Companies FAQ

1. What organizations are eligible to apply for a JumpStart NYC consultant?
2. How many projects can I submit and how many will be chosen?
3. What are my responsibilities toward the program participant I am matched with?
4. Do I have to keep my consultant on permanently?
5. How much work should a project represent?
6. What kind of project is best?
7. How are projects and consultants matched?
8. Can I apply again if not chosen?

1. What organizations are eligible to apply for a JumpStart NYC consultant?
JumpStart NYC will place its consultants in entrepreneurial start-up companies, in non-profit arts and culture organizations, and in later sessions, in green finance companies. Among entrepreneurial firms, any and all are welcome. All JumpStart NYC host organizations must be located in the five boroughs of New York City.

2. How many projects can I submit and how many will be chosen?
Many companies put in multiple applications, and several companies had more than one JumpStart NYC consultant. The key is to have projects that will engage the high quality professional talent represented in the JumpStart group.

3. What are my responsibilities toward the program participant I am matched with? Consultants are not employees and do not receive a stipend. Because they are completing their projects as part of their educational experience in the JumpStart NYC program, we do expect you to help provide a stimulating project and an enriching experience. In addition:

• You, or your designated project contact, will provide appropriate “on boarding” (e.g. education, introductions to teammates, company background) as needed, and will also provide appropriate mentoring and networking opportunities for the program participant.

  • The project(s) submitted will be clear in their scope, preferably with an identified, specific project deliverable so that all parties will be clear in their expectations.

  • You or your designee will be ready to begin working with our JumpStart NYC participant on or about July 26th.

  • All projects will be completed by October 4th, unless otherwise (mutually) agreed upon.

  • The project company and program participant will agree upon the amount of time the participant will spend at the company's office, but the project will be completed independently and at the direction of the participant, based on the participant's training and experience. There is no requirement that the program participant spend a set amount of time at the company's office.

4. Do I have to keep my consultant on permanently?
There is no obligation to offer the consultant a position. However, there were cases from earlier programs where consultants were offered a position or awarded paid consulting work.

5. How much work should a project represent?
200 hours spread over an 8-10 week period is what we anticipate, depending on the scope of the project and the consultant's evaluation of the time necessary to complete the project. Projects will have gone through a selection process to maximize productivity and ensure you will get the most out of your consultant.

6. What kind of project is best?
We recommend you look over the Project Guidelines. This will help you to understand the types of skills that the JumpStart NYC consultants are likely to have. It also gives some examples of projects that worked well in the first JumpStart NYC.

7. How are projects and consultants matched?
Once admitted to JumpStart NYC, the consultants will have the chance to view the available projects and select five potential projects in priority order. We will provide the consultants’ bios and resumes to companies, aiming to find the consultant best suited to complete the project. Once the project assignment is made, we anticipate that the final decision, and the final scope of the project, will be determined by the end of the first week of the project. If the arrangement is not successful, we will do our best to create a better one.

8. Can I apply again if not chosen?
Yes, it is encouraged. Our pilot program was a great success we have been awarded more sessions going to 2011. We keep all company applications on file and always encourage past companies to apply again. It’s best to reapply, since your needs, and what is important to you, are likely to change.