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ABOUT THE PROJECT

Vanguard currently serves a mix of residential and commercial clients. Recently, there has been an increased level of oversight and scrutiny to ensure commercial builders and projects comply with sustainable development programs such as Denver Green Building Ordinance and Energize Denver.

We want to ensure that we continue to provide the most cost-effective, compliant, and technologically advanced recommendations to clients based on their individual needs and goals.

Having your help identifying with this project will enable us to continue to offer industry-leading service to our commercial clients and can act as a case study for future project reference and as a training resource for new team members.

DESIRED OUTPUT

The desired output will be a report that:

• Provides a clear recommendation of what type of system is best suited for the Colorado-based building with rationale.
• Provides a clear overview of the three types of on-site solar installations and the most suitable to use for this client with rationale.
• Provides a clear recommendation of the minimum viable size system our client could install on their 50,000 sq. ft. flat roof while remaining compliant with the local sustainable building programs (Denver Green Building Ordinance and Energize Denver) with rationale.
• BONUS: Provides an analysis of the specific technology and products that we should recommend be used in this project with rationale.

PRIOR PROBLEM SOLVING

Our team consistently keeps up to date with the latest sustainable development programs and requirements nationally, at the state level, and at a city level. We also have a solid understanding of the technology and best practices from an installation perspective.

What we lack is a resource that brings each of these different elements together into a practical case study to help team members understand regulation, client needs, technology, and installation process all fit together to deliver a quality experience for the customer.

RESOURCES, TOOLS, & OTHER INFORMATION

• Website
• Denver Green Building Ordinance
• Energize Denver

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

Vanguard Solar Services is a Colorado-owned and operated company providing services to residential, commercial, and municipal clients. Our goal is to help Colorado residents, businesses, and governments gain access to quality renewable energy. Our team has over 90 years of collective experience in the solar and roofing industries, which helps us ensure professional outcomes for each project. We are committed to providing customized services, Vanguard guides clients through every step, from the initial inquiry to project completion. 

We stand out in the Colorado and US market based on our focus on professionalism, speed, and customer service. Vanguard’s expertise provides customers with a thorough understanding of regulations, compliance, and installation options, ensuring a hassle-free and world-class solar installation experience. By using premium solar panels and inverters to maximize power production, we’re able to complement any project’s architectural style. Whether clients want to install an on-grid distributed energy system or install a custom micro-grid, our experience helps bring these projects to life.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

Our organization is currently undergoing a re-brand to help us achieve some short and long-term objectives. As one of the first steps in this process, we believe improving our website will help us achieve some of these goals since it is the first interaction many potential members have with our organization.

One of our primary short-term objectives is to increase revenue in order to further create resources, primarily through higher membership purchases and increased attendance to our virtual conference events. We believe improving the visibility of these on the website and providing a clearer understanding of the value they offer will help us achieve that goal.

As a secondary objective, we aim to improve the visibility and interest in our webinars and professional development courses, which are not currently featured prominently on the website.

Note: you do not have to speak French fluently to participate in this internship, though it will be an asset.

DESIRED OUTPUT

The desired output will be a prototype including:

• A new homepage
• A new About page
• A new Membership page
• A new Events/Conference page

Bonus:

• Create a strategy for how we present and store content and insights from previous conferences for users to explore

The primary goal of this work is to help us:

1. Increase the number of participants registering for our online conferences
2. Clarify what we do and why we exist
3. Provide users with a better experience navigating our site
4. Establish QCABA as a leader in the ABA community (particularly for French speakers)

PRIOR PROBLEM SOLVING

We have someone that maintains and works on our website but we would value a fresh perspective of how we should approach this re-brand and re-design our current website to achieve some of our goals.

RESOURCES, TOOLS, & OTHER INFORMATION

• Website

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

The Quebec Association of Behaviour Analysis (QcABA) is dedicated to promoting the science of behavior analysis and its ethical application, including addressing the needs of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disabilities. With a mission to provide information and resources to both professionals and families, QcABA aims to enhance understanding and accessibility to evidence-based behavioral interventions. 

We advocate for the use of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) which aims to increase socially significant behaviors in individuals, emphasizing its potential to address a range of behavioral challenges and skill deficits in various populations beyond individuals with ASD. We are currently an affiliate chapter of Applied Behavior Analysis International.  Additionally, QcABA supports the certification of behavior analysts through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) to ensure quality and ethical standards in the field. We offer guidance on finding certified practitioners and assessing the quality of ABA programs through informative resources and ongoing support. By empowering individuals with knowledge and resources, QcABA strives to improve the quality of behavioral services and support available in Quebec.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

We believe that many 30 to 50-year-old men feel unfulfilled, lost and in need of guidance. Or, these individuals are navigating a challenging transition period and would benefit from someone to help them develop clarity around the best way forward to live a fulfilled life.

Our team has done some preliminary research to identify who our target market is and what their pain points/needs are. However, we would value further needs assessment and market research work to ensure the product we’re developing will effectively serve our customers.

