To ensure direction and sustainability, a simple business plan should be created. This outlines the goals of the association, planned activities, funding needs, and how resources will be used over time.
When starting a new patient association, it’s important to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and how you plan to do it. A simple business plan can serve as a useful guide in the early stages and help the association stay focused and organised as it grows.
The business plan should outline the main goals of the association—what it hopes to offer its members and how it intends to create value for the PH community. It should also include a plan for activities (such as meetings, awareness campaigns, or information materials), a basic timeline, and an estimate of the financial resources needed.
Funding is often a challenge for new associations, so the business plan can also include ideas for how to secure income—through grants, donations, membership fees, or partnerships with sponsors. Even if the association starts with very limited funds, having a plan shows potential partners that the group is serious, structured, and forward-looking.
Finally, a business plan is a useful tool when applying for funding or explaining the purpose of the association to external stakeholders, such as health authorities, other NGOs, or the media. It does not have to be long or complicated, but it should reflect the vision, priorities, and practical needs of the new association.
A well-prepared business plan helps turn good intentions into concrete steps—and increases the chance that the association will grow, survive, and make a lasting difference.