BusinessLINC

Getting Involved: Why
Intermediaries involved with the BusinessLINC® program may see benefits such as:

• Reaching new markets.
• Better serving your membership.
• Creating stronger communities and a stronger business environment.

Getting Involved: How
While specific BusinessLINC® programs will differ to suit your needs, successful BusinessLINC® programs have followed an approach that combines many of the following steps.

Articulate Goals, Objectives and Metrics

State the objectives and outcomes of the BusinessLINC® program, including timeline
Develop strategy including hypothesis as to BusinessLINC® partners’ strengths, weaknesses, and potential mutual interests
Propose measures of success

Form the Team

Identify key corporate sponsors and implementers, as well as the complementary small business support organizations and resources
Examine existing services
Convene organizing committee and agree on roles
Identify strengths and weaknesses of potential BusinessLINC® partners

Design a Strategy

Adapt proven BusinessLINC® strategies to local conditions and to the skills and interests of the organizing committee
Formalize plan and secure corporate endorsement
Confirm proposed measures of success

Launch Program

Set program parameters
Outreach to and selection of BusinessLINC® partners
Run program and assure appropriate top management involvement
Monitoring and consultation with BusinessLINC® partners

Refine and Expand

Assess ongoing partnerships
Set goals, objectives and metrics for future growth
Assure corporate and public recognition of progress

More details on the steps necessary to have a successful BusinessLINC® experience can be found in the BusinessLINC® Guidebook for Intermediaries

National
Business and community groups interested in learning more about BusinessLINC® on the national level should contact the BusinessLINC® National Coalition.

Local
Business and community groups interested in learning about BusinessLINC® on a local level should contact the local coalition leader in their area.

Bellingham
Boston
Cleveland
Connecticut
Dallas
Des Moines

Flint
Georgia
Houston
Kansas City
Milwaukee
Mississippi Delta

Nashville
Richmond
San Francisco
Southeast Arkansas
Southwest Border
Washington, D.C.