#INTENTIONALLYGOOD #TECHDONERIGHT
TECH-ENABLED SMALL BUSINESSES
A COMMUNITY FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF PROMISING SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURS AND DIVERSE FOUNDERS LEVERAGING TECHNOLOGY TO OPERATE THEIR COMPANY.
The divide between the “haves” and “have-nots” has never been wider. Income inequality is at its highest level since the Census began tracking it more than half a century ago. The share of wealth held by the bottom half of earners has plunged more than 50 percent since 2000. However, small businesses have long been the engines of opportunity that have allowed people at the bottom of the income distribution to make their way to the top. In other words, the most effective remedy for inequality is entrepreneurship.
Spurred by a grant from Atlanta Wealth Building Initiative, Intentionally Good: Tech-Enabled Small Businesses is a relationship and growth program for promising tech-focused social entrepreneurs and diverse founders that aren’t trying to build the next tech $100 million business. The overall objective is to put them on a pathway to becoming more profitable by helping them establish recurring revenue models, and automate internal processes using technology.
We believe small businesses are the key to substantially reducing the income inequality gap in this country, and we’re leveling the playing field for top social entrepreneurs and diverse founders by putting people and relationships at the center of tech. Relationships matter. This is how tech should be done. Join us.
OUR LEAD PARTNER
THESE FOUNDERS GOT NEXT
These founders are far less likely to be connected to those that work at top companies or graduated from top colleges/universities. This leads to a lower likelihood of receiving financing, higher risk of stress, and stalled professional development.
Here’s How You Can Help Them Today
Scroll down the list of founders below to find the one(s) you might be able to assist. Click on their card for more information, and then click on the “Introduction Link” to start the process of getting in contact with them. Note: Please no service providers. You can register here as an expert.
WHAT WE DO TO COMBAT THE RELATIONSHIP GAP
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
We evaluate the strengths and areas of improvement of founders through readiness evaluations; help them with goal & milestone setting; provide advice from experts including with storytelling & media training; and hold them accountable through groups, partners, and progress reports.
WARM INTROS
We connect our founders to professionals from prestigious universities & companies for increased opportunities; influencers for endorsements and advisor roles; large companies for pilots and partnerships, and to investors for potential funding.
MENTAL HEALTH
We host Founders’ Therapy each month – small group support sessions where the founders vent amongst themselves about problems only they can understand. It amplifies peace of mind.
ECOSYSTEM PARTNERS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: SMALL BUSINESSES
Is the program only for small businesses?
Yes. In this case, we mean companies whose business model and/ambitions are not a good fit for raising venture capital.
How are you defining diverse entrepreneurs?
We define diverse entrepreneurs as from groups underrepresented in tech (Black, Latinx, women, LGBTQ, veterans, etc.)
How are you defining social impact startups?
We’re defining social impact startups as they those working on economic development, financial access, education, environmental sustainability, health, and safety. The founders may be of any ethnicity.
How is this program different from existing support programs in the city?
It is meant to compliment them. Think of it as concierge-level support as we’re providing access to high-powered social networks in an effort to improve your social capital. Essentially, it boils down to making a ton of connections for you. The first part of the program is shoring up your weakest areas so that you are ready for great opportunities. Think of it like a social network + sales/marketing program.
How much does it cost for a business to participate in this program?
Zero. It’s completely free.
How is it possible that this is free?
Because our amazing funders, sponsors, partners, and volunteers want to help save the world.
Can I be a solo founder/leader?
Yes, but we prefer businesses with at least 2-3 people as it increases the likelihood of success. It takes a lot to be successful, and it is extremely difficult for one person to do by themself. But it is possible.
My team doesn’t have an idea yet. Are we eligible to get helped?
We’re looking for those past the idea stage. However, a few of our community partners have programs that help those with only ideas get it out of your head, and refine it.
Can non-profit organizations take part?
Yes. However, if your mission is to train K-12 or college students in some aspect of technology, then you might be a better fit for our Tech Training program.
Is funding provided as part of the program?
Nope, but we do provide a ton of free resources.
Do you or your partners take equity in my company?
Not as part of the official programming. However if a partner wants to make an investment in your org outside of the official program, then those terms are worked out between you and them.
I’m not in Atlanta. Can my program participate?
Yep. We are virtual, remote-first program.
Is this a full-time program? What is the time commitment?
Nope. We’ve designed it to not get in your way, but to hold you accountable. Expect to put in 4 hours a month at minimum, and more if you want extra coaching. The main thing is keeping in contact with your coaches and other experts to which we introduce you.
Can I participate if we've been a part of an accelerator?
Yep. We’ve designed this program to compliment accelerators, and serve as a support system for accelerator alumni.
Do you think it would still be helpful for us to apply if we don’t need to raise money for a while?
We think so. We only make introductions to funders if it makes sense for you. But potentially getting strategic partnerships from large companies is helpful to most startups, and the process of preparing for funders is great whether you go for it or not. It makes your company better.
What is the application process?
Our application process includes a company application as well as phone and video interviews.
Is the programming in-person or virtual?
Our programming is 100% virtual during the pandemic. We will produce high-value in-person programming when it is safe.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: PARTNERS + SPONSORS
My organization is part of the small business ecosystem. What role can we play?
There’s a bunch of ways to plug in depending on what you want. We can refer organizations to your program for training, and/or you can send them our way. You could also provide strategy, curriculum development, marketing, and design mentors.
My company is part of the corporate ecosystem. What role can we play?
In a few different ways. The biggest opportunity is partnering with an organization for a pilot. Also, you could serve as industry expert mentors. And you can always be a sponsor!
My organization is part of the social good ecosystem. What role can we play?
You can really help the orgs whether it’s with domain-specific advice and connections or assistance with strategizing for funding. And, like the others, sponsors are always welcome.
As a sponsor, what type of role can I play?
Great question! Thanks for asking:) The Walton Family Foundation Grant is awesome, but to really reach this initiative’s potential, we’re looking for financial, venue, and food/beverage sponsors.
