ReUnite
BY JACOB ORELLANA
Think global, act local.
Four years ago, my friend Tyler Jacobson motivated me with this mission.
Inspired to spark change, we didn’t have to look far.
The city of Lincoln, Nebraska had recently closed several residential recycling drop-off centers. This decision left a void in the community, and my business partner TJ and I saw an opportunity to fill it.
We wanted to create a platform that would not only make recycling more accessible but also educate and empower people to make a positive impact on the environment.
In 2020, we took a leap of faith and started ReUnite.
The early days were a blur of excitement and uncertainty.
As first-time founders, we had a lot to learn.
We pitched our ideas to various entrepreneurship programs.
After some trial and error, we found our niche in the reuse end markets.
We provide resale businesses with analytics reports to help them make data-driven decisions and understand the environmental impact of their operations.
Earning the LaunchLNK grant was a turning point for ReUnite.
The grant’s support accelerated ReUnite’s growth and connected us with community partners and mentors who believe in our vision to use tech-based solutions to make our world a cleaner, healthier place.
Here’s a closer look at my journey as an entrepreneur and how the LaunchLNK grant helped us take ReUnite to the next level.
Refining ReUnite
As we worked on developing ReUnite, we went through many iterations and made several pivots to our business model.
We pitched our various ideas to many local entrepreneurship programs, and out of all of them, our latest focus — providing resale businesses with analytics reports — felt the most promising.
We had been hearing from industry partners about the pressing need for insights into reuse end markets, and we tested our idea with potential customers and received a lot of interest and indication that we were on the right track.
This is what ultimately led us to apply for the LaunchLNK grant.
When we found out we were awarded the grant, it was an incredible feeling of validation.
The support from the program gave us the resources and momentum needed to dive deep into our concept, and it enabled us to push forward with testing and refining our analytics solution.
The grant helped us fully leverage the opportunity to meet the market’s needs, and it was a game-changer for ReUnite.
An accelerated path to progress
One of the most significant ways the grant impacted our business was by allowing me go full-time with ReUnite.
This shift significantly accelerated our development and strategic planning efforts, leading to more focused and efficient progress.
Being part of the grant program also provided invaluable networking opportunities. I made numerous connections within the industry, ranging from potential partners and mentors to early adopters and advocates of our software.
These relationships have been crucial for our growth and learning, and through interactions facilitated by the grant, I discovered just how impactful and necessary our software is for our customers.
It reinforced our mission and helped me tailor our solution more effectively to meet customer needs.
The program also helped me identify and implement effective strategies to start generating revenue.
I explored various monetization avenues and streamlined our business model, laying a solid foundation for sustainable growth.
Overall, the grant didn’t just provide financial support; it was a catalyst for growth, networking, and strategic development, helping me to transform our vision into a business.
When we found out we were awarded the grant, it was an incredible feeling of validation. The support from the program gave us the resources and momentum needed to dive deep into our concept, and it enabled us to push forward with testing and refining our analytics solution. The grant helped us fully leverage the opportunity to meet the market's needs, and it was a game-changer for ReUnite.
Building a business in Lincoln
Receiving the LaunchLNK grant was undoubtedly a pivotal moment for ReUnite, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support of our local community.
I personally want to recognize and thank the STEP, InternNE, NRC, N-ICD, and Nebraska Innovation Fund (NIF) Prototype Grant programs.
Each program bolstered our business with resources and support.
The InternNE program has been a tremendous asset by connecting us with an intern who has injected fresh perspectives and enthusiastic energy into our team.
Additionally, the guidance and support from the Nebraska Recycling Council (NRC) have been invaluable, particularly in aligning our business with sustainability practices. Their insights into the recycling and reuse industry have helped us better meet the needs of our customers.
Building a business in Lincoln, Nebraska, has been an incredibly supportive and enriching experience.
I’ve found that people here genuinely want to see me succeed and are more than willing to lend a hand or share their expertise to help me achieve my goals.
Without the support of the local community and programs like LaunchLNK, ReUnite wouldn’t be where it is today, and for that, I am incredibly grateful.
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