The Bounce Forward Program Registration

COVID-19 and social distancing presented the most significant disruption the United States has faced in more than a century. This disruption was particularly damaging to small businesses with less than 20 employees, which suffered over 100,000 closures in 2020. For those who survived, average revenue was reduced by as much as 40% as access to consumers was being restricted. Many businesses needed to completely redesign their products and services in order to sustain, but many didn't have the skills or emotional capacity to do so. Stressed out and overwhelmed, many hunkered down, just hoping things would somehow return to normal.

As we moved into 2021 and the easing of social distancing, there were many stories of companies who were able to reinvent their business model, reengage their target audiences, and build a stronger customer bases. but there are also many who were able to stay open and now need strategies to not only survive, but thrive.

The Bounce Forward program is a collaboration between Work for Humanity (WFH) and the Greater Ocala Community Development Corporation (GOCDC), designed to work with women and minority owned small businesses with 20 employees of less, to expand their leadership and coaching skills, engage employees as strategic partners, accelerate sustainable recovery, and  create a better quality of life for owners, employees, and their communities.

Program Details

The collaboration of WFH and GOCDC allows us to offer participants access to  a team of researchers, coaches, and consultants who have decades of experience helping small businesses and communities thrive. The program will be a cohort of 10 -15 businesses over an 8-week period and includes a blend of self-paced online learning, training, and coaching. There will also be live coaching sessions where everyone may ask questions and share knowledge. Participants will start the program by creating a profile of their company, setting a specific goal they want to achieve, and participate in data collection to monitor success.

The cost of the program is $300 per business and includes access to the learning platform, all program materials, videos, and emails, as well as social media groups, and weekly coaching sessions. 

Learn More

Our Team

Dr. Jennifer Gresham

Dr. Jen Gresham is the Executive Director of Work for Humanity. She has led research on the root causes of systemic inequality and declining economic mobility and served as a small business coach for the last 10 years.

Elgin Carelock

Elgin Carelock is the Chairman of the Board for the Greater Ocala Community Development Corporation. He has been a small business coach and strategist for 25 years. He has a long track record helping entrepreneurs chart new paths to economic and personal success.​

Pam Dibbs

Pam Dibbs is an entrepreneur, comedian, executive and team coach for organizations including Microsoft, Costco Wholesale, Boeing, Nike and Alaska Airlines. She is an expert in program design and team facilitation.

Matt Poland

Matthew Poland has 17 years of experience in workforce development and working with marginalized populations. He brings the perspective of people who face barriers to education and employment.

Register Today

We believe a business is only as agile as all the employees in it—and this distinction is what enables businesses to push past previous barriers and become the economic engine of their community.