Town of Waterford Showcasing Grant Impact and Establishing the Economic Development Commission’s Presence Client Town of Waterford: Establishing the EDC's Presenc e Year 2023 Scope of Work Brand Identity, Brand Messaging Development, Content Creation, Newsletter Creation Industry Municipal Here's the Sitch (aka Situation) In 2022 and 2023, with the help of BRVC’s Operations Management team, the Town of Waterford (TOW) awarded a total of $170,065.01 in grants to small businesses through its Small Business Grant Program, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act. Despite the program’s success, TOW lacked in-house support for marketing and content creation to effectively showcase its impact and position the Economic Development Commission (EDC) as a resource for the local business community. Our Approach BRVC’s Creative Strategy team provided comprehensive support to amplify the program’s success and elevate TOW’s branding as well as storytelling. Marketing Audit Conducted a competitor analysis to refine TOW’s brand identity and identify successful elements of similar programs. Mini Marketing Campaign Developed messaging, strategy, and key performance indicators to promote the program and align with TOW’s long-term branding goals. Content Creation Produced 8 original social media posts, including captions and hashtags, along with a newsletter and press release highlighting the program’s achievements. Visual Branding Designed and delivered a specific EDC logo to establish the commission as a trusted resource for the business community. Our Impact & Client Milestones Delivered high-quality, engaging content (videos, graphics, and written assets) shared on TOW’s website and social platforms, effectively showcasing the First Selectman and EDC’s impact on small businesses. Supported TOW in sharing grant recipients’ stories and highlighting the program’s success, building stronger connections with the local business community. Provided a ready-to-use press release template to spotlight the distribution of over $170k to small businesses. Positioned the EDC as a valuable resource through cohesive branding and storytelling, and a first-ever logo. With BRVC’s expertise, TOW successfully demonstrated the transformative impact of its grant program, enhanced its public visibility, and set the stage for long-term community engagement and support BRVC x TOW & EDC - NEWSLETTER - Small Business Grant Program Cohorts 1 and 2 (2022 - 2023) PRESS RELEASE - Waterford’s Economic Development Boosts Local Businesses

Haiama Beauty Co. Project 8 Weeks to Marketing Success Year 2023 Scope of Work 60-Day Pow Wow Industry Lifestyle, B2C "BRVC is an incredible firm! I attended an 8-week course for SMBs/entrepreneurs and I learned how to use TikTok, how to better reach my target audience and identified attainable marketing goals for the next 3 months. Highly recommend!" Allison Shimamoto Founder

Town of Waterford Showcasing Grant Impact and Establishing the Economic Development Commission’s Presence Client Town of Waterford: Establishing the EDC's Presenc e Year 2023 Scope of Work Brand Identity, Brand Messaging Development, Content Creation, Newsletter Creation Industry Municipal Here's the Sitch (aka Situation) In 2022 and 2023, with the help of BRVC’s Operations Management team, the Town of Waterford (TOW) awarded a total of $170,065.01 in grants to small businesses through its Small Business Grant Program, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act. Despite the program’s success, TOW lacked in-house support for marketing and content creation to effectively showcase its impact and position the Economic Development Commission (EDC) as a resource for the local business community. Our Approach BRVC’s Creative Strategy team provided comprehensive support to amplify the program’s success and elevate TOW’s branding as well as storytelling. Marketing Audit Conducted a competitor analysis to refine TOW’s brand identity and identify successful elements of similar programs. Mini Marketing Campaign Developed messaging, strategy, and key performance indicators to promote the program and align with TOW’s long-term branding goals. Content Creation Produced 8 original social media posts, including captions and hashtags, along with a newsletter and press release highlighting the program’s achievements. Visual Branding Designed and delivered a specific EDC logo to establish the commission as a trusted resource for the business community. Our Impact & Client Milestones Delivered high-quality, engaging content (videos, graphics, and written assets) shared on TOW’s website and social platforms, effectively showcasing the First Selectman and EDC’s impact on small businesses. Supported TOW in sharing grant recipients’ stories and highlighting the program’s success, building stronger connections with the local business community. Provided a ready-to-use press release template to spotlight the distribution of over $170k to small businesses. Positioned the EDC as a valuable resource through cohesive branding and storytelling, and a first-ever logo. With BRVC’s expertise, TOW successfully demonstrated the transformative impact of its grant program, enhanced its public visibility, and set the stage for long-term community engagement and support BRVC x TOW & EDC - NEWSLETTER - Small Business Grant Program Cohorts 1 and 2 (2022 - 2023) PRESS RELEASE - Waterford’s Economic Development Boosts Local Businesses

