Start Small Think Big Services

Start Small Think Big Services is sponsored by Start Small Think Big. Start Small Think Big Services is a program from Start Small Think Big that funds free pro bono legal, finance, and marketing support for early-stage small business owners across the United States.

Tailored Business Services | Start Small Think Big Unlock the full potential of your business with our free business support at Start Small Think Big. We're committed to providing you with the essential resources, expert guidance, and services tailored to your immediate business needs.

At the heart of Start Small Think Big, Inc. lies a deep commitment to fostering an environment of diversity, equity, integrity, acceptance, and inclusion. We proudly stand with small business owners who embrace a wide spectrum of customers, clients, and employees, and celebrate all identities. These core principles not only shape our approach to entrepreneurship but also define our collaborative work ethos.

Join us in our mission to transform your entrepreneurial vision into reality, paving the way for success not just for your business but for your personal growth, your family, and your community. Discover how our Finance Program connects entrepreneurs with professionals who will share their expertise so small business owners can increase their financial literacy.

They can provide guidance for entrepreneurs who need help setting up solid economic systems, bookkeeping, growth planning, projections, and cost analysis. *We cannot assist with taxes or provide specific tax advice Assistance calculating the cost of production (Cost of Goods/Services Sold) and understanding how much a product or service contributes to paying overhead and/or owner’s salary at various price and sales levels.

Assistance understanding whether the business can afford a new expense (e.g. hiring, loan, new commercial lease.) Assistance setting prices and understanding which existing or proposed revenue streams are the most profitable. Assistance developing 1-3 year financial forecasts for a business plan/raising capital.

Assistance developing 12 month financial forecasts that align with income goals. Assistance choosing an appropriate system, support to implement the system, and training to understand how to classify financial transactions. Assistance getting business financial records organized and up-to-date.

Discover how our pro bono Legal Program connects entrepreneurs with legal experts. Our experts specialize in helping entrepreneurs choose the proper entity structure, or review commercial leases. They can advise on intellectual property and employment issues, review and draft contracts, and other legal issues.

We can only provide legal services in New York and California in 2024. ENTITY SELECTION + FORMATION Legal volunteers meet with entrepreneurs who seek advice or assistance with formalizing the legal structure of their businesses, including for example, by forming legal entities (e.g., LLCs or corporations); drafting operating agreements or bylaws; and creating partnership terms between business partners.

Volunteers will also provide entrepreneurs with general advice and information concerning ongoing corporate governance obligations and responsibilities. Legal volunteers will assist entrepreneurs with drafting the appropriate corporate document and/or preparing and filing appropriate documents with the applicable authority.

Legal volunteers will conduct a “knockout” search of client’s business / product name, logo, and/or slogan; review the results with the client; and provide basic advice on trademark registration advantages and process—including a non-binding estimate of the likelihood of successful registration, generally focused on questions related to the level of similarity to existing marks and/or “mere descriptiveness” of the proposed marks.

Legal volunteers review/update a client’s existing contracts or assist them with drafting new agreements. If the client has an existing agreement, each volunteer team will receive the agreement in advance of any client consultation, and during the consultation, will review the agreements with the client, explain key terms, and, where appropriate, provide suggested revisions or flag areas for potential negotiation.

If the client needs a new agreement drafted (e.g., a wholesale agreement), the legal volunteers will meet with the client to discuss their contract needs and proposed business arrangement, and assist with drafting an agreement that the client can use going forward. Small business entrepreneurs often face challenging legal decisions related to their first hires.

Legal volunteers will provide one-on-one counsel to businesses facing these decisions. Most consultations will focus on the appropriate classification of the business’s current or prospective workers, and may also include counseling clients on threshold issues regarding their obligations and responsibilities as an employer—including with respect to wages and benefits.

ACCESS FREE SMALL BUSINESS SERVICES/RESOURCES Begin your journey by completing the application form, taking just 5-10 minutes. Make sure to have your recent business financials (revenue, expenses, and sales) ready for a smooth application process. 2.

ASSESSMENT & APPROVAL* If you and your small business are eligible for free resources and services, your next step will be to schedule your intake appointment. Following approval, you'll gain access to our extensive network of professionals ready to offer pro bono legal and finance services. We're here to guide you through every step, prioritizing your business unique needs and setting you on the path to growth.

Free Small Business Resources If you are not ready to apply, you can always visit the Resource Center on our website, available for free to the public, where you can find a selection of articles written by experts across legal and finance topics. Find upcoming events and workshops developed in partnership with top law firms and financial institutions, watch a replay, and more.

An aggregate, but not necessarily comprehensive, list of publicly available funding sources that may be available to entrepreneurs is available in our resources section (e.g., Black, Immigrant, Person of Color, or woman-owned businesses).