The primary areas we plan to focus our efforts on are:

1. Relationships & Family
2. Novelty, Adventure, & Excitement
3. Health & Fitness
4. Intellectual & Professional
5. Spiritual
6. Financial

We would value your help conducting a needs assessment to understand if these are the most important areas in the lives of our target demographic and if there’s anything we’re missing.

DESIRED OUTPUT

This project will have a two-stage output.

Stage 1: Develop and propose a strategy for how you plan to gather insights

• What questions do you plan to ask this target demographic?
• How do you plan to connect with the target demographic to get answers to your questions?
• When you’re ready, submit your project proposal for review.

Stage 2: Execute your strategy and gather insights

• Gather insights from at least 20 users in our desired demographic.
• Summarize your findings into a report.
• Provide at least three clear recommendations to help make Life Map HQ successful and valuable to our target customer.

PRIOR PROBLEM SOLVING

We’ve already created a survey for users to complete, that’s accessible via our homepage.

This has helped us gather some primary insights, but more work and a larger sample set is needed.

You can find the survey in the resources section below.

RESOURCES, TOOLS, & OTHER INFORMATION

• Website
• Existing User Survey

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

Life Map HQ is a pioneering company at the forefront of using AI technology to revolutionize the field of life coaching. Our mission is simple: to help 30 to 50-year-old men discover their true path, live their best lives, and provide accessible support and guidance to people who can’t currently afford or access traditional coaching. 

Many traditional coaching methods only focus on certain aspects of a man’s life. Instead, Life Map HQ takes a holistic approach, considering all facets of the individual, from career and relationships to health and personal growth. Our AI-powered platform gets to know each individual, deepening the relationship and understanding of individual needs over time. With Life Map HQ, men can unlock their potential and transform their lives to navigate towards a brighter future.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

The student will prepare the following family law documents in compliance with the Family Law Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. F.3 and O. Reg. 114/99 Family Law Rules: 

• 8 General Application; 
• 35.1 Affidavit; 
• 13 Financial Statement; and 
• 6B Affidavit of Service 

All factual information will be provided to the student in a manner protecting client confidentiality and in strict compliance with the Law Society of Ontario’s Rules of Professional Conduct.

In completing this project, the student will also learn the following:

• How the family law system works in Ontario 
• How family lawyers operate within their unique workplaces
• How to complete court applications and documents 
• How to apply facts to a specific area of law 
• How to manage client expectations and put forward reasonable claims 
• How to conduct oneself according to ethical rules and guidelines

DESIRED OUTPUT

The court application should satisfy the following requirements: 

• Contains accurate factual information
• Contains a persuasive narrative story based on facts and evidence 
• Uses proper spelling and grammar 
• Asks the court for correct Orders and claims 
• Puts forward reasonable claims based on the client’s wishes 
• Cites the appropriate legislative framework

RESOURCES, TOOLS, & OTHER INFORMATION

• CanLII: Canadian Legal Information Institute
• Family Law Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. F.3 
• O. Reg. 114/99 Family Law Rules
• Ontariocourtforms.on.ca
• Powerpoint on Family Law – Procedure

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

HSS Law is a Niagara-based law office focused on real estate, estate litigation, family law, and wills and estates.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

A client is thinking about selling their residential home, which is over 70 years old and has a few problems that would go unnoticed by a buyer. Before listing it for sale, the client wants legal advice about what they need to disclose to the seller. 

The client is particularly concerned regarding the implications of a new case they saw in the news about a Canadian professional basketball player who bought a mansion in Ontario. 

All factual information will be provided to the student in a manner that protects client confidentiality and is in strict compliance with the Law Society of Ontario’s Rules of Professional Conduct.

In completing this project, the student will also learn the following:

• How real estate sales and purchases work in Ontario 
• How real estate lawyers operate within their unique workplaces
• How to complete a legal memo 
• How to apply facts to a specific area of law 
• How to manage client expectations and put forward reasonable claims 
• How to conduct oneself according to ethical rules and guidelines

DESIRED OUTPUT

The memo should satisfy the following requirements: 

• Provides a short summary of the legal obligations of a seller 
• Contains accurate factual information
• Cites appropriate case law 
• Uses proper spelling and grammar

RESOURCES, TOOLS, & OTHER INFORMATION

• CanLII: Canadian Legal Information Institute
• Agreement of Purchase and Sale (APS)
• Statute of Frauds, R.S.O. 1990, c. S.19
• Powerpoint on Fraud – Representations, Warranties and Conditions

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

HSS Law is a Niagara-based law office focused on real estate, estate litigation, family law, and wills and estates.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

Currently, youth engaged in our programs may bring phones on the outdoor experiences, though there is no structure or guidance, to help them do so effectively or continue with the project after the outdoor experience ends.

Offering our youth the opportunity to capture their experience, work with digital tools, and develop skills that can help them engage more deeply in the experience at the time, and offer them greater opportunities in the future.

Many of the youth we engage with come from a diverse range of backgrounds, which means some may not have access to the tools or technology that others do. We want this to be an inclusive program, so it’s important to keep cost and access in mind.

