Is your organization registered as 501(c)(3) status with the IRS?
YesWhere our solution team is headquartered or located:
Washington D.C., DC, USAWhich dimension of the Challenge does your solution most closely address?
What is the name of your solution?
Planting Water in Arizonia
Provide a one-line summary of your solution.
An off-grid, eco-friendly destination community where individuals, business owners, working teams, and community leaders can come to learn the foundations of rainwater harvesting.
What is your solution?
The Mission of this project is to create destination communities that stimulates soil health, water retention, desert re-greening, economic development, and culture exchange for the local businesses, citizens, and eco-friendly enthusiast. Our retreat centers will provide outdoor adventurers with experiential moments to relax, meditate, create art, co-develop architectural projects, opportunities to gain experience, grow and design off-grid and eco-friendly state-of-the-art communities that respect nature.
The sustainable retreat site will uniquely and genuinely harnesses a new way of doing business that involves co-creators for new sustainable services for our customers and employees. Creating an army of brand champions that are fulfilling, healthier, and more sustainable lives rooted in nature. We will create an opportunity to work in tandem with the local community to grow, revitalize, and positively impact the community. The model will create mixed-use tourist destinations for outdoor enthusiasts that desire to share inspiring ideas for revitalization of the land that create a private, tranquil escape. The partnership will create farm areas for permaculture/agriculture crops and food lines that are self-sustaining and provide a source of income to offset operational cost. Solar will be the main source of electricity and water harvesting will be installed to minimize draw from the natural well. Sourcing for reusable material will be the first means of constructing the site and will reduce the development cost significantly. The Foundation will utilize services that have a resource pool of workers that will augment our team of developers.
What specific problem are you solving?
The National upward trends indicate that the use of retreat centers and recreational retreat center translate into measurable and profound benefits when involving community in the development of experimental architectural and agricultural projects. The retreat center will be a place that fosters acceptance, trust, honesty, loyalty, accountability, compassion and caring. Our initial project development will focus on collaborating with the local community, Philanthropist, Government (planning and zoning) and collaborators interested in developing sustainable communities. Through the process of sculpting existing rural environments into collaborative masterpieces, our model solves the ongoing problem of how to coexist with nature by retrofitting aging communities and developing sustainable environments. The community model integrates strategies for water retention, storage, recycling, the integration of individual and communal food production, solar energy production, shading systems, eco-friendly construction techniques, and mobile infrastructures. The byproduct of the development creates a retreat center for visitors to rest and enjoy the frequency of nature.
Explain how the problem you are addressing, the solution you have designed, and the population you are serving align with the Challenge.
Responsibly interacting with the planet to maintain natural resources and avoid jeopardizing the ability for future generations to meet their needs to have the natural resources available to live an equal, if not better, way of life. Improve the quality of human life while living with the caring capacity of the earth’s support ecosystems by reorganizing living conditions of eco-sites.
Create a cultural exchange, encourage tourism to the area that actively support the capacity of current and future generations. Inviting the community, volunteers, and our guests, healthy, peaceful, and harmonious communities that are equitable, diverse, connected, and democratic and provide a decent quality of life.
Create an educational approach that aims to develop students, schools and communities with the values and motivation to take action for sustainability in their personal lives, within their community and also at a global scale by hosting building, designing, off grid systems, and gardening workshops in a knowledge and skill exchange environment.
Create new approaches that integrate natural non-GMO and organic processes into food and vegetation production, while minimizing the use of non-renewable inputs that cause harm to the environment or the health of growers and consumers.
Offer ongoing opportunities for our clients to grow with our organization and develop untapped skills that are dormant in society. Masterclasses, workshops, and educational sessions are designed to train the trainer, bringing awareness of living green, permaculture, off grid living, including water/solar harvesting, developing structural houses with earthen materials and other matter that blends into the natural environment.
Who does your solution serve, including demographics, and how does the solution impact their lives?
As a sustainability pioneer, The foundation is going all-in with —leaving Washington D.C. behind to go west and settle into a 50-acre property in Willcox, AZ roughly an hour east of Tucson. An area that is famished oath property. There, we will live and work as a community on mission, leveraging rainwater harvesting to promote well-independence and inviting retreat center guests to adopt practical strategies for eco-friendly living and community leadership.
The financial contribution will help the TXG Foundation further develop sustainable communities in Willcox, across the nation, and around the world.
Sowing into TXG is an opportunity for you and your board to create positive environmental and economic impact nationwide by providing underprivileged future CEOs—like Janell Simpson, Co-founder of WCR—with the MBA-level education, grant resources, and future P3 partnerships they need to lead and succeed in business.
