Embarc Collective is launching a new program geared toward building the independent community to help support growing startups in the Tampa Bay area.
The Tampa-based coworking center’s program, dubbed the Freelancer Program, is an intimate four-week workshop-style course led by trainers from Embarc Collective. The program is designed for local freelancers to effectively learn how to address the needs and challenges of startups.
“We learned over the past year that we need a diverse talent pool, and that has been illuminated during the Covid-19 pandemic. Startups often take advantage of freelancers and outsource. We wanted to create a training program to allow the self-employed community to build this network, ”said Embarc Collective Platform Vice President Allie Feliz. “On the startup side, one of the most common frustrations and requests we get is when startups are working with a freelancer, it’s the ability to communicate and be well versed in startup language.”
Feliz, who was the first hire for Embarc Collective CEO Lakshmi Shenoy, is in charge of overseeing Embarc’s programs.
Feliz and Member Experience Manager Dan Holahan have been developing the program for almost a year.
“Embarc saw a lot of requests for independent talent from members constantly asking us for help. Our national partner investors were also looking for freelancers in marketing and design jobs; this program is truly an opportunity for all parties, ”said Feliz.
The Freelancer program is designed for freelancers or sole proprietors who typically have one to three people in the team size, Holahan said.
The coaching team will be comprised of business leaders with first-hand experiences and specific areas of expertise. The workshops will be in group, but there will also be individual sessions. Additionally, workshops may feature startup executives as speakers.
Program participants will become part of Embarc’s new Freelance Talent Directory database, which can be accessed by nearly 100 Embarc members and their national network of investors and partners.
Some of the Embarc Collective members use the kitchen space.
Some existing communities and platforms support freelancers like Brave Haus; however, Embarc seeks to create a subset of that community to support technology-based startups. Through the database, Embarc can confidentially share a list of screened freelancers who graduated from the program.
The program will run from August 30 to September 23 at the Embarc Collective with a group of 10 applicants.
There is a $ 995 program fee charged upon acceptance into the program. There will be a week-long interview process in advance to ensure the freelancer fits into the program. Embarc requires a portfolio of the freelancer’s work.
