Growth & Expansion
JumpStart’s economic inclusion strategy also entails a growth and expansion component geared towards connecting minority and women entrepreneurial stakeholders to the activities and resources available through JumpStart. At various points in the JumpStart Investment Process, stakeholders (italicized and bolded below) have the ability to contribute to the potential success of any entrepreneur:
The entrepreneur must identify and secure a management team in order to grow the business
When considering a potential investment, JumpStart utilizes an investment committee which includes subject matter experts whose opinions are carefully considered prior to the final investment decision
Up to and upon receiving funding from JumpStart, the entrepreneur is assisted by investment associates, as well as executives or entrepreneurs in residence, who provide critical technical assistance to the business owner with regards to planning, business development, achieving milestones, management team selection, etc.
As an early stage “seed money” investor, JumpStart must often rely on additional investment from Angel Investors in support of its clients in order to move the business forward
The additional investment from the Angel Investors serves as a critical “bridge” of funding to develop the growth and track record of the business most often required prior to any later consideration by a venture capitalist
While representative of only a few critical “stakeholder” roles in the entrepreneurial process, the above categories serve to identify the need and purpose of expanding this pool of resources to attract the best and brightest individuals and organizations throughout our diverse community. Additional stakeholder categories include board advisors and directors, consultants, service providers, and student interns, to name a few.
To attract and identify a diverse pool of stakeholders, qualified candidates will be sourced from the myriad of minority and women business support organizations including, but not limited to the following:
MBA Associations
Technical Associations
National Engineering Societies
Scientists and Inventor Associations
Professional service firms
Faith Based Organizations
Enhancing relationships will serve to further connect women and minority groups to the available resources through JumpStart, while also facilitating critical matchmaking opportunities such as bringing together business professionals and technologists, companies and individuals, and entrepreneurs and resources – all with a very strong eye toward improving the diversity fabric of our entrepreneurial community.
To complement the above activities and to ensure a strong pipeline for growth and sustainability, emphasis will also be placed on collaborating with area high schools, colleges, and universities to assist with efforts to develop minority and women entrepreneurs of tomorrow.