When I look at the aspirations of many young people I meet, particularly those from countries like mine—where poverty is prevalent and opportunities can seem scarce—I hear a recurring theme: “I want to make an impact.” It’s an admirable goal, one that speaks to our collective desire to change lives and create better futures. Yet, there’s a fundamental issue with how many of us are approaching it. Too often, we leap into non-profit work without first securing the foundation we need to make it sustainable.
What is a Non-Profit?
At its core, a non-profit organization is an entity designed to address societal challenges, typically by channeling resources toward a specific mission. Unlike businesses, non-profits don’t aim to make a profit for owners or shareholders. Instead, they reinvest whatever income they generate back into their cause. This means that non-profits depend heavily on donations, grants, and funding partnerships to survive.
And here’s the catch: the non-profit model requires a steady stream of financing. Without it, even the most noble initiatives can falter. This is why I encourage aspiring changemakers to consider an alternative first—build a business.
Why You Should Build a Business First
The desire to create impact is valid and urgent. However, what many young changemakers fail to recognize is this: you can’t pour from an empty cup.
Here’s why starting with a business is often the wiser choice:
- Sustainability Comes from Self-Sufficiency
A successful business provides you with financial stability, and that stability becomes the springboard for everything else. Instead of constantly worrying about how to fund your impact projects, your business generates income that can be reinvested in your community or even into a non-profit if you choose to start one later. - Impact Needs Resources
To make a meaningful difference, you need resources—money, tools, people, infrastructure. Starting with a business allows you to accumulate those resources and allocate them strategically. Imagine building schools because your business profits can fund them outright, not because you’re reliant on inconsistent donor funding. - Entrepreneurship Builds Skills
Running a business teaches you invaluable skills: leadership, financial literacy, problem-solving, negotiation, and marketing. These same skills are critical for running a non-profit effectively. By succeeding in business first, you sharpen your ability to scale impact projects later. - You Can Do Both—But Timing Matters
The most successful entrepreneurs I know have found ways to do business and impact work simultaneously, but they all started by building themselves first. They created sustainable models that allowed them to give back without compromising their personal or professional stability.
Unwiring the “Impact First” Mindset
Coming from impoverished countries, it’s natural to focus on impact work. We’ve grown up witnessing the challenges in our communities and feel compelled to act. But that very urgency can backfire if we don’t plan carefully.
I’ve seen too many young people start non-profits that fizzle out within a year because they’re trying to solve big problems without sufficient backing. This isn’t a failure of their passion—it’s a failure of their strategy. Impact work is expensive, emotionally draining, and often riddled with challenges far beyond your control.
If you’re truly committed to changing the world, start by securing your footing. Build a business. Generate wealth. Hone your skills. When you’re financially secure and professionally seasoned, you’ll be in a far better position to make the kind of lasting impact you’ve dreamed of.
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The world needs changemakers. But to truly change the world, we need to shift how we think about impact. A business-first approach isn’t about being selfish—it’s about being strategic. It’s about ensuring that the good you want to do isn’t just a fleeting effort but a sustainable force for change.
Start with yourself. Build your business. Secure your foundation. Then, when the time is right, you’ll have all the tools you need to make an impact that truly lasts.
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