DESIRED OUTPUT

The desired output will be a program that:

1. Engages youth participating in our programs to capture certain types of content and gives them direction in creating a final project of some kind after they complete their outdoor experience. Some key activities we’d like it to include are: 
   • Discussing, highlighting, or demonstrating skills they’ve learned, challenges they’ve overcome, friends they’ve made, fears they’ve faced, and moments they’re proud of.
   • Prompting questions to get them to reflect on their experience.
   • Examples of types of storytelling they can engage in and tools they can use.
2. Is inclusive for the diverse range of youth that participate in our programs. This means the program should have very low or no cost (software tools), require only basic technology (such as a phone camera/video camera), and be appropriate for youth as young as ten years old.
3. Helps Project Canoe generate content that can serve as marketing material that the youth engaged in our programs help to create. 

PRIOR PROBLEM SOLVING

Students do this on a self-directed basis at the moment. We don’t have any structured program to guide them through this activity.

RESOURCES, TOOLS, & OTHER INFORMATION

• Project Canoe website
• Project Canoe Instagram
• Project Canoe Youtube Video

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

Project Canoe has been on a mission to support youth through transformative outdoor experiences since 1977. Our vision is to lead in connecting young people with the environment and their community, regardless of the challenges in their lives. Rooted in values like equity, we prioritize anti-oppressive and equitable processes to meet the diverse needs of the youth we work with. We believe in the power that outdoor experiences can have in promoting growth and the value of community to build lasting memories.

Guided by our 2023 Strategic Plan, we are focused on engaging urban communities and building trust with the young members of those communities to encourage them to take on new challenges in the outdoors. Our priorities include building holistic year-round programs, reducing barriers to outdoor education, diversifying for fiscal sustainability, implementing impact measurement, and securing a diverse team aligned with our strategic goals.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

Our counsellors currently use Internal Family Systems in combination with Somatic Experiencing with clients and find it a useful approach.

However, it would be helpful to learn about it in more detail, develop an understanding of the types of tests and results there are in the academic literature, and understand how other practitioners implement this counselling technique with their clients.

DESIRED OUTPUT

The desired output will be a report that:

• Provides a clear overview of the most impactful and insightful studies on Internal Family Systems in combination with Somatic Experiencing
• Highlights of the research that would have the greatest impact or connection PTSD and personal trauma
• Recommendations focusing on how the research can help Mind Ahead support clients and expand our services to include a wider range of therapy solutions

PRIOR PROBLEM SOLVING

We have a foundational awareness and understanding of Internal Family Systems and Somatic Experiencing but have not yet done enough research or taken a course to confidently add this to the list of counselling services we offer our clients.

RESOURCES, TOOLS, & OTHER INFORMATION

• Website
• Services

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

Mind Ahead Counselling is a compassionate therapeutic practice dedicated to fostering healing and facilitating lasting change. Founded on the belief in everyone’s capacity to heal and live authentically, the company specializes in addressing depression, anxiety, life transitions, grief, self-esteem issues, coping skills, co-dependence, and relationship problems. We tailor sessions to individuals’ unique needs using therapeutic approaches like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Narrative Therapy.

With a commitment to inclusivity, the company offers in-person, video, and phone sessions to accommodate individual comfort levels. Beyond therapeutic services, Mind Ahead Counselling empowers clients by outlining the benefits and risks of counselling, aiding them in making informed decisions about their healing journey. The company stands as a beacon for those seeking authentic and lasting change in their lives.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

Three primary barriers limit women from accessing pelvic floor physiotherapy care in a clinic. They are cost, physical access (primarily those who live in rural/remote communities), and their level of comfort in discussing/seeking care for what some perceive to be embarrassing or shameful symptoms.

Our team has the expertise to provide support to these individuals at a reduced cost, though we’re having trouble spreading the word about what we do and connecting with those who have the problem we’re trying to solve. This is also quite a niche field and not many women are aware of the type of support we provide.

By conducting an effective research and partnership campaign, we’re excited to understand what professionals and institutions we should focus on to connect with, who will help us connect with our desired patients to improve the health of expectant and new mothers.

DESIRED OUTPUT

The desired output will:

• Provide a list of at least 15 health professionals, clinics, and community groups that Maternix should focus on with a rationale for why each is a top priority. Please focus on Ontario as a starting point. 
• For each item on the list, please list a proposed outreach template that includes clear reasons why Maternix is a fit with what they do and why the partnership makes sense

PRIOR PROBLEM SOLVING

Have not tried to solve this problem yet and have primarily operated through personal referrals so far.

RESOURCES, TOOLS, & OTHER INFORMATION

• Maternix website
• Pelvic Health Solutions – Basic pelvic floor conditions, who they impact, the causes, etc.
• Maternix Instagram

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

Maternix provides specialized pelvic floor physiotherapy education for pre & postnatal populations. We are on a mission to redefine the standards of pregnancy and postpartum care through affordable pelvic health, online. 

