During the initial design stages, stakeholders shared a common theme that a technology focused incubator was a priority, however, the Yukon small business ecosystem did not present enough of a serviceable market to support the longevity of a technology centric program. It was also clear that the program must be inclusive and accessible to rural and remote small business owners.

OUTFRNT identified that an MVP (minimum viable product) approach from lean start up methodology would allow for the flexibility the program needed for long term success. We created a bespoke framework that focused on the business owner and allowed for continual feedback to the program, ensuring participant needs were being met.
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The program framework itself, focused on an in-depth understanding of each business, strategic planning around the vision of the small business owner, milestone mapping for 12-18 months of program participation to achieve the vision, and regular business coaching sessions. The team at OUTFRNT works with small business owners in the IncubateNorth program to bring clarity to unknowns, provide professional business coaching to business
owners, advise on leadership and performance management tactics, identify and support grant and funding resources, introduce subject matter experts, and create accountability for small businesses to proactively focus and develop their businesses and achieve their goals.

‍IncubateNorth has an ongoing open intake and applicants can apply in person, over the phone or through video conference, and through IncubateNorth’s online application.

The PIVOT Program was for early start-ups and seasoned Yukon businesses ready to reboot their businesses to grow through and beyond the COVID-19 crisis. The program paired small business owners with coaches, business advisors, consultants, and subject matter experts to put into place innovative solutions. Businesses were supported through the re-conceptualization and development of their core functions, how they go to market, their expense and revenue plans, supply chains, and in many cases, how and where to find their past and future customers.
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OUTFRNT worked directly with 16 businesses through the PIVOT program in both advisory and project adaptation scenarios. With our team of subject matter experts, we advised and consulted with program participants to develop and launch digital marketing and SEO strategies, e-commerce integration, pricing, budgeting, HR, logo design, and branding. The program was recognized as one of Canada’s top 100 Recovery Projects by Future of Good.

In October 2020, the Tourism Industry Association of the Yukon, Yukon University, the Wilderness Tourism Association of the Yukon  and the Yukon First Nations Culture and Tourism Association launched a business recovery program for tourism operators built around the framework of the Pivot Program. The Yukon Elevate Tourism Program (ELEVATE) provided an opportunity for the Yukon’s tourism industry to contribute to a RETHINKING, RESTRUCTURING, and REBUILDING for more sustainable and impactful tourism in the territory in the long term.

OUTFRNT worked with 14 tourism businesses through the ELEVATE program directly in both advisory and project adaptation scenarios. With each business, a thorough understanding of the business challenges spurred the on-going conversations for the next steps and the best course of action to take that is driven by data for the greatest return.
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Our team demonstrated a diverse and bespoke approach to business advisory through adaptation project focus, with subject matter experts from our team. We delivered on a wide range of services including but not limited to: traditional and digital marketing strategies and tactics (search engine optimization, keyword research, ux design, data analytics, copywriting, digital content creation), website development, e-commerce integration, market research & validation, travel trade development, human resource strategies, budgeting, cashflow analysis, business coaching, and more.