Last week the New York City chapter of  the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network (of which I am a board member) hosted a workshop on social entrepreneurship with Maritza Martinez, former Senior Associate of Fellows and Alumni at Echoing Green.  Echoing Green is a nonprofit that gives seed money to bold innovative idea for social change.  Some of their past fellows include Teach for America, Green for All, the Extraordinaries, and the J.U.I.C.E. Project and Maritza graciously shared her experience in selecting and supporting such spectacular ideas and people.

Five questions emerged that I think every social entrepreneur should ask themselves before launching:

1.  How well do you know your field? We’re often motivated to start a new organization because of a pressing  need we see in our communities not being met.  However, understanding the kinds of organizations that already exist gives you a better sense of what need there is for your organization.  Will you even need to launch a new organization?  Can you collaborate with an organization or be an “intra-preneur” within your own organization?

2.  Why you? While it is important to think about the people you serve, you have to take stock of what makes YOU capable of bringing this organization to life.  What are your strengths and weaknesses?  What skill sets do you need in partners to help your thrive?  What connections do you have?  What resources can you bring?  Finding gaps let’s you know where to focus your efforts.

To read the rest of the questions and to see Martiza’s full presentation visit the YNPN-NYC blog.  Be sure to leave a comment and if  you are in NYC become a member!