I need to write a proposal; what does it need to have in it?

[KatyMac]

A bit about me
A bit about what I do
A bit about my idea
A bit about what I need
A bit about who benefits
A bit about costs

Is that all?

Aw go one someone; say something. Even if it's "Katymac you don't have a clue"

I only have a day to do this

& should I take a cash flow forecast or is that daft?

Yeah that sounds good, although without knowing a bit more about what you are proposing and to whom it is a bit difficult to tell!

If you have (or can be expected to have) enough information to do a cash flow forecast then yes, take it along with you but if you need some information from the client/funder/grant holder whatever don't guess in order to make a cash flow up.

I want a council house/flat to open a nursery in........fat chance! But they are fairly keen on increasing childcare

I have a sort of (not in Powerpoint) Powerpoint presentation written & I have a generic "how much running a childcare setting costs" cashflow forecast

You have a message. If you can't get it, could you use the contact page on my website to send me your email?

Thanks - I sent you a essay bit

I would think you need to 'sell' it to them in terms of how they benefit. How does it meet with the local plan, local government and central government targets?

Is it filling a gap? How do you know there is a need? Can you prove it?

Is it their responsibility and how is your proposal the best way to solve the problem/meet demand/fill the gap?

Start your presentation by describing the gap/problem rather than talking about yourself...so:

The issue/need/problem.
How you know it exists.
Why it relates to the council.
Your suggested solution - where (council premises), when (timeline for start-up and frequency), how (what equipment/staff/etc needed), why (whom benefits and how), how much (budget)
Why you are the best person/organisation to do it.
What will happen if it does not happen? (could perhaps link to evidence of early years support and learning for better life outcomes, etc - particularly if the need is unlikely to be met another way).
Questions.

Do I need pretty pictures?

The problem:
? Nurseries are closing
? After school clubs are closing
? Existing Childminders won?t cope with the increased demand
? I currently have 3 spaces; if I take on the enquiries I have currently I will be full.

 
My idea:
? Set up a second site, as ?Childcare on Domestic Premises?
? Using Council property ? A council house or flat (with a garden) a community building; rent free.
? Run as a Co-operative (Community Interest Company)

I'm getting there.....maybe

Finished - any critics?

Mmmm yes, let's have a look - sorry I ran out of time earlier, but you were obviously on the right track with the CIC etc. already part of the plan.

PM & emailed (I hope)

Are you sending your proposal to the Council? Which bit? I am asking, as I thought - maybe incorrectly - that there would be forms and proceedures. A "freeform" proposal just sounds a bit uncouncil-like...?

Our local council offers sessions on opening up childcare etc. I guess you have already investigated that.

Again you might have also looked at this.... but there might also be help with funding/support if you go for a social enterprise - is it THE thing to do at the mo!!

I admire your spirit/idea though. And you could be delivering a really valuable service to local parents.

I was presenting to the Early Years Team
I have a social enterprise (a co-op)

But the Early Years team aren't interested

Sorry to hear that. Did they give feedback?

What is next?

Is the challenge finding somewhere?

I think the feedback is that they want a 'perfectly formed completely funded with premises nursery'

& that my idea is experimental and not worth bothering with

Suitable property is hard to find and difficult to fund; which is why nurseries are closing

How short-sighted of them. How many people are like you and are willing to do something different/try to make a difference.

You seen this? Might apply to you...

www.bigventurechallenge.com/

Thanks - that one wasn't relevant but it led me to another site which has something we might use