Building Vibrant Ecosystems: Unleashing Community Innovation Potential

In an era where vibrant communities and dynamic innovation define the future, the Community Catalyst Program emerges as a lighthouse for communities striving to unlock their full potential and craft remarkable success stories. Rooted in the robust methodologies of the New Venture Network Platform and customized for the unique fabric of community life, the Community Catalyst Program is the bridge between aspiration and tangible achievement in community transformation.

Embark on a transformative three-year expedition that breaks through traditional limitations, transforming ideas into reality with a comprehensive blueprint for community-wide innovation and entrepreneurship. This journey, detailed with strategic phases of engagement, development, and growth, is enriched by targeted workshops, expert mentorship, and an enduring commitment to building sustainable ecosystems. The Community Catalyst Program offers an unmatched avenue for communities to cultivate a thriving startup culture, foster economic resilience, and elevate the quality of life for all its members.

Welcome to the forefront of community innovation. Welcome to the Community Catalyst Program.

Program Overview

Embarking on a Journey of Community Transformation and Innovation

Welcome to the Community Catalyst Program, an unparalleled initiative designed by the New Venture Network to ignite community-wide innovation and entrepreneurship. This transformative program is a comprehensive journey that reimagines the potential of communities to become vibrant hubs of innovation, economic growth, and entrepreneurship. Drawing from the esteemed New Venture Network curriculum, this program spans three years, meticulously structured to foster a thriving startup ecosystem within your community.

A Structured Path to Innovation Mastery

The Community Catalyst Program is not a one-size-fits-all solution; it is a customized blueprint for community transformation. It unfolds through a series of strategically designed phases, each aimed at addressing specific aspects of ecosystem development, from initial assessment to the cultivation of a self-sustaining innovation environment.

Hands-On, Community-Centric Learning

Key Highlights:

  • Community Assessment: Begin with a comprehensive analysis of the existing innovation landscape to identify strengths, opportunities, and areas for growth.

  • Stakeholder Engagement: Forge strong coalitions with local leaders, businesses, and educators to create a unified vision for innovation.

  • On-demand Acceleration Content: Utilize cutting-edge educational resources to inspire and equip local entrepreneurs with the knowledge and tools necessary for success.

  • Customized Workshops: Engage in workshops tailored to the unique needs of your community, focusing on opportunity identification, business modeling, and strategy development.

  • Sustainable Ecosystem Building: Implement strategies to cultivate a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation, ensuring the ecosystem's growth continues beyond the program's duration.

Guided by the experienced leadership of Nathan Preheim and leveraging the proven methodologies of the New Venture Network, the Community Catalyst Program transforms theoretical concepts into concrete outcomes. Communities embark on a comprehensive journey, utilizing workshops, strategic planning sessions, and continuous support to create a fertile ground for innovation and entrepreneurship.

Transformative Outcomes for Communities

Participants in the Community Catalyst Program can expect to witness a profound transformation within their communities. By the program's conclusion, communities will have developed a robust startup ecosystem, marked by increased entrepreneurial activity, enhanced innovation capacity, and a collaborative network of support. This initiative aims to leave a lasting legacy of economic vitality, empowerment, and growth, positioning communities as leaders in innovation and entrepreneurship.

Embrace the journey of transformation with the Community Catalyst Program. Discover the power of community-driven innovation, where your collective vision for a brighter, more innovative future becomes our shared mission.

Phases of Transformation:

Year 1: Laying the Foundations - Initial assessments, stakeholder alignment, and pre-launch preparations set the stage for a successful ecosystem transformation.

Year 2: Activation and Engagement - Official program launch, integration of on-demand accelerator content, and the beginning of targeted community initiatives to deepen engagement.

Year 3: Expansion and Sustainability - Focus shifts towards scaling the ecosystem, integrating into broader networks, and securing funding to ensure long-term viability and impact.

Why Choose the Community Catalyst Program?

