9 answers
Keneth
Student
Kampala, Central Region, Uganda
2
Questions
Asked
1568 views
How can I get funding for a project?
I want to start a company that provides tourism wellness, partnering with professional therapists, international companies that do the same. I want to start from Africa to global markets. I am still a student who doesn't want to wait. I am currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in Tourism and Hospitality Management. I would like funding since most people who want these services can not afford. They are the main focus but also those who can afford will also be served.
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9 answers
Sonal Singhvi
Tax Accountant
3
Answers
Fremont, California
Updated
Sonal’s Answer
The best approach is to create a business plan that highlights the positive impact, especially for those who can't afford it. You can then share this plan with your community, school, local leaders, or school alumni.
Olivia McDonnell
Consulting
31
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Olivia’s Answer
In addition to what others have posted, I would recommend having evidence of the business model. Look into the concept of a minimum viable product (or service in your case). Start there and prove out that there is demand for the service and providers available to meet the demand. You will strengthen your case to funding sources by having evidence to point to that the system works and there is a better chance for them to make a return. Without evidence, everything you write in your business plan is theoretical which most funding sources discount in credibility.
This is so helpful, Olivia. Thanks and I’ll work on it.
Keneth
Liam Rielly
Data Center Technician
190
Answers
Manassas, Virginia
Updated
Liam’s Answer
I think the best thing to do is to get familiar with tourists in your area and network with them. There are going to be people who want to visit your area and if you can bring them to the places and activities they love, this would be a great start to finding an eventual investor or financier to your project.
Think of what kind of people will be using your eventual services. Figure out how to become friends with them before you have your plan all set up. It is likely once you express your dreams that if the people you meet don't have money, they will either give you better direction, or be friends with someone that does have money. Focus on networking because the larger your network, no matter what, the more possibilities you will have in the future!
Take some time to map out your plans and a decent way to express your long term goals (an elevator pitch essentially) to the people that want to hear them!
Think of what kind of people will be using your eventual services. Figure out how to become friends with them before you have your plan all set up. It is likely once you express your dreams that if the people you meet don't have money, they will either give you better direction, or be friends with someone that does have money. Focus on networking because the larger your network, no matter what, the more possibilities you will have in the future!
Take some time to map out your plans and a decent way to express your long term goals (an elevator pitch essentially) to the people that want to hear them!
Thank you so much,Liam.
This is so helpful and achievable by a beginner.
Appreciate
Keneth
Annamaria Cherubin
Management Consulting
4
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Annamaria’s Answer
Hi Keneth,
It's fantastic that you've found something you're passionate about! Here are some ways to connect with opportunities:
1. Talk to your professors and teaching assistants. They're experts in the field and may have connections with companies or community resources. If you show interest, they'll likely be happy to help you grow your network and offer advice.
2. Reach out to your school's alumni. Many have pursued careers in this field, and you can learn a lot from them. Consider setting up informational interviews or exploring internship opportunities to gain experience.
Good luck on your journey!
Best,
Anna
It's fantastic that you've found something you're passionate about! Here are some ways to connect with opportunities:
1. Talk to your professors and teaching assistants. They're experts in the field and may have connections with companies or community resources. If you show interest, they'll likely be happy to help you grow your network and offer advice.
2. Reach out to your school's alumni. Many have pursued careers in this field, and you can learn a lot from them. Consider setting up informational interviews or exploring internship opportunities to gain experience.
Good luck on your journey!
Best,
Anna
Thank you so much AnnaMaria
That was so helpful
I appreciate
Keneth
Love these!
linda mathew
Jules Nkamla
IT Leader
5
Answers
Denver, Colorado
Updated
Jules’s Answer
You have a great opportunity to fund this project by presenting it as a social-impact wellness tourism startup, not just a travel idea. Here’s how you can get started:
Best ways to find funding:
- Apply for student or youth grants.
- Look into social enterprise or impact funds.
- Explore tourism incubators and accelerators.
- Check out university innovation programs.
- Enter competitions and pitch for grants.
What funders are looking for:
- A genuine problem that needs solving.
- A clear business plan.
- Partnerships with licensed therapists.
- A small pilot project.
- Evidence that people are willing to pay.
Your best strategy:
Charge premium clients full price, using part of the profit to help those who can't afford it. This approach makes your model both profitable and mission-driven.
Steps to take next:
1. Write a one-page concept note.
2. Secure 2–3 letters of interest from partners.
3. Start a small pilot in one city or country.
4. Apply for grants, join incubators, and enter pitch competitions.
Remember, you don't need perfect funding to begin. Start small, show results, and then raise more money. You can do this!
Best ways to find funding:
- Apply for student or youth grants.
- Look into social enterprise or impact funds.
- Explore tourism incubators and accelerators.
- Check out university innovation programs.
- Enter competitions and pitch for grants.
