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NEXT Program

OmniWorks Economic Development Corporation's programming is designed with input from the entrepreneurs we serve and industry research. Our approach is based on four key pillars:

 

  • Navigator coaches develop trusting long-term relationships with participants.

  • Peer learning is used to tap into the business owners' collective experience.

  • Data is used to continuously improve our methodology. 

  • Technology is employed to make programming accessible, personalized to the needs of the individualized participant, cost-effective, and replicable. 

Learn More

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Building your business is challenging --
but you don't have to do it alone.

NEXT Overview

The NEXT year-long program incorporates personalized business coaching, mastermind groups, vetted subject matter expert consultants, Expert Workshops, CONNECT networking events, and an online community where small business owners can meet and exchange ideas. 

 

The program also provides an opportunity for funders and community organizations to provide volunteers, enhancing available coaching resources. 

 

NEXT incorporates key insights from OmniWorks' programs:

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  • More individual consulting was added at participants' request.

  • Business navigators are utilized to deepen participants' understanding and to encourage and guide use of program resources for optimal results.

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Participants

Participants

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The NEXT program supports women and BIPOC small business entrepreneurs from low to moderate income (LMI) communities. 

 

Businesses with $50,000 to $500,000 in annual revenue are prioritized.

 

The program admits participants in cohorts, with new cohorts added every other month.

Personalized Coaching

This high-touch approach to customizing support for each program participant is a core feature of the NEXT program.  Each participant meets with a business navigator every other week for 3 months to work through a specific topic area (module) and receives 4 hours of coaching sessions.

 

  • OmniWorks provides business the navigators, curriculum, and tools to conduct the sessions.

  • OmniWorks also trains identified volunteers to provide navigation to participants.

  • Sessions can also be delivered through other community-based organizations’ navigators. OmniWorks works with these organizations’ staff and provides OmniWorks' curriculum and tools to ensure a unified approach and outcomes.

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Training Modules

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NEXT participants work with their navigator to determine the module most appropriate to their business needs and stage.  The modules are designed to provide focused attention to areas that are critical for small business resilience and growth.  The following program modules are currently offered:

 

  • Business Plan and Roadmap:  Develop a strategic approach to operating the business and a financial model with execution goals for the year.

  • Capital Access:  Understand capital options and become capital ready for grants, traditional loans or lines of credit, outside investors, or crowdfunding.

  • Team Development and HR:  Overcome the fear of adding to the business’ team by designing an approach to HR that complies with regulations and adds to the business’ growth capacity.

  • Technology and Data:  Develop digital sales and marketing channels and understand the value of data to evaluate business performance and strategic direction.

  • Increasing Customers and Revenue:  Develop sales and marketing processes that acquire new customers, retain existing customers, and increase revenue.

Ongoing Resources

  • CONNECT Virtual Networking Events:  Six events that combine short presentations by industry experts followed by small group breakout sessions in which participants discuss the topic and make new connections.  Events are co-hosted with other business organizations.

  • Mastermind Groups:  Small groups of 5-7 entrepreneurs that meet monthly to talk about their wins and challenges, exchange ideas, and hold each other accountable.  Read more about the value of Mastermind Groups. 

  • Online Community:  Participants have ongoing access to our online community where they receive updates and information about new opportunities (grants, other programs, etc.) and extend their interactions with other program participants. 

  • Expert Network:  Access to a vetted list of subject matter experts and service providers that participants can connect with to engage additional services. 

  • Expert Workshops:  Interactive workshops lead by industry experts addressing key skills needed for business operations and growth, including financial planning, sales, mindset, marketing, and strategy (topics subject to change).

Funder Integration Opportunities

OmniWorks welcomes the opportunity to further involve funders through:

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  • Engaging funders’ staff as volunteer navigators providing one-to-one coaching 

  • Participants referred by funders receive 6 months of one-to-one coaching (2 modules)

  • Speaking opportunities during Expert Workshops and CONNECT networking events

  • Program funding acknowledgement during programming and in social media outreach and recruiting

  • Program module naming rights where content used is created in collaboration with the funder

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Upcoming Events

No upcoming events at the moment

Help create the NEXT economy

where wealth generation accrues to all.

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