ENTREPRENEURIAL PROGRAM DESIGN PROPOSAL
VELOCITY
COVERLETTER
Velocity
Attn: Paula McPherson
6633 18 Mile Rd.
Sterling Heights, MI 48314
November 21, 2024
Paula,
It is with great enthusiasm that I forward the enclosed proposal for your team’s review. Since 2019, Operations School has supported thousands of startups and small businesses through our 1:1 coaching, workshops, programs, and conferences. It was during my own time as as a student with the BUILD Institute that I realized there were many places that helped entrepreneurs learn how to start a business, but few places that helped entrepreneurs learn how to operate their businesses. These skills have become even more critical since the pandemic.
Through our integrated approach, Operations School provides entrepreneurs with the hands on curriculum to learn how to manage the day to day operations of their businesses, while OPSIDIA provides technical assistance through our diverse collective of practitioners who specialize in focus areas such as accounting, legal, operations, and more.
Our team has custom built entrepreneurial programs such as Metro Detroit Black Business Alliance's Capital Connect program, Lansing Economic Development Corporation's Empower Program, and the Apple Developer Academy to name a few.
It would be a privilege to collaborate on building a first of its kind entrepreneurial training program for Velocity small businesses. I look forward to speaking with you in greater detail regarding this opportunity.
CEO, Operations School | OPSIDIA
RACHEAL ALLEN FOUNDER + CEO
Racheal Allen is a Lean Six Sigma certified strategy, systems and operations consultant with nearly twenty years of experience leading and serving Detroit based startups and nonprofits. As a second-generation entrepreneur, she believes entrepreneurship is a pathway out of poverty and credits the entrepreneurial spirit as a catalytic driver of cycle breaking and generational wealth creation. After scaling her first startup into a six-figure insurance agency, she piloted initiatives in the legal, retail and service industries.
Racheal is the Founder and Executive Director of Operations School, a nonprofit business service organization with a mission to train, empower and equip startup and nonprofit leaders with the skills to successfully manage and scale their operations. Since 2019, O School has supported thousands of entrepreneurs through its bootcamps, workshops and conferences.
As CEO of OPSIDIA, Racheal serves as Principal Consultant for a management consulting firm that helps its clients operationalize their visions via entrepreneurial program design, fractional operations support and technical assistance services. Alongside her husband Gerrard, she is also co-founder of Centric Place, a first of its kind hub for arts, culture and entrepreneurship in Metro Detroit.
As an active member of the Detroit small business and nonprofit ecosystems, Racheal has served as a coach, mentor and judge for programs such as Comerica Hatch Detroit, Woman Up and Pitch and Detroit Demo Day. She proudly serves as Funding Board Chair for Black Leaders Detroit and several mission driven organizations. Recent recognition includes being named as Small Business Hero of the Year by Connect313, a Young American Leader Program at Harvard Business School, Oakland County’s 40 Under Forty, DBusiness’ 30 in Their Thirties, Crain’s Detroit Business’ 40 Under Forty and receiving Detroit NAACP Branch’s Great Expectations Award. Racheal is also the author of “Get Your Business Legit: A Guide to Starting, Launching and Scaling Your Startup”.
QUALIFICATIONS +
EXPERIENCE
MSU | APPLE DEVELOPER ACADEMY
Gilbert Family Foundation 2024-Present
Operations School was selected to augment their existing Apple Developer Academy program by adding six months of our proprietary, operations based curriculum. Program participants receive intensive training in the areas of systems, automation, delegation and scaling strategies for their businesses. Additionally, OPSIDIA provides 1:1 technical assistance to support the small businesses while providing capacity building support.