We partner with the local community, corporations, entrepreneurs, tax and government institutions, and other entities to produce virtual and in-person events and workshops for small business entrepreneurs looking to learn, network, and grow. We connect entrepreneurs with a network of professional volunteers from across the country.

From helping to select a legal entity, draft contracts, understand financial statements, and more, see the full list of services we offer on our Expertise page. Join the community to read personal stories from other entrepreneurs and get tips and insights from our how-tos and other informative articles to help you along your small business journey.

Browse through our video library hub to see past workshops on various finance, legal, marketing and leadership topics led by Start Small Think Big employees, entrepreneurs and our partners and volunteers.

The #AllforSmall Community of small businesses are owned by persons of color and/or women of small businesses are owned by Black individuals of small businesses are owned by Latinx individuals Small Business Testimonials Cassandre Davilmar opened Lakou Cafe to host local art shows, open mic nights, cultural conversation groups, and concerts for the community.

But in March 2020 sales decreased and they had to close the doors due to COVID-19. Later that year, Cassandre received a one-time $5,000 grant to add to their PPP loan. Cassandre worked with Start Small Think Big’s finance program on projections, planning, and bookkeeping.

Our legal and marketing programs assisted them with conducting business online, lease review and negotiation, entity selection, trademark, and digital marketing strategy. Ultimately, Cassandre saved their business and reopened Lakou, experiencing a 38% revenue increase.

Hector Castillo Carvajal is serious about coffee, so they created Don Carvajal Cafe to share their enthusiasm for craft roasted coffee beans, carefully sourced from hardworking farmers in Latin America, with the world. But when the pandemic hit, farmer’s markets closed, and Hector’s sales dropped.

Hector reached out to Start Small Think Big, received a one-time $5,000 grant, and worked closely with our finance program on projections and planning to become a sustainable business. After attending our marketing workshops, Hector started selling cold brew and making home deliveries, all while planning for the future. Currently, Hector plans to complement their e-commerce business with a new brick-and-mortar location in the Bronx.

Longing for their family and Mexican culture, Nancy Rosales, created Pepitos Paletas— and began selling fresh homemade popsicles. While a freezer is usually required to deliver paletas without compromising the product quality, Nancy invented a unique freeze box that can store the paletas at the desired temperature for up to 8 hours. Due to COVID-19, business sales decreased and Nancy sought assistance in pivoting their business model.

Nancy attended Start Small Think Big’s marketing workshops and developed a membership subscription plan which enabled the business to keep going. Learning the art of DJ mixing is a passion Lamont Bransford-Young transformed into a business when they launched Fingersnaps Media Arts in San Francisco, California. Lamont’s DJ school offers classes on skill and technique to all ages.

When Lamont was searching for a studio, they reached out to Start Small Think Big for assistance. Our team conducted a business audit and helped organize Lamont’s finances, which enabled them to secure a new school and studio space. Frederick Daniels’ Barcuts expanded from hair care and styling to becoming a one-stop-shop for grooming and professional portrait services.

When the pandemic started, Frederick self-taught themself photo and video editing, partnered with Start Small Think Big’s finance program on businesses projections and planning, and attended many of our marketing workshops. With the new skills they learned, Frederick was able to increase income and plan for the future. Now Frederick is looking to expand their business to Washington, D.

C. , and California. Born in Lebanon, Edouard Mannish brought their modern Mediterranean palette to the concrete jungle of Brooklyn when they launched their private chef and catering business.

But like many small business owners, COVID-19 impacted Edouard’s business model, forcing them to close their catering company and open a storefront, Edy’s Grocer. During the transition, Start Small Think Big helped Edouard with bookkeeping and digital marketing for their new business. Edouard also was awarded a one-time $5,000 grant, which enabled them to hire more staff and increase business revenue by 66%.

Harlem Cycle Fitness Studio Tammeca Rochester’s indoor cycling business Harlem Cycle saw revenue decreases of more than 50% after they were forced to close their studio’s doors in March 2020 due to the pandemic. Tammeca had to get creative and quickly pivot their business model online in order to stay afloat. Tammeca knew they needed financial and legal assistance to transition their business online.

Start Small Think Big helped facilitate a one-time $5,000 grant to create digital classes, and our legal program provided them with contract assistance to ensure protection of their unique business model. Harlem Cycle was able to reopen its physical location while Tammeca continues to expand their virtual business and develop new revenue streams.

When the pandemic forced the nation to shut down, events and in-person gatherings were halted. Katlyn Algeria had just launched Hitched Company, a unique bartending experience business—by March 2020 sales declined by more than 50%. If they didn’t make some changes, Katlyn’s business would close entirely within just a few months.

Katlyn was down to their last, so they reached out to Start Small Think Big. They received a one-time $5,000 grant and our marketing program assisted with the creation of a marketing plan focused on promoting their outdoor events business. Katlyn also developed a product line of dehydrated cocktails to sell online.