What funders are looking for:
- A genuine problem that needs solving.
- A clear business plan.
- Partnerships with licensed therapists.
- A small pilot project.
- Evidence that people are willing to pay.
Your best strategy:
Charge premium clients full price, using part of the profit to help those who can't afford it. This approach makes your model both profitable and mission-driven.
Steps to take next:
1. Write a one-page concept note.
2. Secure 2–3 letters of interest from partners.
3. Start a small pilot in one city or country.
4. Apply for grants, join incubators, and enter pitch competitions.
Remember, you don't need perfect funding to begin. Start small, show results, and then raise more money. You can do this!
Thank you so much Jules, This is so insightful
Keneth
Suman Niroula
5
Answers
Updated
Suman’s Answer
Keneth, this is a wonderful idea, and I love that your goal is to make wellness services affordable for people who usually can't access them. That kind of mission really resonates with funders, so don't lose sight of it.
The good news is that you don't have to wait until you graduate to start. Here are a few common ways people fund early-stage projects like yours.
First, get really clear on your story and your numbers. Funders want to know exactly who you're helping, how your idea works, and how the money will be used. Since your mission is about access and affordability, lean into that. It's a real strength.
Second, look into grants and competitions. Many organizations offer funding specifically for student entrepreneurs and for businesses with a social impact, which fits your idea well. Business plan competitions can also be a good source of early money and connections.
Third, start small and build proof. Sometimes the best way to attract funding is to show that your idea works on a small scale first. Even a small pilot with a few clients and therapists gives you something real to show potential investors or partners.
And finally, build your network. The partnerships you mentioned with therapists and international companies can be just as valuable as money. Many great projects grow through relationships before they ever get big funding.
You're thinking big and starting early, Keneth. That combination is exactly what gets projects like yours off the ground.
The good news is that you don't have to wait until you graduate to start. Here are a few common ways people fund early-stage projects like yours.
First, get really clear on your story and your numbers. Funders want to know exactly who you're helping, how your idea works, and how the money will be used. Since your mission is about access and affordability, lean into that. It's a real strength.
Second, look into grants and competitions. Many organizations offer funding specifically for student entrepreneurs and for businesses with a social impact, which fits your idea well. Business plan competitions can also be a good source of early money and connections.
Third, start small and build proof. Sometimes the best way to attract funding is to show that your idea works on a small scale first. Even a small pilot with a few clients and therapists gives you something real to show potential investors or partners.
And finally, build your network. The partnerships you mentioned with therapists and international companies can be just as valuable as money. Many great projects grow through relationships before they ever get big funding.
You're thinking big and starting early, Keneth. That combination is exactly what gets projects like yours off the ground.
Thank you so much Suman for your response. It is very insightful
Keneth
Bill Vorhies
Professional Services
14
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Bill’s Answer
You likely need to develop a business case (and a business plan) and articulate why you are qualified for such a venture. Are the funds you are requesting a donation, loan or equity injection? How much money are you looking to raise? What work experience do you have that qualifies you to run such an operation? Why should someone give you the money vs. invest it somewhere else? Do you have a board of advisors? What is the form of business, not-for-profit, partnership, private company or public company? A few things to think about, as questions someone would likely ask before providing funding.
Thank you,Bill. I will think more about this
Keneth
RAJARSHI MAJUMDAR
Consulting
5
Answers
Overland Park, Kansas
Updated
RAJARSHI’s Answer
My first question is whether it is a Non-Profit NGO or Profit making company. Make a clear objective and articulate value proposition on your idea. Never the less, you need to build a strong network what you can depend on. Also, make your voice heard over the world. Make your financial plan and disclose to investors while reaching them.
deep sam
manager
28
Answers
Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
Updated
deep’s Answer
You can get funding now, even as a student, by presenting your idea as an impact business with a clear plan for sustainability. Your idea is strong because it mixes tourism, mental wellness, and access for underserved people.
Here's a realistic path to funding:
Start with a pilot project instead of launching a full company. Choose one city and offer one service package, like a 2-day wellness retreat with therapist sessions and a local cultural experience. Funders prefer to see progress, not just ideas.
Create a blended model using a cross-subsidy structure:
Premium clients pay the full price.
Budget clients receive subsidized access.
Partner with NGOs or companies to sponsor low-income participants.
This approach highlights both social impact and solid business sense.
Here's a realistic path to funding:
Start with a pilot project instead of launching a full company. Choose one city and offer one service package, like a 2-day wellness retreat with therapist sessions and a local cultural experience. Funders prefer to see progress, not just ideas.
Create a blended model using a cross-subsidy structure:
Premium clients pay the full price.
Budget clients receive subsidized access.
Partner with NGOs or companies to sponsor low-income participants.
This approach highlights both social impact and solid business sense.
This is an amazing answer ,Deep. Thank you so much
Keneth