It's about equitable and sustainable growth
to unlock the potential of the future
- Carla Dearing, Velo CEO
Our services include: Business Model Development and Forecasting, Capital Development and Access, and New Markets and Customers.
Here we highlight sample client and pro bono projects for each below.
business model
Development and Forecasting
MBE developer specializing in urban planning and sustainable solutions in challenging community contexts
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Raised significant philanthropic support for community planning, engagement and amenity-testing through placemaking interventions
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Project informs culturally responsive site plan and long-term community benefit achievements for the neighborhood
WBE entrepreneurs founding a cafe in a neighborhood known as a food desert
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Created a detailed proforma that supported financing of the launch and working capital needs using data from local roastery partner
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Helped negotiate equipment purchase through a city-backed lending facility that had a lien on the equipment
Nonprofit providing school gardens nationwide
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Creation of the business model and fundraising plan for a B Corp sister company to expand hydroponic garden systems beyond schools to employers
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Company was able to pursue potential partners and funders
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Company used our market research to inform a planned product expansion
Black-owned B Corp seeking to create a national soul food pizza chain with profit sharing and options for employees
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Creation of business model proforma and forecast for the ongoing operating entity
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Completed an equity crowdfunding campaign of $218,000
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Launched with menu, operations model and technology platform in June 2021
Community development of a 108,000 sf building in an underinvested neighborhood
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Creation of business model proforma and forecast for the development and ongoing operating entity
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Supporting the capital raising, including multiple types of tax credits
Nonprofit developer of world-class indoor track facility and entertainment venue
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Creation of business model proforma and forecast for the ongoing operating entity
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Supported the signing of a long-term property management contract by top entertainment company
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Supported the $53 million capital raise and debt financing
capital development
and Access
MBE developer specializing in urban planning and sustainable solutions in challenging community contexts
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Creation of financial model / proforma for large-scale development, identifying phases and community ownership strategies
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Supported the securing of development rights from the city
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Fundraising in progress for the developer and the $150+ million project, including LITHC, Construction Loan to Perm, Opportunity Zone Funding, Government and Philanthropic Grants
Black women-owned ecotourism developer of campsite and entertainment venues
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Created business model and potential capital stack, including SBA 405(b) loan, potential convertible preferred note and social impact loan offering
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Supported fundraising strategy and outreach to investors and banks
Local community college and its foundation
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Helped win a workforce development RFP and contract with local manufacturers to improve training and create apprenticeships, which served as a model for other industries
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Created funding model for securing state funds for Advanced Manufacturing and IT Initiative and Building, including a city TIF-like deal, corporate fundraising and philanthropic grants.
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Helped the College Foundation spin off a property to local developers while maintaining an equity interest to support future programming
Nonprofit project empowering middle school girls of color to dream and changing the narrative by telling their stories
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Providing senior development and strategy talent and resources on a contract basis to help with organizational development and fundraising
new markets
and Customers
Women-owned company in Latin America providing resources and support for women entrepreneurs
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Development of business model and capital needs for scaling to Spanish-speaking clients worldwide
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Experimenting with new technology, infrastructure and talent approaches
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Exploration of entering U.S. market
Women-owned growth-stage salon
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Restructure of finance and operations plan for future smarter growth
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Testing a plan to grow online product sales
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Will soon pursue new plans for expansion
Non-profit pre-accelerator for women-owned businesses
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Three cohorts completed with 18 women entrepreneurs
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Helped fold operation into local start up hub to expand reach
Independent statewide venture fund
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Collaboration with state startup funding to expand investments statewide
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New strategic directions to expand ecosystem and capital
Women-owned research and marketing agency offering insights and partnerships with Gen Z creators
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Created proforma with business model to help attract first outside investor
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Strategy direction on growth strategies and partnerships
Regional impact fund
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Researching $100 million multi-strategy, regional impact fund targeting shared growth investments