GigNET

The way we work is changing. With a major shift towards a gig economy and nomadic workforce on the horizon, it is more important than ever that we think about how to connect people with paying work. The higher-education system and typical 9-5 career can no longer be the primary pathway for success and financial security. Many people, across all demographics, want more flexibility and multiple income streams in order to simultaneously work and enjoy life. Our current system values and depends on higher education and insular social capital to facilitate success, leaving the most marginalized populations without access to steady streams of income, mentorship and experience-based learning. GigNET will offer a space for individuals, organizations and companies to hire for and/or find temporary and project-based work. Focusing on skills, ratings and application data rather than credentials and networks, this app will substantially level the playing field.

GigNET addresses the current astronomical unemployment rate the US is facing. Due to COVID-19, there was a 2.5M spike in nonfarm payroll unemployment in May of 2020. The current (as of this application) unemployment rate is 13.3%. While this rate is high for the general statistic, this rate is common for marginalized populations. Also, the shift towards automation was and will greatly impact what jobs are available for the non-white-collar workforce. Simply stated, the workforce has changed and will continue to change dramatically. Therefore, it is incredibly important that we increase access to opportunities for individuals to work. This means, we must be proactive about making space for other ways of working outside of the single stream income model. We need to have tools that make it easy for individuals to build notoriety and social capital, pick-up projects and temporary work, and keep their skills sharp through peer-to-peer learning and mentorship. The current apps for project-based and freelance work, primarily support the credentialed, role-based hiring model which typically neglects individuals unable to afford certification, advanced degrees and time-investment in project-bidding. 

GigNET is a two-sided network application that simplifies the process of hiring for temporary and project-based work. This app focuses on ease-of-use and convenience for both hiring entities and individuals seeking work. Similar to how UBER took an existing system, the taxi system, and simply made it more convenient and more accessible to the public, GigNET aims to do the same for the job market. The features that most highlight the incredible impact this app will have on the workforce are 1. Simple user-interface. Making it easy to find and apply for jobs cuts down significantly on access barriers for individuals not accustomed to the standard application process. 2. The simple in-app application process will allow for faster hiring. 3. The rating system will allow individuals to easily build social capital based on the quality of their work. 4. The knowledge share space will allow participants to post field-specific learning tools and resources for the entire GigNET community. 5. The in-app MyNetwork feature will allow participants to build a small, capped at 15, usable network of peers who have agreed to be an active resource. 6. An easy referral feature will allow hiring entities to contact gig workers with ease.  

GigNET will serve the temporary, freelance, entrepreneurial and contractor workforce. It will also serve small businesses, nonprofit organizations, sole proprieties and LLC companies. The initial target audience will be marginalized populations seeking work opportunities and small businesses and organizations as these populations were hit hardest by COVID-19. The primary aim behind GigNET is to increase access to work. My desire is to breakdown as many barriers as possible and make hiring for and finding work something that does not exist in an exclusive container that forces certain behavioral norms and therefore excludes populations that do not fit or conform to those norms. I have had several focus groups and individual interviews with small organizations and freelance and entrepreneurs in order to best capture the features that would make their work-life easiest. 

If we are examining the workforce, the aim should not be to fit more people into a model, but instead, to create a model that works with what people need. This challenge is asking how do we use innovation to increase the access and resources necessary for allowing individuals to gain financial security through work. By focusing on marginalized groups, small organizations and the glaring biases and barriers inherent in the traditional hiring process, GigNET will create an alternative easy-to use, non-exclusive pathway that quickly, simply and seamlessly connects people to jobs and jobs to people. 

After establishing a proof of viability in my resident city of Boise, Idaho, I would like to launch my product in Boston, Chicago and Phoenix. These cities have significant minority populations and enough industry to sustain a tool focused primarily on temporary and project-based work. The expansion strategy would include targeting nonprofit organizations, small businesses and higher education institutions as these entities use contractors, consultants and temporary workers with high regularity. In the higher education space, partnerships would also be developed with affinity groups, DE&I departments and first-generation service centers to target individuals who may need access to a project-based work and knowledge share tool. In the nonprofit sector, partnerships with these organizations would allow a targeted campaign to individuals receiving social services who may also benefit from having access to a tool that would allow for multiple streams of income and skill development. Finally, partnering with government agencies would allow for enforced targeting of marginalized populations that are at higher risk for unemployment and exclusion for the traditional workforce. Similar to marketplaces like Etsy, GigNET would act as a facilitator of the exchange of work services for a myriad of needs. Unlike most freelance job sites, the GigNET ecosystem will be a community space where the exchange of services AND the exchange of knowledge and development occur all in one place. Instead of a transactional experience, users will interact with GigNET like a hub intentionally designed for their advancement and financial security. 