Cheryl Grace Changing The Narrative: Former Corporate SVP Turns Full-Time CEO of Her Own Company Client Cheryl Grace: Corporate SVP to Full-Time CEO Year 2022 Scope of Work Brand Messaging Development, Public Relations, Speaking Engagements Industry Lifestyle Here's the Sitch (aka Situation) After working over 25+ years in corporate America, this highly sought-after speaker and corporate pioneer took a leap of faith - and transformed her side-hustle into a full-time executive lifestyle firm--which is committed to coaching women on how to be their best multi-dimensional selves. Transitioning from a 25+ global corporate career to full-time entrepreneurship is no easy feat--especially when you're mainly known for your work and (huge) accomplishments in the c-suite. (Cheryl Grace enters the chat.) But the challenge was no match for Cheryl Grace. After transforming corporate reputations and changing the way consumers and decision-makers valued Black America's spending power and corporate influence, she decided to commit, what she calls her "Career 2.0," to transforming individuals to next level advancement at work, in love and at home. Unapologetic about living a fabulous life and her journey to get there, Cheryl left corporate America behind in April 1, 2021 to level up Powerful Penny LLC (a side-hustle she began in 2017)--and she was eager to share her new narrative. Our Approach While being mindful of the sensitivities of this transition, we started our collaboration with a brand audit and strategy to ensure Cheryl's messaging as well as identity factors were updated to best show why her shift was an example of how corporate women can reclaim their power and live a fabulous life. Then, we used our leading strategy to kick off a 9-month "From C-Suite to Corporate Coach" campaign which targeted visibility opportunities via traditional media, speaking engagements and strategic alliance. Our outreach began local, and gradually expanded to national platforms. Having set the foundation of Powerful Penny's brand awareness, we implemented a follow-up 5-month "Continuing the Fabulosity with Intentionality" campaign in 2022 to solidfy Cheryl's brand as a valuable contributor as an executive lifestyle coach for individuals as well as corporations; and complement her owned media platform (Level Up with Grace LinkedIn newsletter.) Our Impact & Client Milestones Two months into BRVC's collaboration with Cheryl, we met our media goals by 66% (with 75% of coverage being national and internationally recognized) and our speaking engagement goals by 50%. Over our 14-month collaboration, out of the 46 placements earned (Estimated 2B+ impressions): 3 were TV interviews where Cheryl promoted products live, as well as her online store (Cheryl's Shop of Fabulosity) where she sells work and love products, courses, workshops and bootcamps Coverage included traditional and non-traditional online, print and broadcast platforms 52% of the coverage included backlinks to Cheryl's platforms, 38% generated direct traffic 1 resulted in Cheryl writing bylines where her executive lifestyle expertise was consistently exposed to women 40 - 65 years old, who reside in the U.S., U.K., Italy and Australia Notable outlets include: Essence, Yahoo, Sheen Magazine, Authority Magazine, Thrive Global, Well + Good, Daytime Chicago, Hustle & Soul, xoNecole, The Sisaundria Show, and Crunchy Tales. 5 months since our campaign ended, our efforts resulted in coverage on the She Ventures Podcast and Today. Below are speaking engagements and strategic alliances secured: 2022 Entrepreneurship Innovator Award Main Stage speaker at 2021 Black Women's Expo, where she provided on the spot executive coaching to 4 attendees; and she also had a booth to sell her products all weekend Panelist and love workshop facilitator at 2022 Essence Fest BAUCE Magazine Masterclass facilitator Power to Fly Workshop facilitator Here's the Stitch (aka Situation) After working over 25+ years in corporate America, this highly sought-after speaker and corporate pioneer took a leap of faith - and transformed her side-hustle into a full-time executive lifestyle firm--which is committed to coaching women on how to be their best multi-dimensional selves. Transitioning from a 25+ global corporate career to full-time entrepreneurship is no easy feat--espeially when you're mainly known for your work and (huge) accomplishments in the c-suite. (Cheryl Grace enters the chat.) But the challenge was no match for Cheryl Grace. After transforming corporate reputations and changing the way consumers and decision-makers valued Black America's spending power and corporate influence, she decided to commit, what she calls her "Career 2.0," to transforming individuals to next level advancement at work, in love and at home. Unapologetic about living a fabulous life and her journey to get there, Cheryl left corporate America behind in April 1, 2021 to level up Powerful Penny LLC (a side-hustle she began in 2017)--and she was eager to share her new narrative.