Reference: Theodore Caldwell
Renaissance Manager tc@msu.edu
CAPITAL CONNECT & BLK PRINT
Michigan Black Business Alliance (MBBA) 2023-Present
Operations School was selected to augment MBBA’s existing Capital Connect and BLK Print programs by adding four and two weeks respectively of our proprietary Get Your Business Legit curriculum. Program participants will receive intensive training in the areas of systems, automation, delegation and scaling strategies for their businesses. Additionally, OPSIDIA provides 1:1 technical assistance to support the small businesses while providing capacity building support.
Reference:
Kai Bowman Chief Operating Officer
Kai@mdbba.com
770-733-8333
QUALIFICATIONS +
EXPERIENCE
EMPOWER PROGRAM
Lansing Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) 2023-Present
After a nationwide RFP search, Operations School | OPSIDIA was selected to design and entrepreneurial capacity building program to suit the needs of 25 BIPOC owned businesses in Lansing, Michigan. Startups were provided a dedicated Project Manager who worked with the client to develop a wholistic approach to solving current business challenges. Contracted services included bookkeeping, accounting, legal services, project management, marketing/communications and more. Clients received 1:1 and group coaching support both online and in-person.
Reference:
Aurelius Christian Corridor & Commercial Development Specialist aurelius@lansingedc.com 517.331.2773
TECHTOWN INCUBATOR
TechTown Detroit 2019-2022
Since 2019, Operations School | OPSIDIA has partnered with TechTown Detroit to develop a comprehensive curriculum to support minority and BIPOC led startups. Startups were provided with a dedicated Project Manager who worked with the client to develop a wholistic approach to solving current business challenges. Contracted services included bookkeeping, accounting, legal services, project management, marketing/communications and more. Clients received 1:1 and group coaching support both online and in-person.
Reference:
Dr. Marlo Rencher President Detroit Means Business mrencher@degc.org (313) 574-6323
STUDY CASE
CASESTUDY
develop the Empower Program, which provided targeted education and technical assistance to 12 small businesses in Lansing. This initiative aimed to empower local entrepreneurs with the tools, strategies, and knowledge necessary to enhance operational efficiency, drive growth, and achieve long-term sustainability.
GOALS OF THE EMPOWER PROGRAM
Strengthen the operational foundations of participating businesses Equip business owners with systems-based approaches to improve efficiency
Provide personalized technical assistance to address specific challenges
Foster a community of practice among Lansing’s entrepreneurs for ongoing collaboration and support
PROGRAM DELIVERY
The program unfolded in three phases:
Assessment & Customization: Each business underwent a thorough assessment to identify operational strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities.
Education Modules: Tailored workshops focused on critical operational areas, including process optimization, financial management, team development, and leveraging technology for efficiency.
Technical Assistance: Businesses received one-on-one coaching and hands-on support to implement customized strategies.
IMPACT AND OUTCOMES
Operational Improvements: All 12 businesses reported enhanced efficiency and clarity in their operations.
Financial Growth: 85% of participants noted measurable improvements in cash flow management and profitability within six months of completing the program.
Confidence Boost: Business owners expressed increased confidence in managing and scaling their enterprises.
Community Building: A peer network emerged, allowing businesses to share resources, collaborate on projects, and continue their learning journeys together.
CASESTUDY
"The Empower Program through Operations School gave us the tools we needed to finally streamline our processes. Our business has grown by 20% since participating."
Nikki Thompson Frazier Sweet Encounter
"This program didn’t just teach us operational skills; it helped us see our business differently. We’re more focused and efficient than ever."
