Advisor Tashie George offers support and connection

Advisor Tashie George offers support and connection

Tashie George has built several successful businesses and learned a lot of things the hard way.

Today, she’s guiding small business owners and idea-stage entrepreneurs on how to avoid the many roadblocks she faced as the lead advisor with IFRI-TRYV, a nonprofit small-business support organization.

“We provide that hands-on guidance to help people build the solid foundation that's really needed to be successful within any business,” said Tashie.

One thing she tells every advisee: You need to be committed to yourself.

“Nothing is achievable without self-commitment,” said Tashie. “Secondly, you need to be open minded and willing to learn and willing to put in the work.”

Validation, then connection

Tashie’s advising method touches on a lot of essential business fundamentals, from business strategy, and financial management, to a special focus on idea-stage support. She is especially proud of her proactive work to help advisees access capital. She ensures that her clients are ready to get the financing they need, when they need it.

All her support comes down to two key things for new businesses and entrepreneurs: validation and a realistic financial picture.

“Those are the two key things, making sure your business idea or business concept really makes sense,” said Tashie. “Then, it’s understanding how it makes money.”

She has a rigorous method to validate businesses that includes industry research, developing a mission statement, identifying products and services offered, and generating a business plan.

Then, Tashie works with advisees to develop a financial projection.

“How long is it going to take for you to get this going, and how long is it going to take for you to actually make money from this,” said Tashie. “We need to really put numbers into perspective.”

There are two successful outcomes of these steps. The realistic picture may not match the original entrepreneurial vision. Tashie says that’s OK, it means entrepreneurs can take a step back and find another path forward without wasting a lot of time, energy, and money.

If the concept and the financial projections make sense, Tashie works with advisees to build the foundation of their business and get going with further support from other Elevate Hennepin advisors.

“One of the things that I enjoy about Elevate Hennepin is this lovely ecosystem of other advisors and colleagues,” said Tashie.

Depending on what the business or founder needs, Tashie will make connections across the Elevate Hennepin advisor network. If a business needs deeper legal compliance or certifications, she’ll hand off to a legal advisor. If there are marketing needs, she’ll hand off to a marketing consultant. For financial needs, she’ll make a connection with a lending resource.

Tashie and IFRI-TRYV also host a number of ongoing resources like networking groups and an annual expo to bring entrepreneurs together to connect and share knowledge as they grow. Watch for her events on the Elevate Hennepin event calendar.

Above all, Tashie said her goal is to help entrepreneurs and small businesses avoid the same challenges she did starting and growing businesses.

“Entrepreneurs lead with passion, and we often find ourselves working backwards,” said Tashie. “I don't want that happening anymore. I want that clear-cut guidance for folks starting out.”