Announcing the 2023-24 Jones Progress Award Teams

October 2, 2023

The SeattleU Innovation and Entrepreneurship center is excited to announce the 3 alumni-led business teams who have passed the rigorous application screening process and will be moving on to participate in this year’s Jones Progress Award accelerator program.

 

Home to Hired, led by Dana Altenhofen (BSW ‘09) & Allie Lemieux (BABA‘10)

Home to Hired provides career advice and resources that inspire and empower moms to return to the workforce on their terms – supporting their family needs, personal dreams, and financial goals.  Together, their co-founders have coached and mentored 400+ people, conducted 1500+ coaching sessions, screened thousands of applicants, and contributed to hiring decisions for over 200 employees into roles across industries.

Sprout Clubhouse, led by Lindsey McGrew (MBA ‘19)

Sprout Clubhouse provides therapeutic services to children with developmental disabilities in Western Washington.  Their dedicated therapists provide quality services to children to increase skills in communication, adaptive behaviors, and social play.  Visit Sprout Clubhouse at their two offices located in Bellevue, WA and Bellingham, WA.

AI Alchemists, led by Zachary Jefferys (MS ‘23)

AI Alchemists is an AI Automation Agency led by skilled AI engineers who solve the problem of businesses struggling to harness the power of AI automation by providing consulting, integration, and custom solutions. In the future, they will offer white-labeled SAAS products and subscription services to further empower businesses with AI technology.

 

For the next 6 months, these teams will be guided and advised by a group of expert business coaches to take the next steps in ramping up their businesses. Each team will then present their progress to a panel of judges who award up to $10,000 to each of the teams that successfully meet key criteria and milestones within the 6-month period.

2023 marks 9 years of the Jones Progress Awards providing SeattleU alums access to the mentors, grant funding, and connections they need to take their businesses to the next level. Previous Jones Progress Award recipients include: Noir Lux Candle Co. (‘20) led by Colina Bruce, MD Solutions International (‘18) led by Dr. Ann Jarris, and Stempaths (‘16) led by Jon Madamba. All of this is made possible by the generous support of the Herbert B. Jones Foundation.

The IEC is looking forward to seeing the new heights this year’s cohort will reach!