Quotes: 
What others are saying about Venture Forth!...

“Venture Forth! offers a clear, no-buts way to negotiate the minefields in the nonprofit world. It’s sincere, smart, and helpful.”
—Paul Newman actor, philanthropist, and founder of Newman’s Own

“I'm fairly new to social enterprise but I've been in the private for-profit business sector for some time now and I think I know a good thing when I spot it. Most recently I attended a workshop by Rolfe Larson based on his book, 'Venture Forth!' After attending his workshop with four other members of our organization, we decided to purchase a copy of his book for our library. Rest assured, that book won't spend much time on a shelf, since it is probably the simplest, most straightforward and useful tool of its kind in the sector. I wish I'd had a copy of it when I was starting out in the for-profit sector, its contents and worksheets are that clear and simple-to-follow. I can't think of a better tool for your group to work with.”
—Mike Rivera, Kingdom Living Ministries, Inc.

“An excellent tool to assist in launching sustainable ventures. The book's straightforward guidance and helpful planning steps reflect Larson's history as both for-profit businessman and nonprofit consultant.”
—Jed Emerson, Lecturer, Graduate School of Business, Stanford University; Senior Fellow, William and Flora Hewlett Foundation; and cofounder, Roberts Enterprise Development Fund

“Rolfe Larson gives anyone, staff or board, who is serious about considering a new venture 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, and author of Social Entrepreneurship, Mission-Based Marketing, Mission-Based Management, Financial Empowerment, and other books.

“This book is terrific! I wish it had been available when we did our entrepreneurial enterprise.”
—Mary Connolly-Ross, Consultant, MC-R Associates, Columbus, OH

“This thoughtful, concise, and practical step-by-step guide will open your eyes to new possibilities, guide you in developing a realistic plan, and help you set out on the right foot. I highly recommend this workbook!”
—J. Gregory Dees, Adjunct Professor of Social Entrepreneurship, Fuqua School of Business, Duke University, and coauthor of Enterprising Nonprofits: A Toolkit for Social Entrepreneurs

“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

“A clear and practical step-by-step guide to developing an advocacy program. I know it will be referred to again and again for detailed and focused advice.”
—Jonathan Small, Executive Director, Nonprofit Coordinating Committee of New York

“By working through the well-developed worksheets, board and staff can decide what will and will not work for them. 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

“An outstanding guide for any nonprofit organization seeking a more prosperous and secure future. Rolfe Larson has used his considerable experience in social entrepreneurship and nonprofit management, to produce a simple step-by-step approach that any nonprofit can apply.”
—J. Scott Craig, President, J. Scott Associates, Dublin, OH

“If you're serious about new ventures, this is the path. An important subject given the depth it deserves by a guy who's walked the talk.”
— Peter Brown, author of The Complete Guide to Money-Making Ventures for Nonprofit Organizations

“A very logical, thorough, and practical approach to business development. This book helps people 'funnel down' from a large number of ideas to a short list of good potential opportunities.”
— Andy Horsnell, Authenticy Consulting LLC, Regina, SK, Canada



Table Of Contents: 
Introduction
What is a Venture?
Why Pursue Ventures?
Who Should Pursue Ventures?
How to Use This Book

Chapter One: Venture Development Overview
Nonprofit Ventures: An Oxymoron?
Venture Benefits
Venture Limitations
How to Start a Venture

Chapter Two: Prospecting for Ventures
Step 1: Get Organized
Step 2: Conduct a Venture Audit
Step 3: Brainstorm and Screen Venture Ideas
Chapter Two Summary

Chapter Three: Testing the Feasibility of Your Venture Ideas
Step 4: Perform Quick Market Tests
Step 5: Do Feasibility Market Research
Step 6: Prepare Feasibility Financial Analysis
Chapter Three Summary

Chapter Four: Business Planning
Step 7: Write a Business Plan
Chapter Four Summary

Conclusion
Focus on the Basics
Find the Right Venture Champions
Review Marketing Strategies Often
Measure Performance Quantitatively
Get Outside Help
Compare Your Plan with Reality

Notes

Appendices
Appendix A Bibliography
Appendix B Internet Resources
Appendix C Internet Research Links
Appendix D Sample Financial Plan for Nature Center Gift Shop
Appendix E Unrelated Business Income Tax
Appendix F Calculating Breakeven Using Percentage of Sales
Appendix G Blank Worksheets

Index