An example of revenue from advertising associated with content: videos on
the Sapling Foundation's website at http://www.TED.com .

(2) From Robert McEwan

Our nonprofit created a Web-based application in 2002 that facilitates and
speeds a user's ability to apply for free medication programs. It is called
RxBridge and is on our Web site, http://www.medbankmd.org . We created
another in 2004 but could not get it out of Beta prototype because of a lack
of funds. That one is in the incubator stage. RxBridge has helped us
generate $30-100,000 per year in licenses annually renewable as
subscriptions.

(3) From Patrick McKee

Take a look at http://www.fingerlakesfresh.com . Challenge, a nonprofit
vocational services agency, took hydroponic technology generated at Cornell
University and developed a commercial facility that now operates year round,
growing and distributing greens throughout the northeast and Mid-Atlantic
under its brand name Finger Lakes Fresh. Its dual purpose is to provide
employment opportunities and to generate earned income for the agency.

(4) From Hoi Wai

The Hong Kong Council of Social Service owns a subsidiary called Information
Technology Resources Centre (ITRC). The ITRC provides to NGOs at competitive
rate a wide range of IT products: software, hardware, website design and
hosting services, IT training, IT solutions (e.g. financial management
software suitable for NGOs) etc. It has obtained funding from Government and
business sector to run a Digital Solidarity Fund for supporting NGOs'
projects to reduce digital divide. You may visit their website for more
information: http://itrc.hkcss.org.hk/program/index.php?lang=en

(5) From Paul Lamb

Lots of examples to choose from in the technology and social enterprise
space. in California, for example, check out http://www.stridecenter.org , a
computer training program for low income folks that operates several
computer repair and network support businesses, as well as managing a
computer refurbishment business.

Take a look at the investment portfolio of http://www.zerodivide.org , a
foundation which supports a broad range of technology and media social
enterprises in the nonprofit world.

NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!

Discussions in the npEnterprise Forum are made possible with your questions
and comments. Why not take a few moments to send in a note? We'll be looking
for you! Send your question to:

npEnterprise@yahoogroups.com

Please note that there is often a backlog of messages, so be sure to allow
at least a week for your message to go out to the list, and another week for
responses. Unfortunately, due to space limitations, not every message is
distributed to subscribers. Since this list is operated by volunteers with
day jobs, we are not able to respond to every incoming
message.

Here are the responses to the following question:

"I am in the process of establishing an organization that will create
businesses in pre and post conflict countries. I am wondering if you would
weigh in on creating a social venture versus a nonprofit organization. I am
leaning toward a NPO, but other than the tax implications, I am not sure
there are any other advantages."

(1) From Jerr Boschee <jerr@...>

In the United States, a social enterprise can be legally structured as
either a nonprofit or as a for-profit.  In either case, the goal would be to
become profit-making (and therefore self-sufficient); the nonprofit social
enterprise would re-invest its profits in the business; the for-profit
social enterprise would probably do the same (given that it's a "social"
enterprise), but there is more leeway for distributing profits to
shareholders.

I typically advise my clients that this is a decision the market should make
for you rather than you're attempting to anticipate the market.  In other
words, there are many advantages to being legally structured as a nonprofit
social enterprise, but also many disadvantages.  The same with a for-profit
social enterprise legal structure.  So you need to pay close attention to
what the market is telling you and then respond accordingly.

FYI, There are also a few burgeoning legal structures that might also be
appropriate, depending on where you incorporate (some states have created
L3C or "for-benefit" or similar types of legal structures that make it
easier for Foundations and others to "invest" in or loan to social
enterprises).

(2) From Ben Delaney <delaney@...>

There are lots of advantages to an NPO, at least in the States. Other
countries will differ no doubt. But here, the ability to accept
tax-deductible donations, to be gifted by corporations, and to align with
other NPOs are big helps in making a social venture pencil out.

(3) From: Robert Jacobson <bluefire@...>

It's all about raising and spending money.  Raising money in difficult times
is never easy, but depending on the circumstance, how you are organized and
how you will spend the money will make a big difference.

Obviously, do you want investors or grantors to underwrite your good works?
That question, however, begs a host of others.  It's not clear from your
question exactly what you will be doing to create businesses, your
motivation, or your goal for the businesses.  Each of those factors will
play into your final decision, as will your corporation formation and your
organizational structure.  It's a lot more complicated than just taxes.