Town of Waterford Showcasing Grant Impact and Establishing the Economic Development Commission’s Presence Client Town of Waterford: Establishing the EDC's Presenc e Year 2023 Scope of Work Brand Identity, Brand Messaging Development, Content Creation, Newsletter Creation Industry Municipal Here's the Sitch (aka Situation) In 2022 and 2023, with the help of BRVC’s Operations Management team, the Town of Waterford (TOW) awarded a total of $170,065.01 in grants to small businesses through its Small Business Grant Program, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act. Despite the program’s success, TOW lacked in-house support for marketing and content creation to effectively showcase its impact and position the Economic Development Commission (EDC) as a resource for the local business community. Our Approach BRVC’s Creative Strategy team provided comprehensive support to amplify the program’s success and elevate TOW’s branding as well as storytelling. Marketing Audit Conducted a competitor analysis to refine TOW’s brand identity and identify successful elements of similar programs. Mini Marketing Campaign Developed messaging, strategy, and key performance indicators to promote the program and align with TOW’s long-term branding goals. Content Creation Produced 8 original social media posts, including captions and hashtags, along with a newsletter and press release highlighting the program’s achievements. Visual Branding Designed and delivered a specific EDC logo to establish the commission as a trusted resource for the business community. Our Impact & Client Milestones Delivered high-quality, engaging content (videos, graphics, and written assets) shared on TOW’s website and social platforms, effectively showcasing the First Selectman and EDC’s impact on small businesses. Supported TOW in sharing grant recipients’ stories and highlighting the program’s success, building stronger connections with the local business community. Provided a ready-to-use press release template to spotlight the distribution of over $170k to small businesses. Positioned the EDC as a valuable resource through cohesive branding and storytelling, and a first-ever logo. With BRVC’s expertise, TOW successfully demonstrated the transformative impact of its grant program, enhanced its public visibility, and set the stage for long-term community engagement and support BRVC x TOW & EDC - NEWSLETTER - Small Business Grant Program Cohorts 1 and 2 (2022 - 2023) PRESS RELEASE - Waterford’s Economic Development Boosts Local Businesses

Cheat Code Cheat Code Celebrates Black History Month By Promoting Financial Education and Delivering Free Stock Certificates to Children Client Cheat Code: Black History Month Campaign Year 2022 Scope of Work Brand Messaging Development, Public Relations Industry Start-Up Here's the Sitch (aka Situation) A cause through their non-profit branch, the NVST Foundation, the campaign aims to generate $100,000 in donations from donors who advocate for financial literacy among marginalized families, create early access to wealth in the form of 1000 Roblox stock certificates, and provide a stepping stone to youth. As seen on Yahoo News, Business Insider, MarketWatch and Earn Your Leisure, Cheat Code is a holistic investment and trading company offering software, courses, community and products that make financial education easy and generational wealth a possibility for marginalized communities. Launched in 2021 by co-founders and entrepreneurs, Francis Kway and Jehu Graham, Cheat Code provides beginner-friendly support that is active, affordable and accessible. Designed for traders of all experience levels, Cheat Code ALGO, Cheat Code Academy and the Cheat Code community of 17,000+ members equip communities of color to invest with ease and confidence. Committed to elevating disenfranchised communities through equitable access to financial education, Francis and Jehu wanted to fundraise $100,000 from donors who advocate for financial literacy among marginalized families, create early access to wealth in the form of 1000 Roblox stock certificates, and provide a stepping stone to youth—with the ultimate goal of interrupting deleterious cycles of poverty. Our Approach To ensure we best positioned Cheat Code's efforts and value in a way that was beginner-friendly, we conducted an audit of their existing online presence as well as a competitive coverage analsysis. Then, we used our findings to help rebrand messaging for the Cheat Code brand, including its products and non-profit entity--NVST Foundation. Finally, we used the messaging to help the Cheat Code update all pitchable assets, structure their Accessible Generational Wealth for Your Legacy campaign, and produce a press release. Our Impact & Client Milestones The distribution of our press release on the wire resulted in their campaign launch receiving coverage on 116 media platforms (Estimated impressions: 95 million), which included: 45 AP outlets Notable media coverage: Yahoo and Market Watch Our tailored pitches, resulted in 4 media placements (Estimated impressions: 657.76K). 25% of the coverage shared the brand's story (vs. solely its products or a mention)--which outperformed competitor coverage Notable media coverage: Sheen Magazine, Money Geek, and Media Feed