In a landscape where innovation and entrepreneurship are key drivers of community prosperity and resilience, the Community Catalyst Program emerges as a beacon of transformation and growth. This program, crafted by the New Venture Network, goes beyond traditional development initiatives to ignite a comprehensive ecosystem of innovation within communities. Here’s why this program stands out as the premier choice for catalyzing community-wide change:

Empowering Founders and Fostering Innovation

From Aspiring to Actualizing: The Community Catalyst Program is dedicated to turning aspiring entrepreneurs into successful founders. It's not just about discussing entrepreneurship; it's a practical, hands-on journey to creating companies from scratch. We provide the blueprint, mentorship, and resources necessary for first-time founders to launch, grow, and scale their ventures.

Stakeholder Engagement for Robust Support: Recognizing the crucial role of a supportive ecosystem, we actively prepare and mobilize local stakeholders—businesses, government, academia—to become champions of innovation. This ensures a unified, community-driven effort towards nurturing a vibrant startup culture.

Identifying Challenges, Creating Opportunities: Our unique approach includes pinpointing real, actionable problems within the community and beyond, offering entrepreneurs not just a business opportunity but the chance to make meaningful impacts. We source these challenges, preparing a fertile ground for innovation to thrive.

Launching with Impact and Ensuring Sustainable Growth

Dynamic Launches to Spark Momentum: The program kicks off with energy and enthusiasm, showcasing the untapped potential for innovation within the community. This phase is about rallying everyone around the exciting journey of transforming the local economy through entrepreneurship.

Institutionalizing Knowledge: A key pillar of the Community Catalyst Program is embedding a lasting culture of innovation and learning. By making entrepreneurial knowledge a permanent fixture in the community, we ensure that today's successes become the foundation for tomorrow's ventures.

Facilitating Early Connections: Success in the startup world often hinges on making those first critical customer connections. Our program bridges this gap, ensuring that new ventures quickly find their market fit and begin building their customer base right from the start.

Capitalizing Ventures for Sustainable Success: Access to capital is vital for growth. We actively assist in raising necessary funds, connecting promising startups with investors, and preparing them for successful funding rounds. This support ensures that ventures not only launch but also have the means to scale and prosper.

A Comprehensive Approach to Community Transformation

By choosing the Community Catalyst Program, communities are investing in a future where innovation is the standard, entrepreneurship flourishes, and economic resilience is strengthened. This program isn’t merely about starting businesses; it’s about igniting a comprehensive shift towards an ecosystem where every potential entrepreneur is empowered, every idea has the space to grow, and every startup gets the support it needs to succeed.

Engage with the Community Catalyst Program to transform your community into a thriving hub of innovation and entrepreneurship, where economic growth and resilience are built on a foundation of collective effort, strategic support, and visionary leadership.

Program Structure and Timeline

Embark on a Transformative Three-Year Journey to Community Innovation and Prosperity

The Community Catalyst Program by New Venture Network is structured as a comprehensive three-year journey, meticulously designed to transform communities into vibrant hubs of entrepreneurship and innovation. This program combines in-depth assessments, targeted workshops, ongoing mentorship, and strategic partnerships to cultivate a sustainable innovation ecosystem. Here's a detailed look at how the program unfolds:

Year 1: Setting the Foundation for a Thriving Innovation Ecosystem

Phase 1: Assess the Current Landscape (Month 1)

  • Objective: To gain a comprehensive understanding of the current state of the community's innovation ecosystem.

  • Activities: Conduct in-depth assessments to identify key stakeholders across various sectors, evaluate the density of talent, and pinpoint industries with high innovation potential.

  • Outcome: Production of an ecosystem map that highlights the community's strengths, opportunities, and areas for innovation growth.

Phase 2: Align Community Stakeholders (Months 2-3)

  • Objective: To unify the community around a shared vision for innovation.

  • Activities: Host workshops and events to engage and align stakeholders, including educational institutions, businesses, and local government, ensuring their commitment to supporting the innovation ecosystem.

  • Outcome: Formation of a dedicated coalition of stakeholders committed to the innovation journey.

