Our Model: Built With Communities, For Communities

At Reframery, we believe real change comes from collaboration, not prescription. Our virtual incubator is not a "one-size-fits-all" program. Every cohort, curriculum, and resource is co-designed with the people and communities we serve.

Our Approach: Co-Design in Action

1

Listening First

Before launching any program, we begin by listening. We work closely with trusted, community-based organizations and others across our partner network (see our Programs & Partners page) — to understand the unique needs, strengths, and barriers present in each local context.

This foundation ensures everything we build together is grounded in trust, relevance, and respect.

2

Collaborative Pre-Incubator Design

We co-design each incubator with our NGO partners and future participants. Together, we:

  • Hold pre-launch planning meetings with partner NGOs to identify local needs, refine delivery approaches, and ensure cultural alignment.
  • Interview each potential participant to understand their personal goals, challenges, and experiences. These interviews shape how we customize the program.
  • Use findings to co-develop tailored training modules — covering business skills, digital literacy, social media, mental health, and more — based on real, lived community priorities.
  • Provide technology access, including phones or tablets, and internet bundles to reduce digital barriers and increase accessibility.
3

Inclusive Participant Selection & Needs Assessment

Unlike traditional incubators that rely on strict selection criteria, we do things differently. We partner with local NGOs who know their communities best. They connect us with those who will benefit most from the incubator — not just those who already have resources or experience.

  • Inclusion across education, age, gender, and economic backgrounds
  • Programs reflect the diversity and realities of each community
  • We build immediate credibility and long-term relationships with our participants
4

The Incubator: Accessible, Virtual, & Community-oriented

Our incubator runs online in 6-8 sessions, spaced bi-weekly or based on participant need. Each session is delivered using a flipped classroom model, allowing participants to absorb materials beforehand, and then engage in:

  • Live interactive sessions with breakout rooms, collaborative Q&As, and one-on-one mentoring
  • Customized content delivery in the off-weeks, tailored to each cohort's needs
  • On-the-ground support when possible (e.g., local facilitators, tech help, in-person workshops)

This hybrid approach balances flexibility with depth — enabling consistent participation, even in low-resource environments.

5

Action Research & Long-Term Follow-Up

Our work is built on action-research principles. That means we're always learning and evolving:

  • We gather feedback after each session to make real-time curriculum tweaks
  • At the end of each incubator, we conduct in-depth post-program interviews with all participants to assess impact, gather insights, and identify future needs
  • We maintain longitudinal follow-ups — interviewing participants annually to track their progress, provide ongoing support, and measure long-term outcomes

This long-term feedback loop isn't just about data — it's about honoring our participants' journeys, and building relationships that last beyond a single program cycle.