In an ideal world, everyone would have access to personalized pelvic floor care during their pregnancy and their first year postpartum to help prevent common pelvic floor dysfunctions including urinary incontinence, prolapse, diastasis recti, low back pain and much more. Unfortunately, most people either can’t afford Physiotherapy, can’t access a clinic or simply are not aware that this type of preventative care is available. Maternix offers transformative Pregnancy and Postpartum Recovery Courses and is meant to bridge this gap for as many people as possible. 

The company’s commitment lies in empowering individuals to understand their bodies, fostering strength & healing and ensuring that mothers are equipped for success emotionally and physically. Maternix believes in a future where everyone can navigate pregnancy & postpartum with confidence and autonomy, armed with the knowledge of how to prioritize their health and well-being.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

Currently, Mood for Food works with clients one-on-one to identify personalized dietary choices to help mothers and families through the process of getting pregnant, pregnancy, and postpartum. 

This approach has its limitations in its scalability and our ability to reach a wider audience.

By taking the primary recommendations that our team gives most mothers and families, we can provide them with an engaging, clear, and fun resource to ensure they set themselves and their families up for a healthy future.

This e-book will be offered for free (at first) as a marketing and lead-generation asset. Branding is very important to our company so keeping in mind our brand’s colour scheme, tone, and values will be important to a successful final product.

DESIRED OUTPUT

The desired output will be a draft of an e-book that:

• Includes an introduction to Food for Mood, our Founder Natalie, and the importance of diet and food throughout pregnancy and postpartum.
• A creative structure for the e-cookbook that provides families with different types of meal and snack options aligned with the latest recommendations and research in food and nutrition
  • E.g. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • E.g. Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter dishes
  • E.g. Fork and knife, spoon, finger-food and hand-held, chopsticks, etc.

PRIOR PROBLEM SOLVING

I have been providing nutritional guidance to clients for years but have never tried to write a cookbook or take a larger-scale approach to my services.

RESOURCES, TOOLS, & OTHER INFORMATION

• Website
• Existing Free Resources
  • E.g. Meal Plans
• Instagram

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

Food for Mood is a personalized nutrition consulting service dedicated to guiding women and families through the intricate realms of nutrition, pregnancy, and the world of babies. Founded on the belief in the transformative power of nutrition, we are committed to empowering women on their pregnancy and motherhood journey. With a focus on ensuring proper nutrition during pregnancy and the critical first 24 months of a child’s life, Food for Mood provides guidance to enhance both the well-being of the parent and the baby. 

The goal is to establish a strong foundation for a healthy beginning through personalized prenatal nutrition consulting, navigating the challenges of understanding and providing the right nutrients for optimal growth. The mission is rooted in supporting vitality and well-being for both parent and child, recognizing the profound link between food, well-being, and the journey to better health.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

Thus far, Foes has explored the Canadian Government’s grant finder to understand the broad range of options potentially available to us.

We have identified 44 grants, 29 loan programs, 5 tax credits, and 27 wage subsidy programs. We are looking for support exploring these opportunities and identifying those that present us with the best opportunity to secure funding and support our growth.

We are currently in the process of waiting for our Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP) application, which will enable us to apply for a $50,000 loan and an employment tax credit of $7,500. 

This is the extent of our research and efforts so far and your help in identifying other opportunities we should prioritize will empower our team to invest more in our business and achieve greater growth in Canada and through expansion into the US market.

DESIRED OUTPUT

The desired output will:

• Be a list of the top 10 grant, small business loan, tax credit, wage subsidy, etc. programs that offer the most efficient (highest return for effort/time) access to growth opportunities and capital.
• Offer a rationale for each of the choices.
• Map out the clear steps, requirements, and timelines (as best you can estimate) for the 10 recommendations
• BONUS: Provide case studies or examples of similar businesses that have accessed these opportunities and what they did to ensure the success of their application.

PRIOR PROBLEM SOLVING

See Project Overview

RESOURCES, TOOLS, & OTHER INFORMATION

• Foes Website
• Government of Canada Grant Finder
• BDC’s Canada Digital Adoption Program

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

We are Foes, operating partners who are dedicated to scaling partner businesses by identifying operational opportunities, constructing scalable digital infrastructure, and seamlessly integrating with marketing and sales teams. Our comprehensive approach to solving business challenges encompasses Digital Integration, Marketing Operations, Change Management, and Rev-ops. We prioritize data-driven solutions, tackling complex business problems with a relentless pursuit of growth.

We are partners with platforms like Klaviyo, HubSpot, Shopify, Facebook, Google, Databox, and more, which we leverage to provide cutting-edge solutions. Our mission is to help businesses identify and maximize operational opportunities through scalable digital infrastructure and radical candour. As an extension of your business, we bring passion, dedication, and transparency, ensuring partner success is at the forefront. Our rigorous diagnosis and strategy approach caters to businesses of all sizes, offering top-notch services and products.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

TAPP wants to support teachers to maintain and improve their mental health and wellbeing so they remain in the profession and can support their students as effectively as possible.

