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Launch, grow, pivot, scale.
We help lifestyle businesses build the authenticity and value needed to navigate all stages of growth.
From start-up to global success, we believe all companies can benefit from shared knowledge. Our proven mentoring structures help sports, active lifestyle and healthy living companies build the value the founders need them to have - for the future they envision, whether that’s building a family business, or a big exit.
Our mentor community of over 100 executives and founders share their knowledge and experience because they know what they give back, will help to build stronger, better businesses in our space.
“The best way to get to where you are going, is to ask someone who is on their way back”
Who do we help?
Early stage founders looking to fill a knowledge gap
Companies of all stages that are preparing to, or are currently, raising funds
Solo founders or small teams that are looking for advice on efficiency and scale
Businesses facing a pivot or business development challenge
Established businesses looking for industry specific advising
We’ve been helping Sports and Active Lifestyle Companies since 2008 - and we know mentoring makes a difference.
“This program opened my eyes to new ways I could think about my business and its future growth. SDSI, and the mentors I worked with, had the experience and forethought to take my challenges, challenge my thought processes, and present new, exciting ideas that have had immediate impacts on our future. The program allowed me the opportunity to learn and identify uniquely creative solutions that only those who’ve walked the path before would be able to share. This will, with no doubt, enable my business to really grow in the months and years ahead. Making the best decision for my business is always #1 and his may have been one of the best investment decisions yet.”
Who Are Our Mentors?
Who are Sports, Active Lifestyle and Healthy Living Companies?
SDSI is an organization that focuses on Sports, Active Lifestyle and Healthy Living businesses and commerce. Not sure if your business qualifies? Here’s some examples below, but you can always send us a message and ask!
Action sports - Surfing, skateboarding, snowboarding and Skiing, BMX, Motocross, etc.
Biking – Mountain Biking and cycling
Hiking and Outdoors – Camping, adventure trekking, kayaking, scuba diving, etc.
Yoga and Pilates – Apparel, Equipment and Accessories
Fitness – Cross fit, martial arts, gym equipment and apparel
Health and Wellness – Mindfulness and Meditation services, sport related medical devices, apps and accessories
Sports Tech – app enabled devices, web based services, big data
Coaching and Technique – Products and services
Team Sports - Youth, competitive, professional and recreational
Sports Nutrition – Food, drinks, apps and services
Food and Beverage – Promoting healthy choices or with an eco conscious focus
FAQ
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No. Though we are based in San Diego, all program critical elements are conducted virtually, with any in-person components considered optional.
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Yes, and no. We do not do individual mentor pairings outside of our mentoring programs. Through more than a decade of knowledge sharing experience we’ve learned that structure is key to successful mentoring outcomes.
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Yes and no. While none of our mentor programs are directly tied to, or focused on funding, our network can be a powerful force in generating investor awareness. Cash flow is important to any healthy business, so business financing conversations and relationships are always important around SDSI.
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Our programs vary in time commitment and intensity, but all of our programs are designed for working founders and busy leaders. Our mentors work to provide the type of clarify and focus that helps leaders prioritize their time effectively.
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Most of our programs are all extensions of membership with SDSI. SDSI is a 501c3 not -for-profit. Pricing varies by business stage and program structure. Programs start at $250 for early stage businesses and from $3,500 for growth focused programs.
Our Programs
For entrepreneurs in ideation and planning stages: Our Gateway Program takes business knowledge from conceptual to real world. With this program you gain access to the SDSI Business Plan Template and see firsthand how entrepreneurs in the launch and growth phases of their business structure their plans. You’ll also receive one-on-one guidance from an SDSI mentor, and have the opportunity for introductions to SDSI service providers who are vetted experts in their fields.
For businesses with market traction looking to grow: Our flagship mentoring program offers unique structured, yet flexible business mentoring to prepare companies for scale. Best for businesses with an existing product or service, our rigorous screening process pairs companies with teams of mentors to help prepare to raise funding, launch new products, develop strategic partnerships and position themselves for sustainable growth.
For established businesses looking for industry specific advising: Highly confidential and fully customized to each company, SDSI Masters is our executive, peer-to-peer mentoring program that pairs mature businesses with industry veterans to solve problems, pivot and/or direct future growth.