You started your business not only to make money, but to actually create a positive impact in your community and beyond. But how do you keep impact at the forefront when you’re also worried about keeping the lights on?
That’s where we come in. Silverback Ventures is excited to announce a new opportunity for entrepreneurs at all levels: The Changemakers Collective.
The Changemakers Collective is a dynamic cohort program designed to nurture, support, and accelerate innovative startups and social enterprises that aim to drive change in their communities.
The program focuses on equipping entrepreneurs with the tools, knowledge, and networks they need to scale their ventures and achieve sustainable growth.
We believe collaboration leads to innovation and transformation, so the Collective will be divided into three distinct cohorts with a maximum of 10 people in each group:
Each cohort will follow a curriculum curated to their specific needs, but all cohorts will receive:
One of the most impactful things The Changemakers Collective incorporates into its cohorts is a collaborative session where individuals from ALL cohorts come together in the community to encourage and support the efforts of other world changers. This may be a session on marketing or a pitch meeting or even a financial literacy session for entrepreneurs.
Stephanie Thomas
Stephanie has extensive senior leadership experience focused on Human Resources and process improvement, spanning over twenty years with companies that range from startups to large multi-state companies. Her efforts build organizational growth on a foundation of trust and a concrete footing of systematic, sustainable, and scalable processes and procedures.
Scott Woods
With over 30 years of accounting and C-level experience, Scott draws from the various companies and engagements he has worked on to truly teach real world application of the theory most just endured in college. As a business owner and consultant to numerous startups and non-profits, he can empathize with owners, but also cut through all the noise to get to root causes of their current issues and create and implement plans to solve those problems and maximize impact.
| Future Entrepreneurs | For-Profit Businesses | Non-Profit Businesses | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Program Length | 3 weekly meetings | 6 weekly meetings | 6 weekly meetings |
| One-on-one meetings post cohort | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Maximum participants | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| Cost | $500 | $1,000 | $1,000 |
Workshops will cover key topics such as business model development, marketing strategies, financial planning, models for giving back, sponsorship pitching, and more.
Silverback Ventures will select one participant from each cohort to receive additional business services and/or investment based on their progress and intention throughout the cohort.
In addition, the following opportunities will be available to all cohort participants:
We can’t emphasize enough that, at the end of the day, you are your own biggest investor. Through the Changemakers Collective, our goal is to equip you with the knowledge, tools, and guidance to take decisive and impactful action in your business. It’s up to you to implement what you learn and take advantage of Scott and Steff’s guidance throughout the program.
Even if your business is not chosen for further investment, you will be in our network forever, and we will continue to help you make meaningful connections and partnerships. The more you attend the group meetings and share your story with us, the better we can advocate for you outside the Collective.
Please complete our application form through our website by October 1st, 2024. Applicants will be notified via email if they are selected for this cohort.
Submitting your application is free, but if you are selected to join the Collective, payment will be due before the first day of the program: October 8th, 2024.