Howdy. A couple of us have decided to start a non-profit child-care
co-operative for families in our neighborhood. We are very excited,
but none of us has experience starting a business. I took it upon
myself to venture to the library, and I checked out a few books about
starting a small business. But these books were all pretty impersonal,
and didn't seem to be about small co-operatives. The issue that I'm
most concerned about right now is: what is the best way to raise the
10-20 thousand dollars that we need for supplies and renovations? I
suppose we could apply for a loan, but are there better ways? For
example, could we solicit investments from members of the community?
I'll bet we could raise the money that way, I just don't know how to
do that. Let me know what you know, and what you think I should do.

First, you need a business plan.  No bank is going to loan you money
without a business plan.  Even if you can get a loan or grant
somewhere else they will want a plan with hard numbers.  You estimate
$10-20,000, double or even triple that.  Research child care
regulations so you know exactly what your facility has to have AND
what it should have.  You are going to need bathrooms that will
accomodate short people - lowered sinks etc.  You will want an outside
play area (or access to a playground (you will spend thousands to
construct your own).  If this is a cooperative initial financing can
come from fees charged to each member.  This will indicate to any
lender or grantor that you have a potential revenue base.
Good luck.