How to Build Your Own Village
By: Barbara Basler; Source: AARP Bulletin Date Posted: 2005-12-14 13:32:00-05:00
- Huddle Form a core group of about a dozen high-profile neighbors with diverse skills and backgrounds.
- Count Your Chickens Research your community—the number of residents over age 50, their average income, etc. Beacon Hill Village used census information to determine if there were enough people to support the venture.
- Know Your Customers Commission a survey to find out what services people want and what they will pay for them.
- Line Up Players Contact key local businesses and health providers—from hospitals and home care agencies to repair services—to gauge their interest in working with your group.
- Do the Math Draw up a business plan, estimating membership income and service costs. Beacon Hill Village used Harvard MBA alumni. Local universities or colleges may offer similar free consultation.
- Pass the Hat Raise seed money: 30 percent of your estimated budget. Much of Beacon Hill Village's start-up money came from contributions by neighborhood residents who believed in the idea.
- Get a Chief Hire a director who will be the face and voice of your enterprise as you continue to recruit members and service providers.
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