Mentor program

1. Becoming a
MARKETING
VOLUNTEER

2. WHO ARE WE
OUR MISSION
Start Small Think Big is a nonprofit who helps small
businesses with high potential and limited access to the
resources needed to create thriving businesses. We connect
small business owners to legal, finance, and marketing
professionals who provide their expertise for free.
WHO WE SERVE
We serve small business owners from marginalized
communities, including: Communities of color, Women,
LGBTQIA+ communities, Immigrant communities, Veterans,
People with disabilities, Formerly incarcerated individuals,
People with low incomes (under 500% of Federal Poverty
Guidelines) Household has $100K or less in assets
96%
96% OF OUR SMALL
BUSINESSES ARE PERSONS OF
COLOR OR WOMEN OWNED
43%
43% ARE SERVICE BUSINESSES,
21% FOOD, 19% RETAIL AND
APPAREL, 17% OTHER
50%
50% ARE LIVING BELOW
THE POVERTY LINE
49K
AVERAGE BUSINESS
REVENUE AT INTAKE IS
$49,000
WHAT IS THE
MARKETING &
SALES PROGRAM?
The Marketing and Sales Program assists
small business owners across varied
business stages:
Infrastructure: Building a strong brand
identity and online presence to support
eCommerce and digital marketing
promotion.
Growth: Accessing new distribution
channels and digital marketing tactics
to increase customer acquisition and
business revenue.

3. HOW CAN
VOLUNTEERS
HELP?
There are 4 ways in which
volunteers can work with us:
1. PROJECTS
(one-on-one, limited in scope with a clear
deliverable)
This is a one-on-one project with a small business
owner to help them solve a specific marketing
challenge. These are limited in scope (meaning that
after the project is completed, you can choose another
project to work on). We typically aim to complete
projects within 30 days but if more time is needed,
progress can be indicated within a 30-day project
status survey volunteers receive. You can request more
than one project at a time if available, although we do
recommend starting off with only a few to familiarize
yourself with the process first. We do not allow
volunteers to solicit from our small business owners.
These interactions are flexible and done according to your
schedule (typically 1-2 hours a week).
Current topics:
• Logo Design
• Digital Marketing Strategy
• Website Design
2. CONSULTATIONS
(one-hour, one-on-one virtual consult)
These are one-hour long, one-on-one consultations
between a volunteer and a small business owner ( we
generally book 3 or more per day) coordinated based
on a schedule of your choosing. We provide business
information in advance of each consultation so that
the consultation itself focuses on reviewing the
assessment and recommendations. Once a
commitment is made, we expect volunteers to
follow-through with that commitment—we do not
reschedule sessions.
These can range from an hour to a full day, depending
on your availability, plus preparation time.
Current topics:
• Brand Assessment
• Distribution & Sales Channel Strategy
• Social Media Strategy
• Website Audit
3. BOOTCAMPS
(small group, hands-on virtual training or tutorial)
This is a great way to connect and teach a small group
of small business owners during a day of your
choosing. Start Small Think Big will coordinate all
logistics and work with the volunteer to develop
appropriate content for the session. Once a
commitment is made, we expect volunteers to
follow-through with that commitment—we do not
reschedule sessions.
These sessions are typically 60-90 mins., plus content
development prior to the event.
Current topics:
• Brand Identity (branding fundamentals)
• Digital Analytics
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
4. WORKSHOPS
(small group, educational marketing presentation)
This is a great way to connect live with a group of
small business owners to present on a specific topic.
Start Small Think Big will coordinate all logistics and
work with the volunteer to develop appropriate content
for the session. Once a commitment is made, we
expect volunteers to follow-through with that
commitment—we do not reschedule sessions.
These sessions are typically 1-2 hours, plus content
development prior to the event.
What are the requirements in
becoming a marketing volunteer?
Our volunteers typically have at least 3 years
of professional work experience in the
interested subject matter(s).
Great! I’m interested in volunteering.
How do I get started?
Once you’ve reviewed this document, please fill out our
volunteer application form (if you haven’t done so already).
We will reach out to schedule an introductory call so that we
can learn more about your experience and interests.
Please email us at
marketing@startsmallthinkbig.org
with any additional questions.