Although we are confident in our knowledge of the landscape, research and insights into stress, mental health, performance, and well-being at work are moving at a rapid pace.

To continue to establish ourselves as leaders in the field and ensure we’re offering our users maximum value, we want to make sure we’re including insights, tools, best practices, and data from the latest research.

DESIRED OUTPUT

The desired output will be a report that:

• Provides a clear overview of the most impactful and insightful studies on mental health, performance, wellbeing, and stress in the workplace with a focus on the past five years
• Highlights of the research that would have the greatest impact or connection to educations/teachers
• Recommendations focusing on how the research can help TAPP support teachers and how it can be integrated into the various touchpoints we have with our users
  • E.g. Have two podcast episodes on x and y
  • E.g. Offer x and y resources via the app and tailor them for teachers in z way
  • E.g. Reaching out to X company/organization/union to partner

PRIOR PROBLEM SOLVING

We’d be happy to share any resources and past statistics gathered from research we’ve done! (There’s lots of it) And the results have helped us tweak and pivot our MVP to what it is today. We’ve done 100s of interviews with educators and mental health professionals to try to find what could work and narrowed it down to mentorship, peer networks, and specialized support. Happy to share more if need be.

RESOURCES, TOOLS, & OTHER INFORMATION

• Website
• Instagram
• Podcast
• City News Feature

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

TAPP’s (The Teacher App) mission is simple yet powerful: to ensure that every educator feels seen, heard, and understood. At its core, TAPP focuses on building a community where teachers can connect, heal, and learn. 

We aim to provide support to educators through a variety of mediums. The core of this is the app itself where teachers can access content, community, and resources. We also host a podcast that serves as a platform for teachers to share experiences, prioritize mental health, and foster a sense of solidarity. 

TAPP is committed to addressing the unique challenges educators face, providing a space for healing and learning as they navigate the complexities of both their personal and professional lives.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

Currently, users need to enter a command on their keyboard (e.g. option + space) to activate superwhisper and start recording voice-to-text.

To improve accessibility and convenience for users, we’d like to add the ability to activate the tool hands-free. For example, making a ticking noise with your tongue or capturing a keyword in real-time to start a new recording. 

Apple products use a feature such as ‘Hey Siri’ and Google products use ‘Ok, Google’. We want to build superwhisper’s own version of this to make the product even more powerful and convenient.

DESIRED OUTPUT

The desired output will be a prototype that:

1. Leverages the latest in voice recognition technology and research
2. Utilize the microphone to detect at least 2 test noises (they can be any noise of your choice) that will activate a recording hands-free
3. Has a notification pop up when the microphone detects the selected noise to notify the user that a recording has started

*Integration into the existing tech stack is not part of this project. The solution could be a log in the terminal.

PRIOR PROBLEM SOLVING

We have not tried to solve this problem yet.

RESOURCES, TOOLS, & OTHER INFORMATION

• superwhisper website
• Google voice access example

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

superwhisper is on a mission to simplify communication for macOS users and enhance productivity by up to 3x. Our powerful voice-to-text technology leverages a user’s ability to speak instead of type to complete tasks. As a result, what they produce sounds more descriptive and natural, which helps users connect better with others. 

We value privacy, convenience, and accessibility. This is why users can use superwhisper completely offline, customize the AI model for their needs, and it’s available in 100+ languages.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

Speech Leaders primarily delivers communications coaching and speech pathology consulting to corporate clients. 

There are a variety of other providers in the Canadian market that offer their services in a range of different formats and modalities (e.g. synchronous vs. asynchronous, in-person vs. remote, app-based, etc.). Some of these businesses are targeted at individuals, while others target organizations (B2C vs. B2B).

We’ve done some research but would really value a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape with a focus on price, which will allow us to strategically set our prices as we scale.

DESIRED OUTPUT

The desired output will be a proposal that:

• Identifies key competitors, their distinct value proposition, their price, and their target customer (B2B vs. B2C)
• Proposes 3 pricing strategies with a rationale for each
  • Consider: hourly rate, packages of hours (e.g. 10-hour rate), group rates (e.g. a team of 10, a team of 25, etc.), and anything else you think would help us stand out against competitors.
• Define whether tax is included in these rates and any other relevant information that will enable Speech Leaders to set competitive and strategic prices heading in 2024.

PRIOR PROBLEM SOLVING

Currently, we meet with clients in free consultations and set custom rates based on their needs. This requires time to assess the need and develop a proposal, which is why having a more comprehensive strategy will help us save time and attract new customers.

RESOURCES, TOOLS, & OTHER INFORMATION

Website

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

Speech Leaders is on a mission to empower professionals to succeed by enhancing their communication skills. We are a company dedicated to unlocking communicative potential through personalized 1-to-1 online therapy or group workshops, which are often covered by medical insurance. We strive to help individuals and organizations build confidence, influence and inspire, and ultimately improve lives through effective communication. 