Have you spoken with others who have done similar projects?  They'll be your
best advice as to what works and what doesn't.  This email reaches a lot of
people who may have done them.  But you'll have to provide more information,
Staci, especially in subsequent, more focused exchanges with experts and
experienced entrepreneurs.

(4) From Metta Sparre <sparremetta@...>

I suggest you have a look at Jonathan Robinson, the Hub, London,
http://www.sseriga.edu.lv , when he is giving a lecture at the Stockholm School
of
Economics in Riga [Latvia]. I am sure you will get good examples from him! I
am interested in your idea, please give me some more information.

Here is very good SE doing this.

http://www.messexpress.com

[Moderator's note: MESS Express is located in Ithaca NY.  Here's what's on their
home page: "We are a social enterprise that combats drinking and driving among
college students by proactively acknowledging their transportation needs.

By implementing two strategies, simplified bus chartering and prepaid taxi
transportation, M.E.S.S. Express has successfully moved over 15,000 students
safely."]

On Thu, May 6, 2010 at 10:37 AM, Vanderbrugen, Celeste J. <
vanderbrugenc@...> wrote:

> I am working with a group that started a service to deter drunk driving.
> They are insured and set up as a small business at the moment. They have
> networked with area bars. Because of the rural nature of the area they
> cannot use scooters but instead one person drives the inebriated person home
> and another driver follows in a vehicle. They started this service because
> they are very passionate about the subject. Does anyone know of an SE that
> is providing a similar service? I know of a few by reputation or simply by
> news stories. It would be great if this group could connect with another
> similar SE.
>
> Celeste
> Celeste Vanderbrugen
> Community Development Specialist
> University of Missouri Extension
> 137 W. Main Street
> Fredericktown Missouri 63645
> 573-783-3303
> Fax 573-783-5346
> http://extension.missouri.edu/madison
>
>
>



--
M2

Here are the responses to the following question from Deborah Pyles:

"We are thinking of starting a commercial laundry to support our drug
recovery programs and use some of the men in our programs to partially staff
the enterprise. Does anyone have any experience in operating a commercial
laundry?"

(1) From Glen Newby <gnewby@...>

Check out this Community Laundry Service http://www.communitylaundrycoop.ca/
located at Heartwood House in Ottawa http://heartwoodhouse.ca/ .  We are
also planning a Community Laundry Service at our newest Common Roof facility
in Orillia, Ontario http://www.thecommonroof.ca . I would be interested in
other comments to your post.

Glen H. Newby, Chief Executive Officer
New Path Youth & Family Services
President and CEO
New Path Foundation
Barrie, Ontario  Canada

(2) From Jerr Boschee" <jerr@...>

Check with Northwest Center Industries in Seattle -- Jim McClurg started a
commercial laundry there years ago and his successors have carried on with
the business.  From the website:  "Puget Sound Laundry Services offers
quality laundry services to hospitals, the military, hotels and private
companies.  We can clean and press everything from bed linens to hospital
scrubs-and lab coats to towels. We pick up and deliver the laundry, working
on tight schedules to accommodate the needs of our customers.  For more
information visit our website at: http://www.pugetsoundlaundry.com .

(3) From William Cerf <cerf541@...>

Here is some information about the Evergreen Cooperatives
http://www.evergreencoop.com/ which just recently incubated Evergreen
Cooperative Laundry in Cleveland OH:

Here's a video clip:

http://www.blip.tv/file/2749165

Here's an article in Cleveland Plain-Dealer:

http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2009/10/evergreen_cooperative_laundr\
y.html

(4) From Kristi Bourgeois <kbourgeois@...>

I believe that the Urban Restoration Enhancement Corporation (UREC)
http://www.urecbr.com/  in Baton Rouge does this.

[Moderator's note: we could not find anything about a laundry service on their
web site, but it's still possible they're involved in this kind of a venture.]

(5) From heartscnhlp@...

Contact Mike Almaroad at the Opportunity Center Easter Seal in Anniston,
Alabama. They have a rehab contract at the Anniston Army depot. I don't have
the number handy but they have a website. http://www.opportunity-center.com

(6) From Mary Ferguson <mary_ferguson@...>

The Salvation Army in Toronto Ontario operates a laundry. You can contact
Mr. Dion Oxford, Executive Director, at
dionoxford@...  for more information.

