ACCELERATOR START-UP PACKAGE

The start-up phase of any business is intense. It is also imperative that clear objectives are established from the get-go to leverage the excitement and vision. Through The Accelerator Package, a curated experience, we will work with you to review your business plan, and other documents you have already crafted. If nothing has been created we will guide you through that process.

During the next twelve months, we will walk and work alongside you to support your first-year efforts in launching your organization. During the onboarding process, we will make a calendar of goals encompassing each of the items listed above and set a manageable pace to get everything done efficiently and effectively. Besides all those tasks we will have a biweekly call to go over various topics throughout the year with guest speakers or from a topic that is suitable for your start-up. Most material is curated just for you.

Other elements that make up this program include setting up your infrastructure to include training you as the founder and training the board of directors or another type of governance structure, program design to include monitoring and evaluating, a one-page website, policies, and procedures, teaching you basic fundraising skills and approaches as well as creating a two-year fundraising plan. We will also incorporate a wellness component to keep you centered and practicing self-care.

Business Plan Review

If you have read The Nonprofit Workbook, we take it for granted that you have written your business plan which contains the basic elements of your first couple of years of operating. We will review this document and operationalize the first 12 months. If changes need to be considered, we will make recommendations. Your business plan is the springboard of your entity.

What you will learn: Strategic planning, implementation skills; staffing capacity needs; how to manage your time efficiently and effectively in the marathon you are about to start. You will also learn how to build a budget.

The Role of the Purpose-Driven Board of Directors or A Sociocracy

Taking on a fiduciary, governance role, the board of directors is a critical component in the success of an organization. Training may be two-fold. First, we will ensure that you, as the founder and or the Executive Director understand what the board is responsible for and your role within the organization~ how the two differentiate, and how they support each other. We will ensure that the bylaws are in place and that a plan to orient and train the board is completed. Secondly, we will orient and train the initial board of directors to ensure their roles are clear and expectations are set. Their first year of governing will be mapped out quarterly as it relates to expectations. At the end of the year, the board will take a self-assessment and evaluate the executive director. Training includes webinars, reading articles and literature, one on one coaching, and a one-year subscription to BoardSource.

What you will learn: The importance of a purpose-driven board of directors and their responsibility. How to identify, recruit, and onboard a board member. How to develop a strong governing body that will serve the organization and the community well. You will also learn of a governance alternative - Sociocracy. You ultimately will choose which model you prefer.

Program Development/Design

At the nexus of your organization is your program. We will examine your logic model and evaluate your theory of change, research best practices, and move forward by ensuring each component in the logic model is in place so your program starts off strong. The intake process will be developed to ensure tracking is effective along with protocols for monitoring and evaluation. Training includes one on one coaching/ mentoring and reading case studies and familiarizing yourself with the Sustainable Development Goals.

What you will learn: We will take a deep dive into the logic model that you created through the workbook. From that, we will develop an intake process and all the steps of the program to ensure the desired results occur. You will also learn how to develop a monitoring and evaluation process so data can be tracked to ensure you have an effective and efficient program and can prove the social value you provide to the community.

Fundraising ~ Accessing Capital

Using your business plan we will explore your funding model and operationalize it in your first year, setting benchmarks and goals. We will assist with setting up a CRM (constituent relationship management) system or if already set up, have a look at it and make sure it is well-suited to track donor data and relationships. Fundraising topics will include individual donors, corporate sponsorships, fundraising specifically geared for small nonprofits, and digital fundraising. All learning is on-demand; there is required reading. A customized two-year fundraising plan is included.

What you will learn: How to project revenue. You will hear about many ways to access revenue. How to set key performance indicators to ensure targets are hit on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis, the development process, moves management, and stewardship of donors. You will also learn the importance of a database.

Website

Included is the obtaining of a domain and building of a one-page website along with a blog. The onboarding process will involve a questionnaire where goals are clearly identified, and colors and themes are chosen to create a responsive (mobile-friendly), customized design. The client must provide all narratives, which we are happy to give input. All websites designed will facilitate capturing of visitors’ information and donations. Additional features, such as more pages, SEO, logo & business card design are available for additional costs. You will have the opportunity to work one-on-one with Angel, our web designer, and developer.

What you will learn: How to portray and create an online presence that reflects the organization’s goals and culture. This is so important in an age when most people will perform an online search before engaging with an organization. Your online presence can impact the way potential beneficiaries, donors, or volunteers interact with the organization.

Policies and Procedures

Ensuring systems and processes are in order and in place is foundational to ensuring operations go smoothly. You will have an opportunity to get your organization started on the right foot with five procedural processes tailored exactly to your operations.

What you will learn: Structure, boundaries, and clarity are good. If you like to work on details you will love this part of the process.

Wellness ~ Self-Care

Perfect health is attainable and encompasses every aspect of you: mind, spirit, and body. You will be given options of on-demand classes to ensure you balance the intensity of launching a business with self-care.

What you will learn: The importance of taking care of yourself.

Each month we will connect twice to cover areas such as marketing, and advocacy and have guest speakers to talk about fundraising and board development.

Are you ready to get started?