Is the solution already being implemented in at least one of the Truist Foundation’s target geographies: North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Indiana, Texas, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C., Delaware?
Yes
If your solution is already being implemented, list which of the above US state(s) you currently operate and include those states not listed
Arizonia
Is your organization’s mission to help launch small businesses and/or to sustain small businesses?
Executing proven techniques to favorably project a business’s ability to be profitable and sustainable. TXG has established a consortium of proven industry executive leaders, retired military officers, disabled advisors, attorneys, and financial experts to educate prospective business owners and equip them with the ability to create generational wealth, develop sustainable businesses, and create thriving, connected communities.
TXG courses shift the axis in the SB world by providing “failure point” education that decreases the odds of the Small Business Owner (SBO) becoming a statistic. X-CEL offers three executive business tracks (Build/Buy/Blend) tailored to assist transitioning Veterans, the underserved communities, and the disabled individuals, receive MBA Level education at a fraction of the time and cost. Cohorts are designed to facilitate a business owners unique execution model that produces growth, reduces poverty, and address the broader development goals of the local community.
What is your theory of change?
Sustainable Communities – are receiving more attention in effort to address environmental, social, and economic challenges and are often an afterthought in the development phase. TXG’s model is built on the foundational Word of Yahweh. Luke 6:47. Everyone who comes to Me and hears My words and does them, I will show you what he is like: He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built.” A firm foundation on the Rock (On Christ the solid Rock I stand) allows for significant and sustainable growth. In addition to taking the environment into consideration TXG teaches our students how to have a kingdom perspective that promotes a positive impact for the communities acquiring their services or products. A community that is tied together with a common Bond and a desire to do good will is one that will thrive. We target rural communities that have potential to grow and become a thriving sustainable community yet are overlooked because of the current desolate state. With the utilization of local grants, we assist the executives in exploiting local funds to support the business initiatives.
Our solution's stage of development:
Pilot: a product, service, or business model that is in the process of being built and tested with a small number of beneficiaries or working to gain traction.What is your organization’s stage of development?
Growth: A registered 501(c)(3) with an established product, service, or business model in one or several communities, which is poised for further growth. Organizations should have a proven track record with an annual operating budget.How many small businesses does your solution currently serve? How many will it serve in one year? In five years?
Currently serving 3 people. In one year we plan to be serving 100 people. In 5 years our goal is 5,000.
How do you define the community you serve, and who are its stakeholders?
16.6% of the population for whom poverty status is determined in Cochise County, AZ (19.5k out of 117k people) live below the poverty line, a number that is higher than the national average of 12.3%.
The commissioner is the decision maker on new projects and economic development within the community. This board consist of 8 members.
How do you work with the community and your stakeholders to create community-based and place-based solutions?
Transitioning Veterans that have served a significant amount of time in the military are struggling to find work after they return form their tour of duty. New recruits often join the military right out of high school and either lack the skills, courage, or resources to start a business endeavor. TXG recognizes the value in developing the skill of veterans. And although all their experience may not translate in the civilian business model, they are excellent business executive candidates that have proven their ability to work for the greater good. Our program provides an opportunity for veterans to develop a unique business model that compliments their military experience and natural gifting and passion. TXG will partner with the Veterans Administration, grant funding sources that support transitioning veterans, and provide a team of experienced veteran staff that position veterans to receive the tools, resources, and support to excel in their purpose.
Disabled “Capable” Adults are often not being considered for employment of meaningful, career-oriented, work although they possess the skillset and capabilities. Employers shy away from hiring resources labeled with a disability and this systemic problem is creating an unnecessary burden on the government. Many disabled are desiring of a wholesome life that includes them being self-sufficient and not dependent on the government for disability income. Many of the programs are designed for those that can’t work at all. The Capable disabled are faced with the decision to stay dependent on the system or work jobs that don’t support their lifestyle as a disabled person. We understand that disabled required assistance in specific areas that give them better leverage to penetrate the business market. TXG will advocate for the disabled in collaboration with disability services agencies to create an education program and support model that is sensitive to their unique requirements.
Underserved/Marginalized Diamonds in the Rough – are not that hard to find. TXG recognizes that often, this population is overlooked due to their demographics. Most in this category have been plagued with generational poverty and often not exposed to opportunities to break the cycles that keep them in this disposition. TXG acknowledged that everyone has a purpose and given the right environment, they can be given the ability to realize their potential.
How do you build trust within the community your organization serves and among small business owners?
We’re new, and we’re eager to serve the community well. We promise to stay transparent, just as we have been with the county. We promise to stay compliant, securing necessary approvals before development begins. And we promise to stay engaged, inviting you into each step of the development process.
