Halcyon is a DC-based incubator that provides programming and non-dilutive funding to support the growth of social enterprises globally. Halcyon hired us to find ways to amplify their influence through fresh, compelling programs. The challenge was two-fold: crafting the right initiatives and securing the necessary financial backing.
Our team provided strategic advisory, program design, and project management services, embedding as an extension of the Halcyon team as they tackled this opportunity.
Recognizing financing as a core challenge, we worked with the Economic Development Agency (an agency within the Department of Commerce) to learn more about how to best position Halcyon for funding via their Regional Innovation Strategies program. We then partnered with Halcyon leadership to identify and design new programs that capitalized on their core competencies and expand their impact. Ultimately, we agreed to design two new programs:
For both programs, we built the business model, execution plan and impact strategy. We supported in sourcing dozens of partners to help strengthen the application, including $1.5M+ in committed pro bono services (e.g. design, branding, engineering, cloud services). Within three weeks of our first conversation with Halcyon, we drafted and submitted the proposal and budget plan for both programs.
Halcyon secured $300K in non-dilutive funding from the EDA for the social impact angel group that year, and $1.5M to fund a new social impact incubator program the year following. The Halcyon team was also able to capitalize on millions in additional pro bono services secured through the process. Our work laid the infrastructure and internal know-how to pursue additional federal funding opportunities long into the future.
