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I realize that the final decision to either expand or remain status quo will depend on my current administrators, who for the most part would like to see an increase in revenue but their conservative view on the overall concept of our organization leaves them with a neural opinion, and the expansion would chart new territories that I am not even sure I am comfortable with. While the natural path most non profits take is in grants; community support; and donations; these avenues have been rich in advice, promises, and the regretful letter at the end of a six month extensive search and proposal writing enterprise that has depleted our base financial reservoir - which can be use as evidence of our faithfulness and may even look good on our long term tax requirement. But at some point in time I must start looking at our real estate investments as potential for a business venture which might press the organizational concept, but prove useful in providing much needed financial resources. I have been in contact with SCORE, but have a most difficult time identifying with the projected business, which is the expansion project I've been concerned with, because in effect, it has little to do with art, and everything to do with business. I can estimate the cost for a business start up by following the procedures given to me by SCORE, but it is most difficult for me to estimate profits because I have nothing to base them on. Since our non profit has stabilized with utilities; taxes; and office supplies; and we have no wages paid out; our current income has come from benefactors, small donations; and volunteer workers. I can figure the cost of additional employees, the additional cost of communications, insurance, utilities, even to some degree the cost of additional equipment and services, such as credit card acceptance, which beforehand was unnecessary. The general consensuses between all members of the board and to some degree the community, is for a Bistro/Gallery; Convenience Store; Starbucks type situation; Coffee, Pop, light refreshments; Hot Dog Stand; all in keeping with the original Historic Building where this business will be located. Innernet Cafe has been suggested. The problem is defining the demographics to a rather unique location, thus the problem in estimating clients, profit projections, and return customers. Quite frankly I am most optimistic our current population would carry the risk, but I guess I am trying to edge my bet, because no doubt additional money will be required on top of our current investment capital and I would like some assurances that a profit can be expected, and which venue would be more successful in meeting our goals. Does any of this make sense to anybody in our on line community, or should I just go back to grants searching and hope for the best? artforart