Jean Hardy Robinson, President, JHR Resources, Inc and Tracey Wiseman, Managing Partner, Partner2Impact LLC

Nonprofits of all sizes and missions have heard much about social ventures, social enterprises, and social entrepreneurs over the past few years. This workshop will inform organizational leaders about various business models and the concepts that link them to mission-driven organizations. It will provide a method to determine if they are ready for activities designed to bring in unrestricted funds through earned income.

Once an entrepreneur has identified an unmet social and business need, or an organization has decided that it is ready to develop a new program, product, or service, it needs a solid business plan.
•    What is the market for the new venture?
•    How will the product or service be marketed and distributed?
•    What will the start-up costs be?
•    How soon will the product or service be expected to break even?

Participants will leave with a social enterprise readiness checklist, various examples of successful earned income strategies, and a partially developed business plan. All participants will have access to a business models webinar that will explore the benefits and considerations for the most popular nonprofit business structures (a $40 value).

Speakers Bios

Jean Hardy Robinson, President of JHR Resources, Inc. brings experiences to each client from a career that has included executive management, new program development, university teaching, and more than 20 years of consulting. Prior to founding JHR Resources, Inc. she was affiliated with a mid-sized consulting group focused on fundraising.  Earlier work in diverse environments included positions as Vice President and Managing Consultant with a major financial institution, and Vice President for a large not-for-profit.

JHR Resources’ consulting engagements with mission-driven organizations succeed in part because of respect for complex organizational cultures and commitment to excellent management. The firm has provided counsel to CEO’s and boards who are leading their organizations through operational reform and interim staffing during periods of transition. The company’s consistent goal is to help clients integrate best business practices with innovative resource strategies. With affiliates based in Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Georgia, JHR Resources serves a national client base.

Dr. Robinson has co-edited a book, Ideas for Treasury Management, has authored a book of literary criticism and a number of articles, including, “How Can You Gain Your Donors’ Trust?” and “Monitoring Your Organization’s Financial Health”. Recent presentations and trainings on “Pricing,” “Business Models,”  “Collaboration” and “Diversifying Sources of Revenue” reflect her interest in social entrepreneurship and new models to fulfill mission.

Dr. Robinson speaks fluent French and has worked in several languages. Her Ph.D. is from the University of Kansas. Professional memberships include the Social Enterprise Alliance, the Association of Consultants to Nonprofits, Chicago Women in Philanthropy and the Donors Forum.

Tracey Wiseman is a Managing Partner of Partner2Impact, a multi-faceted team of advisors to leaders in nonprofit organizations, foundations and communities.

The P2I team provides counsel in philanthropy, strategic planning, capacity building, organizational development, financial health assessment, and impact evaluation.  Clients’ interests include economic development, public-private initiatives, human services, education, arts and cultural and the environment.