I’ve talked for years about starting my own business as a fundraising consultant or an accountability coach- someday. (What is an accountability coach, you ask? An accountability coach helps identify the steps needed to reach a goal and provides support and guidance to hold the client accountable for completing those steps.) This November I did it- I took the leap and “hung out my shingle”, started my own business. With Arete for Impact, I’ll be acting as both consultant and coach for my various clients.

Now? Really?

2020 might seem like a bad time to start a new business venture- we’ve all heard the stats about how many small businesses have closed permanently this year due to COVID (almost 29% according to a recent New York Times article). But there is also an uptick in new small businesses this year – 43.3% more than 2019. Yes, some of this can be attributed to businesses closing and people losing jobs. But others are using this time with fewer (no?) social plans, travel, or other distractions to embrace their entrepreneurial spirit and start a new business. My consulting/coaching business, Arete for Impact, is one of these. The time seems right for this type of business. This year has been a hard slog for all of us, and I’m here to provide some support!

What does Arete for Impact DO?

My first few clients are all non-profit organizations that need a boost in raising money in our current climate. That’s where I come in- I am helping them adapt their fundraising “events” from in-person events to virtual ones. I’m providing tools and resources for fundraising and maintaining the fundraising platforms so that they can stay focused on the mission. I’m identifying untapped opportunities for funding and awareness campaigns. I’m creating plans and acting as project manager for specific campaigns- making sure that everything that needs to be done is getting done, on time.

I am excited to see the positive outcomes from my work with these clients and to begin work with new ones. I get to be creative and innovative and customize my approach for each client. My goal: to help my clients grow, excel and reach their full potential (arete!). This holds true for non-profit organizations and individuals alike: together we’ll identify where they want to be and the steps needed to get there, and track progress toward their goal.

What’s next?

Do you know an organization or person that could use some support and guidance to realize their full potential? Send them my way!

Stay tuned for my next post about why I don’t do New Year’s Resolutions.