• The GUMBO Growth accelerator is a one-year digital transformation program to help small businesses incorporate or improve technology into their operations that will catalyze business development.

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  • Technology training from a Digital Transformation Specialist

  • Microgrant to help carry out digital transformation project

The GUMBO Growth Accelerator Framework

Citizenville.org drives a culture of innovation in local communities to move ideas forward. We created the GUMBO Growth accelerator in response to the feedback from the GUMBO audience and former presenters. The accelerator enables collaboration, creativity, and experimentation. Our digital transformation specialists, or Tech Changemakers, use the Growth Framework to guide small businesses and nonprofits that want to be innovative and catalyze business growth.

  • During the training, you will prepare to think strategically about identifying an industry trend and your business/org need that presents an opportunity to build an idea around. You will discover how to find the people affected, gain insight after talking to them, and decide on the concept to pursue that will do something amazing for them.

  • A hack is a creative solution to an existing problem. Hacking is when a group of people gather for a short time to collaboratively create a proof of concept to solve a scoped problem. It often involves taking a scrappy approach. It's about working fast and doing whatever it takes find a solution.

    During the accelerator, you will use what you know to create something, be collaborative, work on your own, and you will do it fast. It's fun to hack and you will learn something new.

  • The accelerator will give you an opportunity to vet as effectively as possible, setting yourself up for the best opportunity for growth and eventually wild success. In our investments to move projects forward, the best way we've found is to validate your ideas with users and customers.

  • After you’ve completed the first 3 steps, you will have a prototype and preliminary data that suggests your project could be successful. The “Sponsor” stage is a time to find someone outside of your current team to help move your project forward. At this stage, you’ll receive a microgrant to launch eary stage of the digital transformation project.

    Sponsor reveals methods to compel sponsors—the people who lend their power and help you make your idea real.

Meet the Digital Transformation Specialists

((aka Tech Changemakers))

Monet Goode

Emmet Marsh

Eleanor Parks

apply to GUMBO Growth accelerator

apply to GUMBO Growth accelerator

open to small businesses & nonprofits

open to small businesses & nonprofits

deadline June 30 2023

deadline June 30 2023

FAQs

  • -Must be a resident of Jackson and your business must operate on the local level and directly benefit the community of Jackson.

    -Your business must have more than one year in operation but less than 5 years in operation.

    -Must be planning to incorporate technology into your operations or grow a new or an existing business in a significant way.

    -All industries including Cannabis.

    -The recipient must be 18 or older

    Note: Special consideration will be given to business owners from historically underrepresented communities (BIPOC, Women-led, etc.) many of whom may face additional barriers to growth; but all are welcome to apply.

  • Once accepted in the accelerator, Fellows will select one development track which will determine the details of their grant and the support provided during the accelerator.

    ‍In general, the awards will be granted to assist Fellows with various projects to support the growth of their businesses. Funds can be used towards:

    Technical Assistance/ Business Development- Internal improvement of operations with projects, such as:

    -Professional development.

    -Hiring a consultant for strategic planning and optimization.

    -Contracting an accountant to improve financial systems.

    Technology:

    -Implementation or development of technology systems.

    -Purchasing technology or software systems that are essential for operations.

  • The Citizenville.org team and a selection committee will review applicant materials in order of submission and decide which proposals best meet the guidelines of this award. Grantees will be notified and must accept the award by the given deadline.

  • Stage 1: Complete online application below.

    Stage 2: If the application meets the basic requirements, the Citizenville.org team will request a submission of a SWOT analysis and Breakdown for Use of Funds. The SWOT or breakdown of funds are ONLY needed if requested. Do NOT send during Stage 1.

    Step 3: The selection committee will review the basic application, SWOT, budget breakdown, and will make a selection. In some cases, the committee will request a short essay on how you plan to use the grant and the impact it will have on your business or organization.

ACCELERATOR APPLICATION