[Moderator's note: here's information about this venture:
http://www.salvationarmy.ca/2009/04/08/life%E2%80%99s-hardships-come-out-in-the-\
wash/#more-2883 )

(7) From Anne Jamieson <AJamieson@...>

Gateway Linens in Toronto is operated by Salvation Army Gateway, and employs
residents of the shelter:

http://www.thegateway.ca/PROGRAMS/GATEWAYLINENS/tabid/69/Default.aspx

Anne Jamieson
Program Manager, Toronto Enterprise Fund

(8) From Erik Assadourian <eassadourian@...>

I don't have experience with a commercial laundry but I have read about two
interesting elements you may be interested in including:

1) there have been several commercial laundries that have put solar panels
on their roof to run their dryers.  This investment pays for itself over
time, plus is a great green marketing initiative.

2) I have seen many rebuilt washers that are now run by pedal power.  You
might include a few of those for those that want to pay half the price to
run their washers themselves. Or if you have 2 rooms, that could be the gym
part of the laundry-the "spinning room" if you will.

Here's a link to some pics of bicycle washing machines (and other
appliances) so you can see.  If you can find someone with welding skills-you
could probably take broken washing machines and turn them into
bicycle-driven ones for much less than puchasing of new machines.

http://www.thehumanpoweredhome.com/gallery

Erik Assadourian
Senior Fellow
Worldwatch Institute

(9) From David Dubinsky <ddubinsky@...>

Within the AbilityOne network are several nonprofit agencies that are
operating commercial laundries as social enterprises mainly to create
employment for people with severe disabilities.  The total value of these
laundry operations exceed $25 million annually.most of the work is in
medical linen but there are some exceptions.   Let me know where you are
located and I will do my best to refer you to a program you can tour and try
to use as a model.

David P Dubinsky | Executive Director
Pacific West Region
San Ramon, CA | 94583

Here are two more responses to the following question:

"I am in the process of establishing an organization that will create
businesses in pre and post conflict countries. I am wondering if you would
weigh in on creating a social venture versus a nonprofit organization. I am
leaning toward a NPO, but other than the tax implications, I am not sure
there are any other advantages."

(1) From Jeff Snell <jeffrey.snell@...>

Consider looking at the Women for Women model (NPO based in D.C.).
http://www.womenforwomen.org/  Their emphasis is largely the same, though
it's focused on (you guessed it) women, using a micro-lending approach.

Jeff Snell, Ph.D
Special Advisor to the President

(2) From Sylvia Scott <srjscott@...>

I considered an organization to help girls in Afghanistan.  If I were to go
into Afghanistan as an NGO--of any type, then I have to register with the
government and get their full approval.  They are for example now very leery
of outside NGO's because of scams and Afghans being ripped off.  For work in
their country I would be better off being a for-profit social enterprise
rather than a non-profit OR connect with an already established NGO accepted
by the government aside from going in with USAID.

This is just one example and I am not saying this will be true everywhere.

Here are several more responses to the following question:

"I am in the process of establishing an organization that will create
businesses in pre and post conflict countries. I am wondering if you would
weigh in on creating a social venture versus a nonprofit organization. I am
leaning toward a NPO, but other than the tax implications, I am not sure
there are any other advantages."

(1) From Mitra Ardron [mitra@...]

I'm interested in the solution you find ... since we are doing something
similar - i.e .working internationally and working with businesses in those
countries.

We haven't 100% decided yet, but are leaning towards a LLC that is 100%
owned by a NPO.  Initially the NPO won't be us - will still gives us the
(almost) independence, and lack of government interference (which I think
will be an issue working internationally) while giving us the defacto status
of a NPO in that we personally won't be able to profit from. As an LLC I
believe any profit assessed would go to the parent - which being a NPO
wouldn't pay tax on it.

(2) From Harriet Ann Goldman <hanngoldman@...>

I established a bi-state (CA and NV) NGO in 1987 and served as its Executive
Director for seven years.  This organization serves three counties in the
Lake Tahoe Region and delivers world-class multi-cultural performing arts
programming to all K-12 schoolchildren.  If I were to do it again, I might
shape it as a [for profit] social enterprise.   I think the tax implications
are huge in terms of contributions, but given the current state of our
domestic and global economy, I would lean towards a [for profit] social
enterprise.