Led by a registered speech-language pathologist with a background in tech sales and finance, we take a unique approach blending evidence-based practice and real-world corporate experience to deliver effective communication training. We help our clients develop self-awareness, a deep understanding of their unique message, and equip them with the skills and confidence to ensure their message is heard.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

Currently, MEI staff need to sieve through photo and video content captured on trips and use it to create ad content. This process is very time-intensive. 

We’ve also found that potential students want to see unique content when interacting with our ads. If served the same ads, they will block the channel.

Therefore, we want to leverage AI to produce hyper-targeted ad content more efficiently than our current methods to engage with potential students more effectively without dramatically increasing our investment into marketing content.

DESIRED OUTPUT

The desired output will:

• Be a model that leverages AI technology to pull from MEI’s database of existing content (photos and videos) and creates 15 and 30-second film clips for social media advertising that remarkets to potential students that have engaged with MEI (e.g. visited the website).
• Provide MEI with sample content the model has produced (at least 4 15-second and at least 4 30-second clips)

OR

The desired output will:

• Be a proposal that identifies the best existing AI tool that can pull from MEI’s database of existing content (photos and videos) and creates 15 and 30-second film clips for social media advertising that remarkets to potential students that have engaged with MEI (e.g. visited the website).
• Provide MEI with sample content the model has produced (at least 4 15-second and at least 4 30-second clips)

Use this example to understand the type of content MEI hopes to produce with greater efficiency

PRIOR PROBLEM SOLVING

We have not tried any AI solutions and have been creating content using staff that create ads from trip content.

RESOURCES, TOOLS, & OTHER INFORMATION

• MEI Academy website
• MEI Instagram account

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

MEI Academy is an Ontario-based high school that is driven by a unique philosophy that goes beyond traditional learning. Our mission is to provide a global and ‘real-world’ experience for students, ensuring each lesson is a source of unique inspiration while immersing them in locations relevant to the topics they’re studying. 

MEI programs are meticulously crafted experiential journeys that immerse students in their surroundings, bringing their educational adventure to life. Imagine studying the French Revolution in Paris or Classical History in Italy and Greece.

MEI has worked hard for 20+ years to attract motivated students seeking new educational experiences and a competitive edge, helping them stand apart in the next phase of their academic careers and become life-long learners.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

To drive more business and build our list of clients, Expanded Skills wants to improve its SEO ranking and develop new content to increase traffic and overall brand awareness.

We currently have a library of content (in Q&A format) that we’d like to repurpose into blog content.

We’d also like to see a proposal that outlines the types of additional content that will engage our audience and drive further traffic to our website including samples.

This project would have two phases:

1. We ask that you review the existing content and develop a proposal of how we can effectively leverage it as well as the proposal outlining further content strategy.
2. Execution of an agile process in which execution of the strategy is delivered on an ongoing basis, rather than developing it over a longer period and delivering it all at the end.

DESIRED OUTPUT

The desired output for phase 1 will:

• Propose a strategy of how to effectively leverage our existing content into blog posts (prioritize topics, how the content will be adapted, and keyword strategy).
• Propose at least two other types of content to develop with rationale and the associated SEO strategies for each)

The desired output for phase 2 will:

• Provide regular submissions of blog content based on the proposed strategy (cadence to be agreed upon but approximately once per month)
• Provide sample submissions of the other types of content proposed (e.g. 3 social media posts with associated details such as post timing, hashtags, etc.)

PRIOR PROBLEM SOLVING

We regularly post on LinkedIn and X using our Founder Casey’s account. We have not yet had a chance to try to repurpose our Q&A content.

RESOURCES, TOOLS, & OTHER INFORMATION

• Expanded Skills website
• Casey’s LinkedIn account
• Casey’s X Account

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

Expanded Skills is pioneering a new way of developing leaders in technology to address this shortage by specializing in upskilling experienced engineering talent. 

Our mission is to deconstruct tech leadership into tangible, practiceable micro-skills, fostering a resilient skillset that transcends the industry’s changes. We focus on overcoming career stagnation, building problem-solving skillsets, and creating high-impact opportunities, all aimed at future-proofing your capabilities for a successful 40+ year career in the dynamic tech landscape.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

India and many of South Asia’s education systems do not currently use or implement quality learning design in their development or delivery methods.

We believe that by increasing the awareness and adoption of quality learning design, educators can increase students’ chances of success and prepare them more effectively to make a positive impact in the world.

We have a partnership with a leading Indian University and have delivered workshops and training in India, but we need to identify ways to grow awareness and scale our efforts to reach more educators and industry professionals and help them understand the value learning design can offer them and their students.

We aim to run workshops and conferences throughout the region at a scale that helps us grow into a sustainable business.

DESIRED OUTPUT

The desired output will:

• Identify at least 10 partnerships (universities, companies, NGOs, etc.) that we should pursue with a rationale for each
• Produce marketing assets that promote the value of learning design, the work of the Centre, and the benefits to potential clients
  • E.g. blog content, social media content, posters to hang in Indian universities, etc.
• Suggest at least two ways we can engage higher education staff and other industry professionals to drive interest in and engage with our workshops and training opportunities

PRIOR PROBLEM SOLVING

The Centre has previously attempted to solve this problem in two ways: firstly by allocating work to existing members of the CLD team, and also by hiring an intern. Unfortunately, due to workload pressures, neither approach has been sustainable, meaning that the work of the Centre risks stagnating. 

