The future of your business lies in your network.
There’s a difference between building a business and building a business of value. With enough research you can find all the answers you need on how to build a business, but the ability to see around corners and understand what you might be missing – that comes from experience.
“The best way to get where you are going, is to ask someone on their way back.”
- Bill Walton, SDSI Chairman Emeritus
The Walton Innovation Network is dedicated to Bill Walton’s legacy of uplifting others, hard work and giveback.
Advice from those on their way back…
Network building programs that strengthen your business knowledge and skills through true connections with experienced advisors in our space.
A community of over 100 executives and founders ready to share their knowledge and experience because they know that giving back helps build stronger, better businesses in our space.
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
Our Programs
For businesses with market traction looking to grow: Our flagship mentoring program is a unique structured, yet flexible program designed for busy founders. Best for businesses with an existing product or service, this program has a rigorous screening process to gain access to a team of mentors, designed around your businesses growth needs. Companies in this program seek to raise funding, launch new products, develop strategic partnerships and position themselves for sustainable growth.
For entrepreneurs in 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.
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.”
-Steve Wilcox, Founder, CEO at ParkIT Co
Who Are Our Mentors?
Who are SDSI 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 if you’re not sure, just 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
Art and Music - Lifestyle brands centered around the art and music that are core to the San Diego Lifestyle
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.