Phase 3: Pre-Launch Preparation (Months 4-5)

  • Objective: To prime the community for the program launch.

  • Activities: Execute opportunity spotting workshops, create the Wall of Opportunity, develop a comprehensive list of launch attendees, and prepare and distribute marketing materials.

  • Outcome: The community is ready for launch with identified opportunities for innovation and engaged potential founders.

Phase 4: Launch New Venture Network On-demand Accelerator (Month 6)

  • Objective: Officially start the program and begin the startup process.

  • Activities: Conduct an introduction event and celebration, initiate the First 100 Founders community challenge, and unveil the Wall of Opportunity.

  • Outcome: Engage the community in startup ideation and formation processes.

Year 2: Deepening Engagement and Encouraging Growth

Phase 5: Institutionalize The Knowledge (Months 7-24, Ongoing)

  • Objective: To embed a sustainable culture of innovation and entrepreneurship within the community.

  • Activities: Establish ongoing partnerships and monthly work sessions on Prepare, Design, and Build topics.

  • Outcome: Creation of a durable, self-sustaining framework for continuous innovation and support for startups.

Phase 6: Integrate into the Broader Network (Months 7-24, Ongoing)

  • Objective: To broaden founder support through integration into wider networks.

  • Activities: Form founder peer and support groups and facilitate connections to broader ecosystem resources.

  • Outcome: Founders receive enhanced support and opportunities for growth through integration into a larger, supportive network.

Year 3: Securing Future Growth and Sustainability

Phase 7: Raise Build Capital (Months 25-36)

  • Objective: To secure necessary funding for startups to scale and succeed.

  • Activities: Engage with local and regional funders from the second year into the third, to invest in the community's startup ecosystem.

  • Outcome: Acquisition of funding for promising ventures, enabling their growth and positive impact on the community.

A Comprehensive Approach to Community Transformation

From the initial kickoff to the cultivation of a self-sustaining ecosystem, the Community Catalyst Program is a deliberate and phased approach to sparking widespread innovation and economic growth. By the end of the three-year period, communities will have not only launched successful startups but also created an environment where entrepreneurship is nurtured, supported, and celebrated.

Join the Community Catalyst Program to embark on a journey where your community transforms into a thriving center of innovation, leveraging the collective power of its residents, leaders, and entrepreneurs to create lasting economic impact and resilience.

What's Included in Your Corporate Innovation Accelerator Experience

Unlock the Full Potential of Your Community with Comprehensive Support and Resources

The Community Catalyst Program is designed to equip communities with a comprehensive suite of tools, resources, and support services to ignite innovation and entrepreneurship. Here's a detailed overview of what participants can expect:

Comprehensive Initial Assessment and Strategy:

Existing Conditions Report: An in-depth analysis of the community’s current innovation ecosystem, identifying key players, strengths, opportunities, and areas for growth.

Activated Advisory Committee: Formation of a dedicated committee comprising local leaders, industry experts, and innovation champions to guide and support the program's implementation.

On-demand Innovation Curriculum:

Unlimited Access: Community residents gain unlimited access to the New Venture Network's cutting-edge on-demand curriculum, designed to inspire and educate emerging entrepreneurs.

BP10 Assessment: Participants will benefit from the Gallup Builder Profile 10 assessment, offering valuable insights into their entrepreneurial talents and how to leverage them.

Extensive Resource Library: Access to over 60 practical templates covering a wide range of startup and business development areas.

Founder Collaboration Channel: A dedicated Discord channel for founder collaboration, enabling peer-to-peer support, networking, and resource sharing.

Monthly Meetups: Regularly scheduled meetups to foster community engagement, knowledge exchange, and network building among aspiring and established entrepreneurs.

Customized ChatGPT Chatbot: A specialized ChatGPT chatbot developed to assist with navigating the New Venture Network coursework, providing instant support and guidance.

Enhanced Support and Engagement:

Ongoing Advisory and Mentorship: Continuous access to expert advice, mentorship, and support from the Community Catalyst Program team and the broader New Venture Network.

