Ep 48: Dusty Welch: Connecting for a Cause

Diva Tech Talk was inspired by Dusty Welsh, co-founder of Cause Activators (http://causeactivators.com), a Web-based company that connects corporations/businesses with nonprofit opportunities, making it easier for those organizations to support their local communities, and empower their team members to do good. As a girl, Dusty followed the example of her grandparents, active in nonprofits like Meals on Wheels (https://seniormealsonwheels.com). Later she worked with large nonprofits like Leader Dogs for the Blind (http://www.leaderdog.org), and found her passion in life.  She moved to Colorado, for 8 years, where she worked for a nationwide wildlife center and sat on its Board of Directors. After moving back to Michigan, Dusty co-founded Cause Activators with her stepmother, human resources expert Dr. Mary Welsh.  Dusty never intended to be a technology leader, but “I realized that nonprofit organizations and business donors were coming together in a very antiquated way. Technology could bridge the gap and bring this process into the 21st century. Similar to what Amazon has done for shopping, Cause Activators has brought nonprofits and businesses, together.” Launched in October 2016, the Cause Activator platform is based on “the same algorithms as a dating website.  We ensure that recipients and donors are matched on over 25 points of interest, hitting the goals of both recipients and donors.”  Dusty manages the front-end user interface; supervises the back-end development team for the platform; and is the company’s community engagement manager. Her personal strengths include “a gift of gab;” having the ability to “motivate people;” and skill in “connecting and uniting people around a common goal.” Dusty said that the #1 challenge she faced is funding. The company is less attractive to most traditional funders like venture capitalists, bankers or many “angels,” so she looked for non-traditional funding sources.   Cause Activators won a Michigan Woman’s Foundation Entrepreneur New Business Plan and Pitch competition in 2015, receiving a technology grant.  The company has also gotten over $100,000 in pro bono tech support from various companies, and a $150,000 technology subsidy through the Microsoft BizSpark program.  One key lesson that Dusty has learned along the way is “I always ask anyone and everyone for help.”  Additionally, her major leadership tips include: maximize your strengths; complement your team with strengths you don’t have; “learn to become a better listener;” always “be positive and encouraging;” and don’t be afraid of failing. For tech entrepreneurs, Dusty’s strongest piece of advice is “I cannot stress enough the importance of doing the research to make sure you are developing something that the marketplace will want to buy.” With plans to go nationwide, soon, Cause Activators offers internships for university/college students. For the full blog write up, make sure to check us out on online at www.divatechtalk.com, on Twitter @divatechtalks, and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/divatechtalk. Follow our show and tell us what you like with an online review.