Focus
Technical assistance to small businesses in Seattle
Challenge
Charlie Hunts needed financial assistance to keep his bookstore afloat during challenging times. His goals included identifying suitable grant opportunities and developing strategies to secure funding, but he wasn’t sure where to begin, and when googling for information, he consistently ended up down a rabbit hole with no quality results or direction. The ABC Program offered 10 hours of complimentary technical assistance, and Charlie required expert guidance in grant research and application preparation to increase his chances of obtaining funding.
Our Approach
Launch provided high-touch, personalized support to Charlie’s Queer Books through the following steps:
Initial Assessment:
Conducted a one-hour intake call to understand Charlie’s concerns, frustrations, and specific needs as a business owner.
Expert Matching:
Connected Charlie a with a Launch staffer experienced in grant applications and proposal writing.
Detailed Consultation:
Hosted a Zoom meeting between Charlie and the grant writer to discuss all aspects of the bookstore, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of its mission, challenges, goals, and both long and short-term needs.
Grant Research and Identification:
The grant writer spent approximately six hours conducting thorough research to identify potential grant opportunities via use of two different grant databases and online searches. Compiled a spreadsheet of over 40 viable grant opportunities, along with an extensive list of grants that were not suitable for the bookstore. (It takes as much time to eliminate seemingly good options as it does to find suitable matches…)
Strategic Planning:
After Charlie reviewed the spreadsheet, a follow-up Zoom meeting was held to discuss the best options and recommend strategies for moving forward with specific grant applications.
Outcomes
The technical assistance provided by Launch Industries through the OED ABC Program yielded significant outcomes for Charlie’s Queer Books:
Grant Opportunities:
Charlie was presented with a comprehensive list of over 40 solid grant opportunities tailored to his bookstore’s needs.
The list included detailed information on each grant, helping Charlie to make informed decisions on which opportunities to pursue.
Enhanced Strategy:
The strategic discussions with the grant writer equipped Charlie with valuable insights and a clear plan for approaching grant applications.
The guidance provided helped Charlie prioritize the most promising opportunities and develop a roadmap for securing funding.
Increased Capacity:
Through the high-touch, personalized support, Charlie gained new skills and knowledge in grant research and application processes.
This increased capacity not only addressed immediate financial challenges but also positioned Charlie’s Queer Books for future growth and sustainability.
Conclusion
By meeting clients where they are and providing tailored support, Launch Industries helped Charlie’s Queer Books navigate the complexities of grant funding, enhancing their ability to continue contributing to the community through queer literature.
