Well, "expert" and $10 per hour simply don't go together. You don't need me to tell you that; but, since it's in your post...let's just make sure that we're comparing apples to apples. Further, you want to be budgeting realistically for the project itself so that an hourly rate is not the focal point. That seems, for whatever reason, to be what’s most daunting to you. For example, many of my baseline projects fall in the $6,000 to $10,000 range. Would you rather have an expert spend 30 hours to do what you need the right way and get you up and running in a few weeks, or use a $10/hour rate person to struggle around for 600 hours...battle the rework and/or issues of starting over from scratch...and lose all of that time in between as well? We're talking about value. You're looking at only the price. Fear seems to be the prevailing theme in your message. We all have been burned. You have a lot on your shoulders, and want to avoid that happening at this juncture. Of course, I understand. If trust is really the main issue, any true and time-tested expert can provide testimonials and references as proof so that you know what you're getting. Because, in fairness, NPOs have money too. All operations and businesses have budgets, and need to be careful how they spend...not just nonprofits. I work with NPOs and NGOs all over the world, in addition to my for-profit clients. I built a new business unit for the Red Cross in Chicago at an earlier stage of my career, and have worked with smaller nonprofits consistently through the years. I know them from the inside out. There are always more donors, grants, and fundraising opportunities: perhaps even one in conjunction with the launch. Experience pays...use it. For your Launch Plan, enlist someone who can help you do it right. You won't get a second chance. Regardless of which direction you take, you MUST have a strong, effective website as your main point of presence. Obviously, this needs to be live before you start Launch Promotions. Function is one thing → form (which grabs interest, prevents churn, and hopes to gain engagement, traction & conversion) is another. That occurs a with clear Brand Identity (far more than just a name & logo: http://strategygbd.co/brand-identity/). Read that article, and this one >>> Conversions: Your 8-Second Secret (https://www.alignable.com/insights/conversions-your-8-second-secret). Then, let’s communicate further. Oh, here's an extra Small Business Week perk: FREE blueprint to Boost Conversions with your STICKY Website! It's a super easy to digest & implement template designed specifically for quick use, big impact & effective results. → http://peakprofits.ontrapages.com/FreeBlueprint Wishing you success! Let me know how it goes...

While it would have been ideal to work with a Promotional Strategist (Marketing & PR) before you opened, so that you came to market with a formal Launch Plan to make an initial splash, you want replicable systems now: ideally those that you can automate to work for you reliably and consistently on an ongoing basis. Groupon tends to be the current replacement for local businesses putting out fliers (couldn't tell from your post whether that's what you want or don't want). It's friendly to a young budget, since they take a cut of the earnings rather than requiring payment up front. I'm curious as to why a "Digital Marketing Strategy" seems to be something you are shying away from. That term represents a broad territory - with many possibilities - and shouldn't box you in to anything that is not your preference. Regardless of which direction you take, you MUST have a strong, effective website as your main point of presence. People do their homework on you and your business online these days; if the site does not convey professionalism and credibility, they will go elsewhere. Function is one thing → form (which grabs interest, prevents churn, and hopes to gain engagement, traction & conversion) is another. That occurs a with clear Brand Identity (far more than just a name & logo: http://strategygbd.co/brand-identity/). Read that article, and this one >>> Conversions: Your 8-Second Secret (https://www.alignable.com/insights/conversions-your-8-second-secret). Then, let’s communicate further. Oh, here's an extra Small Business Week perk: FREE blueprint to Boost Conversions with your STICKY Website! It's a super easy to digest & implement template designed specifically for quick use, big impact & effective results. → http://peakprofits.ontrapages.com/FreeBlueprint Wishing you great success! Let me know how it goes...

Any successful Marketing Strategy (built to guide SMM, PR, Inbound, Outbound, or other categories of Marketing Initiatives & campaigns) should be customized for the needs, goals, and target markets of the client. That said, what I commonly find is that younger and/or smaller companies tend to jump right to tactics without first setting the promotional stage with Brand Identity (http://strategygbd.co/brand-identity/) as a foundation, and a strategic roadmap built upon the Brand ID to guide the way. Failing to set the stage effectively leads to low traction and conversion (OPPOSITE of their goal) and high churn rates. Here is a video that addresses these considerations in even greater detail than the article (link above) provided: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YO5j8T9e3mI. Also, this easy reading eBook covers a range of topics related to creating and implementing effective Marketing Initiatives: http://strategygbd.co/downloads/business-building-tips/. Naturally, all of these tools and recommendations are offered to facilitate your success! If you find that additional insights, and an even more customized approach regarding your client challenges, would be useful right away, request a call with me. That's what I'm here for...

While clearly a Business Plan and a Proposal are different animals with different functions and purposes, there are some core considerations that apply to each. First: know your audience. Understanding who you are speaking to and what they hope to gain from the document will help you position it effectively and persuasively. Second: do your homework. Either document type needs to be based upon facts that track to the current state and influences of the market. Finally, take time to create a professional presentation, and BRAND it with your Identity elements. Show your audience that you recognize the value of a professional presentation, since that will impact their decision about whether or not to do business with you. Since it sounds like you will be using your Business Plan to secure Investor interest for funding (in addition to using it as an internal roadmap), be sure to seek out fresh eyes and expertise to guide you about both the contents and positioning. I have been creating Business Plans with and for clients for 25 years (15 via my own firm) and know the kind of language Investor Candidates expect. You can save yourself tremendous rework and frustration by enlisting guidance from a seasoned Coach. Wishing you great success! Via my profile, you can find a link to an instantly downloadable eBook that will provide proven tips & tools. Feel free to request a call as well...