Alexi Paraschos Singer & Songwriter Pays Tribute to the Virtual Weddings of the Coronavirus Client Alexi Paraschos: Video Tribute to Virtual Weddings Year 2020 Scope of Work Brand Messaging Development, Public Relations Industry Entertainment Here's the Sitch (aka Situation) An album release during the beginning of the pandemic lockdown wasn't ideal, yet award-winning artist, Alexi Paraschos' music celebrated love in the midst of challenges. Called "blue-eyed soul for the 2ist century," Alexi Paraschos is an award-winning soul, R&B, and pop singer/songwriter based in Philadelphia. He is known for his smooth tenor voice paired with original, catchy melodies, which give him his unique and captivating sound. Inspired by a trip to his father's homeland of Greece in 2018, Alexi wanted to bring awareness to his project "Love Odyssey," which pays homage to his Greek heritage, and his subsequent wedding engagement to his longtime partner. Our Approach In a 3-month "Love Odyssey" campaign we worked alongside influencer and social media marketing agency, DRTR Agency, to craft a compelling narrative that would not only make R&B fans aware of Alexi, but also listen to the album. To lead our strategy, we leveraged Alexi's existing accolades (i.e. awards, playing at SXSW Music Festival, and successfully kickstarting an East Coast Diner Tour) and notable album features (hip hop veteran, Jadakiss; Grammy-award winner, Chrisette Michele, Natalie Stewart from Floetry and more) to push the leading single, "Mine." Since the release was at the beginning of the pandemic lockdown which halted all performances, music videos and in-person opportunities to generate awareness, we suggested that Alexi (whose wedding was pushed back for the unforeseeable future), spotlight couples who had virtual weddings for the release of the single's video. Our Impact & Client Milestones In addition to a press release, our tailored pitches earned 7 placements on local, regional and national platforms (Estimated impressions: 38M+). 29% of coverage were music reviews, 57% were profiles or features highlighting Alexi's brand story. The "Mine" music video featured 30 newlyweds representing sixteen states, six countries, and four continents. Notable media coverage: New York Times, Philadelphia Magazine, ThisIsRnB, and Soul Tracks. The story was also picked up by NECN (an NBC affiliate).

