Is this a new program?

The //NKST Small Business Response Team is a new program that is launching June, 2020. It is a volunteer, pro-bono effort aimed at helping two under-served communities:

1.) Small and Main Street businesses leaders/owners

2.) Recent college graduates and underclassmen who want to expand their real-world experience.

Since this is a new program, we expect many questions, and we anticipate a rapid evolution of operational details to better fit the needs and unmet demands of the people we serve.

Who is eligible for the Small Business Response Team program?

Small Business: The program is open to any small business or main street business. Currently, the program's capacity to provide sustained assistance is between 3 - 18 companies. That number will also depend on the number of university participants.

College Grads/Students: As a volunteer for this purpose-driven internship program, you will have been a 2020 graduate or be a Junior/Senior for the upcoming 20/21 academic year. You will also have relative coursework or other relatable experience working with clients, digital marketing and social media.

What is the investment for a small or main street business?

This is pro-bono initiative designed to help small businesses navigate the complexities of re-opening and re-starting in the midst of the Covid-19 crisis.

The consultative, strategic and implementation time of university students and //NKST is at no cost to the businesses engaged in the program.

Any outside costs for paid media, stock images/content, etc. will be be estimated prior to purchase and invoiced separately at cost.

How long will this program run?

Currently, we are launching the program in June 2020. It is initially planned to run through the end of September 2020. At that time, if there is a continued need for this type of service, and extension of the program will be evaluated and considered.

As a college student or recent graduate, will I be compensated?

The current model for this program is a pro-bono, non-profit service. The students' and recent graduates' time, as is the time from //NKST is considered a volunteer effort.

The value of the program is found in gaining real-world, actionable experience while collaborating with experienced client-side marketers and agency-side professionals to help to improve business results and outcomes for struggling company's in a time of need.