HomeMy WebLinkAboutLee Iben - Action Coach Campus
136 S Dubuque Street Iowa City IA 52240
***.aconcoachcampus.com
Sunday, April 30, 2023
ARPA Funding Request for Interest
c/o
Redmond Jones II
City of Iowa City
410 E. Washington St.
Iowa City, IA 52240
To Mr. Jones,
We are writing to request federal funding to support the coaching and development of underestimated businesses
in the Iowa City community, through our company, ActionCOACH Campus. Iowa City is a diverse community that is
home to a variety of small businesses, many of which are owned and operated by individuals from historically
disconnected communities.
While these businesses have tremendous potential to drive economic growth and provide vital services to our
community, they often face unique challenges that can hinder their success. Many underestimated entrepreneurs
lack access to the resources and support networks needed to grow and scale their businesses. As a result, they may
struggle to secure funding, build strong teams, and navigate the complexities of running a successful enterprise.
At ActionCOACH Campus, we have developed proprietary systems and resources that have proven effective with all
types of businesses in over 80 countries around the globe. These systems were first developed in 1993 and have
since been refined and tested to help businesses achieve their goals and overcome their challenges. Our experienced
coaches will use these systems to provide targeted coaching and mentorship to underestimated businesses in Iowa
City, helping them develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.
Through this program, we believe that we can help build a more resilient and equitable economy in Iowa City. By
supporting the growth of underestimated businesses, we can create jobs, drive innovation, and provide essential
goods and services to our community. We are committed to ensuring that all members of our community have the
opportunity to thrive, and we believe that this program will be an important step toward that goal.
We are seeking federal investment to support this program, and we believe that our proposal aligns with the
priorities of the Johnson County Inclusive Economic Development Plan. We are confident that with your support,
we, at ActionCOACH Campus, can make a significant impact in the lives of underestimated entrepreneurs in Iowa
City for generations to come. Thank you for your consideration of our proposal.
Sincerely,
Lee Iben Marlén Mendoza
Mobile | 319.359.8776 Mobile | 773.987.8123
email: leeiben@actioncoach.com email: marlenmendoza@actioncoach.com
ActionCOACH Senior Partner/Firm Owner ActionCOACH Campus/Client Cultivation
136 S Dubuque Street Iowa City IA 52240
***.aconcoachcampus.com
I.Requesting Investment for Business Support Systems (Programs)
2. A general description of the project, including the purpose, benefits, and specific goals.
Demonstrate the community benefit of the project using qualitative and quantitative measurements.
Specifically, note how the project will accomplish the goals outlined in the Inclusive Economic
Development Plan and City Council Strategic Plan
ActionCOACH is a renowned global coaching company with over thirty years of operation. We have a
proprietary standard curriculum and specialize in empowering businesses at all levels to grow, sustain,
or sell their businesses for a profit. Our tools have set us up to coach business owners from all different
backgrounds, regardless of the business type or service. Our coaching methods serve any business
owner because every profitable business needs strong business operations and infrastructure to grow or
sell.
ActionCOACH Campus is an Eastern Iowa local franchise owned and operated by local business owner
Lee Iben. Our growing team includes two bilingual Latina women, Adriana Contreras, owner of Adriana
Salon in the South of 6 Business District, and Marlen Mendoza, owner of Mendoza Consulting. Both of
them are acquiring certification to coach in English and Spanish.
We seek investment to continue the work we are already doing in the Iowa City Area and provide
coaching to thirty-seven underestimated businesses that currently cannot afford coaching. We want to
support the City of Iowa City’s intention and focus by working with underserved minority business
owners and providing full-service support business coaching for up to two years.
It has been our experience that most new business owners feel they were not properly taught how to
start and run efficient businesses that generate wealth for their families and reach a level of profit to
where they are inspired to give back to their communities. Unfortunately, this mindset appears to be
compounded in black and brown communities. Our investment to conduct this business support aligns
with what the community is seeking, Underestimated Business Mentorship and Sustainable Business
Education. These outcomes were outlined in the Pathfinder Project from the Strategic Doing Sessions for
the Johnson County Inclusive Economic Development Plan in 2022.
ActionCOACH Campus has the tools and curriculum to mentor, teach business fundamentals and
empower business owners to grow a sustainable business, one step at a time, with proven results. Each
business owner is matched with a certified business coach who will hold them accountable by meeting
with them bi-weekly for a period of two years.
Our goal is to teach and guide all thirty-seven businesses to identify the pain points in their business,
establish a clear vision and mission for their business direction and formulate an action plan with short-
term quarterly goals that align with their longer 3-5 year plan. Our coaching team will keep them
accountable to the goals identified as they prepare and work toward the growth of their business.
• We will accomplish this with an initial deep dive business diagnostic to identify immediate
growth areas.