RiseUP for Arts Non-Profit RiseUP for Arts Takes Art ManiFESTation to New Heights Client RiseUP for Arts: Project Management to Empower Event Committee Year 2022 Scope of Work Project Management, Systems Implementation, Administrative Assistance, Event Planning Industry Non-Profit Here's the Sitch (aka Situation) Fundraisers, Art ManiFESTation (a collaboration with MAD) and Cocktails for Change, are not foreign events to supporters of RiseUP for Arts. In 2022, the organization wanted to mesh the high-energy of these events, to produce an interactive arts experience in Connecticut. RiseUP was founded in 2012 as a youth development and mentoring program aimed at helping youth develop the skills needed to be the catalysts that inspire and uplift their community. RiseUP for Arts has grown to be the State of Connecticut's only state-wide public art nonprofit. In addition to public art, RiseUP for Arts is still focused on youth development in each community mural project. RiseUP also partners and organizes creative placemaking experiences across Connecticut. In 2021, RiseUP for Arts Founder, Matt Conway, wanted to revitalize the organization's Art ManiFESTation event by forming an event committee and streamlining tasks. Our Approach Excited to bring a unique experience to Connecticut's arts ecosystem, we facilitated the below processes: An assessment of the existing RiseUP team, divided into 6 sub-committees based on superpowers/event Helped teams focus on individual goals and tasks through consistently updated Assisted with Marketing strategy and messaging where necessary. (Framed the event’s interactive elements messaging for sponsorship/marketing purposes) Built out contacts for sponsorship list (up to 40) Team supervision/accountability - attended necessary meetings to ensure teams were kept on track, risks were mitigated, and agendas were moving forward. The below ROI of our support contributed to an organized event that "exceeded expectations by 1,000%!"(Source) Risk mitigation and accountability monitoring Increased productivity levels Time and energy available to complete other tasks (Time Management) Establishment and maintenance of efficient business systems and processes Documented processes (to help plan for next year’s event)

Future Link Optimizing Processes and Expanding Sustainable Impact for Future Link’s Career Coaching Program Client Future Link Year 2023-2024 Scope of Work Project Management, Systems Implementation, Administrative Assistance Industry Non-Profit Here's the Sitch (aka Situation) Future Link sought a program evaluation consultant to assess and provide recommendations on the structure, processes, metrics, and scaling plan for their Career Coaching Program (CCP). The goal was to increase students' college persistence rate, degree completion, and workforce training outcomes that lead to internships and job placements. With nearly 1 million followers, viral moments, and cultivated influence, Tina Turtle has reached a pivotal point in her brand journey, that involves solidifying her as a fashion and lifestyle content creator. Our Approach BRVC worked closely with Future Link to evaluate the program and create recommendations aimed at scaling the CCP. Our approach focused on improving efficiency, streamlining processes, and maintaining a human-centered approach while leveraging technology for scalability. Program Evaluation & Process Improvement: We reviewed the current program, focusing on the three-track structure, student life cycle, and career coach life cycle. Based on our analysis, we created three Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Documents to standardize processes for the Career Planners, students, and staff. We also recommended automation to streamline tasks, improve efficiency, and maintain program effectiveness. Metrics Evaluation & Scaling Plan: We conducted market research to assess national benchmarks for career development programs, ensuring that Future Link was measuring the right data points. We also developed a scaling plan that outlined the steps needed to grow the program — including human, technical, and financial resources. Implementation & Automation: We implemented processes using Monday.com for tracking, reporting, and automation. This included designing workflows for all stages of the program and providing a clear, actionable plan for scaling and reporting to key stakeholders, such as the Future Link board and the ECMC Foundation. Our Impact & Client Milestones BRVC helped Future Link build a scalable framework for their CCP, focusing on process improvement, resource development, and data-driven strategies to ensure sustainable growth: Scaling Plan Development: We created a roadmap to expand CCP by focusing on human, technical, and financial strategies. The plan set clear goals to increase student reach to 175 students and secure 65 internships by 2024. We also identified key metrics for success, including graduation rates and financial stability. Process Improvement & Automation: Streamlined SOPs and integrated Monday.com for tracking and automating workflows. This improved efficiency, reduced administrative tasks, and supported the scaling of the program without compromising its personalized approach. Resource Creation: Developed 41 resources, including templates, tutorials, and guides, to aid in program execution and staff onboarding, empowering Future Link to grow while maintaining consistency. Data-Driven Strategy: We aligned the scaling efforts with measurable metrics, ensuring continuous improvement and positioning Future Link for future funding opportunities with detailed reports for stakeholders like the Future Link board and the ECMC Foundation.