Over the next year, Hitched Company increased revenues over 440% from 2019. Before connecting with Start Small Think Big, LaParis Phillips opened their Brooklyn Blooms floral boutique with a mission to serve their neighborhood with uniquely curated blooms while maintaining sustainable practices.

Soon after opening their first location, LaParis had goals to scale their business and provide their beautiful flower arrangements to other surrounding communities. However, they felt frustrated and defeated because while they had the vision and passion to grow their business, they didn’t have all the business resources required to do so. During the pandemic, Brooklyn Blooms received a one-time $13,000 emergency relief grant.

With our support, Brooklyn Blooms’ business revenue increased 150% from 2019 to 2020 and continues to evolve. LaParis and their team were able to open a second location, and they have plans to expand and spread their love of flowers worldwide. Cassandre Davilmar opened Lakou Cafe to host local art shows, open mic nights, cultural conversation groups, and concerts for the community.

But in March 2020 sales decreased and they had to close the doors due to COVID-19. Later that year, Cassandre received a one-time $5,000 grant to add to their PPP loan. Cassandre worked with Start Small Think Big’s finance program on projections, planning, and bookkeeping.

Our legal and marketing programs assisted them with conducting business online, lease review and negotiation, entity selection, trademark, and digital marketing strategy. Ultimately, Cassandre saved their business and reopened Lakou, experiencing a 38% revenue increase.

Hector Castillo Carvajal is serious about coffee, so they created Don Carvajal Cafe to share their enthusiasm for craft roasted coffee beans, carefully sourced from hardworking farmers in Latin America, with the world. But when the pandemic hit, farmer’s markets closed, and Hector’s sales dropped.

Hector reached out to Start Small Think Big, received a one-time $5,000 grant, and worked closely with our finance program on projections and planning to become a sustainable business. After attending our marketing workshops, Hector started selling cold brew and making home deliveries, all while planning for the future. Currently, Hector plans to complement their e-commerce business with a new brick-and-mortar location in the Bronx.

Longing for their family and Mexican culture, Nancy Rosales, created Pepitos Paletas— and began selling fresh homemade popsicles. While a freezer is usually required to deliver paletas without compromising the product quality, Nancy invented a unique freeze box that can store the paletas at the desired temperature for up to 8 hours. Due to COVID-19, business sales decreased and Nancy sought assistance in pivoting their business model.

Nancy attended Start Small Think Big’s marketing workshops and developed a membership subscription plan which enabled the business to keep going. Learning the art of DJ mixing is a passion Lamont Bransford-Young transformed into a business when they launched Fingersnaps Media Arts in San Francisco, California. Lamont’s DJ school offers classes on skill and technique to all ages.

When Lamont was searching for a studio, they reached out to Start Small Think Big for assistance. Our team conducted a business audit and helped organize Lamont’s finances, which enabled them to secure a new school and studio space. Frederick Daniels’ Barcuts expanded from hair care and styling to becoming a one-stop-shop for grooming and professional portrait services.

When the pandemic started, Frederick self-taught themself photo and video editing, partnered with Start Small Think Big’s finance program on businesses projections and planning, and attended many of our marketing workshops. With the new skills they learned, Frederick was able to increase income and plan for the future. Now Frederick is looking to expand their business to Washington, D.

C. , and California. Born in Lebanon, Edouard Mannish brought their modern Mediterranean palette to the concrete jungle of Brooklyn when they launched their private chef and catering business.

But like many small business owners, COVID-19 impacted Edouard’s business model, forcing them to close their catering company and open a storefront, Edy’s Grocer. During the transition, Start Small Think Big helped Edouard with bookkeeping and digital marketing for their new business. Edouard also was awarded a one-time $5,000 grant, which enabled them to hire more staff and increase business revenue by 66%.

Harlem Cycle Fitness Studio Tammeca Rochester’s indoor cycling business Harlem Cycle saw revenue decreases of more than 50% after they were forced to close their studio’s doors in March 2020 due to the pandemic. Tammeca had to get creative and quickly pivot their business model online in order to stay afloat. Tammeca knew they needed financial and legal assistance to transition their business online.

Start Small Think Big helped facilitate a one-time $5,000 grant to create digital classes, and our legal program provided them with contract assistance to ensure protection of their unique business model. Harlem Cycle was able to reopen its physical location while Tammeca continues to expand their virtual business and develop new revenue streams.

When the pandemic forced the nation to shut down, events and in-person gatherings were halted. Katlyn Algeria had just launched Hitched Company, a unique bartending experience business—by March 2020 sales declined by more than 50%. If they didn’t make some changes, Katlyn’s business would close entirely within just a few months.