136 S Dubuque Street Iowa City IA 52240
***.aconcoachcampus.com
• Secondly, we will go over the 6 -steps tool to help them set up their business priorities in the
proper order.
• Finally, with our bi-weekly coaching and quarterly growth club meetings, we will keep them
accountable for their tasks and assist them with any hurdles they face.
The numbers from their P&L statements and those shared at the quarterly growth club will give us
quantitative data to track how much their business has grown. After each bi-weekly coaching session,
their feedback surveys will serve as qualitative data to monitor how the business owner feels and how
much value they receive post-coaching sessions. At the end of every coaching session, we always ask
them to share their biggest take-away and what they will focus on in the two weeks ahead.
3. A description of how the project builds community resiliency following the COVID-19 pandemic by
building capacity to serve community residents.
ActionCOACH Campus excels at developing business owners into business leaders prepared to deal with
the adversity of all types. We do this by improving the business owner’s mindset about business
ownership, growing and developing team members, as well be prepared for the unexpected in
business. A key component is how we teach owners to attain true break even by budgeting consistent
owner’s salary and profit margins into their cash flow projections. By being financially solvent, owners
are less stressed and better equipped to handle unexpected circumstances when they arise.
On average, a business owner typically needs two years to get a business to a sustainable model where
the business works without the owner involved in the day-to-day operations, thus allowing them more
time to work on business strategy. This investment in ActionCOACH Campus will positively impact the
local economy and give business owners the skills and tools they need to adapt and grow their
businesses regardless of current economic conditions.
Our business coaching curriculum is tailored to meet business owners where they are and identify ways
for them to serve community residents and build out capacity at the same time. We do this in many
ways, including our proprietary 5 Ways formula. We work with business owners to find their niche
target market, and we test and measure every marketing and growth strategy they use to follow the
numbers and save time and money. We hone in on testing and measuring every aspect of the business
to avoid future mistakes and, in the long run, save the business owner money that can be re-invested in
the business and the community.
For example: ActionCOACH Campus proudly served the business community by donating complimentary
business coaching during the pandemic. We understood how challenging the time was for local small
businesses, and we started a simple campaign to put bright green “We Are Open” signs on storefront
windows to let residents know if a business was open, closed, or open for carry-out. Here are some of
the pictures of our work during this time. (Printed examples follow).
136 S Dubuque Street Iowa City IA 52240
***.aconcoachcampus.com
4. An estimated project budget includes how much in City assistance you request. Identify both the
proposed sources and uses of funds for the total project. Identify if each funding source has
committed funds.
Requesting $ 1 Million in investment to coach 37 clients with complete service for two years. Complete
service entails bi-weekly monthly meetings with a certified business coach with ActionCOACH Campus at
$1,150 monthly. (37 clients at $1,150/month over two years is $1,021,200. 00).
The requested investment would pay for print materials, four full-time coaches (10 businesses average
per coach), and GrowthClub quarterly evaluation meetings over two years.
Completing a full Business Diagnostic and conducting a full DISC assessment before formal coaching
begins to identify the business's health and status and understand how the business owners operate
(strengths and attitudes). Coaching can be done in English and Spanish. Once coaching is in session,
ActionCOACH Campus will host quarterly “Growth Club” meetings over two years to convene all
business owners and coaches to share best strategies, build community and set new quarterly profit and
growth goals. These quarterly meetings are half a day in a meeting conference room, and lunch and
materials are provided.
In-Kind Contribution
ActionCOACH Campus requires all clients to participate in a 90-minute Business Diagnostic session at the
beginning to establish a baseline and at the end of the engagement to verify progress. The fee for this
service is $795/per session. ActionCOACH Campus will underwrite this amount for each client served
through Iowa City Grant Funds. 37 clients x $795 x 3 sessions = $88,245 (Beginning engagement
assessment, mid-point assessment to measure progress, and a completion assessment)
136 S Dubuque Street Iowa City IA 52240
***.aconcoachcampus.com
To meet the need, ActionCOACH Campus will be certifying four additional coaches in the
ActionCOACHTM business coaching program and DISC behavioral assessments at a cost of approximately
$26,000.
All in all, ActionCOACH Campus will be investing back into this community project an expected total of
$114,245.
Other tools and resources (such as DISC Motivators, Working Genius, and BizEquity) may be utilized
throughout the coaching engagement; all at the additional expense of ActionCOACH Campus.
5. A preliminary timeline for the execution of the project. The City intends for all grant funds to be
expended by December 31, 2026. If this is not possible in the project schedule, please detail the
estimated draw-down timeframe.
Date Objective Goal
October
2023
Vetting business owners with the time
to commit to two years of coaching
and the right mindset to learn,
empower themselves, and do the
work.