Erica Lynn Merica Media Group
GYBL CURRICULUM
MONTH 1
MONTH 2
MONTH 3
MONTH 4
MONTHS 3-6
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
BUSINESS PLANNING
Using tools such as LivePlan, we'll help learners develop business plans
STRATEGY OPERATIONS
We'll work with learners to develop a sustainable business strategy
We'll help learners build internal operations for their startups
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT LEGAL SERVICES BRANDING
We'll work with learners to develop internal financial management systems
We'll work with students on formation, contracts, IP and more
We'll work with learners to develop logos, brand identity and online presence
SALES
We help our clients develop sales and pricing strategies to achieve sustainablity
HR + STAFFING PROJECT MANAGEMENT
We help our clients develop the infrastructure to recruit and retain employees
Our PM team will help ensure each project is delivered on time and under budget
FACULTY
JEHAN GIBSON-CRUMP, ESQ
GREAT LAKES LEGAL GROUP. GET LEGAL
NICOLE FREEMAN KIRKLAND BY THE NUMBERZ CPA GET PROFITABLE
BRITTNI BEE BROWN THE BEE AGENCY GET BRANDED
TALISA NORTON ALL PRO COLOR GET OPERATIONAL
RACHEAL ALLEN OPERATIONS SCHOOL GET SUSTAINABLE
APRIL ANDERSON GOOD CAKES & BAKES GET SCALEABLE
PROJECT APPROACH
FORMAT
The entrepreneurial training program will be offered to program participants who have been operational for at least one year and has demonstrated revenue generation. Every other week, students will be presented with a 1-hour, pre-recorded educational session where topics from the curriculum will be delivered in an interactive workshop style format. Students will then have a 2-hour in person discussion where participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and get feedback on specific business challenges.
1:1 COACHING & TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
Participants will also be assigned a Business Coach who will assist with the development of a business roadmap, provide 1:1 coaching and coordinate technical assistance support. Participants will meet with their Coach twice a month to coordinate technical assistance and ensure their business goals are being met.
STATEMENT OF WORK
The purpose of this Statement of Work (SOW) is to outline the proposed scope of services and deliverables required for facilitation of an entrepreneurial training program for Velocity.
OPSIDIA "Facilitator" will be responsible for overseeing the successful implementation of designated modules of the program, ensuring effective communication, coordination, collaboration among stakeholders. OPSIDIA will conduct 1:1 coaching to each cohort participant.
Objectives:
The objectives of the program facilitation are as follows:
Provide up to 35 small business participants with operations capacity building curriculum and support
Foster an environment of inquiry and engagement that encourages participation
Serve as a mentor and resource for participants during the program
Facilitate meetings, workshops, and training sessions as required
Provide regular reports and updates to stakeholders on program status and achievements
Provide in person discussion and instruction
Provide office hours and opportunity for 1:1 monthly coaching
Scope of Work:
Facilitator will perform the following tasks:
Program Planning:
Collaborate with Velocity leadership to define program goals, objectives, and timelines. Develop a detailed program plan, including activities, milestones, and resources required. Identify key performance indicators (KPIs) and develop a monitoring and evaluation framework.
Stakeholder Management:
Establish effective communication channels and ensure regular updates are provided to stakeholders.
Address stakeholder concerns, issues, and conflicts in a timely and professional manner.
Program Implementation:
Oversee the execution of program activities according to the defined plan. Monitor progress, identify risks, and implement mitigation strategies.
Facilitate regular team meetings to review progress, address challenges, and provide guidance.
STATEMENT OF WORK
Communication and Reporting:
Develop and maintain effective communication channels among stakeholders
Prepare regular reports on program status, accomplishments, and challenges
Prepare presentations and facilitate workshops and training sessions as required
Evaluation and Improvement:
Conduct program evaluations to assess effectiveness and impact
Collect feedback from stakeholders and incorporate improvements into program implementation
Identify lessons learned and best practices to inform future program initiatives
Deliverables:
The following deliverables are expected from Facilitator:
Program plan, including goals, objectives, activities, milestones, and timelines
Regular status reports on program progress, accomplishments, and challenges
Documentation of meetings, workshops, and training sessions, including minutes and action items
Evaluation reports assessing program effectiveness, impact, and lessons learned
Content gallery with video modules
1:1 coaching support for all participants, based on expressed needs
Reporting will include progress on/after technical assistance
Timeline and Schedule:
The program facilitation services will commence on or around January 1, 2025 and continue until December 31, 2025. The specific schedule and timeline for deliverables will be mutually agreed upon by the program facilitator and the client.