Community Challenges and Initiatives: Engaging community-wide challenges and initiatives designed to stimulate innovation, uncover opportunities, and encourage entrepreneurial action.

Strategic Stakeholder Engagement: Regular engagement activities to ensure stakeholders are aligned, supportive, and actively contributing to building the innovation ecosystem.

Seed Funding Support:

Investment Capital Initiatives: Efforts to secure investment capital for promising startups, providing the financial support needed to fuel growth and innovation within the community.

Transforming Communities Through Innovation:

With the Community Catalyst Program, communities are not just receiving a program but a comprehensive ecosystem transformation toolkit. From detailed ecosystem assessments and strategic advisory committees to cutting-edge educational content, collaborative platforms, and financial support mechanisms, every component is designed to foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. This holistic approach ensures that communities are well-equipped to nurture promising startups, support aspiring entrepreneurs, and achieve sustainable economic growth.

Pricing and Packages

Empower Your Community's Transformation with Tailored Innovation Packages

The Community Catalyst Program is structured to provide scalable innovation and entrepreneurship support tailored to the unique needs and sizes of communities across the Midwest and beyond. Recognizing the diverse economic landscapes of small towns to very large cities, we’ve established a tiered pricing strategy that ensures accessibility, value, and impact. Each tier is designed with the community's capacity and potential growth in mind, offering a comprehensive suite of tools, resources, and expert guidance to transform local ecosystems into thriving hubs of innovation.

Tier 1: Small Towns

Population: Less than 10,000

Pricing: $20,000/year for 3 years (includes base program cost and travel expenses)

Includes: On-demand curriculum, BP10 assessments, startup templates, founder collaboration channels, monthly meetups, custom ChatGPT support, plus site visits for kickoff, stakeholder engagement, and launch in the first year, followed by two annual visits for ongoing support in the second and third years.

Tier 2: Small Cities

Population: 10,001 - 50,000

Pricing: $32,500/year for 3 years (includes base program cost and travel expenses)

Includes: All benefits from Tier 1, enhanced engagement strategies, opportunity spotting workshops, active advisory committee setup, plus site visits for kickoff, stakeholder engagement, and launch in the first year, and two visits annually for continuous engagement and support in years two and three.

Tier 3: Medium Cities

Population: 50,001 - 150,000

Pricing: $60,000/year for 3 years (includes base program cost and travel expenses)

Includes: All Tier 2 benefits, additional customization of the on-demand curriculum for local industries, expanded stakeholder alignment workshops, targeted marketing campaigns, plus site visits for kickoff, stakeholder engagement, and launch in the first year, and two visits annually for program implementation and ecosystem integration in the second and third years.

Tier 4: Large Cities

Population: 150,001 - 1,000,000

Pricing: $115,000/year for 3 years (includes base program cost and travel expenses)

Includes: Comprehensive support including all previous tiers’ benefits, strategic planning sessions for ecosystem development, advanced analytics, increased mentorship opportunities, plus site visits for kickoff, stakeholder engagement, and launch in the first year, and two visits annually for strategic development and ecosystem scaling in years two and three.

Tier 5: Very Large Cities and Metropolitan Areas

Population: Over 1,000,000

Pricing: $220,000/year for 3 years (includes base program cost and travel expenses)

Includes: The most extensive package offering, including all benefits from lower tiers, plus dedicated program management support, custom founder events, initiatives to attract venture capital, plus site visits for kickoff, stakeholder engagement, and launch in the first year, and two visits annually for high-impact integration and capital raising support in the second and third years.

Customized Add-Ons and Services

Understanding that one size does not fit all, the Community Catalyst Program offers additional customizable services and add-ons, including but not limited to:

Annual Startup Showcase Event: An exclusive opportunity for startups within the community to present their innovations, progress, and successes in front of a select audience of investors, industry leaders, and fellow entrepreneurs. This annual event not only highlights the community's vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem but also opens doors for potential investment, partnerships, and broader exposure.

Seed Funding Support: Assistance in establishing local seed funding mechanisms to finance promising startups.

