Help Desk Project Application Form

As a Sunshine Enterprises CBA Student or Alum, you are invited to submit your business project to the Help Desk!

The Help Desk is a new referral program for our clients, the Community Business Academy (CBA) graduates. The CBA supports under-resourced entrepreneurs looking to grow and expand their businesses.

The Help Desk is a referral service that connects SE clients with qualified and certified professional service providers who can provide business and consultation service support to assist them with their business needs and challenges. SE provides financial assistance, through an equity grant, to help small business owners access these services. Professional services include, but are not limited to, accounting, legal, insurance, website development, graphic design, printing, videography, photography, and social media. Please read the information below to get started: Use this form to submit your project proposal.

The Help Desk is a project-based program, so you should have a specific area of need that you would like to address in order to improve or expand your business. Your proposal should include the type of professional service you are seeking, as well as the current needs of your business. The more detail you can include, the better we are able to find a professional service provider aligned to your needs.

The Help Desk will provide up to $500 in funding for your project, depending on the total cost. Please be prepared to fund 25% of the total project cost or a small, non-refundable fee in order to begin work.

This may vary depending on the cost of your project. If you have any questions, or need support filling out this form, please reach out to our helpdesk manager at helpdesk@sunshineenterprises.com.

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Helpdesk Participants

Welcome to the Sunshine Enterprises (SE) Help Desk. This document outlines the agreement between SE and you, the CBA alumni.

Background:

Sunshine Enterprises (SE) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit based in Chicago, IL, with a mission to help entrepreneurs and communities build strong, sustainable businesses that transform lives and strengthen neighborhoods.

Eligibility for Project Funding:

• You must be a CBA graduate.
• Your business must be in operation.
• A completed project application form must be submitted.
• The project must aim to improve or expand your business.

CBA Alumni (SE Clients) Agree to:

• Follow and respect the payment policies of Professional Service Providers (PSPs).
• Manage the project independently from SE. SE is not responsible for any payments or services beyond the agreed-upon grant payment, nor for any additional services agreed upon between you and the provider.
• SE will not mediate service disputes; any issues should be resolved directly with the PSP.
• Pay 25% of the project cost before work begins. SE will provide a stipend of up to $500 per project, and you are responsible for any remaining balance.
• Participate in periodic surveys to help SE measure project success.

Project Completion Reporting:

Within 5 business days of completing the project, you must provide:

• Name of the Professional Service Provider.
• General scope of the project.
• Start and completion dates.
• Total hours worked.
• Outcomes or impacts of the project.

SE Promises to:

Vet Professional Service Providers to ensure they are ready to assist you.
Provide a stipend covering up to $500 of the total project cost.

Authorization:

By signing this MOU, both parties agree to the terms and objectives outlined in this document. SE reserves the right to update this MOU at any time.