Payment Terms:
Pricing for program licensing fee, facilitation and technical assistance support is $105,000.00 per year which includes the facilitation of a Spring 2025 and Fall 2025 cohort. A flat fee invoice of $10,500.00 per month will be forwarded to Velocity via Bill.com in (9) installments. Invoices will be submitted on the first of each month. OPSIDIA has the right to withhold delivery of deliverables pending receipt of outstanding invoices. Should you terminate the engagement prior to its completion, we will only bill you for the professional fees and expenses incurred to that date.
A retainer payment of $10,500.00 will be due at the signing of contract, or 30 days prior to the start of programming. A report outlining the service hours and work performed each month will be included with the invoice. All future invoices will be due upon receipt.
STATEMENT OF WORK
Schedule:
Facilitator will work with leadership to finalize program dates to support in-person workshop facilita with classes to be hosted at Velocity. It is understood that each workshop typically consists of (2) ho sessions including dedicated time for Q&A. It is also understood that Facilitator is expected to delive approximately (2) workshops per month.
Anticipated Program Start Date:
January 2025
Confidentiality and Intellectual Property:
The Facilitator shall treat all confidential information obtained during the engagement as strictly confidential. Any intellectual property developed or provided by the program facilitator during the project shall remain the property of the program facilitator unless otherwise agreed upon in writing.
Termination:
Either party may terminate this agreement with prior written notice if either party fails to fulfill its obligations outlined in this SOW. In such cases, termination provisions as agreed upon in the separat agreement or contract shall apply.
EVALUATION METRICS
Operations School and OPSIDIA will communicate results of the program through profiles of each participating small business and include visuals, photography and videography to support the journey of each participant. Case studies will be created to highlight participants who are successfully navigating the program.
How many hours of TA support were deployed?
Process Indicators
(Measure the program’s activities and outputs)
Did TA reach intended number of learners?
How did learners rate the quality of the services provided?
How responsive was TA to identified needs?
Outcome Indicators
(Measure whether the program is achieving the expected effects/changes in the short, intermediate, and long term)
Quantitative Metrics
Were the participants able to provide services after receiving TA?
Were business operations measurably improved through the provision of TA?
Did the TA build capacity to continue similar efforts in the future?
Did the TA build long term relationships?
Surveys
Baseline assessments
Observation
Analysis of existing business operations
Qualitative Metrics
Interviews
Focus groups
Observation
EVALUATION METRICS
OPSIDIA will communicate results of the program through profiles of each participating business and include visuals, photography and videography to support the journey of each participant Case studies will be created to highlight participants who are successfully navigating the program
Process Indicators
(Measure the program ’ s activities and outputs)
Outcome Indicators
(Measure whether the program is achieving the expected effects/changes in the short, intermediate, and long term)
How many hours of TA support were deployed?
Did TA reach intended number of businesses?
How did participants rate the quality of the services provided?
How responsive was TA to identified needs?
Were the participants able to provide
services after receiving TA?
Were business operations measurably improved through the provision of TA?
Did the TA build capacity to continue
similar efforts in the future?
Did the TA bui
Quantitative Metrics
Qualitative Metrics
nter
w
Focus groups Observation
PROPOSEDPRICING
Operations School and OPSIDIA proposes providing the above services according the following fee schedule:
SERVICES RATE
Program Management Fee:
Provides client with dedicated Program Manager to oversee the progress of participants, monitor goal completion and program compliance.
Digital Content Vault:
Access to 12 pre-recorded, branded, one hour direct instruction modules
Monthly Facilitation:
Attendees will participate in bi-weekly 2 hour in person sessions featuring an array of program topics focused on systems, automation and delegation strategies.
1:1 Coaching
Monthly, 1:1 touch points with Coaching Staff for up to 75 students
Estimated Annual Pricing $105,000.00
