I was part of a talented team ... working for a business I believed in."
Many might not even know where to look — or even how to ask — for support when it comes to back-end wiring or front-end interfaces. But when external or internal circumstances force change, technology is critical.
Last spring, as business closures spread across the country, small business owners and employees were thrown into a void of uncertainty. Now almost a year later, many feel as if that void has only grown in size and complexity as our ways of working, consuming and living continue to shift.
“COVID really accelerated the digital transformation,” says Richard Wang, a small business owner who is CEO of Coding Dojo, an online and in-person bootcamp for software developers. “Now, you are forced to have a digital footprint and businesses need a digital infrastructure to thrive.”
Supporting digital infrastructures is at the core of Wang and his team’s mission at Coding Dojo. Not only does Coding Dojo train and educate full-stack software developers, they actively seek out ways to leverage their alumni community when the need arises.
That’s why the Coding Dojo team teamed up with the broader tech community to help businesses open digital doors when physical doors slammed shut. For some, like entrepreneur Nenaji Agbolabori, those efforts made all the difference.
Not every small business owner has the time to become a full-stack coder.
Jocelyn Jeriah, Tech for America alum
“We have this cause. What's the plan? Right now, we want people to sign up.”
Map out where you want to go, and assess your initial vision with how people are using the business.
2. Look at the big picture
“I always try to associate myself with people that are smarter than I am."
Having a basic understanding of all aspects of the business can help you make smart decisions.
3. Be vulnerable
“You're getting experience, but you're also doing it for a good cause and for businesses that you believe in.”
Stay in touch with past clients, since you never know how their business will grow and what their needs may be in the future.
3. Connect with your team
"Instead of doing a project on my own, I wanted more hands-on experience with a team.”
Volunteer opportunities and part-time work can be great growth avenues to enhance your knowledge base.
2. Be open
“I'm fighting for people like my grandma, who did not have any help.”
Use your passion to create an impactful platform. When something matters to you, it will matter to future customers, too.
3. Make it matter
“A lot of people think software building is almost like this black box."
Confusion and frustration is where growth may lie.
2. Solve for the pain points
Director
of Network Infrastructure Planning
Ahmed Moussa
CEO and Co-Founder
Manager
of Network
and Technology
Paul Nitzsche
Director
of Device Technology
Garima Garg
