Secure the Bag, Build the Bridge
Funding & Partnership Labs for founders and social impact leaders who want real money, real partners, and a real plan for 2026.
You’re not just trying to “get funded.” You’re building an ecosystem that deserves to be resourced well.
The Connected Ecosystem helps you do that with a clear strategy, aligned partnerships, and real next steps you can act on.
This is for you if
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This is for you if *
You’re building something that matters—a business, a program, a community initiative, a whole ecosystem—and you’re tired of figuring out funding and partnerships on the fly.
This Lab is for:
• Founders and small business owners
• Social impact leaders and nonprofit/grassroots organizers
• Ecosystem builders, program directors, and community strategists
You’ve done enough “figure it out on vibes.”
You’re ready for clear lanes, aligned partners, and a 60–90 day plan you can actually follow.
What we actually do together
By the time we’re done, you will have:
• A clear picture of what success looks like for you in 2026
• 2–3 funding pathways that actually fit your work and capacity
• A mapped partner ecosystem (who’s already in your corner and who should be)
• Your first 10 asks—who you’re reaching out to, why, and for what
• A 60–90 day action plan for money and partnerships that feels doable, not overwhelming
No more chasing every opportunity because you’re afraid to miss “the one shot.”
We pick your lanes and build a focused plan around them.
Start here – Secure the Bag, Build the Bridge Prep Kit ($39)
This is the guided starting point.
A 6-page workbook you can complete in 60–90 minutes that helps you:
• Name your 2026 vision and goals
• Choose your top funding pathways
• Map your partner ecosystem
• Identify your first 10 asks
• Build a simple 60–90 day action plan
This is perfect if you want to think quietly, get everything out of your head, and move at your own pace.
Go deeper – 90-Min Funding & Partnership Power Session ($325)
A private 1:1 session where we dig into your specific work, your numbers, and your relationships.
In this session, you get:
• A short intake form so I understand your context before we meet
• A 90-minute deep dive into:
– What you’re building and why
– Your best funding lanes (grants, sponsorships, earned revenue, etc.)
– Your partnership and ecosystem strategy
• A written recap with:
– Your top 2–3 funding pathways
– A shortlist of partners and opportunities
– A focused 60–90 day action plan with concrete steps
This is ideal if you’re ready for tailored strategy and want someone to help you sort through all the moving pieces.
Investment: $325. Limited to 8 sessions per Lab cycle.
Build with others – Funding & Partnership Lab (3-hour group intensive)
A small-group intensive where we walk through the work together, live, and you leave with clarity, direction, and momentum.
Lab A – Vision & Funding Pathways
We focus on:
• Your 2026 success picture
• The funding lanes that make sense for your work
• Your initial ecosystem and partner map
Lab B – Outreach & Implementation
We focus on:
• Your first 10 asks
• Drafting outreach language you can actually send
• A Q1/Q2 plan that connects funding and partnerships to real, weekly actions
Each Lab includes:
• A 3-hour live session on Google Meet
• Guided workbook time + teaching
• Time for Q&A and hot-seat support
• Replay access and a clear set of next steps
Investment: starts at $159 per seat. Limited spots for each Lab.
For fellowships, incubators, and ecosystem programs
If you support a cohort of founders, grantees, or social impact leaders and you want them to be more fundable and partnership-ready, we can bring this Lab to your program.
The Secure the Bag, Build the Bridge™ Funding & Partnership Readiness Program for cohorts includes:
• Two tailored 3-hour Labs for your cohort
• Access to the Prep Kit for all participants
• Optional 1:1 strategy sessions for selected leaders or key participants
• One group office hours/Q&A session for follow-up
• A short summary of themes and recommendations for your organizationThis is a great fit for:
• Fellowship and accelerator programs
• Foundation grantees and alumni networks
• Local ecosystem initiatives (city, state, or regional)
• Workforce and small business support programsOrg packages start at $12,000 per cohort (up to ~20 participants).
Who’s behind this
I’m Keisha J. Reed, founder of The Connected Ecosystem and Explore Maryland Cannabis.
I’ve spent years building community-centered programs, securing sponsors and partners, and helping founders and ecosystem builders connect the dots between their vision, their funding, and their people. My work sits at the intersection of community, strategy, and sustainable revenue.
The Secure the Bag, Build the Bridge™ Funding & Partnership Lab grew directly from the strategy work I’ve been doing with entrepreneurs, social impact leaders, and ecosystem partners who are trying to build something real—and keep it alive.
If you’re ready to stop guessing and start moving with a plan, I’d love to work with you.