ABOUT OUR PROGRAM
Collaboration Station is a 15-year old 501c3 nonprofit agency whose focus is to help individuals increase their self-sufficiency through programs and services that educate and empower. Our Grassroots Business Guru Program (GBGP) is just one of those services. In GBGP, the focus is building and supporting entrepreneurs providing the help they need to stabilize, grow and flourish in their businesses so that our local and national economies can benefit while they reap the rewards of persistence, diligence and hard work!
How Our Program Works! The Three Phases:
Phase 1-Online Training:
Through our partnership with the Santa Clara University, you begin your journey by registering for two business classes through their Leavey School of Business, My Own Business Institute (MOBI). The first course is the “Starting a Business 2020” and the second course is “Small Business Expansion 2020.” Both courses are free of charge as a part of our nonprofit Grassroots Business Guru (GBG) program. You have 30-days to complete your first online course. After receiving your Course Certificate, you move on to the Mentoring and Coaching phase of the program.
Phase 2—Mentoring & Coaching
After completing your first certificate course, you immediately begin your meetings with our coaching and mentoring staff. Each Mentor has a unique specialization that will help you move your business forward. Each meeting—utilizing either phone or video conferencing capabilities—is limited to 45-minute sessions where each mentor will help you set specific business goals and assign “homework” tailored to helping you build your business, your customer base and your company exposure. In addition, you will be assigned a life-coach to keep you encouraged, focused and moving forward in achieving your business goals throughout your progression through the program.
Answer: Your life coach will contact you for 30-minute sessions as you move through each phase of the program.
Phase 3—Funding Opportunities:
After completing your final mentoring session (which is with the Access to Capital mentor), you will be introduced to available funding opportunities offered through our agency partners who all have one thing in common—their desire to see you get the money you need to succeed. Although nothing is guaranteed, you will be able to work with them directly on your funding application so that you are more likely to receive a “yes.” That is the benefit of working with our funding partners specifically.
Answer: No, not necessarily, it depends on the type of funding opportunity being offered.
Answer: Both. Keep in mind that depending on the type of business you have, there may be more loans than grants available, but don’t discount the loans. They may be just what you need to build or sustain your business while you are moving things forward into financial increase.
More Details About Our Program
In addition to mentoring and coaching, we offer students the opportunity to have their business plans written by a professional business plan writer for a small fee. Only students may inquire about this service after receiving their business class certificate. Our program is also connected to other business professionals who are well-versed and knowledgeable on other aspects of business growth and development—such as Accountants, Bookkeepers, Tax Preparers, Business & Event Promoters, Attorneys and others. Should you be a student in our program and need assistance in these and other areas, we can provide referrals to these professionals for you.
