8. Timeline
Our sustainable pace approach
Founder commitment: 10 hours per week maximum
This timeline reflects our commitment to building a sustainable, quality-focused enterprise rather than pursuing rapid growth. We believe that by limiting our weekly commitment to 10 hours, we ensure:
- Service excellence through deep client relationships
- Founder sustainability without burnout
- Measured growth that proves our model's viability
- Strategic focus on our highest-impact clients
Quarter-by-quarter progress plan
Quarter 1: foundation and setup
January - March 2026 | 10 hours/week administrative focus
Key activities:
- Legal entity formation (LLC filing, EIN, insurance)
- Business licensing and compliance
- Initial fiscal sponsor outreach
- Systems and document creation
Target outcomes by March 31:
- Fully legal and insured business entity
- Complete operational documents
- 2-3 potential fiscal sponsors engaged
- Zero service hours delivered (intentional setup phase)
Quarter 2: partnership and pilot launch
April - June 2026 | 6 hours admin, 4 hours service
Key activities:
- Finalize fiscal sponsorship agreement
- Submit first grant applications
- Soft launch with 2 pilot clients
- Initial service delivery and feedback collection
Target outcomes by June 30:
- Fiscal sponsor partnership secured
- First $5,000 in grant funding secured
- 2 active pilot clients served
- Proof of concept validated
- Maintaining 10-hour weekly commitment
Quarter 3: gradual ramp-up
July - September 2026 | 2 hours admin, 8 hours service
Key activities:
- Expand to 5-6 regular clients
- Formalize first agency partnership
- Implement feedback-driven improvements
- Begin systematic impact measurement
Target outcomes by September 30:
- 5-6 active clients in sustainable rotation
- First formal referral partnership established
- 80%+ client retention rate
- 50/50 revenue mix (fees/philanthropy)
- Model proven sustainable at current scale
Quarter 4: stabilization and planning
October - December 2026 | 2 hours admin, 8 hours service
Key activities:
- Maintain 6-client service load
- Complete first financial assessment
- Prepare comprehensive year 1 impact report
- Plan Q1 2027 objectives
Target outcomes by December 31:
- Sustainable 6-client operation achieved
- 60%+ of operational costs covered by client fees
- $20,000+ secured for 2027 operations
- 3+ community partnerships established
- Clear path forward for year 2
Capacity and impact metrics
Weekly time allocation (Q3-Q4)
| Activity | Hours/week | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Direct client service | 8 | 80% |
| Administration & billing | 1 | 10% |
| Partnership development | 1 | 10% |
| Total | 10 | 100% |
Service capacity mathematics
- 8 service hours/week = approximately 4 clients at 2 hours/week each
- Realistic client load = 5-6 clients with varying needs
- Buffer time = built in for travel and unexpected situations
- Maximum annual impact = 400-450 service hours (sustainable pace)
Financial projections
| Quarter | Monthly revenue | Grant funding | Clients served |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 | $0 | $0 | 0 |
| Q2 | $160-$240 | $5,000 | 2 |
| Q3 | $640-$800 | $10,000 | 5-6 |
| Q4 | $640-$800 | $5,000 | 6 |
Based on sliding scale fees of $20-$40 per service hour
Strategic advantages of the 10-hour model
For quality assurance
- Deep, personalized relationships with each client and pet
- Ample time for thorough documentation and communication
- Ability to handle complex cases (reactive dogs, medical needs)
- Consistent, reliable service without overextension
For financial sustainability
- Lower upfront investment required
- Gradual proof of concept reduces risk
- Clear path to operational breakeven
- Sustainable without requiring immediate scale
For partnership development
- Dedicated time for agency relationship building
- Capacity to participate in community initiatives
- Ability to demonstrate impact before seeking expansion funding
- Focus on strategic rather than numerous partnerships
Adjustment and decision points
Quarterly review metrics
We will make strategic decisions based on these quarterly assessments:
- End of Q1: Are we legally ready and properly insured?
- End of Q2: Is our service model working? Are clients satisfied?
- End of Q3: Are we financially on track? Should we adjust pricing?
- End of Q4: Should we continue at this pace, adjust hours, or expand?
Capacity management
- Waitlist initiation: Begin at 4 active clients
- Rate adjustments: Consider at 6-month mark based on demand
- Expansion consideration: Only after 12 months of sustainable operation
- Quality safeguards: Client load never exceeds ability to provide excellent care
Why this timeline works for investors
Risk mitigation
- Low burn rate with limited weekly commitment
- Proven demand before seeking expansion capital
- Clear metrics for evaluating success
- Multiple off-ramps if model needs adjustment
Impact validation
- Measured growth allows for continuous improvement
- Quality focus ensures strong testimonials and referrals
- Community integration builds sustainable referral networks
- Data collection provides evidence for future funding
Scalability proof
- Unit economics proven at small scale
- Operational systems refined before expansion
- Partnership model tested and validated
- Market demand quantified through waitlist management
The path to year 2
Success in year 1 is defined by:
- Sustainable 6-client service load
- 60%+ operational costs covered by fees
- 3+ formal community partnerships
- Founder maintaining work-life balance
- Documented impact on client quality of life
Year 2 planning will begin in Q4 2026 and may consider:
- Maintaining the 10-hour sustainable model
- Gradual increase to 15 hours/week
- Adding a part-time assistant or second caregiver
- Expanding to adjacent neighborhoods
- Deepening existing community partnerships
This timeline represents a responsible, impact-focused approach to building a social enterprise. By prioritizing sustainability and quality over rapid growth, we ensure long-term viability and meaningful community impact.