We’re eager for community feedback on our site plan. We are open to receiving letters from the county explaining the best ways to submit questions, ideas, or concerns. We’re in this together with the community—and together, we can work to create well-independent, sustainable communities in Cochise County and beyond.
What are your impact goals for the next year and the next five years, and -- importantly -- how will you achieve them?
Create a cultural exchange, encourage tourism to the area that actively support the capacity of current and future generations. By inviting the community, volunteers, and our guests to healthy, peaceful, and harmonious communities that are equitable, diverse, connected, and democratic and provide a decent quality of life.
(Environmental Impact) Responsibly interacting with the planet to maintain natural resources and avoid jeopardizing the ability for future generations to meet their needs to have the natural resources available to live an equal, if not better, way of life as current generations. Improving the quality of human life while living with the caring capacity of the earth’s support ecosystems by reorganizing living conditions in the form of eco-camp sites.
(Education Impact) Creating an educational approach that aims to develop students, schools and communities with the values and motivation to take action for sustainability in their personal lives, within their community and also at a global scale by hosting building, designing, off grid systems, and gardening workshops in a knowledge and skill exchange environment.
(Agriculture/Artisanal Impact) Creating new approaches that integrate natural non-GMO and organic processes into food and vegetation production, while minimizing the use of non-renewable inputs that cause harm to the environment or the health of growers and consumers.
Why are you and your team well-positioned to deliver this solution?
After a solid year of research, development, and due diligence, WCR and partner The X-CEL Group (TXG) were led to a nearly 50-acre property on the aptly named East Frontier Trail in Willcox. As sustainability pioneers, we believe this is an answer to prayer. We’ve finally found a place where our collective skill, passion, and purpose could meet the exact needs of neighboring communities.
Christine has over 30 years of experience in developing businesses and since 2013 has been working as a community builder.
Janell is a certified permaculture expert and also natural building designer.
Why are you applying to Truist Foundation Inspire Awards?
Our model would provided MBA-Level education to help business owners:
Build (Start-Up) A Trunkey solution that takes the SBOs’ ground zero business concepts and architects a sustainable infrastructure that scales growth and profitability. The Build track consists of 5 total courses designed to facilitate students through a progressive development approach that will Educate, Equip, and Empower SBOs to transform into top-performing Servant Leaders. The Leadership curriculum is the cornerstone of the Build track. This foundational class will determine if the student has the Guts, Resilience, Initiative, and Tenacity (GRIT) to be a sustainable leader. The failure point education covers Leadership Development, Financial Stewardship, Marketing and Communication, Procurement Fundamentals and
Buy (Franchise/Purchase) A proven program to define and quantify maximum value for buy and sell investments through a mastery of negotiation techniques for business acquisition. SBO’s will learn strategies to determine what type of business to purchase, assess their readiness to acquire, obtain skills on how to develop a sales agreement, and secure necessary funding. The cohort will be facilitated by our Business Architects (Bas) providing hands-on application producing real-time deliverables during the cohorts.
Blend (Merger & Acquisition) A comprehensive blueprint to help the SBO determine whether to make an asset acquisition, stock purchase, or merge. BO’s will acquire tools, processes and resources for modeling deal structures and terms and conditions to ensure continuity of operations that execute healthy exit strategies and outlines the rights and obligations for other parties.
In which of the following areas do you most need partners or support?
Please explain in more detail here.
Targeted and Affordable MBA Level Education – is a critical aspect of growth.
- Reduce the cost of tuition up to 50% (Students should have some equity in the education)
- Provide grants for eligible/successful executives that complete the program. (Start-up Grants and financial assistance to grow)
- Provie the highest quality of educators so the students will receive a competitive education at a fraction of the cost. (MBA-Level Programs)
The Foundation will educate SBO’s without adding to the national student loan debt of $1.6 trillion. Students will acquire critical Public Private Partnerships (P3) relationships that partner, promote, mentor, and invest in the SB. TXG will provide grants that will ensure that all qualified students have access the highest education regardless of their income. The grants will also be available to assist the business owners (BO) with operating capital requirements.
Reduction of Student Debt – is plaguing millions of adults that have done the right thing to get educated in their craft.
Generational Wealth – is taught not caught. TXG teaches our students how to fish and become financially independent, and good financial steward of their time, talents, and resources.
What organizations (or types of organizations) would you like to partner with, and how would you like to partner with them?
Economic Development
Solution Team
-
Christine Bond Chief Transformation Officer, BeGenio
-
Pablo del Real Founder, Soil and Soul
to Top
What is the name of your organization?
The X-CEL Group