StartR - Smart Retail Work
StartR is committed to solving the problem of access to new skills by workers that are replaced by technology and automation. Not only can the workers offer insight related to new technology that may help improve their work environment or industry, but they can also work directly with under-represented startups to learn new skills related to their industry in the area of tech. Our solution can be scaled in each city while working directly with the startup community and local workforce initiatives.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics and as of October 2020, there were nearly 11.1 million unemployed Americans. There were 3.2 million temporary unemployed Americans. These unprecedented numbers are highly related to the global pandemic, lack of resources, and preparedness. Those impacted are workers in retail, hospitality, small businesses, and businesses in general that are unable to survey or employed workers that are unable to continue working via remote work for example.
StartR connects under-skilled and unemployed workers that were employed pre-COVID with startups in the area that have or are working on a solution to solve a problem within that worker's industry. For example, StartR would connect a hospitality professional with a under-represented startup in the food space and develop a 3 to 6-month externship that provides new skills, specifically tech skills that would allow the worker to either continue working with the startup or apply for new opportunities in their industry.
To understand these population's needs, StartR would work directly with the department of labor to review and gather demographic and industry-specific data. The data will allow us to make informed decisions about the industry and how to best serve the population. We'll work closely with the startups to develop an externship that provides specific tech skillsets needed to advance in their industry or with the startup.
- Increase access to high-quality, affordable learning, skill-building, and training opportunities for those entering the workforce, transitioning between jobs, or facing unemployment
The StartR solution falls into two categories. Not only will the program help to provide hands-on training for many affected by COVID-19, but it will also spotlight under-represented (Black, Indigenous, and Latinx entrepreneurs and innovators) startups that help showcase or develop industry-specific solutions. Startups are nimble, agile, and able to pivot more quickly than large corporate organizations. Providing an externship with a thriving startup will allow the worker to gain invaluable hands-on tech experience and design thinking processes.
- Georgia
Yes. StartR can kick-off the program with ease here in Atlanta, GA. We'd partner with organizations like Google for Startup and the GA Department of Labor and/or Workforce Development to begin the project.
- Georgia
- Prototype: A venture or organization building and testing its product, service, or business model
FT - one
PT - two
Contractors - at least two to three
We'll align with other diverse organizations to open up opportunities in their virtual communities.