We have also presented at conferences, most recently Online Educa Berlin in November 2023, to raise awareness of the Centre’s activities. This has produced some interest, but a more sustained and consistent programme of activities is required to enable the Centre to be viable in the longer term.

RESOURCES, TOOLS, & OTHER INFORMATION

• Centre for Learning Design Website
• LinkedIn Community
• Woxsen University Website (our partner)
• What is Learning Design

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

The Centre for Learning Design is dedicated to raising the quality of higher education in India and South Asia. We specialize in developing and delivering workshops and training programs, through which we empower individuals to create value through core learning design techniques. Our mission is to assist educators and industry professionals in crafting transformative learning experiences that have a lasting impact. 

At the heart of our philosophy is the belief in the transformative power of exceptional learning design to enhance lives. The Centre for Learning Design envisions a future where the art and science of learning design play a pivotal role in shaping meaningful educational experiences, fostering innovation, and driving positive change.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

We want to reach more DTC e-commerce businesses < $5M in annual revenue to get more users for Backbone. We have just launched our DTC Flow Foundations Guide and also our Backbone Blog to provide content for these customers. People who consume the content love it but we need more distribution channels to get it in front of our target audience. The goal is to have more people engaging with & sharing the content, buying the course, and eventually becoming users of Backbone.

We are looking for students to do research on our target audience to find out which platforms, media companies, communities, and individuals they follow to find content and the main pain points they have around email marketing for their business. Then put together a marketing plan to promote this content on those channels in a way that resonates with them and will get us reach.

DESIRED OUTPUT

A comprehensive marketing plan including:

• A list of the communities, websites, media platforms & individuals that our target audience goes to in order to learn more about email marketing for their business
• The main pain points that our target audience has around email marketing & how they express it
• A strategy on how to get our content & products promoted in those communities, websites etc.

RESOURCES, TOOLS, & OTHER INFORMATION

• Our target customer persona (we’ll email this to the participant)
• Examples of communities/channels we already know about: A Better Lemonade Stand, 2x Ecommerce, AppSumo

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

Backbone is an email strategy automation tool that is automating the job of an email marketer. It has just launched & is currently in its beta period. Backbone’s target audience is DTC e-commerce brands generating < $5M in annual revenue. Backbone helps these brands manage & grow their email marketing channel since these brands typically cannot afford to hire an agency or email marketer.

Longplay is the owner of Backbone. We are a full-service retention marketing agency for direct-to-consumer (DTC) e-commerce brands. We specialize in email marketing, SMS marketing & direct mail. We have a remote team of 25+. We have grown through word-of-mouth over the last 4+ years but are now looking for other ways to market to our target customer. Longplay’s target audience is DTC e-commerce brands generating $5M – $20M in annual revenue. We help these brands set up, manage & grow their email marketing, SMS and direct mail channels to grow their business.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

Allegory is developing a VR flight simulation game called Flight Fight, focused on providing an immersive flying experience using wings in virtual reality. The project aims to enhance flight mechanics within the game and simplify the social onboarding process for new users. By improving the flight mechanics, the goal is to create a more realistic and enjoyable gameplay experience. Additionally, streamlining the social onboarding will make it easier for new users to learn and engage with the game, ultimately driving user adoption and generating revenue.

DESIRED OUTPUT

The desired output of this project is to achieve the following:

1. Enhanced Flight Mechanics: Develop and implement improvements to the flight mechanics in the VR flight simulation game, Flight Fight. This may involve refining the controls, physics, and overall gameplay mechanics to create a more immersive and realistic flying experience with wings.
2. Simplified Social Onboarding: Design and implement intuitive and user-friendly features that simplify the onboarding process for new users in Flight Fight. This could involve creating clear tutorials, interactive guides, or user-friendly interfaces that help users quickly understand how to navigate, interact, and engage with the game.
3. Seamless Integration: Ensure that the enhancements to flight mechanics and social onboarding seamlessly integrate with the existing game framework, maintaining performance, stability, and overall user experience.