A model you might research is "Give Something Back," which was modeled after
"Newman's Own," and is one of the first to allot profits to social benefit.
Also, a good resource to contact is Phillip Gordon, Director of the Center
for Socially Responsible Business at Mills College.  He recently organized
an excellent CSR conference and can be reached at 510-430-3248 and
pgordon@....

I would also carefully consider leadership roles within your organization.
Working with a nonprofit board of directors is often a challenging job in
itself.  And if you are the founder, I would strongly advise that whatever
route you take, you make sure that the human capital (yours and your staff)
is factored into the triple bottom line.

Harriet Ann Goldman
Program Manager and Organizational Development Consultant
Hanngoldman@...
-----------------------------


[Moderator's note: The next comment relates to this message from Sylvia
Scott:

"If I were to go into Afghanistan as an NGO--of any type, then I have to
register with the government and get their full approval. They are for
example now very leery of outside NGO's because of scams and Afghans being
ripped off. For work in
their country I would be better off being a for-profit social enterprise
rather than a non-profit OR connect with an already established NGO accepted
by the government aside from going in with USAID."]

(3) From David P Magnani <dmagnani@...>

"OR connect with an already established NGO accepted by the government aside
from going in with USAID."  I might go this route - for a whole variety of
reasons.

David P. Magnani
Executive Director
Massachusetts Nonprofit Network


[Moderator's note: previous messages on this topic can be viewed at (you'll
need a free Yahoo ID for this):

http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/npEnterprise/message/3326
http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/npEnterprise/message/3331

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Thanks!

I am Controller/CFO of a 501(c)3 nonprofit Organization based in Los
Angeles.   I am contemplating directing my organization to acquire an existing
for profit home health agency - a venture that I am quite familiar
with.   Current economic/community dynamics seem to indicate to me that this
venture could be profitable.

My immediate concerns are:

a)   Could a nonprofit organization acquire a for profit venture whose
activities and profits would be significantly more than the nonprofit
revenue/funding it receives?   Would it make a difference if the for profit
revenue is not more than the nonprofit revenue/funding it receives?

b)   Could a nonprofit utilize its net assets (e.g, cash) or borrow against its
property to fund the acquisition of this for profit venture?

c)   Is there a "limit" to the profit that a nonprofit could "produce" from a
for profit venture without compromising its tax-exempt status?
 
d)   Can Executive and Administrative costs be legally allocated between the for
profit and nonprofit Organization?
 
e)  If the nonprofit Organization owns the for profit venture completely does
the profit inure completely to the benefit of the nonprofit or could a certain
percentage of the profit be kept by the for profit as Retained Earnings?
 
I really would appreciate your advise/help.

Thanks.

Eric
 

 





 

 

Does anybody know a nonprofit social enterprise that has a sales department?  We
are thinking of creating a sales department and we would like to know
experiences from other organizations, department structure and salaries
structure.

Here are responses to the following question from Eric Catalan:

"I am Controller/CFO of a 501(c)3 nonprofit Organization based in Los
Angeles.   I am contemplating directing my organization to acquire an
existing for profit home health agency - a venture that I am quite familiar
with.   Current economic/community dynamics seem to indicate to me that this
venture could be profitable.

My immediate concerns are: (a) Could a nonprofit organization acquire a for
profit venture whose activities and profits would be significantly more than
the nonprofit revenue/funding it receives?   Would it make a difference if
the for profit revenue is not more than the nonprofit revenue/funding it
receives?  (b) Could a nonprofit utilize its net assets (e.g, cash) or
borrow against its property to fund the acquisition of this for profit
venture?  (c) Is there a "limit" to the profit that a nonprofit could
"produce" from a for profit venture without compromising its tax-exempt
status? (d)
Can Executive and Administrative costs be legally allocated between the for
profit and nonprofit Organization? (e)
If the nonprofit Organization owns the for profit venture completely does
the profit inure completely to the benefit of the nonprofit or could a
certain percentage of the profit be kept by the for profit as Retained
Earnings?"