"TAPPING INTO MY SECRET SAUCE helped build confidence and let me know to just be myself because that’s what my audience will love the most. I enjoyed Brianna's course and was able to learn how to better understand my audience. Her course was supportive and encouraging, I appreciated the group setting because it allowed me to listen and pick up from others because we all did things differently." Micha'Angelina Founder

Connecting Creatives With Career Opportunities The City of New Haven and the Connecticut Office of the Arts unite to launch an innovative career fair designed to empower creatives and arts organizations. Client City Of New Haven Year 2024 Scope of Work Communications & Marketing Assets, Go-To-Market Strategy, Content Creation, Public Relations, Brand Partnerships, Event Planning & Management Industry Muncipality Here's the Sitch (aka Situation) The Connecticut Office of the Arts (COA) is dedicated to fostering the health of Connecticut's creative economy. Guided by the belief that the arts are a human right, COA supports participation and arts-making for all people. To bring this vision to life, Creative U was born—a dynamic two-day conference led by Sweets & Sounds Entertainment, hosted by the City of New Haven, and powered by COA. The goal: create a space for learning, collaboration, and networking while directly connecting creatives to employment opportunities in arts and entertainment. BRVC was brought on to help launch the first Creative Workforce Arts & Entertainment Career Fair, a centerpiece of the event. The challenge was to craft a go-to-market strategy that not only drove awareness and attendance but also created a meaningful experience for both job-seekers and employers. Our Approach To ensure the event's success, BRVC implemented a multi-layered strategy that integrated marketing, communications, and on-the-ground event execution. Strategic Planning & Positioning: Developed messaging to position the career fair as a one-of-a-kind, free opportunity for creatives and employers. Created the Creative Workforce: Arts & Entertainment Major, a workshop series to prepare participants with networking, innovation, and career advancement skills. Content Creation & Marketing: Designed engaging visuals, promotional content, and registration funnels to build excitement and drive attendance. Leveraged storytelling across social media and PR outreach to highlight the event’s unique value Partnership Development: Secured key partnerships with local arts organizations and businesses to broaden outreach and participation. Event Execution: Managed day-of logistics including registration, employer coordination, panel discussions, and interactive features such as: Live music by DJ Ch’Varda Free headshots for attendees Networking Bingo 1:1 office hours with industry experts Keynote conversation with guest speaker Pretty Vee Qualitative Feedback Attendees appreciated connecting with employers exclusively focused on arts and entertainment: “At most career fairs, no employers are geared toward the arts. This event was a game changer.” One employer shared immediate ROI: “I’ve already contracted a design project with a candidate I met at the fair and have meetings scheduled with two others. I wouldn’t have found this talent otherwise.”

Takes Action Towards Supporting Small Businesses Impacted by the Pandemic, Launches Grant Program Client Town of Waterford Takes Action Towards Supporting Small Businesses Impacted by the Pandemic, Launches Grant Program Year 2022-2023 Scope of Work Project/Program Management | Administrative Assistance Industry Municipal Town of Waterford Town of Waterford Here's the Sitch (aka Situation) Using funds from the American Rescue Plan Act, the Town of Waterford wanted to develop and administer a Small Business and Assistance Program that would provide pandemic relief to small businesses. This was the first program directly supporting Waterford small businesses, and First Selectman Rob Brule along with the Economic Development Commission requested assistance. Our Approach We understood that facilitating a program that adequately supports the unique infrastructures, cultures and processes found within small business models requires many interconnected pieces. We took a well-rounded, innovative and customized approach to implementing operations management services that thoroughly assessed the specific needs of Waterford’s small businesses in order to: Ensure the shared grant materials align with legal requirements, grant information is clearly communicated and promoted to prospective applicants, make sure the application process is conducted as seamlessly and fairly as possible, facilitate communication so that all relevant parties can be kept knowledgeable on awardees and implement administrative support to upkeep maintenance and reporting Our Impact & Client Milestones As of January 2023, BRVC is working with the Town of Waterford to facilitate the second cohort for the program, with the remaining $105,000 ARPA funds. Our Operations Management support enabled us to build the Town of Waterford's first Small Business program, from end-to-end and specifically: Ensure it followed federal/ARPA policy Facilitated community listening via a survey that gathered quantitative and qualitative data from over 50 small business owners, which was not only useful for the creation of the program but also for long-term use by the town Curate and host a virtual round table discussion between town leaders and small businesses impacted by the pandemic, to de-mystify any concerns about the application process Built a user-friendly submission process, which resulted in 9 complete applications Created a user-friendly application rubric for the EDC to award $78,500 in total funding to all 9 applicants