Advice for Religious Entrepreneurs

Religion and business have much in common. In effect, something is sold and something is bought. In these articles, we offer advice for religious entrepreneurs -- people who are starting organizations where religion plays a central role. Regardless of what religion you embrace, you'll find this advice to be of use.

• Starting a Religious Organization - Although religious organizations aren't businesses, religious startups have many features in common with business startups, including the need to invest time and effort in planning.
• Startup Requirements for a Religious Organization - In some ways, religious organizations are similar to small businesses. But as a religious startup, there are several additional hoops you will need to jump through, especially if you want to ensure the tax deductibility of donor contributions.
• Hiring and HR Considerations for a Religious Startup - The task of hiring a staff of qualified employees is challenging for any startup. For religious startups, the hiring challenge is complicated by at least two additional obstacles.
• Tax Consequences of a Religious Organization Startup - Religious organizations receive special treatment when it comes to federal, state and local taxation.
• Finding the Right Location for Your Religious Startup - Just like any other startup organization, location is a top priority for a religious organization.
• Getting People in the Door of Your Religious Startup - The idea of starting a religious organization can be exhilarating. You have no shortage of plans and purpose –- but how are you going to actually get people in the door?

• Branding a Religious Organization - How important is branding for a church, mosque, temple or synagogue? Religious entrepreneurs who are successful tend to recognize the incredible power of branding and apply it to their religious organization.
• Tips for Marketing a Religious Startup - Every successful religious institution is powered in part by good marketing. Learn how to market your church, mosque, temple, or synagogue.
• How to Market a Religious Startup Online - Marketing a religious startup online is a smart move. We discuss what you need to know about online marketing if you are starting a new church, mosque, temple or synagogue.
• Where Should I Advertise My New Religious Organization? - By advertising your religious organization, you can attract new congregants. Here's some advice on how to advertise your religious organization.
• Strategic Planning for a Religious Organization Startup - Religious organizations that fail to create a strategic plan put themselves at a big disadvantage in what is an increasingly competitive market for congregants.
• Religious Organizations: Laying a Foundation for Growth - Growing a religious organization is part art, part science. We explain how you can put in place a plan for growth and how to decide how fast you want your church, mosque, temple or synagogue to grow.
• Why Profitability Matters in a Religious Organization Startup - Most religious organizations would prefer to focus on prophets, rather than profits. While faith is the underpinnings of all successful religious organizations, making ends meet is also extremely important.
• Top Three Mistakes New Religious Organizations Make - Any new organization, whether it's religious or for-profit, makes mistakes during the startup phase.
• Space Concerns for Religious Startups - Finding the right space for your religious startup is an essential, yet challenging task.
• Signage Tips for New Religious Organizations - Good signage is a tried and true way for a religious organization to attract new members and foster a sense of community.
• Facebook for Churches - Here are three ways churches can use Facebook to grow their congregations and create more meaningful connections with their members.