Impact Lab
Free finance expertise for small business owners who want to grow their business and their paycheck.
Got Questions? Watch the Recorded Information Session | Watch Now ⟶
Build an Actionable Plan
$10,000 worth of one-on-one CFO support t0 align your business dreams with your finances, at no cost to you
You’re an entrepreneur who’s tired of guessing when it comes to your finances. You’re ready to build a repeatable, predictable business model that sustains your lifestyle and allows you to work on your own terms.
Whether you’re…
A relatively new small business owner who is still experimenting with your offering, or
A longstanding entrepreneur who needs direction on how to reassess your pricing structure…
You’re in the right place!
Our CFOs in the Impact Lab can work with you directly to figure out what your next best action to take is to get you in better alignment with the successful business owner you want to become.
By the end of this program, you will gain…
✔ Understanding of your expenses, profit margin, and runway.
✔ A working financial model to track your revenue goals.
✔ A support system of like-minded small business owners.
✔ Accountability from a seasoned CFO who wants you to succeed.
✔ Access to the greater Mission Edge network of over 150 local small business and community partners.
Aiming to help everyone in need, while prioritizing the following communities:
People of Color
Low-to-moderate income folks
Veterans
If you do not belong to these groups but are still in need of assistance, please reach out. If we can’t help you, we likely know someone who can.
Applications are rolling throughout the year
Group 3 - In Session
Apply by 8/16
Kickoff 9/9
Ends 11/14
Group 1 2025
Apply Now- Applications accepted on rolling basis
Cohort runs Feb-April
Got Questions? Watch the Recorded Information Session | Watch Now ⟶
We’ll help you plan for a brighter, lucrative future
1:1 Tailored Learning
We provide you with a Mission Edge staff CFO to work 1:1 for about an hour a week via zoom. Instead of learning theory in a group setting as most accelerators do, you’ll instead get the chance to collaborate with a CFO who meets you exactly where you are in your business.
Join Our Network & Potential New Customers
We know how hard you work to make your small business dreams a reality, and we think everyone should know about you! That’s why we host a big celebration at the end of this program. You’ll get in front of potential new customers and meet people in the Mission Edge network who want to see you succeed!
Accountability to Your Goal
Imagine what you can accomplish in ten weeks! Whether you come to us with a desire to adjust your pricing, hire your first employee, or simply start tracking your sales, our CFOs will ensure you stick to it!
Community Building with the Cohort
We know running a small business can be lonely, so we make it a point for you to connect with other small business owners. This group time is designed to balance out the time you’ll spend working independently toward your goals.
About Our Work in the Impact Lab
Read Our Success Stories
Impact Lab FAQs
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Mission Edge is a philanthropically supported 501c3 organization, so our funders pay us to support small businesses in the community so we can ensure local economic prosperity.
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LMI means low-to-moderate income and POC means people of color. We’re focused on serving these populations because they experience more barriers to resources. We believe that with our support, people can increase their personal income and leave the LMI tax bracket by growing their business revenue.
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Low-to-moderate income earners
People of color
Small businesses generating at least $500 in revenue per month
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Not necessarily. The February- April 2025 cohort will serve folks located within San Diego City Limits, but the rest will serve small businesses located anywhere in the US. We will just need to verify you qualify as low-to-moderate income per your city’s income standards.
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We'll have three 2-hour, in-person group sessions in addition to the first 1-hour kickoff call (on zoom). You can expect to spend 2-3 hours a week on homework and 1 hour a week with your CFO via zoom.
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The program lasts 8-10 weeks.
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No, the program is industry agnostic. As long as you are earning revenue and want to grow, we can help you!
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There is no cost to the participants, except your time investment.
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No. In the Impact Lab we work exclusively with small businesses, not nonprofits.
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Yes! We welcome co-founders who want to work together. Only one application per business is necessary.
Our Purpose
We believe that anyone audacious enough to take on entrepreneurship deserves a fair shot at success, and our purpose is to do everything we can to make a fair shot a real possibility.
Our Mission
Our mission is to help low to moderate income people and people of color create more financial stability in their businesses so they can use their business as a vehicle for upward socioeconomic mobility.
Our Vision
We envision a future where local small business owners can pay themselves a living wage from the revenue they earn sustainably in their business.
Meet Our CFOs
Jeff Symington
“Small business owners are just built different. They are gritty problem solvers that are willing to blaze their own trail. It absolutely fires me up to work side by side with them!”
carolynn Duncan
“Growing up in San Diego, it's a joy to give back to the community. By tackling financial milestones and systems with our founders, I am able to pave the path for future growth.”
Patrick Phelan
“Small businesses account for 99.9% of all U.S. businesses. They are the backbone of our economy. I'm driven to help them thrive!”
Anastasiia timon
“Everyone in my family is an entrepreneur; it is an honor for me to play my part in helping small businesses find ways to make their ventures profitable and reach sustainable growth.”
Tom barnhill
“Being immersed in the world of small business owners is truly inspiring. Their resilience and creativity in facing challenges head-on is nothing short of remarkable. It’s not just about business; it’s about forging a unique path and making an indelible mark on the world.”