Business
Data-Driven Decisions, L3C
Ken Roubal
About Ken
What is your business/idea?
This social enterprise is a low-profit limited liability company (L3C) that uses data science to amplify the impact of human services. Small nonprofits are impacted by the Digital Divide because it’s generally cost prohibitive to add a data role or hire expensive consultants. We solve this problem with an IT gap service that prioritizes social impact over profit. To this end, we provide a 50% discount on all services for our 501c3 customers.
What inspired you to start a business?
To directly change my corner of the world: a business can be one of the most powerful vehicles of social change. I have a great deal of experience in the public sector and those experiences showed me the desperate need for accessible data expertise. I also believe that principles of worker self-management, democratic decision-making, and radical inclusion foster a more efficient and fulfilling work experience.
How did you get to the point you are today with this business/idea?
I’m honestly a person who likes to do all the things so I think that naturally lead me to the entrepreneurial mindset. Besides that, a consultancy always seemed desirable to me due to the diversity of projects you can have in your portfolio. With my business, I have the freedom to tackle real world problems with a social impact.
What is your vision for the future of your business?
I hope to continue adding clients as well as expanding the available services. I have numerous colleagues with diverse skill sets and subject matter expertise who are ready to join relevant projects as they arise. We are working with partners to explore opportunities in early childhood education and affordable housing.
What goals do you hope the One and All program will help you achieve?
I hope the One and All program will connect me with with a mentor to broadly review my business launch and help me ensure I have covered all my bases. I would also appreciate guidance on general but necessary business paperwork and documentation. Perhaps more importantly, we would would like to successfully launch a marketing campaign to generate more business.