A nonprofit program focused on helping small and micro businesses in low- to moderate-income neighborhoods, businesses hit hardest during the pandemic, is looking for more innovators to become involved.
SCALE, Smart Cities Accelerator Labs + Environment, is in its third year of hosting its Urban Innovation Challenge, which calls on problem-solvers, innovators, software developers, designers, and entrepreneurs across backgrounds and experiences to create real solutions for these businesses.
SCALE Focuses on Literally Building Change
“Even more important than cash prizes and other benefits, it’s an opportunity to solve real-world problems,” said SCALE co-founder Daniel Obodovski. “It’s not hypothetical things. It’s problems businesses in our communities face. It’s as real-life as it gets. This is also an opportunity to get implemented, aligning with investors and organizations.
“Come on board and create something meaningful that solves a real problem. Meet other people, learn from them, and learn about challenges. Then take it to the next level and bring your solutions to market.”
Sprinting for Innovation
Sprint Week occurred in early April, when participants met local business owners at virtual events, formed teams and built prototypes. The three selected teams joined the Accelerator Program and began building. Pitch Day is June 11, when guest speakers will share insights and choose the best solutions.
The three finalists are Business Light, Better Support, and Urban Design Assistant. Obodovski shared how Business Light is creating a finance and marketing solution for small business. Better Support is focused on a communication solution for the construction industry. Urban Design Assistant is a database to identify and connect sustainable builders.
With many small businesses still relying on manual processes, SCALE says the goal is to help them solve operational and design challenges by using data and technology. In turn, this helps these businesses not only survive but also thrive. Those interested in joining the SCALE program’s efforts should email co-founder Daniel Obodovski at [email protected].
A Team Effort Program All Around
The San Diego & Imperial (SBDC) Network, along with US Ignite and Cox Communications, support the SCALE program. It also attracts an ecosystem of partners, including UCSD Design Lab and Qualcomm Institute, Lavin Entrepreneurship Center at SDSU, Open San Diego (Code for America Brigade) and many others.
SCALE is a 501(c)(3) corporation focused on crowdsourcing urban innovation. Its mission is to empower people to design cities they want to live in. Through a partnership with the City of San Diego, universities and corporations, SCALE shares how it tackles real urban problems with the best local talent and cutting-edge technology. SCALE, which can be found at scalesd.org, achieves its mission through a blend of community engagement, facilitation, and innovative projects. Connect with the SCALE team on Twitter and LinkedIn.
SCALE’s SBDC Network partner exists to assist entrepreneurs. Small business owners can reach out to get assigned a business advisor, who can work with owners one-on-one for free. Visit SDIVSBDC.org to find the closest SBDC or call 619-482-6391 if needed. The SBDC website also has other information available such as live training workshops and pandemic resources, including no-cost COVID-19 small business assistance via sdivsbdc.org/covidhelp to help make sure small businesses are getting all the money available to them.