I am currently the only worker on this project. I imagined the idea and built the concept design myself. 

As a Black female social entrepreneur, I know the struggle of existing in spaces that are homogeneous and single-minded. If I receive funding, my primary objective would be to hire a diverse software development firm as well as a group of content developers from various demographic backgrounds to help bring the project alive. I want as many perspectives and lived experiences around the creation table as possible. If this project is to be a success, it would need to be informed by the voices of all the people I hope to serve. So outside of the development team, I would also host several community focus groups to give individuals, within my market segment, a chance to voice their ideas and express their needs. 

There are several players in the freelance, temporary work market. Fivrr, Freelancer, TaskRabbit, Upwork, LinkedIn, just to name a few. These models follow the traditional idea that hiring specialized top-level talent is necessary; however, that model often neglects the generalist group of workers, non-white collar workers, marginalized individuals that may not have the finances or social capital necessary for higher-education and specialized certification, and the growing group of individuals looking to trade skills for income (work-for-hire model) rather than hold a work identity e.g. "graphic designer", "project manager", "data entry specialist". GigNET will function more as a digital job board and workforce community space for the work-for-hire model. 

The main features will be streamlined/simple user-friendly interface, equitable access, peer knowledge sharing (think YouTube) and convenience. Underlying the growth of the gig economy is a desire to have more freedom and flexibility without sacrificing the funds necessary to enjoy life. This growing desire, coupled with the loss of jobs due to COVID-19 and eventually automation, will leave a lot of folks looking for something the traditional workforce is ill-equipped to offer. This is the burgeoning need that I think GigNET can really address. 

GigNET will rely heavily on existing social network technology and algorithms. The aim is not to reinvent the wheel technology-wise, but instead, the aim is to channel the proven powerful effects of this existing technology to actually help individuals find sustainable and continuous financial security and social capital. I believe the intention underlying GigNET's design will allow it to use this existing technology to drastically change the worker engagement and experience with the job-market. Imagine if individuals had the access to increase their financial and social capital whenever their life allowed. Instead of having to rely primarily on the social services system, individuals could be empowered to turn their skills into the financial fuel needed to power a life and livelihood that could sustain and support them. 

Social network technology is widely used and accepted. Individuals are already using it in almost every aspect of their life. The issue with the existing technology is that it is depleting the population more than it is elevating it. I would like to introduce an application that can help bring balance to this space. People need to be able to as easily access resources and tools that can benefit their existence, as they can currently access tools that diminish their mental, emotional and physical health. If we want to actually create sustainable change we have to create the pathways for people to access success on their own, rather than dictate what actions we believe they need to take. 

The key problem GigNET addresses is job accessibility. Most people are not out of work because they want to be. In many cases, there are simply too many educational, cultural and social barriers prevalent in the existing job market. The long-term outcomes GigNET will create are: 1. Increased financial security due to diversified income streams and consistent job access. 2. Stronger social capital due to intentionally curated small networks. 3. Reduced systematic and personal stress. GigNET offers a "free market" model online space for individuals, companies and organizations to post job listings of any kind. This gives job seekers an opportunity to access jobs across the varied skill sets they hold. A graphic designer by trade, through the GigNET model, could easily apply for writing, project management, administrative, etc. gigs. Thus, increasing the number of income streams available to such a job seeker. GigNET will also increase social capital for job seekers and employers through its Shared Resource Network Communities. Users will be encouraged to build a knowledge community (of max 15 individuals). When consenting to join a knowledge community, users commit to actively sharing resources, insights and knowledge. The third major outcome important to our theory of change model is the reduction of systemic and personal stress. Having access to a simple tool that allows you to easily trade your skills for income, will reduce a need for reliance on public assistance and the emotional stress and anxiety that many Americans face from not knowing how to access financial resources in times of need. The process of searching for, applying, interviewing, on-boarding and eventually receiving a paycheck, if hired, from a traditional job can be a lengthy and draining process that does not allow for the more immediate financial needs most Americans face. Our aim is to increase accessibility by making it easier, quicker and more convenient for job seekers and employers to connect. 