Work with partners in the Iowa City Area who
work with underserved business owners that
they can recommend to us. We have a list of
small business owners we have spoken to but
cannot afford our coaching services. See
Additional Information Below.
November -
December
2023
1. Onboard 37 business owners
and schedule Business
Diagnostic.
2. Invite them to attend and sit
in on a Growth Club Meeting
to meet other clients who
have worked with us and ask
them questions. Voluntary -
not mandatory.
Build relationships with our identified
business owners.
January -
December
2024
First full year of bi-weekly monthly
coaching
(4) Growth Club meetings hosted
quarterly
*City Evaluators for this grant should
be present to hear how businesses are
doing and receive a quarterly update
as needed
See growth every quarter and especially at
the end of the year. Report data/evaluation
to City.
136 S Dubuque Street Iowa City IA 52240
***.aconcoachcampus.com
January -
December
2025
Second full year of bi-weekly monthly
coaching
(4) Growth Club meetings hosted
quarterly
*City Evaluators for this grant should
be present to hear how businesses are
doing and receive a quarterly update
as needed
See growth every quarter and especially at
the end of the year. Report data/evaluation
to City.
At this point, the growth in profits from the
business should pay for coaching to continue
post-grant award.
6. A statement about the organization’s ability to perform appropriate grant and financial
management, including any related experience managing city, state, or federal grant funds. Provide 3
years of financial statements of the lead organization, if available. Please indicate what type of
technical assistance may be needed to help prepare the organization for grant management
responsibilities.
ActionCOACH Campus is a franchise partner of ActionCOACH Global, a 30-year-old worldwide coaching
company established in 1993. We work with business partners, non-profit organizations, strategic
alliances, and government entities. ActionCOACH Campus was started in Iowa City April, 2020. We have
attached three years of P&L Statements demonstrating our growth and impact.
7. A description of all work related to the project that has been completed to date, if any, including
any secured funding, contracted professional services, property, land acquisition, grant or loan
activity, etc.
In anticipation of meeting the needs of this request, ActionCOACH Campus has invested the funds
necessary to certify our newest Latina coach this month. We will be adding an additional Latina coach in
October. Of note, both coaches also own and operate small businesses in Iowa City.
8. Any other information, including letters of support, the submitting agency deems appropriate. As
the funding entity, no letters of support should be sought from City of Iowa City staff or elected
officials.
TESTIMONIALS (Actual copies on letterhead are available)
“Lee has been an essential asset to our business. He has guided us in a direction that allows us
to work ON our business and less IN our business allowing us to grow and actually have a
sellable business.”
Patty Elliott, Elliott Realty Group
“I have appreciated Lee’s forthright advice and expertise in building my practice. He has helped
me with the “nuts and bolts” of the business side of building a concierge medical practice.”
Dr. R. Larew, Larew Internal Medicine
136 S Dubuque Street Iowa City IA 52240
***.aconcoachcampus.com
“I recommend ActionCOACH Campus because they truly help with your business.”
Adriana Contreras, Adriana’s Salon
“I’d recommend all small businesses take advantage of his services, but most especially
healthcare businesses, where often times the owners are better practitioners than business
people......Thanks Lee!”
Laura Christensen, Acupuncture of Iowa
“I went through the ActionCOACH™ system with my business and went from working 60 hours
per week in it and stressed out to working on the business only 2-3 hours per week. I know it
sounds crazy but 100% true. Contact Lee and ask for my contact info. I would be happy to tell
you how I did it.”
Don Dotson, Above and Beyond Cleaning Service
“A little over year ago I was introduced to Lee Iben with ActionCOACH Campus. He set up a
brief live zoom interview with me and after a few questions I knew he was someone I wanted on
my team but more importantly needed. Just like professional athletes have a head coach, many
professional athletes also have life coaches, personal training coaches, personal growth
coaches, the list goes on and on. Many business owners think they have to have all the
answers, make all the decisions or put all the fires out. Personally, I did not and do not have
all the answers, I do however have burning desire to build a business that will outlive me, and I
am getting better at empowering the people on my team through the principles of
ActionCOACH™.
So, now a year plus later ActionCOACH Campus and Lee are an integral part of my team here
at Egli Landscapes coaching us through the 99 Rabbit Holes of business. Lee has aided in my
discovery and understanding that building a business with really good systems and processes
will allow you to better enjoy being an owner/entrepreneur.”
Tim Egli, Egli Landscapes
“ActionCOACH Campus curriculum and tools are invaluable. My selling point was not the
material but my coach Lee Iben. Seeing his passion for business and his mindset translate to
his work and approach to life made me want to become a coach and try to replicate the impact
he is making in our community. Gracias!”
Marlen Mendoza, Mendoza Consulting
136 S Dubuque Street Iowa City IA 52240
***.aconcoachcampus.com
List of Business Owners we know need coaching and are interested in our services but cannot
afford it and should be recommended to be one of these 37 businesses.
