First BrandCamp with ECDI a ‘QuickWin’
Over the month of September, Conspire partnered with the Economic & Community Development Institute (ECDI) to guide a pack of four social enterprises and non-profits through the BrandCamp journey.
StarkFresh, Girls L.E.A.P., Concierge Detailing (CITA Social Enterprise), and Columbus Empowerment Corporation came together for two days of workshops, learning Conspire’s tried and true brand building exercises (BrandKit) in a self-led course focused on immediate, tangible results.
Strong Brands for All
The Conspire heartbeat is connected to the small businesses and organizations serving their communities.
We spend a lot of time exploring the needs and goals of these groups and everyone gets excited about the great tools they could have. Then comes the money talk. When we get to asking, “what’s the budget,” the response is almost guaranteed to be, “what does it cost?”
The need for branding guidance is clear. Unfortunately, the small businesses who can use the remedy the most are least likely to be able to afford it.
Too often the barrier for even the most worthy of businesses in Columbus to work with a capable creative partner comes down to the scarcity of money and time. In order to increase access to our ability to serve small businesses and organizations in our community that need results fast we created BrandCamp.
BrandCamp is a two session intensive workshop designed for growing small businesses, focused on elevating emerging brands through strategy development. Attendees learn branding industry best practices, receive coaching to develop their unique story and walk away with immediately actionable next steps to start building their brand immediately.
In September, ECDI relieved the financial pressure for the campers, a resource they were thrilled to provide worthwhile business as another tool to create viable and scalable businesses.
“At ECDI we stand firmly on “we get the work done.” A lot of other community organizations serve as referral partners. Here at ECDI, we do the hard gritty work ourselves with our clients. Fortunately, many of our grants cover the services with the heavy technical assistance being provided by our team members.
BrandCamp has given us more credibility in deliverables and not just talk. Businesses want tools and tangible steps to get to the next stage in their business.”
Real Action, Real Growth
Much as a student submits assignments to be marked up by a teacher, Conspire left each camper with the knowledge of how to complete each of the BrandKit exercises, and provided one-on-one guidance to create action from the results.
Ideal Customer Profiles and Brand Anthems were the cornerstones of the two sessions, identifying who the brands are communicating to and what they should be saying. The rest of BrandKit was left with the group to complete on their own time, at their own pace.
Social enterprise and non-profit groups have no shortage of purpose. Organizing, elevating, and amplifying their core values into foundational elements of their budding brands, Conspire left the campers with clear communication strategies and tangible tools to reach their new goals.
Along with a purpose-woven Brand Anthem, each camper received their choice of a complementary QuickWin design. This a simple tool that they can start using immediately to attract more eyes to their brand and create action; like a flyer, business card, signage, and so on.
Meet the Campers
StarkFresh
Campers: Tom Phillips & Maddie Hillyard
Location: Canton, Stark County, Ohio
Brand Anthem:
We are a non-profit team of staff and volunteers working together by providing realistic pathways out of poverty in Stark County.
We tackle the root causes of hunger by providing affordable retail food options and entrepreneurship programming to the underserved in our community.
In a world so full of uncertainty, we’re unlocking opportunities that lead to a better quality of life right here at home.
Girls L.E.A.P.
Camper: Gabriela Edon
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Brand Anthem:
We are the only Central Ohio non profit dedicated to elevating first generation African girls.
Built on three pillars of STEM education, relationship building, and family support – our services are designed to equip girls to become transformational leaders and difference makers in their communities.
In a world that hasn’t been designed for them, we’re here to inspire African girls, and empower them with resources to succeed.
We believe she will do it, if we help her believe she can.
Columbus Empowerment Corporation
Camper: Kim Knights
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Brand Anthem:
We are a unique team of experts that help people increase the value in their small businesses.
We work with entrepreneurs to develop strategies to create real estate assets, and connect them with the community and resources that will help them grow.
In a time full of growth opportunity, we work alongside small businesses to realize a more vibrant Columbus where everyone will thrive.
Concierge Detailing - (Website coming soon)
Camper: Greg Hargett
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Brand Anthem:
We are Columbus auto-detailers who rejuvenate vehicles for people who really need a break.
In a full-go world, vehicles are second homes and work places. We go the extra mile on the details so overscheduled and overwhelmed drivers can find peace on their way, and feel pride in their ride.
We take a personal approach to our business, because
We believe a Concierge clean car can reflect the best in each of us.
It Doesn’t Stop There
We are excited to share the banners we created for StarkFresh, Columbus Empowerment and Girls L.E.A.P., as well as Concierge Detailing’s simple sales card as production wraps up and each of the brands has a chance to put them to use.
Conspire will be keeping a close eye on each camper as they build their brands on purpose.
