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. 


Are you a bookkeeper interested in becoming a mentor? Apply here.

 

  • Who is it for?

    LaunchPad is designed for under-resourced entrepreneurs who: 

    • Are located in California
    • 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
  • $600 Reimbursement: Covers accounting software costs incurred within first year of starting program

  • 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 + reimbursement for upto $600 of accounting software costs upon successful completion of all 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.

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