1. Rodney’s Jamaican Jerk Chicken
2. Cachua’s Cakes
3. Artesania de Colores
4. La Mexicana Taqueria & Tienda
5. DaFlavor Unit
6. Garcia’s Painting
7. El Azul Mexican Grocery Store
8. Andale Andale Cantina Bar & Grill
9. Mammitas Coffee & Flower Shop
10. Cielo Goods
11. Maestro Empanada
12. Cafe on the Go
13. Mi Mundo de Globos
List of Partners we are eager to work with to recommend businesses+ and any other letters of
interest that we can work with to provide business support systems.
1. South of 6 Iowa City Business District
2. Emprendimiento Latino 5M
3. LULAC 308
4. South District Diversity Market
5. Dream City
6. Iowa City Area Business Partnership - Small Business Scholarship Recipients
7. Iowa City Area Development - Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners
136 S Dubuque Street Iowa City IA 52240
***.aconcoachcampus.com
ActionCOACH Campus
Profit and Loss
January - December 2020
Accrual Basis Sunday, April 30, 2023 01:18 PM GMT-05:00 1/1
TOTAL
Income
Coaching Income 29,490.31
Total Income $29,490.31
Cost of Goods Sold
Cost of Goods Sold 101.44
Royalty Fees - AC 11,700.00
Total Cost of Goods Sold $11,801.44
GROSS PROFIT $17,688.87
Expenses
Advertising & Marketing 6,654.21
Automobile Expenses 31.80
Bank Charges & Fees 359.58
Business Meals 2,630.75
Contractors 8,045.00
Insurance 631.00
Legal & Professional Services 667.82
Mileage 181.94
Office Supplies & Software 12,003.06
Online Tools 1,513.68
Other Business Expenses 5,104.46
Permits & Licenses 184.57
Professional Development & Education 1,526.95
QuickBooks Payments Fees 183.60
Rent & Lease 4,300.00
Repairs & Maintenance 363.50
Travel 13,608.37
Travel Meals 134.55
Utilities 2,146.60
Total Expenses $60,271.44
NET OPERATING INCOME $ -42,582.57
NET INCOME $ -42,582.57
136 S Dubuque Street Iowa City IA 52240
***.aconcoachcampus.com
ActionCOACH Campus
Profit and Loss
January - December 2021
Accrual Basis Sunday, April 30, 2023 01:17 PM GMT-05:00 1/1
TOTAL
Income
Coaching Income 146,216.42
Total Income $146,216.42
Cost of Goods Sold
Cost of Goods Sold 103.17
Marketing Fees - AC 1,419.00
Royalty Fees - AC 15,600.00
Total Cost of Goods Sold $17,122.17
GROSS PROFIT $129,094.25
Expenses
Advertising & Marketing 5,758.72
Bank Charges & Fees 1,652.41
Business Meals 2,333.66
Contractors 1,900.00
Legal & Professional Services 16,281.02
Mileage 91.22
Office Supplies & Software 14,137.82
Online Tools 636.88
Other Business Expenses 7,411.61
Professional Development & Education 2,554.37
QuickBooks Payments Fees 771.03
Rent & Lease 10,625.00
Repairs & Maintenance 144.14
Travel 7,875.53
Travel Meals 477.02
Utilities 3,417.39
Total Expenses $76,067.82
NET OPERATING INCOME $53,026.43
NET INCOME $53,026.43
136 S Dubuque Street Iowa City IA 52240
***.aconcoachcampus.com
ActionCOACH Campus
Profit and Loss
January - December 2022
Accrual Basis Sunday, April 30, 2023 01:16 PM GMT-05:00 1/1
TOTAL
Income
Coaching Income 230,034.50
Total Income $230,034.50
Cost of Goods Sold
Cost of Goods Sold 593.61
Marketing Fees - AC 2,750.00
Royalty Fees - AC 19,768.75
Total Cost of Goods Sold $23,112.36
GROSS PROFIT $206,922.14
Expenses
Advertising & Marketing 6,412.00
Bank Charges & Fees 605.46
Business Meals 1,681.19
Contractors 171.31
Legal & Professional Services 9,672.87
Office Supplies & Software 5,269.25
Online Tools 559.17
Other Business Expenses 6,955.53
Payroll Expenses 1,616.43
Taxes 686.70
Wages 4,360.00
Total Payroll Expenses 6,663.13
Permits & Licenses 1,209.40
Professional Development & Education 1,547.80
QuickBooks Payments Fees 2,915.39
Rent & Lease 1,050.00
Travel 13,388.04
Travel Meals 341.66
Utilities 2,208.19
Total Expenses $60,650.39
NET OPERATING INCOME $146,271.75
NET INCOME $146,271.75