This solution has the potential to quickly transform the lives of millions of people. Similar to how social networks changed the very fabric of the way we interact, engage, think and connect. This application can do the same. If I receive funding, my year one goal would be to develop and beta test the app. The development and beta testing phase would include testing across several demographics to ensure the app as culturally and socially accessible and responsive as possible. By year two (2), I would like to roll it out to 3 -5 cities with an intensive marketing campaign. Our society is already in the mental and emotional space, due to COVID-19 and the changing nature of work, for a major shift to take place. An intensive and creative marketing campaign would maximize this tipping point. I'd like to see .5M active users by the end of year two (2) In years three through five (3 - 5), I would like to gradually increase our geographic reach with the goal being fully national, with a strategic plan to launch internationally, by the end of year five (5). By year five (5), I would like to see our active uses reach 10M. 

My largest barriers are funding and strategic support. Because I am not a developer, I cannot create this tool without the resources necessary to hire a a team of tech developers as well as a creative team. I do have an MBA and currently work as a Finance Director, so I am confident in my ability to build and sustain the necessary business partnerships. I also grew up poor and black which means my access to social capital is very limited. This also means the social barriers I face attempting to enter the tech field are well above average. There will definitely be a learning curve for me, but I believe that my idea has the potential to greatly impact the lives of millions of people - especially those unable to fit within the standard model of career achievement and success. I believe in this idea. I am willing to work hard to see that it becomes a reality. It is time for more people who have actually faced what it feels like to be financially insecure and unable to catch that break to get the opportunity to create the solutions. I want to solve this problem because I know what this problem looks like up-close. I know the torment and feelings of worthlessness and stress that gets created when you are unable to feed yourself and your family. I know the frustration of having skills, but not opportunities to use them. 

I will keep applying for grants until I find a foundation willing to take a chance on this tool. 

Once my app is up and running I would like to collect the following outcomes data:

• Increased financial security
• Job confidence levels
• Reliance on public assistance
• Social capital levels (network, learned skills, reputation)

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As I mentioned previously, I have experienced poverty and job insecurity as a black woman in America. There are increased levels of screening and higher levels of uncertainty when it comes to being considered for roles for marginalized populations, and typically with no means of defense or counter. I have two advanced degrees from Boston College, and have still found it incredibly difficult to get jobs, mentors, social connections, informational interviews, responses to inquiries on LinkedIn etc. I also am a part of the growing population interested in more freedom and flexibility in the workforce. I am more interested in the exchange of my skills for commensurate pay and resources than I am in needing a title or career. I also have a liberal arts education which means I have the skills to do various tasks across many disciplines, therefore, having a space where I could be considered based on my answers to a standardized application, references and ratings, versus my career history would greatly increase my ability to have access to multiple income streams. All that to say, I know what it feels like to have skills that are not recognized or utilized because of the siloed rigidity of the current job market. 

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Social Business Model for GigNET

• Key Resources: GigNET.com, Brand, 
• Key Partners + Stakeholders: Job seekers, small businesses, companies, nonprofit institutions, educational institutions
• Key Activities: Digital job listings, applications, online resource sharing space, user-support
• Type of Intervention: Digital application (website and mobile app)
• Channels: GigNET.com, key partners and stakeholders
• Segments: Job seekers, contingent, freelance, entrepreneurial and contractor workforce, hiring entities 
• Customer: Hiring entities, job seekers
• Value proposition: Hassle free, jargon free simple access to jobs / Simplified hiring for project-based work 
• Impact measures: People hired, Networks created, Daily site utilization, # of members
• Customer value proposition: Increased financial security and fluidity / Decreased hiring time and effort 
• Cost structure: website development and maintenance, customer support, sales/outreach team, platform hosting, ads and marketing 
• Surplus: ads and marketing, platform development, sales and outreach 
• Revenue: user memberships, ads 

Short-term Funding Plan 

• Seed funding (Grants and Donations) for product development and launch

Long-term Funding Plan

• Fee-for-service model
• Ad revenue
• Merchandise

My aim is to use seed funding from grants to build, develop and set the strategic framework for the application. I would also use donation capital to set aside funds to allow for premium membership scholarships. 