(1) From Arthur Rieman <sherpa@...>

We regularly handle transactions such as this. While I can't comment on the
particular situation you've described, in general, an exempt org that wants
to engage in a transaction such as the one you've described can do so
provided the transaction is properly structured and documented, on the one
hand, and all of the relevant IRS and Attorney General (especially here in
California) regulations are heeded (i.e., I's dotted and T's crossed).
Depending on the actual facts of the situation, your legal counsel should be
able to guide you and the organization's Board of Directors through the
processes necessary to make the transaction sufficiently transparent and in
compliance with the relevant laws and rules should a regulator come knocking
at your door.

The IRS claims that nonprofits are the most heavily regulated industry in
the country form a tax law perspective. Thus, avoiding shortcuts is
critical. We have come on board after the fact (e.g., at the IRS or AG audit
stage) to clean up a botched transaction. These are much more troublesome -
and expensive for the client - then when the transaction is done right the
first time.

Good luck,
Arthur Rieman
The Law Firm for Nonprofits, PC
www.lfnp.com

(2) From Terri A. Lewis <tlm7291@...>

The mission of your organization is the overriding consideration as you
evaluate these questions.  Nonrofits purchase for profit entities all the
time.  If you intend to preserve the for profit status, use it to generate
income for the not for profit, while continuing to pay taxes, then segregate
the purchase, and bring it under the umbrella of the parent.  You would find
a consolidated filing, depending on both state and federal 990 corporation
rules.

a) the revenue issues are apples and oranges as the not for profit revenue
is unrelated to the for profit revenue.  If you plan to use the for profit
to generate revenue for the not for profit entity, you will have to pay
taxes.  Use a competent tax attorney who knows what they are doing and you
will be fine.
b) You can use net assets to underwrite your loans but a big word of
caution-once you cross collateralize your not for profit assets you transfer
the risk of the for profit to the not for profit.  I would not do this.  Use
the assets of the for profit to collateralize the purchase as you don't want
a bank to be able to reach for the assets of the parent, especially in this
banking climate.  Apply your loan payments to the for profit's revenue
stream and keep a firewall between the two entities.
c) Make sure the missions are properly aligned, modify your chartering docs
if necessary, pay your taxes for the not for profit, and there should be no
worry here.

(3) From Michelle Rock <mrock@...>

You are correct in home health agencies being profitable, especially with a
huge aging population, for which I am one of.  I oversee an economic
development program for a community action agency in Vermont.  Non-profits
are encouraged to start enterprises that are profitable.  This venture would
be a department of the organization, under its umbrella and responsible for
taxes.  However, proceeds from the venture can be put into the non-profit as
discretionary funding for other projects.

Best of luck.

(4) From Ken Ristine <ken@...>

The simple answer to all your questions is Yes.

However, you are getting into an area that demands particular attention to
detail regarding how you structure such a deal.

Let's take one example: Even though we don't know what this business is, one
may guess that the operation of this business could result in a liability
issue. That could be a product liability or a practice liability. The
question is, do you want to expose the nonprofit to the legal consequences
of that liability? Are your nonprofit board members willing to accept such a
risk?  In both cases the answer is probably No.

One idea then is to structure the for-profit in such a way, say as a
wholly-owned subsidiary, that it has its own formal corporate structure.
That structure, including a separate board, creates a barrier between the
for-profit and the nonprofit regarding issues such as operations, taxation,
and liability. But, if the enterprise generates profit, all or part of the
profit can flow to the nonprofit (and in fact you would probably gauge that
flow so that the taxable profit of the business was kept to a minimum).

This example is only a small look at what you have to deal with. You really
need to get together with an attorney and accountant who understand these
issues to hash out the details. You may need both someone with small
business experience as well as another person who really knows the nonprofit
law around structuring related organizations.

One resource you might look into for some of the questions you ask is the
Nonprofit Finance Fund. They have an LA office; their web site is
http://www.nonprofitfinancefund.org

Ken Ristine
Senior Program Officer
Ben B. Cheney Foundation

[Moderator's note: we can vouch for the quality of the work done by the
Nonprofit Finance Fund in this area.]

(5) From Russell Wayman <wrw646@...>

I am very interested in the replies you get to this inquiry. I have attached
a copy of an IRS publication which I think answers a lot, but not all, of
your questions.

[Moderator's note: he's referring to IRS publication 598: Tax on Unrelated
Business Income of Exempt Organizations.  It can be found at
http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p598.pdf ]

(6) From William Cerf <cerf541@...>

You might want to contact Cooperative Home Care Associates (CHCA) in Bronx, NY.
They have a lot of experience and have been around a while.

