The workshop will center around a challenge – how to fix the communication divide between early-stage entrepreneurs and established companies.
JFF will host an interactive challenge that breaks down this disconnect and encourages both start-ups and large employers to work together to scale new innovations. JFFLab’s Ana Maria Aristizabal and Cat Ward will work with Autodesk Foundation’s Jean Shia and Steve Parish, HireGuide’s CEO, to divide the room into “established” vs. “upcoming” businesses. They will facilitate short breakout groups on how to solve for the pain points that prevent large companies from implementing new innovations and new startups from aligning with the existing market demand.
The speakers will reconvene the room to generate an interactive dialogue on takeaways, best practices, and needed changes to bring together key stakeholders. The challenge will also center on how to solve for equity issues, as many workers and entrepreneurs of color have been historically excluded from investments and mentorship. Attendees are encouraged to upload their responses to a survey, so they can walk away with tangible ideas after the workshop. This session will connect disparate stakeholders on ways to equitably advance new talent and innovations.
