Read about projects concerning…
Co-location/Feasibility
HiVE Vancouver
From the germ of an idea for an open concept co-location workspace, CapacityBuild was brought in to canvass the people, ideas and inputs and to shape the business plan, confirm commitment and prepare the financial model for the business concept. Pulling best practices from co-working hubs in Canada, the US and the UK, a comprehensive operating plan was developed along with a financially sustainable revenue model to garner sufficient demonstrated commitment from participants. HiVE Vancouver has been successfully operating as a model co-working lab for the past two years.
Association of Book Publishers of BC
The ABPBC along with two literary sector colleagues needed to address the squeeze of increasing lease costs in an expensive Vancouver market. They wanted to explore the possibilities of moving in together in a shared co-location workplace to see if the benefits were real, and to investigate the opportunity to open it up to many other similar minded organizations in the literary sector. CapacityBuild assessed current and future space needs, gathered input from 20 other sector organizations and modeled out 2 scenarios – a small footprint with 3 organizations and a larger multi-organization Centre. An investigation of the local property market verified potential costs and availability to inform the overall feasibility plan.
“As an ad hoc group of companies looking at co-location possibilities for the literary arts community, we needed direction and expertise to take us through the first stage in our exploration. Scott brought his significant business background and excellent communications skills to the process, which helped us enormously. He was responsive and imaginative, and brought our study in on time. It was a pleasure to work with him.”
Community Bonds
Centre for Social Innovation, Toronto
CSI had a golden opportunity to acquire a building in Toronto to expand their very successful model of space rental and resource sharing. As a non-profit organization, they had not accumulated any financial capital to serve as a down payment for the purchase, but support for the project was widespread. CapacityBuild took the financial forecasts and worked with the Board and staff to identify the opportunity to issue a bond, backed by the building. Assembling the documentation, legal framework and financial model, CapacityBuild supported the marketing and launch of a very successful Community Bond campaign to raise over $1.5 million.
“Scott was absolutely instrumental to CSI being able to purchase our 2nd location – CSI Annex. His insight, strategy and phenomenal support enabled us to co-create the Community Bond and successfully raise $6.8M in financing in under 6 months. Working with the assets that we had – our community – we built a tool that tapped into the power of unaccredited investors and enabled our organization and ultimately, the non-profit sector, to build community wealth. We couldn’t have done it without Scott.”
Business Planning
Tri-Cities Children’s Centre
Two Tri-Cities community service organizations have a vision for a dedicated Children’s Services Centre to better meet the needs of children with developmental delays, and their families. CapacityBuild assembled a team of consultants and managed the project to support the assessment, feasibility and design of service delivery framework needed for such a Centre. Analysis of operational needs informed space requirements, geographical suitability and several financial scenarios were modeled out. The outcomes report provided needed background and a basis for Board assessment and decision making around the project.
Strategy
Inclusion BC (formerly the BC Association for Community Living)
A diagnostic review of organizational practices and governance structure led to CapacityBuild and a partner consultant leading a strategic review and working with Board and staff to develop a new strategic framework for the organization. Complimenting this work, a review of financial practices and policies was conducted to engage stakeholders in a financial strategy which fit with and supported the overall organization strategy.
Investment
SOLEfood Farm
Building on a small test site urban farm operation in the downtown eastside of Vancouver, SOLEfood Farm was born with the support of a significant grant, enabled by a detailed finance and investment plan developed by CapacityBuild Consulting. Working closely with the agriculturalist and operations manager, a comprehensive 3 year operations and financial plan to carry the operation to financial self-sufficiency was built. In preparation of launching the project expansion, CapacityBuild led the work to determine the best organizational structure and governance model to support the social enterprise nature of the project with embedded charitable and business components. Today, SOLEfood Farm is North America’s largest urban farming operation, successfully delivering fresh daily produce to farm markets and local restaurants.
“Calm, dispassionate, and highly focused, Scott Hughes has the kind of financial and organizational experience that empowers projects to move from idea to successful reality.”