349 E 149th St Suite# 5
Bronx, New York 10451
Tel (718) 993-7104
E-mail: info@...

website: http://www.chcany.org/

Hello - I work for Community Services Employment Training (CSET) in the
Central Valley, California. My agency is looking for venture capitalists to help
launch our Green Training Facility as a social enterprise. We are a nonprofit
that has provided training to California Community Corps members in
weatherization for over a decade. We have excellent experience and are looking
forward to furthering our mission of helping communities and people by providing
more advanced training, including HERs rater and BPI certification, to these
Corps members, as well as the target population of unemployed construction
workers.

I appreciate your insights and assistance!
--
Darlene Tyndal
CSET
Assistant Director - Weatherization
(559) 732-4194 x 680

[Moderator's note: HERS raters are special inspectors certified by the
California Energy Commission (CEC) to rate homes in California according to the
Home Energy Rating System. BPI certification refers to contractors who receive
professional certification from the Building Performance Institute, which is
often required for participation in government and utility sponsored programs
that promote energy efficiency.

The moderators would like to encourage people to explain or define in context
insider acronyms so readers outside of your field can fully participate in the
discussion.  Thank-you.]

Highlights is the monthly newsletter of the npEnterprise Forum
http://www.npEnterprise.net , the official listserv partner of the Social
Enterprise Alliance. This edition includes comments from a recent thread on
a nonprofit purchasing an existing for profit business.

LISTSERV CELEBRATES 10th ANNIVERSARY AND 7,000th SUBSCRIBER

News Flash!  This month, the npEnterprise Forum will turn ten years old,
just in time to celebrate its 7,000th subscriber!  That's right, ten years
ago, a casual conversation between Andy Horsnell and Carter McNamara led to
creation of this listserv.  Now, with 5,000 postings and 7,000 subscribers on
board, npE has become THE global online commons for the social enterprise
movement.  Congratulations everyone!

SE BLOGS

Speaking of global commons, the Free Management Library (
http://www.managementhelp.org ), which receives more than a million visitors
per month, just launched weekly blogs in 17 subject areas. Collectively,
these blogs are already receiving more than 10,000 visitors each week.

Blogs that might be of particular interest to social enterprisers include:
* Social Enterprise
* Business Planning
* Strategic Planning
* Marketing
* Boards of Directors

I'm writing the Social Enterprise http://bit.ly/becVcW and Business Planning
http://bit.ly/aMto3p blogs. Each one is short, practical and (I hope) fun to
read. Whenever possible, I incorporate discussions from the npEnterprise
Forum.

Recent topics include (for the SE blog): Ten Best SE Web Sites, Can Greed Be
Part of the SE Creed?, Is Social Franchising Right for Us?, and Form Follows
Function.

And for the business planning blog: Sample Business Plans, Ten Best Business
Planning Web Sites, Best Business Planning Books, and Be Nimble, Be Quick:
BE Disruptive Too.

So if you have a moment, check them out and add in your $.02 worth. As with
this listserv, your comments are always welcome! (And contact me if you want
to write a guest blog.)

BUYING AN EXISTING FOR PROFIT BUSINESS

Here are excerpts from a recent thread about a nonprofit purchasing an
existing commercial business:

(1) From Arthur Rieman, Esq.

While I can't comment on the particular situation you've described, in
general, an exempt org that wants to engage in a transaction such as the one
you've described can do so provided the transaction is properly structured
and documented, on the one hand, and all of the relevant IRS and Attorney
General (especially here in California) regulations are heeded (i.e., I's
dotted and T's crossed).  Depending on the actual facts of the situation,
your legal counsel should be able to guide you and the organization's Board
of Directors through the processes necessary to make the transaction
sufficiently transparent and in compliance with the relevant laws and rules
should a regulator come knocking at your door.

(2) From Ken Ristine

The simple answer to all your questions is Yes.

However, you are getting into an area that demands particular attention to
detail regarding how you structure such a deal.

Let's take one example: Even though we don't know what this business is, one
may guess that the operation of this business could result in a liability
issue. That could be a product liability or a practice liability. The
question is, do you want to expose the nonprofit to the legal consequences
of that liability? Are your nonprofit board members willing to accept such a
risk? In both cases the answer is probably No.