Investor Matchmaking: Facilitation of connections between local startups and regional/national investors.

Custom Workshops and Training: Development and delivery of bespoke workshops addressing unique community challenges and opportunities.

Commitment to Value and Impact

Each pricing tier is thoughtfully constructed to ensure communities receive maximum value and achieve tangible impact. From small towns planting the seeds of innovation to metropolitan areas looking to redefine their innovation landscapes, the Community Catalyst Program is your partner in building a brighter, more innovative future.

Our team is dedicated to working closely with each community to identify the best fit and to tailor the program to meet specific needs and aspirations. We invite you to reach out to discuss how the Community Catalyst Program can transform your community’s innovation ecosystem.

Meet Your Mentor: Nathan Preheim

A Guiding Light in Community-Driven Innovation

Nathan Preheim stands as a pillar of entrepreneurial insight and innovation at the core of the Community Catalyst Program. His journey is marked by a broad spectrum of achievements, from founding and scaling businesses to spearheading economic development initiatives. As co-founder of Proven Ventures and the New Venture Network, Nathan has navigated the complex terrain of startup ecosystems, venture capital, and community transformation with remarkable success.

Entrepreneurial Achievements and Venture Success: Nathan's entrepreneurial journey is distinguished by the initiation of nearly a dozen businesses, achieving multiple successful exits, and the strategic navigation of over $40M in venture capital funding. His extensive background in vibrant tech ecosystems like San Francisco and Santa Barbara has endowed him with deep insights into tech-backed startups' challenges and triumphs.

Acceleration and Investment Expertise: Demonstrating a profound understanding of the startup lifecycle, Nathan has both participated in renowned startup accelerators and founded one from the ground up. His direct engagement in these accelerative environments, coupled with his role as an angel investor and fund manager across more than 25 companies, highlights his commitment to nurturing innovation across the board.

Economic Development Leadership: Nathan’s role in economic development, particularly through his involvement with the Greater Omaha Chamber, underscores his dedication to fostering regional growth and innovation. Leading Greater Omaha's Entrepreneurship and Innovation division, he has been instrumental in crafting strategies that stimulate economic vitality and support entrepreneurial endeavors within the community.

Academic Foundations and Community Planning: Further enriching his profile, Nathan holds a Master's degree in Community and Regional Planning, providing him with a sophisticated grasp of the economic, social, and infrastructural dynamics essential for cultivating successful innovation ecosystems. This academic foundation complements his hands-on experience, offering a holistic approach to community-driven economic development.

Comprehensive Mentorship for Community Innovation: Nathan Preheim's multifaceted expertise brings an unparalleled depth to the Community Catalyst Program. Participants gain access not just to a mentor but to a seasoned leader who has profoundly impacted the startup landscape and community economic development. His comprehensive approach to innovation, underscored by his successes as an entrepreneur, investor, accelerator creator, and economic development strategist, ensures that communities engaging with the program are poised for transformative growth and lasting success.

Join Nathan in the Community Catalyst Program, where his rich background and visionary leadership will guide your community through a journey of innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic empowerment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is the Community Catalyst Program for?
The Community Catalyst Program is designed for municipal leaders, economic development organizations, educators, entrepreneurs, and community stakeholders looking to transform their local ecosystems into vibrant hubs of innovation and entrepreneurship. It's suited for communities of all sizes, from small towns to large metropolitan areas, aiming to foster a culture of innovation and economic growth.

What makes the Community Catalyst Program unique?
Unlike traditional economic development or startup support initiatives, this program offers a comprehensive, multi-phase approach tailored to the specific needs and characteristics of each community. Led by experienced professionals in the field of entrepreneurship and economic development, including Nathan Preheim, the program provides unmatched mentorship, resources, and strategic guidance to cultivate a thriving ecosystem of startups and innovation.

How does the program accommodate different community sizes?
The Community Catalyst Program features a tiered pricing structure based on population size, ensuring accessibility and relevance for communities ranging from under 10,000 to over 1,000,000 residents. Each tier is designed to deliver value and impact, with scalability and flexibility at its core, ensuring that communities can leverage the program's resources and support in a way that best fits their unique needs and economic landscapes.