Once the foundation has been set, I will use a fee-for-service membership model to bring in revenue from hiring entities and job seekers. The fee-for-service model will follow the traditional - free, standard, premium model with varying features unlocked at the different price rates. 

I would like for the site to be clean and user-friendly. Therefore, I would like to be creative about ad placement/incorporation into the website and mobile application. However, I see it as an important source of revenue. 

Because I see this as not just an application, but a movement to help reshape the way we think about money, work and financial freedom, then I would like a line of merchandise that promotes an elevated way of thinking about how we work. 

N/A

I am seeking grant funding entirely. My hope with this application is to test the viability of my concept. If you, as funders, find this project worthy of betting on, that would give me the freedom to devote the necessary time and energy required for procurement research on the cost of website development of this nature, marketing campaigns, creative team support, etc. 

I have mentioned my background several times in this application. In full honesty, I lack the social capital and the financial capital to take time away from work to do the research necessary to give you an accurate number here. I am also looking to create in a field that is not entirely familiar to me which puts me at a disadvantage in terms of researching figures around this project. I currently complete this application at night after working 10-hour days. So, if you see the vision and potential impact behind this project, I will welcome support in deciding on the funding that could help complete stage one - product development and launch. 

See previous response. 

If there is serious consideration of my project; I will do whatever I need to do to make the time to complete this question. However, if my project does not seem like something this initiative will fund, I do not have the capacity to do a detailed projection of expense. If the aim of this grant is to be inclusive, I hope this response is received knowing that there are very real constraints on time and energy that effect some applicant's ability to create applications of this nature. 

I am applying to the Reimagining Pathways to Employment challenge because I have been searching for a funding source that cares specifically about recreating the way we connect individuals to jobs. In order to fully understand the vision of GigNET, one must see that there are inherent flaws in the way we currently conceptualize and practice employment in the U.S. Not everyone will have the desire, ability or resources necessary to live-into the career-oriented model - instead of seeing this as a flaw of the individual or an opening in the system for creating more career-oriented individuals, we must see this as an opportunity to create different ways of funding the lives we live. Some individuals can live a dynamic life built on multiple streams of income derived from various short-term projects. Some individuals can climb the corporate ladder of success. To truly increase access means to make it possible for job seekers to live into these options, and all the options in between. As I mentioned, my two main barriers are funding and strategic support, because of the mix of funders involved in creating this challenge, I sincerely believe there is no better opportunity for me for bringing GigNET to life. I need visionaries, creative and strategic thinkers and folks deeply invested in making sure opportunities are made available for all individuals, including those relegated to the margins of our society. 

I would like creative and strategic thinking support for the development of the business model and rollout plan. 

I would like funding support to hire a diverse team of developers, creative thinkers and community partners. The community partners would be paid for periodic participation in round table discussions of the needs of communities they serve as it pertains to job seeking, talent development and skill development. This will help ensure the app actually serves the public. 

I would also like funding and strategic support for a marketing and outreach plant that will help secure a large membership and user-base. 

Local and city officials for my launch states - I would like accurate high-level data on employment/unemployment statistics. I would also like to understand the initiatives that have already been tried in these areas to understand where they have succeeded and where they have failed. 

Local universities and colleges - Career centers and student resource centers as well as student groups focused on professional development. These are the individuals entering the evolving economy. I would like to understand their vision for how they want to work and live. 

Local high schools - Not everyone who will enter the job market will go to college. I want to partner with local high schools to best understand the mindset and needs of the students who will travel the alternative pathways to financial security. 

Tech leaders - I am new to this field and given that, I want to learn more about how leaders in this field think when it comes to their platforms, users, success measures and public responsibility. I want to build an application that has the power to impact the public in a way that supports and elevates. In order for this to happen, I need to know how to build a symbiotic relationship that involves mutual growth and expansion. 

Funders - In order to ensure success, I will need access to streams of income during the development and growth phases of GigNET.