CEI provides business incubation programs and services to both resident clients and non-resident “affiliate” clients and makes available many of its business development and entrepreneurship programs to the community.As the Assistant Executive Director at the Center for Entrepreneurial Innovation, I have a hands-on support style: advising founders on business strategy, provide accountability and offers timely access to subject matter experts on an ongoing basis. As a strong executor and connector, I work with my network to make sure clients have the resources they need to build successful companies. Additionally, I contribute to the development of new programs at CEI. Most recently, we launch Market Validation Essentials, a program designed to help founders thoroughly vet their idea to assess product-market fit, de-risk their venture, and obtain the data investors want to see for future funding.www.ceigateway.com

Weekly Thursday Gatherings are a hub where creators, entrepreneurs, investors, coworkers, students and visionaries connect to build strong, inclusive and equitable innovation ecosystems. The globally famous Venture Café has come to Phoenix! With 100+ people in attendance every Thursday, Venture Café Phoenix provides curated programming from the ecosystem.

Small Business Advisor helping businesses with:* Analyzing operations, including financial and critical business functions* Human resource management* Team Development* Business Process Development* Customer service* Business Planning and Strategic Growth* Financial Management* TrainingSpecial training in Profit Mastery, GrowthWheel, and NxtLevel.The Maricopa SBDC gives Maricopa County entrepreneurs the tools and resources to turn their own innovative ideas into leading-edge, reputable and successful businesses.* One-on-one advising at no cost* Training including live informational sessions, in-depth classes, and online webinars* Online resources including business articles, tips and book recommendations* Fundamental business skills such as finance, marketing, and human resources management * Instruction and assistance with mission-critical strategies to remain competitive in today’s global marketplace including research and development planning, social media marketing, blogging, web site design, and e-commerce

Managed a team of 90 employees and three business groups including retail, adoption and veterinary practice My position included:• Multiple site management• Strategic planning and implementation• Employee development• Disease control• Inventory control• Project management• Website redesign• Social media marketing• Processes & procedure creation and implementation• Training programs• Grant reporting and writing• Board presentations• Data analysis• Paperless strategy and implementation• Event planning• Budget analysis• Media interviews (media trained)

*Consulted for small businesses in growth initiatives*Provided strategic direction for critical business functions*Created policies and procedures*Streamlined and documented systems*Developed requirements for staff*Hired and trained team members*Created and conducted marketing strategies*Implemented employee training programsContract highlights:AFTER THE FACT - FINAL AFFAIRS, Phoenix, AZCoached and consulted to the CEO on developing the business to become a franchise, as well as building it as a stand-alone online and offline business. Franchisee package included contracts, marketing materials, checklists, training manuals, policy and procedures, and business and marketing strategy outlines.ARIZONA PAIN AND REHABILITATION ASSOCIATES, Phoenix, AZProvided strategic direction and coaching to medical offices, creating all policies and procedures for new location. Develop requirements for staff; hired and trained full office complement. Conducted all marketing efforts in person and developed social media plan. Implemented OSHA and HIPAA standards to be in compliance. Key Accomplishments:* Increased client revenue from in the red to six figures in 15 months through development of business plan and coaching to accountability.▪ Grew incoming new patients from six monthly to 31 and increased staff from one to four by strategic recruiting, strengthening employee morale and implementing sound business tactics.

*Trained corporate executives at Fortune 500 companies across U.S. on how to give effective presentations to board members and key decision makers*Received certification in Executive Presentation Skills, Socratic Selling, and Persuasive Dialogue SkillsKey Accomplishment:▪Maintained average 5.7 client satisfaction score on scale of 6 through ability to engage participants in program during training sessions.

Responsible for managing 3-4 networking groups which met monthly. These groups provided business education, as well as networking opportunities to members.

Staffing services for documentation professionals and offsite documentation writing services. *Established business and marketing processes to strengthen in-place relationships with clients such as Sony, HP, Qualcomm, and Boeing*Wrote proposals, all training programs, and business plan, along with projections for potential new location to expand into Arizona*Managed projects and relationships with outside advertising agenciesKey Accomplishments:▪ Increased ability to place technical writers in positions through developing and implementing training on new industry-specific software, providing added value to clients.▪ Increased revenue from $60,000 to $2 million in four years via strong business strategy, viable relationships with client companies and further penetrating accounts.▪ Expanded organization from one to eight people during tenure through targeted recruiting practices and managing offsite and onsite teams.