Katlyn was down to their last, so they reached out to Start Small Think Big. They received a one-time $5,000 grant and our marketing program assisted with the creation of a marketing plan focused on promoting their outdoor events business. Katlyn also developed a product line of dehydrated cocktails to sell online.

Over the next year, Hitched Company increased revenues over 440% from 2019. Before connecting with Start Small Think Big, LaParis Phillips opened their Brooklyn Blooms floral boutique with a mission to serve their neighborhood with uniquely curated blooms while maintaining sustainable practices.

Soon after opening their first location, LaParis had goals to scale their business and provide their beautiful flower arrangements to other surrounding communities. However, they felt frustrated and defeated because while they had the vision and passion to grow their business, they didn’t have all the business resources required to do so. During the pandemic, Brooklyn Blooms received a one-time $13,000 emergency relief grant.

With our support, Brooklyn Blooms’ business revenue increased 150% from 2019 to 2020 and continues to evolve. LaParis and their team were able to open a second location, and they have plans to expand and spread their love of flowers worldwide. Frequently Asked Questions Do you have questions about volunteering opportunities?

Find the answers you need, and browse a list of frequently asked questions. You can always contact us if you need further assistance. How long am I eligible for after my Service Assessment?

Once onboarded, you will have access to our services for 12 months, at which point you are more than welcome to reapply as many times as you continue to be eligible. I have a non-profit. Can I apply?

Unfortunately, we do not have the resources or expertise to assist with nonprofits, as it is a very distinct business model. My business hasn’t made $500 in sales yet. Am I eligible?

Unfortunately, Start Small Think Big's services aren't suitable for businesses that are in a pre-launch or idea phase, and/or have not generated multiple sales totaling at least $500 in sales within the past 3 months. You are more than welcome to apply for our services when you reach $500 in sales! Yes!

We welcome returning clients, as well as anyone whose situation may have changed and who may now be eligible for our services, to reapply. What documents will I need to upload and why? Prospective clients are asked to upload personal + business documents which will be reviewed during the Service Assessment in order to confirm your baseline financial circumstances and finalize our eligibility determination.

Note: We will not disseminate this documentation or use it for any other purpose. All documents are deleted after the onboarding appointment is complete. You are welcome to screen-share these documents or blackout personal information such as account number(s) or social security number(s).

We ask that you upload the following documents to our secure portal: Proof of Annual Income: Personal tax return (if business filed taxes last year) Proof of Assets: Screenshots or bank statements showing current month’s balances from all household checking, savings, and business bank accounts (if any) Proof of Sales: records showing at least $500 in recurring sales in the last 3 months.

The sales can be via Venmo, PayPal, Square, paper receipts, bank statements showing deposits, Shopify, etc. Does Start Small Think Big provide funding, capital, or grants? Unfortunately, we do not provide our clients with direct funding. Start Small Think Big is NOT a grant, but we occasionally provide clients with sales opportunities internally, or with other partners/clients.

Take a look at the following Grants and Loan opportunities available to the public: SSTB External Loans + Grants Resource: https://www. startsmallthinkbig. org/resources/loan-grant Services are free, what’s the catch?

There’s no catch! So long as applicants meet our eligibility criteria, they are able to receive free volunteer services. We ask clients to opt in to receiving email reminders for appointments, newsletters, and follow-up surveys.

Will finance volunteers help me with my taxes / accounting? Unfortunately, we do not have a Certified Public Accountant on our Finance Team to provide clients with tax advice. It is advised to seek general guidance published from tax authorities if helpful.

Our Finance Volunteers may help you set up or clean-up your bookkeeping system, which will likely form the basis of what you file. You can learn more about what we offer here: https://www. startsmallthinkbig.

org/what-we-do. I urgently need services! How long will it take?

Given that our services are provided primarily by volunteers, we are unable to promise a specific timeline for our services. Our services are not a good fit for anyone with urgent needs. We thank you for your patience while we work to set up our clients with our pro bono marketing, finance, and legal services.

While clients are waiting to be matched with a volunteer, we suggest taking a look at our events page for upcoming workshops and webinars hosted by industry experts! SSTB doesn’t offer legal services in my state. What other services can I access?

At this time we are only able to offer legal services in NY and CA. You can receive Finance services in all 50 states and Marketing services will be available soon. Do you help with lease disputes or eviction notices?

Unfortunately, our legal volunteers are unable to support clients with litigation, conflicts, or anything going to court. You can learn more about what we offer here: https://www. startsmallthinkbig.

org/what-we-do. Start Small Think Big doesn’t provide the services I need at this time, where should I go? We have a strong network of community partners that assist small businesses all over the country with a wide range of services.

If you need help with something that we do not offer, please feel free to reach out to hello@startsmallthinkbig. org and we will share any resources we are aware of that may be helpful to you. Milène Jardine Chocolatier What We Do | Start Small Think Big Resources for Small Business