Bridging the Financial Knowledge + Tools Gap for Underserved Entrepreneurs
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For many small business owners, financial management isn’t just a challenge—it’s a barrier to growth. While general small business finance education exists, practical support for real-world questions like “How do I set up my chart of accounts?” or “Can I afford to hire help?” is often missing.
We believe we can help to close this gap with the LaunchPad program. Launched in 2024 in partnership with The Acceleration Project (TAP), this hands-on mentorship program helps entrepreneurs build a solid financial foundation with expert 1:1 bookkeeping support, small business accounting tools, and a community that uplifts and empowers.
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Who is it for?
LaunchPad is designed for underserved entrepreneurs who:
- Have annual revenue of $20,000+
- Are comfortable speaking and understanding English
- Aspire to hire employees in the future
- Want to develop strong financial habits
- Feel challenged to afford professional bookkeeping services
- Are open to using and learning technology and have access to a smartphone, computer, and/or internet connection
- Are committed to engaging in the program and completing surveys
- Are located in California
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“It was an excellent project; we felt very fortunate to be part of it, with an excellent group of people that supported us during the whole process. Thank you for creating this program!”
— Laura, Pacifico -
Program Highlights
- Finance Fundamentals: Learn the basics of small business bookkeeping
- Build Healthy Financial Habits: Live online classes & drop-in clinics to organize income & expenses
- Personalized Bookkeeper Guidance: Get matched with a vetted bookkeeper for 4 months of 1:1 support
- Free Accounting Software: Receive one year free of accounting software
- Community Support: Join a WhatsApp group & Monthly Lunches for peer learning & resource sharing
- Showcase Event: Present learnings and gain visibility through an annual pop-up marketplace (optional)
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“I would love to continue with my bookkeeper. Not only is she knowledgeable about bookkeeping, but she also has her finger on the pulse of business requirements and deadlines from the State of California.”
— Lorrie, Addison Street Salon
Milestones
- Complete Finance Fundamentals Checklist during orientation period
- Partner with a bookkeeper to set up accounting software
- Create a chart of accounts & sync transactions
- Identify business deductions & assess tax estimates
- Prepare profit & loss, balance sheet & cash flow reports
- Present progress at final showcase
- Complete surveys throughout and after the program
- Receive a $500 grant + 1 year free accounting software upon successful completion of all milestones
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“It’s a great opportunity and super beneficial. LaunchPad is a blessing.”
— Marquisha, The HQ Way -
How to Apply
- Fill out the online application
- If accepted, attend the Orientation Program: Complete 2 required classes + optional drop-in clinics
- Upon successful completion of Orientation, you will be interviewed and matched with a bookkeeper for 1:1 mentorship
If you or someone you know qualifies for the program, we encourage you to apply and take the next step toward financial confidence and business growth.
“We feel incredibly fortunate to have been introduced to this program before launching ourselves into the unknown, as many of our peers thought that they had to do. We’ve seen the stress and challenges that small business owners face when they are not encouraged to work with a bookkeeper (financial consultants) first. Too often, they take out loans without proper guidance, and the cycle continues, leaving them unable to pause, understand and organize their finances.”
— Alejandra, Adelita’s Antojitos