When Kanika Gupta first hit the streets to tell the world about her idea to advance social innovation, she often found herself face-to-face with a firmly closed door.

But at HalTech, she and her idea were welcomed, accepted, and even understood.

That idea was SoJo, short for Social Journal and found at thesojo.net. It's an online resource centre and community for do-good entrepreneurs that sits comfortably at the intersection of technology, social change, and online education.

"At HalTech, there was no hesitation," Gupta says. "Karen and the others took the time to understand what we were trying to do and quickly saw our potential to build value and serve an underdeveloped market. I never had any doubt that HalTech would recommend activities that were in line with our core values."

Like all start-ups, SoJo needs funding, so the HalTech team has been helping them apply for government grants. Gupta also met with HalTech advisers, who showed her how to reframe her approach and articulate SoJo's purpose in the most effective way.

"HalTech delivers," she says. "They have been a pleasure to work with, and I say that with integrity. Karen has a positive attitude, focuses on solutions, and is very generous providing access to her networks."

Invested in clients' success

When the folks at HalTech come across opportunities that can advance SoJo, they send Gupta notes about funding she should apply for or events she should attend.

"They have me in the back of their minds all the time and I'd imagine it's the same for their other clients. They invest in our success and can take pride in their part in it."

Gupta has two pieces of advice for entrepreneurs who are beginning to work with HalTech or a similar centre.

"First, understand completely your vision, your values, and why you're doing what you're doing. They can't tell you that. And be open to listening. No, the advisers are not in the trenches with you, but they have valuable perspective and good suggestions about how to get where you want to go."

For more information about the journey of SoJo, visit Gupta's blog at www.socialjournal.net.