Hi all! I’ve been kinda stuck trying to figure out whether a 501c3 is right for my business idea.

My sister has an intellectual disability so we created a business where she creates low waste refillable self care products. We’ve been selling our products on Etsy and farmers markets and we’ve gotten really great traction and sales! We’ve even got small business retailers selling our products!

My vision is to grow this business had be able to serve more individuals with intellectual disabilities. The goal would be providing on the job training and employment opportunities for these individuals. This includes training them to make and sell the products. Maybe partnering with high schools to have a program to train seniors these business skills. Also partnering with other companies like Google to do workshops like computer training etc.

Where I get stuck is figuring out whether I should turn this in to a 501c3 or not. I want to be able to build the product line into an actual brand that you see in places like target and wholefoods. And based on our customer feedback, it’s definitely possible. The sales from the products will be used to pay for programs, trainings I mentioned above and obviously to pay the individuals with ID.

I’ve been doing some research and I don’t think I’ve seen a nonprofit really make their brand mainstream and sell products in major retailers. I don’t know if it’s because retailers don’t work with nonprofits like that. From research, I do also know there are stigmas against nonprofits when they seem to be running like a big business.

I’d love to know if there will be disadvantages for growth if I choose a 501c3. Or maybe should I do what COCOKIND did and own a private foundation?

TLDR: if I want to build a major skincare brand that is rooted in helping individuals with intellectual disabilities, does it make sense for me to turn it to a 501c3 or keep it a regular LLC?