One idea then is to structure the for-profit in such a way, say as a
wholly-owned subsidiary, that it has its own formal corporate structure.
That structure, including a separate board, creates a barrier between the
for-profit and the nonprofit regarding issues such as operations, taxation,
and liability. But, if the enterprise generates profit, all or part of the
profit can flow to the nonprofit (and in fact you would probably gauge that
flow so that the taxable profit of the business was kept to a minimum).

This example is only a small look at what you have to deal with. You really
need to get together with an attorney and accountant who understand these
issues to hash out the details. You may need both someone with small
business experience as well as another person who really knows the nonprofit
law around structuring related organizations.

One resource you might look into for some of the questions you ask is the
Nonprofit Finance Fund. They have an LA office; their web site is
http://www.nonprofitfinancefund.org

(3) From Russell Wayman

I have attached a copy of an IRS publication which I think answers a lot,
but not all, of your questions.

[Moderator's note: he's referring to IRS publication 598: Tax on Unrelated
Business Income of Exempt Organizations. It can be found at
http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p598.pdf  ]

(4) From Rus Kinzinger

Youčre asking the right questions regarding impact on your nonprofit, many
of which can be answered at the following IRS website:
http://www.irs.gov/charities/article/0,,id=96104,00.html.   Best of luck in
completing your due-diligence.

NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!

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Here are the responses to the following question from Diana Higuera from the
Conflict Center in Denver:

"Does anybody know a nonprofit social enterprise that has a sales
department? We are thinking of creating a sales department and we would like
to know experiences from other organizations, department structure and
salaries structure."

(1) From John Herron <jherron@...>

Sales is the hardest part of social enterprise for me.  Most of our sales
have come from personal contacts and referrals for existing customers.
These are the best customers.  In the last 8 years we have been thru several
sales strategies without much success.

There are two major reasons as best I can tell.  The first is management.
By this I mean how to hire and manage a sales person.  If you come at this
from the professional non-profit world you are completely unprepared to
manage a sales force because you have no idea how sales is done or what
motivates a sales person.  You can't imagine having to sustain enthusiasm
while going about your day being told "No".  You start to take pity on the
poor sales person and lower the expectation that they persevere to the
occasional "Yes".  This is a tragic mistake.

The second reason is management.  In this case you allow the sales person to
become enamored with the social mission such that you gradually allow more
and more of their time to be spent in the office "caring about the clients"
rather than doing the hard work of sales by hitting the street.

Now I would like to share all I have learned about how to overcome these two
obstacles..any questions?

(2) From Kathleen Hulsey <khulsey@...>

Our nonprofit has a sales/marketing "department", promoting and selling our
clients' artwork, performances we produce and direct and networking in the
area to promote our day program for 100 developmentally disabled adults.
Does your organization sell from a separate storefront or is everything
handled through your main location?  What is the $ range of the sales you
generate?  Let me know what you are trying to accomplish - I'll see if what
we do will help you.

(3) From Rockford Williams <rockford.williams@...>

I am sure there are many nonprofit groups with a sales department.  Last
month for the first time I went to a Colorado nonprofit Assoc meeting and at
least 50 different organizations were there.  Next meeting July 2, Friday 9
am Exempla 17th& Lafayette.  They have valet parking.  Come into the
building and sign in with Security then go up the wide stairs to 2nd floor.
Then you can ask your question.

I remember thinking while in class about how you would identify your
prospects.  If you can do that and then make the calls you will do well.

(4) From Joy Knox <joy@...>

YouthInk runs a Student Sales program and we're here in Denver, just down
the street from you!  The youth sell t-shirts and make a commission on their
closed orders.

(5) From Shelley Duncan <SDuncan@...>

We have a sales department but not as part of a social enterprise, but
rather as part of our agency. We sell our services; residential, mental
health, and foster care.

Thank you for your input on my question on Buying and Owning a For Profit
Business by a Nonprofit.   They were all very insightful and helpful.
 
My next question is, if a Nonprofit can create and/or own a For Profit Business
or subsidiary, does it not follow that a Nonprofit can also legally buy shares
of stocks/invest in Publicly Traded Corporation?   If yes, what are or where can
I find the guidelines for doing so?

Thank you.
 
Eric