2017 was a year of fighting the good fight, and our members had many meaningful wins that created real impact. They secured grants, hired more employees, and had big, productive collaborations with each other.
We chatted with 18 of them to hear about some of their goals for 2018 and get the lowdown on their great 2017 memories. We’re going to spend the rest of the year telling you about what they had to say.
Next up is Tim Nash, aka of Good Investing
Tim Nash had just finished school after the market crash of 2008 and was looking for work in the sustainable investment industry. With the unopportunistic timing and a lack of available work, Tim took the leap and launched his company, Good Investing, with a mission to help people learn how to invest online and make intentional decisions about what they’re investing in.
What motivated you to start your organization?
I started my company after the market crashed in 2008. I had just finished school, and was looking for work in the investment industry. Great timing. As the markets kept crashing into 2009, it was clear that sustainability was being put on the back-burner and there wouldn’t be any job openings available. That’s when I decided to start my own company.
Explain the greatest challenge or roadblock you overcame last year?
I hired someone that I hoped would eventually become an investment coach and my business partner. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out and we decided to part ways. My greatest challenge is that I won’t be able to grow my company to the size I want by myself (no matter how hard I try), so I need to be open to partnership and collaboration. I know it’s important to let go, but it’s something I struggle with.
One micro-goal you’re dead set on completing in the new year?
My first mission for 2018 is to have a waitlist for my investment coaching services. If I can prove that there’s lots of demand, then it will be easier to get hire employees, attract investment, and grow my business.
Biggest accomplishment for 2017?
My biggest accomplishment in 2017 was launching my new brand and website GoodInvesting.com. It really took me out of my comfort zone – I’m an economist, not a marketing/design expert! I struggled with many aspects including choosing the name, getting the URL, picking design concepts and colours, and modeling for photos. But I worked with amazing people that helped me at each step of the way, and it felt so proud to finally launch the website in October! It’s already working, and I’m seeing lots of signups through the new site.
Most rewarding connection or experience CSI facilitated for Tim in 2017?
Last year, I received a $25,000 loan through CSI’s Catapult microloan program. This loan gave me the confidence (and financial stability) to embark on my rebranding journey. There’s no way I would have been able to launch GoodInvesting.com without CSI!
Do you need a confidence boost to launch a new product? Become a CSI member today!
