In 2021, we launched Collectively Tangled with the goal of making mental health support accessible and a business priority for entrepreneurs, who experience mental health concerns at a greater rate than the general population. 

Through intentional and strategic partnership with startup and scaleup programs and investors, we've empowered coaches and program leads to refer entrepreneurs to the support they need, when the conversation goes beyond the scope of business coaching. Together, we’ve equipped hundreds of individuals with the knowledge and tools to navigate the stressors of entrepreneurship.

As we continue to increase impact, we are excited to launch a Collectively Tangled Membership for programs and their participants, and we are here to tell you why!

Here are a few things we’ve learned from you and our plan to respond: 

INSIGHTS

OUR RESPONSE

• With a Collectively Tangled Membership, individuals and co-founders can access mental health services anonymously whenever they need them. This is particularly valuable during times of crisis or increased stress.

• Entrepreneurs avoid sharing their need for mental health support with those who are invested in their personal growth and the growth of their business. This includes confiding in a business coach or investor. They fear the development of a negative belief about their inability to lead the company, which we know is not true. 

• A Membership offered by a program or investors lowers the financial barriers to accessing mental health services. Instead of paying a fee for each session, programs pay a predictable, affordable monthly fee so the entrepreneurial leader can access qualified support.

• Cost continues to be a barrier to support, especially for those bootstrapping, actively raising capital, and in the early stages of development. 

• We provide training for program employees, administrators, and coaches so they feel confident referring an entrepreneurial leader to qualified support when the conversation goes beyond the scope of business coaching. We equip the entrepreneur’s support team with the knowledge and tools required to maintain professional boundaries, deliver effective guidance, and safeguard their own well-being.

• The community of coaches is growing exponentially. Yet, we haven’t seen an increase in access to education and tools for them. 

• Raising capital, launching a product, building a team, acquisitions and mergers. These are all milestones that bring about a myriad of emotions, from excitement and optimism to anxiety and self-doubt. It's natural to experience these emotions—and we understand them. By recognizing them as part of the entrepreneurial journey, we support individuals in gaining the knowledge and tools to navigate them effectively. Our therapists are mental health professionals trained to meet entrepreneurs where they’re at. All of our therapists have their own lived experience navigating the challenges of business and entrepreneurship.

• Entrepreneurs don’t want to hear “reduce or eliminate your stress.” Stress is inevitable—what they are doing is hard! Therapists who specialize in understanding and supporting the needs of entrepreneurs continues to be a gap in the market.

• Collectively Tangled Memberships prioritize unique 1:1 support, ensuring our time together is focused on impact and change. Members access 6 hours of 1:1 and co-founder therapy annually. They also gain access to our video library and downloadable tools, which can be viewed on their own time at their own pace via their member portal. 

• Time is tight—for everyone! Whether you’re an entrepreneurial leader managing the startup program or a program participant, people are busy. Long, in-person workshops are valuable, but it’s not always possible to commit the time.

As staff and coaches, our care for these individuals goes beyond business coaching, yet when conversations veer into the realm of mental health, we may feel ill-equipped to provide the necessary support. We are in a unique position to guide entrepreneurs toward the help they need. By embedding mental health support into daily interactions, we can ensure that those who may be struggling know they are not alone.

As Collectively Tangled enters our third year of business, with a growing team, we are eager to enhance our strategic partnerships with those who understand the importance of supporting the holistic well-being of the entrepreneurial leaders in our community. We look forward to seeing the Collectively Tangled Membership empower those in your community.

Learn more about the Membership on our updated website!

Contact us to begin offering affordable and accessible mental health support to the entrepreneurs in your program. 

Sarah, Keara, and Jenn
Collectively Tangled

P.S. Have you met Jenn yet?

In June 2024, Jenn MacDonald joined Collectively Tangled as our Partner. Jenn (she/her) is an entrepreneurial ecosystem builder and community catalyst, with a Masters in Economic Development and Innovation from the University of Waterloo. She has over a decade of experience providing entrepreneurs with the resources and connections needed to build startups, including access to coaches, funding and mental health support.

In her recent role, Jenn developed Platform Calgary’s tech Incubator, which has supported 45 pre-seed/seed stage startups since 2022. She also led Platform’s early stage programming for those just getting started.

At Collectively Tangled, Jenn will play an integral role in our business development functions, contributing to building scalable processes to expand CT’s services to new markets, empowering partners to sustain growth and well-being within their local startup and scaleup ecosystems.