LaunchPad Program

Bridging the Financial Knowledge + Tools Gap for Under-Resourced Entrepreneurs

  • 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. 

  • Who is it for?

    LaunchPad is designed for under-resourced entrepreneurs who:

    • Are located in the US
    • Have annual revenue between $20,000-$400,000
    • Aspire to hire employees in the future
    • Want to develop strong financial habits and learn how to read and interpret financial statements
    • Feel challenged to afford professional bookkeeping services
    • Are open to using technology to digitize their business and have
      access to a smartphone, computer and internet
    • Are comfortable speaking and understanding English
    • Are committed to engaging in the program and
      completing surveys

  • “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

  • Laura and Daniel, Pacifico

Program Highlights

  • Personalized Bookkeeper Guidance: 4 months of 1:1 support from a bookkeeper mentor when you complete your Program Readiness requirements
  • Build Healthy Financial Habits: On-demand classes with practical tips that you can watch at any time
  • Personalized Support: Weekly drop-in clinics and WhatsApp group for help when you need it
  • $500 Grant: Available when you successfully complete the Program Milestones

  • Brownies made by Camucha's Kitchen

  • “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

Program Milestones

  • Complete Program Readiness requirements 
  • 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 upon successful completion on program milestones 

  • “It’s a great opportunity and super beneficial. LaunchPad is a blessing.”
    — Marquisha, The HQ Way

  • Final Sauce at 2024 BILL Showcase

How to Apply: 3 Simple Steps

  • Step 1: Submit your online application.
    Tell us about yourself, your business, and why you’re interested in LaunchPad.

  • Step 2: Complete the Program Readiness Checklist.
    Watch on-demand classes to build your financial foundation. You’re also encouraged to join weekly drop-in clinics for extra support. This step ensures you’re ready to be paired with a bookkeeper.

    Pro-Tip: To maximize your chances of being paired with a mentor who’s ready and available to support you, we highly recommend blocking time on your calendar to complete your Checklist so you can schedule your Live Interview promptly.

  • Step 3: Meet for a 15 min Readiness Interview.
    We’ll review what you’ve learned, answer any final questions, and match you with a vetted bookkeeper for your 1:1 mentorship for 4 months when you’re program ready.

⏱️ Apply anytime. We accept new applications on a rolling basis.

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.

Are you a bookkeeper interested in becoming a mentor? Apply here
Are you a partner interested in referring entrepreneurs to LaunchPad? Apply here

Questions? Email info@makahakama.org

 

 

“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

Thank you to our Referral Partners! 

We are so grateful to the community non-profits, CDFIs, technical assistance centers and coaching programs that have referred entrepreneurs to us in 2024 and 2025. We couldn’t do what we do without you!

As we expand nationwide in 2026, we are actively seeking new partners across the US, and will be offering referral grants to non-profit organizations that qualify.

  • If you’re a mission-aligned 501(c3) organization that supports under-resourced entrepreneurs seeking financial confidence, please complete our Partner Application, and we’ll be in touch to discuss next steps.
  • If you’re a corporation or for profit organization looking to partner or sponsor our work, please reach via email info@makahakama.org

 

 

La Cocina La Cocina’s mission is to solve problems of equity in food business ownership for women, immigrants and people of color by providing affordable kitchen spaces, training, resources, and community to talented entrepreneurs so they can cultivate thriving businesses.

Learn more at lacocinasf.org 
 
Pacific Community Ventures is a non-profit community investor that unlocks economic opportunity and climate resilience for small business owners and workers. Through access to affordable capital, pro bono business advising, ethical technology and AI, we partner with entrepreneurs to grow, hire, and prosper.

Learn more at pacificcommunityventures.org
Working Solutions is the First to Believe in start-up and early-stage businesses by providing diverse entrepreneurs with affordable capital, customized business consulting, and community connections to increase economic opportunity in California.

Learn more at workingsolutions.org
PACE drives economic opportunity in LA’s under-served communities, by providing comprehensive community development services that promote sustainable economic mobility in Los Angeles’ low-income and underserved communities. By combating poverty and inequality, we empower resilient communities for generations to come.

Learn more at pacela.org
Rooted in San Francisco’s Mission District, MEDA works in partnership to advance economic mobility for Latino communities by fostering community ownership, pathways to opportunity, and lasting systems change.

Learn more at medasf.org
SF New Deal strengthens neighborhoods by making it easier for under-resourced small business owners to succeed. We work directly with small businesses in conjunction with peer organizations and community partners, city agencies and corporate sponsors to increase neighborhood vibrancy and to delivery services that increase small business success.

Learn more at sfnewdeal.org