Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in a non-profit organization but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Rebecca McGuigan, Culinary Business and Training Manager of Forge City Works, located in Hartford, CT, USA.
What's your organization, and who are your members?
We are a non-profit with a social enterprise, The Kitchen Hartford. Our social enterprise is a cafe and catering business with a program embedded in culinary job training for individuals with barriers to employment.
Tell us about yourself
I started working here as a kitchen staffer. I then fell in love with our mission. I believe our social mission helps people get back on their feet to help them create a sustainable career to support their families.
What's your biggest accomplishment as an organization leader?
Keeping our business afloat with our amazing team over the last two years of chaos and the over 250 trainees we have served since 2009.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being an organization leader?
The hardest thing is juggling everything, staff, finances, social mission, stakeholders' happiness.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a group today?
Look for advice and mentors, ask lots of questions. Be okay with starting small and growing from there.
Where can people find you and your organization?
Website: https://www.forgecityworks.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thekitchenhartford/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekitchenhartford/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.