The Majira Project is ideal for startups and small to mid-sized growth companies who have strategy, sales & marketing, and/or operational needs to take their business to the next level. We are industry-agnostic and have worked with companies across various industries. Due to our mission to close the racial wealth gap, our program is specifically to assist companies led by Black, Latinx, or Indigenous founders and/or serving underserved communities. At this time, we only work with US-based, for profit companies.

While programs are operated virtually, the program takes a regional community approach where matched teams are typically no more than three hours away from companies to strengthen regional ecosystems and allow for in-person visits as appropriate. As of 2021, Majira currently operates in the following regional areas: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC. In 2022, we are adding Miami, Pittsburgh, Seattle, and the San Francisco Bay Area to our coverage area. As our program is primarily virtual, we will consider compelling US-based companies outside of these areas.

Due to our mission to close the racial wealth gap, our program is targeted to assist companies led by Black, Latinx, or Indigenous founders and/or serving underserved communities. Beyond that, we evaluate companies on three dimensions: team, traction, and substantive project potential. We've found that in order for companies to fully absorb the benefits of the program, they need to have a team with at least two full-time members and one full-time employee who is able to commit to participating (does not need to be the founder). In addition, this program is most valuable for revenue-generating companies looking to cross the $1M or $2M and beyond milestones. Finally, we look for companies with substantive strategy, sales & marketing, and/or operations business challenges or projects that our consulting teams will be well-equipped to address.

Selected companies are matched with a pro bono consulting teams skilled in key areas aligned with their business needs including strategy, marketing, sales, pricing, and operations. In addition to their consulting team, Majira will match the company with a business coach for to oversee their program experience and provide mentoring and advising.  All groups will work together to facilitate connections for the company. Twice a month, cohort speaker sessions on topics relevant to entrepreneurs (e.g., Sales & Marketing, Funding, Leadership, Mental Health) will not only provide the opportunity to learn from industry professionals, but also to network with other entrepreneurs.

This is a no-fee, no-equity program. However, we do ask alumni to consider paying it forward by donating their time, talent, and/or treasure to future cohorts as they are able. Over 40% of our alumni so far have returned to speak or mentor other entrepreneurs.

We specifically design our program to be light on time commitment for founders while maximizing value. Our program is 16 weeks starting from the end of September to the beginning of February. During that period, we estimate an average of 2-3 hours/week with the bulk of the time being front-loaded to ensure consultant teams have what they need to tackle the desired projects. The time is comprised of meetings with consultant teams, coaches, and our twice-a-month, hour-long speaker sessions that are optional (but valuable!). However, founders do NOT need to attend all meetings - team members are welcome and encouraged. Founders are asked to check-in bi-weekly with their coaches, meet with our Executive Director once during the program, and attend the kickoff and closing events.

We review all applications submitted through our online application form during the application cycle (typically late spring/early summer). Prospects who seem like a good fit will then be contacted to schedule a 15-30 minute interview for us to learn more and confirm fit.