What outcomes can communities expect from participating in the program? Communities can anticipate a stimulated local economy, increased entrepreneurial activity, enhanced capacity for innovation, and a stronger, more collaborative network of stakeholders committed to sustainable growth. The program aims to leave a lasting legacy of empowerment, resilience, and economic vitality, setting communities on a path to continuous innovation and success.

What is the Wall of Opportunity, and how does it contribute to the program?
The Wall of Opportunity is a cornerstone of the Community Catalyst Program, serving as a collaborative platform for idea sharing and opportunity identification. It's a dynamic space where community members post challenges, ideas, and areas ripe for innovation, fostering connections between entrepreneurs, mentors, and investors. The Wall not only tracks the ecosystem's growth through successful ventures but also actively engages the wider community in the innovation process, making it a central hub for collaborative growth and inspiration.

How is the program structured, and what is the timeline?
The Community Catalyst Program spans three years, divided into strategic phases focused on assessing the current landscape, aligning stakeholders, launching acceleration content, institutionalizing knowledge, integrating into broader networks, and raising capital for sustainable growth. This structured approach ensures comprehensive support and impactful outcomes, transforming communities into thriving innovation ecosystems.

What support services are included in the program?
Participants receive access to a wide array of services, including an on-demand innovation curriculum, strategic planning workshops, stakeholder alignment sessions, investment capital initiatives, and continuous mentorship from industry experts. These resources are designed to equip communities with the tools they need to launch and grow successful startups, fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.

Can small towns with limited budgets afford to participate?
Yes. The program’s tiered pricing model starts at $20,000/year for communities with populations under 10,000, making it accessible to small towns. The program offers scalable solutions and customizable packages to meet the specific needs and financial constraints of communities of all sizes, ensuring that every community has the opportunity to transform its innovation ecosystem.

How does the program foster long-term sustainability?
The Community Catalyst Program focuses on building a self-sustaining ecosystem by embedding a culture of innovation, facilitating stakeholder integration, and securing funding for future growth. These efforts, coupled with ongoing mentorship and community engagement, contribute to the program’s enduring impact, ensuring communities continue to thrive and innovate long after the program concludes.

What is the application process for the Community Catalyst Program?
Interested communities can initiate the application process by contacting the New Venture Network through its website or directly via email. The process involves a detailed discussion to understand the community’s needs, aspirations, and readiness, followed by a tailored proposal outlining the program structure and partnership terms.

By engaging with the Community Catalyst Program, communities embark on a journey of transformation and innovation, leveraging collective effort, strategic support, and visionary leadership to realize their full potential.

Ready to Elevate Your Community’s Innovation Ecosystem?

Join the Groundbreaking Community Catalyst Program

As spaces are limited for the transformative journey beginning in 2024, the Community Catalyst Program presents an extraordinary chance for communities to not just participate in innovation but to actively shape and drive it. Under the guidance of seasoned experts like Nathan Preheim, your community will embark on a meticulously designed three-year journey, poised to unlock a future where innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic resilience thrive.

This is much more than a conventional development program; it's a comprehensive, action-oriented experience that combines customized workshops, expert mentorship, and a collaborative framework. Designed to elevate your community's innovation capabilities to unprecedented levels, the program’s limited intake ensures personalized attention and tailored strategies to meet your unique community goals.

Are you prepared to transform your community into a vibrant hub of innovation? The time to act is now. Apply to secure your community's place among the pioneers who will redefine the landscape of innovation and entrepreneurship.

For additional information or to explore how the Community Catalyst Program can be customized to fit your community's specific innovation aspirations, we're here to help. Begin your journey towards a more innovative, resilient community today.

This is your opportunity to be at the forefront of community transformation. The Community Catalyst Program is ready to set your community on a path to lasting growth and success. Don't let this chance slip by—join us in forging a future filled with innovation and prosperity.