Advice for Religious Entrepreneurs

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.

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.

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.

Religious organizations receive special treatment when it comes to federal, state and local taxation.

Just like any other startup organization, location is a top priority for a religious organization.

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?

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.

Every successful religious institution is powered in part by good marketing. Learn how to market your church, mosque, temple, or synagogue.

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.

By advertising your religious organization, you can attract new congregants. Here's some advice on how to advertise your religious organization.

Religious organizations that fail to create a strategic plan put themselves at a big disadvantage in what is an increasingly competitive market for congregants.

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.

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.

Any new organization, whether it's religious or for-profit, makes mistakes during the startup phase.

Finding the right space for your religious startup is an essential, yet challenging task.

Good signage is a tried and true way for a religious organization to attract new members and foster a sense of community.

Here are three ways churches can use Facebook to grow their congregations and create more meaningful connections with their members.