Upwardly Global

http://www.upwardlyglobal.org

San Francisco, CA

Round –

Spring 2004

Project Type –

Full team

Project Focus –

Replication

Organization Type –

International Development / Microfinance

Organization

Upwardly Global's mission is to increase economic opportunities for unemployed and underemployed immigrant professionals and to decrease discrimination against immigrants in the labor market.

Project Objectives

Upwardly Global (UpGlo) asked ACT to assess potential geographical models by investigating cost structure and revenue potential for expansion models. If expansion was deemed financially and operationally viable, ACT was asked to recommend a roll-out strategy, including major organizational structure, milestones, and potential partnerships.

Project Overview

Researched expansion benefits and risks for UpGlo
Assessed current organization strengths and weaknesses
Researched expansion readiness of UpGlo
Conducted expansion study on different options and models; Five main expansion models; Expansion strategy is organization specific
Created rollout strategy for UpGlo
Recommended next steps for expansion

Key Recommendations

Become "expansion-ready"
Expand using regional model, with timing and scope dependent upon local market conditions and funding
Select Southern California, New York City, or Houston as initial (trial) expansion site; phase in additional sites as funding and capacity allows

Useful Items