Ready, Set, Launch: 5 Must-Know Tips for Starting Your Business or Nonprofit

Starting a business or nonprofit is like setting out on an epic road trip—exciting, but a little nerve-wracking. You’re full of ideas and passion, but without a solid plan, you might end up stranded on the side of the road (figuratively speaking, of course). Over the years, I’ve helped entrepreneurs and nonprofit founders navigate their journeys, and I’m here to share five things you need to know before you hit the gas.

1. Start with Your "Why"

Before diving into logistics, take a moment to reflect on why you want to start your business or nonprofit. What problem are you solving? Who will benefit? Your “why” will be the foundation of everything you do—from your mission statement to your elevator pitch.

Pro Tip: Write down your mission and vision statements early. These will guide your decisions and keep you focused.

2. Understand the Legal Stuff

It might not be the most glamorous part of starting something new, but getting the legal and administrative details right is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to consider:

• For Businesses: Decide whether to register as a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation. Each structure has different tax implications and responsibilities.

• For Nonprofits: You’ll need to incorporate and possibly register as a charity if you want to issue tax receipts for donations.

Pro Tip: Consult with a lawyer or accountant to choose the right structure for your goals.

3. Money Matters

No matter how passionate you are, you’ll need funding to get started. Create a budget that covers:

• Start-up costs (licenses, equipment, marketing)

• Operational costs (rent, salaries, utilities)

• Contingency funds (because surprises happen!)

For nonprofits, start researching grant opportunities early. For businesses, look into small business loans or investor options.

Pro Tip: Sketgo can help you find grants to fund your nonprofit’s programs or business initiatives. Book a call to learn more!

4. Plan for the Long Haul

Starting is exciting, but sustainability is key. Think about:

• Your Team: Who will help you? Surround yourself with people who share your vision and bring complementary skills.

• Your Audience: Who are your customers or beneficiaries? What do they need, and how will you reach them?

• Your Goals: Set short-term and long-term objectives to track your progress.

Pro Tip: A strong business or strategic plan is your roadmap to success. Don’t skip this step!

5. Stay Organized (and Stay Sane)

Running a business or nonprofit comes with a lot of moving parts. Find systems that work for you to stay on top of:

• Deadlines

• Finances

• Communications

If you have ADHD like me, organization might not come naturally—and that’s okay. Use tools like Google Drive, Asana, or even a good old-fashioned notebook to keep track of everything.

Pro Tip: Check out our blog on organization tips for ADHD for more hacks to stay productive.

Wrapping It Up

Starting a business or nonprofit is a bold and brave step, and with the right preparation, you can turn your dream into a sustainable reality. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t worry—you don’t have to do it alone.

At Sketgo, I’ve helped countless entrepreneurs and nonprofit founders navigate the startup process, and I’d love to help you too. Book a call today, and let’s get you started on the right foot. And if you’re looking for funding, don’t forget to check out our grant writing course for tools and strategies to secure the resources you need.

You’ve got this—and I’m here to cheer you on every step of the way!