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Membership Spotlight: eqALL Business Solutions

Date postedFebruary 20, 2025
Posted By: Lisa Brennan Association Updates,

eqALL Business Solutions: Empowering the Underserved 

Founded in 2021, EqALL was built on the belief that successful entrepreneurship isn’t just about having a great idea—it’s about having the right support, strategy, and resources to bring it to life. Yet, many business owners face unnecessary obstacles that make growth and scalability harder than they should be.
Built to serve, eqALL is dedicated to removing barriers, streamlining access, and providing clear, actionable pathways to success—ensuring that the support organizations that serve entrepreneurs have the frameworks, guidance, and tools needed to create impact.

Inspired by Holly Burrow’s Vision

eqALL was founded by Holly Burrow, an entrepreneur who recognized the challenges faced by small business owners. eqALL exists to revolutionize the way entrepreneurship support is delivered. They partner with entrepreneurship support organizations (ESOs), municipalities, and universities to provide the strategy, systems, and execution needed to help small business owners not just survive, but scale.
The organization eliminates gatekeeping, simplify complexity, and create actionable frameworks that empower those who enable entrepreneurs to succeed.

Programs and Services
eqALL offers a variety of programs, services, and events designed to support entrepreneurs at various stages of their business journeys:

  1. E-Ship iQ – An asynchronous learning program guiding participants from business ideation to execution. Entrepreneurs complete the program at their own pace and finish with a completed business plan.

  2. Ecosystem Navigator Technical Assistance Program – One-on-one coaching focused on key business growth areas, such as financial planning, marketing strategies, and operational efficiency.

  3. Workshops and Training Programs – A mix of in-person and virtual workshops designed to be repeatable and scalable for a broader reach.

  4. Custom Business Incubation and Acceleration Programs – Tailored programs developed in collaboration with Entrepreneurial Support Organizations (ESOs) to meet community-specific needs.

Innovating Entrepreneur Support
In its early stages, eqALL struggled to engage participants for in-person coaching sessions, despite offering high-quality programs. Recognizing the need for more flexibility, the organization pivoted to virtual coaching, which proved to be a game-changer. This shift resonated with entrepreneurs, resulting in higher participation and engagement. This experience highlighted the importance of adaptability and innovation in addressing the needs of underserved entrepreneurs.

Since its founding, eqALL has continually refined its support model. The introduction of virtual coaching has been one of the most significant innovations, enhancing accessibility and allowing entrepreneurs—no matter where they are located—to access vital resources and guidance. Additionally, eqALL has embraced ecosystem building, collaborating with local governments, educational institutions, and other organizations to create a comprehensive and interconnected support system for entrepreneurs.

Distinctive Aspects of eqALL
eqALL stands out for its holistic approach to entrepreneurship. The organization’s support extends beyond business development to include personalized coaching, mentorship, marketing strategies, financial planning, and more. eqALL is committed to serving diverse communities, particularly underserved entrepreneurs, ensuring they have access to critical resources such as non-dilutive capital and grants. The virtual coaching model and focus on ecosystem-building set eqALL apart as a forward-thinking organization dedicated to fostering sustainable economic growth and innovation.

The Future of Entrepreneur Support
The trend toward ecosystem building is gaining momentum in the entrepreneurial space. eqALL is excited about this shift and has evolved its model to align with this new direction. By fostering strong community partnerships and collaborating with external experts, eqALL ensures that entrepreneurs have access to a full range of support needed to succeed.

Advice for Aspiring Community Organizations
For those looking to establish similar organizations, eqALL advises focusing on tapping into existing networks of resources. Collaborating with established support organizations allows new initiatives to focus on serving the needs of their community. By leveraging professional expertise and operational frameworks, organizations can dedicate more time to understanding their community’s unique challenges and providing personalized support to entrepreneurs.

How InBIA Membership Has Benefited eqALL
InBIA’s membership has played a crucial role in helping eqALL Business Solutions build valuable relationships, gain insights into the needs of the entrepreneurship support community, and enhance their programs. The connections eqALL has made and the knowledge they have gained through InBIA have significantly strengthened their capacity to support entrepreneurs and create impactful programs.

eqALL looks forward to continuing its work alongside its partners to foster a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem for all.

To learn more about eqALL Business Solutions and their mission, visit http://eqall.co, or connect with Holly Burrow on InBIA’s member platform, I-Connect. 

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