RESOURCES, TOOLS, & OTHER INFORMATION

To successfully contribute to this project and add value, it would be beneficial to engage in the following:

1. Game Demos: Registered student interns will receive an exclusive demo of the VR flight simulation game, Flight Fight, currently in development by Allegory. Exploring the game firsthand will provide a deeper understanding of its mechanics, gameplay, and user experience.
2. VR Game Development: Research and familiarize yourself with VR game development principles, techniques, and tools. Gain knowledge of popular VR development platforms and software, such as Unity or Unreal Engine, as well as relevant VR hardware and peripherals.
3. Flight Mechanics in Games: Study flight mechanics implemented in other games, both within the VR genre and in traditional gaming. Analyze how different games simulate flight and movement, and identify innovative approaches or mechanics that could be applied to Flight Fight.
4. User Onboarding and Engagement: Explore user onboarding strategies and best practices in the gaming industry, particularly in the context of VR games. Learn about effective tutorials, interactive guides, and UI/UX design patterns that facilitate a seamless and engaging onboarding experience.
5. Social Interaction in VR: Research how VR games facilitate social interaction and multiplayer experiences. Investigate methods for connecting and engaging users within a VR environment, such as multiplayer features, chat systems, or shared experiences.
6. User Research and Testing: Familiarize yourself with user research methodologies and testing techniques specific to VR game development. Learn how to gather user feedback, conduct playtesting sessions, and iterate on game mechanics based on user insights.

By researching and developing a strong understanding of these areas, you will be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute effectively to the project and enhance the flight mechanics and social onboarding aspects of the VR flight simulation game.

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

Allegory VR is a company dedicated to building a platform that democratizes the creation and distribution of exceptional VR experiences. Their mission is to empower creators of all skill levels by providing tools and resources to develop immersive VR content. By enabling creators to easily build and share VR experiences, Allegory aims to contribute to the growth and advancement of the VR industry.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

This is a selection of 8 trailers for challenges we have right now:

http://www.leapmonth.com/trailers

To get the Creators we have on board now, we have relied on:

• Personal relationships
• Cold emails to influencers we admire
• Referrals from people we have already worked with

Getting more Creators onto the platform is the only way to grow Leapmonth so it’s pretty important to our mission. We’re focusing on health & wellness influencers.

The main things we can offer Creators is:

• A quick and cool new way to make money
• Transform people’s lives due to our significantly higher completion and engagement rates compared to online courses

We are looking for creative and cost-effective ways at getting Creators to take a call with our Founder. I.e. we are not looking to simply pay Creators to come on board.

DESIRED OUTPUT

The desired output will:

• Provide a list of 3+ ideas (with rationale) that we can implement to engage creators and get them excited to help their audience build new skills and improve their lives.
• Provide a sample/mock-up of each idea (e.g. creator newsletter – write sample copy)
• Likely have an interaction (e.g. a call) with the creator. It does not have to be completely hands-off but if your solution saves that time it’s a bonus.
• Be as cost-effective and time-efficient as possible so it’s scaleable.

RESOURCES, TOOLS, & OTHER INFORMATION

• Website
• Creator Explainer Video
• Sample Creator Page

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

Leapmonth is a startup that is building an app that helps people complete self-development challenges guided daily by Influencers. Like DuoLingo meets MasterClass meets Patreon. How it works is that people enroll into a challenge mentored by their favourite Creator and start on a specific day with a group of other people.

When the challenge starts, they’ll receive one challenge each day along with a task that will allow them to prove that they were able to do that day’s challenge (basically they make an Instagram post doing what their mentor asked them to do that day).

Creators apply to become part of the Leapmonth platform and create short challenges ranging in length from 10 days to 29 days. We are currently charging $150 and up per participant for the challenges.

Our mission is to empower people to take real action to become their best selves.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

At the core of Craggy Nook Villas’ challenge lies an opportunity to redefine its online presence. The existing booking system, while functional, offers limited insights into user interactions. This often leads to uncertainties regarding potential drop-offs or areas where users might face issues during the booking process. 

The objective is two-fold:

First, Craggy Nook Villas seeks to develop or integrate an embeddable booking application that harmoniously fits within the website’s current or future design and architecture. The ideal solution could be a custom development or leveraging an existing tool, as long as it aligns with the brand’s luxurious ethos.

Secondly, there is a need to incorporate analytics tools that allow the team to track user journeys. This will enable them to understand points where potential customers may exit the booking process. Additionally, the team is considering transitioning from the current payment system, which redirects users to PayPal, to a more integrated and flexible solution (e.g. Stripe).

DESIRED OUTPUT

By the end of the initiative, Craggy Nook Villas anticipates:

1. An embeddable booking application, either bespoke or integrated from a pre-existing platform, that seamlessly aligns with the website’s framework (site is built with WordPress currently).
2. An optimized booking flow, ideally incorporating an integrated payment solution like Stripe.
3. An implemented analytics mechanism that provides insights into user behaviors, identifies points of drop-offs, and, if possible, gathers data for future retargeting or follow-up endeavors.
4. Everything should follow industry best-practices (e.g. security protocols, UX design).

RESOURCES, TOOLS, & OTHER INFORMATION

• Craggy Nook Villas website for reference.
• Builtwith.com Profile
• Reference to potential booking tools and payment platforms for consideration.

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

Craggy Nook Villas, a premier luxury beachfront accommodation in Hastings, Barbados, seeks to offer its customers a frictionless online booking experience. Currently, there’s limited visibility into the booking process, and the team is unaware of potential drop-offs or areas where customers might be facing issues. The objective is to refine the booking process, ensure ease of use, and integrate analytics to gain insights into user behavior.