A Quick-Start Checklist for Small Charities, CICs & Community Groups
You’re NOT becoming a business – You’re becoming a purpose-driven organisation with staying power.
🔍 Mindset & Mission
🔲Revisit your mission – does it still align with your community’s needs?
🔲Talk to your team: Are you open to exploring trading as a means, not an end?
🔲Identify mindset barriers: Who’s worried about “selling out”? How can you reframe?
💼 Audit What You Already Have
🔲Make a list of services, skills, or resources you currently offer
🔲Identify what people already ask you for – could that be monetised?
🔲Look at your space, equipment, or network – could any be offered for a fee?
💷 Explore Trading Opportunities
🔲Run a pilot: Can you charge a fee for a workshop, training, or session?
🔲Test community interest in a product or service (e.g. venue hire, events, consultancy)
🔲Research 2–3 local STOs and how they earn income
📊 Build the Business Side
🔲Assign someone to explore pricing, marketing, or customer relationships
🔲Find local enterprise or business support – workshops, mentoring, or toolkits
🔲Develop a simple trading plan (what you offer, to whom, for how much)
🗣 Tell a New Story
🔲Update your messaging: Show how your offer brings value, not just need
🔲Build case studies or testimonials from paid or commissioned work
🔲Stop hiding trading activity – shout about how it sustains your impact!
🛠 Iterate and Learn
🔲Choose one small action to trial this month
🔲Schedule a team review: What worked? What didn’t? What next?
🔲Celebrate learning — not just results